An Evening in Augusta

I was able to try out my new full suspension Trek this evening in Augusta. Although the rain tried to ruin our day we prevailed. The evening was beautiful as the fog rolled in.

A Solo Pedaller

This weekend was a stay-at-home, no travel rest time for me. Sean traveled with the Georgia Southern Cycling team to a race in Florida. The team did well and Sean got 4th in the men's open race. It was nice for them to avoid the frigid air, even in the Boro, and get some race miles in. I stayed behind to ride Saturday in the very cold temperatures. Thanks to the local guys for moving the start time, hoping for a warm-up. I will admit a few hours was enough riding for me. Sunday was a rain day in which Sean and I went to the gym. I was suckered into a game of racquetball with Sean and Jared (a collegiate cyclists) and spent most of the game ducking from the ball. I realize my talents aren't on the racquetball court. Considering it was only my second time playing ever, they kept the jokes to a minimum. Monday we joined up with friends from Savannah for a long ride. Feeling tired from the gym, I managed to stay with the group. I realized just how much I pedal solo, even though I am riding with other cyclists-because most of them are guys. I miss my girls in Clemson and Greenville and cherish our group rides. I am anxiously awaiting the start of cycling season to catch up with everyone and get in some girl rides. Looking forward to some warmer temps this coming up weekend. Until then stay warm!

New Favorite Show

So, you know we don't pay for cable, dish, or any type of TV. Our antenna reception is horrible and the new digital box of the future that promised so much, hasn't delivered. Now, Sean and I are left renting TV shows from the movie store. I have come to appreciate this ritual, but must practice restraint and not watch an entire season in one setting. Our latest show is Weeds. I will admit it contains dark humor, illegal activities, and fowl language. All things I feel a good TV show should contain. Find below the introduction song written by Malvina Reynolds. Although many fans don't like it, I think the oldtime bluegrass is perfect and so accurate!

The New Year

We spent New Year's eve around a bomb fire with friends in Clemson and setting off fireworks at the Wood's . It was great riding with so many girls on the chicken ride and regaining my strength from the flu. We also met Tigist in Grenville and are so excited to watch her grow. Thanks to the GVL girls for meeting me for lunch. I miss my girls dearly! We are back in the Boro and I start classes on Monday. The temps are warm and the days full of sunshine. We are both hoping to get in some good miles on the bike, since race season starts next month. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Santa was generous this year! I received a new mixer for my future baking endeavors, Cutco knives, and clothes, while Sean got his new Specialized bike and long awaited Road Warrior watch. He was able to use the snow blower to put new components on my bike in the cold garage. We've enjoyed our visit up North with the exception of my stomach flu. Monday evening I began my quarantine and by Friday I was able to eat a meal. Unfortunately, I lost valuable time with my family. We head to South Carolina on Wednesday to stay with the Wood's and farm sit. Happy Holidays!

The Winter Chill

Friday we started our trip Northward stopping at the farm for the weekend. I was fortunate to have a warm, dry evening to ride Molly before the rain settled in on Saturday. Sunday we drove to Indiana watching the thermometer in car drop from 54 degrees at 8am, to 1 degree (-20 wind chill) at 7pm at my folks house. As good friend Joy would say, "you are a Midwesterner gone South." This I know is true since I have been freezing since Kentucky. Rules to live by in this weather are:

1. No skin can be exposed for less than 5 seconds outside without severe burning
2. Wool socks are required in the house since all doors, cabinets, etc. are open to avoid pipe freezing
3. Warm tea is required all day
4. Hot baths are the only way to truly get warm
5. Clean up dog poo, since they won't venture more than 10 feet from the house due to the cold
6. Plan trips out of the house wisely, you don't want expose skin (see # 1)

A Party Weekend

It was a busy weekend full of parties! Saturday I managed to hang in the chicken ride,despite numerous attempts to charm the boys and encourage a slower pace. I got the comment when asking for assistance, "I think you look fine." Needless to say my legs felt like jello the rest of the day, but I was happy, as Foster put it, to be home. Sean rode in Greenville on the Winter Bike League with his team and in the evening we both attended our team parties. It's always great to see all our friends and catch up. Sunday we hosted Jennifer's baby shower at Scott's house and had a great turnout! I was elated my cake and diaper center piece turned out so well. Thanks to Danna and Caroline for all the mentoring. Baking is hard work and has taken me a few years to finally weather the storm and successfully make cake and icing that looks decent enough to eat! We are back in the Boro, which I will admit is welcome this time of year. I have a week catching up at work, no teaching, and temps in the 70s. Sean has to work all week and then we head to GVL for the Sullivan benefit ride and then to Indiana for the holidays.