Winter Triathlon
We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. — Japanese Proverb
It appears quite a few people could relate to my dog hair blues yesterday. I thought a long-haired dog would actually be easier to clean up after than a short-haired dog. Maery logic said that the long hair would all clump into balls on the floor that would be easy to sweep up.
I did not know that long hair was so light and floaty. As I vacuum, the hair appears to spring into the air and fall back down behind me so that when I turn around to marvel at my clean floors, what I see are little pieces of hair that have magically reappeared on the floor.
Three days in a row of blogging. What gives? Well, today I took a vacation day because the temperature was going to hit about 25 degrees. Considering that the high tomorrow is supposed to be around 7, Wednesday 3, Thursday -1, and so on, I could not pass up the chance for some outdoor play time.
My quest for fresh air began with some cross-country skiing with friend Sue, who had me climbing lots of hills! I thought the point was to ski “down” the hills. Who knew you had to climb up one side to go down the other? Where are the tow ropes?!
Okay, so I knew about the hills, but I do like to whine. We had a great time though, despite the fact that I did skip the “Gravity Box” (short steep hill down that quickly turns into steep hill up). My doctor said I shouldn’t ski for awhile, which I took to mean that I shouldn’t “fall” for awhile, so I played it safe.
After skiing, I drove out to the place where I board Luke and met up with three other friends. We went snowshoeing through the deep snow in the neighboring woods and fields, and then we all rode in the indoor arena. Everyone had to pay attention and show a little finesse to avoid collisions.
Luke was the only non-warmblood in the ring so his short, little legs had to go pretty fast to not slow down the graceful, long-legged, big-moving horses.
Since I didn’t get any photos of skiing, snowshoeing, or riding, I stopped on my way home at the local mountain bike trail to take some tree photos and to search for Tina, a sculpture friend Sue made.
My little Nikon Coolpix does not take very good photos on a gray day so this is the best I have to offer of the tree scenary.
I was afraid I might have passed Tina by because I wasn’t sure exactly where she had taken up residence. But then I spotted something red in the woods, and there she was — a bit covered with snow, but tough girl that she is, it didn’t seem to bother her.
I’ve heard that there are cookies in Tina’s toolbox but I couldn’t get close enough because I was trying hard not to walk on the mountain bike trail and mess up the grooming that the riders worked so hard on. If you haven’t seen Tina’s story before, it’s here (better photos there too).
The result of my excursion through the deep snow were bootfuls of fluffy white stuff. One way to cool off quickly.
By the time I got home I was ravenous! I made some vegetable soup out of stuff lying around and sprinkled parmesan cheese on top.
It was -10 here this morning. I don’t wish it on you. Nice that you could take the day off…you took full advantage. Your soup looks great!
Cute Java!
Now that is a great Minnesota winter day! You earned every bite and more of that vegetable soup:-) Sorry I missed the skiing, but I am not so sure I am up for that side of the trails. I went later in the day:-) Unfortunately, I have been eating like a crazy woman all day…I can not stop myself. So much for exercising:-( I’m glad you didn’t re-injure yourself!
Thanks for sharing the Tina story. HOW COOL IS THAT??? Love it!
Our St. Bernard sheds so bad. I found a mini-me of him under the china cupboard! LOL!
Mmmmmm, pass me a spoon please! You soup look so warm an yummy!
Thanks for the Tina story…just amazing!
I’m off to the city to ‘stock~up’ on supplies. {{{SIGH}}}..I was not born with that shoppin’ gene!
Java is such a sweetheart…you are blessed.
God bless and have a wonderful winter’s day!!!
Our Labrador, Gus sheds like Java. Looks like you had a great day skiing and riding. What could be better!
You skied like a champ Maery! I’d never have known you were on injured reserve if you hadn’t told me. You have a bold spirit. I’m so happy we’re friends and can’t wait to see what the future brings your way. Lots more adventures I’ll hopefully get to share? 🙂
Tina’s story is awesome! I hope she survives in the park for years..we had a neighbor with some very tall wood carvings bolted and chained down..they were still stolen.
You need some gaters to keep the snow out of your boots..or leggings:)
Love the triathlon! It’s great to get out there and wear yourself out, isn’t it? I bet that you slept well.
I love the first photo of Java!
I’ll be eating that soup for days. Good thing I like it. I added a little ham and goat cheese this evening. I guess ya had to be there. Really, it was good.
Sue – I so appreciate you running out to meet me and to continue showing some of the various trail options. Not that I can remember which way we went. I had a great time! Now if we’d just get out of the freezing temperatures.
Far Side – Yes, I was worried for Tina too but so far so good. She is protected by a rather tough group of mountain bikers. If I’d known I was going to end up in such deep snow, I would have put my ski pants back on. As it was, I was still in my winter riding breeches.
I’m still rolling on the floor laughing over the dog hair. I know exactly what you mean. I’ve never had to deal with long hair on a dog before Delilah and I am always finding hair somewhere because of her and you’re so right about it floating around to avoid getting sucked up. LOL