The Stone Rabbit

FIRSTS in the New Year!!!

 

 "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." *Robert Brault

*Note:  Nancy, thanks for pointing out who was the author of this great quote.  The place where I read it had it listed as Anonymous, so that just confirms you can't believe everything you see on the internet!!  I now have a new favorite author!  :)

 

 So, have you recovered from the holidays?

As I reviewed photos I'd originally planned to include in this post I just shook my head over all that occurred in my life from October right up through to the last day of December.  I am so glad I took lots of pictures so I can now really take time to reflect on those experiences, because I have to be honest and say, I found that while I was in the middle of "experiencing" those things. . . I didn't always appreciate the times like I should have.

This brings me to the topic of this PINK Saturday's post. . . appreciating the moments of 2012.

More specifically today, I am focusing on the FIRSTS of 2012.

This week was our FIRST church service in 2012. 

We are so lucky to have our church just blocks away from our home. . .  this is a view of the steeple from one of my walks around our neighborhood.

Our FIRST meal out in 2012!

We almost always eat breakfast out after church and last Sunday was so exception.  

This is a picture of one of the food servers who has been working in this particular restaurant over the years we've been going there.  The entire staff is amazing and we are fortunate to have them so close to us.  I have to say, this fellow knows the names of most of the Sunday patrons and provides outstanding service. . . and humor!  

 

Our FIRST meal with friends in 2012.

Isn't it amazing how we meet people and become friends with them?  

We met Rita and Les through our church and the restaurant we go to each Sunday.  

The restaurant is usually packed so there's a wait to be seated.  Over time, we (us and Les and Rita) realized we attended the same church. . . and, while standing there waiting for our seats, would chat.  Later, we started sitting together, and over the years, have come to know each other pretty well.  In fact, it was through them that I met another lady who also likes to run. . . and last October the three women, and one of my other friends, participated in a 5K together!

 

Left to Right:  Mary, Rita, Mary and me, Dana  (note my PINK hat!!   :)

 

The Grand Girl lost her FIRST tooth in 2012.

We got the excited phone call from her while we were eating breakfast with our friends!!  

The Tooth Fairy brought her 98 cents!  :)

My FIRST home cooked meal of 2012!

 

Like so many of you, I cooked a batch of black eyed peas on Sunday!!  This was taken as I had finished putting everything in the slow cooker.  I have to say, they turned out great!   We had them that night and again the following evening.  Sure hope that "good luck" thing works!  :)

 

 

The FIRST breakfast with my Breakfast Group in 2012.  

OK, I'm beginning to see a theme here. . . lots of eating going on in the New Year!!  :)

Actually, only three of the six of us in the Breakfast Group could make it last Monday.  It was really nice to get together and be relaxed (after the holidays) and catch up on our Christmases and special events...like the recent birth of our Grand Boy #2  :)

 

 

The FIRST movie of 2012.

 Bonnie and I saw The Descendants this week.  We both really liked it, but I'm hearing that others weren't as crazy about it as we were.  

I have to say, George Clooney was at his acting best in this show. . . and even if it had been a stinker of a movie. . .well it was worth every penney of the Senior Discounted ticket price just to look at him for nearly 2 hours!  :)

 

 

The FIRST opening of presents in 2012! 

Bonnie and I had our post-Christmas gift exchange and get-together!!  She is so creative.  This year her theme was The Twelve Days of Christmas. . . she gave me twelve gifts. . .each sporting a cute tag she made using her CRICUT machine!!  (My CRICUT machine hasn't seen too much action, but I vow I will use it more this year.)

 

The FIRST exercise class of 2012.  

OMG....that was Wednesday night.  I felt it yesterday. . .and even today.   I wasn't a consistent exerciser at the end of 2011.  I do admit, it was great getting back to my class and my challenging instructor!!

 

The FIRST trash day of 2012.

After watching the container set all day (yesterday), I realized they were running on a delayed schedule cuz Monday was really the holiday.  Anyway, they just came this morning.  

We have such a good company. . . they arrive each week like clockwork .

 

 

The FIRST grand dog walk/run/drag through the neighborhood in the 2012!!  

 

Note that sweet PINK leash and collar!!  She gets so excited when she sees me getting my tennis shoes on.  That little nubbin of a tail just wiggles and wiggles!   Then.......we're off.  She is FAST. . .so that helps me with my exercise goals!  :)

 

 

The FIRST run/walk for ME in 2012!!!

I tried to take an "action" shot of me jogging, but that wasn't working, so you just got my goofy looking shadow!!

 

 

It was such a gorgeous day in our part of Missouri yesterday!  Mid-sixties.....in January!!!!

It felt great to be back outdoors and jogging.  Since I had the ham string injury, I've backed off and let it heal.  It didn't twinge a bit yesterday, but I didn't fully run the entire time either.  I started back on Week 4 of the Couch to 5K Running Plan where you run for 3 min., walk for 1 1/2 min., run for 5 min., walk for 2 1/2 min.....and repeat.

 I have to slowly condition my body to running again. . . not only my ham string, but my heart, lungs.....everything.

On my list of goals for 2012 I hope to build back to totally running a 5K distance, then to improve my time to less than 31 minutes, then I hope to run a 10K before the year is over.  The 10K was  a goal for 2011, then I had the injury, so that didn't happen.  

 

 

The FIRST picture of THE STONE RABBIT and little Twiggy of 2012!

They have really loved playing with the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tags that Bonnie made for me!  They like to shuffle them around and take turns putting them in numerical order. . . or  one will close their eyes, while the other removes a tag, then the one with their eyes closed has to figure out which one is missing!  They play so well together . . .and they are so danged smart !!!

 

The FIRST Pink Saturday of 2012!

I look forward to participating in this weekly event, just like so many others!!!

Thank you, Beverly, for keeping our event up and running every week for over 3 1/2 years!!!  

Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of fellow bloggers who have linked up to share their PINKS this week!! 

 

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy 2012, everyone!!  

DANA

  

HOT. . . HOT. . . . HOT

 

About a week ago, I took this photo in my car.  That was the hottest day of the summer at that time.  Since then, our temperatures have pretty much remained in the mid to upper 90s. . . .pushing the 100 degree mark.  In fact, I saw these very same digits when I was driving to my exercise class late yesterday afternoon.

While at a stop in an area where a lot of road construction is going on. . . .

I took this photo of some folks who are working on an overpass.    

As I sat and watched them from the air conditioned comfort of my car, I just realized what a pansy I've turned in to.

 

 

I  recalled some jobs I'd had. . . when I  dealt with un-airconditioned work environments.  The worst one was for a catalog company which was housed in a tall,  old brick building.  I don't remember what floor we were on anymore, but I do vividly recollect there was no air-conditioning on it.  

It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years in college and I had to "fib" and tell them I wasn't returning to school...just so I could get the job.  They didn't hire "summer help".  Anyway, it was a horrible job in my book, but it was the only one I could find.  

I lived in a tiny town about 40 minutes away. . . and I had no car.  To get to this job, I hitched a ride with a lady who also lived in the same hamlet and worked at the same place.  

She was on a floor with air-conditioning.   She drove a VW Beetle. . .  of course, it was  not air-conditioned.  For her kindness, I paid her one dollar a day.  That was a bargain, I know,  but my take home pay each week was $40.00.....after taxes and UNION DUES!!!!!  

That floor of the catalog business was pretty important.  It was there that we had the actual paper "orders" the customers would send in.  For every item the catalog company carried, there was a piece of paper which gave the item code/catalog number and important info such as choices of size, color, quantity, etc..  These  slips of paper were housed in what seemed to me like MILLIONS of tiny boxes spread out all over the enormous room.

 Somebody had to take that initial customer order and run all over the HUGE floor of this department, "pulling" the corresponding papers that represented each of the items the customer ordered.  

That was my job.

The other job on that floor was the "order circler".  That person got to sit at a desk and take the customer order and the pulled slips of paper (still soaked in my sweat!) and circle the specifics. . . the size the customer wanted, the color the customer wanted, the number the customer wanted....etc.   

This order circler had a fan.

That was the job I wanted.  

I could sit and I could have a fan.

 

 

 

I remember very little about the actual job except that we "pullers" were on a dead run from the minute we started until the moment we timed out.

I recall riding home in the un-airconditioned VW at the end of the horrible, sweltering and physically exhausting days. . . and being so appreciative of the wind blowing through the windows.

 

Our house wasn't air-conditioned either!!!  I was certainly used to living in the sweltering heat of summer at that point in my life, but the heat of that JOB was far greater than any situation I'd had to endure.

 

Right off the bat, my goal was to make it to the "order circler" desk.  I no longer recall the "requirements" to get there, but at some point, I made it.  I do remember proudly plopping my buns in the chair, the fan blowing in my face, and happily drawing circles around sizes, colors and quantities for the rest of the summer!!  :)

This was a shot I took of the sun this morning.  It has been so HOT in the Kansas City area.  Today and the next several days our temps will remain in the upper 90s.

 

THE STONE RABBIT enjoys watching the sun come up. . . and spending a few moments taking in the beauty of the early morning, but he doesn't last as long in the heat as he used to either.  We stayed out for a bit, then both retreated to the blessed coolness of our home. .

 

DANA

NAP TIME. . .

 

I have a vivid memory from my childhood.  On that day, I was five, my sister was three and my brother was a baby. . .and it  was "nap time".  

 

I remember lying on a bed with my brother beside me and I was given the instructions to "pat his back" until he fell asleep!

 

While I was patting away, I could see the clouds floating in the sky out of the window. . .  and I remember thinking  how they "looked" like the shapes of animals. . .  

and then, at some point,  I fell asleep, too!

I'm certain my mom was very near by to make sure my brother was OK after I nodded off.  

She must've figured out that not only did I help him sleep, but it served to help me doze off as well.

 

DANA
 

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY. . .with loads of PINK!!!

 

On a recent post, I shared this photo of the Grand Girl and the PINK Hello Kitty umbrella we gave her on her actual birthday.

Like most little (and big) girls, she's a huge fan of this feline!  It was no surprise that she selected Hello Kitty as the theme of her birthday party, held a few days later!

My DIL had the greatest activities planned for the party goers.  Among them was a "Pin the Bow on Hello Kitty" game, but first, the children had to decorate their paper bows and cut them out!!

 

The Birthday Princess was the first to take a crack at getting the bow positioned on the right spot.... Hello Kitty's left ear!  

A quick hand over her PINK blindfold to make sure there was no peeking!  ;-)  Hmmmm........

 

The Party Princess was given so many wonderful presents.  It's always fun to see how everyone gathers closely to check out the loot!!

 

There were lots of yummy cuppy cakes waiting for. . . 

 

the girls to decorate!

 

They really enjoyed this project. . . and they did a mighty fine job, too!!

 

While the party goers enjoyed eating their decorated cuppy cakes, the Grand Boy savored every little nibble of his!!

 

Before I finish, I just had to show you the gift we gave her at the birthday party!  

Isn't that just the sweetest picture. . . check out her toes on her right foot!!!  :)  Ya gotta love it...I know I do!   Of course I do. . . I love everything about that child!!  :)

 

 

Oh, and I also wanted to share this picture our son took to show us how that Hello Kitty umbrella was put to use!!!  

Nothing like keeping dry when playing in the water!!  :-)

 

Well, that's my contribution of PINKNESS this week.

 

I have tried to resist the urge, but ever since  looking at all of those birthday party cuppy cake pictures, I just HAD to dig into my stash!!!

 

YUUUUUUUUUMMMM.....they are great for breakfast.  Coffee and cream filled PINK cuppy cakes....what a delightful treat!!

 

 

Speaking of "delightful treats". . . you must head on over to Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND,  where you will be treated to a whole lot of PINKS other bloggers have ready to share with you today!!

 

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

 

DANA

ANOTHER PINK PROJECT

 

I bought my DIL one of these books for Christmas. . . and then I bought one for ME, too!!!

I am crazy about "Bakerella", whose real name is Angie Dudley.  She is such a creative lady, who dreams up the most incredible designs of "cake pops"!!!

 

 

So, when the Grand Girl was spending a few days at our house recently, one of the projects we tackled was trying to make one of Angie's simplest creations!

Below is a photo from Bakerella's "Cake Pops" book. . . she refers to this type as the 'basic cake pop"!  It doesn't look TOO hard, does it?

 

We just charged right in!

I first baked a cake using the only cake mix I had on hand. . . which was white.

Once it cooled, the Grand Girl cut the cake into sections.  Then we picked up a section in each hand and rubbed them together over a bowl.  This created a lot of. . . . . 

cake CRUMBS. . . which was exactly what Bakerella wanted us to do!!

 

 

Next, we added about 3/4th of a container of prepared frosting to the cake crumbs.  I only had chocolate frosting, so that's what we used!

We mixed and mixed and mixed . . . . 

 

 until the frosting was well incorporated with the cake crumbs!

 

 THEN, we formed the cake mixture into little balls, which we put on a cookie sheet and placed in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

 

 While the little cake balls were in the freezer, I melted a package of PINK candy melts in a pot over a pot of hot water.

 

At this point, the action really started, so I was not able to photograph much.  However, we took lollipop sticks, one at a time, and dipped them into the melted candy, then stuck the stick into a cake ball.  

Next, we dipped the cake ball into the melted candy and twirled it around so that it was completely coated.  THAT'S where it became tricky.  The cake sometimes wanted to disengage from the stick OR the coating started getting cool, so it became too thick.  At that point, I put the pan back over the hot water for a bit until the coating started to thin again, then we continued dipping and twirling!!

 

Our finished PINK projects weren't as beautiful as "Bakerella's", but I don't think we did such a bad job for our first time!!!

THE STONE RABBIT was very impressed with our efforts and wants to help us the next time we make cake pops !!

 

 

 

 

 

Please visit our hostess Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of bloggers with more PINKS to share with you!!

 

Have fun and HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

 

DANA

SNOWBOUND

 

 On Wednesday morning the Grand Boy was very, very sick.  He needed to go to the ER. . . . so I headed over to fetch the Grand Girl.

Kansas City was forecasted to be getting several inches of snow, starting around the time the baby was going to the hospital and I was transporting the girl across town.  Fortunately everyone made it to their destinations before the weather became wicked.  Before I continue,  the Grand Boy is improving and is home.

OK, back to the story. . .. so the Grand Girl and I were heading across town to our house when she informed me she'd really like some mac and cheese for her dinner!   I told her I did not have the ingredients for such a dish.  However, she advised me that a stop at the grocery store was all it would take to fetch what we needed for her culinary wish!  Of course, even with snowflakes flying, we stopped at the grocery store because she really wanted mac and cheese!  :)

We dashed inside the store, along with every other person in our city.  All of us were trying to "stock up" before the snow started accumulating!

We didn't waste time grabbing a couple of boxes of mac and cheese, paying for them and heading back out the door.  However, the Grand Girl was sidetracked by a cute display of books.  She thought this one was pretty neat.  I told her that maybe the "Valentine Fairy" might bring her one of those for Valentine's Day.  She looked up at me and rolled her eyes, saying "there's no Valentine's Fairy, Nana".   

Maybe there is. . . . 

 

Later that evening, she informed me over and over how much she LOVED mac and cheese as she gobbled up a couple of bowls full!

 

 

The snow was beautiful as it came down.  And it came down the rest of the day and into the night.

 

 

While the Grand Girl enjoyed her mac and cheese, I hooked up my new Cricut!!  Bonnie and I each purchased one recently, but hadn't done anything with them except learn the basics of operation.  This occasion would be the perfect time to really try it out.

 

I had purchased the "paper doll" cartridge" with the grand kids in mind.  The Grand Girl's first creation was a "likeness" of her little brother!

 Early the next morning, THE STONE RABBIT, watched as the sun was coming up. . . clearly showing the many inches of new snow we received over the night.

 

The Grand Girl and I had made plans to make snow ice cream.  

 

She had made it the week before with her mom when we had several inches of snow.   She was quite the pro at adding the sugar, milk and vanilla, then stirring and stirring until everything was nicely mixed.

Of course, chocolate syrup made the perfect addition to the frozen treat!

 

We decided to make some "indoor snowmen" with the extra snow!  It was the Grand Girl's idea to use raisins for eyes!  We transported those little guys out to the front porch where they remain. . . enjoying our freeeeeeezing temperatures!

 

Later that day, we made some heart shaped sugar cookies.  I was really impressed with her "rolling" skills!

 

She's also a pro at cutting out the shapes!

 

We thought it would be fun to decorate a "Valentine Tree". . . that's a work in progress!  She still has lots more creations to add!

 

She decided to make a "work place", too.  Twiggy appears to be her assistant!

Of course, we had to watch one of her favorite movies, too!!!

 

 

Today, Friday, we are again receiving more snow!

We have watched the neighbors continue to dig out.

We watched her grandpa continue to clear our driveway.

 

The streets are in pretty decent shape right now, but when we look outside at all of the snow we have. . . we are certainly SNOWBOUND!

 

I can't think of a nicer way to be SNOWBOUND !

 

 

 

PS   Don't you just LOVE those PINK Hello Kitty boots?  :)

 

Please visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND for a long list of bloggers with PINKS to share with you, too!

 

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

 

 

DANA

OUR JOURNEY

 

I had been experimenting with walking/jogging intervals earlier in the summer, but it wasn't until I heard that my niece Carrie, Mary, her step mom, Jen, her step sis and Kate, a good friend of Carrie's were training to actually run a 5K in October here in Kansas City that I jumped on board, too.  With the exception of Jen, the rest of us had zero serious running experience!!    

To train for such an undertaking, we used the  COUCH TO 5K RUNNING PLAN.  As August turned into September and then into October, we had all made significant improvements in our running endurance!  By the time we had completed the program, we were running at least 3.1 miles at a time, which is the distance of a 5K .

My son, who had already participated in two marathon runs and a variety of other shorter running events,  decided to run the 5K with us!!! How wonderful this would be. . . completing such a goal TOGETHER with four other "first timers" and with my boy to boot!!  :)

Last week,  I shared on my blog what part of the first mile of the 5K course looked like.   It was described as a "slight incline" on the official web site of the WADDELL & REED KANSAS CITY MARATHON.    The incline didn't look so bad as I was standing there. . . pointing at it.  Later, while riding in a car over the course, it looked pretty scary!!!

My niece kept pumping me up with positive thoughts about that stretch.  I just knew it could really put the skids to much of a  run for me - - -if I was totally wiped out at the end of the first mile I would have to walk for a while, and I really didn't want to do that.

So, our plan was- - - go slow on the first mile!  :)

The day before the 5K, which was held last Saturday, October 16, my husband and I headed to CROWN CENTER to pick up the registration packets for myself and my son.  The packets contained our "bib" numbers (what you pin on your shirt for identification) and our shoe "tags". Our tag would record the actual "time" it took to complete the run.  We also got a snazzy commemorative T-shirt!!  

It was official.  I couldn't chicken out at that point.

As we left CROWN CENTER, my husband suggested we have a late lunch at one of our favorite barbecue spots in Kansas City. . . .FIORELLA'S JACK STACK BARBECUE.  This particular restaurant is located near CROWN CENTER. . . behind UNION STATION.   It's in an area  called the FREIGHT HOUSE DISTRICT.   LIDIA'S is also located there.

 

 The weather was PERFECT for dining outside on the patio and  watching the trains go by.  In this photo, you can see the white/blue of the AMTRAK  getting ready to load passengers. (lower right corner)

Here's one of the many freight trains that  zipped  along the tracks. 

Since I was "carbing up" for the big run (don't I sound like a real runner?), I ordered their "loaded" barbecue potato, but had everything put on the side so I could eat just the amounts of "extras" I wanted.

 

A customer at a table by us had this dish, so I ordered it, too.  It was delish......sauteed green beans and red peppers served in one of their WORLD FAMOUS onion rings!!!

This is a little bowl of "burnt ends" that came with my potato......I'm not a huge meat eater, but this stuff was very good!!!  I didn't eat lots of it...but what I did tasted amazing mixed with the potato, cheese and sour cream!!  It was a PERFECT meal....not heavy, but extremely tasty and carby!!

My husband had The Jack Stack sandwich......beef on a bun basically.  He also enjoyed sides of their WONDERFUL baked beans and coleslaw!

We've been eating this barbecue for over forty years.  The business started out as a small family spot called The Smoke Stack.  In the early days, the sandwich my husband ordered last week at Jack Stack was called the Sixty Niner cuz it cost 69cents.  The price in this day and age....$10.00!!  It's still worth every penny!

If you ever eat at JACK STACK'S you'll have to have a stack of their onion rings.  This was the last of the six rings we ordered that day......I had ONE.  :)  Normally, I would have consumed at least three, but I didn't want my stomach to remind me during the night that I had eaten them!!!

 One was PERFECT!!!

The run started at 7:30 a.m.!!!  That meant we had to leave our house at 6:15.  Info we  read about the run suggested we be warmed up and in line by 7:15....so we needed to arrive early enough to find a spot to park. . . .

and hit the "potty" before we headed to the "start" line.  

The above photo shows a bit of the interior of CROWN CENTER....a wonderful shopping venue.  The starting line was just north of this area. . . you can see runners beginning to line up.

Here we are for our official "BEFORE"  photo!!!  Front row L-R  Kate and Carrie.    Backrow L-R  Mary, Jen, me, and Nate.  

Mary and Jen had flown in from Little Rock the night before just for this event!!!  

I have to say that Mary is one of the toughest and most determined gals ever!!  She had (and still has) an injury on her left leg and had not run for three weeks prior to this 5K.....hoping her leg would improve with rest.  She just sucked it up, took some Advil,  plopped a "pain patch" over the injured area......and jumped in the the race line, ready to go!

Here is a portion of the runners making their way to the "start".  There were about 11,000 participants entered in the various events that morning, which included the 5K, a half-marathon and a full marathon.  

I had NEVER been in such a crowd before.....there was so much excitement in the air!!!  Oh, and the weather was PERFECT, too!!  It was sunny and clear. . . a bit of a nip in the air, but just enough to keep us from getting overheated.   

 

Our official photographers for the run were (L to R) my husband and my niece's husband!  They were so awesome to get up very early on a Saturday morning and "mix" with the thousands of folks, just so they could cheer us on and take a few photos!  Thank you so much!!!

Somehow, my husband found us in the throng of runners.  I have on the blue shirt, red visor and big smile...and I'm waving at  you!!  My son is ahead of me....white shirt, big smile.  My niece is to his right. . .  cute red head, head band, waving,  and a big smile, as well!!!   You can see Jen's ponytail to the left of Carrie.  Mary and Kate were nearby, too, but not visible in this shot.

It was pretty tricky keeping our little group somewhat together as we made our way to the STARTING LINE!!!!!

Before we ran, they played the National Anthem.  Kate remarked that this was the first time she'd ever been a "participant" at an event when it was played.....she was typically a spectator!   Her statement rang true for me, too.  

Another  PERFECT moment!!!

That was the first time I had met Kate.....she is SOOOOOOO cute and funny!!!  In fact, Kate is the reason we participated in this event in the first place.  It was her idea to do it.  Then she asked Carrie if she wanted to.  Carrie said "yes"!  Over the 4th of July Carrie mentioned it to Mary and Jen. . . they wanted to do it, too!  I found out about it a little later and thought that sounded like fun.  What a thrill to find out that my son was planning on running that day, too!!

Wow. . . and here we were.  After all of the training and exchanging of e-mails and Facebook conversations. . . . .we were slowly moving toward the official START line. . . . getting ready to run!!! 

I couldn't stop smiling.......how often does that happen?  

I love this photo of the cousins. . . Nate and Carrie. . . getting ready to take on the 5K course!

I think this was taken moments before we took off. . . I was setting my "stop watch", and I think I see a few other folks doing that, too.  The shoe "tags" we attached to our laces would be activated as soon as we stepped on the starting line.  As I said earlier, I was more concerned about finishing the event running the whole way. . . the amount of time I did it in wasn't the "biggie", but it would still be fun to find out how long it took me to complete it!  




We don't have photos of the dreaded mile long "slight incline".....however, we all made it.  It wasn't that bad!!!   BUT the right turn we made that took us to the next street....WELL that stretch was REALLY a hill.  I was certainly  winded by the time we made it up that stretch, but the next mile was slightly down hill or flat, so I was able to recover.....sorta.

I think we are a bit over two miles at this point of the run.  My husband had left the START area and waited with his camera at this point....hoping to catch sight of some of us as we sailed by!!!!

 Nate is behind the turquoise shirted lady.  I think she was a "walker".  You can see I was not smiling!    
 

I was really starting to feel tired at that point.  My legs felt like they had 50 pound weights on them. . . and we still had a ways to go.  Thoughts of walking were floating through my brain and I know my son could hear the audible sounds of my labored breathing.  He was amazing. . . he kept telling me what a good job I was doing and how proud he was of me!!  Life just came full circle on that run with him!     

 

At this turn, we realized my husband was taking our photos and happily waved to him!!!  That helped take my mind off my negative feelings- - - for a bit!  :)



He also captured Carrie!!!   She had on the capris with the stripe on the leg. . . red ponytail flying!!!!    Doesn't she look great?

 

In a bit, we all crossed the FINISH line!!!!  Here we are,  not too long after we reached our goal.  What a PERFECT moment!   

 

Carrie, Mary and Jen are shown here right after they crossed the finish line, too!!!!  How wonderful!!!  

All of the time we had spent "learning to run" had paid off!

 We don't have finish line photos of Kate, but she made it just fine, too!!  She was celebrating with her family as soon as she completed her run.  

 

 

One of our AFTER group photos!!!

A side view!!  :)


We are standing in line at the tent where we found out how fast (or SLOW) we ran our event!
 

My fleet footed boy could have left me in his dust, but he stuck by my side every step of the run.  I have to say it was one of the best times in my life. . . he's such a good person and I love him so much.  Yep, he hung in there with me and we stepped on the finish line at  the same time.  We officially ran the 5K in 34 min and 59 seconds.  I'm pretty sure he didn't break a sweat with the run and I am certain that was his slowest official 5K run time. . .ever.    I moved as fast as I could that day and was very pleased with myself for not walking a step!  

This was the time that elapsed on my stop watch during the run from start to finish....but I started it before we actually stepped on the start line.  SO, I'd like to think that the Official time was accurate!  :)

Here our little group is enjoying some post-run chatting and relaxation.  After that, we had a leisurely breakfast at a local restaurant. . . another PERFECT part of the day.


Three cheers for the photographers!!! 

That afternoon, Carrie's husband took a cute photo of her, Mary and Jen.  They had gone to a local spot to dine and watch their beloved Arkansas Razorbacks play Auburn.  

Aren't they a cute group?  Ya would never know that just a few hours earlier, they were running in their first 5K!!!

 

Carrie is always so thoughtful.  She got each of us this great postcard of the POWER AND LIGHT DISTRICT, with a photo of THE SPRINT CENTER on the bottom portion.   We ran on the street in front of THE SPRINT CENTER for the first mile of the 5K!!!  She wrote the most wonderful message on the back of the card. . . referring to our run as a "journey".   Hence, the title of this post.  We did share a wonderful journey!

Knowing the importance of chocolate in the diets of females, Carrie purchased a bar of ANNEDORE'S chocolate for each of us.

 Kansas City was imprinted on top of each one!!!



Mary surprised us with the greatest silver bracelets - - - each one had a  "5K" charm attached!!  I am nuts over it and have been showing it off every chance I get!!!  It will always remind me of our special day.....running our very first 5Ks. . . together!!!  

PERFECT!!!
 
THE STONE RABBIT was also very proud of me for completing the 5K Run and happily posed with the postcard, chocolate and bracelet.  

He asked me what I had given to the others to commemorate the big run.  I sheepishly sad "nothing". . . .I had thought about it, but I just couldn't come up with a good idea.

So, as a little gift, I'm dedicating this post to my fellow runners.  

To my son.  Thank you for giving me one of the best times in my life. . . running by my side for 3.1 miles. . .giving me loads of encouragement along the way.  My heart just swells with pride over you.  

To Carrie. Without your initial enthusiasm the rest of us would not have been a part of this event!!  You are my favorite red-headed niece. . . and I am so proud of you for completing your run!!  You bring such joy to all you do and to the lives of those you touch!

To Mary.  You are such a determined person!!  With all of the pain you dealt with prior to and during the run. . . you forged ahead and completed your goal!!!  You are a force to be reckoned with. . . and I am so glad you did what you set out to do!  You are awesome!  

To Jen.  You were the first over the finish line. . . way to go!!!  I so enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know you better.  It was a thrill to be a part of your special day, too!!  I definitely see bigger running goals in your future!

To Kate.  If it hadn't been for you, none of this would  have happened!!  It was your idea to do the run in the first place!!!  To you, I say THANK YOU for being a part of one of the finest times in my life!! You were instrumental in changing our lives!    Congrats to you for reaching your 5K goal!

 

Here is a bit of PINK that was seen on the back of a T-shirt that day.  I think it pretty much says it all.

 

 

 

 

 Please visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of bloggers with terrific PINKS to share!!!  

 

Have a great PINK SATURDAY.

 

DANA

OUR TEXAS TRIP Part 4. . . . . . .or We Brought Pink Memories Home With Us!

 

This is the fourth and final installment about the trip I took to Canton, Texas, with my friends Bonnie and Marian.

We drove from Independence, Missouri, to Terrell, Texas, on March 30.  Then, for the better part of three days,  we shopped  at Canton's HUGE "First Monday Trade Days" .  We also spent one rainy day visiting local antique shops and an outlet mall!

THEN, bright and early on Easter Sunday morning, we each pulled on our special PINK "cowgirl" socks that Bonnie had given us as a memento of this trip, then we. . . .

donned the rabbit ears I had brought for us and . . . .
 

loaded our car and prepared to leave the fine motel we had called home for five nights!
 

BUT before we left I FINALLY spotted the first real Texas wildflower I had seen on our trip . . . and it was growing right on the grounds of our motel!!! 

Yes, I had jabbered and jabbered about how we were certain to see lots of wonderful Texas wildflowers when we were visiting Canton, but we didn't see any- - -  until the day I saw this beauty! :)
 

 It was foggy on Easter Sunday morning as the Dallas skyline came into view.

Bonnie was driving on that leg of the trip and I was enjoying checking out the scenery in broad daylight.  When we came through that area six days earlier it was very late at night and I was driving. . . very white knuckled.. . . .fearful about being on that stretch of strange and confusing highway. . . and certainly not appreciating the beauty of the area.

Anyway, we were zipping along when all of a SUDDEN I realized we were seeing. . .
 

huge patches of TEXAS BLUE BELLS on the side of the highway!!  My little camera was able to capture the gorgeous carpet of that honored wildflower as we headed home!!

 

This part of Dallas has lots of over and over-over passes.  It didn't look as scary in the light of day as it did when we were driving it late at night.
 

The star of Texas proudly adorns the concrete supports of this highway. 

We soon found ourselves leaving Texas and driving North through Oklahoma. 

Around 1:30 p.m., we stopped in  Billings, OK, to gas up the car.  When we pulled up to the station, we were quickly tempted by the Dairy Queen that was conveniently attached to it.  

Within minutes we were enjoying our Easter Lunch of yummy chicken tenders and gravy and fries- - - vowing we would be back to our healthier eating habits after this meal!

A few  hours later, we had made it through the rest of Oklahoma and Kansas, then East into Missouri and HOME!!!

We had a great time on our road trip to Canton Texas Trade days.  However, I bought very few items!! For some reason, there was little that appealed to me.  Even Bonnie didn't find much.  I think Marian had more luck than either of us on this trip.  So while disappointing in the "the finds" we still loved "the hunt".

Both Bonnie and I hauled home door panels- - - vintage and new.  We paint signs on them to sell in shows.

Twiggy thought I had made a good choice with the panels.  However, . . . .

she didn't know what to make of the carton of ceramic eggs that I found.
 

Actually, Marian spotted them.  I'll use them for a Spring sale. . . possibly filling them will grass and a little chick and flowers.
 

Bonnie and I each bought some of this. . . it's oil cloth!  We both have totes we purchased several years ago made from oil cloth and thought we'd try to create some new ones. 

Actually, we have lots of projects that we are guilty of buying the supplies for, but not actually following through and completing.  I hope we really take the time to do this project!   If not, we can always use the fabric for tablecloths!  Of course, I picked some great PINK patterns!
 

I found this "vintage" Fisher Price camera for my grands to play with.  Their daddy and Aunt B had one when they were kiddos!  I'm pretty sure I sold it in a garage sale- - - probably for one dollar.  I paid two dollars for this one.   I knew I had to have it when I held it up and looked in the view finder, clicked the button and the faux flashbulb twirled around!  Lots of memories of my own "little ones" filled my head in that moment!

Last week, I mentioned the booth (THE JUNK EXCHANGE) where I found these great vintage prints made into cards. These are 5 X 7 and I will frame them to display.
 

However, a great touch the creators add to this product is a flap that can be attached to the back of the card, allowing it to stand by itself!


 

I shared on an earlier post (about our trip) this great oil cloth placemat and chalk board combo that I purchased for my Grand Girl!  Someone asked if I'd bought one for my Grand Boy.  I didn't cuz this was the only one the vendor had left.  However, I'm pretty sure I will be able to recreate one for him. . . I just have to locate where to buy the vinyl chalkboard fabric.  I have a little time. . . he's only 9 months old and isn't interested in writing yet!  We'll just have to watch the chalk. . . he likes to chew on stuff!  :)
 

THE STONE RABBIT was really glad my friends liked their rabbit ears.  I told him we got a lot of attention as we rode the elevator down to the lobby on Easter morning. . . .heading for one final continental breakfast at the motel.
 

Both THE STONE RABBIT and little Twiggy spend a lot of time at my feet when I am sitting at the computer.  They LOVE it when I wear my "cowgirl" socks.
 

As I typed away on this post, Twiggy kept pawing at me.  When I didn't pay attention to her gentle taps, she finally yelled out, "I want to see those rabbit ears!"
 
 

Hmmmmmmm. . . . . what can I say!

Well. . . .I do know of ONE thing I can say and that would be. . . .

 

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY !!!

For many more blogs full of PINKS to share, just visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND!  She will have a long list all ready for you! 

DANA

GIFT IT FORWARD!

  My blogging pal Nancy of MY CRAFTY LITTLE PAGE offered up such a sweet opportunity recently.  It's kind of like a "pay it forward", but the concept is more of a "gift it forward".

The first five (5) people to sign up received special hand-created gifts by Nancy herself!!! 

I was lucky enough to be one of those people. Nancy made a BLESSING RING for each of us. . . .and this is how mine appeared as I opened the package!

Here is a close up of the purpose of THE BLESSING RING.  I think it is such a wonderful idea. . .and I have already added some items to it.

Another item Nancy included on the ring was the wonderful prayer. 

 

Nancy is a paper artist extraordinaire.  You can see how she put her skills to use in this creation.

Nancy loves these Lefton blue birds, and so do I.  She included this photo on the ring as well!

 

 

Twiggy put her "stamp" of approval on THE BLESSING RING!

Not only does she love the cards on THE BLESSING RING, she also LOVES the dangling ribbons!!  I have to keep it out of her reach!
 

 

NOW, it's MY turn to "gift it forward"!!!  Please read the words below (taken from Nancy!) and learn what this is all about! :)

"This isn't an exchange, but more of a "gift it forward" kind of thing. The people you make something for will not be making anything for you unless you happen to get on their list.

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me - something REAL that you could actually stub your toe on if you left it lying around on the floor.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully.

1. There is no guarantee that you will like what I make, although I really hope you do. And, remember, sometimes it's okay to tell a little white lie to spare a person's feelings. *sniff*

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It will be done 3 months from the day I make my offer.

4. I will not give you any clue what it's going to be, so don't bother begging. ;-)

5. If you sign up to receive something from me, all you need to do is offer your own "Make 5".

6. I'm willing to ship anywhere in the the U.S., but if you have geographical limits, please say so in your own post.

7. Since you're offering to Make 5 gifts, it's probably okay to sign up for 5 other people's "Make 5". Just follow your own heart on that. :)

8. Even though you sign up for others' Make 5, you might not actually get anything. It's probably best to plan to give with no expectation of a return gift. You just never know. :-)"

There you have it!!! I loved receiving Nancy's sweet gift. . .and if you want a handmade surprise from me AND if you want to participate in "Make 5", just be one of the first five folks to sign up!! :)

As you can tell THE STONE RABBIT  loves Nancy's gift, too.  We just have to keep an eye on Twiggy. . .she thinks those ribbons were meant just for HER! :)

DANA

OUR TEXAS TRIP Part 1. . . .or. . . .WE FOUND PINK IN TEXAS!!!!!

Our trip to Canton, Texas, for the "First Monday Trade Days", started out a bit behind schedule, but that's more the norm for any trip Bonnie and I take.   When Marian is a part of our fun,  she has  learned that we never seem to be ready at the time we've chosen.  She's timely- - -we're not always.   Thankfully, she's patient with us. 

We thought the trip would take about 9 hours, so leaving at 11:30 a.m. instead of the planned departure time of 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. would still put us in the Dallas area at a decent time. . .PLUS we would definitely be missing rush hour in that town!

After we had loaded Bonnie's car with only the "bare necessities" each of us needed for a six day trip, we realized there wasn't too much room left for hauling loot home.  :)  That was just fine. . . we were going on our long-awaited journey to CANTON! 

Car doors slammed, seat belts on and we were off!

                                              * * * * * * * *

Our chosen route of travel was  I-35 from Kansas City, Missouri, to the Dallas area.  Then we would pick up 635 and loop East and South around Dallas to either highway 80 or 20.   (We weren't certain which road at that point. . . but both would take us to Terrell where our motel room would be waiting!).  

Easy Peasy.

                                                 * * * * * * * *

We had decided we would eat as healthy as possible on our trip.   Marian, one of the best cooks I know,  was in charge of "snacks".  As part of that assignment she had prepared each of us a little goody bag filled with walnuts, crunchy cereal, dark chocolate Easter Candy and other delights---all were yummy and good for us!!! 

Thirty minutes into our trip, we had tackled the wild and woolly highway system of  South Kansas City, Missouri,  and connected with I-35, just across the state line in Olathe, Kansas.

We were officially OFF.  That's when we got into our snack bags!!! :)

We were FINALLY on the road - - -  snacking and jabbering.  The only bad thing was the WIND!!!  Oh my, trying to hold Bonnie's Yukon on the highway was a challenge, but it was a challenge worth making cuz we were heading to CANTON!!! 

We traveled until we reached the town of Emporia, Kansas, (I think that was about two hours away from home).  We decided it was time to stretch our legs, make a pit stop, find a place to have lunch and visit the local Wal Mart for other necessities we'd forgotten.

We had brought lunch supplies (remember. . . we were going to eat healthy!) so we got off the highway and started looking for a park or a picnic area.

We were in luck!  We spied concrete tables and benches  beneath big old trees in an area that looked like a park, but a sign read "Water Treatment Plant".  Now I'm going to experiment with a link I just found where you can actually SEE the road we took up to that little park (opposite the treatment facility) and scroll around until you see the bench we sat on!  OMG, isn't technology amazing!!!  Click HERE!

Anyway, we spread out our healthy lunch of turkey and Weight Watcher's Cheese and skinny bread and celery and carrots and strawberries!!!  It was wonderful, cept for the . . . . .

 

WIND!!!!!  We had to hold on to our food, as big gusts would come along and send items sailing!  It was also chilly in the shade beneath those big old trees at the Water Treatment Plant! 

We didn't linger over lunch that day.  Nope we wolfed it down and headed for Wal Mart!! :)

We decided our lunch and Wal Mart stops took up about an hour (hey, we weren't watching a clock...this was a ROAD TRIP!!!). 

Back on the interstate again, our next big city landmark was Wichita, Kansas. 

It was getting late, so we decided it might be a good idea to take the 235 loop around Wichita  instead of going through the town on I 35. . . thinking that route might keep us out of heavy (rush hour) traffic. 

At this point was that we weren't working with a typical road map of Kansas.  Nope we had a tiny little Atlas page of the state, so the 235 loop was a bit deceiving.   We took the loop exit and kept driving and driving and driving.  I kept looking at the directional on the rear view mirror and saw that we were going west and north, which would have been correct...... we eventually did see east and finally  reconnected with I-35.  Strangely, once we were back on I-35, we all thought that stretch of the highway looked "familiar". 

On our trip home, I'd located an actual Kansas map in Bonnie's car and got a real look at the "loop".  It was then that I realized we'd probably gotten off on the second exit and basically looped around the city the wrong way and didn't accomplish anything cept seeing parts of Kansas we'd never seen before! Plus, I-35 didn't go "through" the city like we thought it did, but instead is located on the south-east side of town as part of "the loop"!  :)

We'll know better the NEXT time we head to Wichita!! 

Did I tell you our Road Trips are never boring?  :)
 


Once we had loop-dee-looped around Wichita, Kansas, and were back on I-35, we headed south to Oklahoma AND Texas!!!  Yee Haw!

                                            * * * * * * * *

Lordy, it was turning into a looooooong and windy drive. 

Our first Oklahoma stop was in Blackwell at a Shell Station to gas up.  Marian reminded me about the "roaring winds" at that place.  They were so strong Bonnie was nearly blown over, plus we couldn't easily talk to each other!  That should have told us how very powerful they were! 

That location was also the spot where I  STUPIDLY pulled my envelope of cash out of my fanny pack (to get money to pay for a drink) and left it  on a counter.  THANKFULLY, a gentleman quickly spotted it and asked if one of us had left it there!  There ARE good folks left!!

                                           * * * * * * * *

Our next spot for another "stretch" was what looked like a rest stop......we saw a convenience store and gas pumps.  After we parked the vehicle and approached the building, we saw that it was the WASHITA GAMING CENTER (casino) in Paoli, OK.

The  above picture  was taken off the Oklahoma Gaming website and I couldn't enlarge it.  By the time we reached that spot, I didn't care too much about taking photos.  I was very tired and thirsty and stiff!  :)

This was  a gambling establishment with a convenience store attached and it was very, very smokey, too.  (hack, hack).  However, we didn't care at that point.   We found refreshments and the map rack.  I wanted to see in more detail where we were and how close we were to Texas!  I would have purchased the map, but they wanted $5.00 for them, so we just "peeked" and got the general idea that we were still pretty far away!

In a few minutes, we were back in the car and returning to I 35.  After a bit,  we pulled out the healthy snacks- - -one more time!

After a while. . . we finally entered TEXAS, but . . . .

we were still a very long way from our destination point.  

We had reserved a room in a Terrell, Texas, motel.  That town is  east and a bit south of Dallas. . . we weren't totally sure about WHERE our motel was in Terrell.  We figured we'd get the exact location and directions later, when we were closer to the town.

                                                * * * * * * * *

By the time we hit the 635 loop (the map below is from TourTexas.com ) that would take us East and South to either highway 80 or 20, it was dark.   Actually, it had been dark quite a while. . . .rush hour traffic definitely was not  an issue. 

I was behind the wheel as we hit that loop. . . .I just remember seeing lots of brightly lit lanes (LOTS of lanes) and a network of overpasses that resembled something out of The Jetsons (that was Marian's comment. . . . and she was right on!).  Plus, we were getting low on gas!

As we shot East on the loop, then South, we saw signs telling us that both of the highways we were looking for were coming up . . . and we weren't certain at that point which one we needed (they both took us to the town of Terrell).  PLUS, we were also not sure we would find a gas station once we did get on the exit we decided upon. . . .so we got off 635 in an area that had what looked like a place for a gas station. 

Problem. . . no gas station, just shops that were closed.!  Gulp.

There we were driving around, trying to figure out what do do.  I think we ended up getting on an overpass that took us to the other side of the highway (I was pretty foggy by that time and my recollection of the details isn't as sharp as the first few hours of the trip) and happened upon a gas station.  We were worried about the "part" of town we were in (it was late and we were from MISSOURI !!), but when we saw that a little restaurant was attached to the station and it looked neat and tidy (it was closed, but lit up) and we saw someone actually CLEANING the glass door that led into the pay area of the gas station. . .  PLUS we all really needed the ladies room by then. . . .we  pulled right in!

 

That station was so clean. . . they even had a little yellow towel on the toilet tank (like a scarf) with a  vase of FLOWERS sitting on it!!!  This place received two gold starts for cleanliness from us!  It was called the Town Center Texaco in Mesquite, Texas!  (I just checked my charge slip!).  Anyway, when we asked for directions, two gentlemen patiently explained how to find highway 80 which took us into Terrell.  Bonnie had also called the motel to get directions for locating it.  We were on our way again!!!!  

We were almost there!

It was about 10:30 p.m..

                                          * * * * * * * *

We were, at last, headed toward Terrell,  looking for a couple of street names in the dark. . . in a strange town.   We approached an exit with a sign that pointed toward "Terrell" and I took it. 

Wrong move. 

It took us through areas that again didn't look so great. . . .and we couldn't find the street/s the hotel clerk had given Bonnie. 

After driving a bit, turning around, driving a bit, turning around. . . .we stumbled upon what we assumed was the road that would take us to highway 20, which is where our motel was located.  Thinking we were home free when we saw the illuminated sign of our motel in the distance, we soon realized we couldn't find the street that actually took us there.  It appeared to be on an access road that went one way and we couldn't figure out how to get on it.  So, we did what three really tired Road Trip Gals would do. . . .we got  on highway 20, heading toward Dallas, so we could get off, take an overpass to the other side of the highway and get on the access road. . .which went the right way in front of our motel!

As we traveled closer to our motel, we were so thrilled when we saw that there was an OUTLET MALL  that we missed the road   we needed to turn on!!!!!

Mercifully, we somehow stumbled upon another road that actually went BEHIND a shopping area and came around to the front of our hotel, then out onto the access road. 

It was 11:30 p.m..   Twelve long hours after we had pulled out of Independence, Missouri. . . .on our trip to Canton, Texas.  We had arrived at our motel! 

                                             * * * * * * * *

We unloaded the car and headed up to our room.  When we opened the door, it was like a little bit of heaven.  Two queen beds and a fold out sofa (which actually seemed to be comfortable.....Marian took that.  Hey, she's YOUNG!!!).  The place was clean, clean, clean!!!  We were so happy. 

We slept in the next morning. . . . missing our free continental breakfast.  Fortunately, there was an I-HOP next door!!!  Oh happy day!!!!!! 

We enjoyed an awesome meal and decided to go ahead and head for Canton, even though the sale didn't officially start until the next day.  We wanted to get a "feel" of the town and find out where to park.  We knew the place was HUGE and so would be the crowds!  

Oh, and the exit and entrance to our motel appeared much clearer in the light of day- - - and after a good night's sleep !!!!!

                                                   * * * * * * * *

I will share lots more about our actual time in Canton on a later post.   Today, I wanted to document bits and pieces of our actual trip to Texas. . . mainly so the three of us could hold on to some of those memories a bit longer.

I will tell you, however, there is something you HAVE to have when you visit a flea market/antique and decorating sale as huge as Canton.   You need something in which to carry your finds!

I brought the silver one on the left with us, then Marian and I purchased the blue one at a booth in Canton (folks sell them all over the place).   The blue one is bigger. . . and heavier, but it has wheels on the front, too.  So, if you're in an area with a fairly smooth surface, you can push the cart, and it isn't quite so bad.

We also purchased nifty plastic bags to go in the carts. . . just in case it started to rain.  We didn't want our purchases to get wet!!!!

So now that I've bored you senseless with this account of our trip to the south, I'll show you the second item we purchased.

Yep, we bit the dust and bought ourselves PINK COWGIRL HATS!!  Actually, Bonnie (on the right) and I bought hats. . . . Marian doesn't like hats on herself, so she didn't get one.

HOWEVER. . . . .

 

she was a good sport and posed in a PINK hat. . . . just for you  Pink Saturday folks!!! 

I think she looks great in a hat, don't you? 

We'll have to keep working on her!

Twiggy was especially fond of my PINK hat. . . THE STONE RABBIT thought it was a bit too large for him to borrow, however, he really liked the . . . . .
 

cart on wheels!!!  He and his fellow concrete yard buddies have had a lot of fun pushing each other around since I returned home !!!
 



 
If you want to have a lot of fun, just visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of other bloggers with great PINKS to share with you on another  PINK SATURDAY!!!

Thank you, Beverly, for all of your work to keep PINK SATURDAY rolling along!!

DANA