What in the world?!?!

I'm babysitting the four-legged grandchildren this weekend, and was told they didn't really need anything on Friday but maybe a "check-up" near bedtime, and then their usual twice-a-day feeding thereafter. A t-storm was threatening as I came home from dinner with a friend last night, so we opted to check on the "grandkids" together. (My original plan had been to get dropped off at home, and then go back and spend the night at my daughter's. )
But given the looming storm, we both went straight to the kids' house instead. The lightening hit about the same time we landed at the dogs' gate; and when I pulled the latch those girls took off on a dead run. Fortunately they headed for the house. I let them in, fed them and opted to let them stay inside. They had never behaved that way before, so I thought they were frightened. The sheep seemed fine, and could go inside an out building. I shut the door and went home.
When we got there this a.m., on the way to a race in Bridgewater, however, the door was wide open. The door latch isn't very tight, and, I guess, it got blown open in the storm. Athena, the dog the kids are keeping for its owner, was there. But Azul, the kids' Border Collie was AWOL. I looked around some; but really had no idea where to look or what to do. I debated giving up on the morning's race, but decided there was nothing more to be done.
The race began (mid-60s and sunshine for a change) and I opted for steady and easy. I wanted to save energy for next week's race. I felt sluggish and figured I'd do well just to finish. So I didn't plan a push at the end. But just as I neared the finish line, I heard heavy breathing and footsteps back of my left shoulder. I gave it all I had, determined not to get beat at the end! Crowds love those last second dramas. They screamed. I surged with energy I didn't know I had. Nonetheless George did a C-turn and cut me off right at the finish line, beating me by one second.
He smiled and said something like, Good job! His demeanor was polite and gentle. I thought, "What a great winner!"
And I said, "I THOUGHT I was all done, but then I heard you coming and realized I had more in me than I thought. That's what they say, right? It's mind over matter." I then gave him a high-five and told him he'd done great as well. I was content. I'd done what I set out do do and was pleased with the day.
But then, while waiting for the awards ceremony, I learned who George Gillis REALLY is. . .George is a researcher at the University of Virginia, and top in his field. He is working on a guidance system for the catheters used to treat heart patients. The system design plan calls for using magnets on the patient, and magnets in the catheter. I didn't learn this from George, mind you, but from his friends who were peppering him with questions about the latest gains in his research. And then one spoke about how humble and gracious George was. . .as I had experienced just a few moments before.
Then it was time for the awards ceremony. A fellow in my track club won first place overall. And then they began calling out the women winners. When they announced third place, I thought I must have heard wrong, as I knew my time was a few minutes faster than that. And then they called second place. It was Susan, a mutual friend; and I knew I had come in a couple minutes ahead of her. Still puzzled and trying to figure out what I wasn't understanding, they called the first place winner's name. Upon hearing my name, I looked at my friend Butch, in total shock and disbelief, and asked, "What am I supposed to do?"
"Why, go on. Get up there and get your prize." he said, as he waved me off.
After they hung the first place women's medal around my neck, they then handed me a gift certificate -- for $75.
And I'm sitting here, still completely dumbfounded and thinking, "Now doesn't that just beat all!"
Azul has not yet turned up. But when I called my daughter after I got home, she said that Azul had already escaped once this week. And their phone number is on a tag on her collar, so I'm expecting to meet one of her neighbors later this weekend.
I guess all I know to say is the same thing I've been saying more and more often of late. . .I have no clue what God is up to these days. I DO know that everything He does is for a purpose and with a plan in mind. It's just that historically I've made that statement most often as I have called family and friends to tell them about still another setback in my lfe. It's been a rare occasion when I've made that statement from the position of strength and victory. And so I keep my eyes open, in wonder, and in hopes that, whatever God is doing, I am working with Him and not against Him.
God is good. Sometimes we see it; the rest of the time we live by faith.

Magdalena Turns 5

The cake, made with almond flour ground from almonds and a dozen eggs, took all afternoon for Anna Maria to bake; but because it had no wheat flour, I could have some, too! And it was very good!
The bunny was a gift from Sister Eliza, who was too ill to enjoy Maggie's party, though she tried -- coming out to sit at the table for a few minutes at a time before return to the Papa Chair to recline again.
This dress, and a tee shirt to decorate, came from Auntie Ana and Uncle Chad.

And the daffodils came from the girls' garden.

--Photos by Steven David Johnson.

Car crashing and crushing

A few weeks ago, a lady rear ended Anna Maria while she was waiting to make a left turn. AM said she saw the lady coming, and knew she couldn't stop. Just then it was safe to make the left turn, so AM gunned it, hoping to clear the car behind. And she almost made it. Anna Maria wasn't hurt, a bit of a stiff neck is all. But the other lady's air bag deployed, and she suffered, most likely, a broken arm in the crash. The insurance company offered AM a choice -- $1,100 to fix the car or $900 and turn the car over. They opted for the latter. I've driven this car many times, as it's easier to trade cars with the kids than it is to transfer car seats from theirs to mine. I think they made a wise choice, especially given the fact that they have two cars. Steven only has another month of school left and then, in July, they'll be headed off to Newfoundland. Since Steven and I ride together to work two or three days a week, getting by on one car is manageable.

Slumber Party

The little girls spent the night last Saturday. Besides going to the park, writing with invisible ink, they enjoyed fruit dipped in chocolate fondue. They got permission from their parents beforehand to do this potentially hazardous activity, and promised to be careful and polite. No one lost an eye or got poked by a fork. And the candle stayed lit and in its place beneath the pot. They didn't fight once the whole weekend, although they did calmly work through a couple issues. They are obviously well-raised children who know how to behave, and they treat their grammie right.

13 Mile Training Run

I ran from my front door, where this photo was taken, up over that first hill, up over the second hill and on past that cell phone tower (very light gray tower back of the telephone pole), and back in a 13-mile loop. I never broke stride, but ran the whole way; time was 2:16 (11 minute mile pace). My real-time running partner did the same run in about 2:30, and he, too, never broke stride.

Today's route took me past Beverly Holsinger Schwartzkopf's childhood home (General Schwartzkopf's wife) and along part of one year's Tour DePont's course.

While we ran in temps in the mid-50s, my virtual (NY) running partner did 9 miles at a bit under 10 minute mile pace in 45 degree weather.

And now the taper, and recovery . . . two weeks till the Half.

Two Weeks Two Days to Go . . .

I thought tonight would be a speed workout, but it was cold (by VA standards, anyway -- about 45 degrees) and raining. My ears and hands were cold; I needed my ear warmers or stocking hat, not just my cap, and my gloves. It's been a couple weeks since I've run that way, so I didn't even think to add them.

I ended up with an easy 4 miles (11 minute mile pace). As I thought about it, that was plenty. After two 5Ks last weekend, and a hard 5 mile run with the Club on Tuesday, an easy run seemed the wisest course, especially as my fatigue level didn't ease as it sometimes does once I get started. And I do want to run 13 miles on Saturday.

Ten weeks of training have nearly passed, and the big day is almost here. My original plan was just to do it. That evolved into looking forward to my second real-time race with my virtual running partner. And now I want to finish well, to honor my buddy Butch for all the courses he's mapped out according to my mileage goals, for coaching me along and even running a lot of miles alongside. Not to make him proud exactly, but just to say thanks and make him feel like the effort was worth it -- not necessarily because he needs that, but I do.

I need to say thanks -- to God for healing me so I can run, to my first running Coach who taught me to run and ran me back to faith, to my virtual and real-time running partners who are so encouraging, and to my family and friends who have always been there for me and who never stopped believing in me. And the best way I can think of to show my thanks would be to finish well. Even if that does not happen, however, it's okay, as I know I have trained as best I can. The actual finish pace will reflect that I am sure, but it will also reflect several other factors outside of my control. And that's okay, too. I know those who have invested themselves in my behalf will still love me, still invest in me, no matter what the end result. Any disappointment felt will be with me, not in me. That's just who they are.

Another grandchild...

I learned a few days ago that my newest grandchild is expected to graduate from the womb in December, three months after my newest niece/nephew does.

About 25 years ago, my sister and I had babies just three months apart. And now those two cousins, my daughter and her son, will be having their first babies on the same year. Both new moms are doing well. And I can hardly wait to see these little ones' faces, and touch their skin.