Mike Wins The Space Coast Marathon

Today was the annual Space Coast Marathon, a race run along the Indian River.  This morning our friend Brucie had a little breakfast so we could cheer for all the runners as they passed by, but one in particular...Mike Hensley...he is our friends Dick & Ursula's son-in-law.  And cheered we did...he WON the race!  2:32:14!  WOW!  (this photo by Dick Glenn, proud father-in-law) 

This is Mike and his wife Marielle waiting for the start of the race (they are the two on the right; Marielle wasn't racing, but did run the 1/2 marathon course).  (this photo by Dick Glenn, proud father-in-law)

As I mentioned earlier, a small group of us met at Brucie's house to enjoy the marathon.  We stood around drinking coffee, chatting, eating some good breakfast nibbles and enjoying the brisk morning.  Of course, we were also waiting for Mike to pass by!

Finally, the motorcade approached...I am standing in Brucie's yard, quite near Brucie & Ursula in the photo above to capture the image below...the race literally went right in front of us!  (All my race photos were taken from about the same spot.)

 This guy looks serious, doesn't he?

And here comes Mike, woo hoo Mike!  He is in the black shirt, #1002.  It looks like the guy in the red shirt is ahead of him, but he was not entered into the race and only ran a portion of it.

Look at that determination!  (this photo by Dick Glenn, proud father-in-law)

This is Marielle, Mike's wife, cheering him on and getting ready to ride along with him to the finish line.  She had a camera strapped to her forehead so she could capture every moment!

There goes Mike, he's passing walkers from the 1/2 marathon route; they cheered him on recognizing him as the first marathoner to pass them!

 This is proud Ursula (mother-in-law) getting the happy news that Mike won the race...what a smile!

 Marielle, Dick and Mike at the finish. (this photo by Ursula Glenn, proud mother-in-law)

It was great fun to watch the race and cheer the runners on...and there were a few with interesting running gear...

Besides watching the race, we have been preparing for our return to the cabin...we are looking forward to being back!  Home Sweet Home, here we come!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise

A Woodpecker & Snowbirds

Today we have been preparing to head back to our much loved Log Cabin Life, which has made for another very busy day.  In between the business, there was some entertainment...

This Pileated Woodpecker showed up in our neighbors oak tree just as we were sitting down on the front porch for lunch.  Beautiful bird, but camera shy; this is the best shot I could get...he kept hopping around the tree, hiding from me!

Then we watched a parade of yachts heading south on the Indian River.  Made me laugh...all these people are heading to Florida to escape the winter (commonly known as Snowbirds in these parts) and we are packing up to head back to our wintry mountain cabin!  Of course, we don't travel in Snowbird style...

Baby yacht...

Mama yacht...

Papa yacht with private escort (well, they really weren't together but the plane took the opportunity to get a close look as it passed by)...

And I've seen bigger!  We'll be driving our little CRV along I-95 and then west to get to our cabin.  I wonder what the mountain folks call people like us who come from Florida to live in Southern Appalachia...anyone know?

I must admit, I am really looking forward to returning to the cabin and getting back to "normal" life...this vacation thing is exhausting!!!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise

Ahhhh, Big Sigh!

I always have the need for a deep sigh once things settle down after Thanksgiving.  Lot's of sincere conversation with family and friends and so much good food (put together in a family team effort kind of way)...I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.  The sigh means something like "how great that was, glad I have some leftovers so I don't have to cook/do dishes for a bit".  I know you know what I mean.

So when we returned to the river today, we just sat and watched the river flow by.  This Anhinga was sitting on a piling and flapping it's wings...I suppose to dry them. 

I was so mesmerized, I thought I would share a video...

...it's a good visual of how my sigh felt to me...like "airing" myself out!  A good feeling:) 

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a day many of us share love and laughter with family and friends, celebrating with an abundance of delicious family traditions, recipes and even new taste sensations!  I give much gratitude for everyone in my life, and wish everyone a wonder-filled day.  I also want to remember those who do not have the good fortune to be surrounded by friends and family; sending peace and joy in their direction and much gratitude for all the volunteers to share this day with those less fortunate!

Many blessings to all!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise 

Preparing for Thanksgiving

Most of you are busy preparing for Thanksgiving, either traveling or cooking or both.  I'm cooking first then traveling (again). 

I started the morning with a cup of coffee on the river though and watched this beauty (I thinks it is a heron) stroll across the river's edge.

Then the Thanksgiving cooking began. We all gather at my dad's place annually (on the other side of the state) and bring family favorite traditions.  So here are mine, in a "ready for transport" state for final assembly tomorrow. 

I make Tourtière (meat pie) and Stuffed Pumpkin.  Both have the same meat filling which is a combination of ground beef, pork and turkey, cooked with some onions, spiced with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, salt and pepper, and a little breadcrumbs.  Some of the mixture is put into a pie crust and baked like a pie. 

Some of the mixture is baked in a pumpkin (with the lid on) and cooked in a crockpot or in the oven on low overnight.

The long, slow baking caused all the flavors to mingle and is an absolutely delicious side dish.  A family favorite.

Then there is my mother's cranberry relish (I took on the role of preparing it after she passed on).  Another family favorite...chopped cranberries (use a food chopper/processor), mixed with mandarin oranges, some orange juice concentrate (not mixed with water) and then a little more orange juice, sugar (not a lot, but enough to sweeten slightly, you want to maintain the cranberry tang) and a splash of Grand Marnier. 

Then there is mashed rutabaga, and these are from our Log Cabin garden!  Not everyone's favorite, but for a few of us, Thanksgiving would not be the same without it!

And yes, I roast the pumpkin seeds...

Now we have everything packed up and are heading out, excited to seeing the family!  And you know it, I have my Christmas CD's with me...woo hoo for Christmas music.

Safe travels everyone, and may you enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise

Back On The River

Here I am, back on the river.  I had a wonderful time with Liam (and Jessi when she got home, and with Erin too in a couple quick visits).  Special times, life long memories!

Now I am recharging...this picture is the glow of the sun setting on the windows of a house across the river.  It caught my eye; made me wish I had a solar energy recharger on my head or back, LOL!

I know this is short and, well short...I don't really think you need me to explain why.  It's all good though, thankful for all those special moments with Liam:) and I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise

Mommy Comes Home!

Liam was so excited that his mommy was returning this afternoon!  It was a joy filled reunion!

Liam waited very patiently for the plane to arrive...I am sure the lollypop helped! 

This is his face upon first seeing her coming from the gate...

 The initial reunion...

 And a fun ride to the car!

I'm glad she's home too, I'm looking forward to spending some time with her myself! 

I've enjoyed my time with Liam so much, he makes my heart sing and my soul laugh!  I'm thankful for having him, Jessi & Erin in my life!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise