Good morning, everybody!

Happy Birthday, Erika!

Well, I have no runs or races, but I do have a sermon to give.  I have to admit...I am really nervous.  I am talking about false idols and all the things we place ahead of God and keeping us from doing the work of God.  I am admitting to many of my own.  That might be a reason for the mood I've been in.  It's not easy for me to look at myself and admit to my shortcomings and faults...I haven't liked what I've seen.  BUT--I know that God loves me and everybody else...no matter what our faults happen to be.  We are all so lucky to have such a merciful God.  It's my closing statements, though, about how our church has treated our new pastor since she arrived a little over a year ago, that has me nervous.  It has been very disappointing to me to watch and to hear about the way a group of people--who claim to have the love of God in their hearts--treat another person, not to mention a person who was sent to try to help lead us in our walk with God.  After going on a bit of a rant about how we should be treating each other, my last statement is: "Name your idols--then stomp the living hell out of 'em!"

Okay--sorry--I'll save the sermon for the 10:30 service.

JFYI. Chicago marathon live stream.

http://running.competitor.com/2014/10/video/watch-live-stream-2014-chicago-marathon_115749

Mike - that sounds like an awesome sermon!  I wish I could see you deliver it.

7.4 easy-paced miles for me this morning in 41 degrees.

Happy birthday Erika. Love you tons my sweet  friend.

Happy Birthday Erika.

Happy Birthday Erika!!

Awesome day in Boston today!!  Ran the BAA 1/2 with most of the miles at marathon pace - ran 2 easy before and 5 easy after to get 20.3 total in for the day!!  Great event and course - love getting the big medal for completing the medley too, but the highlight was getting to see Marj out there kicking butt on the course!!  Yes, there is a pic but it's on FB for those of you who know how to pull pics over to here!! 

Lots of great racing out there this weekend -- I knew 2 people doing Kona Ironman yesterday, friends at Hartford1/2 and full yesterday, and a few doing Chicago today!!  Tomorrow I know there will be lots doing Tufts 10k, but honestly I am looking forward to a full day at home!!

Cherish the gift my friends!!

Hiya!  Well, the Carson McCullers (Key West) room did not disappoint; Simon even had a little veranda so he spent the night outside, in his travel cage.

Rest of the good news: DH completed his first half marathon totally race-walking and did so in under 3 hours.  I ran the full in 3:45, a 23 minute improvement over last year, so I stared down that challenge. I figure it means I've learned something about hot weather running over the year.  DH drove the entire overseas highway, Key Largo to Key West and then back again the next day, sort of bucket list item for him.  (He even got us home in time so I could participate in the local Cops & Joggers 5K that benefits families of fallen cops.  My running club is a big sponsor.)

Bad news: DH really enjoyed the trip and wants to go again next year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ms. E!   From the bottom of my heart, hoping you love your day and the year to follow from today.  Don't fall into a funk; go see Les Miz and maybe let's plan a race with Holly next year for her 50th? Please??

Enjoying your pre-mexico prep Holly.  Take care of that knee.

Be careful out there tw--we've had a rash of bike/car accidents.  The snowbirds are back and it's getting dangerous.

Yes, thanks, pro--checking out several friends in Chicago, including my (ped. oncol) nurse running chum and her daughter.

Love how everyone here is busy doing all sorts of fascinating things.  AND getting good doc reports, yay Ribs!

Waiting to get report on how the sermon went over and what the pastor said to you about it, Mike.   And for true--sign up for some races.  Think of how nice a trip to a warm climate might feel  this winter......even this fall, right Dave??

What Carolyn said about the AG for SG, Karin. Hope she stays feisty.   Speaking of, isn't it time to expand AGs?  I know a 70+ runner here who is  good--runs a sub 24 5K--but there's no award beyond Senior grandmaster (60-69).    Maybe Imperial Grandmaster?

Oh twocat--I threw out those veggies as you were asking for suggestions for exciting sides for your dinner party and I couldn't resist, heh heh.  Thanks; I always love and eat up your recipes (and there isn't a veggie I don't eat!)

Love your photos, Carolyn and even more, accounts of your meet-ups.  Looking forward to the Seattle one.  Give tet a big hug for me?

I didn't run today and it wasn't a travel day.  Feeling most odd about that.  Not like food poisoning odd or anything, but out of sync.

Woke before 5 am but went back to sleep and missed the sunrise.  Still missing it!  Hope to have something to report tomorrow!

grins,

A

Thanks, everyone! Nothing but blueberry pancakes and a pot of coffee so far... oh, and laundry and dishes. Yes, I do know how to have a good time!

Glad the sermon went well, Mike. And yes, sometimes people need to be told pretty pointedly to knock it off.

Thanks for the birthday greeting from Taggie! Love how he knows "GO!"

I was wondering what Ribs was training the Saint for. Almost sounds like marathon prep, she's running so well!

Love the super Granny picture on FB! She truly is an amazing person, and has a pretty cool granddaughter, too!

Not sure what I'll do today, but I do have a lot of work to do on our apartment downstairs. We have tenants moving in tomorrow! That might trump a run, but it's a really nice day for one. I don't think Les Miz is in the cards, just not enough time in the day (and add a late start and... oh well).