Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday Mishmash

I have a review and giveaway coming up on Tuesday, and in preparing for it, I've been cooking (I know,  don't faint).  So far I've learned two things:  1) it's a good thing I'm not a food blogger because I can't style my pictures very well; and 2) Paco is incredibly fast:
Dangit, Paco!!!

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We didn't have a formal race last Saturday, but we did run 4.5 miles with lots of our usual running peeps - Julia's promise of cupcakes and chocolate milk afterward really brought everyone out!  A few were off doing the Blue Bell race (the one where you get all the ice cream you want afterward - my recaps of previous years are here and here), but Jeff and I didn't do that one this year because I really don't enjoy it.  Too many hills, it's been hot and windy, and there is a killer hill at the end that is unnecessary, in my humble opinion.  And some were off doing a Mud Run - but I opted to stay clean.  Here's a few pictures of our day:
Plenty of delicious cupcakes!  Plus Pam came with her dog Sadie - they ran with Jeff and I, and afterward, Sadie wanted to chill with Jeff.  She's about as much of a lap dog as Paco is, but sometimes, a dog just wants to be held, so of course you oblige!

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I found a kitty when Jenny and I were running at the park on Tuesday, and brought it home with me.  How could I not - it was so cute and just sitting there, all alone, and slightly beat up:
I have to tell you that Jeff breathed a huge sigh of relief when I showed him the actual kitty.  Because I have been known to surprise him with a kitten more than a few times...

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We are working on sprucing up our backyard - Jeff wants to try putting some pavers in an area where grass growth is sparse due to the shade from the trees.  We found a place in town where you can buy them by the pound and it looks like it won't break the bank (although our backs might be another story).  He also wants to put containers with plants on top of the pavered area, so we started with that:
 
On the left is an azalea - a huge one, at a clearance price.  Hopefully it will make it, but if it doesn't, it won't be a big loss.  The right is bougainvillaea, which I love.  The back fence of our yard in California was covered with it!  It won't last through a freeze in the ground, but since it's in a container, Jeff can take it into the garage during the cold months and we'll cross our fingers that it will survive.  I threw in some lobelia (the blue flowered plant) on the side for more color - again, another plant we had in California.  Side note:  I did not appreciate how easy it was to grow plants when we lived there - and, what a huge selection we had to choose from!  Container in the front has basil seeds planted - hopefully I will have a summer's worth of fresh basil/pesto!
Another view of my color pot.  It makes me happy to see this!

Jeff had the ladder up while we were messing around in the yard, and naturally, Kip had to climb it...and then hop onto the roof:
Crazy cat!  He got himself down, which is more than I can say about our former cat, Pumpkin - he used to jump up from the side fence, go to the spot where Kip is pictured (which is above our back door) and then meow meow meow until one of us would drag a chair out, stand on it, and lift him off the roof.  Personally I think he just liked knowing that we would "rescue" him and he could have gotten down by himself, but who knows?

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Another 5K race is on tap for tomorrow...have a great weekend, everyone!

20 comments:

  1. Good luck this weekend. I wish we had a race where you could eat as much ice cream as you wanted. I would be there. I have 2 cars that go on our roof. .... They can get down. Lol

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  2. LOL at Paco: he is fast. Hope he enjoyed it!

    Love the plants and pots.

    I am signed up for a 5K next Sunday but don't think I'll be going. Don't really look forward to it, I rather run just by myself this weekend. Have fun tomorrow.

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    1. Is the 5K local? It might be motivating to get out with other runners!

      Paco IS fast, especially when I had the camera on the macro setting and was trying to get the shot in focus. He knows when to seize the opportunity!

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  3. paco is fast but that photo looks pretty d*mn...pretty to me!!!
    and tasty.
    and I shall sit back and wait for the review...

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  4. Wow, you are rocking the 5K races this year! Plus a longer run on your 'weekend off!'

    Yes, I'm impressed with your cooking skills. I will be checking out your review on Tuesday!

    Your containers are beautiful. Too bad we're not closer. I remarked to yard guy the other day that I might need to have a pot sale (we both laughed after I said that.) With all these plants going in the ground, I am not feeling the need to refill all the empty pots.

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  5. I actually just laughed out loud when I scrolled past your description of the slightly beat up cat. Thanks, I needed that!

    That apparent quiche looks awesome. I'm sure Paco's discerning palate would not have been interested were it not top notch. I might put you on the list of bloggers I constantly implore to come cook for me and mine! Have a great w/e, Shelley.

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    1. Oh Leslie, you don't really want me to cook for you. Assemble, sure...but leave the cooking to someone else!

      P.S. I still kinda wish it was a real kitty.

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  6. I remember your Blue Bell race recaps. Love the idea of all that ice cream.

    Good luck in your 5k. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  7. I love that pic of Paco and his lightning-fast tongue! Quiche looks yummy too! Good luck at your 5K this weekend. I am doing Half Marathon #10 on Sunday, which happens to be the same race I did as my first Half one year ago!

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  8. Between you and Debby with the outdoor stuff it makes me so ready for my garden!

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  9. Just taking a break - I have shop vacuumed my basement for 2 hours and I am on laundry #8!

    At first I thought Paco had taken a piece of your quiche, but then I saw his tongue - priceless!

    Good luck with the gardening - everything comes to my house to die. :( Have a great weekend!

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  10. Good luck this weekend! Beautiful flowers! That quiche looks great!

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  11. Your containers are so pretty! I'm going to try ONE this year. :)

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  12. I love container gardening, too. In the heat of August, mine usually die, but I enjoy them right up until they croak! This year, I'm trying Mandevilla, and hoping it will grow up a little trellis I have in the pot. We'll see!

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  13. I can't believe how many races you have to choose from each weekend. Hunh, it's almost like you like in a warm weather state or something... :)

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