Beach Bums

Oh Yikes!  I’ve been a bad blogger!  Apparently vacation mode changed my routine a bit and I kept forgetting to put all my doings into words.  So today I’m catching up while embracing the view I have at this table, the sounds of the ocean sneaking through the screen door, this cup of coffee, and the joys of memories this week has exposed.  I’ve always been a bit of a toes in the sand beach girl.

Mom had been asking me (with the help of mammaw/papaw Nelson) to come to the beach with them for awhile, but I of course indecisive and always worrying about something kept putting off the decision until the day of departure J  We left in the middle of the night/early morning to tackle the journey to the beach with Mom, Kelly, Andy, and Myself.  It was obvious from the start we missed dad’s packing skills…We got everything in the van but organization wasn’t a factor.  Dad could pack a house into a van; it must be a trait he had to acquire having 4 women packing whenever we went anyplace. 

This week has been a celebration I suppose of caregivers.  Mom, Kelly, and Andy have the day to day duties of helping with the care giving needs for dad.  I think through the struggle of this disease it’s sometimes easy to not fully understand the daily demands that fall within a caregivers day to day operations and it’s something I know me as well as others can easily not fully grasp what that actually takes.  So today we’ll honor all the caregivers J  Dad has been with a program through Hospice this week that helps provide a few days for a caregiver within the program to be able to go on vacation, and I understand just how important it’s been for them this week.  We laughed as it didn’t take but a few minutes for a nurse helping there to already know who dad was.  I can honestly say I’m certain that man has never met a stranger or been at a place someone didn’t know him.  Carter and Sophie have been entertaining papaw with visits with Tara and Troy, and we get updates from Becki, Gary, Denny, Kay, Mammaw & Pappaw Nelson sneaking in for some visits.  We’ve been giving dad all the updates of this week’s activities including of course the most important….were we’ve eaten for his interest.  I told dad yesterday we are lucky we are allowed back into any of the “All you can Eat Buffett” restaurants, they’ve either put us on the “not allowed list” or dad has probably already put them out of businessJ

Kelly, Mom, Me

We grew up coming to Nags Head, NC as kids and as a family.  Maybe that’s why it’s always been a favorite of mine due to the memories.  This week has been full of reminiscing and laughs of the stories we’ve had here.  It’s been I suppose what they call “good medicine” for the situation we are all in battling this disease that can stem bitterness.  Every day on my runs here…I think about my runs here with dad.  We aren’t staying in the same place many of those runs took place, but the smell of the ocean reminds me of me begging in my own head…”Please dad…make that turn movement where it means you are ready to turn around and I can turn around too” …or when upon turn around the back of the Ben Franklin store means we are finally almost back to the condo.  J 

It has been nice to switch up my running routine, some runs in the morning and new scenery, but most of all, and the sounds of the ocean J   Since I am due for a long training update I better get to it:

July 4^{th (}Wednesday)- HOT…. Oh wait that was the story of that week J  I did the usual road run just checking in on a few of the neighbors making sure everyone’s power was back on and alright J  Ran about 40 minutes.

July 5^th (Thursday)-  Today was a fun run!  Went to the Arts and Crafts Fair and got to meet up with Steven Nutter who was working a booth there with his dad and we planned on a run after close of the fair.  We ran out through Cedar Lakes with one of his cross country runners for about 50 minutes with some up & down hills.  It was a nice pace with lots of remember when laughs including telling his runner how old we were getting compared to high school pace days J  Then it was nice to talk to Randy and catch up with them as they were a 2^nd family to us growing up.

July 6^th (Friday)- It was an off day (the training log told me to) J

July 7^th (Saturday)- WELCOME TO THE BEACH!!!!  Ahhh the sun and the sound and the waves of ocean… and heat…don’t forget the heat J  Ran about 45 minutes checking out the new neighborhood and our neighbors for the week.

July 8^th (Sunday)- Ran about 40 minutes going the other direction today to see everything new there was to see.

July 9^th (Monday)- Rain Rain go away J  Ran just 20 minutes today…wanted to do something…but I think the laziness of the day started to sneak up on me.

July 10^th (Tuesday)- The workout said Hill Repeats or 40-45 easy run….seeing as my scenery doesn’t present a hill option I supposed I would embrace the 40 minute run today J  It wasn’t as hot and a little bit easier to breathe without so much of the humidity today.

July 11^th (Wednesday)- Ran 36 minutes….it was going to be 40 but apparently I ran back faster and even tried to loop around to add a few minutes.

Dad would always tease about running so he can eat whatever he wanted…but especially on vacation week and I’ve found myself thinking that a lot this week just for laughs.  Everytime someone asks where we are eating tomorrow we all start laughing.  This week has been good for the sole….I think for more reasons than I can find the words to describe.

The view from one of our Favorite Resturants Growing up: Fishermans Wharf

I hate to leave…but this view now has the sun sneaking through the rainy clouds we’ve had and I’m not certain my attention will last much longer while I see a great spot to sit my chair for the day J  I’ve got a new notebook to work on for a list of to do’s and planning for the next step in our Team Spangler for Team Fox….so many of these memories give more reasons to continue this battle for a cure.  I’d give anything to have our dad here with us eating all he can eat…and knowing he’d want to go fishing off the Piers I’ve found myself running by every day.

Dad is Always "Waiting on a Woman" :)

The Calm After the Storm
   I guess Calm may not be the right word yet, as some are still recovering and others waiting for power to return.  Amazing what a storm less than an hour in length can leave behind.  No…WV didn’t have a tornado (which I have experienced before) but we did have winds strong enough to compare to.  We were beyond lucky to arrive home without any trees sitting on the house itself, but we do have enough fire wood to last us a few winters and enough branches to have several large bonfires to enjoy soon enough.  It’s amazing how much we take for granted when we realize just how much we depend on things and it throws us for a loop (and most of that depending gesture comes just out of what makes things convenient for us..not what is a necessity).  Something that seems as simple as electricity in the midst of 100+ degree days we don’t realize how much we have become convenience by throughout our life. 

     It also shows compassion in people.  We had several stopping to check in to make sure things were alright once they determined their house was alright…the text messages shared (if we could get enough cell phone service to get it out).  Yesterday on my run I stopped by several of the houses I’ve made friends with along my route to check in.  It was neat to hear everyone’s version of the storm and their updates of when they heard we were getting our electric back (funny how some had it down to the hour and many still heard it would be days).  Ripley apparently was the only place that had gas in the area so there were lines of cars backed up on both sides of the road whenever we would try to get out. 

     During this if I was able to get through the “All circuits are busy” recording when trying to call mom (on her cell due to their phone being out too..and if you know cell phone service that’s a shot in the dark as well), they got power back, lost it, and luckily got it back sooner than others.  Mom had to go to Ellenboro to get her cell phone to work enough to call out to us. I didn’t think they had any trees close enough to damage the house too much but you never know.  Dad’s oxygen runs off electric as well as his bed (it pushes air through the mattress  to help keep it stabilized with air making it easier for him to lay on), so when the power went out, it means dad’s mattress deflates and so forth.  Mom and Kelly were making it work with pillow cushions and had to really create some new ideas of how to get dad situated.   Thankfully they were in a good spot for the power to kick back on sooner than others and were able to get dad back to usual flow of things.  Mom mentioned yesterday she put on the DVD we got dad that was the season episodes of the Andy Griffith Show….he spent yesterday enjoying that.  Which oddly enough, I hate to hear the passing of Andy Griffith today after mom was just talking about that yesterday.  Dad always would have that on TV when episodes would run and whistle the theme song.

As far as the training goes:

Friday:  We went to pick Blackberries at a friend’s farm, which obviously didn’t happen due to the storm, nor did a run happen in the aftermath of everything.

Saturday:  Got a little run in for a short bit…probably only 2 miles..but spent the day, raking, picking up sticks…racking more…dragging trees around…so I’m assuming that’s some sort of cross training…and I’m sad to admit I am sore today J

Sunday:  I didn’t actually run today….did spent the entire day with sunlight permitting of continuing to clean up etc.  I suppose yet again I’ll claim it as a “Rocky” style day of cross training and lifting J  (You’d be surprised how sore your stomach will be after bending down 1000 times) J

Monday:  Ran about 5 miles…took a few little breaks to stop in and check on a few neighbors…checked on another neighbor’s puppy too and changed his water as they went into town to stay for a few days due to not having any power. 

***Also a note…MONDAY started the official start date to the 18 week training schedule our new Team Fox Coach has sent us.  I’m so excited to have a training schedule given to me to work off of and feel like a plan is in place to get this race underway. 

My little note for the day can highlight another WV’ian (as we all love our hometown people) signing and the guest in his video Andy Griffith…but I figure this song is appropriate for dad….he’s spent his whole life with a wife and 3 daughters…. “Waiting’ on a Woman”

If that Link Doesn't work with your browser here is a direct link:

Brad Paisley "Waiting on a Woman" with Andy Griffith

Dad with all his women he has to wait on :)

Mini- Fundraising Friday Update

Running update J

Monday: I suppose it goes without saying that Monday was a lot cooler then today’s temperatures.  I should have ran 20 miles on Monday to carry over the rest of this week’s hot temperatures J  I did just want to change up my routine a little bit once I got running and decided a little hill workout might be interesting to throw in the mix.  I kinda wanted the sense to be sore and feel pain (weird I know)..but I just wanted to “feel” like I was pushing myself in the mix of things.  I went to a cemetery a little bit down the road from our house.  I ran about 15 minutes prior to going there…mind you it was a smaller hill (I don’t want to be stupid here)..and I chose to do 7 hill repeats… why not…it’s our lucky number and it sounded good J  So I did those while cooling down with the loop around.  I than ran about 15 minutes to cool down to make a total run of about 40 minutes.

Tuesday:  Ran about 5 1/2 miles, and yes my legs are sore J  I suppose I was successful in that venture. 

Wednesday:  Ran about 5 miles (same old same old) J  I wish I had thought to take my running stuff with me as I was in Charleston for a work event and a chance of scenery with a run along the river would have been so nice!

Thursday:  Mom came to visit J  We went out to dinner and enjoyed the evening.  Mom and I walked for about 3 miles on the road, so I suppose I’ll have to let this day slide for a running day. 

I OFFICIALLY got the registration number to sign up for the marathon…so its official….My name is on the roster for the NYC marathon!  (Yikes..I’m nervous)

We also heard from our Team Fox Coach this week….they have an 18 week training scheduled put together for us to help us with our training effort.  It officially starts July 2^nd, so I’m really looking forward to someone now telling me what to do.  (can’t you tell I’m a coach’s kid?).  Hopefully I have built a little bit of “base mileage” and ready to feel like I can do this again and use the actual word TRAINING.  One of the first things too we are looking to do is get a “GOAL” for finish time for the marathon, I almost don’t even know how to approach it…so we’ll work on that. 

To keep with the “Fundraising Friday” theme I introduced awhile back ago…I did want to give a little update. 

Our Total on the Fundraising Page right now is:  $2829.84

I am currently in 4^th place for the NYC marathon Team of Team Fox….so we are in the midst of getting some plans set!  I have more details to come…. But have completely ran out of time today, but wanted to check in with everyone! J

Check back on Monday for some more updates!  

I hope everyone has a great weekend….and get out there and do something….

(well…when it cools down) J 

Run/Train for Any Race Conditions :)

Ahhhh It’s Monday, and Monday’s ALWAYS arrive too quickly after a weekend.  I’m sure we all hear that every Monday, but it’s true J

I’ve realized I slacked a little bit towards the end of last week on the blog, so I have some catching up to do.  I have been on a running spell, so it’s been nice to feel like I’m getting somewhere with all this. 

Wednesday- I had this day off of work (Due to a state holiday in WV)..So I was excited to be able to run at a different time in the day to switch up my routine.  However, I got myself out the door around 9:30am and it was already HOT (I believe temperatures topped around almost 100 degrees this day)….  So a battle of the heat was on.  Mom said I was crazy when I was talking to her on the run, however when she told dad he didn’t pick a side of who was right (Me or Mom) about running at the time…he knows better by now to pick sides. J  I ran about 6 miles today just for the pure mental power of saying I ran 6 miles in heat of that sort.  (Yes I’m well aware some refer to that as stupid)

Thursday- I held off running till later this evening to beat the heat for 2 days in a row.  I didn’t add the extra “Loop” this evening so the run was probably only about 5 ½ miles.

Friday- I took this day off… honestly I have a knee issue that still tends to act up at times from a stress fracture in college…so I don’t want to flare it up this early on and it was really bothering me this morning, so a little ice pack it is.  (Oh the college injury excuse) J

Saturday-  Back at it…and ran about 6 miles and looped around to get the mail down the road a bit to add a little bit more to this run.  It was another little bit hotter of a day, I suppose it makes you feel like your accomplishing more with the extra challenge.

Sunday-  Brock road the bike with me today so I was hoping to get just a little bit more in today with the extra time we had.  It’s funny when I find myself talking to myself in my head about wanting to turn around and then making myself go “one more tree” up before turning around just to think I pushed myself a little further than I first thought.  I ran probably between 6 ½- 7 miles today.

I promised myself on the cold days I wouldn’t complain about the hot days…so I’m zipping my lips.  I suppose that’s one blessing of living in an area of season changes…with this journey taking time, I’ll be battling the best of all seasons.  I have to laugh…there are many moments I find myself in a “head game” with my own self.  I think I wanted to run during the not recommended times of the day sometimes just to prove to myself I did it even when it was a little hard.  Dad always said (and many other famous people/quotes) You never know what race conditions will be one day, so you have to train for all elements.  Now, me saying the word “race” scares me a little bit.  I’m trying to tell myself to complete this marathon, not race it…..as soon as it becomes real competitive I know I can obsessively get involved with it to want to be the best and for this, I’m just wanting to focus on the journey.  I guess I still feel a slight panic as if I won’t be ready…as if this race is coming up next week.  I even get nervous seeing the ticker on the blogger page and even though it says 131 days till the race, I feel like it’s coming up sooooo soon.  I feel like I should be running 15-20 miles each day already. 

I remember when we were in high school and a group of us decided to run the Parkersburg Half Marathon.  With cross country being in season many told us not to “race it”…just “get the run in”.  So we decided we’d pretty much run the race together…but we wanted to embrace the atmosphere as if we were “fast”.  We kept sneaking up further and further into the mile pace time at the start of the race to see if we could get close to the Kenyan’s who were the race winning contenders (and to try to make it on TV).   I think we goofed off part of the race just enjoying the miles.  At one water stop I remember us laughing about something and some lady being mad and saying if we had that much energy then we should pick up the pace and run faster.  (I think she was just hitting a wall at the time maybe) J  Most other runners whom we were running next to would strike up a conversation and ask where we were from and exchange a little conversation before moving along. 

I do have to say, I’ve always loved the “runners world”.  I’ve played my share of sports, and it is within the world of runners there is an unspoken level of respect.  We may be competing against one another, but to be at the stage of competing against one another we realize how hard we both had to work to get to that level.  I think when it was runners vs. runners I pretty much was friends with the groups who was usually in the packs with us (high school as well as college).  Now basketball…. Not so much J  In high school basketball was a bit of a rivalry a little bit and some players seemed to not like the others no matter what as much….but in college I think it’s safe to say my coach would tease and tell me to use my running ability to run the other way from a few rivalry’s between schools and player positions.

 It’s all in good humor, but running is what taught me the most self discipline.  I know if I didn’t log my miles, it would be myself that would suffer the most.  Getting up earlier in the morning on vacation to get your run in before the day activities got started (as well as the heat), morning runs, late night runs.  There were always sacrifices to be made, but you had to determine first what we wanted to achieve out of life and make the sacrifices according to that, otherwise maybe it isn’t worth it to you.  Dad had lots of those talks with me through high school.  There were many times there was something I thought I was really missing out on because I had a AAU tournament or game one weekend, but I realize everything always worked out and there was a good balance of goals and play.  I’d met some of my best friends through AAU basketball who had a lot of the same dreams I had and a group of girls that were going through the same sacrifices as me that helped me understand it is worth it.

So thank you dad, for helping me realize that my life wouldn’t end because I missed something at the time I thought was the biggest event ever J  Values change over time, but we keep learning things from each stepping stone.  I’ve realized so much through this that not every tiny thing has to be perfect….because in life…..things could always be worse, I just wish it didn’t take this battle you fight every day for me to realize it.  Some people never realize just how good they have it till they realize someone so close to them has it so much worse.  I think twice now before I complain about something to second guess if it’s really worth complaining about.

Dad with some of his high school football teamates at a reunion...Sherman High School
(Dad is the one on the far right 2nd row, blue t-shirt)
Dad went on to earn a scholarship to WVU to play football as well as later transferred to Glenville to play Football & Baseball on a scholarship.
Through high school dad made many sacrafices to get to practices etc so he could give himself the opportunity to attend college and play sports.

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day (Belated)

Running Update:

Friday- sadly I slacked this day; I had traveled to Hocking Hills to meet up with some of my friends from OH and didn’t get a run in.

Saturday- I ran a little bit in the morning and then we spent the day canoeing so hopefully that accounts for something J

Sunday- We spent the day visiting dad and the family so I didn’t get home till after dark, which means I have a lot of catching up to do with some miles this week!  One of my next longer runs I hope to do soon is from my “hometown” house to my grandma Nelson’s.  She always hated when I did that in high school because she said it made her worry….so I’ll just not tell her and surprise her one day with arriving all sweaty for a visit J

Monday- I changed my evening run around a little bit, I was still on the road but made a few different loops etc.  I ran for about 45 minutes and the rain didn’t release any of the humid in the air, which caused for a rather hot evening. 

I have to admit, I’ve started this blog post a couple times and been at a point where I’m not sure where to go with it.  Being as it’s a day to focus on our fathers….as you’ve read I focus on my dad a lot.  We visited dad and dropped off some Amish Country Cheese that brought a smile to his face which made the day for me.  (Brock proudly displayed his pictures that showed his catch of frogs from the opening weekend of Frog Gigging knowing well that dad would appreciate it)… Dad was having a bit of a rough day and seemed extremely tired and struggled at being able to respond much.  However a smile and his eyes lighting up makes it a little better.  We had a cookout at my grandparent’s (Nelson) so being surrounded by a family, laugher, sunshine and food of course made for a great day. 

I’m blessed to be able to call my inspiration in life, my favorite coach, and my best friend…”dad”.  Over the years we’ve had ups and downs in regards to learning experiences and perspectives on “life”.  I’d folded up my basketball uniform a few times in high school and set it on his bed saying I quit to prove a point J  I’ve even pretended to be asleep on a few occasions to avoid talks about what I needed to practice on, or should have done differently upon follow up game nights. (He may not actually know that, but I’ve admitted to mom) J  There have even been some life moments where I know he may not have agreed with me on what I chose to do, but he knew enough to let me figure it out on my own, and for that I’m the stronger person I am today for it. 

Dad receiving award at LKC Night of Champions

People always laughed about me never being but a few steps away from dad growing up.  There were always jokes about dad’s big blue truck he use to drive, and he’d be behind the driving wheel and I’d be standing up in the middle seat right next to him.  (Apparently that displays my age as seat belts weren’t required at that time nor the exposure of importance yet)  My number was always #7 from T-ball to Little League because that was dad’s football number. 

I always knew if dad didn’t fully agree with something because he’d ask “are you sure” at least 5 times.  If anyone knows me, I’m never SURE…..I’d rather make business decisions all day and leave the easy everyday decisions to someone else :)  I’m certain I’ve rolled my eyes several times in my lifetime of speeches J  I’m certain I didn’t always agree at that point and time whatever dad was trying to teach me if it really was going to teach me anything….but even if I don’t remember exactly what it was that particular taught me, I’m certain when I look back at specifics it lead me to understanding somehow the place that I’m at.  Dad knows how stubborn I can be, I mean to this day I’ve never been wrong (and if I was trust me I have a justified reason as to how I’m not 100% wrong) J  I was a perfectionist, (still am to a point but I’ve learned to loosen up a little)  Dad even tried to talk me into missing a day of school once for no reason, just to learn to lighten up a little but I couldn’t stand the fact of not having 100% attendance.  I remember being so sick during Cross Country one time dad literally made me go to the vehicle to sleep followed by a visit to the ER because I never really admitted to much pain which meant something really was wrong.  Dad would sometimes ask me why I was so stubborn but I think I usually just stared at me as if he’d asked a rhetorical question that deep down he knew the answer was looking right back at him. 

I suppose that stubborn gene is why dad has put up such a battle with his fight against Parkinson’s.  He’s never let any of us give up at anything.  All the right people who embrace his guidance will learn from all this and take everything they possibly can from it and be a better person because of it. 

Like I’ve said before, I’m not always the best around dad on his bad days.  It’s hard for me to see the strongest man I’ve ever known to struggle.  This journey is helping me deal with some of all this to feel like I’m fighting this with dad in some way.   I asked him on Sunday….”Dad I’m getting beat by 2 people in fundraising that’s on the NYC marathon Team with me…I know I’m not suppose to look at it like that because it’s all for a great cause….but it’s your fault I’m so competitive and can’t stand to lose…is it alright if I make this a competition?”  He shook his head yes and I’m certain he knows it was going to turn into that…and like I said….it’s his fault J

Dad with his 3 Girls

Dad isn’t just my dad....he’s a father to 3 outspoken and loud girls J; he’s a grandfather to Sophie and Carter,  He’s a “dad” to all of “Terry’s kids” from his involvement with coaching…. So for Father’s Day and Everyday…. Thank you dad…just doesn’t seem to justify the level of appreciation for all you’ve done.

Dad and Sophie

Dad with Carter (2009)

Fathers Day 2009 at Mammaw & Pappaw Nelson's

Sorry Dad...no grandkids from me yet...so your stuck with the dog as a grandkid for awhile :)

"She thinks we're just fishing"

Before I get too involved with this story….

**I did run yesterday evening (A little 5 mile run) while stopping to visit a neighbor I always wave at and wanted to at least check in….long story short….he ended up being from Boone County (where dad is from) and we know some of the same people…go figure….funny what a small world)

I heard this song on my way home last night and it seemed appropriate to blog about.  It kinda brought some tears to my eyes as the personal meaning it means to me.  Also, like many other days, the timing seemed funny after my blog I posted, maybe that’s why it caught my attention as much as it did.

A few trips ago back when I was at home visiting…we all were talking about fishing.  I had showed dad the pictures through the TV from my camera of kids at the reunion fishing and all the fish they caught.  We couldn’t help but tell the story of “the one that got away” at Crystal Lake.  You know we all have “that one” that makes a true fishing story exaggerated enough to think it possibly was the biggest fish you’ve ever seen “around these parts”. 

I meant to go through some pictures last night and try to find some photos of fishing when I was younger, so I may need to come back and update some later. 

I have some really fond memories of Crystal Lake (for those of you not from around here, it’s NOT the one from the horror movie Jason)

Dad Being able to fish Shortly after his Brain Surgery procedure (at Crystal Lake).  He was able to get around better for a short while after that.

As kids I was either running laps around the single lane black top path, walking around fishing in all the right spots, laps of riding bike, swimming, in Ryan Jones’s case falling into the lake, soaking up some sun, etc.  It goes without saying as soon as darkness crept up you could find us on the dock setting up camp for a night full of catfishing (don’t forget the chicken liver, my secret hot dog bait, and whatever bait someone mentioned the night before they caught some with).  Sometimes one of us may have taken a break to make a lap around the lake to see how everyone else was doing, but I usually stayed put to show off our catches upon anyone passing by our dock because we had a reputation to keep (ok actually at the time I was too young to drive) J  I think catfishing is a contributor to the lesson of learning patience.  It’s just too tempting to reel a little bit of the line in to see if you just might feel a little tug at the other end, or worry maybe your bait was gone.  Sitting there in our chairs, with our flashlights handy, surrounded by whatever disgusting smell of bait we chose maybe isn’t for everyone, but for me and dad…..it was perfect. 

Now…the one that got away….One day Rick and Isaiah were there for the day visiting (thank goodness they were so I had some witnesses) and I was on the dock casting away.  Upon reeling in one cast I got a bite…a big one…you know one that makes the pole jerk and pull and bend which induces panic and probably a few slight squeals.  Of course quickly followed by the screaming of “DAAAAADDDDDDDD”.  I’m certain those butterflies in my stomach added to the pitch of my voice which created panic to dad and Rick that something bad happened and they came running down the steps.  (Honestly speaking I don’t blame them; we usually were up to something)  This fish jerked, pulled, swam in, swam out…dad kept telling me to let it wear itself out and I kept wanting to reel it in.  We finally fought the fish for what seemed like 3 days….(hence the true fisherman exaggeration here)….  Now…here is where the story goes bad…..  I handed the rod to dad….  Regret #1 (or maybe no regret at all because now I get to place this blame on him).  I was probably driving him nuts upon my way of handling the fish so he decided he better take over.  We finally got the fish close to the dock and dad started to pull it up and it was bending the reel really bad, so Rick decided to reach down and see if he could pull it up.  (It was a bass)  Well Dad thought Rick had a hold of it, so he jerked on the line to do I don’t know what, however that resulted in the hook coming out of the fish and as all big fish stories go….the fish wrestled away and swam off without us getting it out of the water completed to see just how big….But I do promise you it was at least 12-15 inches “halfway” out of the water……  As I type this I feel the disappointment creep back….ohhh thank goodness it was dad holding the pole J

I do think there were a few days of silence between us and I’m almost certain I didn’t allow him to touch my pole after that.  Even though that fish probably would have broken the line far before that if I had been holding the pole, but those are just minor details in the midst of this.

Still Love Fishing :)

Just a little Catch for the Day....notice the 2 chairs sitting on the dock...they always say, try to find a man who reminds you of your dad....(don't worry I reel in my own fish now) :)

Carter's Fish, my nephew, (We may need to stretch the truth on this one when we tell pappaw what we caught in his pond)

Sophie's (my niece) Pretty Fish to tell pappaw About

I treasure all those talks we shared waiting on a pole or bobber to move (even just a little jiggle to stir up some hope) all those nights.  I’m certain that’s where dad and I became best friends. 

Now…I suppose I need to go looking for the next big catch to stir up a good story.  As the saying goes…

“Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.”

Country Roads...

I have to say…. I’m so glad to be living back closer to home.  This weekend we had my cousin’s wedding and it was so nice to feel “closer” for such a family event. Since moving back to West Virginia, I feel like I’ve seen my family more in a year then I’ve been able to see combined in the last 6 years.  I am a few days shy of “Officially” being back/living in WV for a year J  As the song sings…”Country Roads Take Me Home, to the Place I belong…”  I suppose as my Dayton friends (and college friends in Pittsburgh) tease, I’ve always been a little bit country J

As for the running updates….

Friday:  Ran 6 miles… Tried to have a few intervals of extending my stride just to change up the pace a bit to alter my run a little. 

Saturday:  Ran an easier 4 miles today. 

Sunday:  Ran about 4 ½ miles at a little bit of a steadier pace.  Brock ran with me this evening so it was nice to have some company along the run. (I"m sure this goes without saying with both of us being too competitive for our own good a nice little sprint was added at the end...I won't reveal the results) :)

Monday:  Took this evening off, was ready to go for a run but the weather didn’t look very good, a lot of rain and thunder etc.

Tuesday:  Raced home to try to beat the storm that was looking to take over the area. Of course it decided to get ugly when I was getting off work and during the day it was beautiful as I had to be stuck inside.  I didn’t want to get trapped inside again like last evening so I figured I’d take the chance. I told mom I felt like I needed a ignite start button this evening as my feet where moving, I just didn’t feel like I was going anywhere.   Ran about 6 miles.. on the way home the storm clouds were rolling in so I assume it goes without say my sprint back was a bit of a faster pace than usual.  Nothing like some thunder and lightning to make you speed up a bit.

Congrats Betsy on a Beautiful Day and Wedding!

Aunt Kay made sure we went home with food for dad to enjoy (she spoils him with some of his favorites she makes him) and making sure dad got to share in the day that way.  She obviously knows the way to dad’s heart (well stomach for that matter) J

Speaking of being gone a year, I’m really looking forward to seeing some of my girlfriends from Dayton this weekend.  I didn’t realize the timing of this would be so close to the one year Anniversary J  I’m still debating on who I can convince to go for a run with me while we are there. 

Dad….thank you for teaching me to love the outdoors.  We've spend many days on the banks of the lake fishing and anywhere else we could find.  This time of the year I appreciate so much of loving having anything to do with being outside enjoying the sunshine and cool evenings.  I look forward to bombfire nights, s’mores, and roasting hot dogs on an open flame, even if my city friends are confused at growing up on 72 acres and not being “farmers” J