Pictureless post

I have a few projects in the works, so I won't be able to post as often as I'd like.  First, I pulled out the bushes in the front so that I can "young it up" as Ina (my Realtor) likes to say.  I posted an ad on Craigslist for free bushes, and wouldn't you know, I had people lining up to dig out the bushes for free!  I should have done that the first time around instead of laboring away for hours.  Now I just have to design a new garden bed, transplant a few of the existing plants, and buy a few new ones.  I'm thinking a few some hydrangeas or azaleas.

I've planted my Victory Garden v3 this year.  In the back, it's cilantro, tatsoi, peas, and green beans.  On the side, 6 tomato plants, including a purple one, broccoli, eggplant, peppers, and strawberries.  In the front, cucumbers and strawberries.  I still remember BoBo ripping a green tomato off the vine and running around the yard with it last year.  I can't wait to see her again, she's the best little grump I know.

Puppy Hauler

$5,000 ouchie.

As most of you know, I got into a little car accident at the end of March.  I was turning left into my driveway when the car behind me managed to hit Zippy on the driver's side front wheel and bumper, drive across my front lawn, and stop her car a few houses up from mine.  That's right, the LEFT side.  The cop who showed up to take the police report was a bit incredulous too.  Save some neck pain the next day, I was fine.  BoBo and Singer appear to be fine too.

In any event, I thought this would be a quick fix, until I started to drive to my evening obligation.  That's when I realized driving the car felt like operating a Whirlyball car.  Not good!  Well, after the other driver's insurance company threatened to total my car, I ended up in a rental Hyundai Santa Fe.  I thumbed my nose at the giant, gas guzzling SUV until I started getting used to the power windows, keyless entry, power locks, hatchback door.... The White Lightning was awesome!  Of course, he also drove like a swaying boat, cost me over $150 in gas over the course of 3 weeks, and required skillful maneuvering in the parking garage.  But I'd been seduced.  My next car may likely be a 5 door Hyundai Accent.  138 horsepower, 5 year roadside assistance, 100,000 mi warranty... ahh what luxury!

I finally got Zippy back last week.  He has a brand new headlight, suspension, front bumper, and some other shiny things.  While all the bells and whistles were nice and convenient, I think I'll be keeping Zippy for a while longer.  He's been trouble free since the start, and has a good 5-7 years left in him.

New love

For the last few weeks, I've been obsessed with the idea of biking with Singer.  After checking out Craigslist for bikes and coming up empty handed, I bit the bullet and hit the big box stores.  I ended up at Sports Authority, choosing between a "comfort bike" (shocks on the nearly 6 inch wide seat!) and a mountain bike.  Feeling optimistic about my ability to master two wheels, I went with the mountain bike.  The salesman was quite concerned when he realized why I wanted the bike, especially after he saw me trying to test out the bikes in the aisles.  In any event, four weeks later, Singer and I are competently cruising around the block.  The trick is to keep the leash short and to let go when necessary.  Otherwise, it can get ugly.  

Easter dogs.

My Little Easter Bunny!

Getting a helping paw from Singer.

Singer and Bo finally made it to the Manchester Doggie Easter Egg Hunt this year!  (It was rained out last year.)  Ten bucks per dog family gets you about 4 minutes of frantic egg scooping, surrounded by dogs who couldn't care less about what's going on.  So what was the total take?  Lots of free nail clipping coupons and two, count them, two free dog consults at a local vet.  I'd say that was a pretty good ROI.  Plus, this awesome shot of Singer with her paw around Bo's back.

Half Marathon

At the reservoir, chomping at the bit.

My friend Misti and I are distance-training for a half marathon.  We have a google calendar to track our work outs, and are using a novice training schedule.  Singer and Bo have volunteered to be my in-person training partners.

My goal is to do a half marathon sometime in late Spring or early Summer and do the full marathon in mid-October.  Maybe I should add a running log to the blog?