everyone has these on their face.....

Tulips! Giggle....

In addition to an abundance of wallpaper in the house, the previous owners surrounded the place with flowers. I am much more tolerant of flowers outside than I am on wallpaper. I moved in at the end of the year so most of the flowers were gone. It's been a pleasant surprise. They are springing up everywhere.

It seemed like the trees sprung leaves overnight. The town takes on a whole new character in the Spring. I'm driving to Nashville tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the scenic drive.

Happy Vernal Equinox to everyone.

bratwurst, anyone?......

It was like a switch was thrown - it was 56 degrees this morning after months of sub freezing temperatures. I was able to wear shorts and a short sleeved shirt for my little early morning run. I've worn tights since December so the legs are a little white. I'm glad it's dark at 5:00am - the fewer people that see the overstuffed sausage casings which are my legs in tights, the better. I'm going to tempt fate and stash the tights in the closet until next December. I'm ready to declare winter over. I've had these tights for years and they seem to shrink while in storage. The first use each year always seems a little tight. giggle

finishers medal....

I have found a fun little running activity in Tennessee. There are road races at many of the state parks over the course of the year. The races range from 5K to a half marathon. Many races on city streets cost upwards of $75 for a half marathon. There are bands and "goodie" bags and finishers medals for all participants. The entry fee for these state park alternative races is $6. If you want a race shirt, the fee jumps to $19. For $6 you get a race number which gets recycled at the end of the race. No bands. No goodie bags

I did my 2nd state park race today. It was a 15K run (9.3 miles). Half of the race was along the rim of an incredible gorge and the other half of the race was on a paved path in the middle of the woods. I may spring for a cabin rental next year. The best part of races in Tennessee is that in place of a commemorative medal, they hand out Moon Pies at the finish. I don't bother hanging my Moon Pies in the closet with the rest of my medals. I enjoy it on the drive home. yum