Snake on the run!

Running from AJ that is.

We passed this snake on our run today. I kept running and AJ stayed behind to play for a while. Poor snake, I bet it was glad when AJ finally left it alone. We did a google search and figured out it might be a green or black snake, not harmful to humans. I say a snake is a snake.

My son and his wife came in for the weekend. We had a bunch of fun together. Take a look at the loot they gave me for my Birthday.

I wore this set to church today. I LOVE this color green.

Look at my new lunch box and I am going to use the other bag as my coupon notebook carrier.

Here is a picture of AJ drinking a Starbucks frap just before church. Here in Fredericksburg you are not in the groove unless you walk in any establishment  holding a Starbucks cup.

I didn't notice his eyes were closed when I snapped this photo. It looks as if he really needs a coffee.

Alway put on your bib when you are CRACKIN! I love Joe's Crab Shack. I always get the classic steamed pot.

This is the dressing room at Target. I hate, I mean hate dressing room mirrors. I noticed I have bumps and lumps in areas that were meant to be smooth. Thus, the 3 mile run today. No actually, I have a 5k this next weekend at Wicked Bottom. I did end up buying the maxi dress. Yeah! I have been looking for one I liked for a month.

I will end today's post with a pic of AJ hanging curtian rods.

I His sheltering hands.......................................amy

The last 7 days I have held onto His word.

This past 7 days has been terrible. After a wonderful vacation the nightmare began with my GS Millie losing use of her back legs at a rest stop on the VA/TN border. After a week of meds she is some better, but her back legs still wabble and turn inward. After much research online I have concluded that she might have spinal degeneration. I will continue to do my best for her and try to keep my girl going as long as I can focusing on quality of life.

Last Wed I was told I needed a breast biopsy as they found several areas that "just looked funny" on the mammogram and follow up ultrasound. I also found out it would be two weeks until the surgeon could see me. TWO WEEKS! "Lady, you don't understand, this is a mental hell." You see, I was a hospice nurse for 11 years and have a tendency to focus on the bad or termial side of breast cancer.

Today, I was able to see that surgeon due to a cancelation and THANKFULLY can put it all behind me. The areas are something called adeomas which will need to be watched but she was not concerned. I have a follow up appointment June 22 to have them remeasured.

I must say I have been given the best care with Martha Jefferson Health Care System. If you have a history of or family history of breast cancer in your family I highly recommend the Breast Care Specialists here. I have met a lot of docs in my nursing career and NEVER have I been provided such compasionate care. I thank God that he positioned me in their hands.

Thanks prayer warriors for praying for me to get a good report.

Here is to the survivors and those who lost to the battle of breast cancer.

Please schedule a mammogram today.

PLEASE

In His big hands...............................amy

The Great Smokie Mountains

AJ and I just returned home from our spring break trip to the Great Smokie Mountains.  We had a wonderful time. Sadly our break did not seem long enough.

This is a picture of our cabin we stayed in at Pigeon Forge. We always rent through Sunset rentals and this cabin was called Blackberry Delight.

Our first evening we ate in Gatlinburg at Bubba Gumps. As always, Bubba did not disappoint.

I had the boiled seafood pot with this awesome wine butter sauce.

I guess you guys have noticed that I am a total seafood freak.

Save a horse and ride a cowboy!!! Amen brother.

Look what AJ tried. Free moonshine tasting! No thank you! I will not touch the stuff.

It was a hard choice since they had all kinds of different flavors.

Salute! He reported the cherry was the best.

I drank mine right out of the jug.....Nah, just kidding, but it made for a cute pic.

The next day we rode our bikes 11 miles around Cades Cove. It was a spectacular trip.

We got to see all kinds of wildlife.

Good thing we had trained to run the 10k a few weeks ago, otherwise I am not sure we could have made the entire trip. A bunch of hills was involved.

AJ had a perfect score in a shooting contest.

Uhhhh, NO THANK YOU! We have experienced the real thing.

The highlight of my trip was my hour ride on Ruby.

Giddy-up Ruby!

Please, can't I take her home?

Beautiful views of the Smokies during our ride.

We went to two dinner theaters. This is a sign just outside of the Hatfields and McCoys and we also saw the The Lumber Jack Feud. Both were terrific!

We toured the Titantic Museum. I found it very sad and interesting. They have a room set up that mimics that cold night and you can dip your hand into 28 degree water to see how long you can stand it.

I found this T-shirt for AJ at the Hatfied and McCoy gift shop. Baby, you are still my Stud Muffin!

Say a little prayer for my Millie, she collasped on the Va/Tn line at a rest stop on the way home. Her hind legs gave out. She is almost 13. I am praying God gives me more time with her.

Placing Millie in God's big hands...................................amy

OK.....I was sicker than I thought!

I did not write about Sunday or Monday's events because it was too painful for me to relive and too gross for me to write about, but it really affected my body. After finishing Saturday's 10K I was fine. AJ and I went out to eat and even shopped afterward. Saturday was wonderful! I had reached a goal that I had set for myself. Actually, I really did not feel a strain from the run.

 But, Sunday morning at 2am I was awakened with a terrible stomach virus and a high fever that lasted until Monday night. I  am just getting back to feeling normal today. So, I thought it would be a good day to start training for our next event, "The Wicked Bottom 5K".  I mean, it is only 3.2 miles, pretty easy, right? NOT!! I struggled to run 2 miles. I mean gosh, I am OUT OF SHAPE! In four days. Well, I  know I need to hydrate, not to sound gross but I am peeing brown and have lost 5lbs since Saturday.  I guess I should not expect my body to run, period. So, my plan for the rest of the week is to eat clean and drink, drink, drink.

If you are interested in running the Wicked Bottom here is the info:

Run the Wicked Bottom!
Come on out for the 3rd Annual Wicked Bottom 5K and experience the fun everyone had last year!
The run starts from the lush grounds of Old House Vineyards. Passing the rows of vines and following the gravel road, runners will hop across Old Stevensburg Road and bound into one of Culpeper's little secrets - Lenn Park. The trail will wind along the border of the park property in view of Mountain Run Creek, then loop back ending at the vineyards. The course is fairly level with only a few short hills and with luck, you may catch a glimpse of wildlife.
Awards will be provided to the overall male/female finishers, and to 1st - 3rd place finishers in 11 different age groups of: 14 and under, 15-19,20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60+.
Don't forget the kids! A 1/2-mile fun run through the vineyards will be held prior to the start of the 5K.
Wait! If interested, there will be free massage by Holly Brim, CMT (she is already booked) and Karen Backman will be offering Yoga after the race for your relaxation and to help stretch out those tight muscles.

Also, the vineyard will be providing wine tastings throughout the day.
NEW!! The first 100 participants are guaranteed an event TECHNICAL t-shirt. So register early! (those registered by 4/6 will be guarenteed thier size)

In his hydrating hands......................amy

Spring Walk

What a beautiful day! After supper AJ and I ventured outside with the dogs for a wonderful spring walk. Fist we have to have the proper equipment and put on the dreaded leash.

Here is my spring wreath. If you look close enough you can see me with the camera.

Yep, my plants are still living thanks to mother nature. It has nothing to do with my care. Perhaps the bunny has been taking care of them???

How embarassing! I know, I had a camera and the temptation was there.

This is the back view of the lake. I may just have to stay here and let AJ commute home a couple times a week. The lake is coming to life and I am loving it.

Can you believe my neighbor told me to ****off!  Ha! Ha! I seem to have a bathroom theme today.

Someone is keeping a close eye on my german shepherd.

Yeah! Look what we put in the water today! Yep, the USS Millie named after my adorable GS.

Here's to warm weather and sweet boating.

In His great big hands..............................amy

And May the Odds Forever Be In Your Favor

Well we made it......................
Here is a glimpse into the journey.

AJ and I left the house at 7am. I was broken hearted that it was raining. Here is a pic of me in route to Richmond. Now Mrs. Aylor, you know every princess has to have some bling! I bought this headband thinking of you.

This is a pic of  the shuttle trip to Monument Park. I am very grateful it was a prerun ride because it was close quarters.

I was very honored to run with the best of the best. Mr. Army ran with his 50 pound backpack all 6.2 miles. I had NO reason to complain after he allowed me to try to lift it. I can't imagine carrying it 6 feet much less 6 miles.

Thank you for your service to our Great Country Mr. Army.

We also found Waldo!

Here we are just before the start. AJ was so pumped his arm was shaking.

 Look who was cheering us on Hunger Game's style.

Wow! Mile 6 here we come.

And the big finish!!!!!!!!!

All of the hard training paid off! Here are my stats according to my fitness recorder.

Average heartrate was 140

Highest heartrate was 164

Duration of run was 1:25

I burned 800 calories!!!

So you know what that means? A trip to the Cheesecake Factory!

I had the chicken and biscuits.

Pay special attention to my Nike Jacket. Martha Duff gave me that several years ago. She was a special friend who died way to soon. Here's to you Martha!

In His great big hands..........................amy

.

Lazy Sunday ended shaking, rattling and rolling.

Don't ya love a lazy Sunday? AJ and I ate and slept a lot. I felt like my body needed a nice recovery day and I took advantage of the cloudy, cool day and rested. But first we wanted a carby, high fat breakfast and ended up at IHOP. I ordered the multigrain pancakes and fake eggs. Yuck to the eggs and yum to the pancakes. I used sugar free pancake syrup instead of the real maple syrup and it was really good.

AJ had the high cholesterol meal and enjoyed every minute of it.

The rest of our Sunday we spent laying around in bed reading the Washington Post looking for a room to rent until we can move.

I am so glad we napped and rested most of the day because at 11:21pm we had a significant aftershock of 3.1. Since the earthquake AJ and I have kept a floor fan running at night trying to prevent a night wake up call but unfortunately this aftershock was louder than the fan and we were shaking, rattling and rolling. I ended up staring at the clock until 2am at which point I finally decided I was not going to die by the house caving in.

AJ and I are coming down to our last training days for the 10K run. We did an easy 3 miles today and will run again on Wed or Thurs. A special shout out to our friend Terri Templeton for guiding us these last days. I had no idea how to train. I am getting pretty nervous. Look how many people ran last year.

I want to leave you with a health tip I heard on Dr. Oz. I am trying to cut down on my soda intake especially the artificial sweetner. He recommended mixing your soda with club soda 1/2 and 1/2 ratio thus cutting your soda intake in half and it is really good. Actually refreshing!

In His love and grace................................amy