Dahlias Galore to Welcome October

This will probably the last full dahlias vase until next year. While they are producing still, it is starting to get cold at night and before we know it, the first frost will be here. But for now, I continue to enjoy them. After not checking my dahlias for a whole week because of work, I decided to take a peak and found a profusion of blooms that left me, honestly, stunned. One of them was ginormous— measuring a whopping 11” in diameter. It really is bigger than my face!

Before the previous three years with lack of luck growing dahlias, I had no problems growing them. But this year maybe the best. And the sad part? My care of them has bordered on neglect at time. So I am just so thankful they are doing so wonderfully. Once I collected the beauties, it was inside for a drink of water. The profusion and size required a large vase. And I knew just what I needed.

This white glass vase is not only one of my favorites, but it is also one of the few reminders I have of my life before I got married 6 years ago. You see, when I finished my time in the U.S. Army, I moved to Minnesota. The military, via contractors, moves your household goods when you move. This was my last move and can you believe that on the way from Kansas (where I was stationed) to Minnesota, the trailer with all my belongings—EVERYTHING I OWNED— caught on fire.

To make things worse, I found out about it two days after the wedding. It was a very stressful time with all the changes in my life, to then add a fire. Anyhow— one day I received a big box from the moving company containing the only things that survived the fire. This vase was one of them. What made it even more special is that this was the last Christmas gift I got from my parents before my dad died the following year from cancer. So lots of meaning and memories behind it.

Anyhow, what do you think? I think it is the perfect size vase for these big blooms.

the vase includes blooms of Cafe Au Lait (right in the front), Snowbound (white blooms) and Penhill Watermelon.

A better look at the vase

A better look at the vase

And that’s it for my vase this Monday! Wishing you all a wonderful rest of your week!

Weekly Run Down ~ Summer, Is That You?

What a week! Phew! This week at work was busy and somehow left me feeling like I needed some time off, so this weekend, it is a 4-day weekend for me. I just mentally needed to disconnect from all things HR-related (my line of work). And what have I done? Indulge in my favorite things that I normally do not have time to do— reading, baking and watching movies on PureFlix (the G-Rated family oriented version of Netflix) :) I am a simple girl, so this is ME time perfection. Aside from that, it was a good week of physical activity, although it was hot all week. A few weeks ago we got spoiled with some autumn-like temperatures, but the heat was back this week. Supposedly. fall temperatures will be back this week along with stormy weather. We will see. Anyhow, this is how the week went.

My quarantine hair is back. I just can’t get motivated to go get it cut short again.

My quarantine hair is back. I just can’t get motivated to go get it cut short again.

MONDAY (3-MILE WALK/1-MILE WALK)

The running progression continues. You guys, I really think that my “I am done with running” was me burned out. Because I continue to enjoy it so much. One thing I have done though, it not time myself. Yes, I wear the watch but don’t turn out the GPS. I just run and its so freeing. I have a good 4 and 5-mile route, so I have been sticking to those distances.

TUESDAY (4-MILE WALK)

I continue to use my walks to get stronger and push the distance. The body is definitely feeling stronger and the stamina is the best its been since surgery day.

WEDNESDAY (STRETCH AND STRENGTHENNG)

A few months of barely any activity can really bring out little aches and pains that you did not have before, so I have been making a point to do lots of stretching and strengthening. One of my favorite runner, Sally McRae (@yellowrunner) is always sharing runner specific workouts, and she now has a workout app, which I have been using for about a week. I am really loving the running fundamental and strengthening workouts, which come in a variety of durations. Plus she is super nice, which makes following her instructions even easier. I know she cannot see me, but I feel like I’d be disappointing her. LOL.

THURSDAY (REST)

FRIDAY (3-MILE RUN/1 MILE WALK)

SATURDAY (4.5 MILE WALK W/WEIGHTED VEST)

This weighted vest (from 1st PHORM) was key in me getting stronger faster. It really adds an extra layer of effort to my walks, plus I sweat like crazy! It is always funny when I wear it because people give me weird looks like I am some kind of weirdo having a Vietnam flashback or something else. And truly I cant blame them because it really looks like a ballistic vest. Good thing I did not get the camouflage one. :)

SUNDAY (4.5-MILE TRAIL RUN/HIKE)

First— I started my workout late today, because I was watching the Chicago Marathon. What an amazing day Team USA had in all the races! I was especially impressed by Emma Bates flying under the radar to take 2nd place. And I always love how Sara Hall always leave it all on the races the runs. A grinding 3rd place for sure! Tomorrow I am off, so you better believe I’ll be watching the Boston marathon. It’s a fun weekend if you are a running fan!

But back to the day on the trails. Today was test time. This is the first time post surg that I have4 been to an actual trail with elevation, and I wanted to test how I was feeling. Honestly— i felt strong, even though I ran and hiked. I have to say that I was not prepared for how hot it was nor the fact that I took a new trail portion so I was lost for about half a mile, which on a trail can seem like forever. But I found my way back. It was quite an effort going up the high inclines and I was sweating so much that I was grossed out, and could not wait to take a shower. But it felt so good to be out there, pushing myself. Plus the leaves are starting to change and the trails look so pretty.

This hill always breaks my heart.

This hill always breaks my heart.

And that was my week! Here is to another wonderful week ahead of us! Happy running, friends!