Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Bisbee Date :)

Children reinvent your world for you - Susan Sarandon

Nine years ago next month Morgan came home from school extremely excited.  Her P.E. teacher had given her an entry form for the Bisbee 1000 and suggested that she participate.  Morgan LOVED running.  Morgan was only nine and there was NO WAY this mother was going to let her little girl run by herself through the streets of Bisbee.  Much to my dismay Dad, brother and sisters, ALL had other things to do that day. Not wanting to disappoint Morgan I said that I would "run" with her.  (We all know that I do not run)  I had two, maybe three weeks to get in shape.  The third Saturday in October came quickly.  Morgan and I went to Bisbee.  Hundreds of people participate in the Bisbee1000.  I was not even able to run the distance to the first set of stairs before I told Morgan to continue on without me.  I would try to catch up later.  I never did, but she was waiting patiently for me at the finish.  It was a grueling experience.  I was in pain for days afterwards.  Morgan run, skipped and visited along the route.  She came in second in her division.  After the pain diminished and several months passed I decided to try the stair climb ONCE more.  This time I would prepare months in advance.  The next year Randy and Alison also joined us.  Randy and I  have enjoyed participating in the Bisbee 1000 many times since then.
This year Kathy and maybe Ron are also joining in the FUN!
Saturday Randy and I had a Bisbee date to help get us prepared. Below is a little of what we experienced. The Bisbee1000 consists of a 5K run/walk through old Bisbee which includes 9 sets of stairs.


 This is the 5th set of stairs.  151 steps up.  Not to bad, except that they immediately follow the 4th set of stairs which include 78 steps.  Once I finish this one the rest is a cinch!  Plenty of walking time in between stairs.

 But remember - this is Old Bisbee.  The roads we travel on are up, down and rutted!

It is said that those who look for beauty find it. 
Bisbee is an eclectic town.  Lots of beauty if you take time to look.
 This home is on Tombstone Canyon between Stairs 6 and 7.

 I loved the Ivy growing along these steps.  It probably will be trimmed away before the race.

 Randy was best looking thing I saw!

 I always want to go shopping and buy flowers after I visit Bisbee.

 Unique fencing materials.

 The set of stairs in this photo are not part of the course.  They are the IceMan stairs.  155 steps.  The IceMan is a separate competition.  Participants carry a 10 pound block of ice using Ice Tongs up these set of stairs.  I have always wanted to climb these stairs.  Saturday we did.  It was tough enough getting my legs to make the climb.  Probably won't enter that competition.

Randy and I took a break from the stairs and window shopped.

We also had lunch a Cafe Cornucopia.

Randy enjoyed a Peach Lemonade, Turkey sandwich and Tortilla soup.  I had the same sandwich with Asparagus soup.
I loved strolling, running, climbing and visiting  through the streets of Bisbee. 
Time with Randy is definitely my favorite way to spend the day!

Monday, August 8, 2011

More Pics

Bethany said that she preferred blogs with pictures SO here is my week in review. 

July 30th Morgan went with Mark and his family to Apple Annie's.  She brought back peaches. 
I made a pie.

 Our jalapeno plants are doing well.  This was our second batch of jalapeno poppers.  We also took a bag of peppers to Bethany.  I love poppers, just wish they weren't so HOT! 

 A view of our garden.

 I started back to work July 25.  The hardest part of school starting early is that we are still enjoying the monsoon rains.  The down side of the rains (which I LOVE) is that it is too muddy for the daycare children to play outside.  It hasn't rained as much this past week.  The children enjoy helping Randy in the garden.

 Bethany brought her car down for repairs August 1st.  Hopefully the problem has been corrected.  While she was here Rachel stopped by with the nieces and nephew.  My daughters LOVE being aunts.  During the visit we attempted to trace Kara's hand.  She was not very cooperative. 

 I am starting my exercise routine in preparation for the Bisbee 1000 in October.  Once or twice a week I have been stepping on the flower garden wall.  Randy and I went to Bisbee this past Saturday and strolled the course.  I was not in as good of shape as is needed.  My legs are still a bit sore today.  I will post pictures of our Bisbee adventure later this week.

Shelby's students returned to school today.  Last Friday I mended seat sacks for her. 

I will  post more of our adventures and daily routine later this week.  But for now I must close.  Garden produce is calling my name. 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

No Pecans

Who would have thought that two grandchildren could eat pecans as fast as Papa and Grandma could shell them?  Well, actually I knew!  We slightly decreased the number of pecans in the pantry, but still don't have any for holiday baking.  (That's okay with me!  I can always go to Costco.) 

I chose not to shell pecans tonight.  Instead I peeled and sliced peaches.  They didn't take too long.  THEN, I stemmed Grapes.  That did take too long.  About three hours.  Morgan had a couple of friends over after Institute and they provided a Rock Band serenade while I worked in the kitchen.
I doesn't look like much, but trust me it was time consuming. 
Tomorrow is jelly night.