Friday was spent exploring Longwood Gardens with Mark and Mom. I didn't take any self-portrait photos, not sure why not, but I did get some really neat photos of the gardens in my abstract sort of way!
This was Mark's first visit and he was like a kid in a candy store taking pictures. Many times we moved ahead and then came back to find him still in the same spot taking photos of the same thing from different perspectives. It was a relaxing afternoon and evening, until of course we got caught in the meadow during the lightening storm. But, as I always say, life is a grand adventure or nothing at all. I borrow that quote from Helen Keller.
I think one of my favorite parts of this visit would be the Light exhibit by Munro.
The beauty of the lights was difficult to capture, but spectacular to see.
We survived our ride home in the storms, settled with a cup of tea and then stayed up til one or so chatting with mom. We spent time looking up people on Facebook and just reminiscing.
Saturday Mark and Mom were up earlier than me and were busy preparing breakfast when I finally emerged. Mark made omelets while he and mom discussed food likes, dislikes, and cooking strategies. We took mom to our local farmer's market and she had a grand old time. It was such fun thinking of meals for the week and planning our purchases accordingly!
Again, do not know what happened, but I failed to take photos of that adventure. I must get better with my camera use!
Saturday afternoon Mark and I packed up the car, bikes and all, for our trip to LBI. We had the Dog Day Race on Sunday with an early start. It made sense to visit with Jenny and the girls the night before because it put us really close to the start of the race. We enjoyed a delicious pasta meal and a video screening of the girls dance recital. I just love spending time with my sister and her family, I have missed them so much!
On our way down to the island I managed a nearly 12 mile bike ride. Mark dropped me off at the Beneficial Bank and we met up at Hot Diggity Dog in downtown Chatsworth. It was my first ride of that length on my new bike and it was great. I finished in 46 minutes which made me happy since a part of the time I was just getting used to the switching of gears and such. It was a beautiful day for a ride.
Getting ready to ride. I just love my new, blue bike!
Mark took this photo while he was driving by. I love having an official photographer!
Post ride photo shows me a bit weary, but feeling really good.
We stopped in Harvey Cedars on the way to the house to pick up our numbers for the Dog Day Race. Again, I didn't take any photos. What's with that?
Sunday, we ran. Five miles and it was great. I was a bit sore by the end of the race, probably due to the bicycle ride on Saturday, my time was not as good as my first five mile race but I was still happy with it. Mark finished a bit after me, but he was happy with his time also. It was a beautiful day for a run. I really appreciated the support from the community along the entire length of the ride. People were out cheering for all of the runners and it gave me incentive to keep going. My dear friend Kirsten was an EMT volunteer at the medical tent and I was so happy to see her!
Back at the beach house, feeling a bit tired, we decided to head straight for home. We have a busy couple of weeks heading up to school and we welcomed the opportunity to spend a low key afternoon. I actually took quite a long nap. We did potluck for dinner, I had ice cream and now we are just puttering around. A perfect end to a terrific weekend!
