(Hopefully Not) The Last Sip of Summer

Well, here we are again!

Another month has arrived, and with it we have another opportunity to (virtually) gather. We could even have a (virtual) coffee talk. Just imagine all the things we could chat about over coffee (or any drink of one's choosing).

I don't know about you, but September has me hanging on to every last minute of Summer that I can. The daytime temps are still mostly summer-like, but the autumn "chill-in-the-air" is starting to make an appearance in the mornings. That's not a bad thing...but to this summer-loving gal, it's always a "reality bites" time of seasonal change when Summer starts slipping away. 

That being said, shall we gather for a chat session? What ya say? Are you game?

Allow me to go first...

If we were gathered, I'd first tell you about my new hot beverage of choice. You probably know that I don't do coffee. In all honesty, I've given it more than a fair chance, and the taste still does not agree with me (no matter how much cream, sugar, or any extra "fluff" I may add). I've been a long-time chai latte fan, but in recent months I've ventured down a different path. Ever since Covid hit the scene, finding my favorite chai latte K-cups has not been easy. One of my local grocery store chains has its own store-brand version, which has long been my favorite. It's been hit-or-miss with it being in stock these past 2+ years, though. This summer, on a whim, I tried the Hazelnut Cappuccino version (also store brand), and ooh-la-la! SCORE! Even though these hazelnut K-cups aren't always in-stock, either, I'm ecstatic to have another hot beverage option. Yes, one less first world problem to deal with.

Next, if we were gathered, I'd share a little bit of my sunrise sadness. I know, I know, this is another first world problem as well. A huge perk of being an early-riser is seeing the sunrise, almost every morning (while I'm running, walking or biking) before I start my pre-work routine. Sigh. This week, there was only the slightest hint of the impending sunrise as I was finishing my #5at5 run. Alas, all is not lost because I can still catch the sunrise on my weekend endeavors. I also plan to pay more attention to the sunsets now, which are every bit as beautiful, if I'm out for an evening walk or ride. It is what it is.

If we were gathered, I'd tell you more about my weekly bike rides out to the lake at Rock Creek State Park, west of town. This bike path is crazy hilly, and it seems like there's usually a wicked headwind to fight out of the southeast or southwest. This weekly ride, usually with Amy or Barb (and sometimes both), is one of those endeavors I both look forward to and dread at the same time. My Garmin shows it has over 1,000 feet of elevation (going both out and back). Depending on the wind (the direction and intensity), there's not always much opportunity for downhill coasting. But, the beauty of the lake (at the turn-around) makes it worthwhile and the feeling of accomplishment is euphoric. So, we keep on doing it. This week was our 17th consecutive ride for the season.

Another thing I'd mention, if we were gathered, would be the success of my first batch of salsa for 2022. Holy YUM, this turned out great! Our raised garden has four or five tomato plants (it's such a jungle, I can't tell anymore, LOL), and the tomatoes are going crazy. I'd been stockpiling the goods (about 30 tomatoes and numerous jalapenos and green peppers), and finally got around to slicing and dicing everything up last weekend. I grocery-fess that I did have to add a couple extra store-bought bell peppers and an onion, but everything else was from my garden. 

Finally, if we were gathered, I'd tell you how my August played out. Even with a tiny Covid bump in the road, mid-month, my stats aren't too far off from where they normally would be. The running miles came in a little short, but oh well. I'm not getting paid to run high miles, nor is it a priority. Walking is just something I do most days, on my own and on my work breaks. And the biking? It's no secret how much I love being on the road with a (gentle) breeze on my face. My legs appreciate the extra resistance training (on the hills) as well as the recovery aspect when I'm not in the running shoes.

Anyways, I guess that's it for me. I've chatted long enough, so I'll let someone else have the floor.

Your turn!

What would you share with the crowd, if we were gathered? Have you also noticed an obvious change in daylight? Much later sunrises and much earlier sunsets? Any veggies harvested from your garden? How did your August go...any brag-worthy stats or achievements?

 Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

By the way...are you following me on social media?

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