Here we are, welcoming in a new month.
I’m not quite certain how May arrived so quickly, but whoops, there it is.
Like it or not, we are moving closer and closer to my favorite season, namely Summer! April had some summer-like moments, and it was total bliss. It also tried to catapult us back to Winter a few times.
As is the custom, it’s time to grab a mug, pull-up a chair, and gather for a short coffee chat amongst friends. I’m game, are you?
At our coffee chat, I’d start with sharing my April stats. The running wasn’t especially stellar, but the miles all felt good, and were worthwhile nonetheless. Walking saw a lot of action, due to the daily lunch hour walks (via the Des Moines skywalk) and several bonus walks in the warm sunshine.
After a rather dormant racing season (I’m looking at you, Winter in Iowa), April saw three races within an 8-day span. Let’s not forgot the Fight for Air Climb (March 29th) and next week’s Klompen Classic 5K (May 6th) and the Market-to-Market Relay (May 9th).
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| L-R: Drake Half Marathon, Grand Blue Mile, Rail-2-Trails 10K |
I’m starting to acknowledge I might have a slight case of OCD with orchids. I first received a white orchid, a birthday gift from my son, in 2021. It brought me so much joy watching it bloom numerous times! I thought it needed a companion when Max and I moved into our new house, two years ago, so a purple one joined the family. Upon starting my new job, back in August, I thought my desk needed a shot of color, so a bright pink one was added to the clan. Shortly thereafter, a lavender one (with the most unique colored speckles on its petals) found a spot on a shelf in the living room. Just recently, Easter weekend to be exact, a yellow one found its way into my cart at the grocery store. A week later, another white-pedaled orchid (with purple speckles) came home with me from the store. Last weekend, I came dangerously close to buying a bigger (and more expensive) one with “cotton candy” pink and blue petals…but resisted. Maybe I need to look into a 12-step program….
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| The one that started it all |
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| Clockwise from upper left: the office orchid, the new home orchid, the new job “Congrats” orchid |
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| The spontaneous “just one more” orchid (left), and the Happy Easter orchid (right) |
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| The one that got left behind |
Finally, have I mentioned the wind? I have pedaled far too many miles on the spin bike this spring, and am craving an outdoor ride like you wouldn’t believe. But the sustained 20+mph wind is not very bike-friendly. So, I keep waiting for an optimal day with warm temps and minimal (or no) wind. Still waiting…
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| Nostalgia:101…post-RAGBRAI 2025 |
How about you? What would you bring to the table? Any races knocked-out, already this spring? How did your April play-out? Ever try your hand at raising orchids?
Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date
Uff, three races within 8 days was a lot! Such a short time after the Fight for Air Climb, too. I'm looking forward to reading about your upcoming events!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you are signing up for these - it's a great way to combine fun and fitness!
It feels good to finally have some stuff on the calendar!
DeleteYou definitely had a productive April! It is always nice to bet outside when the weather cooperates. I never seem to do well with orchids-they are very needy!
ReplyDeleteI’ve had really good much with mine… not sure if it’s their location or what. I love all the colors!
DeleteNot all addictions require an intervention! I think that you are good to indulge your orchid habit. I was given one once but did not have the same success that you did.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that winter is finally behind us. At least I think it is, you never know what the midwest has up its sleeve. It's so good to be outside.
Yes, getting outside is such a game-changer!
DeleteThis is definitely your time to shine! Well- if only the wind would calm down. I agree, running in the wind is bad enough, but cycling is really unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteOrchids may be expensive as far as flowers go, but there are much worse addictions. I say run right back and get that cotton candy orchid- it's so pretty!
The wind has been pure evil, not to mention rather relentless!
DeleteAs you know I love orchids, too, and give you major kudos for resisting purchasing that gorgeous cotton candy one! My two are currently blooming or about to bloom again for the umpteenth time. I love how easy they are to care for and how they'll just surprise you with a bloom stalk every so often.
ReplyDeleteGood job on those races and how fun to have a few more on the docket!
The orchids are fun! Looking forward to the next bloom stalk(s)!
DeleteYour orchids are beautiful! I've got 3 of them and I totally support your "addiction", Haha! Don't get me started on the wind. It's been absolutely insane this spring so far. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteWhat is up with the wind! Like, a little reprieve would be so nice!
DeleteOrchids are so pretty - I say this is a good addiction to have! Congrats on your races and good luck with the upcoming ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle! I’m excited to pin on a few race bibs, it’s been a long winter!
ReplyDelete