Just because

     Tuesday we went for our 10.1 miles on the trails.  There is one hill that I really do dislike!  I like to ride in the harder gears as it works my legs and glutes more.  However, this one hill is only fun while going DOWN!!!  (So far max speed is 17.6 with the breaks on) LOL  Was a good morning and when we started it was only in the upper 60's!  Fall is in the air.  Did the one loop around the lake, off the trail to the woods and up the hill from 'Hello'!  I know I'm getting close when I see the Fit Station 19!  Just one more curve and a hill and I will be at the top.  I just forget every time that the curve is the beginning of the hill!  :(  My bike has been making this clicking noise for about 3-4 weeks now so today it goes in to the shop.  I am happy about that but sad as well because it means that I wont be riding.  The Apex is an hour away, appointment for my bike is at 10:00 a.m. and I have to be at work at noon, according to the wall!  I love to get out there and ride because I go into my own little world and unless you ride, you just can't explain it!  You have to feel it.  I would feel like that when I would run in the rain in Florida.  You just have to feel it to really understand the feeling and the way that it makes you feel.  The good news is that I am addicted to it and it is helping my knees!  My knees are stronger than ever and I would LOVE to try to run again some day but think I will wait until I am back in the gym some first.

     Shawn will be home for the school year Tomorrow!  I am so excited to have him home again.  I am also curious to see just how much he has grown.  I remember last summer while he was at his Father's, he was laid up with a broken knee (#2) and grew 2.5 inches while only gaining 4 pounds!  I am sure that this summer is pretty much the same.  I sure do miss my  baby - who was taller than me when I dropped him off.  He should be pretty excited about school this year.  I am hoping he is at least.  New school, new year and new him.  He doesn't have to listen to any of his teachers say, "Well, Errin did this..." or "When I had Shannon....."  Bless his heart for having three older sisters!  Although he will have his full share of the new school next week.  Tuesday when I get home from my Chem class, I take him in to pick up his schedule and make any changes if need be.  He is supposed to be in all Honors classes.  Then we will tour the school to see where all his classes are etc.  Wednesday in the evening is the Open House for the year.  SO, we will then again go back up to the school to find out more information and see if there is anything we need to get before school starts.  Thursday morning the 22nd, Shawn has his first Student 2 Student.  This is a club for all new students who are transitioning in to the school from other areas.  Seeing as this is a large Military area, it makes sense.  Then, Shawn will report to school bright and early for classes on the 27th.  He will LOVE the hours this year.  Last year he was in school starting with last bell for first hour at 7:25 a.m.  This year he doesn't start until 8:45.  However, the down side to that is he doesn't get out of class until 3:45 p.m. unlike his 1:50 at Zephyrhills.

      Yesterday I had planned to run up to the produce stand to get some canning cucumbers however, that didn't pan out.  I decided that today when Georgie (I named my bike) goes to the Apex for her check-up I will run up to the Produce stand to get the cucumbers and look at the fruits and also make a cobbler.  YUMMMM!!!!  This getting back to basics is really nice!  I am healthier and love it!  AND I know what is going in my body as well!  The Canning Cucumbers are on the table, the jars are about ready to go all I need to do now is get the vinegar when I get off work and tomorrow I will have my Pickles.

     Off to work I go!

     Love to all

Up to speed

     In June Shawn and I took the big move and moved to North Carolina.  I broke my toe (5th digit - L Foot) on the late evening of the 4th and moved on the 6th.  Moving with a broken toe is NOT by any means enjoyable.  Luckily it was my left foot so I could still drive.  I dropped Shawn off with his Father on the 6th and spent the next month trying to function without riding my bike :( and getting settled.  

     By the time July came, Shawn was registered for his new school, in all Honors classes (except Math) and registered for the Student to Student Club.  I was registered for school, back on my bike and riding up a storm.  On a trip to South Carolina to see some friends, we were eating Ice Cream and Wet Walnuts came up in the discussion.  I looked for the recipe online because I REFUSE to pay $3.00 for a tiny bottle.  I then found something that I really liked and began to CAN for the first time!  WOW what a stress release!  I started with Wet Walnuts and thought we are never going to eat all of these (10 pints) but hey, it was fun, what's next?  Next I found a recipe for some Blueberry Cinnamon Jam and was ready to roll until......  We went to South Carolina for a Birthday Party last minute and came across a tomato field that was FREE FOR THE PICKING!!!!!  Almost 50 pounds later, we were on our way and I was thinking WHAT could I make?  We now are hooked up on Salsa and homemade Spaghetti Sauce.  We also ended this trip with over 22 Cups of Frozen Peaches and 20 Cups of Frozen Blackberries.  Don't get me wrong, we ate some of the Peaches and BOY Spartanburg Peaches really are good.  

     Thinking I was done canning for the year, off to one of the 107 wineries North Carolina has to offer.  Along the way, what do I see?  A Produce stand.  Well, we stopped on the way home because I DID need some onions and there WAS an Ice Cream shoppe next to it!  I ended up with my onions, some Boiled Peanuts, Five Zucchini Squash for shredding and freezing for Zucchini Bread this winter, oh and my Ice Cream.  There is something about homemade Ice Cream I can't resist!  I then remembered something I read on line.  Seconds Tomatoes at Produce stands for canning!  I called and for $16 I got another 50 pounds of Tomatoes.  Now we really ARE hooked up on the Salsa, Pasta Sauce and now, Pizza Sauce.

     Here it is now August and I am working as a part time Cashier at Harris Teeter, going back to school soon (one class - Chemistry) and preparing for Shawn to come home this Saturday.  Yesterday we went out to the Dove Field to watch the Dove fly.  We are all going out on a Dove Hunt the weekend of Labor Day.  Shawn and I wont be hunting due to he has to still take the Hunters Safety Course and I want to take it with him.  I was going to run out to the Produce Stand to see if they had any canning cucumbers, but by the time we left the Dove Field, it was 5:30 so I will give em a call and see what they have because I have some Dills and Sweets to can now!  

     Well, that pretty much brings everyone up to speed.  I hope you all enjoy this and YES, I will post regularly.  

     Love and Miss Everyone.