A Christmas Slowdown...and a Run

12/25/2017

I hope this blog finds you enjoying some down time from the day to day. As more of our lives become 24-hour based, it seems increasingly difficult to actually stop for a minute. Christmas seems to hold on the strongest to that mindset, at least to me. There are still businesses that actually close.

I like that.

Today started with me sleeping in until 8:30!! My dad took a picture....perhaps to blackmail me later...or possibly to attempt to show that their dog (the little guy in front) actually has a sliver of kindness in his soul (false). Either way...I slept in and it ruled. My dog Megan (black lab by the window) slept in as well. She never left the bed overnight which is a rarity.

Breakfast was fruit and pancakes. Also ruled. Then we celebrated and shared gifts.

Meg got two cans of wet food from Santa Claus. She was pretty pumped. I’m hoping she’ll share.

After cleaning up wrapping paper and the accompanying acroutrent that follows gift exchanging....I promptly laid down on the rug by the heater....for about two hours...with the dogs. I don’t think I ever fell asleep, but it was relaxing nonetheless.

Finally, eventually, I convinced myself to climb up off the floor....and go run. I desperately needed it.

I was fortunate to grow up in a house with woods, creeks, and quick access to an excellent city park. Wintersmith Park is a true gem and I’m always glad to visit when I’m in town with my folks.

I enjoyed a chilly run around the park. I opted to run the road to boost the mileage. Plus, I ran out north of the park a ways, then doubled back...also to increase the mileage a bit. I wanted to at least get a 5k in today, and was able to with the northern extension.

Wintersmith Lodge and the big Christmas tree. Wintersmith has a lot of structures built by the CCC using local rocks. It’s a pretty historic area.

Just doing some running...and sightseeing.

The decorations were up and include a giant list for Santa. It didn’t specify naughty or nice...so in the spirit of the season, I’ll go with nice. My name wasn’t up there though. Bummer. Maybe next year?!?!?