Leap

Five and a half.

Believe it or not, I'm trying to bitch less during lent. Ask those I live with and they'll probably laugh. I am trying though. It's so easy to get going down the negative thoughts path, and it's very difficult to switch paths; at least for me.

It's still winter here. It's been nice this week though. By nice, I mean it's been above single digits, with quite a bit of sunshine. It even rained the other day for quite a while. I swear I could smell spring. I could feel it in my lungs. I could hear it. It's not far off now, and THAT makes me happy.

The sun was breaking the horizon on my way to work this morning. I so wanted to park and watch as it changed the landscape in front of me. It's been a while since I've seen the sun rise, and really watched it carve the land. The snow was blowing and drifting, and with the light, it was really beautiful. If I lived somewhere without winter, I think I'd miss it a little. Wouldn't I?

Madeline's 1/2 birthday is tomorrow. She'll be 5 1/2. It's a big deal to her (remember when it used to be big for you?), so I'm making it a big deal for me. She wants me to get her up early and take her to breakfast. I wish I could. I told her I'd take her to breakfast for supper tomorrow night. I take her out to pick out a small gift after that. She's taken to laying her clothes out the night before. That's what you see above. She's fun. It's weird how I seem to appreciate all the little things she does more than I remember appreciating her sisters when they were her age. Is it because she's my last, or my youngest? Maybe it's because I'm older now.

Happy Tuesday night-
Matt

(PS - The ice age is coming)

Back to Reality

Florida was awesome. What a great gift. It was in the 80's, low humidity, lots of sun, slight breeze - perfect. I didn't want to leave. I stayed outside as much as possible. I should have slept out there. The warm fresh air does wonders. It sure was nice to escape winter for a couple of days, roam around with my camera, smoke cigars without wearing gloves, and to visit with my in-laws. I wish Angie could go now. Winter is making her nuts too. Isn't it everyone?

The trip back was sure a pain in the butt though. Engine problems, emergency landing, waiting for a new plane, refueling problems, seating problems, scary pilot, 12 hour trip back. I hate flying, but always seem to forget why.

We woke up this morning to Madeline puking and pooping. Angie had to be on the phones today, so I stayed home with Madeline until Alex got out of school at noon. When I left for work she was back to herself, dancing around in her new dress.

The run last Saturday was fun. The weather was really not an issue. It was sunny, which helped. I overdressed for it and was pretty hot towards the end. We finished in 31 minutes, which is normal for me. I'm looking forward to a few more runs this year.

Peace-
Matt

Salute

Well the "big" run is in a few hours. It's 7 degrees here, windchill is 3 below. It's clear, so it will warm up quick. Might be a balmy 14 or so before run time. I'm ready. I have a small headache and I feel bloated this morning. Hopefully, some ibuprofen and a nice crap will take care of it.

The flight to Florida leaves at 6:25pm tonight. Not a minute too soon either. We are due to get another round of never ending winter tonight. Freezing rain, ice, and then a good drop of snow on top. Glad I'll miss it.

(PS - not my photo. I received it in an email yesterday. I'd give credit to the photographer, but don't know who it was)

40 days

It's another cold day. It was 4 below zero when we woke up this morning. The wind was blowing hard too. I wish I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say "I'm so sick of winter". I'd have enough to fly to Florida this weekend. Oh, wait a minute, I am ;-)

It was pretty nice for a while yesterday though. I had a chance to get out for a bit. I went down to a favorite spot on the river near Madrid and shot the stuff above. Not my best, but fun nonetheless.

It's Lent now. We were snowed in on Wednesday, so had to postpone the annual ash marking to today. I like Lent. I wait for it. I like to have the opportunity for renewal. I take it serious every year, for the most part. This year is no exception. I feel good about it so far.

This Saturday is the Red Flannel Run. Please pray that it will be fairly warm for us. If it's like it was this morning, I might puss out.

Have a great week-
Matt

About Time

The Patriots finally lost. What a great game.

It's pretty cool watching my daughters get excited about football. I'm glad they like it and understand it, more or less.

Have a great week

Matt

Día de la Marmota

While Alex, Abby, and Angie were out doing their things tonight, Madeline and I went to the McDonald's Playplace for a while. We ended up being there for an hour at least. Best two bucks I've spent in a long time. She had a lot of fun.

I hope that little rodent sees no shadow tomorrow.

Peace

Matt