Monday, March 30, 2015

Warning: Cute Kitties!

It was a pretty lazy weekend in my world. Originally, I thought it was going to be much warmer and I envisioned getting some serious yard work done. Poor daffodils are blooming in some pretty messy flower beds. When the weather didn't cooperate I thought I would get something done inside instead. I just couldn't get myself motivated.

Spring can be a challenge for me. I am eager to get things done after the winter melts away. However, weather changes heighten my MS symptoms. I know they will calm down as the weather becomes more consistent. In the meantime, I fight extra fatigue and pain. I have recurring numbness in my right leg that is super annoying. Anytime my legs bother me, I get a little extra anxious that it might be the start of stupid MS affecting my mobility.

In other fun news, about 9 weeks ago my niece found a stray cat and took it in. Friday it presented her with a thank you gift - four kittens. They are so cute and she is a good little mama. I would like to go on public record - we are not getting one of the kittens! Sure, they are tempting, but I have a big hang up about the litter box situation. And do I really need more pet hair? Did I mention, the kittens are adorable??




Like every spring, I have the gardening bug. Saturday, In my mind, the sooner I get it planted the sooner I will be enjoying the fresh veggies. Should I just roll the dice and hope we don't get another killing frost? Not quite yet. To get my gardening fix. I stopped by the Community Feed and Seed to see if there is anything new that I "need". They have a great selection of bulk seeds, but I didn't buy any this time. I still have quite a few seeds leftover from last year. .

They have a huge selection of yard ornaments..You can find pretty much anything. Who wouldn't want a 4 foot tall Sasquatch for their yard?


Or be tempted by a nice pair of giraffes?
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I wonder if they take puppy trade ins :) This guy is only $125 - all you dog owners know that is a total bargain. Dog = money pit :)  And I am pretty sure this one wouldn't chew the windowsill while she lounges on the couch. It never fails. I think the chewing phase has passed and she comes up with something completely different and unexpected to chew.

Why is it that you put a shell on a slug and it becomes adorable, but without a shell they are slimy and gross???  My garden might need one of these little guys.

Now this is embarrassing. It turns out my green thumb is not so green.  These are my broccoli seedlings... .
And these are the broccoli seedlings I bought at the seed store. I don't think mine are ever going to look like this. Maybe they don't get enough direct light for growing seedlings. Maybe next year I will get them a light.

I also bought unions. I mostly grow them for the green tops, but the selection was so pretty I am going to let some grow to maturity. .
I also picked out a few seed potatoes - Red, Yukon Gold and Kennebec. I am looking forward to some yummy new potatoes with dill. I should end up with a couple plants of each variety.

Our weekend ended with a grill full of delicious dinner. I cooked a little extra asparagus and peppers so I would have leftovers to put in the egg muffins I am going to make in the morning.


Morning update: The egg muffins made with the grilled veggies from last night. I added a little sausage, cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese. Each one comes out to 42 calories. A good grab and go snack.

In other news, I think we are going to be looking for a half marathon soon. My husband ran 10 miles this morning!! I still can't process how quickly his running is progressing. If you have any advice on the half marathon, please share. I am especially interested in nutrition advice.I have to make sure my man is properly fueled during training :)  He runs first thing in the morning and prefers to eat afterwards. We are trying to balance his desire to lose a little more weight and his need to get enough calories to support his running.

10 comments:

  1. OH EM GEE! BABY KITTES ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the grill stuff! Looks so yummy! And I bet your broccoli will perk up.

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    1. Well, if my broccoli doesn't make it, at least I have a back up plan :) The kitties were super squirmy, but I can't wait for them to be fully mobile..expect more pictures :)

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  2. Aw, love the kitty photos!

    Ten miles this morning? That is nutso! I can't imagine doing that before work! Go him! As for fuel, he DEFINITELY should drink water on his runs. He can get a handheld water bottle for pretty cheap. And he should also eat something before his run, something quick to digest if you catch my drift, simple carbs like a bagel or bread with peanut butter. Most people like Gu gel things, I am the exception FOR SURE, so he can try some of those during his super long runs. I bet he'll notice he feels better with some fuel. The key is to practice during long runs so tummy issues can be avoided on race day!

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    1. Actually, I was writing the post last night, so the running was Sunday morning. Today he "only" ran 8 miles. He doesn't want to drink when he is running, but as the distance increase... I think the gel stuff sound horrendous...bagel with peanut butter...yes, please!

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  3. Baby kitt-ays! So adorable!!

    I totally get where your hubby is coming from, I despise having to eat before runs, but when you go more than 5 miles you really must have something. Meg's suggestions are good, I would always do a Cliff Bar and a banana before long runs. It was one of the few things that didn't bother my stomach. A lot of people swear by dates as a mid-run boost. I also carried water with Nuun tablets (didn't bother my tummy plus no gross chemicals/sweeteners), and if I was using the house as an "aid station" during loop runs, I would keep frozen coconut water in the freezer, then take it out mid run. Normally coconut water tastes like ass, but let me tell you, slushie coconut water is like nectar of the gods when you're in the middle of a hot run!

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    1. The banana sounds like a good pre-run idea. He doesn't like to carry anything. Maybe if we got water ready at the house he could loop back for a drink.

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  4. Recovery drinks after long workouts are one of the best things that he can do. I like the one from Klean. It may seem counter intuitive to put calories back in but it has been shown to decrease calorie intake later in the day and increase muscle recovery/building. For runs, anything an hour or under, he doesn't need anything. Anything over an hour, the general rule is 100-200 calories per an hour. I like to do a mixture of gels and liquid calories, but it varies from person to person. I'd be happy to chat with him about it :)

    And those kittens are adorable!

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    1. I will mention the recovery drinks to him. When we get together I am sure he will pick your brain. As his runs get longer I just want him to be safe and healthy :)

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  5. Kitties are adorable! And bless you sister for taking the stray in. Get her fixed, ASAP! :) You totally need a kitten! Cats are awesome. :)

    That BBQ looks delicious. So jealous! :)

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    1. That cat has been on lock down since my niece found her...she brought the belly of kitties with her...naughty girl. Have no fear her next date will be with the vet :) Cats are great, but this is not the time for us. Millie has our hands full for sure!!

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