I miss this place

Moving back to the South six and a half years ago had a lot to do with being closer to this, and my friends and family living near it. About three and a half years ago, my maternal grandmother and a huge force in my life passed away. On this recent trip, I took time to visit the cemetery and put fresh flowers on her grave for the first time since she was laid to rest. I still miss her every day and have picked up the phone countless times to call her only to realize she won't answer. I was fortunate to have three years of living a little closer to her and taking the time to let her know what she meant to me. I have no doubt she knew, and that gives me peace. But I still miss her.

Warrior Dash!

After an early morning and two flights,  I got back to Jackson and made my way to the Warrior Dash, just in time to see Jay and Denise cross the finish line! I was a little sketchy on whether I could do some of the obstacles, but I was successful in all pursuits, and I had a BLAST! Some bruises and a good scrape on my shin are the only war wounds, and those will be mostly healed in a few days.

 My new friend Heather. We commiserated through the race, since we were both running solo.

Team Lindsay and I posing and already thinking about the Mexican food we were to consume as a reward.

And speaking of rewards...Excited before the race! Fire was not as high as I thought, and as you can see, I was all smiles once through it, so I was not aflame.

Blast from the Past

Recently I was invited to give a seminar and meet with faculty at Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center. A good friend from UNB, Dr. Chris Blanar, organized the whole thing. I got to dip my toes in the ocean about an hour before my talk. One morning I didn't have meetings, and I drive down to Miami Beach to have a visit with my old neighbors, Rob & Todd. Also, old family friends, Chris and Tammy Kline and their son Robbie, took me to dinner and we walked down memory lane. It was a jam packed trip, but I loved it and really enjoyed catching up with old friends.

I may need to rethink my TSP allocations, if I hope to have one of these someday...

Brewing up a Storm

 Our newly formed Homebrew Club was busy this weekend. Gary brewed up an american rye, and added Blake's Blonde to the keg.

 Nate also brewed, but since he is the self appointed historian (and provided all of these pictures), he didn't take any pictures of himself since he was busy with brewing.

 At my house on Sunday, we threw together a Belgian Wheat IPA for Griff. He even made the trip from Clinton to help, and Tickett managed to lift the lid for the camera.

 Lots of IPAs were sampled in honor of the one we were brewing, but the two motorcycle riders did not partake. More for me.

 Attempted a pairing of lemon crinkle cookies with a belgian Saison D'Erpe Mere. Decent.

Running from Work

This weekend was the Run Thru WES* aka the Pi Run (it was 3.14 miles) on station. It was a beautiful day,we knew we could do it after we all finished the  Run Thru History last month, so we signed up. Me, Denise, Sophie opted out of the third cup of coffee and Saturday morning cartoons for the opportunity to run. 

Though I finished and set a PR, I didn't love this race. I think it was being at work, running with people from work, it messed with the mind-clearing goal that running usually gives me. I still enjoyed myself and would do it again, but know for next time. 

*WES is the Waterways Experiment Station

Making Good Friday Great

 Used the pokey little pickup to retrieve the mudbugs at the World, it was the right man for the job.

 Got the broth ready for the critters, thanks to a secret recipe from a good friend.

 They are small this time of year, but I like them that way.

 Desmond followed Bernadette's lead and enjoyed a cool seat in the monkey grass. So good to see this little dude, have missed him since he and his mommy moved from Vicksburg.

The last batch came out after the sun was done, but the diehards pressed on. Really enjoyed this first annual crawfish boil at my house and am thankful for those that helped with cooking, brewing and the hundred other little jobs that made this party a success.