Standing at the Trailhead of Winter

Since I usually fix a meal for myself that is different than what the rest of the family eats, I've been trying some new creations. This afternoon, I decided to try sushi. I gathered up the rice, the sweet potato, the cucumber, and the avocado and went to work. First Sushi Attempt Being a sushi newbie, I found I didn't have a couple of things on hand that are needed to create sushi rolls. Seems a really important tool is the bamboo mat. I improvised by using a clean dish towel with a piece of plastic wrap on top. I also didn't have enough rice vinegar, so I had to use a bit of white vinegar, which I don't think made all that much difference in the end. Working with what I had, after making two rolls, I decided to save the rest of my wraps for another go in the near future, after I purchase a bamboo mat. In all, the sushi turned out okay. Though the rolls were on the loose side, the ingredients were delicious. I'm eager to try other ingredients, so I'll de...

After not running for more than a week, other than the mile and a half in the horse pasture, I went out and got in three miles. It actually felt kind of good. One thing I'm learning from running is that my body is better and/or worse depending on the time of the month. The closer I get to "that time," the worse my legs and arms feel when I first start out. Heavy, tired. Right after "that time," the better I feel all the way around. Lighter, energetic. I'm learning I get about two and half weeks of feeling really good when I run. Then I have to suffer through a week and a half of rottenness. Unfortunately only a week and two days separate me and the relay I'm running in, and I'll be closer to "that time" than I want to be. But I'll run it and give it my best shot. I still have a goal of running the 5k under thirty, and I was so close at the duathlon when I felt horrible and actually started "that time" the next day. And I'v...