I made an executive decision to take a rest day today. I probably should have worked out, because I had a date with cereal and chocolate chips last night while watching Project Runway….
Yesterday my muscles were sore and stiff, and I woke up today feeling the same. It was a combo of increased reps at the gym Wed and getting used to my new bike. Since we are planning a long ride for Saturday, I decided to just take it easy today. I had a nice quiet start to the morning outside watering the garden, then came back in for some pumpkin oats:
I topped it with strawberry jam. I wish I had cranberry sauce (although no excuse there because I have frozen ones), but this was quite good.
Then I started work. Just job #2 today. So that is only about 4 hours or so. 
Had a lunch break of greek yogurt, strawberries, and Uncle Sam cereal.
So many great textures in this bowl. After that, I mowed the lawn and clipped around the garden bed.
So it’s not the botanical gardens, but my garden is nice, and I can park my bike here and have it not be stolen…..
The 100-pound rose bush is blooming again (and I still have 100+ pounds off LOL!)
Butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa), which I grew from seed this year. This is in the milkweed family.
Self-seeded snapdragon. I love the white color:
Sometimes I remove self-seeded plants, but most times I just don’t have the heart to and get some interesting combos.
Annual asters:
Remains of the scentimental rose bush:
Liriope:
Knockout rose.
This thing never quits. I just wish it were fragrant.
My mums aren’t even close to blooming yet. Funny how the stores have blooming mum pots and mine are just starting to form their buds. I will get some of those for pots, though.
Afternoon snackage:
It’s amazing how much time I have when I am not working 9-10 hours in a day. I was able to have some fun for dinner. I did sort of a chana masala with some chicken put in there for protein.
I’ll post the recipe at some point (and put it in the recipe book!). It was tasty.
John invited me out for a kiddie cone down the street. It was nice to get a little walk in for that.
No eyes on this cone 
Mint chocolate twist. Nom!
John thinks I am pretty silly.
I think he is pretty cute….
I am off with my mom to her gym tonight. She is going to show me all the moves she does and ask for some pointers. I’ll get her in the squat cage yet! 
Long ride on tap for tomorrow!
You are torturing me with all these ice cream pics!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe =-.
I’ve been craving chickpeas like crazy! Gotta make some chickpea curry this week!
How fun to workout with your Mom!
.-= Marisa @ Loser for Life´s last blog ..Rain Out =-.
He IS pretty cute!
(Have we established whether or not he has a brother, age 47-54?)
You’ve given me nightmares thinking about my mother and the squat rack!
hudder:
Safe riding!
.-= Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Next Stop- Food Network =-.
Your garden is so pretty and natural – I really like it.
I cannot imagine my mom in the squat rack…well, actually I can, but she would be dying of laughter and unable to do anything! Have fun tonight!
.-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Friday Mishmash =-.
Hubby looking over shoulder. Wondered why a diet blog has a pic of such a delicious ice cream treat. Explained you bike for your treats! Ah, it’s too hard to explain. But it did look quite delicious! Vee at http://veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com
.-= Vee´s last blog ..Day 51 Wed Yummy Fruit!!! =-.
Well – he better not look at tomorrow’s blog as there is likely to be a cupcake on there
Mint Chocolate twist?!?! That sounds delicious. YUM
Great garden pictures. Good idea to take a rest day – I sure wish I had done that yesterday…
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Just like Nancy Drew =-.
Can you come and be my gardener?
I was suppose to do my bi/tri workout yesterday. I did do 55 mins of cardio that morning but after work I came home and crashed!
.-= April´s last blog ..Flaunt it Friday! =-.
You work out so hard and often Lori you definitely deserved that rest!
I love the flowers in your garden, you certainly have more than I do
Have fun on your bike ride today.
Always good to listen to the bod & especially with your ride today, I guess since I am reading this Saturday. Hope it went well & no flat tires or anything else!!!
I so love the garden pics & passing on to my friend that loves them too!
As for the food, YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, how was the mom meet?
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Saturday Funny! =-.
Thanks for going with me to the gym, Lori. You gave me some good ideas. No squat cage for me…..and we won’t even talk about the “Captain’s Chair” experience! LOL
I love Uncle Sam Cereal! It is great as a topping like this.