A blissful Friday. I have Sunday off from work because of the Charity Ride and John said it was a 3 day weekend for me. Yes – just like a 3 day weekend except I have to work today…. 🙄
It was a chilly morning and I headed out at 7 am for a run. About a 1/2 mile in, it started to sprinkle on me. I figured there is no difference between sweat and rain (except salt content), so I kept going. I don’t like wet shoes, though. I did 3 miles today and I was thinking about how easy it felt. All that biking has sure been doing a lot for my running, I have to say 😀
I was ready for brekkie when I got back.
I got some jams yesterday in the jam swap I participated in. Dina sent me marionberry jam and blueberry jam! Yay! So – onto the banana custard oats it went!
Last of the almond butter as well, time to get out the food processor! I commenced to some work – relaxed style.
Lunch time! Something different, just because it is Friday.
Why yes, that is cauliflower. Roasted in the toaster oven along with the fish sticks. They were both done at the same time. I like convenience.
More work after lunch. I got an email about the Charity Ride on Sunday. There are 93 riders all together on the 3 different distances. There are 51 riders doing the 62 mile ride, so I won’t be alone. Well, I won’t start alone at any rate. Probably will end last 
This is the first organized bike ride I have ever done. I forget that I won’t be climbing the hills or finishing the route by myself. There is a sag wagon and a mechanics vehicle for problems, plus a couple rest/snack stops at 20-mile intervals. No worries. I do find myself alternating between excitement and panic. That stupid 5-mile hill really has stuck itself in my mind. I must tell myself it is okay if I need to walk up some of that hill. It’s not a race, and the kids that attend this camp have way more problems in their lives than I do with this hill. Weather looks iffy that day. Supposed to be showers and it will be chilly with a high of 64. I wanted to wear my Rosie jersey, but I think I need a long sleeve shirt since morning temps will be upper 40s/low 50s.
Afternoon snack with a latte:
Instead of the usual What’s Blooming, I thought I would show you something different! (I’ll do flowers tomorrow). Today was the start of one of the local balloon festivals! My mom and I went to see the evening launch tonight.
It’s neat because you can get up and close to the balloons taking off.
I loved this balloon!
I was hungry as it was dinner time, so I brought along sustenance.
Kinda creepy, eh?
Me and my mom!
Up, up, and away!
We went out for dinner afterwards. Since John wasn’t with, we could go to Steve’s Place (he doesn’t like it there).
I love the breakfast all day! I got an eggbeater cheese omelet with wheat toast.
I ate all but a small smidgen of the omelet. Yum!
A very nice day, all in all. We are in the stride of festival time around here.
Question: Ever been to a balloon launch?
I was fortunate enough to get to go on a balloon ride two different times. Totally awesome. How about if you rock your Rosie jersey, but wear a long sleeve tech top under it?
Never been to a balloon launch but it looks really exciting! I still don’t understand how they can “steer” the balloons once up in the sky…another of life’s mysteries!
You are going to do so great on the ride. Maybe you’re focusing on the 5 mile hill in order to distract yourself from the length of the entire ride? No matter, you will ROCK it!
.-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Friday Mishmash =-.
Have a great time on your ride.
The balloons look neat! I’ve never been to a launch before.
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Labor Day =-.
Yes, I second Shelley. You’re the only one worried about the ride! Perhaps that is because our legs won’t feel the hill LOL. Yes, that clown face balloon is totally creepy to me.
They do a balloon launch out in the country on my way to work. It is surreal to see them going up in the early morning.
.-= debby´s last blog ..A Fascinating Topic IMHO =-.
Great balloon pictures! And good luck on Sunday – you are going to be fine.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Quick Friday Update =-.
I have never been to a balloon launch, but riding in one is something I want to do someday. Have a great weekend!
.-= Alissa´s last blog ..Friday’s Eats and Treats =-.
The balloon is kind of creepy.
The Larabar is pretty yummy.
Almond butter? I am not that much of a fan. However, I love walnut and pecan butter! Mmmm!
Oh, and to answer the question, I have been to a balloon launch, and I would really like to do it again.
Yes I have been to more than one. Where I grew up in the next time they have a balloon festival every year and I’ve been there many times with Mom and Dad to watch it and later with R. Seeing your pics remembers me that it’s been a few years since we went, good idea to go sometime again.
No worries about tomorrow Lori, I know you are going to do great and who cares if you finish last, as long as you finish but I don’t think you will be last.
Good luck and have fun!
I arrived in Albuquerque last year on the last day of their balloon festival, but it was too windy and they’d had to cancel. 🙁 I did get to see quite a few balloons on my second trip through, and I’m committed to returning and taking a ride in a hot air balloon. (Great inspiration for keeping my weight off, lest I be tossed overboard for weighing the vessel down.:))
For your ride, is it possible to layer a long-sleeve workout shirt underneath the jersey? You could always remove it during one of the potty breaks if it gets too warm.
.-= Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..A Dash of This- A Sprinkle of That =-.
Lori, thx so much for those cool pics/videos of the balloon festival! Amazing pics & beautiful! Yes, that clown one was kinda creepy! Reminded me of the Modern Family episode where the hubby was afraid of clowns.. very funny show!
I digress… you are going to do awesome on the ride! Based on your posts, I say you have prepared well! Can’t wait to hear about it & good luck & “have fun”!!! 🙂
Love the pic of you & mom….
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..9-11 & Hugs Happy Birthday Lisa =-.
I try to get to the balloon festival in Stowe, VT every year. This year was great because the weather cooperated and it was so hot and humid the balloons just hung out over the field for a long time. Great photos, especially the one with you and your Mom. Have fun on your ride, I’m sure you’ll do great.