"The Burn" and the Bakery

Ever have one of those days when you thought you might - at any moment - puke, cry, fall asleep, or fall down? That was my today. All I can say is don't eat Thai food the night before an early morning run unless you carry a few kleenexes and you've planned to stop off for a comforting cup of joe directly afterwards. (Hunting for plant seeds helps the run go quicker.)


I guess it was one of those days when my mind and body were not interested in running, albeit through the beautiful bluffs of Forest Park. Or maybe I was just a little fatigued from our activites over the last 2 weeks. First my mom & step-dad visited, and Paul & I had fun trying to show them the many facets of Oregon (hey, maybe they'll decide to move?). Between many activities, we had lunch at the Pittock Manson, the beach, and @ Timberline on Mt. Hood. We also visited Hood River Valley's Fruit Loop. My favorite was a beautiful lavendar farm; a sea of purple with a Mt. in view to the north and the south. I think we would have done more gardening at home but it was too damn hot out that week! On Tuesday they flew back to Iowa and our friends Kelly & Chris came from MS. For not living here for the last 10-ish years, they sure know their way around! They introduced us to the Willamette Valley wineries, a few great restaurants, and how to properly spend a whole day downtown (stopping for coffee is integral). They took off toward Olympia this morning, right after we left for our run in Forest Park. We had a good time with all our visitors, despite the single bathroom and high temps @ times. Back to routine now, I guess.