A new T shirt

Sometimes the simplest thing can make me happy - picked up a t shirt today to wear in the upcoming Women's 5k. Pink and red women's cut tshirt....what great colors to acknowledge the impact of breast cancer and heart disease in womens' lives....

Post Birthday Hike

Hiked the beautiful Rock Castle Gorge - 11 miles of hiking adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway - what a fabulous day! Crisp, clear day with a breeze along the summit...the pictures speak to the beauty of this area much better than any words I have...

Learning Something New

Drove to Bassett this AM to help Star City Striders set up and time a race - beautiful, crisp fall morning to run.....no running for me today - long hike planned for tomorrow!

No Run Friday

Attended ethics conference at the beautiful Hotel Roanoke today.....chill in air and had to wear sweater - fall is here. Hibiscus full of blooms - will bring it in to overwinter and bloom again next year...

47

Ran/walked ~5 miles along Roanoke River after class today. Looking forward to the next three days off - happy birthday to me!

Italian Squash Fitness Walk

Had a 3 mile fitness walk with Linda catching up on the latest news and running plans since she's been out of town for a while. We stopped to admire a backyard when the owner came around and told us about these huge green squash hanging from the trees. Fun walk back to our cars brandishing these monsters! I am now the proud owner of a 32 inch cucuzza squash - watch for pictures and recipes as I find out what to do with this veggie!

Two pretty good days

Ran ~4 miles in the neighborhood yesterday and ran/walked Mill Mountain with two coworkers today. School good, work OK. Making a crock pot of veggie chili for a fundraiser at school tomorrow. I'm including the recipe so maybe some of the students will try it when they find it doesn't have that "weird tofu stuff" in it.

Sandra Tee’s Yummy, Healthy Vegetarian Chili

1 28 ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 15 ounce can pinto beans
2 15 ounce cans dark red kidney beans
2 15 ounce cans black beans
1 medium onion coarsely chopped
1 red or green bell pepper coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves chopped
½ chopped jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups water

Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Heat on medium heat 6 – 8 hours. Adjust the amount of chili powder, garlic and jalapeno pepper according to your preference. Check the label on the beans for animal ingredients such as lard, pork fat or natural seasonings. Some beans are labeled as vegetarian but it is reasonably easy to find beans not cooked with meat.