It is wonderful to hear the birds chirping again and to see the sun early in the morning. Perhaps spring is here, though in Chicago we are always fearful of yet another snow storm.
I’ve been out riding my bicycle a few times, but need to change over my knobby tires for slicks so that I can use my bike for commuting. Though knobbies aren’t such a bad idea seeing as how there are potholes left, right, and center on Chicago streets. It certainly makes for a challenging commute! I’ve got to get out the degreaser, lube, and tools and tune up my bike — maybe this weekend.
I also have to get my little garden going — basil, scallions, parsley, garlic, chives, and peppermint (if I can find some). I had a good crop last year although the squirrels wrecked a bunch of it. Had to put wiring over the pots so the little guys couldn’t dig into the dirt.
Though I’m not doing a triathlon this year, I think I’m going to continue my weekly ritual of riding down to the beach, swimming a half mile and then riding back home. It is truly exhilarating to swim in Lake Michigan. You see the open water one one side and the beautiful skyline on the other (once I was gazing too much that I swam into another swimmer! very funny since Lake Michigan is not exactly small!).
And of course spring cleaning needs to happen. I’m still on a quest to simplify, simplify, simplify. I think it is good for my soul even though I tend to want to hang on to stuff (you just never know when you or someone else might need it!).
This morning I’m treating myself to breakfast at Starbucks …. yummmm! I don’t do this very often, but every once in a while, it’s a nice treat. So, on that note, I’m going to stop here, pack my work bag, and get going! Coffee awaits!
"She wrote the way she lived: on the fly, without retrospect, always on the way, climbing higher."
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Sister J update: I’m currently enjoying a large coffee with a shot of espresso … now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Sounds like you are like the rest of us Chicagoans anxiously waiting for spring!
Wonderful to read about planting-but I think I would wait till the end of May.
Enjoy your starbucks-their coffee would keep me awake for days!
Spring? What’s that? It snowed/rained/sleeted here from last Thursday until this past Monday. There’s actually a bright thing in the sky that some tell me is “the sun.”
Yes, I have heard of the orb they call “the sun” … have faith, it will return!
Dear Sister Julie and Fellow Bike Commuter-
Oh, please tell me you wear a helmet when you ride, and that you do not swim alone and unobserved. One should have faith in God’s protection, but remember that God sometimes acts in such “ordinary” ways as safety devices and the faculty of reason.
I have found this site to be very helpful as a fellow bike commuter.
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/
Safe and joyful rolling …
David
Rest assured, I practice safe-biking techniques.
Helmet? Check.
Lights? Check.
Bell? Check.
Locks? Check.
Tools? Check.
Cellphone? Check.
I’m probably not as careful as I should be with swimming because the 1/2 mile I swim is all about 4 feet of water — you can touch the sand below the whole way. But I do have a nun buddy who bikes down with me and keeps watch over my pink-latex-covered head bobbing in the water!
Thanks for caring, David! And I’ve not seen that link before but I’ll spend some time on it later tonight during my recreation. Blessings to you, Brother Biker.
Sister Julie
Watch out - peppermint will take over your herb garden if you are not careful and the squirrels don’t triumph.
I just heard that about peppermint … even in its own pot?
Dear Sister Julie,
Thanks for the peace of mind. I am sure I speak for your countless fans. Also, such a good role model!
Be well… roll safely … and joyfully,
Brother Biker David
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