Prison perks

I’ve thought it would be pretty cool to ride some of the infamous category climbs and sunflower-lined routes that the Tour de France follows every July. 

Well, little did I know that a forced stay in a French prison may just be the ticket to this living that adventure.  194 prisoners, along with 124 guards and prison sport instructors, are doing just that.  Following a route beginning June 4th, they will be stopping in 17 towns (each of which has a prison), but everyone will be staying in hotels.

Not surprising I guess, but there will be no breakaways allowed!

info via UK Telegraph

Curious to see what they’ll wear…orange jumpsuits or striped jerseys?

Putting the feet up…

Scrambling through thick brush, take a bearing and moving onwards -ends in a little stop at a waterfall for lunch and a little relaxation.  Time to put the feet up and take it all in.

A previous storm has an impact on the forest.  One of many, very large, uprooted trees:

'Frost'-y canoeing - Frost Centre Area

A little nippy with rain to start the excursion. Thankfully thunderstorms passed by the time the gear was packed and we were ready to push off.

Canada has some beautiful spots for canoeing - this weekend it was St. Nora Lake and Sherbourne Lakes.

We had the full spectrum of weather conditions - thunderstorms, rain, sleet, below-freezing temps overnight, and full sun with blackflies on our final day. Got to love the great outdoors!

Mother’s Day…today and every day

My mom always said that Mother’s Day should be every day and not just on one particular day. And of course, mothers tend to be smarty pants when it comes to these kinds of things – ‘mothers know best’. So, even if I haven’t said it every day, I hope she knows that I think she is the greatest mom ever!!!!

Little did I know when I got married, that I would be given a very special treat – an amazing mother-in-law as well (or as I often refer to her ‘mom #2’). I feel quite fortunate!

So, to all the mothers out there…a very happy Mother’s Day today, tomorrow, the next day, and each day thereafter (my mom would approve).

A special call out to Laura. Today she is being celebrated as a mother, but she is also remembering a loss on this same day in 2005. Hugs being sent your way, Laura (and the rest of the Flagg family).

Finally, I did a half-marathon today and when I went to get my car post-race, I saw this scene and just had to share. It seems apropos for Mother’s Day. Enjoy!

Eat-in or take-out – decisions, decisions…

Tinge is addicted to the ‘drive-thru’ concept and our house is likely one of many restaurants on his route.

Other times, he is quite social and likes to eat-in…

Oh, the decisions of the roaming squirrel…

Sleep well Dudley

We just heard the very sad news that Walt & Marisa had to say goodbye to ‘Dudley’ this afternoon.  We know that it is one of the toughest decisions any of us will ever have to make, but it is one done out of love for our fur-faces.  Tears are flowing…

We’ll be looking for that extra bright star in the sky tonight.  When he reaches the Bridge, I am pretty sure there are two very special Golden Retrievers who will be there to greet him.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

-Author unknown

Off the beaten track

Mark has often mentioned another route that I can take on some of my rides – just a little trail road, off the beaten track.  So, today we went that way…down in the valley, valley so low…which of course, means climbing up the other side.  Actually, not bad…a nice seated climb that is over before you know it…really!

Amazing how the photo looking down the hill doesn’t give it the perspective that legs felt on the way up.

Happy to be outside, on the road again…