Mostly, it's Monday

Congratulations to Wendy Nevala, who can now be called an Ironwoman. She completed Ironman Arizona yesterday. Super! We're very proud of you Wendy. She crossed the finish line in 15:41:32 and is now vacationing with her family. I hope they're pampering her today.

Oops. I posted an incorrect date in yesterday's post for the Gravy Train 12 (it's been corrected in that post). It's Saturday, November 29. No, you haven't missed it. Remember to bring those non-perishable food items.

Just a reminder that we will be holding the third annual Carol on the Run Wednesday, December 3 at 6 pm at Running Room. Festive headwear and jingle bells are encouraged. Probable stops include Charter House, Samaritan Bethany on 8th, Samaritan Bethany Heights and Ronald McDonald House. You don't have to include all the stops on your run. Let's bring some holiday cheer to those who could really use it.

The RTC newsletter went to the bulk mail facility today at noon. It should arrive in your homes either tomorrow or Wednesday. For information about voting on next year's board of directors, please read the letter from the president which is an insert. It's important that you vote this year as we have more people running for positions on the board than there are seats to fill.

Mike Schmitt is again looking to organize a car/van pool to the Securian Half Marathon (part of St. Paul Winter Carnival) on January 24. More info at RTC Forums.

The challenge to do the 3 WinterFest activities on the weekend of February 14/15 now has an official name (thank you Kevin Torgerson). The WinterFest Trifecta. I've now joined Laura Lenz and Chris Kujath on team Lace-Up Against Breast Cancer. We'll be wearing pink. Quote from Mark Wernstrom this morning regarding me signing up to plunge: "So is there a fee for you AND your ego?" Ha! Them's fightin' words, Mark!! (Don't worry ... this is all in fun.) We're running tomorrow at 5:15 AM at the Y should anyone want to join us.

Pictured below are Chris O'Brien, her friend Wylene, and Chris Kujath who particiated in the Turkey Run at Lake Como yesterday.

Just a little FYI: Y105 (104.9 and 105.3 FM) is already doing Christmas music 24x7. It will be all Christmas, all the time, until Christmas.

News on the home front: Eric is indeed going to Paris for 4 days after his school term ends. Lucky duck. He'll leave from Madrid to come back to the states on December 17.

Well, I'm finally reaching the conclusion of the home improvement that would not end. All started with wanting to paint the front door sometime back in early September. Spent the day before TCM with a 6'x7' hole in front of the house, freezing, wrapped up in blankets on the couch with stomach cramps ... Not a good day. Anyway, we now have a new front door and sidelights, 11' of new rim joist, a new row of brick on the stoop, reinstalled siding, new Fypon pilasters (actually two sets, one of which is useless--anyone need some brand new 7" pilasters??) and I'm a first name basis with Dave at Kruse Lumber. ;-) I just put the second coat of paint on the pilasters and a piece of rough-sawn cedar that will go under the door. The end is finally in sight and I'm soooooo glad.

Yesterday I was at Fleet Farm and was browsing the Christmas ornaments. Found a musical note for Matt but still hadn't found anything for Eric as nothing seemed quite right. He's done so much traveling this year. So I found a moose flying an airplane and decided on that. I brought it home and added a little banner out the back. I printed the words on the computer, cut them out (two the same size) and fused them together with Heat 'n Bond (used for quilting and crafts) and put two pieces of bead wire between the papers on the top and bottom so it would be stiff and could be bent. Then I hot glued it on the back of the plane.

They also had ornaments that say "marathon". The colors aren't Christmas-y but you don't see ornaments that are running-related very often. So I bought one. Sorry for the blurry picture.


The last poll I posted was "What's your favorite carb?" Pasta won. Here's a great pasta recipe. Very quick and easy but very tasty. It sounds like a lot of garlic, but the garlic ends up tasting sweet.

Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil and Hot Pepper Flakes

For the pasta:
4 quarts water
1 Tbsp. Kosher salt
1 pound dry spaghetti noodles (Barilla Spaghetti Rigati--spaghetti with ridges)

Directions: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in the salt, then add the noodles and cook at a medium boil while stirring often until al dente (about 6 to 8 minutes). Meanwhile, make the sauce.

For the sauce and to finish the dish:
6 Tbsp. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil--Rachel Ray-speak)
8 (yes, 8) large cloves garlic, peeled and crushed flat (with the side of a chef's knife)
One medium red bell pepper, cored and seeded and cut into short julienne
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. hot pepper flakes (use more or less to taste)
1/4 c. finely shredded Italian parsley
Cooked pasta from above
6 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: Put a 12" skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot, remove it from the heat and add the oil to the pan followed closely by the garlic. Let the garlic cook 1 minute until lightly golden in color. Add the bell peppers, salt and pepper flakes then return to high heat. Let cook 1 minute while stirring often, then remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. When the pasta is done, drain it well and toss with the sauce. Divide onto plates then top each with a sprinkling of Parmesan and serve.

Salud!

Well, I have some meal planning and list-making to do for the rest of the week. I'd best get busy.

Thought for the day: "Whatever your talent, use it in every way possible ... Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke." --Brendan Francis

Until next time.