The right shoes (and insoles)

A couple of weeks ago, after six months of running 3-4 miles almost every day, I began to have knee issues--like, serious enough to prevent me from running. I decided it was happening because I needed new running shoes, so I ordered these ultra-cushiony, high-stability Asics and some expensive insoles to replace my three-year-old running shoes.

The first time I ran with my new shoes, the insoles felt kind of stiff, not cushiony like I was used to, but I did my run anyway--big mistake. They really messed up my knee, and I had to stop running for another entire week.

Last weekend I cruised the local running shoe stores and bought some even more expensive (but a lot more cushiony) insoles. I started running again three days ago, and miracle of mircles, THEY WORK! I've run three miles for the last three days and I've had pain at all.

Moral of story: Always buy the right insoles. Superfeet Premium Insoles bad. NewBalance Pressure Relief insoles good. I also learned from this experience that I tend to take my legs for granted when they are working properly. I need to appreciate all of my working parts more.

And in related news, in today's Tribune there was an article that reported on a study about how exercise during your high school years is directly related to dementia in your later years. If you played sports or exercised regularly in high school, you are far less likely to develop dementia. The study also found that regular exercise at any stage of life wards off a decline in cognitive function. So, I figure running now means clearer thinking when I'm 80. And you guys will think clearly well into your 100's. Pretty good deal.

Birthday girl

Join me in a stroll down memory lane as we wish happy birthday to Lindy, who was born 28 years ago today--actually this morning, to be precise. This set of photos will highlight Lindy's athleticism, musical talent, general cuteness, and sophisticated sense of style (note how she accessorizes her outfit with a soccer ball--brilliant!).

I think we can all agree that Lindy was the most adorable child ever, to be surpassed only by her own daughter, the charming and photogenic RC. Happy birthday Lin! I am glad you were able to have birthday cake for breakfast. I love you!

P.S. Happy birthday to Bobbyanne, too!

Happy birthday to Logies

Logan is 30 today! My, my, my how time flies. I think you all agree Logan has grown into a fantastic adult. Happy birthday Logan! I am totally proud to be your mom.

P.S. Happy birthday to Andy too!

New dawg in town

Chris and Devon moved into a new house! The house is great--airy and sunny, and just a couple of blocks from downtown Sugarhouse.

Check out Chris's adorable new dog, Waylon. He's a shepherd/aussie/cattle dog mix and has the sweetest personality ever. Before he came to live with Chris and Devon, he lived at the Humane Society. He's four months old.

Most of the pictures I took of Waylon look like this...

....because he's a fast moving animal and I am not a great photographer, but I managed to get a few shots of him in the kitchen with his new daddy and mommy.

And just before we left, Waylon showed me how much he loved me by biting my thumb and not letting go.

Cute little guy! Lindy, he reminds me a little of Mabel, Rick's wife, but he's manlier.

Forced exercise

A few days ago Lindy reported Riley's weight, and she STILL doesn't weigh as much as Kibbie, who is 17 pounds. I decided she (Kibbie) needs more exercise, so we are beginning a forced exercise routine. I'm going to have her march back and forth in the back yard every day.

It's been pretty slow going. Our first time out, she walked once across the yard, and then decided she needed a rest.

After about 15 minutes of that, she slowly walked over to the back door and sat there until I let her back into the house. Sheesh.

Inclement weather + banjos

Okay, so it's June 17, right? Summertime? Today's Tribune reported that Snowbird will be open for Father's Day skiing! It is freezing here; when I woke up this morning it was 62 degrees in the house. Don't y'all want to move back to Utah to experience the joy of winter during the summer?

Last night Bob, Chris, Devon and I went to a "summer" concert at Red Butte Gardens, where Steve Martin wowed the crowd with his banjo picking. It was cold and rainy when we left the house, so we packed up our blankets and tarps, Devon wore her ski clothes, and Bob and I put on double sweatshirts and rain parkas. Usually Red Butte is the place you go to see how close people can come to being naked while still being officially clothed, but last night looked more like the crowd at a football game. Strange sight.

Good news, though; the concert was fabulous and Red Butte has a new concessionaire!

Despite the bad weather, the concert was sold out--apparently the first time a bluegrass concert ever sold out in the state of Utah. The music was fantastic, and Steve Martin was funny and cute. Here are two of their songs: "Jubilation Day" and "Atheists Don't Have No Songs." Did you know these guys won a grammy last year?

Jody is thirdy

Happy birthday Jody! Here are some happy birthday columbines, just for you. (I swear, if columbines didn't exist in nature, no one would be smart enough to invent them.)

Thanks for being such a fantastic wife to Logan, and for being a fabulous addition to our family. We love you!

Perennials in bloom today

Our bleeding hearts did wonderfully this year, for the first time ever.

This is the peony that's in the front of the house next to the driveway. It only looks great for about two days, so I thought I'd better take a photo, quick.

I love bachelor's buttons! They get crunchy and ugly after they bloom, but while they're blooming, I think they're one of the most beautiful flowers on earth.

Lillies of the valley are an understated flower. The blooms are teeny weeny, but they smell great, and they're incredibly hardy.

Bob and I went out today to get some plants to fill in some holes in our garden. Tomorrow, I will show you our beautiful new columbine! I love summer.