Cheryl’s Final Training Run…Dubbed: The 12 Mile Water/Bug Run!

   So today was the last of the long runs and one of the shortest since back when there was still snow on the ground.   A “short” 12 mile run, on the last weekend before the big race in Duluth.  We decided to start in Keota this time since it was a shorter run with less features and traffic on the trail. 

 

We posed by the trail head sign.   Cheryl was very excited to be running in her new Peregrine Shoes.   I guess they are specifically design for trails rather than road…so the Kewash Trail was perfect.

  We started early because it was supposed to get up into the 70’s later and that is never fun to run in.   The Rabbits were out and about…as usual; Along with a few Chipmunks and Squirrels.    At one point there were up to 4 rabbits on the trail ( mile 2)

 

  Cheryl almost stepped on a couple and chased a couple more.   It was looking like a pretty good day, being overcast and cool.    I snapped a few last pictures..just before the rain began…

Cheryl said there was only a 30% chance for the rain to begin during the run. Well guess we rolled a losing die….because it came down pretty hard.  I luckily had a place to put the camera so it would stay dry.   It is a rather expensive piece of equipment after all.  Unfortunately, that meant I was unable to take any more pictures for the remainder of the run…..about 8 miles!  Just when the rain seemed to let up,  it would douse us again.   There was no other option than to soldier through.

I would like to take a moment briefly, to point out how awesome of a husband I am.   ( Or the most stupid/pushover wimp of a husband…not really sure)  because I REALLY wanted to turn back when the rain started.   But Cheryl wanted to continue with renewed determination.   Saying things like “This is FUN!”   I did not share this enthusiasm.  But, because I’m so super supportive,  I risked pneumonia and several insect transferable diseases to help my Wife finish her final training run. 

  Which leads me into the insects.   Black Flies!   Hundreds!…No  MILLIONS!  I’m not sure why they were not this bad last week, but today was a whole new story.  I first noticed several in Cheryl's hair and even snapped a picture of on on her shoulder as we first started out.  Even one of these guys is too many, but I thought that this was not too big of a deal and that if we kept running, they would not be able to catch us.  I guess last week it was all about clouds of gnats.  Those seem down right cuddly compared to black flies. 

Not long after the first sighting,  they began to attack me.   I complained voiced my concerns about the Man-eating, Blood-Sucking, Disease-carrying vectors of death and pain, But Cheryl did not notice them and urged that we continue on.  And, Being the Super Husband that I am,  Continued to draw fire away from her ( And onto me, by the way)  while keeping her clear and free of insects with my hands.  you would think the rain would have kept them away, but that was so not the case…

She even wanted to stop and pick mulberries for home. She brought containers and marked out places that had the most berries.   I suggested that picking berries, in the rain….surrounded by biting insects, was probably not a good idea.   But Cheryl wanted this last run to be the BEST! She urged me to go sit in the car as she picked the berries.  I knew that was not going to last long. 

Finally,   I got to the car.   I hooked up my bike and the black flies were immediately on me.   I look back and Cheryl is running with a renewed vigor!   You could almost see the black cloud of flies following her!   She said the moment she stopped,  there were dozens on her legs!  We locked ourselves inside the car, dripping wet and covered with bug bites.  Cheryl got hit the worst.  All that exposed skin I suppose… It looked like she had Chicken Pox!  Luckily, having experienced these vermin before, I was hit less hard. ( The key is you have to KILL THEM…KILL THEM ALL! ) I guess bug spray will soon be an addition to the Running Supplies.

It never really let up on the rain.  Pretty much all day it has been sprinkling to some degree.  So I guess 30% seems more like 100% after all.  Hurray Weatherman!

So there it is!   Only a week left before the Big Race.   We had thought we were going to have this week off, but  College board still has at least a day of scoring, and Cheryl has been asked to stay on between the break to pull papers for the next session.  I should be thankful as a couple additional days of work  will help the trip up north go easier. AND I received an additional Pearson Project that will last through the break when we get back.  It will be a rare bonus if we can work through summer this year.  have not been able to do that since the last days of MCAT.

A Subie Success Story.

So the parts for the Subaru came today.   Well,   Two out of three anyway.   The Blower Motor and the Cabin Filters.   The Temperature outside was 90 degrees and the AC was not working all the way home this evening…so I was VERY eager to get this thing fixed!  

 

 

I’m not sure where I first heard it, but things are easier the second time around.   Today was one of those days where everything goes well.  The glove box dropped out without a hitch.  

The New Motor works like a charm!

 

The filter cover is what the blower resistor is attached too.  Four snap clips and it comes off easy.  I pulled out the old filters and used a small brush to clean the leaves and dust out off the filter compartment.   I scavenged an old snow scraper/brush for this purpose….Worked AWESOME!

 

 

 

With the debris gone,  The new filters slid in easy…..notice how white they are!

 

 

 

Now for the old motor removal.   The wire harness below it was a hassle before, but today it slipped out fairly easy.   Probably because I knew how much force I could apply and not break it.

 

 

 

 

With the old one out,   The New one slips in even easier!  I hook it up and give it a go to see if it works…….Cold FRESH AIR!

Several screws later, the filter and the motor have been replaced……The entire thing took about 20-30 minutes.   Less time than the landlord had to mow the lawn.   FAR less time than last Sunday…..

So now we are waiting for a resistor….thought I would  replace that while I was at it since Cheryl decided better to replace everything that was a suspect at the same time.

I also rotated the tires and we are hoping to get an alignment before the end of this week.   It had been almost a year and we may have waited too long to have it done.  Ah well,   If only we could do everything all the time. 

So that is all for now…..Fingers crossed we can get the alignment done fast and easy.  Then it will be an oil change and fluid top off and we should be golden for the big race next weekend.  As for now…It’s sleepy time for Ethan.

Cheryl’s 15 mile Birthday Run….And D-Day anniversary.

This way it is easy to remember….D-Day invasion….and Cheryl’s birthday.   Usually I’m terrible with birthdays.  I barely remember my own!  But I DO tend to remember certain major events  ( as well as useless trivia) of historical significant.  I  guess I’m just wired differently.

Well,   It has been getting hotter lately, and yesterday was quite warmer than usual…even in the morning.   Luckily, we only ran/biked 15 miles before the fun began.   Incidentally,   they were running a half marathon on that very trail that morning.   We knew this, but Cheryl decided to not sign up for that one as there was no medal and it would be later in the day.   Add in that the BIG marathon is only 2 weeks away and we are supposed to be tapering down for the big event.   So an actual run compared to a training run would not be the wisest move at this time.  

After the run,  We headed to Iowa City and did the usual “after run events”.  Including buying fish and oil for the birthday dinner.   We stopped by the Kalona Bakery and picked up a strawberry pie for Cheryl.   It’s was better than having a cake….so much so, Cheryl could not wait to dig in before we got home.

It is very important to have beer with Fish and Chips!   Hyvee was having a sale on Yellow Perch, so we picked up about 1/3 lbs since it is usually a rare item to see in the case….and we are from Michigan where Yellow Perch is a delicacy.   I can’t believe Lake Perch is not one of the top fish for Aquaculture.   Even on Sale it was $12.99 a lbs!   Ohio should be speeding up the process! 

I decided to not use beer batter for these guys, as they are fine all on their own.   So…a dip in egg, then a roll in some Panko….( We did not have an fry crisp)  and into the fryer!   Quick, simple…..Delicious!   I could have been more creative, adding garlic and seasonings to the mix, but really perch is probably the best just left alone.   It is not a flavor you need to cover up or bring out with any additives. 

By the way.   The Subaru AC blower is pretty much a goner.   After all that struggle the other day, it is still an intermittent motor.   Cheryl and I spent a little while looking up a replacement online, in addition to some new cabin air filters.  I imagine they will arrive in a week or two, so we will have to deal with the blower motor humming loudly and sporadically cutting out for the next week. On the bright side.  I know that the blower IS the problem, and how to remove the old and install the new one.   I will have a little time next week since College Board is wrapping up this week. ( along with my Pearson Math Project)

So,  With an evening or shopping  online for clothes,  eating fresh fruit pies, and watching Anime;   Cheryl decided that her Birthday was a success.  Sometimes just a peaceful day at home is enough to draw out the enjoyment.       

Today..The Cat is driving me crazy!    It is Humid and he does not know what to do….putting everyone..(including Cheryl)   in a bad Mood!    If he would just come inside in the cooler air, he would probably settle down, but he just has to be outside to chase birds and chipmunks.   ( Not that he ever catches them!).  Just thought I would mention that before lunch.   Guess I better post this now, since Cheryl is getting hungry and impatient.    She has already eaten the remainder of the Strawberry pie.      

Subaru Air Conditioning Woes!

    It has been an  ongoing problem lately….the air-conditioning will cut out or simply not start from time to time. Upon closer inspection….I determined it was probably the fan…as the cold air continued to come out of the vents…just not with any velocity.   Time to hit the Internet!

Most of the forums have it under blower motor or the resistor.   Since the cutting out happens on all speeds..I was thinking that the resistor was probably not the problem.   I watched a couple “how to” videos and thought the best thing to do was take out the blower and have a look at how things are measuring up. 

It was a bit of a chore.   Not as easy as the videos had it.   The glove box came out fairly easy…but I think I may have messed up the glove box light in the process.

One of the videos showed how to remove the cabin filters.   Since it looked easier than the blower motor to take out, I disassembled it and had a look….

Disaster!   The filters were clogged and dirty with leaves, dust, dirt and “other things” i could not identify.  I took them out and tried to clean out as much crap with my hand as I could.   A vacuum would have been  nice to have, but we lack an extension cord that will reach out to the car.  Simple blowing and banging will have to do for the moment.

Then the blower.   IT was wedged up under a wire harness and took a but of muscle to pull it out.   I plugged it into it’s plug while it was out of the dash and observed that it was not moving.   PANIC!   These things can cost over $100! 

being a hot day, and a long day at work…I have very little patience for this amount of stress.   I immediately switch to “grumpy Ethan”   to the delight of Cheryl.  I explain the situation….that I have done what I could and that a new blower seems to be the most logical fix.  Oh!  I decided that before dropping $100 on a new blower ( online…..Cheryl had the credit card ready and was itching to make the purchase!)  I heard from one of the you tubers that you should hook the blower up to your battery to see if it is in fact, broken.   Unfortunately,  I have no cute little wires with alligator clips……I have two “almost wires”  with a half alligator, have needle end.   Cheryl holds one end,  I attempt to touch the blower….nothing happens….confirming my earlier diagnosis.  Grrr!

Now Cheryl is in a bad mood,  But just before I say uncle,  I check out the Forums once more and find a video where a guy blows out the dust and dirt out of his motor and gets it working again…..I rush out and do that.

It WORKS!  Hurray for small victories!   Now, however, it is dark…and Cheryl wants AC for her early morning run tomorrow.  With a bit of newly added vigor believing I solved the problem….I head out….Flash light in hand! 

I finished at 10:50 PM. But it works!   I’m not sure for how much longer…as I’m sure the filters AND the blower will eventually need to be replaced.  Add in the fact that I have 3 screws I can not get into their prescribed places and  my electric screwdriver decided to run out of battery at a very crucial point.   Forcing me to use the old wrist twister….in the dark…in the bugs….in the heat…upside down as  that is the only way to reach several of the dash screws.

At least it works!  And I know how to get back at it in the event I eventually have to tear it apart again.   I hope it stays fixed for a while.   We shall see…..Now for a long awaited sleep.  Tomorrow is Cheryl’s 15 mile run..and Birthday.   She has many things planned.   I’ll have to take pictures for the blog as they happen.  As for now….I’m off to bed!

Is it Friday Yet?

After a week of my Math Project messing around with me,   I now have a rather elaborate prompt with 6 score points to wrap my head around.   I finally qualified, but it is getting late.  Only one day left!   Too bad there are not going to be many hours on this weeks timecard. 

   I guess I should be careful what I say on the blog…in the event someone ever reads this and calls me on the outlandish things I say.   This is unfortunate…As I was about to describe in detail my plan to pull off the ultimate heist!    I was going to ROB A STAGECOACH!  ( also known as a “hold up”  to people in the know)  It was going to be awesome!  But them I let it slip on the blog and Cheryl called the whole thing off.  Bummer.  (I couldn’t help it…..it was such a cool topic!)

It’s too bad too..I was really looking forward to jumping onto a moving stagecoach with a bandana on my face.   Since we only have the Subie and no horses,  I was going to lean out the moon roof while Cheryl drove up behind.   It was going to be tricky….since I no longer own a six shooter…or any firearm for that matter.  I figured surprise would be on our side and there would be no need for violence. 

Ah, but listen to me…..talking about something that is never going to happen.   I guess I was just excited.  I guess I should keep the blog postings simple and avoid self incriminating evidence. 

 

Note:   This is for a future defense in the event anything on the blog is held against me for whatever reason.   I guess that there is the thought that  no one ever makes things up ( or exaggerates) on their blogs…..but I do…..sometimes.  Usually for entertainment value.

Anyway, I finally finished qualifying and WHEW!   That was a tough one.  Hopefully this prompt will last a while.    I really only have this day to score it as I usually take Friday off.   It will depend if Cheryl still wants to ride shotgun for that little western we have planned.   We shall see.

Is Blogger Fixed?

Perhaps they have!   I tried to post the last post through the Email, with limited success.  However, I eventually just tried to publish directly from Windows live..and BEHOLD!   The posting went through.  

Maybe it is temporary.  I will soon find out when I click “publish” on this one. 

So….while I’m here….mid week…I guess I should talk about a few things.   I guess it is National Run Day today.   Cheryl notified me of this a few moments ago. We did actually run today…a mere  7  miles.  I’m not sure if that entitles us to a cookie or trinket.   Cheryl would know more than me.

Today was also  “SCORER APPRECIATION DAY” at College board.     What does that mean?   Tacos!   Yes, they catered tacos for us at lunch time and it was fun…and tasty.  I honestly can not remember the last time I enjoyed tacos that crunch.   Or any tacos for that matter.   I think i was in the Army in Alaska and we stopped in at Taco Bell in Fairbanks.  Really, that is the only memory I have.   You see…Cheryl does not like them and they would be too much of a hassle for me to make them all for myself.    And I don’t really CRAVE tacos on a daily basis so they pretty much simply fall into oblivion.   Don’t get me wrong…I WILL eat them if the opportunity presets itself.  ( as it did today!)  And they were wonderful!    

Other than that,  I guess the day was pretty routine.  and I’m totally scored out on the math prompt for Pearson…so, once again, I have the evening free.   Add to this:  Cheryl being asked to stay on with college board to work on pulling training papers for the next session…( without me!)    It’s all very confusing I know.  But it is difficult to turn down employment when you are scraping by….barely. 

So I’m very happy my windows live program and Blogger are on talking terms once again.   It saves me from having to set up elaborate dates and event mixers so they can rekindle the relationship.   Let’s face it…I do not speak HTML very well.    So I shall retire for the evening with a beer and maybe find a YouTube Documentary I can sink into.   I’ll still check math and see if they have a paper come through…we shall see how things go. 

Hey!   Wadayaknow!   It Works!   Wooohooo Blogger!  

Quick test for the blog

Just a quick post as I currently have nothing to score this evening.  I’m not sure what Pearson is up to, but they will not let me score a previously trained prompt.   Ah well,  I guess I will enjoy the free time trying to get my blogger account to work.  We shall see if this does.   I’ll even add a picture to see if they transfer.

 

Let’s see.