Run For Chocolate!....Happy Valentine's Day!

Our True Chocolate Warrior

She means business!

A Quick post of what we did today.   We traveled to Exotic St Louis, MO.  And Cheryl ran for Chocolate.   I simply watched...and took this cool amateur video and put it to music.   I'm posting this directly to Blogger as I do not want to have You Tube messing with my video.   And I guess that is the only way to post it with Windows Live.  


Cheryl fights the cold and Waits for the Gun

The Chocolate  Sponsor

Anyway....The Video captures pretty much all of the pictures I could have taken...so I will keep it light and simply show the vid.   BTW Cheryl ALMOST set a new 5 K record....but the coarse was only  2.95 Miles.....so her she did not get the "record" because technically she did nt go the full 5 k.   However,   her stats showed that she ran a new best mile,  she averaged an 8 minute mile, and she came in 7th for females in her age group and over.    Not too bad for a small little run like this.   Afterwards we visited the chocolate factory and took as much free chocolate as politeness would allow.


Chocolate Molds from the Factory

  Which only amounted to a couple of pieces and some Hot Cocoa.



The Inside of a Chocolate Assembly Line

The After Run Chocolate Party

We Grab some Chocolate and Head out!

The Factory was closed for tours, but the gift shop was open and selling.   We studied the various molds on the wall and looked through the glass before leaving.   We were told there was going to be a chocolate half way point ....and Chocolate Fountain....but that may have been overstated.  Because there was nothing like that.   It was cold and the coarse was slightly off.   But it was fun and it got us out of our sleepy little town for the weekend.   Better to do this on valentines day than stay home and watch TV I guess. 

I'll have to post the rest of the trip later...as I don't want this post to be too long.  The video should pretty much capture the highlights.  Enjoy!






So Little Time…..

So recently I have been harassing my brother about my theories about time. Namely,  Time Travel.   I tried to explain my theories and Philosophies about the existence of time and the possibilities that I have been leaping back and forth through various moments in time in my life. 
However,  I must have not articulated it properly, as his first response was to begin quoting scripture from the Bible.  I’m not sure how my musings about time travel could possibly upset God,  but apparently,  King Solomon has his own reply  about such “Demonology” in Ecclesiastes .   I decided that casually chatting with a former Theology student  about time travel was probably not the best outlet for voicing my ideas or opinions….or any opinion that does not follow the teachings of Jehovah.
To be fair,  he as probably trying to show off his superior knowledge of the “Good Book” and NOT trying to make me feel like a heretic, but whenever you talk about such things as time travel or Bigfoot….people usually think either you are Joking…or you are nuts! 
  I would like to think that I am not crazy,  ( however,  all crazy people think they are the only ones in the world that are sane) and occasionally enjoy mental exercises that call for thinking about the possibilities of unproven explanations.  Case in Point:  Leaping through time.
I put forth the Idea that you travel back and forth through time to either get a glimpse of the future, or one of many possible futures.   And Travel back when you realize that a previous decision has altered the path you have set out for yourself.    However,   The moment you leap back or forth….you forget the present and are only left with the knowledge gained from that time.   Hmmm   That is a bit confusing….  Example…..I jump ahead and see that One possible future outcome is where I am peacefully living in a house along the ocean with Cheryl and a big fluffy dog.  I’m happy, essentially.   And I desire that future for myself….however,  I’m currently living in Iowa…a long way away from the ocean.   So I leap back in time to Michigan and hopefully make a “better” or Different decision to move to the west coast instead of just the Midwest.  BUT….When I get back to that fateful moment in time in Michigan…..I evaluate the current situation and MAY choose Iowa anyway.  Simply because the knowledge of the future was lost the moment I jumped back.  
So maybe it boils down to statistics and chance.   I have a 90% chance to choose Iowa over Oregon….leaving a 10% chance that I might choose somewhere else.  And there is no saying that by choosing Iowa…I won’t eventually find myself in Oregon someday. That is the beauty of this theory…( And the confusion!)
You might be asking,  “Why would you go back in time if you know that you are going to almost ALWAYS choose the same path?”   This is difficult as there is no way to tell yourself which way to choose….however.    There are moments where you make a decision based purely on your emotions  or “your gut feeling”   Why would you make such a decision that is purely emotion when it flies in the face of all the facts you painstakingly laid out?   Who knows?…..Maybe it is because you are revisiting this moment and have nothing but a “feeling” to go on that this decision is bigger than you first thought. 
Now I don’t believe in fate…just a future I visualize for myself and, hopefully, the best way to get there.  Of coarse there will be things that get in the way of that “idealized future” but  hopefully  I will have the innate desire to overcome those events when they happen.   Or possibly re evaluate that future I had planned for myself.
Anyway,  This is getting long and it appears that the more I try to explain, the deeper I mess up the clarity.    Probably this is why my brother thinks I’m heading for the gate of Hades.   Not that anyone ever reads these blog posts anyway…..Except maybe Barb…   I hope I don’t mess with her impression too much.   This is just a theoretical exercise after all.   Just harmless fun!   Like Bigfoot!   Everyone likes Bigfoot right? 

In the mean time…Some Origami….I have been folding after all…. Enjoy the pics….and maybe the mental stimuli…

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Udon Noodles! Our Latest Cravings.

We have replaced bagels with the Noodle Shop here in Iowa City.   The place was always just a little off our mark whenever we came out for lunch, but recently we addressed several of those past hang ups and now go there every day.  I rather enjoy the routine.   Sometimes I vary up the selection, but mostly choose between Thai Spicy Noodles and Japanese Pan Fried Noodles. 

 

I guess the craze came from watching Begin Japanology   A YouTube show that we stumbled upon one night.    We LOVE all things Japan, so we gave it a go and became addicted.   Most shows address a bit of culture, but many shows are about Japanese cuisine and all the places, variations, and history that goes along with them.   Noodles are one such topic:   Udon, Soba, and Ramen are the most common.

 

 

The Noodle shop, when it first opened, was a crazy place!   Long lines,  no tables,  crying children,  Just think of a mad zoo!   We had limited funds for lunches and the prices were just a little on the high side.   Add in the time lost waiting  in line and for a place to sit and it just made lunch impracticable to eat there. 

However,  as the popularity has faded a bit…basically the “newness” of a “cultured place to eat” has faded,   We now can dine in peace and the turn over for noodles is fast.  It is always faster if there are not 20 groups with children in front of you.   I’m not sure how long this fad will last for us, but they like my Origami and have even bought us lunch TWICE for the little frogs and birds I leave.   I have not received a free lunch  for my little origami sculptures since before we left Michigan!  So it definitely has a draw in that department.   Also, we have been losing weight after we cut out that calorie bomb of a Bagel.  The calories for each dish are displayed, and I usually choose the lower calorie ones…mostly because I like the Asian versions of noodles and not the Italian or American ones.  I have even been cooking the Udon and Soba noodles at home.  ( Trivia:  Soba Noodles are made with Buckwheat and are best eaten by loudly slurping them to get the buckwheat flavor in your nostrils.)

As mentioned before,  besides Noodles, we are addicted to Begin Japanology, It is hosted by Peter Barakan, a British transplant who has been in Japan 40+ years.  It’s a fun show because it looks professional, but done on the cheap.   It makes it fun because sometimes they leave in some of the outtakes and missteps of the host as they force him to ask women about their undergarments,  climb trees, play piano,  run up mount Fuji, and attempt to fish.   One of the perks of the show is that he gets to eat all that food and travel to all those cool destinations around Japan.   

So if you find yourself with insomnia late at night and surfing the internet mindlessly,  punch up YouTube and look up Begin Japanology.   The Topics range all over the place and I’m sure you will find something you enjoy.  

Some Food Art with the Shun Chef Knife

  Just a little playing around with the Shun Chef knife Cheryl bought to replace our old Ginsu.  The Shun Knife is VERY sharp.  VERY expensive, and VERY cool.   I was watching a sushi chef playing around with a cucumber garnish and thought, ”I can do that!”  So I gave it a go.   First attempt…and probably my last for a while.   I simply do not have endless cash to spend on food garnishes to hone my cutting skill.  But it is fun to have something turn out first time go.  

If you do a BING search, you will find some really AWESOME food art.   Similar to these:

 

So enjoy the pics and hopefully the snow and cold of winter are not as harsh in your section of the world as they have been here in Iowa.  

Origami Armadillo

A quick post on the latest origami.   An Armadillo!   I think it turned out well enough to put in the shop and thought I would show off several of the extra pics I have.   Enjoy! 

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Other than that  I have been harassing my brother lately with emails about time travel, religion, plans for his future, and puppies!  Normal people would probably exchange pleasantries and information about each other’s lives.   However,  Our relationship is not normal and that is probably the best way to keep it.   At the very least we communicate with each other, even if it is to spar and poke fun at each other in a demeaning way.  You could vaguely say, “It’s complicated…”  But that simplifies it way beyond understanding.   Perhaps “Intricate” or “Complex” or even “Confusing.” would be more accurate words.

What else is there to talk about?  I guess the weather remains snowy….and it snowed a little more today.   Cheryl is signed up for the Valentines day run in St. Louis.  I guess they give away Chocolate.   That should be a fun thing to attend and blog about.   Cheryl is just excited she will be running in another race….

So Enjoy the Origami and perhaps something interesting will happen tomorrow that will give me more to blog about.

Some Origami Bats

Just a quick post so I can begin the month of February with something….

Some Origami Bats.   I had received a request a while ago if I could list some more.   So this last week I set out to try to fold them.   Finally,  After several attempts,  I managed to fold up three that are ”worthy” models.   Cheryl was almost helpful in the taking of the pictures….as well as the fading sunlight.   I was going for a group for bats flying in the mist of a morning rainforest.  I’m not sure if my cropping and messing with the pictures messed them up or made them better   Ultimately they are up for sale on Etsy.  so I had to find the balance of showing them off and making them presentable for sale.   We shall see how things go if they ever sell. 

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In the mean time,  Cheryl and I went out for a run/bike again today.   We skipped yesterday as the snow was falling.  Fortunately,  there was a one mile strip of sidewalk that was plowed and we used that to get Cheryl’s 8 Miles of running in.  She wants to be up to 10 miles before the end of the week!  ( As a WORKOUT!)   We have already run a 10 mile run last week before the snow.   I’m sure glad I’m on a bike is all I have to say about it. 

  Speaking of bikes…I had mine looked at by the bike shop a few days ago between the runs.   I was having trouble with the brakes and they confirmed that the brakes were pretty much worn away.  I have to brake whenever I’m going down hills so I do not zip by Cheryl as she runs and  fly out of control.  I guess the new brakes will be better and last longer.   I DID manage to get 3 months of daily hard use out of the factory brakes.   I guess it is just normal wear and tear that comes with using a bike regularly. 

Hopefully the snow will begin to melt soon.  It was doing a pretty good job of it today.   Even with the Temps in the low teens!   The Bright Sun and the Lack of wind helped make this day rather pleasant.   The lack of wind is really key here in Iowa.  Fingers crossed for an even better run tomorrow.  Enjoy!

Playing Dress Up on a Snowy Iowa Day

    We have been getting DUMPED on all day today here in Iowa.  I guess the mild winter was all a ruse.   The Weather has simply been saving up for this moment and decided to give us both barrels at the same time.  I have shoveled the sidewalk several times and it continues to fill and drift in as if I have done nothing.   It is the kind of snow that is heavy and  wet…great for making snow forts! But not the best if you intend to drive to Iowa City…..Which we did….In the SUBARU!   That is correct…if you have a Subaru, Driving in the snow is FUN!  ( Although, I used to have lots of fun in the snow with my old Jeep as well)

With the snow being rather thick and sticky, It makes for a rather picturesque  scene in the neighborhood.   I thought I would head out and snap a few pics to capture the white cotton webbing  that clings to the trees.  I even posed for a selfie!   Selfies ( I guess that is the term coined by the facebook crowd.)  are a strange thing.   How do you capture yourself in a flattering manner when the camera is basically up your nose? 

  The only correct way to get a picture of yourself…is to get your wife to take a picture of you..for you!    Of coarse….as soon as Cheryl is involved, she makes me dress up.  Not that I wanted any pictures of me in my underwear to begin with.  

 

 

Then she tells me to do things.    As if we are in a Movie and she is the director.  “Don’t look at the Camera!” “Hands out of pockets!”   “Stop Picking your nose!”

 

 

  She wanted me to do something cool…so I did the “Rapid Hand Vibration” move.    I think she was impressed. 

So that is all here in Iowa on this day.   I heard that there is some sporting event going on later today.  Having no Television,  I’m really at a loss as to what it could be.    I guess I can find out later tomorrow, when, hopefully,   things will be back to their normal state…And the plows clear the roads enough for us to bike/run.   Fingers Crossed!

Under the weather….Food Poisoning or Stomach Flu?

   Ah well,   I’m not really sure what happened or what it is, but I have been ill the last few days.   Not the sniffles, or cough, but a case of intestinal difficulty that causes my joints to ache, head to spin, and insides to explode.  Let’s re-trace our steps without going into too graphic of detail,  shall we?

After the Sunday Run in Kansas City,   I was obviously sleep deprived.   So Monday morning,  I felt foggy, as usual.  And thought that It was due to lack of caffeine.  Even after Cheryl's workout,  I felt ok, but tired.  

Then Yesterday,   Same feeling,   nothing too strange….but the feeling still lags as a looming spectre.  Then we go to bagels..our normal routine.   BOOM!   The bagel was fresh and good.  I possibly ate it too fast.   But on the way home….I suddenly got very tired.  

Not a problem, Just sleep it off!  Take a nap, drink some water…..Problem solved. 

Then the chills and aches hit….basically the same feeling I had back when I visited Chicago about 9 months ago.  Nothing worth visiting the Doctor for…as all they will tell you is to get some rest. 

Well, I’m much better now…which makes me wonder if it was eating something that did not agree with me….or was it being exposed to all those people in an underground enclosure.  Cheryl feels fine,  so I’m thinking that a mild case of food poisoning is the most likely culprit.   I still feel a bit of the after effects even today.  The good news is that I managed to lose 5 lbs in 24 hours!   Take that Hollywood Miracle Diet! 

Perhaps We should avoid eating out at random diners when we go out of town.  Or I should avoid eating the newest maple cinnamon flavored cream cheese at the bagel place.  Come to think of it….I had that stuff on Monday as well.   Hmmm.   Well,  whatever it was, We did not eat there today as I really was not very hungry at all. Hopefully I’ll get back to normal by tomorrow.  We shall see.

Day Two in Kansas City, Ground Hog Run..With Fine Diner(s)

There are simply too many Pictures to show….So I will try to limit my comentary and just let the pictures do as much talking as I can.   Enjoy the ride!

We got a lift to the run via Shuttle bus.   Cheryl and I always sit in the back..

They dropped us off at one of the several entrances into the caves…..Reminds me of one of those old apocalyptic movies.

A closer look….Remember dawn of the dead?

We followed the herd deeper into the catacombs.  The crowds were impressive!

Cheryl hugs the wall…..I can only assume for safety reasons……to avoid being trampled.

She seems in high spirits….

Seduced and bedazzled by the colorful cartoon badger…er beaver….er…rodent of unusual size.

  Then she sees just how far she has to run……and hopes she does not get lost!

She quickly ferrets out the rodent of unusual size…..also known as a groundhog, and forced me to pose for a picture!

Twice!

The oldest participant of the 5K was 94 years young!  He came in last, but had a pretty good pep in his shuffle.   94 is really OLD,  by they way.     I’m hoping I’m able to shuffle that well at 94….or 100….I’ll take living to 100 if I can.  

  Cheryl quickly found her spot in the start wave and made sure she had a good position

She arrived…Ehem….a Little early..

But soon she was joined by others.

And even MORE others!    It did not take long before I totally lost her

With boredom on my hands,   And no Cheryl to shoot endless pictures of,  I decided to entertain myself photographing the crowd.   There were many different types of people who ran marathons I discovered. This Dash reminded me of the individual movement technique we did in Basic Training.   I can only imagine the hand grenades, barbed wire, tracer bullets and explosions it must bring in for realism.

Then there is this one….Why not combine running and eating?   I imagine this race takes place in Texas…..

Then there are the racing snobs….Athletes that pretty much hate everyone else….I can relate a little as I hate pretty much everyone who is not me….maybe I should lighten up a little though. 

 

Now here is why I would race.   If I know there was a Hershey Bar at the end waiting for me,  I’m thinking that would provide just enough motivation for 26 miles.   Or 5k….Or a trip across the street to the convenience store….

Before long, they were off!  Leaving me with very little to photograph…

The first wave came in at such a blur, I barely had time to snap any pictures.   I managed to find Cheryl at the half way mark.   The Camera failed to focus so many times today I had to delete all the blurry ones.

One of the ONLY pictures of Cheryl that turned out.   I DID capture here in a video at the finish….but some guy ran in front of her and stayed there the WHOLE time I was filming…..I was a “little” upset.  I only wish I had kept filming a few seconds longer as they called off Cheryl's name.   At least I would have had the Audio of her crossing the finish line.

Cheryl with her Swag.   A Bottle of water and a finishers Metal

 

She said she was going to wear it FOREVER!  Or until we got home..which ever came first.

 On the way out,  Time to pose with the colorful mole rat.

 

Time to EAT!   We debated where we wanted to go, but decided on Waffle House one last time….since there are none in our area of Iowa. 

 

Cheryl got the peanut butter waffle…again…..can’t wait to dig into those carbs!

 After an exhausting race…..there is only one ideal way to replenish the energy.  

 Mission accomplished!

 As for me, having not run a race.   I am forced to be a little more “civilized”

 Eggs, cheese and Bacon sandwich with hash browns.    What could be better?

 The “world famous coffee” was not as special as you might think.   Perhaps by “world famous” they mean World Famously average.    But, by that time I was drinking it purely for the caffeine.

 Half way home,   we stopped at an A&W  in Indianola, Iowa.   We used to have one of these by our neighborhood when I was a kid.   it had been gone for years and I was curious how much they had changed.   Cheryl did not hesitate to stop in. 

 Dinner time,  and retro design with the old pull up drive and order parking spots.   I’m not sure how else to describe them….All that was missing was the girl on the roller-skates!

 We wondered why no one was sitting here,  then realized we were in the “ Little Kids Section”.

 Hand Made Root Beer!  This I have to try!   I suddenly remembered how A&W ruined my love of ROOT BEER. They simply made it the BEST EVER!   Only in New Ulm Minnesota with Schell's 1919 Root Beer can compare to the smoothness.

 The food is all American Diner Comfort food….right out of Happy Days. The Chicken fingers are made fresh right there.   

 Cheryl forces me to call it in.   No waitress here……

 The Moment of truth!  

 In a frosted Glass,  I take the first sip. 

  It is SMOOTH!  Ahhhh   The Memories flow back in like a gentle tide.   It’s sweet, smooth, soft and wonderfully refreshing.   I want to go back!   I wanted to have more, but it is probably really bad for me. I can name the moments and the places I have felt this before.   Back when a PIZZA HUT first opened up near our home in Michigan and we had a pitcher of A&W Root Beer…..it was the BEST I had ever tasted.

Again,  Schell's Brewery in New Ulm, Mn. makes 1919 Root beer.   The ONLY Contender. Once you bottle A&W Root Beer in cans or CO2 Fountains,  it loses it’s smoothness and stings your nose and bites your tongue.  I’m not sure what the CO2 does to it, Or how they make it here…But I would go back just for this beverage!  Yes!  It is THAT good. 

The Race was fun,   Cheryl put in her best time ever for a 10 K at 54:33.5 minutes.   She was 20 out of 123 women age 40-45.   And ranked 365th out of 1381 runners total!   She said it was fun and fairly easy.   Then again,  She has been running over 10K for the last three weeks now.  It was little more than a typical workout for her.  She now has her eyes set on a half marathon…and then the FULL BLOWN 26 MILES!   I’ll be there to cheer her on..and sample the food and  Root Beer…..