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It’s time to sit down once again with a beverage of your choice and chat – I’ll remind you that I don’t like coffee or tea so my drink of choice today will be hot chocolate. Let’s chat about things other than just running, cycling, strength training, yoga, and complaining about our most recent injuries. Sound good? I’ll go first…
If we were having coffee…..
I’d tell you that Pablo and his humans (our son and daughter-in-law) are visiting for three weeks! Since they both work remotely, they can work from anywhere and we’re thrilled they’re staying so long. Pablo was so happy when he got here and ran all around the house. And of course he’s loving all of the extra attention he’s receiving!
If we were having coffee…..
I’d tell you that my mom’s cat Callie died in her sleep last week. Callie was a great mouser and super affectionate prancer who rarely stood still long enough for me to take her picture. She constantly begged to be scratched in her little meow voice and loved ice cream sandwich treats whenever anyone sneaked a bite her way. She’d lost a lot of weight this summer, but the vet said she was fine when I took her in for a checkup in September. At 14.5 she’d lived a good life, and for an outdoor farm cat, she lived a long life. The farm won’t be the same without her. RIP sweet girl.
If we were having coffee…..
I’d tell you that I met my friend Erin to have her sign her most recent book Hiking With Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families (affiliate link). She’s also written Hiking Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia: Waterfront Hikes from the Delmarva Peninsula to Virginia’s Tidewater Region (affiliate link) and Virginia Summits: 40 Best Mountain Hikes from the Shenandoah Valley to Southwest Virginia (Hiking 40 Stunning Peaks) (affiliate link). Erin and I initially met through our running blogs (which she has since quit writing), but now writes at Go Hike Virginia when she isn’t working on her next book.
If we were having coffee…..
I’d tell you that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house. I spent much of the weekend decorating inside and helping my husband with the outside. It’s a lot of work, but I love pulling out the decorations each year and reminiscing as I put each item in its place.
If we were having coffee…..
I’d tell you that just when I think my gnome collection is complete, gnomes seem to be taking over inside my house, too. Shortly after I winterized my garden gnomes by putting them in the shed, I received these three separate gifts for my birthday. The gnome on the left is pretzel-filled and the three guys on the top right are filled with candy and cookies.
If we were having coffee…..
I’d ask if you have any races coming up, and if so, I’d wish you good luck and to have a fun time!
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Today I’m joining Deborah at Confessions Of A Mother Runner and Coco at Running With Perseverance for their monthly Ultimate Coffee Date linkup which goes live the first Friday of every month. Be sure to stop by their blogs for a cup of coffee and to say hello; and while you’re there, be sure to check out some of the other bloggers who are participating in the linkup.
- Questions:
- • Many people declare themselves either dog or cat people. Are you on team dog, team cat, team both, or team neither? ~ I like dogs and cats and grew up with both; although, they were always outside pets.
- • Do you have any exciting events or trips planned between now and the end of the year? ~ We’ll be heading to the farm to celebrate an early Christmas and have a few Christmas parties to attend plus the Cruisers party we’re hosting.
- • If we were having coffee, what would you tell me?
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Oh, you should have told me about your friend Erin’s books! Hopefully we’ll be back in those areas and I’ll have to try to remember to put them on my Amazon wishlist, although it’s so long I may never find them.
#teamboth, obviously, and I miss my cats dearly. We always had both growing up too. I don’t really remember the first dog, as I was pretty young when she was hit by a car. Then there was another dog, and a very long string of indoor/outdoor cats — they did tend to just disappear. Hugs to your family on the loss of Callie.
Have a great time with the family with you for so long! I’m sure it’ll be a great holiday.
I didn’t know that Gnomes came filled! What great gifts. That plaque would be perfect for me, except I definitely know I’m not first — but there are times I wonder if I’m last!
I’m sorry, I didn’t even think to tell you about Erin’s books prior to your trip.
I’ve never understood people who say they don’t like cats. The cats I’ve always had have been super friendly. Sadly, with outdoor pets I learned at an early age about pet loss. 🙁
I think as gnomes have become trendy, they’re being marketed with goodies inside for holiday gift giving. These (with the exception of the bottom right picture) are made with cardboard and fabric so they’re definitely indoor fellows.
I am totally a dog person–I do like cats, but I’m terribly allergic to them. But I like dogs better anyways.
Your decorations are so festive! We are going to put everything up this weekend. Last weekend was so busy plus I really do like to wait until December.
I’m so sorry about your mom’s cat!
Thanks, Wendy, Mom seems to be taking the loss of Callie pretty well.
I used to wait until December to put up our Christmas decorations, but as my collection grew and it took longer and longer to get everything out, I started doing it Thanksgiving weekend. With as much work as it takes, I want to enjoy everything as long as possible. 😉
Oh I am sure that Pablo is thrilled to be back with you for a few weeks. I am sure he is soaking in all the attention. Enjoy your christmas decorating and celebrating!
Thanks, Deborah! And yes, Pablo is a happy pup!
Sorry to hear about Callie …it’s so sad when our dear furry loved ones pass-on. I love all your gnomes! I’ve seen so many cute ideas on painted boards (cut with a zigsaw at the top), but I’m already in a panic on knitting a couple of “ugly” sweaters for my two youngest kids…there’s not enough hours, right?
You are correct, there just aren’t enough hours and I work part-time! LOL I have noticed, though, that it takes me longer to get stuff done as I get older. I just don’t have the same super high energy level I used to have.
I wish I’d learned to knit when I was younger. My mom didn’t knit so I never learned. Luckily, she was a great seamstress and taught me to sew and I can make pretty much anything I want. Quilts, curtains, clothing, you name it… I just no longer enjoy sewing and mostly just take in or mend items these days.
I’m a cat person- and I’m sorry about Callie. I will say it sounds like she led an ideal cat life- (I think my cats fantasize about being outdoor farm cats.) And, she died in her sleep- you can’t ask for anything better than that. It’s still hard to lose them though.
It must be so fun to have your son and family there for so long- yay for working remotely! Your house must look amazing- i have the inside decorated but not the outside yet. I’m doing it this weekend!
Thanks, Jenny! And yes, Callie had the best of both worlds; even though she was just occasionally allowed to come into the house to walk around to check things out, she had access to the garage and glass enclosed breezeway anytime she wanted and was always put that space at night so she’d be safe from the coyotes.
We are loving have Pablo and his humans here for a nice long visit!
Hot chocolate is great for this time of year! :]
So sorry to hear about Callie! That is a reallyyy long life for an outdoor cat though and it sounds like she lived a great one with lots of love. <3
That's so cool that your friend wrote all those! I'll have to check em' out for when I go back out that way!
Thanks, Farrah! Even though Callie was an outdoor cat, she spent a lot of time relaxing on chairs on the glass enclosed breezeway and had complete access to the garage. Mom made sure she was safely tucked away in there at night so she’d be safe from the coyotes.
Yes, please check out Erin’s books if you plan a trip to the east coast!
I’m definitely Team Dog! I bet Pablo is loving all of the extra attention 🙂
Your decorations look great – so festive! I’m hoping to get our decorating done this weekend. Enjoy your Christmas party!
Thanks, Michelle! And yes, Pablo is loving life!
That sounds like a great book! I bet it will be a hit.
Sorry about your mom’s cat. 🙁
I’ve done minimal holiday shopping and have nothing for my husband yet — and not even an idea of what to get him. :-O
I think my son and daughter-in-law will enjoy the book! I haven’t gotten anything for my husband yet, but he just bought a bunch of Gore cycling stuff for himself so can I count that? 😉
And thanks, Callie lived a nice long life.
So many gnomes!
I’m so sorry about Callie.That’s so hard 🙁
I have loved seeing Pablo more. He’s the cutest!
Thank you, Jenn, it’s always hard losing a pet, but Mom seemed to take it in stride. When you live on a farm you become a little numb to pet loss. 🙁
I’m glad you’re enjoying seeing pictures of Pablo. He is the bestest boy and is enjoying his visit!
I like dogs but definitely prefer cats. I am so sorry about Callie. I know she was loved a lot and lived a good life.
Thanks, Zenaida! Yes, Callie lived a wonderful and long life. 🙂