4 months in the books

Sometimes I just want people to 'shhhh'. I figure this has a lot to do with me trying to be more of a listener instead of a 'control every aspect of a conversation'.

I've enjoyed my no blogging time, not that I didn't have things to post/say, but everyone needs breaks from whatever. Those breaks should be enjoyable, and I've been enjoying myself.

We took a trip to Italy and the surrounding area, including Croatia. That trip stirred up some interesting emotions (although I'm not sure that's the right word), but it was nice to see the area thriving since my peacekeeping mission to the area many years ago. We did a lot of running and it was hot, mid to high 90's with about the same humidity. Sicily, Montenegro, Croatia, Rome, etc. Everything was really nice but of course Rome was filled with trash and I don't think we will go back anytime soon. Next year we will drive to Alaska and place my fathers ashes on a mountain somewhere.

The garden is ready to bust out a lot of veggies, I'm going to be giving away most of it as we can only eat and store so much. Each year I think 'is this worth it' but we both are glad we have things in place should we need to rely on whatever.

I'm running more, and more, and more. Mountains are there to run up... right? I passed whatever barrier was physically/mentally holding me back from being better and things are really dialed in great. The biggest barrier now is honestly having to haul my ass out of bed at 4am so I can run before it gets hot, or at least run most of the trail. I get a lot of great thinking and zen moments while in the mountains, on a trail, trying not to die on slippery rocks while wondering where the oxygen went.

I hope everyone is well, I'll bounce around some and see who still exists in the blog world and get back to updates often. They might be all about running, but do what you love and tell others to be happy and love what they do.

13k feet, somewhat dry conditions on the trail

Horseshoe lake inviting me to swim, but that would slow me down

The trail up, rocky and nasty but perfect.

This was a wet day, the trail is essential a creek.

Game of Thrones 'castle' and 'blackwater bay', Croatia.

Most of the rooftops in the above photo are new, being destroyed during the 'homeland wars' 91-95.

Montenegro, a nice 10 mile run in absurd heat from the bay below.

Our usual pizza spot in Rome.

Added some 'flair' to my new Rover.

Snow, sleet, hail, rain. The summit is a few feet away over the glacier.

Life is really good for us, a lot of work with smaller paychecks, but we are trying to remain positive and have a great time. We are older longer than we are younger and each day is one less marble in the jar. Don't know how many marbles I have left and I could die on a trail somewhere, but I'll have been doing something I love and everyone can stop calling me crazy.

Cheers!