A Day in the Country.

I was invited view weeks ago to visit an old friend I haven't seen in a some time who now lives in Valparaiso Indiana. Its about an hour east of Chicago. I was ready for some time outside the city.  See I love Chicago but sometimes city life can burn me out.  I love this time of year and I have been so busy a nice day in the country and a bike ride sounded perfect.  Was nice to have fresh air, beautiful scenery, sounds of birds, no traffic and no one to run me over.
It was my first bike ride in Indiana and I laugh because I was never sure why Indian was called the Hoosier  state?

Lesson and Signs

This year for me has been full of reflection.  Not sure if that is mid life or just the things that happened this year or both.  I really try and find the meaning of things and its not always easy to do.  I  look for signs to tell me things will be ok or give me strength to get through.  I was out with some friends Friday after work doing our weekly ritual of getting together to talk, laugh and and have some drinks.  I got a call from my neighbor that my building was on fire but that it was on the south side of the building.  I live on the north side.  Some workers who had been doing work on the roof accidently set the roof on fire.  I have been through a fire before so it was strange I didn't want to rush home because I didn't want to experience the trauma of seeing the building I live in flames as all the neighbors watch.  I knew no one was hurt so I decided to stay and enjoy my friends.  Some may think that is avoidance or denial but I knew I couldn't do anything and I would deal with whatever I had to when I returned home.  I was very lucky as others were not.  My condo only smelt like smoke and I didn't have electric for 12 hours.  I can handle that though it did bring back memories of the first time.  I woke up the next morning and went to my yoga class and the new art work on the walls were these paintings of beautiful birds.  There was also a really great thunderstorm during class.  Those signs brought me peace.  My friend Terry who is Jewish told me last night was the holiday Yom Kippur.  And that they fast after sunset and reflect on the past year.  I like that and hope that all that I experience with the support and love of my friends and family makes me a better and stronger person.

Labor Day

They say its the official last weekend of summer.  I decided to spend mine with my family in St. Louis.  My first road trip there in a very long time.  I normally fly there so my 5 year old car with only 25,000 miles on it was excited and so was I.  I wondered on my drive how Labor Day holiday came about.

Things I did in St. Louis:  some time by the pool, eating, went for a run with my brother Pete around Creve Coeur lake. local brew pub Schlafly Brewing, bike ride, St. Louis Cardinal Game vs. Cincinnati Reds, more eating and drinking.  The weather was perfect all weekend and enjoyed spending time with my family.  Thanks everyone for all the fun!  Mom for all the cooking, Pete for treating the beers and Dad for getting my car washed/gassed up. Great way to end my summer and bring on fall!!