A little pep talk can make all the difference

You might not remember, but last year me and my dahlias didn't really see eye to eye. I never even posted a picture because they were so embarrassing. I would compare it to a flower getting a haircut from a flowbee.

This year I took a different approach, I brought in new dirt (manure included), and created them their own brick mote. I am pretty sure the thing that really made the biggest difference is I whispered in their tiny little ears that if they grew big and beautiful I would make sure those nasty little earwigs would find a new home this summer. Well sure enough they listened! Please see below for proof, these are in my very own garden, I did not have to run up to Manito and take impostor pictures (I'm not too prideful or anything). Not all the varieties have bloomed yet, so there might be more pictures later, if they are amazing enough.





A quick note: I have never grown peppers before, but I am amazed at how well they are doing. I am just not sure when to pick them, or how long they take to change to the other colors. Any tips?
I bought White Jack-o-lantern seeds just because I was curious and the pumpkin on the packet was pretty. Great advertising!

CDA Tri

I officially finished my first sprint triathlon. It was a lot of fun and more challenging than I expected. Especially the swim. I sucked up a lot of water at the start and still had to swim the rest of the 1/2 mile. Even though that was the shortest leg, it felt like the longest. The bike and the run were great, my body held up through the finish. I am not quite sure yet, but I might just be hooked! Nick has been my biggest fan since I started training, and he didn't fall short at the race, he is a great cheerleader. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man. My mom, brother Aaron, and Lyla came out to watch also! Thanks for all the hugs and support!

This is the night before, trying on the wetsuit I borrowed from a friend. I had to make sure I could get it off by myself.
Coming out of the water from the longest swim on earth. I think it was only like 16-17 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. It was also hard to go vertical, I was really dizzy.


Transition #1 - From Swim to Bike

Happily biking (my favorite event)

Transition #2 - Bike to Run

At the finish line.

My tri buddies, Katie and Ivy. Thanks girls for such a fun race!

Santa Cruz

No time to write because we are on our way to the beach, but we are having lots of fun in Santa Cruz!

As I promised

I hope you enjoy the progression. It was really fun, and exhilarating, AFTER everyone was safe and in the boat. I would go again in a heart beat!

Powerful

This dance was on "So You Think You Can Dance" last night and all I have to say is WOW! It brought me close to tears. It is supposed to represent addiction, and I cannot think of any better way to describe it. Mia Michaels is amazing!

Quick Preview

Here is a picture of the raft tipping over (mentioned here in a previous post). It is on the 2nd page, in the top right corner. Nick is in the front and I am right behind him. You can only see my helmet. Don't you feel bad for the people we are about the topple onto? Hopefully, we will get the rest of the pictures soon. Enjoy!

The fruits of labor

After 3 years I finally painted our front door. Now it wouldn't be a big deal except the door was new when we put it in, so it has only been primed. Whoops! And it turns out that primer only lasts for 2 weeks, can you believe it? So I had to re-prime and paint both sides. Nick and I were pretty burned out from working on our house, so we have not done anything aesthetically for a while. The whole white door with cream trim finally got to me and I painted it black.
Today when I was weeding the garden I noticed something exciting! See below....they are beautiful.



Here is a current picture of my garden. I cannot believe the growth!

Future tomatoes.

It's hard to not be thankful when such beautiful things bloom this time of year.