I was up before dawn yesterday. The house was still. Always still. The stillness doesn’t make me sad anymore. As a matter of fact…I pay it no mind. I padded to the kitchen and turned on the burner to warm my new favorite beverage…chaga tea. It hasn’t completely replaced coffee as my morning beverage of choice, but it’s getting close. I mixed a small handful of fresh blueberries, walnuts, and high protein granola into a couple tablespoons of yoghurt and drizzled a little agave syrup over it. I stood in the half light watching a tugboat push barges slowly upriver, sipping my tea and enjoying the fact the linoleum is no longer freezing under my bare feet.

Once I put away the breakfast dishes, I dressed for biking and left to fill the truck with gas and went to pick up a friend. We drove over to Athens, Ohio to the Farmer’s Market. I bought a big bag of assorted organic greens and sweet potatoes, some tabouli (awful), couscous (yummy), and hummus (haven’t tasted it yet). Then we headed for the bike path. We rode 16 miles, double what we did on Wednesday. It felt great! I got a little numb in my hands and feet. And my “sitter”. But that will get better in time.

After our ride, we went to a really good restaurant. Casa Nuevo. It is employee owned. The tip is factored into the price of your meal and if you choose to leave extra, it goes to a charity. Good, clean food, vegetarian and gluten free. I had taco salad which was wonderful.

I came home and lit my propane campfire and watched the river for a bit. I got a text from another friend and we met for dinner and drinks and watched the WVU game. Then I came home to a quiet, peaceful house…alone. And that was ok. I want to thank you all for your blessings and prayers that my day go well. It really did.

And so begins the 4th year…the Year of Fitness. My word of the year is THRIVE!

I leave you with this…in memory of my sweet, handsome man.

❤️

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 NIV