From over leaves to leftovers.

So today was Run 2 and a glorious little run it was. We managed to perfectly time the day so that we beat the rain and icky cloud cover that dominated the day. Anne Springs Close Greenway is one of my favorite little spots to run here. There are 30+ miles of trails on a variety of soft surfaces. I always start at the sports complex and take the Blue Star trail because I don't have to worry about scuffles with the mtnbikers who are out there enjoying it as much as I am. This trail has a hiker's only policy and by nature, it is more "rustic" - meaning those root/rock camouflaging leaves blanket the ground more thickly and if it weren't for muscle memory, the trail might be hard to spot.

We took the North Tunnel where our voices sang back to us [hollow and true]. We made a brief pit stop so I could show off a grist mill replica (and to stretch the hammy) before taking my favorite sandy footpath beside the creek for a while - soaking up the sights and sounds falling away as our footsteps took us onward. The rush of the water on the rocks was a beautiful, tranquil reminder that I really woulda coulda shoulda taken a potty break back by the grist mill earlier.

OUTNBACK- pretty self-explanatory. We went about 30 minutes out and turned around to do it all over again. All the downhills now uphills and vice versa. It was getting muggy. But a good muggy. This run felt like such an accomplishment even if it was only an hour. It was pure enjoyment and living in the present and everything I really appreciate about running. Unfortunately we waited far too long to eat a real post-run meal and kinda were beat for the day.

Boy made his Sunday night dinner for the family and I made myself the opposite of scarce. When I walked in, every frying pan was in some stage of use and there was an array of leftovers making their comeback. Roasted pork butt from our dinner with my boss on Saturday, chicken from Thursday(?), corned beef from St. Patty's.... you name it. He likes to call this "goulash." The scalloped potatoes with gruyere cheese were mouthwatering melty goodness but I do believe that the piece de resistance was truly the corned beef's revisiting. Cubed corned beef, chopped onions, red bell peppers, fingerling potatoes with spices and a fried egg on top. Absolutely perfect blending of funky chunky textures and the softness of the egg.

So the next time you dread using up the week's leftovers - just remember to be creative - it could really turn out to be dynamite. Or gross. But let's just be half-fullers and say dynamite.