Sunday Morning

 My training grounds.

 My running partner.

The big blue eyes in my face when I get back, wondering why I interrupted the morning routine.

On Sunday mornings, while my Washingtonians back home, and I suppose some people here are still tucked in their beds asleep, I get up early and go for the long run.  Running in the woods allows for a certain calm you can't get anywhere else.  No traffic, or people gawking as they drive by, or horns honking. No pavement pounding away at the joints.  Just a dirt road stretched out for far longer than I could ever go on foot.  I do have concerns over being attacked by some crazed bear or wolf, but I'm told not to worry about it because it just isn't likely. They just tell me "whatever you do, don't run".........sort of too late for that! Andrew, the dog, always comes with me.  He runs at least twice what I do, chasing birds and sniffing around  in the woods.  He poops about every 10 minutes, so I can gauge my mileage by it.  So helpful, right?  The long run takes at least an hour, so I have plenty of time to think about our future, my life, my momma.  For a few miles I listen to some Jesus music and pray for those things.  This quiet morning time is essentially my Angle church. I can never replace my church in Wenatchee, (Grace Covenant--go there, love it, feel it, feel better.)  but I have found this to be the next best thing.  Sunday runs out here are good for the body, but they're even better for the spirit.

**While we were away my handsome husband had a birthday.  I love this man for more reasons that I have time to write about here.  He is funny, kind, patient (although his brother disagrees with that!), hardworking, reasonable and a must-have in my life.  We have had 2 beautiful babies and 5 years of marriage together.  We've made huge life decisions, including this move to the Angle and we have always been happy with the outcome.  He makes me feel safe, secure and loved.  Happy birthday to my favorite person on the planet.  I love you.