101 in 1001: Have a Picnic at a State Park – Task Complete

This was completed in July, but I’ve been a bit lazy with the blogging lately.  We spent the afternoon/early evening at Grafton Lake State Park and grilled burgers and dogs with my parents and Tracy.  Here are a few pictures.

 

101 in 1001: Organize/Finish Basement – Task Complete

Ok, this task has been complete for a while, but I’m just now blogging it.  When my grandparents lived in our house, the basement was finished, but after a window broke, the whole space flooded causing a lot of damage and mold.  It would have needed a little updating anyway, but after the flood, there was much more that needed to be done.  Thanks to our parents, the space was cleared and the mold problem was taken care of prior to us moving in in 2009.  We waited to refinish the basement because we wanted to see if any water was still getting in.  Well, the basement stayed dry, so all new drywall went up (including a new wall to create a closet space), A LOT of painting was done, and new carpeting was installed.  Add a couple of couches and a projector and you have a livable space for relaxing and watching movies.  It’s also turned into Kevin’s office on Fridays.  Below is a video that Kevin took right after completion.  Now there are a few more decorations and many more toys!

Fwine!

Fun in the Sun!

101 in 1001: 5K in under 32 minutes – Task Complete

Ahhh, sweet victory! Not only did I run it under 32 minutes, I almost ran it under 30!  I came in at 30:05.  I had a few challenges along the way and learned a few things in my previous attempts.  Here’s a list of things to consider if your planning your own 5K challenge:

1. Hydrate! Make sure you drink enough water before your run so that you don’t cramp up.  It took me 2 runs to learn this lesson!  It also helps if you have a husband that will stand there with a water cup when you pass by on one of your laps.
2. Motivate! Choose an upbeat playlist.  The first time I went out for this challenge, I was too busy finding the perfect song to concentrate on my pace.
3. Tighten up!  Avoid wardrobe malfunctions.  Check your laces.  Tie them nice and tight or double knot them.
4. Charge!  I use a garmin forerunner and you need to charge it every few runs.  I made the mistake of running without a charged watch and it died halfway through.  All that work for nuthin’.
5. Eliminate!  Use the restroom before your run.  Trust me - the last thing you want is to have to go to the bathroom with 2.5 miles to go.

My next goal is under 30.  If I follow my list, I should be able to shave off that last 5 seconds fairly easily.

Restaurant Review: Limoncello – Saratoga Springs, NY

After driving past this restaurant numerous times, we finally decided to try it out.  It boasts fresh Italian cuisine at moderate prices.  The atmosphere is nice and they have a large patio with landscaping that keeps it private from the road.  We ordered bruschetta for an appetizer and I was a bit disappointed with the lack of flavor - I’ve definitely had better bruschetta elsewhere.  However, I do have to say that our entrees were delicious!  I ordered orecchiette (ear- shaped pasta) with sausage and it was cooked to perfection.  I came close to finishing my whole plate, but left a few just so I didn’t feel guilty.  Kevin ordered gnocchi with Italian bacon and eggplant.  His meal had some incredible flavors that I’d never tasted in an Italian dish before.  I wouldn’t hesitate to order his selection in the future.  I give this restaurant credit for offering dishes outside the box.  It’s not your ordinary Italian cuisine.  I’ll admit, the first thing I look for when I go to an Italian eatery is baked ziti and I’m glad they didn’t have it because I truly enjoyed my entree.  I would have liked to have seen cannolis on the dessert menu though!

101 in 1001: Get a Family Portrait – Task Complete

Turns out we didn’t need to hire a professional for the job.  While visiting my sister in Boston, we got a picture of the three of us that turned out so nice that we made a large print and hung on our wall.  We decided to order a metallic print and the colors came out so vibrant.  It is a great picture and I’m sure my sister is proud to be the photog on this one!

4th of July Weekend 2011

Father’s Day Weekend

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

Lovin’ the pool!

Allison the Entertainer