Today’s running agenda: 40 minutes with 6 strides.  That put me at 5.27  miles. Average pace was 9.36.  We aren’t running fast this week, that’s for sure. 

The boom of thunder woke me up at 6 am today.  If that kept up, it would mean finding a gym with a day charge.  By 7 am the thunder had stopped and there was only a light rain.  That wouldn’t deter me.  In fact, I thought it would cool things off. 

The rain felt good and it gave me the idea that today would be a faster run.  Then it tapered off.  At about 2 miles, it felt like I was running with 10 extra pounds.  Shane felt it too since he was panting like crazy and dragging behind.  The air was so heavy and made running a chore.  I was dreading the strides. 

running girl

We finished our run and Shane was flat out on the floor. There was no Frisbee playing in his mind. I had a huge bowl of fruit, hit the tub and made myself a healthy breakfast of oats and a protein shake. 

All in a Friday’s Fun Filled Day:

Began my day doing some research, downloading work email, and supping some Starbucks wonderful coffee.  Then it was off to find something to do.

Since Shane was my partner in crime for this trip, I loaded him in the car and we set off in the direction of Georgetown, S.C.  We went a little past Georgetown and considered a drive to Charleston but decided it was after 12 pm and the 1 hour drive wasn’t turning me on.  We made a left turn into a development site for future condos.  Parked and walked around the loop overlooking the water.

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Shane wasn’t too impressed with the area so after he had done what he had to, it was back to the car.

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We stopped in historic Georgetown and walked the river walk.

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It was a gorgeous day and I was dying to stop at one of the restaurants along the water, sit outside and sip a nice glass of wine. Unfortunately, Shane wouldn’t allow any waitress to get within 10 feet of us so that was out of the question.

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When we got home at about 2:15 pm, we played Frisbee in the yard then decided it was time for my scheduled cycling. 

Pumped up the tires, got the helmet and sunglasses on, put on the biking shoes and off I went.  I must have covered every nook and cranny inside Heritage Plantation.  Going in and out of every cul-de-sac, back tracking around circles, but it was still only 5 miles.  I left the plantation on my way to who knew where. 

I turned at True Blue, a nice golf course/plantation area.  The condos are time shares and very attractive inside.

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I went down the road to a prepatory school and couldn’t believe what was happening! Perspiration was DRIPPING from my nose!  I so RARELY perspire like that!  Was it that hot?!

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I’m not picking anything, but wiping the dripping sweat perspiration from my face.  Drip or no drip, I continued on.  The plan was 12 to 15 miles.

After exiting True Blue, I decided to ride to the club house in Caledonia.  But this is what I saw upon entering:

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Turn around and head back towards Heritage.  I went past Heritage down to Route 17 but there was no way I was crossing that road alone.  Making my way back, it was a rough ride. The road wasn’t smooth and there were plenty of pot holes and other miscellaneous bumps to avoid.  15 miles cycling done. Then I was shut out of the house. My dad had closed the garage door.  I went stalking around the house until finally being seen and let inside.

Once home, I was hot and thought this would be a great time to do some laps in the pool.  The pool had some kids splashing around, a couple of guys chit chatting and a couple (you can see in the back ground) snogging.  Isn’t that a Harry Potter word? 

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I didn’t want to stay with all that going on so I did 4 laps and called it quits.

DINNER FOR ONE…and the DOG

It was 5:30 pm.  I made a pizza for my dad and my mother only wanted soup again. She wanted a grilled cheese sandwich to go along with that soup but didn’t like the way I was going to make it so my dad was her chef of choice. 

I made the pizza for my dad thinking I might have some as well for dinner otherwise I would go out to eat. I put turkey bacon on one half.  The entire pizza had a mild salsa topping, sun dried tomatoes, fresh tomato slices topped with shredded fresh basil leaves, pepper, and sharp cheddar low fat cheese.  I had a slice. It was good. My dad took the two remaining vegetable slices leaving only the turkey bacon covered pieces.  Dad just can’t get the fact that I won’t eat meat. 

I went out to dinner.

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The Blue Crab is very close to Heritage, right across route 17.  When I saw the sign that said “Welcome Bikers”,  it dawned on me that this might not be my usual Friday night fare. But what the heck. 

When I walked in and said “dinner for one”.  The waitress showed me to the bar. Ohhhhh KAY! I realized I wasn’t dressed up or anything and my hair was still slightly wet from swimming but ….the bar?!  Whatever

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No wine list.  I asked for a Pinot Noir. It was a Cavit and pretty much lacking in any notable flavors. 

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The bartender then said, “My name is Bradley. What’s your name?”  Very friendly, I like that ….”Joanne”.  “Hi Joanne”.  “Hi”. 

I was going to order a grilled salmon and take half home to Shane.  There was no salmon on the menu.  The special was a Mahi filet with 2 sides.  I really don’t enjoy Mahi and it’s on my list of being close to meat but, if I didn’t have that, it was the fish tacos.  Not in the mood for those. I chose  the Mahi with asparagus, black beans and rice as my two sides.  I also wanted a garden salad.  I asked for oil and vinegar.  That took a little explaining.  Apparently the usual patron of the Blue Crab does not ask for oil and vinegar. 

My salad arrived

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Then I was handed a little cup and “Bradley” said it was Balsamic.  I asked if it was a vinaigrette? He said “yes, it is balsamic vinegar”.  I said “but does it have oil in it?”  He said “I think so”.  When I looked at it, there were no oil droplets floating on the surface.  Bradley then had a short conversation with another server who shook his head and, consequently, another tub of balsamic was brought to me.  Bradley said “I think this is what you want”.  It wasn’t oil and vinegar but the conversation had gotten old to me by now. Just let me eat my salad.

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I asked if I could get just a plain hamburger patty, no bun, no trimmings.  I explained that it was for my dog.  Bradley said he could do just a …whatever he called it and it would be about $2.00. Fine. Then he consulted another server, they had a little discussion, Bradley turned and said, “ is $3.00 ok?  Fine.  I said no sides, and no bun. He doesn’t eat wheat (they both looked at me funny) then the other server said “No ketchup?”  HA HA – NO!          Bradley:  “Well done?”  Me:  “Medium – juicy please. It’s for a dog”.  

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The Mahi had very little taste. The asparagus was delicious probably because it was buttered but I couldn’t imagine the conversation should I have asked them to take it back and give it to me plain.  The black beans and rice were also very good. 

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Shane enjoyed half of his burger when I got home with the rest of his dog food. 
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The night ended with a walk to the Marina and now it’s toes up.  The obvious question for you all is….

Do you ever go to dinner alone? 

I enjoy my time alone so I really don’t mind it.  It’s not something I would do at home but I will if I am travelling on business or, like tonight, if the situation suggests it.  It can be a fun experience.

Joanne

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