Our Front Garden

Last weekend, we fixed up our garden in front of our house.  I should have taken some "before" pictures, because the difference is considerable.  It is always a risk to plant flowers prior to Mother's Day, since we have had flowers stolen out of our garden and we believe they ended up being someone's gift to their Mom.  Anyway, we decided to risk it again.

*I took these with my iPhone, so they aren't the best quality.  You can do the double clicky thing to make the pictures a bit bigger.

Virtual Run from DC to FL--Update #14

This is another update on my progress doing a virtual run from our home in DC to our new vacation home in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a distance of about 1,003 miles.  


Today, I ran about 10 miles--from my house, down to the National Mall (past the National Earth Day Concert), down to the Lincoln Memorial, over to Georgetown, across the bridge to Rosslyn, down the Potomac to the 14th Street Bridge, over the bridge to the Jefferson Memorial, back up to the Mall and back home. The total distance is more than 11.5 miles, but I got pooped and walked the last mile and a half. I only count running time.

Total Distance Run This Week: 20 miles

Total Distance Run in 2010: 327.5 miles

Total Run Time: 45 hours 15 minutes

My Virtual Distance to Punta Gorda: 675.5 miles

PUSH UPS

Goal for the year: 10,000

Total Push Ups This Week: 140

Total Push Ups in 2010: 2,401

The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #237

It's a wonderful talent, but you really should see a doctor.

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #237. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Do I Smell Fish?

Just in case you were wonder, according to the Web site, http://www.abevigoda.com/, TV star Abe Vigoda is, as of this writing, still alive.  Mr. Vigoda played the character "Fish" on the 1970s sitcom, Barney Miller.  He seemed close to death at the time that show was filmed, but here it is 2010 and he is apparently still living.  God bless medical science. 

The Abe Vigoda Web site advises that you refresh the page to get Mr. Vigoda's latest status.  The site also features a link to the the song, Abe Vigoda's Dead (The Premortem Mix).

Virtual Run from DC to FL--Update #13

This is another update on my progress doing a virtual run from our home in DC to our new vacation home in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a distance of about 1,003 miles. It has been 3 weeks since my last update.

Total Distance Run Week 1: 15 miles

Total Distance Run Week 2: 24 miles

Total Distance Run Week 3: 19.5 miles

Total Distance Run in 2010: 307.5 miles

Total Run Time: 42 hours 11 minutes

My Virtual Distance to Punta Gorda: 695.5 miles

PUSH UPS

Goal for the year: 10,000

Total Push Ups Week 1: 120

Total Push Ups Week 2: 145

Total Push Ups Week 3: 170

Total Push Ups in 2010: 2,261

Taking In a Nats Game

Shane and I watched the Washington Nationals take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park Friday Night. It was not the best weather for a baseball game. It sprinkled on and off for most of the game with rain coming down fairly hard a few times. We had our trusty umbrellas though, and it never got so bad that they delayed the game. It was a really good game. The lead went back and forth several times, but the Nats pulled off a miracle in the bottom of the 8th inning and won 5 to 3. We had a great time!

Sneezing Baby Panda -- Try Not to Laugh

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #236

If you goo goo gajoob once more, I'm outta here!

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #236. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Looking Out Shane's Hotel Window in Norman, OK

Running the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler this morning.  It was a beautiful morning to run, although most of the cherry blossoms are history.  The weather was perfect--sunny and temps in the low 60s.   I ran the race as hard as I could, since I was determined to break 80 minutes.

My clock time was 83 minutes and 48 seconds, but my net time (time from start to finish line) was 79 minutes and 35 seconds!!!  That is a sub-8 minute mile (7:58 average) for a 10 mile race.  If I could do that for a marathon, I'd qualify to run the Boston Marathon.  There is no way I could now run that pace for 16.2 more miles.  I was dying at the end today.

The best thing about running these races is beating much younger and much more fit looking men.  Of the 6,881 men that finished the race, I came in 1,945th.  I was 174th (out of 628) in my age category (Men aged 45-49).  I love looking at the results and seeing men half my age in my dust.

Of course, the opposite is also true.  For instance, the man that won the 70-74 age division, who is 70 years old, beat me by more than 8 minutes.  And there were a large number of ladies that trounced my time also.  However, I choose to focus on the men younger than myself that I beat.

Check back in a few days for photos.

Hurricane Threat to Our New House Increased

We recently closed on a house in Punta Gorda, FL, which is located on the Gulf Coast.  The house we purchased was damaged by Hurricane Charley in 2004, and today the Colorado State University hurricane forecasting team predicted an above-average eight storms, four of them major, for the 2010 hurricane season.  It would be just our luck to work like dogs to fix up this cute little house and then have a Category 5 roll on in.   Luckily, we have insurance.

5 on the Fifth--Cherry Blossoms

This is an idea from State of the Nation UK -- taking five photos on the fifth of the month and share them with the world.  The theme this time around was Spring, so what better subject to depict Springtime in Washington DC than the world-famous Japanese cherry blossoms. So here they are!

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #235

Alls I remember is that the Perp started in 5th position

and then did an amazing grand jeté.

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #235. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

The End of Eating No Sweets -- Praise Jeebus

I am so happy it is finally Easter. I did not eat sweets for Lent. It was not a religious thing, I just wanted to basically see if I could actually give up sweets. I ate no candy, donuts, ice cream, soda, or anything that could be considered a sweet. I missed them terribly. I lost about 5 pounds, in the 46 days of Lent, but I am very happy it is over.

I woke up this morning at about 1:30 because I had to go to the bathroom, but after checking the time, I ate my first piece of chocolate I had in weeks, which I had placed on my nightstand. Upon returning to bed, I also devoured a handful of jelly beans. I fell asleep again with a slight sugar buzz.

Today, I have been eating quite a bit of candy and junk... Donut holes, Twizzlers, chocolate bunnies, soda, cake, etc. I'm a little nauseous at the moment. Where's the ice cream?

Stars "Give A Damn!" About Hate Crimes

From Joe. My. God.'s Blog:

True Blood star Anna Paquin comes out as bisexual in this star-studded plea against hate crimes created by Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund. The campaign's website, We Give A Damn, is down at the moment, doubtlessly due to gossip sites freaking out over Paquin's unanticipated revelation.

So What, Who Cares?

Shane immitated the guy from Saturday Night Live (Fred Armisen) who immitates Joy Behar and had us both giggling like school girls last night. This clip shows the real thing and the immitator.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #234

So you think it's my fault because I named you Anna Rexia!

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #234. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Virtual Run from DC to Punta Gorda--Update #12

This is another update on my progress doing a virtual run from our home in DC to our new vacation home in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a distance of about 1,003 miles.

I have been having problems with my neck. I have an appointment with an acupuncturist tomorrow. I've never gone to an acupuncturist before, but it should be interesting.

Total Distance Run This Week: 20.5 miles

Total Distance Run in 2010: 249 miles

Total Run Time: 34 hours 20 minutes

My Virtual Distance to Punta Gorda: 754 miles

PUSH UPS

Goal for the year: 10,000

Total Push Ups this Week: 150

Total Push Ups in 2010: 1,826

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #233

Looky Sonny, you have to shift your dadburn paradiagm.

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #233. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Not Sure What This Is, But I Want Some

Virtual Run from DC to Punta Gorda #11

This is another update on my progress doing a virtual run from our home in DC to our new vacation home in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a distance of about 1,003 miles.

Last week, we were in Florida after finally closing our our new house. We were busy cleaning, shopping, and fixing up our new house. Therefore, I took a break from running and push ups.

Total Distance Run Last Week: 17 miles
Total Distance Run This Week: 0 miles

Total Distance Run in 2010: 228.5 miles

Total Run Time: 31 hours 6 minutes 55 seconds

My Virtual Distance to Punta Gorda: 774.5 miles

PUSH UPS

Goal for the year: 10,000

Total Push Ups for these 2 Week: 120

Total Push Ups in 2010: 1,676

The Welcome Wagon Arrives

One of our Florida neighbors stopped by this evening with a beautiful
home-baked bread, which she gave us to welcome us to the
neighborhood. She was very nice. We met her husband earlier in the
week as he was walking their Scottie, Minnie. We are happy to find
some friendly faces in neighborhood.

Crowded at the Beach

This is apparently the first good beach day in weeks in Florida, so
EVERYBODY came to the beach. I can't blame them.

Finally at the Beach

This is our last full day in Florida and we're taking a break from
fixing up the new house and are having a beach day. It has been very
cool, but is warmer and very sunny today!

Tennis On Charlotte Harbor

Shane and I played tennis today at this public court in a park on
Charlotte Harbor. It is such a beautiful set of courts on the water.
It was a bit windy, but we had a great time. We're loving Punta
Gorda! Oh yeah, I won, but it was super close. Shane had a set
point, but I managed a comeback.

Hump Day Art--Kerne Erickson

We are considering buying a reproduction of the classis Pan Am poster of Havana by Kerne Erickson from the 1930s. We saw a very large version of it in an art store on a recent trip to Key West and loved it, but I love all the classic Pan Am posters.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #232

At least the Bush State Dinners had a little class.

Dinner at River City Grill

Shane and I took a break from fixing up our new house and went out to
dinner at the River City Grill in Punta Gorda, FL. It was wonderful.
I had the Phylo Salmon (pictured) and Shane had a New York Strip Steak
with Mashed Potatoes. Next time I'm getting the potatoes instead of
the rice. They were yummy! It all was really good though.

Sun Setting Behind Our New House

We've been working hard getting our new house in Punta Gorda, FL, set
up. It was a forclosure, so it was a mess. Not only was it filthy,
but there are lots if repairs to get done. Luckily, Shane's step dad
has been there to help us. Thanks Jerry! We have also already bought
a sofa and our beds are being delivered tomorrow. We love this
house! It was worth all the trouble. Look at that view!

Florida House Update--The Drama Ends

The house is ours!!! We found out at 5:15 today (finally) that the
seller provided the HUD statement and so we get the keys. It is such
an amazing relief. It is almost 5:30 now and we are halfway through
South Carolia, but very happy now.

Sent from Mark's iPhone.
www.runningwithbluesponge.com

Virtual Run Update

On our drive to Florida, I took a picture at approximately the place
along I-95 I would be on my virtual run from DC to our house in Punta
Gorda, FL. The distance it has taken me 2 and a half months to run--
about 220 miles--we drove in 3 hours. I wish I could Photoshop a
picture of me running here (with a blue sponge), but don't know how to
do that on my iPhone.

Florida House Update--Almost Closed

It is just after 11am and we've signed and Fed Exed the papers to
close on the house in Punta Gorda (see previous post). The only thing
we're waiting on is for the seller to sign the HUD statement. Once
our title company receives that, Shane's mom can get the keys. There
always has to be some drama. We're hoping the HUD comes through today
or we can't get in the house until al least Monday. Right now, we're
in the car driving in the rain south to Florida. We should get down
there tomorrow afternoon--about a 16 hour drive. Hopefully, we can go
in our house when we get there.

Sent from Mark's iPhone.
www.runningwithbluesponge.com

Florida House News--I Don't Want to Jinx This, But

We are all set to close on the house we're buying in Punta Gorda, FL, tomorrow! This has been the most stressful 2 weeks we've ever gone through. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong with this house, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Barring another unforeseen problem, we will own the house starting tomorrow. It is hard to believe that it might actually happen. We have to sign the documents and overnight them back to Florida tomorrow morning. Once they get confirmation they are sent, Shane's mom can get the key. We begin driving down right after we send the papers back and should arrive sometime on Saturday and we're spending the week in Florida. I'll do more updates from my iPhone with any news when there is news.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #231

The good news is the effects of the Cialis have worn off.

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #231. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Virtual Run from DC to FL -- Update #10

This is another update on my progress doing a virtual run from my home in DC to the home we're attempting to buy in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a distance of about 1,003 miles. 

Last week, I didn't do the usual update. I just announced that I finally entered North Carolina. This update covers the last 2 weeks of running. The best news is that it was warm enough here yesterday to run outside. I ran from our house, down to the National Mall, said hi to Abe Lincoln sitting at his memorial and back home. It actually was a little cooler than I thought, but it was so great not running on the treadmill. Here's how the the last 2 weeks of running breaks down. The time in minutes and seconds is now after my milage. 
Monday: 4 miles -- 32:59 Tuesday: 4 miles -- 31:07 Wednesday: 6 miles 49:37 Thursday: 3 miles -- 23:46 Friday: 10 miles -- 83:20 Saturday: Off Sunday: Off

Monday: 3 miles -- 23:55
Tuesday: 3 miles -- 23:59
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 4 miles -- 31:47
Friday: 4 miles -- 31:44
Saturday: 6.5 miles -- 57:00
Total Distance Run First Week: 27 miles
Total Distance Run Second Week: 20.5 miles
Total Distance Run in 2010: 211.5 miles
Total Run Time: 28 hours 50 minutes 10 seconds
My Virtual Distance to Punta Gorda: 791.5 miles PUSH UPS I am also trying to improve my strength by doing push ups. I have lost some of my drive for doing push ups lately. It is something I have really come to dread doing. Goal for the year: 10,000 Tuesday:70
Thursday: 72
Monday: 70
Thursday: 72
Friday: 20
Sunday: 20 Total Push Ups for these 2 Week: 324 Total Push Ups in 2010: 1,556

American Idol Wishes They Could Get This Guy

5 on the Fifth -- Missing Maine

This is an idea from State of the Nation UK -- taking five random photos on the fifth of the month and share them with the world.  The theme this time around was People, and so I thought I would go with photos of important people in my life.   That didn't work out, so I then thought I would rather show different shots of Pumpkin Island Lighthouse, which is our view when we stay at Moose and Squirrel, a house in Little Deer Isle, Maine.  Obviously, I didn't take these today, but so what.

We sit out on the porch of Moose and Squirrel, drink wine, and watch the sun set.  I got a call today from the realtor that rents us that house.  She was asking whether we were going to rent again this year.  Since we're buying a house in Florida, we're not sure if we can go to Maine.  Also, we were pissed about Maine taking away gay marriage, but we still love Maine and miss it.

This House is Cursed!

This is the house in Punta Gorda, FL, we have been trying to buy now for about 6 months. We were scheduled to close on it tomorrow. We originally scheduled to close around Thanksgiving of last year. To put it mildly, this house has issues.

Our plan (up until late today) was to start driving to Florida tomorrow after it finally closed, but because our insurance company delayed getting information to the bank this week due to a printing "glitch," and after the insurance agent handling the account called in sick, and therefore our bank was not able to complete our paperwork in time, and nobody could ever tell us until that very last minutes whether it could close on Friday. It is just one headache after another.

Anyway. We're going to have to delay our trip another week and we hope that the damn closing actually happens early next week. It has been a stressful, not fun, disappointing process. We're both sick of it.

Gay Marriage Legal in DC Starting Now

The Supreme Court denied haters' request to postpone DC's same-sex marriage law, which begins today.  That means same sex couples can start registering for a marriage license today and can get married after 3 full days, so I believe that the first actual marriages will be on Tuesday, March 9.  The AP reports that 200 couples are expected to apply today.  I'm not sure how they know that. 

Shane and I do plan to get married in DC.  I was hoping we could get married on May 2, which is the date we celebrate as our anniversary.  I thought it would be less complicated to have just one date to remember.  However, May 2 is on a Sunday, and we just wanted to go to City Hall and have a judge marry us, and I doubt that can happen on a Sunday.  We need to get more information. 

Girl Scout Cookie Stash

These were on my desk when I arrived at work this morning. I ordered
these prior to giving up sweets for Lent. It was not my smartest
move. I am, however, still sweets-free -- this is day 13. The
cookies are currently out of my site in my office cabinet.

New Yorker Caption Contest #230

I told you this is how you get to Roman Sesame Street.

The above cartoon is the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #230. Let me know if you come up with any captions too. Click on the link above to enter.

Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk by Rufus Wainwright

Just because.

Aerial View of Our House in Punta Gorda, FL

Friends of Shane's parents took an aerial photo of the house we're purchasing in Punta Gorda, FL.  To find our house, look for the straight line of mangroves on the right side of the photo.  Our house is across from the middle of the straight line.  

This photo also gives a great perspective of how close we are to the Gulf.  It also is a bit scary, since we seem to be very vunerable to a rise in the sea level.  This is one instance where I hope Fox News is right and Al Gore is wrong. 

We're hoping that we can close on the house (finally) this week.  It is scheduled for Friday right now, but we're hoping it could hapen even earlier.  We found out the city of Punta Gorda recorded the variance on Thursday, which is earlier than was expected.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

Top 10 List - Netflix Instant Queue TV Series

Since purchasing our Roku device, that allows us to watch Netflix instant queue content on our television, we have been watching some some "classic" TV programs.  Since last week I listed our top shows that we currently record on our DVR, I thought this week I would list my favorite old shows available on Netflix.  These are also available to watch on the computer with a Netflix subscription.

10. Saturday Night Live -- There are early seasons and more recent seasons available, as well as compilation shows, such as the best of individual cast members.  If you like SNL, you will be happy.  I remember watching the first season shows and thinking it was the best thing since sliced bread when I was a kid.  However, upon watching some of the early season shows again, more than 30 years later, it surprises me at how bad some of it was.  There are moments of genius and lots of moments not of genius.

9.  Kate & Allie -- I'll admit this wasn't the best show ever, but I am a big fan of Jane Curtain and I also love Susan St. James.  I'm not proud that I like this show, but I like this show.

8.  Hearts Afire -- Most people won't even remember this show, but it starred John Ritter (post-Three's Company), Markie Post (post-Night Court), and Billy Bob Thorton (pre-Sling Blade).  Ritter was a Senator's aide and Post was a journalist.  It is fun to see them work together.

7. South Park -- I have to be in the mood for this show, but when I am, it is funny.  It seems to constantly try to outdo itself in the shock value arena, but there is no denying it is not boring.

6. The Office (US version) -- Though I've debated whether this show has "jumped the shark," with its wacky plot twists, it continues to plod along with surprises that are often funny, even if they are not believable.  I wish they would be able to stay true to the making the absurdities of office life funny without going off into bizzaro land.

5.  All Creatures Great and Small -- This is an amazing show that I love to watch.  For those not familiar with the books by James Herriot, it is about a veterinarian in rural England in the late 1930s.  The people in this show grow on you until you feel like they are your family (or you wish they were your family).  Also, some of the veterinary procedures are amazingly authentic looking.  Did he really have his arm in the back of that cow?

4. Worst Week -- There were only 16 episodes of this show based on a British show, but this ridiculous, silly show made me laugh out loud.  This show took Three's Company-style gags to the next level.  How did it not become popular?

3. The Office (original UK version) -- Ricky Gervais makes this show almost too awkward to watch, but in a good way.  I only wish there were more episodes, but perhaps the quality would decrease like the U.S. vesion.

2.  The Dick Van Dyke Show -- Next to I Love Lucy, this is the best classic TV show around.  One of the episodes from the first season shows the original pilot with Carl Reiner in the lead role.  The second cast is much better.  Reiner (Alan Brady), Van Dyke (Rob Petrie) and Mary Tyler Moore (Laura) are second to none.  Also, I can't get enough of Morey Amsterdam (Buddy) and Rose Marie (Sally).

1.  30 Rock  - I love this show.  It only gets better on repeated viewings.  It is by far the best show currently on network TV.  How it recently lost an Emmy to Glee, I will never understand.  Glee?

Virtual Run from DC to FL -- Special Update!

This is special update on my progress doing a "virtual run," mostly on the treadmill at the gym, from my home in DC to the home we're attempting to buy in Punta Gorda, Fl. It is a total distance of about 1,003 miles. Today, I ran 10 miles, and shortly before I reached mile 2, I (virtually) crossed the border into North Carolina!!! I have been running in Virginia since New Year's Day and I'm finally in another state.

Blooming Forsythia Sticks

When I was up at my Mom's over Valentine's Day weekend, I trudged through the very deep snow to the forsythia bush in her backyard and cut off some bare sticks, smashed the ends, and stuck them in a vase.  These "forced" forsythias are now blooming like mad.  Spring has sprung a bit at our house.