Christmas time and back to Colorado

And just like that, all the planning, all the recipes, all the cooking, smiles and worn out evenings - Christmas is over:( poo.  It went by so fast! I didn't get to see near enough of my friends but I had a wonderful time with the family, my brother, sis-in-law, my sweet, sweet niece and all of my uncles and aunts.  It was wonderful!

I enjoyed cooking for the family and I'm pretty sure mom and dad were very thankful too.  We ate GOODDDDDD:)!

I was able to ride my bike every day that I needed to, walked in the park with dad a couple of times, caught the local group ride and had fun with all the heckling and before I knew it, I was back on a plane to Colorado.  But I was sure glad to be home, flying over the snow capped mountains, the high mountain air and all things I love - this is home.

Now it's go time, time to become a full bore cyclist again.  The season is approaching FAST and team e-mails have started, fitting bikes has started and camp organization has started.  I'm excited about the upcoming season, I'm always excited about bike racing.  So next up is a bit of skiing here before heading somewhere warm for lots of miles.  I'll update when I get somewhere and get settled into a routine(a week or so).  Until then, here are some pictures from home and traveling.....

 Headed to the airport before Christmas...

 Day before flying, first ski session of the year...

 One of the trails.

 The afternoon view after skiing....

 Not the best driving conditions but it's a lot better now...

 Good morning beautiful snow!

 Some cool pictures of Vicksburg back in the day! We knew panoramic shots were cool WAY before Apple's iphone did;)...

 A monument in the park, it was a great place to go as kids and look for ghosts!

 The Cairo boat in the military park....

 A food joint in Vicksburg...

 Lost and found cars at my grandfather's house, T3 has too many toys;)!!

 You know you are in the south when the menu has it's own FRIED FOOD section...

 Such a wonderful place!

 Dad's walking club crew!

 Christmas Day MEAT!

 Starting her young;)....USAC should be watching....

The full moon my last day in Vicksburg, dad and I walking through the park...

Reading: A Daring Life, A Biography of Eudora Welty by Carolyn J. Brown
Watching: it snow outside:)
Listening: Trouble in Mind, Pat Donohue
Eating: for dessert: grapefruit- pealed and segments pulled apart, sprinkle with sugar, place on parchment paper lined sheet pan.  Broil for 2-3 min.  While that is cooking, mix plain greek yogurt with honey, then place the grapefruit segments on top. YUM!
Website: http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/crosscountryskiing.htm

Riding and cooking

I have been in a cooking mood lately....

Roasted beets with feta and scallions
Palmiers
Acorn squash stuffed with mushrooms and rice
Sweet Potato-Sausage soup
All kinds of bread - thanks to the bread machine
Pistachio shortbread cookies
Butternut squash soup
Roasted potatoes with bacon and cheese - YUM - perfect for football:)
Biscuits and sausage gravy - all homemade
French toast
......

YUMMY!! I was gluten free for about a year and a half but I think it is time to get back to the gluten ways, I feel fuller longer with wheat but I try not to eat much gluten before I ride.  WARNING -Personal note here: wheat gives me bad gas once I start riding if I eat it right before(1hr) training.  Just sayin...if you are wondering if you should go gluten free or not.  I still eat lots of rice and potatoes, I think more out of habit.  I have pasta in the cabinet but haven't really chosen it over the rice/potatoes, maybe it's because I was spoiled in Italy.  I mean really, how can I top that pasta??? ANYWAY...

I'm flying to MS for Christmas for the holidays, to spend time with family, cook all the above and loads more of goodies and see my sweet niece, brother, sis-in-law, extended family and friends.   I'm taking my bike and plan on doing some rides with friends and seeing some folks I don't get to see to much.

In other news, Miller has a growth on his muzzle, right below his eye.  I thought it was his tooth, so off to the vet we went.  She put him to sleep to take x-rays, tooth is good, it's a growth, biopsy, send off to get analyzed.  Merry Christmas bud..... poor guy.  We should have results in the next day or so.:(

Training has been wonderful, a bit cold these last days(high of 26 degrees) but I've got the warm gear and I've been enjoying staying outside - fresh air, sunshine and my thoughts running through my head.

Today I was in Cortez, in between appointments, and I ran into 3 people in 1 coffee shop that I knew and felt so blessed and happy to have the local support of friends who are truly happy for my achievements.  And to know that I inspire these grown adults and that they enjoy reading of my travels and stories makes me smile.  A big ole thank you to YOU:)!!

 Migrating tarantula - no really.....

 Goooo Rudolf!!

 I saw this at the trailhead and thought it was funny.  I haven't checked to see if it is a real site, I'm sure it is....

 Walmart knows what the kids need right??

 Poor Miller and his little growth under his left eye...

 Staying warm!

Palmiers!

Alright time for dinner, nothing exciting tonight, just soup and quinoa....

Reading: Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky
Watching: Rules of Engagement - SO FUNNY
Eating: Roasted beets with feta, please try it!
Listening: Zedd - Spectrum
Website: Behind the Barriers

Hope to blog from home!