Just Another Gorgeous Spring

It's odd, saying that it is just another gorgeous spring when in only a 

few weeks we'll be officially into summer!

But it seemed as though it was such a long road this year to even get a spring -- 

we were wondering if we would have one.The beautiful cherry and apple trees that 

bloom so profusely on our MSU campus -- often by the end of April -- 

weren't even starting when blog friend Annie came to visit in mid-May 

and everyone was hesitating to plant their gardens outdoors until we 

were quite sure it wouldn't drop below freezing again -- or even snow. 

But the day came!

For me, it was a trip to the garden center with my friend Jan. It's our annual tradition!

For Rick it was time to get his seedlings in the ground. Take a look at our future strawberry shortcake!

And the bee balm is blooming!

For me, the warm weather has meant time at the pool, trying hard to increase my swimming laps. 

As you can imagine, for Rick, it is time for the bike!

Again, he participated in an event here called "Lucinda Means Advocacy Day," 

named after a friend who was a key advocate for cycling here in Michigan -- 

not just road biking but also riding bicycles to work, using public transportation. 

Sharing the road and protecting cyclists is a major issue.

Every year he participates in an event called the Ride of Silence where cyclists bicycle 

to the capitol building -- in silence -- with a police escort. There is a ceremony 

on the capitol steps where the names are read of cyclists who have been 

killed on the road. It also honors those who have been injured and is very moving.

There is also a "ghost bike" which represents the missing riders.

 

Earlier in the day, Rick's friend T.J. was recognized. T.J. is so dedicated, 

the joke is that he has no other clothes except bike gear! He's a hard-core rider 

who racks up the miles -- and quite the raconteur when he writes his road stories!

 

Sharing the road is a thought that rests heavily on my mind as Rick prepares for his 

summer bike-hike, where he plans to ride to Ottawa, Ontario on his bike. 

Alone. In the wilderness. Out of the country. 

You get my angst.

 

He practiced this weekend with a 200 mile ride with all his gear. Big gulp. 

But after a couple of blown out tires, all was well.

We also did our annual Memorial Day planting of flowers at my parents' graves, 

which is also where her parents and my aunts and their husbands are.

After, a picnic at the Frances Park Rose Garden (too early for roses!) and a trip to Lowes! 

(Which, I might add, was doing big business that day! Everyone had garden on the mind!)

Meanwhile, Lizzie Coco has commandeered the guest room bed as her own...

And she give you the evil eye if you disturb her!

 

I leave you with words to remember...

 

And this little heart.

 

I love spring -- and I can't wait for the next couple weeks and Kevin's wedding!