Harper Cemetery - Harpers Ferry, WV - Rural Thursday

By now readers, you know I have a thing for old cemeteries.  On our recent weekend trip we hit a couple of very interesting ones.  The first was the Harper Cemetary in Harpers Ferry, WV.

The graves in this cemetery seemed kind of haphazard and disorganized, which I thought made them even more interesting. 

Paul and I were curious about the meaning of the cross with the crown around it.  We saw this on several of the graves.

The cemetery overlooks the Potomac River.  A gorgeous resting spot.

You can tell that there isn't much rhyme or reason to where the graves are found.

Many of these older graves were tilted and leaning.

I was curious as to why these three tombstones were just outside the fence.  Why weren't they buried with the others on the inside?  

At the far back edge of the cemetery, far from all the other gravestones, I found this old pair.  I imagined it was a husband, still leaning on his wife, after all these years.

What do you think of old cemeteries, reader?  Do you wander around and imagine what life was like for the people buried there too?

It's Rural Thursday!  Time to link up your rural life posts with Nancy from A Rural Journal and myself.  Just grab the code beneath the button and paste it into your blog post.  Then come back and add your link to the linky.  Make sure you visit the blogs of at least 5 other participants and leave a comment for them! 

There's a new farm blog hop on Fridays starting tomorrow at Farm Life At Its Best if you want to check it out!

Casper's Scare School DVD Giveaway - 2 Winners!

During the month of October, we love to pull out our stash of spooky dvds to watch in anticipation of Halloween.  Casper's Scare School is a new addition to our collection, and a fun one at that.  A very cute and friendly Casper the ghost is sent to Scare School by his uncles, all because he befriended a human boy.  At Scare School, Casper will be companions with werewolves, zombies, vampires, ghouls, and other monsters, as they sharpen their scare tactics. 

You know what I liked most about this dvd?  Even though it's about Scare School, it isn't really scary.  Reid is especially sensitive to "scary" scenes in movies (scenes that you wouldn't think were scary at all - after all, I only let them watch kid shows).  But he didn't feel scared at all while watching these shows.  I think the characters are just too cute to be scary. 

Casper's Scare School includes 12 monstrous episodes with a running time of 132 minutes.  You may have seen some of them on the Cartoon Network before.  The second season is currently airing - so even if you don't win this dvd you can check out season two on tv!

Want a chance to win a copy?  Be sure to enter for a chance to win through my Rafflecopter giveaway - there will be two winners!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of Casper's Scare School for review purposes.  The opinions written above are my own. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Freedom's Run Marathon Race Report

This marathon starts early, at 7 am, so it was a very cold wait for the start.  They were nice enough to have coffee available, which I don't drink, but it was nice to know it was there!  I did a lot of stretching during the wait, trying to prevent injury.  The race kicked off with a loop through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.  We crossed a sand pebble lane, and I was feeling the cold on my legs, which were in shorts.  I had a long sleeve technical shirt, gloves, and a long sleeved cotton shirt of Paul's that he said he wouldn't mind if I ditched during the race.  So it was chilly but I started warming up quickly at least.  We followed another sandy pebble lane to the Murphy Farm loop, which was scenic and interesting.  From there, the race went into historic Harpers Ferry.  Restored buildings and cobblestone streets delighted me - I remember turning to the guy beside me and saying, "This is so cool!" and he readily agreed.  After that, we crossed the Potomac River on a footbridge that is part of the Appalachian Trail.  The sun was coming up behind the mountains, and the view took my breath away.  The footbridge was covered in ice towards the end (yes, it was that cold!) so we had to walk, and everyone also walked down the circular staircase at the end which led to the C&O Canal towpath.  This path ran along the river from mile 5-15 or so, and was small gravel/dirt.  It was around mile 10 when the unthinkable happened.  That pesky old IT band went out.  I had been running really well, and at that point was on target for a 4 hour marathon.  So I had to ask myself - did I want to stop, and not risk further injury, or did I want to push through, which would lead to a more severe injury, but also would allow me to see the rest of the course and receive a medal at the end?  I chose the latter. 

I saw the boys when I came out of the woods at mile 15, and told Paul briefly that I was injured.  I had slowed down significantly at this point, but wasn't having to walk too much.  That was about to change.  I hit the hills and my IT band had shooting pain radiating down my entire leg.  It absolutely wasn't going to allow me to run hills.  So I walked them.  I realized as I walked across the Battlefield of Antietam, step by step, that it was the most beautiful day for a run.  Statues of Civil War soldiers towered over corn fields, and the sun beamed over bright blue skies, and I wouldn't have missed that for the world.  After passing by historic Mumma Farm, we headed into Sharpsburg, Maryland, where I got to see the boys again.

 By this point, even running on flat or down hills sent shooting pain, so I was doing more walking than running.  But I was enjoying myself, even though I was disappointed that I was being passed by so many people.

 After Sharpsburg we headed across the Rumsey Bridge over the Potomac River and back into West Virginia.  I still had good spirits. 

 The race finished at Shepherd University's Ram Stadium.  I was able to muster up a run for the finish line at least.  My time was 4:30:57.  Considering how much walking I did, I'm actually pleased with the time.  Once I finished, it was time for the boys to do the Kids Fun Run.

 After the race, they had a post race party with music and food at the Bavarian Inn, which was really scenic itself.  I got a free commemorative beer glass and drink, but didn't have any cash so I couldn't get food. Wish I had known about that part.  I was hungry!

Although marathon #9 didn't turn out quite like I'd expected, I'm so glad I ran it.  I'd recommend my fellow runners add it to their bucket lists - I think it's my favorite East Coast marathon that I've run.  It was well organized, small town friendly, beautiful and historic.  I even met the race director at the registration pick up - and he was super nice and answered a few questions I had.  This is one of those little known marathons that one day will be discovered and everyone is going to want to go run it! 

As for me, my IT band is more torn up than I expected, and I'm guessing I'm facing about 6 weeks off (at least).  I'll be headed for some ART work on it as soon as I can get in, and hopefully it will improve more quickly than expected.  Also, pictures of some of the historic areas I mentioned here will appear in future posts, so stay tuned!

Power Rangers Muffin Tin Monday

At a yard sale recently I picked up a big Power Rangers semi tractor trailer and 5 action figures.  Pierce has never seen the show, but the price was right and I thought he'd have fun with it.  He certainly has enjoyed it, so when I saw Power Rangers pasta in the store I thought I'd pick it up.

 Some years ago Paul asked me not to cook whole grain pasta ever again.  I have obliged.  But he was out of town on business.  What he doesn't know won't hurt him, right? 

The boys had homemade bread with butter, cut in a ninja shape (cool cookie cutter, huh?), fresh strawberries, roasted broccoli, and Power Rangers pasta with parmesan and kalamata olives.  All 3 boys ate every last bite and earned themselves dessert! 

I thought the Power Rangers pasta tasted great for being whole grain.  I'm betting Paul wouldn't even notice if I cooked it again.  Although he might notice the funny Power Rangers shapes!

For more fun lunch ideas, check out Muffin Tin Mom. 

Ladies: What to Pack for a Marathon and Instead Softcup Review

My marathon is literally right around the corner.  There is a bit of planning that goes into what to take on the day of the big race.  For an average runner like myself, you can expect to be running for at least four hours, so you want to make sure you have everything you might need during that time. 

I like to run marathons in shorts, if at all possible.  They are less likely to cause chaffing than tights, and the shorts I run in have handy pockets across the back for me to stash all my gels that I eat for nutrition in.  Black shorts are perfect, because if it rains, they won't be too see-through.

I usually alternate between a few flavors of energy gels, starting at the 10 mile mark and eating one every 3 miles. 

I try to time my running shoes so that I have a fairly new pair with less than 100 miles on them.  This pair only has about 30 miles, so they will have good shock absorption over the miles.  But they are the same trusty brand I always use, so I won't have to worry about breaking them in.

Luckily, I don't have to worry about a period for this marathon, but if I did, I'd be sure to pack Softcup.  I am a recent convert, but I can say that this will absolutely be my running choice from here on out.  It's period protection that can be worn for 12 hours and is completely comfortable.  You don't even notice it's there, and it is made without latex, silicone, dioxins or anything creepy like BPA.  Also, there are no strings or wings so you really just kind of forget about it.  Once I put this to the test during a cycle, I was thinking this was truly one of the greatest inventions for women ever!  It's also perfect for other sports like swimming, and can be worn overnight.  As an added bonus, Instead Softcup is not associated with Toxis Shock Syndrome (TSS). 

 

 

The other things I always pack are a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread for breakfast the morning of the race, two ibuprofin (which I put in a teeny tiny plastic bag that spare buttons come in with shirts) to keep in my pocket during the race in case of injury (this I learned the hard way) and a tiny bit of vaseline for chaffing or chapped lips in case of windy conditions.  Don't forget to bring your race registration, and write any pertinent health information on the back of your race bib just in case something goes wrong on race day. 

 

Now that my training is done, I'm just hoping for good weather and a healthy morning the day of my race - and that I will be able to finish injury free. 

 

Disclaimer:  I was sent a month supply of Instead Softcup to try, and I was compensated for my review.  The opinions stated above are my honest opinions and are not influenced in any way.  If you would like to find out more about Instead Softcup (I recommend you do!) check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

That Wolf Spider - Rural Thursday

Remember the other day when I blogged about the world's largest wolf spider just outside my front door?  Well, I started noticing that his intricate web system was looking a little frayed recently.

 I no longer saw his big black butt hanging out of the hole of his web.  And the threaded highways he'd built that took over the remnants of my lilies was starting to fall down.  I didn't give it much thought.

 Until I picked up a mum from Lowe's when I went to buy sand to preserve my beets for the winter.  I was digging a nice hole to plant my mum, right by the spider's bush, where I'd previously planted lavender that I somehow managed to kill.  And about 3 inches down in the dirt?  AAACKK!  It was the wolf spider!  I guess he thought he'd hibernate for the winter.  Well, I was already armed with a spade and I have to say...this is one wolf spider I won't be seeing again. 


No worries, though, my door still has a huge wolf spider on it.  Only this one doesn't bother me quite so much!

 

 

It's Rural Thursday, so time to link up with Nancy from A Rural Journal and myself with your blog posts about the rural life.  All of your posts about Fall and Autumn are just perfect for linking!  Just grab the code below the button and paste it into your post.  Then come back and add your url to the linky.  Please make sure to visit and comment on the blogs of at least 5 other participants.  Happy blog hopping!  

3-2-1 Penguins!

Our family recently received the complete season of 3-2-1 Penguins! for review.  Since we don't receive any tv channels, I had never heard of the show (although it had four highly rated seasons on NBC as a Saturday morning cartoon), so I didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised and amused by the program.

The gist of the story is that 8 year old twins Michelle and Jason go to spend part of the summer with their Grandmum.  While there, they discover the attic, and when Jason crams 4 figurine penguins into a rocket ship it takes off and flies into the air.  The penguins (Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin) are the crew of the spaceship and shrink Jason, scooping him inside the rocket for an adventure.

The beauty of each adventure is that while in space the twins always learn a moral lesson dealing with some sort of dilemma they were having during the start of the show.  Lessons that are totally real for my kids - things like sharing and taking turns. 

After watching several episodes, I could tell all 3 boys were quite taken with the show.  I asked Pierce about his favorite thing.  He loves the antagonist - Baron von Cavitus - who was Fidgel's pet hamster in school.  Cavitus hated that everyone thought he was so cute, so he decided to become bad, built himself a robot costume to live in, and is trying to take over the galaxy (how can you not love this stuff?!?)

Pierce wanted to be Baron von Cavitus so badly.  So he came up with an idea.  He put his stuffed Alvin the Chipmunk inside a hat.

Behold, Baron von Cavitus, right in my living room!

In case you want to see the real thing, I took a picture of him on my television.  He can slide the robot head back to reveal himself, although he prefers to have the robot head on so he can talk in his creepy voice and no one will call him cute.  His favorite snack?  Radioactive raspberry ice cream of course! 

Seriously, this is a great cartoon - even I got pulled into it. Running time is 4 hours 46 minutes, and it retails for $19.97.  Each episode runs 22 minutes, and the dvd set includes 13 episodes.  If you're looking for the sort of cartoon that teaches wholesome morals but involves plenty of fun action and humor, this is an excellent choice.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this dvd for review purposes.  The opinions stated above are my own.