The GA 5K

Hanley, Abby( Hanley's buddy) and I had a thrilling time at the Guardian Angels School first 5k race. The weather was cool and windy, but despite that, the girls came in under 29 minutes and I rallied at the end for a 22:05. The girls were clearly tired afterwards...may have been due to the previous night's sleepover, but it was great to introduce the girls to an organized running event. Schweet!

The Flying Pig is near...

I've paid my money...now I have to perform. Ack! I went for a 17 miler today, with the intention of doing a 20 miler. My mind said 20 but there were two appendages that said, "no way!" at 17. In spite of the missing three miles, I feel confident that I'll be able to work through the 26.2 without too much discomfort. I am now beginning the tapering process and am looking forward to a good race; I would love to come in under 4 hours.
Maura is also participating in this year's event. She will be walking the half-marathon, with her friend Mei Mei, for the first time.
Pigs fly!!
Ta ta!

Training Blahs–yuch!

Ever have one of those training runs where nothing is in synch? Well, today was one of those days. We had beautiful weather today, high of about 60, full of sunshine. So why not go for a nice trail run? So I did. I made my way to Withrow Nature Preserve, a nice 1.8 mile loop through field and forest, but unfortunately, the cards were not in my favor. I started out OK, but less than a mile into a planned 8 miler, my lunch decided to pay me another visit. 8 miles turned into a mere 3. OUCH! Anyway, with tired legs and a bloated belly, I chalked it up as one of those days where nothing was working for me. Diet? Not enough rest? I don't know for sure, but I am hoping for better training tomorrow.

Running with ECHO

The ECHO Running Club is a nice group of folks who really show a passion for the sport, and today I was glad to be part of this morning's Catch Me run at Lunken Playfield. The concept was simple: Have a staggered start based on one's anticipated finish time. Slower runner start first, fast follow, so at the end, we all finish at the same time. The photos show the group at the finish and as they wander back to their cars amid the eerie fog. Thanks to Doug Maxwell for organizing this event!

Spring is (NOT) Here!

Update from the Speidels...this last weekend, we experienced the largest storm in 10 years, and it came in the form of many inches of snow. Just when we thought the winter was behind us, 10+ inches of white stuff came hammering down on us. It started on Friday night and kept on coming through Saturday. And while it stalled the roads for a bit, the dogs, including our house guest, Auggie, had a great time. Warm weather is predicted for next week and I will finally be able to get in a long training run (15 miles) in preparation for the Flying Pig the first week of May.

Training for the Pig

Training for the Flying Pig Marathon always gets difficult this time of year due to the cold, snowy weather; motivation is hard to come by these days. But, I have started to work more long runs into my training schedule and am feeling strong and relatively pain-free. With just over 2-months to go, I am on track for a good race, and while I would love to incorporate more trail runs into the routine, it's been so muddy around here, the running is hazardous...don't want to risk some freak accident if I can help it.
Maura and her buddy, Mei Mei are planning to walk the half.
Anyway, we are looking forward to a great day!

Chess Legend Dies

Chess legend, Bobby Fischer, died at his home in Iceland today. He was 64. He turned out to be quite an ass later in life...giving up his US citizenship, moving to Iceland, becoming a recluse. I hope he passed surrounded with some friends or family.
Ok...so that's two icons from my past in just over a week. Oh, and Dan Fogelberg died a few weeks ago as well! Wassup!
But there's still Stephen King, Steve Jobs, CSN&Y, Sir David Attenborough, Garrison Keillor, and many other. I'm good...
Bye

Mt. Everest Legend

What can I say...he was "The Man" in mountain climbing circles. Sir Edmund Hillary passed away the other day from a heart attack, of all things. Click here for his video-obituary.
I'll always remember a book I read as a boy of about 12 years old called "On Top of the World," the story of his ascent with Tenzing Norgay. I must have read it 100 times. Anyway, it's a great loss to the adventurers of the world.

A Dog of a Day

There are not many dogs on the planet that really tolerate this kind of stuff...but Courage is one of them. Snuggled in his bed, Courage welcomed Greeta to hang out and relax. I'm not sure if Greeta was really asleep, but it would have been easy to do so!
Courage...a great family dog indeed!

Happy New Year!

Well, it's a new year and all is well. I finally got my first pair of real trail-runing shoes and look forward to putting them to the test this year. If I can remain injury-free, my first big race will be the Flying Pig marathon in May. I am also looking at my first ultra (50K) in October. We will see how it goes.
The family is good, but it's back to school and work tomorrow...yuck!
Ciao!

Christmas Day!

Christmas has come and gone in the Speidel house. All had a great day. The girls got tons of clothes and a few movies as well as a cool Wii game...Mario Galaxy. We all love it.
See you next time!

Well, another successful Thanksgiving in 07. We were so happy to have the Virginia Speidels with us this weekend. Rusty, Sophie, Chapin, Carter and Virginia are the best. Everyone got along great and we did manage to stuff ourselves at Aunt Genie's house. TTFN

Big Tongue Dog

Fall is almost over in Cincinnati and the leaves are almost off the trees. This is Courage showing his best side, and even though this was taken in the summer, it seems appropriate, as days are getting shorter and nature is winding down for a long winter nap. Lick on, Courage!

Winter is Coming

Driving to work yesterday, I had to pull off the road ans snap this image of Lunken Playfield shrouded in fog. It was about 8:15 am.

Halloween 2007

Yes, been a while since the last post, but I must share this great costume display!
By the way, all is well...just no time to devote to blogging!

First Day of School

Well, the first day of school was yesterday. WOOHOO! Per tradition, this is our classic “Walk to the bus stop” photo. Smaller crowd this year, as Hanley was already in class when this photo was taken. She's on the bus by 6:50 AM. Ouch!
Anyway, the girls and Courage had a though-provoking stroll to their final destination...Mercer Elementary. Have fun!

Lost a Friend

We got some sad news on Sunday that our dear friend and former neighbor, Lori Dierckes, passed away. Mark tells us she is finally at peace after fighting breast cancer for several years.
Lori and Mark became our very close friends after moving next door to us on Asbury Rd. They were the kind of neighbors you could always count on to help out, or just hang out with, and it was obvious they were true soul-mates.
Lori will be missed by everyone she made contact with.

Hi all. we returned from vacation in the UP of Michigan the othe day. My oh my what beautiful weather we had! We left on June 22 and stopped in Flint for the night. From there we headed to Grayling to stay with our friends the Muzzo's for a day. Great time indeed. We left early on my birthday, the 24th, and ended up at our cottage just in time for lunch. On a visit to a nearby beach, we saw the local birdlife hover overhead, hoping to partake in some of our lunch.

My grades are here!

Ahhh yes. Once again, another sucessful semester!
Speech was, of course, the most challenging to get through but check out that "A"!!!! Archaeology was easy but I did not put forth the total effort to get that A. The coop was a simple pass or fail.
Anyway, I'm proud of what was accomplished this spring semester.
This fall I'm taking a requirement in Geology and a 300 level of which I'm not totally decided on yet.
TTFN
Andy

Flying Pig race

Maura and I did the flying pig this weekend. She did the 10K on Saturday and I did the 1/2 on Sunday. Perfect weather for both. It was an awesome weekend!

April 11, 2007

Hello all...been awhile, eh? Well, East has come and gone, but not without some rewards. The girls found their baskets in some odd places this year. Hanley's was in the dryer and Greta found hers well cooked in the oven! The previous day was spent at Keenland watching the horses amid the bitter cold and snow. Eek!
Anyway, the girls have spring break this week and we hope to keep them occupied.
Ta ta for now.

Photo of the Day: March 13

Last Sunday, the girls took their first flight in my parent plane. They were up for about 30 minutes and headed east down the Ohio River to Moscow, OH. While I was a little concerned, all went well and the girls loved it. This was a test flight in preparation for their trip to Texas for Easter.

Welcome Back

Ok, I'll admit, it has indeed been a while since the last post. It has been a very busy few months. With work and school still dominating plus trying to exercise and have a family life, time is short. I have also had several freelance jobs that have kept me busy as well. School is Monday and Tuesday eves till 9:00 pm. I have also secured a new position with a design firm downtown, which offerd a substantial raise. That begins March 19. No dental, but hey...I try to brush regularly!
Ciao!

Photo of the Day: January 4th

Rats...it's back to work for me!

The holidays are over, so here's a shot of my driving hand heading back to the office. Tempratures are still hovering in the mid 40s and 50s which is great for me. Training for the Flying Pig is about to get under way.

Photos of the Day:December 30, 2006

We had a guest today, and probably for the next 2 days. The neighbors gave us the opportunity to take care of Auggie, the labradoodle pup, for two days. Courage, our chessie and main dog of the house, was very tolerant as we set out on this adventure. Little Auggie is currently asleep in a crate in the girls room and all seems well!
Happy New Year!

Photo of the Day:December 26th

Christmas is 1 day old, but Courage still has that ol' Christmas spirit! He sat patiently and humbly while I snapped this reindeer photo. Everyone had a great holiday, though it's off to work for me tomorrow :o(

Merry Christmas, 2006

Well, the girls thought all was lost until this:

Click Here!!

Photo of the Dat: December 12

Well, the tree is now officially up and trimmed with the help of our three monkeys! We are now officially ready for Santa.
Happy Holidays!

Photo of the Day: December 7, 2007

Ahhh, winter came early today. Tempratures fell to the 20s and brought along a little snowfall...the first this year. I think we got about 1/2 inch today with little more expected.
The winter school semester is about through. 1 more class to go! I'm guessing 1 A in Graphic Design and hopefully a B in Art History.
Later!

Photo of the Day: December 1st

Wow, it has been a nice, warm Thanksgiving week...mid 60's for the most part. This was taken on Monday, Nov. 27. We escorted the kids to the bus stop, then Maura and I took the dog for a stroll at Alms Park overlooking Lunken airport. Unfortunately, the weather cmakes a downward turn today:o( Cold, windy and possible snow predicted for the weekend.

Maura's first listing!

Well, as reported earlier in the year, Maura quit her job with Recreations Outlet and began her career in Real Estate. It has been a rough road for everyone, but things are starting to blossom. We are proud to announce her first listing! WOO HOO! And even though it is in the (not so) thriving neighborhood of Finneytown, it's going to sell soon, dammit!

Photos of the Day: October 24

We celebrated Daughter No. 2's birthday this weekend. The actual date is the 31st, but given the choice between a party or trick-or-treat, the party loses. Anyway, following tradition, we use the creepy hand candles for the celebration. It's the last year for those, as she is turning 10 this year.

Photo of the Day: October 17, 2006

Five deer wandered into the garden today for a little snack! God love 'em! They started in the neighbor's yard and casually made their way to ours without a care in the world.

Photos of the Day: October 5

Went to a local music festival called Tall Stacks in Cincinnati last night...saw and took photos of some bluegrass greats, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Tim O'Brian and Del McCoury. It's one thing to hear them on the radio or CD, yet quite an awesome experience to see them in person from the third row!
Even though it's a very expensive eat and drink event, it was a great time, despite not having Maura with me. We are going again tonight with the gurls.

Photos of the Day: September 27th

There comes a time in everyone's life when a change is necessary. About a year ago, Maura entered a contest with the local paper for a makeover, and was chosen! The photos here show her before and after results. The final photos will be part of a contest, with the winner becoming a feature in the Cincinnati Enquirer in early October! Very cool. Notice the beaming on her face in the last photo!

Photo of the Day: September 13th

Well, here's the typical morning routine! Getting ready for school, breakfast, the morning paper. It's a grand 'ol time indeed!
Today was a fairly cool, rainy day and one can definitely tell summer is about over. Soccer is in full swing as well as school. I'm in my 4th week, taking 2 classes this fall.

In addition to our Boxer friend, our son Courage had a great time but really needed some water to refuel.

Photo of the Day: Sept 9th

In Cincinnati, we have this terrific dog park where the animals run free and truly communicate with their peers. This boxer was particularly playful. Multiply this dog by about 30 and you'll get the idea.
Our son Courage meandered about, but this guy was all ove the place!

Photo of the Day: August 23rd

Ahh yes...school is in the air. In fact, it starts today for the girls, though it looks as if Courage is more excited! Actually, the girls could not wait to get out the door this morning. The weather was nice and cool.
I started back at NKU yesterday...the oldest one in the class! WOOHOO.

Photo of the Day: August 1

There's some serious braiding going on here! The girls are getting some extensive hair stylin done tonight after a long day at the pool. Temprature: 95 degrees with more to come tomorrow. We, as well as the rest of the nation, have had a heat wave for the past three days with no end in sight.

In other news, school starts for me on August 22nd, and for the girls on the 24th or 25th. I'm taking two more classes this fall. Frankly, I think everyone is ready to break the monotony of Summer!

Photo of the Day: July 29th

Sorry, I had a "Martha Stewart" moment this evening. My grilled chicken with home grown basil, tomato swiss cheese and morel mushrooms turned out so nice, I had to snap a photo. I even tried to blur it just like they do in the magazine.
It wasvery tasty though.

Tomato Update!

As you can see, the tomatoes from last week are still there and turning a beautiful red. I took this photo this morning with hopes of picking it tonight before the deer or rabbits discover it. I'm thinkin' BLTs for dinner tonight!

Photo of the Day: July 26

Well, we never thought we'd see the day when Maura would be bidding farewell to Recreations Outlet. After 14 years, today is her last official day. Notice the happiness on both Maura and Courage as they dream of new adventures ahead. We all proud of you!

Photo of the Day: July 18th

Summer is definitely here! It is still hot and muggy...94 degrees, but this is great news for my two tomato plants. They love that hot, humid weather. I've got one turning red (bottom center) and many others soon to follow assuming the deer don't pick them off.
BLTs here we come.

Photo of the Day: July 16th

As temperatures flare in the Mideast, they do the same in the mid-west, USA. 96 degrees today and the order of the day was–chill out INSIDE! Our pal Courage is taking one of many naps in an effort to conserve energy. More high temps expected tomorrow!
Ta-Ta!

PHoto of the Day: July 10

Hi all...
We just returned from Northern Michigan last week and have just started to go through all the photos.
Here's our nerdy, LL Bean family getting ready to hike across Marquette Island just on the other side of Muskie Bay in Cedarville, MI. The hike is about 1.35 miles (according to the GPS) through dense pine forest. We packed in some hot dogs, chips, grapes and drinks and had a great time, despite the bugs!

Photo of the Day: June 18th

Father's Day: Unfortunately, mom had to work, so the girls and I headed for the Cincinnati Zoo. The girls really wanted to see the baby Tokin, an endangered, central Asian mountain goat. Check out the cool hooves on this momma!

June 17th 2006

Ok, ok. It has been a while since the last post. Things have been busy with work and family the last few weeks, but that is life!
Today we had our annual June Birthday Celebrations for Daughter No. 1 and myself. Looks like she got some good stuff judging by her expression! Anyway, we had a good crowd and a great meal with grilled chicken, pasta, fruit and tossed salad, macaroni and cheese, cake, drink, etc.