"Surprise . . . . Happy Anniversary" Tanya Nace told her husband of 5 years she was taking him to a festival in downtown Indy. He was completely surprised when she turned east on I-70 and headed to Columbus OH for Memorial weekend. They visited the Asian Festival and numerous other sites in Columbus before coming to the house Sunday evening . . another pleasant surprise for Jonathan and a wonderful chance for us to see our friends and join their celebration. "Happy Anniversary Jonathan & Tanya Nace . . May God Bless you with many happy years together."

Our first humming bird sighting in Ohio . . . Mother's Day, May 9 2010. Can you see the little guy, caught in flight, to the left of the feeder?

Happy Mother's Day! Rosie Anne was surprised with a bouquet of flowers from Cecilia; "Feetures", great running socks from Wes & Jennifer (just in time for running the Mini) and followed that up this past weekend with a wonderful visit from her Mother and Jack! Rose Anne and Anne indulged in a Saturday afternoon pedicure at Charles Penzones Salon! Saturday afternoon of the Mini, we joined Joe for a lunch, stocked up on our Bagel Fair Bagels, and met Cara and Jim for a Mother's Day celebration at a new Italian restaurant in Clay Terrace. Oh yes, walking and plotting Pioneer fields this summer will be easier for Rosie in her new Gortex Hiking Boots! The highlight of her Mother's Day was the news that Wes has a new job in Saginaw! Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday, Ella! Granddaughter celebrated her 6th Birthday last Friday with a Birthday Party at home with Mommy, Daddy, Aunt Mindy & Chris , Aiden, and friends! She seems pretty excited about her NEW BICYCLE from Grandpa & Grandma!

Bob and Rosie with the Chevy Camaro, Pace Car for this year's Indy 500! Photo taken at the Mini-Marathon expo!

Early bird . . gets the victory medal! We drove down to the mini at 5:15AM with good friends Jonathan and Tanya Nace from last year's Bricks 2 Bricks Training group, ran with Roxann Morgan and saw numerous friends in Ken Long's "Victory tent". The race was tough this year, but we were reminded that less than 1 percent of the U.S. population elects to begin a half marathon, let alone finish! By the Grace of God we are Blessed with the physical ability to enjoy this activity. Next up . . the Columbus 10K and MIT training for the Columbus half-marathon in the fall.

May 8, 2010 . . "Ladies & Gentlemen . . . start your engines" . . . (and lace up your running shoes) for the 34th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. 31,055 finished the 13.1 mile circuit that started on Washington Street, headed west toward the Speedway, wound through the westside of Indy (my old neighborhood), looped the 2-1/2 mile Speedway oval racetrack, and snaked back downtown to finish with the "victory mile" trek down New York Street to Military Park.This is the largest half marathon in the country and the nation's 4th largest road race, with registration filled and closed December 6th, 2009. The race started at 7:33AM in less than favorable conditions this year: 48-50 degree temp, cloudy, 20-25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph! The traditional balloon race was cancelled and activity at the track was minimal. However, the festive atmosphere prevailed with the route lined with spectators, bands, dancers, groups, and cheerleader squads. Rosie surpassed last year's finish by 9 minutes and I completed the course 63rd of 22 in my 65-69 age group.