The Second Annual Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run Walk...So Inspiring for me!!

Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs, Bill J. Dukes and Gail Busby

Saturday,I was invited to The Second Annual Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run Walk at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama to support the candidate for Mayor of this fine city, my friend Gail Busby. We were going to hand out pop-cycles to the runners and everyone attending the event as well as to support both this amazing icon and man Bill Dukes who served seventeen years as Mayor of Decatur and has supported Gail in her campaign. However, this whole thing turned out much different than this...wow...as a new runner...I got more than I bargained for so sit back and get ready for a ton of pictures!!!! Wow...

I must love Gail to get up at 5:30 am to be there for a 7am race...lol

I was excited to see one of the NoBoundaries participants!!

Not sure how she spells her name, but Christy, I am soooo proud of YOU!!

Introduction of Bill J. Dukes!!

There were lots of participants for both the 7 mile run,

the only one like this in the state, and for the 1 mile walk which followed.

...and they are off...

Gail Busby and Bill Dukes...

Gail Busby for Mayor supporters...

Me with Bill Dukes and one of the race workers...

The proceeds from the race supports the Mental Health Association of Morgan County...

The first runner is coming toward the finish line!!!

Tyrone Harris of Athens, Alabama finished in 24:33 minutes...

This was the second year he won this race!

Way to go Tyrone!!!

Each runner wore a device. Since I am new to running, I forgot what it is called but it tracks the exact time of the runner and when they cross the finish line it shows that time. It is attached to the their show. Leave a comment as to what that chip is called. 

John Nevels of Decatur, Alabama came in second...

...and I loved his "stomp" at the finish line. =)

Both runners conversing afterwards showed the spirit of running...

I was so inspired as I cheered and cheered...I can't wait until I can do this...

Looking for the third runner made me jump up and down...Why? Check it out...

Noah Flynn of Decatur, Alabama in 28:40 minutes and he is 10-years-old!!!

He won for this and his division!!

Noah was greeted by his Mom...

Found out they are a family of runners! 

Race helpers...

The devices that are attached to the runners shoes...

Now more race photos...enjoy...

Judge Charles Langham of Decatur, Alabama!!!

The organizer and one of the mentors of our

Priceville NoBoundaries, Ron DeWeese

Michelle Partain is also one of our mentors with NoBoundaries!!

Sonja Langham, Charles's wife! 

Loved this! Holding hands as they crossed the finish line!!

I was so proud of Christy!!!!

WOOT!!!!

As she crossed the finish line I thought "How proud!!"

I can't wait to know that someday our whole group will do this too!

So very proud of her!!

The pavilion for the lunch, door prizes, silent auction and more...

The donations to the silent auction was amazing!!

The awards ceremony was touching to me.

I sat on the edge of my seat excited for each participant...

The lady in pink, Jeania Norton from Phil Campbell, Alabama,

where my family is from...and was one of the winners of the day...

Noah's dog, Niki...don't you love his name!!

I won a door prize!!! I love cookbooks and this is by a local group! Sweet...

Gail Busby talking with supporters...

Charles Langham after speaking with Gail...

Me, behind the "1", thinking that should be a faith song...

ready for the 1 mile walk...did it in 17:44...

My sweet ride...sharing numbers today, it clicked over...244,000...=)

...and I have started my t-shirt collection...I feel a quilt coming on...

I wish this post and these words could express how I feel about this event. Running has brought so much depth into my life that I never knew existed. It is filling a spot that I never knew was empty. After power walking at the event and then a busy day, I took off for our NoBoundaries workout, walking/running 1.5 minutes each for 1 mile. We did it!! Neither of us have done any outdoor workouts and we are committed to doing this for 10weeks. Is it for us? Maybe, maybe not, but thus far, it very much is. I am energized, feeling the strength and power from each and every workout. Our desire to get out there is real. I had never attended a race and now, I can't wait until the next one. My only problem is...how can I be on the cheering side when I want to be on the racing side LOL...hmmm... Congratulations to all the participants and to the cause they represented and the man it is named for...we were all winners for being there. I know I was a winner because of all of you. Thank you!!

Hugs,

Rita

Garrett and Mom's Runaway Adventure...

To say Garrett is a foodie is putting it mildly. He may even be the person that defined the word! Regardless, he wants to know before breakfast what I am making for supper that evening and he is quick to make sure I have my grocery list and coupons when headed to the store. He loves food, good food actually and can make the pretties salad plate you will ever see...which you will...he had me take pictures lol....

During our adventure to Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Tennessee,

we ate at there lodge two of the nights...

They have several buffets...

Friday night was seafood and of course their full soup and salad bar is always available...

Saturday night they served chicken and fried catfish...

You shall see dessert...never fear =)...

Garrett eats on a regular schedule...disability? I don't know...

But at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 4pm, and 8pm, he is through eating for the day...=)

Beautiful, see, I told you...

A wonderful dining hall that filled quickly, but wasn't crowded.

We felt attended to by the staff and everyone was friendly...

Ah, dessert. Ice cream that tasted homemade. 

Rolls that melted in your mouth...

There was cobbler too...

It's a sign, a sign...=)

There is a pool, basket ball court, tennis court, volley ball court...

Cabins, golf court...

Swimming pool, fishing area, camp ground...

 ...and there was even a hay ride minus the hay!!

Sorry, Garrett just asked me to show you more food...

LOL, he is helping me write this...

...and...

...and...

One of the ladies at the restaurant gave Garrett this...

...for his birthday!

Thank you Tennessee for making this Birthday Adventure so much fun!

Hugs, Rita

Fat-Free Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe!!

Talking about easy...OMGosh...

You are about to find out my favorite seasoning ever...

2 cups fresh snap peas

1 red pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, thinly sliced

2 yellow squashed, thinly sliced

2 cups fresh Brussel sprouts, sliced in half

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 sweet onion, sliced (optional)

4 Tablespoons Fat-Free Italian Salad Dressing (Any Brand)

I know, I see your mouths dropping open!! 

It is wonderful to use on so many things!!!

Cover a baking pan with parchment paper.

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Place all the vegetables in one or two ziplock bags, 

dividing the dressing between the two if needed.

Toss until all the vegetables are coated.

Then place them individually on the baking pan.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Serve in a skillet tossing vegetables with black pepper.

Hugs, Rita

Guilt-Free-Crock-pot Veggie Soup Recipe...

This amazing soup is loaded with great vegetables

and the amazing part...it's GUILT FREE! WOOT!

Also, it is ZERO POINTS on the Weight Watchers PointsPlus Program!! Even better!!

The Crock-Pot starts out pretty full but don't worry, all the vegetables will cook down...

...all that is left is this wonderful soup that is both comforting and filling!!

1 carrot, shredded

1 sweet onion, finely diced

1 zucchini, finely diced

1 bell pepper, finely diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced or chopped

2 cups spinach leaves

2 cups cabbage, shredded

2 Tablespoons garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/8 teaspoon black pepper (more if desired)

8 cups of fat-free chicken broth

Spray Crock-Pot with cooking spray.

Add all ingredients.

Turn on low and cook 6-8 hours, covered.

Serve with a green salad and fat-free salad dressing.

Enjoy Eating Healthy!

...Hugs, Rita

Recipe for Homemade Croutons...

 Topping our salads with these amazing mega large croutons is delicious! They are simple to make and a great way to use any left over breads in your house regardless what they may be. So get out that last slice of garlic bread from your spaghetti dinner, those two hot dog buns and that broken hamburger bun and even that mashed loaf of bread and lets make some yummy croutons!! =)

All you need is a baking sheet, parchment paper or cooking spray, bread knife or one with ridges, a cutting board, large zip lock bag, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion power. I also use Red Robbin mixed spice on mine and if you want to add something else that your family loves, totally go for it...

Place the parchment paper on your backing sheet or spray the pan. Set the oven to 400 degrees. Then cut all the bread up in one inch squares, close anyway, doesn't have to be exact. Place all the pieces in the zip lock bag. Sprinkle with olive oil, add all seasoning, shake well. If the olive oil doesn't well coat, add a bit more. You don't want the bread wet nor soaking up the oil, just lightly brushed with the oil.

Pour the mixture onto the prepared backing pan and bake for 20 minutes or until toasted. Place in an airtight container. These will keep for several days and be crisp and delicious on a variety of dishes. I have even crumbled them up for my meatloaf. Enjoy...

Hugs, Rita

Butterfly Beaded Cuff Bracelet...

 The elegant beads of really make this butterfly pattern pop! I love the purples and lavenders that Jennifer Puckett helped me pick out many moons ago as well as the pattern.

 I finally pulled it from my stash and made a couple of them. Fortunately, I purchased enough beads to make two of these. The first one sold just as I finished it so this one might just be mine lol.

 I am in love with the peyote beading stitch. It is fun, easy and fairly quick.  I want to design some of my own patterns now that I have mastered the few patterns I have done for this type of cuff.

 The cuff bracelet is a show piece to wear that's for sure...people stop me to ask about it and when they find out it is handmade, they ask more questions and for my card. LOL...it is that beautiful. Not because I made it but because the attraction the beads bring. A design adds to the quality and totally helps, but the magnificence of the beads brings the eyes to the piece of the work...

I better not show Madison this for she will want it for the purples and mother will want it for the butterfly them! LOL loving it...

Hugs, Rita

Pattern Title: Swallowtails

Pattern Designer: Diana Hiott

Life: One Stitch at a Time...even in this Crochet Toddler Poncho...

Life is such a complex thing for some and for me it totally was for the first forty years. However, crochet, paper and beading are three of the art mediums that take me away from the seriousness sides of life that otherwise can be that ugly "s" word. So, lately, I have been crocheting a LOT...One of the projects is this Infant/Toddler Pink Crochet Poncho...

I have made a couple of these already, but on this one I added only one flower, thinking the simplicity of it was much prettier with the pink fiber. I wanted the pink stitching to be more obvious than the embellishments.

I added the shell trim to the edging to this poncho and have found it is my favorite to all the ponchos more so than any other. I will probably keep this style for all my "crazy lady poncho"s LOL...

Loved making these...they are fun and super easy...

Hugs, Rita

Time for Fiber Filled Essence...

 Fiber is one of the first mediums I learned to work with in the world of artistic creativity. The feel of various fibers just sets my heart beating faster and faster and excites the inspiration down deep in my soul that I can't begin to explain or even demonstrate in my work. I won't even try. Although I love other mediums, paper being one and beading another, I can't work with those as caregiver with my family members nor in the area I have to work in at the moment. Plus fiber can go anywhere and be worked on at anytime. Like right now!! While waiting for my photos to load for this post, I got several stitches done on my next project! I love that...This is one of several washcloths I made for one of our bathrooms I am doing in black and decorating in lighthouses and sailboats. I used 100% cotton fiber for these too. I love the feel of these and they last absolutely for years.

A tip that I love love love when using fiber for crochet or knitting is to get these sweet clasps or use a bread tie or paper clip to hold your stitch when you walk away from your project or drop it in your bag. It is wonderful to not have to repeat stitches that may have been pulled or fallen out. Also, I put each project while it is in the beginning stages in large ziplock plastic bags so that I keep them clean and the needles and fiber together. Obviously have I have more than one fiber project going at once, lol, I have four in my bag right now at my feet...two ponchos, washcloth like the one above, and a scarf plus a book of possibilities all together. =) I love to keep something going...I think there is a cross-stitch project in there too. loving it...

Hugs, Rita

Creativity my own way...in the latest mother/daughter crochet poncho...

 Imagine with me, if you will, for a moment. A mom and young daughter just learning to walk as they stroll through the fall leaves on a country hillside on a beautiful autumn day wearing blue jeans and white long sleeve white cotton t-shirts and matching crochet multi-colored sweet blue ponchos! That is what I was visioning while making this poncho set...

 I did vary the pattern from the past ponchos I have made. The trim on some have had the scallop edging, some have had the chained trim, but this one, I added a couple of rows of a solid fiber and then the scallop edging.

 I also made both ponchos longer than the others I have made making the adjusted sizes more flowing and should a twirl happen...it will make a memory for both mother and daughter that much sweeter. =)

I don't know why, but creativity my own way is something that just happens. Patterns and instructions have always been simply suggestions, nothing more. Even in school, my teachers would get so upset that I couldn't seem to follow their directions. We are individuals right? Why should everyone do the same thing? However, they didn't see it that way lol. Oh well...I can express myself in my art...and now, the finished project...the moment you have all been waiting for...or at least me...

The poncho, ready to fly like a butterfly to a home...

Thought that was creativity at it's best...

Creativity in photography as a butterfly...

In my own way...

Hugs, Rita

The Magic Blueberry Bush blessed us again...

 We have one and only one blueberry bush, although we did plant two initially, only one survived. Each year, it blesses us with an amazing amount of blueberries. I have many in the freezer and use them throughout the year in various ways. I have discovered wonderful sauces for pork chops, mixed them in desserts, added them to muffins and pancakes or yogurts and even left them in bowls throughout the harvest seasons in the kitchen and on the table for everyone to enjoy. This year, they were unusually sweet too.

 We didn't get just one harvest either...they were picked numerous times and they just kept producing. The bush is about 7' tall and 6' round. I have never pruned it and although I am thinking about it, I am not so sure I want to lol for fear I might kill this amazing production or something of sort. I know crazy...I planted a partner bush this year so we will see how things go...also, I had a helper putting up a few of the berries...=)...

 My girlfriend, Madison, helped me by pulling the bags out of the box and opening them. Then once I went to get more bags and returned, finding her putting a scoop full of berries into a bag. She was having such fun helping. She loved picking and even eating the berries too. =)

 We found our chickens enjoyed the berries as much as we did. So, we allowed a few of the fowl to hang around while we picked blueberries to get those that were on the ground. We shared a few of the overripe berries with the chicken coop and wow...every time we headed to the blueberry bush, they flocked to us waiting for a treat...it was so funny!

We got ten bags during this harvest prep time. However, I lost count as to how many we actually picked. Between the sharing, eating, enjoying, cooking with and actually putting up, who really knows. What was left in the top of the tree was there for the birds and the bees. Blueberries, beautiful and delicious, amazingly sweet this year too...Thank you, Father! Totally, Rockin' Awesome...

Hugs, Rita