All I needed were a few kids to yell at for being on my lawn...

The past two days have been filled with good food, better friends, and merriment all around.

Yesterday I was done with work at the lovely hour of 9:45 AM... meaning I had the whole day to waste be productive!  Aside from a brief and fun rehearsal at night, I had no other plans.  I can't remember the last time I had 10+ hours free in a row.  I did what any sane person would do on a 60 degree+ day in early March.

I made an enormous pot of chili.

This pot of chili, to be specific.  Make it.  Make it now!  It is outrageously easy and requires only the smallest bit of planning.  And an hour (plus a half if you don't have shredded/cooked chicken handy).  I used sliced jalapenos instead of chiles, and it had the perfect amount of kick to it.

I also went running for the first time in... longer than I really remember.  Pretty decent jog around downtown.  Running past Zaza's and Purity and Ithaca Bakery and Joes and Shortstop, though - not a good choice.  So much good food!

I had forgotten how much I love running.  Something about the steady rhythm of each footfall, that point just before you're actually short of breath where you reach a little deeper and feel your air flowing, and also just getting out to move feels great.  The next day, feeling that extra little twinge in your legs with each step is hugely satisfying.  Having time to just clear my head of anything else is also much needed during these busy days.

That time came again this evening after work, when I spent some quiet time on my porch with a bowl of chili, a book, and a cold beer.  Got to see this view as the sun set:

Ooh, I'm trying to be artsy with the wind chime in the foreground.

And now you know why the title of this entry makes sense.

For your listening pleasure:

I've been on a Schumann kick lately.

Be well!

~Mike