Photographic evidence DOES exist...

...Because there is so much sadness and devastation in the Gulf of Mexico. And because while watching the news, I couldn't help but tear up at the images of destroyed communities, suffering animals...and if that wasn't enough, hearing about service members killed in Afghanistan hits very close to home. I just couldn't watch anymore.

Instead, I tried to 'think happy'. And those who know me, know that I'm a sucker for America's Funniest Home Videos. Nope, I don't have a video to share, however. But. However. There DOES in fact exist photographic evidence of me wearing compression hose while riding my bike.

I made Nathaniel leave the room and barricaded myself in for a few hours while riding the trainer. But before I set off on my very boring - but totally necessary trainer ride - I took a picture of how truly and utterly ridiculous I looked. No - it doesn't change what's happening to the Gulf, and hearing sad news from Afghanistan will always put me on edge. But...sometimes we just need to take a step back and smile.
And YES - I AM WEARING BIKE SHORTS UNDER THE HOSE. Please reassure me that YOU can at least see them. This week, I'm only wearing the knee-high compression hose to help with my veins. But still. Clearly, there was a reason that 1) I rode INSIDE and BY MYSELF and 2) I didn't let Nathaniel see me in person. There are just some things he shouldn't be aware of.

Even Tabbitha was alarmed. But she kept me company for the duration of my ride, so at least that was nice.
And finally, a few pictures from our Saturday afternoon hike. Nathaniel got dressed in full hiking gear - pants included. He wanted to be extra precautions of Rattlesnakes. I laughed and responded that we had NEVER seen a Rattlesnake in the Mike TERF area of Pendleton.

And naturally, no less than five minutes into our hike, we saw a BIG one.Oops. My mistake. Yes, sir, I will gladly take a piece of humble pie.

I suddenly felt very exposed in my shorts.

I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do - Nathaniel set a blistering pace. I think it's the fact that I'm beginning to train and had already swam Masters and water ran that left me chasing his wake. But he definitely set a great precedent charging up a big hill, in full Marine Garb. What a stud.Perhaps like riding a fixed gear up Palomar? (And then back down the thing...?)

As for me - a quick self portrait just after I got Nathaniel charging the hill. I think it's a Marine thing. Or maybe just a Nathaniel thing. Or...maybe because I told him there was a RitterSport with his name on it, that I had snuck into his emergency supply pack and we could take a break at the top of the next hill.I couldn't help but laugh. And you would have too.

(Let's face it, a little chocolate will make ANYONE smile).

So...when life gets you down and blue, be grateful that you're not stuck indoors riding your trainer with 2 PAIRS of compression socks...and a cat that's giving you a look like she feels sorry for you.

At least this one wanted to snuggle.The Mini Monster is most definitely still mini, but NOT a monster here. I don't know how Nathaniel got the camera so fast - but there you have it. (Perhaps another Marine thing? No - I'm pretty sure it's a Nathaniel thing.)