Weather, Challenge, and Other Nonsense

I walked outside this morning and could have swore it was already in the 50s! Boy, was I sorely disappointed when I got in the truck and it showed 35 degrees! Either way, the snow has melted. The geese are headed north. Robins are everywhere! People are starting to talk about their flowers trying to poke through, also. All this leads me to believe - we are in for ONE MORE weather surprise before spring......

On Saturday morning, I went to Aldi's and spent about $25 on veggies and some yogurt for Brody's breakfast. I also went to Wal-mart to spend my life savings. I found out later, that someone far away is attempting to spend the Tri-State area's life savings! Apparently, several businesses in Keokuk got hacked. For those of us who used a debit card, we are now watching our accounts like mad men. So far, so good. The sad thing is, they had two chances to get mine, as I bought the bulk of my purchases, got down the road, and realized I had forgot two important things. Sooo....back I went to use my debit card. Again. Did I mention that Wal-Mart employees knew of this and were advised to NOT mention it to customers?!?! Oh yeah....back to the Challenge. We have had a few meals out (courtesy of someone else), but have still had pretty healthy meals. Last night, I made chicken stir-fry. I'm thinking Wednesday night, we will take Pizza Hut to Grandma's house (since she was sick last week), and then settle in for a few days of eating leftovers.

About 2 weeks ago, I had some problems with my truck. Basically, too much technology. To make a long story short, I took the old exhaust off and put a new exhaust on. Actually, I was a spectator for the most part. I did pretty good at being the "tool gopher" and "scrap remover," though! I filled up last night and did the calculations on the first full tank I've run through it. I've already increased my average by 3 miles per gallon! Not too shabby when fuel is at $3.75 a gallon!

Since spring will eventually be here, I've decided to spend some time getting to know my old friend, the treadmill, again. I did pretty good last week and was getting about an hour in over two sessions. This week, not so good. I think my body is also gunning for warmer weather and more sunshine. My cousin's wife and I have decided to do a weight-loss challenge over 60 days. As I told her, the weight doesn't really bother me, as I've been the same weight since my freshman year of high school. I just want to be in better shape and have some definition to my muscles. Well, I think I have muscles in there.....

Brody decided to dress himself one weekend recently.
Notice the sandals, John Deere bib, and belt buckle.

A dear friend bought this fire truck at my Grandpa's sale in 2000. At Christmas this year, he gave it to me. I think it was possibly my Dad's toy. And no, Brody does not get to play with it. He was just inspecting it that night!