What better place to go during a polar vortex than the Michigan Lake shore! Of course when we scheduled it, the return of the ice age was not on the docket for L's birthday weekend trip to South Haven. On January 30th in Ohio we had a windchill of -28 to go along with the couple of inches of snow on the ground. The following day we spent the entire day above zero, but not by much. Some snow was expected Thursday night, but nothing to significant for our trip on Friday.

Then again, the best laid plans don't always go as expected. Instead of an inch or two, we received about 5 inches. As L packed the car, I shoveled my car out of it's snow cocoon. The roads weren't awful, but not great. Heading north we could get up to 50 mph without too much issue, but having to dodge slower, sliding cars was nerve-racking on the portion of lanes that were actually visible. We did have the benefit of knowing the snow band that hit us had moved on and wasn't as significant to the north.

Once we reached I-90 in Toledo, the roads and sky were clear. Headed west through Indiana the aftermath of that week's snow & ice were scattered along the toll route. The center berm was loaded with a variety of overturned cars and trucks covered with a blanket of snow, jackknifed tractor-trailers and tracks left by vehicles that had slid off of the the last 24 to 48 hours. We were lucky enough to not have to driven through it a few days before.

Just past South Bend, when we turned north into Michigan, our first stop was Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, Michigan. L had visited years ago and wanted a return trip. It was quite the spectacle as the sand dunes were covered in a thick blanket of snow and looked more like small mountains. We just happened to throw our saucer sleds in the trunk when we left and made sure to sled down the sand dunes before leaving.

It was also super cool to see Lake Michigan frozen over for what seemed like miles and walk about a half-mile into Lake Michigan before heading further north to our destination. Think of it as an ice desert, waves froze seemingly in place after arctic apocalypse. The hour or so drive north along the shoreline was a maze of ice and snow piles the size of me.

Aside from South Haven being a place L wanted to visit in general, this destination was also selected by her for the fact a 5k would be taking place on the same weekend. The race would be part of the 26th annual Ice Breaker Festival. On this weekend, according to the description, sleepy South Haven will fill up with locals and visitors checking out the amazing ice sculptures, tasting delicious chili, enjoying spectacular food and drink specials featured in the pub slide (a frozen pub crawl), cheering for your team at the cardboard sled race, and having fun ice skating, curling and FLINGING A FROZEN FISH...wait...what? Yup, for $5.00 a pop you can see if you can throw a frozen sucker fish the furthest with the winner taking home a cash prize.

This is not as easy as you think, the frozen solid fish has to be thrown underhanded and without gloves from a standstill position, Not to mention the snow you should dust off of it when it is returned from the previous throw. Several participants tried too hard directing it into the crowd, screams of laughter and horror would follow as onlookers parted like the Red Sea hoping to avoid being pummeled by frozen chum.

We stayed at a historic bed & breakfast called the Carriage House at the Harbor and overlooked the South Haven Harbor, which was also frozen over. The hub of the city was on the other side and left us a fantastic view from the third floor of the inn we were visiting. The proprietor, Suzanne Schloss, was more than happy to give a quick glance of the history of the place at breakfast - quite impressive. The lighthouse at the mouth of the Black River was, itself, covered with a thick casing of windblown ice.

The day we arrived it was still quite cold - in the teens - but the sun kept it bearable. We happened to stumble into Harbor Light Brewing Friday night and discovered they had only been open for eight days. The owners, Tom & Bill (the brewer), stopped to talk to us for quite some time. Bill, a runner himself, and I relayed some running stories. He even flipped me off, jokingly, when he ask about some of my most recent times.

A couple of great guys putting together a great place. Keep an eye out for this place as Bill's beers are outstanding. His IPA and Imperial IPA (which was just tapped that day) are worth the drive and visit to comfy South Haven. Give them a heads up on Facebook when you get the chance. They were expecting over a thousand patrons to visit them on festival Saturday. We did walk by that evening and you couldn't get in the door - congrats Tom & Bill!

Our race route start/finish line Saturday morning would be in the downtown area less than a mile from our bed & breakfast with the finish line visible from our window across the frozen Black River. It was sunny and the roads had a mixture of slush, snow and Ice - but it was hard to complain with the near 30 degree temperature.

At the gun I'm following a couple of area high schoolers and watch as they swerve back and forth trying to find the best footing. This was found most often in the tire tracks of the vehicle we were following. This made me all the more satisfied that I brought my Yaktrax on this trip to avoid the constant sliding and slipping.

The first mile, straight south, was a slow incline and I'm in third place. I feel consistent, the kind of consistent you want for a much longer race (6:17). Before turning right towards Lake Michigan another passes by, I don't feel as if I've slowed down and I'm comfortable with a longer stride as I simply want to maintain. We turn back north and I'm probably 30 to 40 seconds behind the leader as it is all downhill from here.

Dodging patches of ice, another cruises by and I push a little more to utilize the momentum (mile 2- 6:13). I'm not gaining on anyone, but they aren't disappearing either and cruising along the residential neighborhood by myself is comfortable and scenic with the piles of snow on cars, houses and trees. About 2 1/2 miles in we are running directly next to the shoreline in full view of the frozen lake, ice covered lighthouse and hungry seagulls floating about overhead - all glistening in the full sun.

A fast downhill to left into the lighthouse & pier parking lot and another drifts by (mile 3 - 6:01). We turn back right for the straight stretch to the finish and I hear footsteps behind me. I turn just enough to see him and, wanting him to push me, I yell at him, "Come on, let's go! Come on!" I stay just enough ahead of him as we sprint to finish sixth overall at 19:00 flat. I was first in my age group and I'm appreciative that they did their best to make me feel older by labeling my age group as 40 to 99. Really? 99?

A couple of congratulatory high-fives and I turn back to wait for L, who is attempting to avoid aggravating a tender ankle from the ice capades of running on ice covered dirt roads the week earlier. Moments later, L makes her way in and doesn't seem to be bothered by her ankle, finishing at 26:45 and fourth in her age group (one that encompassed a range of five years, not 60). For our age group placements, we each receive a glass mug etched with the Break The Ice 5K logo.

We went back to our lodging and crashed for a time before heading out the rest of the day & evening to enjoy the Ice Breaker Festival fun with the crowds of people braving the ice, snow and cold while it lasted as it reached near 40 degrees. For winning something during the festival (my old person age group), our B&B proprietor - Mrs. Schloss - gave us a $100 gift certificate to come back and stay with them in the near future.

Our return to Central Ohio on Sunday was swift, but tiring. Actually seeing Lake Michigan without ice up to the shoreline was cool. By the time we made it home, it was sunny and 55 degrees. A near 100 degree temperature change from just five days before. I went for a four mile run upon emptying the car in order to avoid missing the fantastic weather. It felt weird to not run with hand warmers, a hat, gloves, Yaktrax, a jacket or ear protection in February. It felt like spring...and I wanted more of it, but we will have to wait.

This was Super Bowl Sunday and many complained it was boring because it lacked offense - which is a bunch of crap. It was nice to see a defensive battle for once. Defense wins championships, keeps you focused and from letting your guard down. Though sometimes that guard needs to be loosened to allow people to get to know you, to know what you are all about. Then, and only then, will you be able to find someone who can speak your native tongue...

SWITCHFOOT - NATIVE TONGUE

Sing to me baby in your native tongue
Sing the words of the wise and the young
Show me the place where your words come from
Love’s the language
Love is your native tongue

Feel your heartbeat bang the drums
Open up your eyes and fill your lungs
The same word from where the stars were flung
Love's the language
Love is your native tongue

My heart
Is a beating drum
My head
In oblivion
My soul
Such a long way from
My lips, my lungs, my native tongue

My friend
Where did we go wrong?
My lord,
We forgot our song
My soul,
Such a long way from
My lips, my lungs, my native tongue

Sing it to me whisper into my ear
Accusers voices start to disappear
In the wind in the tongues of the flame
In my soul, in my one true name

Back before we learned the words to start a fight
Back before they told us that the haters were right
You spoke the truth, “let there be” and there was
Love's the language
Love is your native tongue

So sing it out, get loud
Louder than the voices in the crowd
Even when they try to drown you out
Your lips, your lungs, your native tongue

Sing it out, get loud
Louder than the darkness and the doubts
Louder than the curses and the shouts
Your lips, your lungs, your native tongue

I want the world to sing in her native tongue
To sing it like when we were young
Back before the pendulum had swung to the shadows

I want the world to sing in her native tongue
Maybe we could learn to sing along

To find a way to use our lungs for love and not the shadows

We have seen rain, flurries, thunder, winds of 30 mph and tempts ranging from the teens to near sixty - this is the paradise that is Ohio. It isn't just January, this is the kind of thing we get about nine months out of the year. You get used to it, but it sucks to have designs on spring being just around the corner before the bottom falls out and you are reminded the year has only just begun.

Speaking of, L and I rung in the new year at Staas Brewing and getting a free beer from a gentleman (he had way too much to drink) who thought we were a cool couple and wanted to show his appreciation. He may have also given me a bro hug and a bro peck on the cheek (there is such a thing, right?), but we got free beers man!

The year also began with bottling a hazy IPA homebrew with roasted chestnuts that is fermenting away in our basement - the recipe coming in the form a Christmas gift from L (the chestnuts were my idea). The cool fliptop bottles housing the concoction came from a spiced pumpkin cider purchased at Aldi's. The cider was decent, but was cheap and I was more after the bottles - so I bought a few. And as you can see, Whiskey and Jameson hung out to watch the less than thrilling drama.

Since L is now fully committed to running, we will both be taking part in many of our adventures. The first would be the Fantastic Frigid 5K Series hosted by the Stratford Ecological Center Education Farm and Nature Preserve just a handful of miles away from us here in Delaware and taking place on January 12th and 26th.

The Stratford Ecological Center is a non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve on 236 acres in Delaware County, Ohio. Visitors are welcome to explore the land, hike the 4 miles of nature trails, visit the livestock, tour the gardens and greenhouses or explore the creek, pond, prairie, swamps or State Nature Preserve.

The route was to contain sections of grassy fields, grass trail, hard-packed earthen trail, and crushed gravel trail. And since we are the middle of winter, snow is likely to be present - but not a guarantee. Though, I'm told last year there was six inches of the white stuff to trudge through at these events. If anything, we were guaranteed to have a scenic jaunt of some kind.

Just as Thursday rolled around for race #1, we discover at least three inches of snow was to be expected on this Saturday - but coming later in the day. Also, L's brother - Chris - would be coming with us and would act as our cheering section and photographer.

Race #1 - Saturday, January 12th:

With some remnants of snow on the ground it began to flurry and as we listened to instructions at the starting line about 40 yards down the course a fox as sitting there watching us before deciding it had had enough and moved on. We take off and pay full attention to the surface below us. The frozen flurried field path was loaded with rolling humps from the natural topography, along with divots created by utility and maintenance vehicles. Less than ideal for fast times, but great for concentration on footwork and patience.

Traffic Panther Gary and I are following a couple of young guys as we wind our way around the Stratford Nature Preserve. About a mile in (6:02) we leave the field and enter a wooded trail as the flurries turn to full on snow. Navigating through the fallen leaves and branches, undisturbed snow piles and wooden footbridges, I am third man back in the tight single file line of runners. Keeping one eye ahead and one onto the ever changing debris on the ground, we reach a tight turn between two trees and the guy in yellow in front me slips, falling to the ground. With more than enough time to dodge and miss him, I squeeze by without hesitation and ask, "You okay?!" I get a frustrated, "I'm good", in return.

He gets back up immediately, but is now behind me and I have taken over second place. The guy in front is only a few feet away as we wind through the serpentine trail. The footsteps behind me are no longer audible as the trail portion comes to an end and we dart back onto the grassy preserve. It is a bit more of a chore to find find sufficient footing as mile two drifts by (7:10).

We make the return trip winding through the farm complex and I fall a bit further behind. From the farm grounds we get back onto the nature preserve path, doubling back on the route we started on. Somewhat smoother ground, I pick up the pace and gain on the lead though my lungs are on fire and I'm content with keeping pace and simple finishing. I come in at 20:44 (mile 3: 6:39) and eight seconds behind the leader and twelve seconds ahead of third. Traffic Panther Gary comes in fifth, L finishes 30th (6th female) after dropping the hammer and reeling in a girl in the final 100 meters and Gary's son is 39th.

A 15 minute drive home and we spend the rest of the day watching the NFL Divisional Playoffs and playing games with Chris as the snow continued to fall. By the time Sunday morning rolled around, five inches had fallen. We missed the onslaught of snow for this race, but the Fantastic Frigid 5K Series Race #2 is in two weeks. Would the snow casually melt away, would it hang around or would there be more of the white stuff? We will find out in fourteen days...

Race #2 - Saturday, January 26th:

With two weeks in between the races, anything could happen. Actually, EVERYTHING happened. After race one, the ensuing week was relatively mild until the Blizzard of '19 arrived. Expecting a full day of a winter weather rodeo that Saturday, we were instead treated to an extended afternoon drizzle which occasionally turned to ice pellets. Then the sun went down and the angry tears of a delayed winter storm turned to full-on snow followed by gusty winds and temperatures of single digits & negative windchill. We ended up with about 4 to 5 inches of snow, but the wind created drifts and oddly manicured snow "ledges" of a foot or more from roadways to roofs.

The following morning in the 5 degrees and full sun, I left for a long run. It was quite the workout high-stepping for more than 11 miles along roadways & trails still waiting for ODOT's snow warriors to reach them. Relief arrived by midweek as thermometers were pushed above the 40 degree mark along with a nice downpour, though we weren't anywhere near being in the clear. Single digits and negative windchill, along with a light cover of flurries returned by Friday and more snow expected for Saturday. Race day #1 was cold with a dusting of snow and flurries, race day #2 would be freezing with a thick blanket of ice and snow.

L's brother Chris was convinced into taking part in race #2 and after this day may be hating us for some time. It was a bit colder, but we had full sun for the morning and it made a difference. It didn't, however, make a difference with the frozen ground. At the start we had to keep an eye on the surface below and bounced around to find the best footing. Spikes and Yaktrax were a big help, but not foolproof. The kid who won two weeks ago was out front with Traffic Panther Gary and I close behind.

About a half-mile in Gary had to stop to adjust one of his Yaktrax as it slipped and was about to go missing in action. Trailing the 17-year old, I find it not so hard to keep up but difficult to get decent footing in order to feel like I'm not running in place. We essentially ran the entire way together, though the last 200 yards or so he spurted ahead and I just maintained - mostly frustrated that I couldn't find decent footing in order to make a run. I finish in 20:05 and in second place again, placing just behind the same high schooler as I did two weeks before but :38 seconds faster. We congratulate one another and I wait for the others to finish.

Traffic Panther Gary comes in fifth, even after having to stop to adjust his footwear. A few more minutes go by as I'm in my own little world and I realize L should have finished by now. Looking around in attempt to locate her I see her mom (who came along for the ride). She tells me Chris took a hard fall some ice in the first few moments and L stopped to be sure he was okay before taking off again. Apparently, Chris ended up falling a few more times - he did not have the benefits of added traction devices and paid for it. He did, though, finish.

As for L, she was doing well - despite stopping to aid her brother - but as she entered the trail portion and attempted go around someone she rolled her ankle, hit the ground and slid downhill. Her mom checked on her, but being stubborn relayed that she was fine and walked for a minute or two before running again. When I finally saw here headed for the finish, she didn't seem in pain. Rather, she looked exhausted. Once there, she is limping a bit and not feeling well. Her brother finishes moments later.

Chris is exhausted as expected, not having run much since his high school days and being tossed around like a rag doll by the less than ideal conditions didn't help. His hip is sore after being his source of padding after the initial crash on the ice. At home, L is no longer limping. Instead, she is hobbling like she has a peg leg - L has become a pirate and she doesn't wanna be one. Her ankle has ballooned to twice it's size and is a lovely shade of purple. It isn't broken, but all tissue in that area has been yanked beyond what it was intended for. It was ice and Epsom Salt soaking the rest of the day for her.

On Sunday, L felt decent enough to visit and hang out with her mom and check on her brother. I, who was lucky enough to avoid an ice crash the day before, put in a casual twelve mile long run and welcomed the comforts of a day with full sun. That night, I bit the bullet and quick smoked some bacon wrapped tenderloins with the cognac barrel smoking chips I received at Christmas. Standing in the carport at night in a huge parka and pretending not to be affected by the 13 degree temperature just to get a taste of summer was worth it.

For L's birthday, we are visiting South Haven, Michigan. Aside from being a fan of the Great Lakes and the surrounding environment, she purposely selected this location because there is a race going on that weekend. If all goes as planned, we will be taking part in the 5th Annual Break the Ice 5K along the banks of the Black River in the shadow of Lake Michigan. I will be running for sure and L will at least be walking the course if her ankle isn't ready to run again.

My guess is that it may be a bit nippy on this weekend, but it's going to take more than just cold weather to break her down...

Taking Back Sunday - MakeDamnSure

You've got this new head
Filled up with smoke
I've got my veins all tangled close
To those jukebox bars you frequent
They're the safest place to hide

A long night spent with your most obvious weaknesses
You start shaking at the thought
You are everything I want
Because you are everything I'm not

And we lay, we lay together
Just not too close, too close
And we lay, we lay together
Just not too close, too close
I just wanna break you down so badly
I trip over everything you say
I just wanna break you down so badly
In the worst way

My inarticulate store bought
Hangover hobby kit it talks
It says 'You, oh, you are so cool'
Scissor shaped across the bed
You are red, violent red
You hollow out my hungry eyes
You hollow out my hungry eyes

And we lay, we lay together
Just not too close, too close
(How close is close enough?)
And we lay, we lay together
Just not too close, too close
(How close is close enough?)

I just wanna break you down so badly
I trip over everything you say
I just wanna break you down so badly
In the worst way

I just wanna break you down so badly
I trip over everything you say
I just wanna break you down so badly
In the worst way

I'm gonna make damn sure
That you can't ever leave
No you won't ever get too far from me
You won't ever get too far from me

I'll make damn sure
That you can't ever leave
No you won't ever get too far from me
You won't ever get too far from me

I just wanna break you down so badly
I trip over everything you say
I just wanna break you down so badly
In the worst way

"...or a water pistol that shoots jelly!"

I like board games, though I haven't played all that many in recent years. As a kid we played a variety of them on regular basis and as we grew older they sat and collected dust before finding a new home or met their demise.

In recent years board game popularity has come back to life, though L's family will tell you their popularity never waned. They are a family of gaming masters (board games, card games, etc.) and every once in a long while, I can win one of them. Most of the time I'm just another victim simply taking part for fun. Many of their favorite games are quite entertaining, while others require more critical thinking than I would like to conduct.

Why all the thinking? They are a family of brainiacs and competitive brainiacs to boot. So you don't have to be super smart (though it helps), but you also have to be on your game because you will be cut down to size immediately. On the Saturday of the Ohio State-Michigan football game, L and I spent the day at her parent's to visit, watch some football and eventually play a game or two. Recently, her brother Chris has asked a few times to play Diplomacy. The family has politely declined and selected another game each time. This instance the family followed up with his request and lassoed me in after watching the Buckeyes thoroughly make a mockery of what was supposed to be a "great" Michigan Defense.

Having never played Diplomacy, I was told it was similar to Risk and/or Axis & Allies - both of which I have played numerous times (including long games during holiday extended family gatherings with my brother, cousins and Uncle John years ago). Throwing caution into the wind, I thought, "Hey, I'm game!" Looking back on it, I should have held on to that caution or wished it had been blown back into my possession. This game is NOT like Risk or Axis & Allies, there is no winning or losing a battle by a chance roll of the dice, this game is the physical form of an election year television ad mixed with partisan politics and sprinkled with the at-home version of being forced to sit in on a congressional session.

This game is one of Chris' favorites and one most of L's family enjoys, so I'm not making fun of them or their preferences. Chris, his friend Billy, L's dad, L and I would play, but L's mom refrained and didn't look all that pleased when asked if she would join us. She instead left to watch something on TV in another room, I now know why. She knew better, leaving me all alone on the Island of Misfit Toys.

The definition of diplomacy is: the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad. This is exactly what the game is - discussion, back room dealings, I scratch your back if you scratch mine and deceit. Yes, this is the tabletop version of government. No action, just talk and dealings to suit your needs. I had flashbacks of having to cover politics as as reporter way back when, a large reason why I no longer have an interest in that profession.

It was a roller coaster of explanation, followed by details and explanation of those details which proceeded arguments and copious amounts of cursing causing folks to leave the room in frustration. There was strategy involved, but the strategy was overshadowed by non-stop discussion to work your way toward the ultimate goal of garnering the most supply centers on the map to be declared the victor. Players spend much of their time forming and betraying alliances with other players and forming beneficial strategies. The absence of dice and other gaming elements that produce the random effects that I love did not exist here and I was left craving the wonderful world of chance. In this scenario, I had no chance...I was screwed.

We played until we were tired and everyone was ready to quit, which was about three hours later. Despite causing L's dad to throw out the f-word in frustration because I, too, was frustrated at the lack of "game" involved, we all left in good spirits and with harmony restored. As we were leaving, L's mom appears and with a sly I-told-you-so smile says, "That is exactly why I refuse to play." It isn't a horrible game and for those who love it, more power to you. For me, it was like being sentenced to solitary confinement with non-stop C-SPAN audio piped-in to further the punishment.

This, though, is the season of giving, of comfort and joy - not pain and suffering. To assist in this effort we would again be taking part in Traffic Panther Gary's event: the 5th Annual Shalom 5K - an effort to collect food and funds for the Shalom Pantry Mission and Shalom U.M.C. General Fund. Last year, this is where I was beaten by Jailen, the 13-year-old dynamo. Maybe this year, I could have his number since he took my mine...chewed it up...and promptly spit it out somewhere in Fairfield County.

Just like the year before, the route would start at about Bloom-Carroll High School and follow Plum Rd NW for about a mile and half before a return trip along the same path. And just like the last two events, L would also be taking part. This year's event had a raffle for a variety of prizes, including a prize for the largest team - the winning team garnered a gift card to BrewDog USA (a mere 20 miles away). As a result, nearly every member of the Traffic Panthers would join in the fun.

This day was about 40 degrees and overcast and just as we left to make our way there, the sky opened up. It danced between a drizzle and a downpour the entire trip. The rest of the day would be filled with showers of some sort. As we were getting our race packets, Traffic Panther/Race Director Gary says, "There's going to be some fast guys here today." Apparently a few of his Columbus Running Company friends and running mates would be joining in on the wet day.

Before too long the vast majority of the Traffic Panthers (and a few honorary TP'ers) gathered for a group picture. With fourteen of us on hand, we did end up winning the $25 gift card to BrewDog USA. I had to laugh as the Columbus Running Company members arrived. I have competed with all of them for over 2 1/2 years and follow most of them on Strava. I don't know any of them personally, but we know each other well through race results. This day did have a missing piece, Jailen was not at this year's race. It was a rainy day, but I suspect he was wiping the floor with opponents at a basketball game somewhere - instead of using me to street sweep our race route.

For L, she wanted to see if she could match her Thanksgiving Day 5k to this slightly more elevated one. With the added treat of rain, it would be a great test for her. At the gun, it was a familiar sight as I'm among all the Columbus Running Company members. Three drift in front and I follow close behind as a steady incline begins. Slowly those three drift further in front and at the mile marker I'm at 5:57 - not all that slow, but also not all that fast.

The route flattens out a bit with slight downhill, but then another incline begins. At this point the three in front are far enough that catching them probably will not happen, but using them to fuel what feels like a lackluster pace for me is working. Finally reaching the turn around, it was nice to see a decent decline ahead. Here I'm well ahead of those behind me and not all that close to those in front. Here I'm hoping I can use my momentum to my advantage.

Passing L and the Traffic Panthers on the return trip added some highlights to the wet December run. My second mile comes in at 6:22, a good bit slower than the first mile but also much more up hill than the first 5,280 feet. I don't lose any ground, though I'm not gaining either. I'm content with pumping my arms and pushing leg turnover to see how much of the rain I can outrun. The third mile is near identical as the first (5:56) and as I glide into the race shoot and stop my watch, I find a time of 18:35. A little slower than the Thanksgiving Race the week before and slower than my time at last year's race, but I will take fourth place. I shake my head and tell myself I should have stayed with the three in front a little long, but nevertheless.

Trudging in the rain over to finisher's food tent, I find the three CRC guys I finished behind - John, Seth and Tim. "Hey, we follow each other on Strava, but we've never met. I'm Seth", one of them says while sticking his hand out to greet me.

I follow his gesture, "Oh, I know who you are and nice to meet you!"
"I think you beat me at the CRC Mile Dash?", says Seth.
"And you beat me at the Blazin' Five Miler"
"Yeah, we ran together for the first 3 miles"
"We did and as a matter of fact I know all three of you," I say jokingly, " though I'm used to seeing you guys from behind."

It is quite funny if you take a look at the results of those two races and others, those three and I (along with Paul who finished behind me on this day) are typically in same area of one another. I then head back to the road to see the rest of the Traffic Panthers and L make their way in. Even with the rain, L finishes 18th in 24:44, a good six seconds faster than the week before.

Now it is really starting to get cold and before all of us call it a day, I find out I have won one of the door prizes. I take home an 18 pack of 12 oz Gatorades and a Wise Auto Care & Cycle Center t-shirt, sweet! Since it was a rather ugly day and everyone wanted to head home, we decided to hold off on using the BrewDog USA gift card for another time. At home, I find Maker's Mark has sent me my yearly ambassador's holiday-themed gift. It is a pair of socks with images of Maker's Mark bottles all over them. I was impressed, they fit well!

The next day, Sunday, was nearly all sunshine and over 60 degrees. A quick spring break, if you will, before winter officially sets in. The weekend concluded with L and I decorating the place for Christmas and some holiday cookie manufacturing before the start of the last work month of year.

We have begun the dark running season of cold, snow and ice. These are the days where even the most grizzled running veteran can have trouble finding the motivation to brave the initial frigid blast, though once you get through it you are home free. For me motivation can be found with simple things like a reward for braving the elements, something waiting on you upon your return. It is a way to give yourself a break, because we all need something - now and then - to help take the pressure off...

MUSE - Pressure

I’m trapped and my back's up against the wall
I see no solution or exit out
I'm grinding it out, no one can see
The pressure's growing exponentially

I'm trying to keep up to speed with you
Your lane changing is oscillating me
I'm hitting the ground and I'm sprinting
I'm falling behind now I'm tuning out

Pressure building
Pressure building

Don't push me
Don't push me
Let me get off the ground
To you I'm no longer bound
Don't stop me
Don't choke me
I need you out of my head
You've got me close to the edge

I'm feeling the pressure, I can't break out
No one can hear me scream and shout
Get out of my face, out of my mind
I see your corruption, I'm not blind
I'll carry the burden and take the strain
And when I am done I will make you pay

Pressure building

Don't push me
Don't push me
Let me get off the ground
To you I'm no longer bound
Don't curb me
Don't thwart me
I need you out of my head
You've got me close to the edge

Don't push me
Don't push me
Let me get off the ground
To you I'm no longer bound
Don't stop me
Don't block me
I need you out of my head
You've got me close to the edge

Watching those television food shows can make you salivate and even make you think you, too, can be a chef - or at least something beyond a microwave magician. L and I, if we don't say so ourselves, are well beyond the "novice" stature when it comes to kitchen expertise. Though, that doesn't mean things don't go as planned or the finished product looks like it should on a regular basis.

About a week ago, L was excited for us to attempt making our own pasta after watching a rather tasty looking dish explained on PBS' Sara's Weekend Night Meals. Now we are aware most dishes are not as easy as shown or go as quickly was they say - so we were more than prepared. This is precisely why we did this on a Sunday afternoon with no plans. The dish we were attempting: Chianti Tortelli Filled With Asparagus and Goat Cheese.

We easily gathered all needed supplies, except for the goat cheese which somehow on this weekend was harder to find than Ohio State's defense. Alas, four stores, one day and a game of Rummikub with L's brother later, we began our culinary adventure.

A recipe requiring two cups of Chianti only meant we would need to sample the remaining portion, which we saw as a win/win situation. We quickly came to the realization that the blatant lies printed on this "recipe" would lead to the quick evaporation of the leftover secret ingredient. Though, we were quite impressed with ourselves as we somehow knew this was going to happen. Our amateur soothsaying led us to purchasing a second bottle of Chianti on our goat cheese scavenger hunt for us to partake with dinner.

Unsurprisingly, it was opened much sooner.

The recipe indicated 3 1/2 cups of semolina flour to go along with the Chianti and three eggs, incorporate it all together slowly, then when it all becomes a giant ball of dough - chill it for a couple of hours. When all of our previously mentioned ingredients were mixed, it was still sticky enough that making it into a ball (and not a tabletop La Brea Tar Pit) would have required freezing it. We proceeded to add handfuls of regular flour until it could be manufactured into a spherical shape reminiscent of a ball of dough - 30 minutes longer than indicated by this public broadcasting fake news recipe.

Two hours later we roll out our lump of lavender as best we can and it cut into small squares, fill them with the goat cheese & asparagus mixture, then fold and close them any way we can. They just didn't magically close and stay together like the chef wizards claim they do. The hard part was finished, albeit haphazardly. They were supposed to be smooth, ornate tortelli pasta. For us they resemble old, mangled oysters retrieved from the bottom of a polluted ocean floor.

Finally at the cooking step L dropped the first few of the lumpy misshapen globs, some oozing their cream colored filling, into the boiling water. Watching their purple color evolve into a more opaque mauve as they danced in the salty brine, I imagine Grimace being banished from McDonaldland, cut into pieces and prepared for dinner as a once successful marketing campaign comes to a gloomy end.

Finished and sauced, they were quite tasty and did not imitate their repugnant appearance. These were very filling, as you can imagine, and bit more dough-like than they should have been - but not to the extent that could be mistaken for dumplings. It was a load of work, but we made time for it and will do it again. The next time we will be better prepared for the quirks of this recipe made by someone who had to have downed a bottle of Chianti before putting their work into whatever words, phrases and steps they could remember at that point in time.

This was our Thanksgiving dinner to us. The extended family Thanksgiving would take place on the holiday itself and for a second time would include running the Thanksgiving Wattle with my brother-in-law, maybe my eldest niece, Lauren and whoever else has the wherewithal to get up early and run on a mid-November morning.

Last year's initial family turkey wattle included my brother and unseasonable cold, even for Central Ohio. He isn't in town this year and we are expected to have relatively normal temps around 30 something or other, and possibly some sun.

The 7th Annual Thanksgiving Wattle 5K Run/Walk selected the Grove City Food Pantry as the local charity to support. Last year this event raised $21,000 for the Grove City Food Pantry, this year that amount was $23,000.

We arrive under a cloudy sky and a less than stellar 28 degrees, but we'll take the 28 over the near single digit temps of last year. My brother-in-law Chad, L and Niece Calli would run the 5k and Nephew Reed would try is hand at the kids fun run. My sister, Jill, would take pictures and Niece Abby would be sipping hot chocolate and laugh at us.

It was definitely cold, but we've experienced much worse. We watched Nephew Reed take part in the kids fun run and the 7 year-old did really well despite tripping over himself about 20 meters in and the subsequent face-plant. Though, he was quite the trooper - jumping right back up and avoided creating a domino effect with the other flailing arms and legs of the prepubescent neighborhood offspring involved.

He moved to the outside, passed a few more kids, made the turn and finished in 6th or 7th place. Not bad for unexpectedly eating asphalt Thanksgiving morning. For the rest of us it did get a bit warmer mingling in the crowd of participants at the starting line, but that would quickly change.

At the gun two or three of the younger folks were brave enough to wear just the singlet and shorts, but I was among the many others who only had the skin of their face exposed to the elements. Of course, it would get warmer as you move along but a quarter mile in and I couldn't feel my fingers (even with gloves on) and my legs were in between being loose and numb. Out of the corner of my eye I see my sister and Niece Abby yell out some encouragement. I felt like I was going relatively fast as a crowd of teens & 20-somethings help pull me along. A few were well ahead, others were close enough to mistaken me for some sort of competition.

At one mile I'm chasing about ten others and despite not really knowing how fast I'm going, I was happy with the 5:42. Probably a bit faster than I want, but anything will do to keep my frozen fingers off of my mind. Focusing on those in front of me, I attempt to keep pace as we pass the race entertainment - A girl with a guitar bellowing out some impressive covers, then a high school pep band further down. We reach the turn around and I'm a distance behind all of those in front - and the likelihood of catching them is slim - and those directly behind me aren't all that close either. I stick to focusing on form and pace as we travel the rolling terrain.

I reach mile two and can feel I've slowed down a bit, but still I'm pushing beyond a leisurely pace with a 6:09. Sort of on an island on the return trip I glance now and then to those still headed for the turn around on the opposite side. I see L and gesture in her direction, she follows suit. A short time later, the same occurs with Chad & Calli.

I stare down those in front of me I can still make out and use them to motivate myself, hoping to at least maintain my current effort. Soon enough I see the turn for the final 150 meter down hill finish, I turn and look straight ahead in enough time to see the clock at 17:55 - BAH, so close! Disappointed, I just keep pushing stride and work my way in to stop my watch at 18:20. I was faster than the previous year, but finished one place worse in the 9th position. The next person up was still more than 25 seconds ahead and those directly behind were three and four seconds off. I was happy with the finish, but that damn 18:00 minute mark is still eluding me. It was nice to know that of the eight runners ahead of me, the closest in age was 9 years younger and my third mile was a second faster than mile two.

It was quite impressive for the rest of our crew. Smashing her most recent PR and blowing away her goal, L cruised in at 24:50. Niece Calli and Chad bested their time from the previous year by four minutes, coming in together at 26:35. All in all, a great performance from everyone making more room for that much more turkey, stuffing and the rest of the Thanksgiving smorgasbord. Including my Uncle Mike bringing his "Spurkey". Spam molded into the shape of a turkey, then cooked. Its okay if you don't understand, we were born into it...things like this are common place. We were able to wash it down with a growler of Flying Fat Man Christmas Ale from Staas Brewing and the last of the Oktoberfest brewed with hazelnuts, figs and dried cherries I made a little over a month ago.

We aren't sure you can call the Thanksgiving 5k a family tradition yet since it was only year number two, but it is something different and fun to add to the November Thursday holiday. People will tell you doing such things don't make much sense and will poke fun with all the things you could be doing that, to them, are more worthwhile, less strenuous and warmer. And those things may be true, but it isn't about running or the race itself. It's about throwing caution into the wind and having the guts to take that step to make a memory or leap into the unknown and find out who you really are...

Imagine Dragons - Zero

I find it hard to say the things I want to say the most
Find a little bit of steady as I get close
Find a balance in the middle of the chaos
Send me low, send me high, send me never demigod
I remember walking in the cold of November
Hoping that I make it to the end of December
27 years and the end on my mind
But holding to the thought of another time
But looking to the ways of the ones before me
Looking for the path of the young and lonely
I don't want to hear about what to do
I don't want to do it just to do it for you

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to always feel, feel
Like I'm empty and there's nothing really real, real
I'm looking for a way out

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to never feel, feel
Like I'm good enough for anything that's real, real
I'm looking for a way out

I find it hard to tell you how I want to run away
I understand it always makes you feel a certain way
I find a balance in the middle of the chaos
Send me up, send me down
Send me never demigod

I remember walking in the heat of the summer
Wide eyed one with a mind full of wonder
27 years and I've nothing to show
Falling from the dove to the dark of the crow
Looking to the ways of the ones before me
Looking for a path of the young and lonely
I don't want to hear about what to do, no
I don't want to do it just to do it for you

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to always feel, feel
Like I'm empty and there's nothing really real, real
I'm looking for a way out

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to never feel, feel
Like I'm good enough for anything that's real, real
I'm looking for a way out

Let me tell you bout it
Let me tell you bout it
Maybe you're the same as me

Let me tell you bout it
Let me tell you bout it
They say the truth will set you free

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to always feel, feel
Like I'm empty and there's nothing really real, real
I'm looking for a way out

Hello, hello
Let me tell you what it's like to be a zero, zero
Let me show you what it's like to never feel, feel
Like I'm good enough for anything that's real, real

I'm looking for a way out

Amish Words:
schpass = fun
Dabber Schpring = Run Quickly “dop-uh shpring”

As Memorial Day is known as the "unofficial" start to summer, Labor Day is the not-so official end of summer. Funny how it isn't set in stone as summer's end, but the vast majority of us have the day off, creating a long weekend (see, even government folks and employers understand the season's demise needs a bereavement period). This is then followed by a short work week which leads into the first full weekend of both college (week 2) and pro football (week 1).

One of the my most fond memories of this time goes back to the 2003 college football season, Sept. 13th to be exact. This is when defending National Champion and second-ranked Ohio State played host to the 24th ranked Philip Rivers-led North Carolina State Wolfpack in Columbus. My brother, who had recently gotten engaged, some friends and I snagged tickets to this game. And a blast it was, especially sitting in the N.C. State fan section catching good-natured (and not-so good natured) flack from the Wolfpack faithful.

Ohio State with the likes of Michael Jenkins, Chis Gamble, Santonio Holmes, A.J. Hawk, Will Allen, Mike Nugent jumped out front, led most of the way, then watched as Rivers, Jerricho Cotchery and T.A. McLendon staged an epic come back to tie the game at 24 in the last 21 seconds of regulation. If there wasn't trash talking in the stands before, it was amped up about 100 times now.

All of this despite the face my bother's then-boss had planned - and was to host - a huge engagement party for him and (his now wife) Stephanie that afternoon. If memory serves, the party was to start at 4pm - the game started at noon - so we should have plenty of time. As the game wore on, it's slow progress was noticed by even the non-football fans.

Before the end of regulation, my brother was getting calls and texts from Steph - and our sister - about possibly being late to the party. Chad worked on smoothing things over assuring we would be there and not to worry. That's about the time overtime arrived, followed by a second overtime and then, of course, a third overtime. Ohio State won 44-38 in triple overtime, as A.J. Hawk and Will Allen stopped T.A. McLendon inches from the goal line on fourth down. The stadium went nuts, the N.C. State fans were less than joyous, we we reveled in witnessing firsthand an instant classic.

Then reality dropped like a bomb. The game took 4 1/2 hours, we had to rifle through the mass of 100,000 plus fans leaving Ohio Stadium, get to our car, maneuver in and out of the thousands of cars amassed in a traffic nightmare around campus, then make our way north to the Columbus suburb of Powell to join friends, family and acquaintances at a party held specifically for my brother by his boss that we would be well over an hour late for.

On the drive there we talked about the game and how the mass of people who have been waiting on us would react. It made me laugh as I remembered my sister, that morning, jokingly telling me I was responsible for getting my brother to his engagement party on time. There was quite a bit of nervous laughter as we made our way there. The truth is, though, we - or anyone in their right mind - would have never left in the middle of a game of that magnitude. Who is going to look back and say they left at the end of regulation, missing three overtime periods and the ending of one of the greatest college football games of all time with future hall-of-famers taking part?

Anyway, we arrived to a street packed with cars belonging to party-goers and as we walk up the door swings open. There is Steph, with the your-dead-to-me fake smile plastered to her face, staring my brother down like prey about to be destroyed. My sister darts out from behind her and heads straight for me, wearing the same sinister expression, "What did I say to you?! You guys are 90 minutes late!" I shrug my shoulders, but just as I attempt to make some sort of excuse, some other party-goers make their way out the door to greet us and congratulate my brother. I'm saved from my sister's wrath as she doesn't want to make a scene and we go along with the crowd into the house.

The rest of the party went surprising well, except the end part. Late that evening my bother, some of his friends and I may have stripped down to our skivvies and enjoyed his boss' pool as some party-goers watched in amazement (or horror). Yes, my brother did get married (the following December) and, yes, it was to Steph and they have been happily married since and now live in Austin, Texas. Though, from what I understand, the pool party we had at his then boss' house was the beginning of the end of the cordial relationship Chad had with his superior - this comes as no surprise.

It was a long time ago, but the memory of it is quite vivid.

For us, our way of completing Labor Day week was to 'labor' through the Amish Country Half Marathon the following Saturday. Why not take part in a race named for those who seems to "labor" more than the rest of us as part of their culture. The event includes a 10K and a 5K, of which L would be taking part. All three races have been sold out for quite some time.

This description of the race may be one of the reasons for it's popularity, "... the...course is a unique, challenging route unlike most typical races. You’ll experience the gorgeous rolling hills, sprawling Amish countryside, and take in some of Ohio’s most beautiful farmland. Challenge your body and refresh your mind on the back roads of Holmes County, and enjoy hot buttered noodles at the finish!" Now I know those who are good with words can make anything sound exotic or interesting, but to back it up the organizers put together a video of the course to match their description.

Each registered runner would also received a SWAG bag with a variety of Amish made goods. It may also help that the Ribfest and Harvest Festival Parade in downtown Berlin would be taking place at the same time. This, it seemed, would be my heaven...running and food.

With most of August having been relatively mild (as compared to past years) and the first week of September being 90 plus and humid, it was a crazy contrast on this day with a high of 61 (maybe), an overcast sky and constant light rain & drizzle. Nothing like September being a jerk right off the bat. We stayed in nearby Sugarcreek (known as 'The Little Switzerland of Ohio") for the weekend, instead of driving two hours the morning of the race. Sugarcreek is also home to the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock with human size figures moving around, fun stuff!

And a little fun to make the day more interesting, the official race pacers would be an Amish horse and buggy. Local resident Dan Raber and his four-legged companion "Torpedo" (a picture of the two in action can be found below) would lead the field to start the 13.1 mile jaunt. So not only would we be fighting the elements and the topography, we would also have to dodge Torpedo's strategically planted road apples. Due to the perpetual rain, the road apples were more like apple sludge, but only sparsely populated our route.

Standing in the rain and light breeze at the starting line under a blanket of clouds was a bit chilly. L heads to the car to warm up a bit as the 5K portion doesn't start for another 30 minutes.

Suddenly, my Garmin watch screen freezes in place as it attempts to connect and will not budge in anyway shape or form. I can't even turn it off as the count down begins and the start horn sounds. We take off and I have to go without tracking my progress, not a big deal - though it would have been nice.

A group of five drift in front of me as I attempt to keep within myself and moments later three of them are battling way out front. A female, high school kid and I are hanging back with me trailing the other two by 15 yards or so as the rolling hills lined with vast green fields and pastures drift by. My pace feels good and not too fast as the running in the elements helps ease some nerves - being able to focus on something else other than pace. The teen starts to distance himself and I think he may be going to fast, but then the half marathon and 10K split comes, he turns right for the 6.2 portion and it makes more sense. The girl and I turn left where at the two mile mark a long downhill comes. Using my long praying mantis legs, I let the momentum carry me down. I catch and pass the girl as we whiz pass a number of Amish homesteads with the residents loitering out front waving and offering support.

As the we reach level ground again, the girl is just behind me. I reach back with my left hand and second or two goes by before I feel her half-hearted high-five grazes my fingers. A chuckle is followed by a breathy, "Geez, I can't even high-five". She pulls even and we are well behind the leaders with no sound of those trailing. A mile or so later a water stop appears, I speed up in order to drift in front of her to refuel. I can hear her for a few minutes thereafter, then I find myself alone. Picking up the pace a bit, I revel in the colorful topography of Ohio's Amish Country as it is showered with the late summer rainfall. Every so often I glance at my watch and, yup - still frozen in place.

A long, steady uphill begins as the bike leading the second pack falls behind me. I put my head down and concentrate on moving my arms in tune with my legs, kind of like a train wheel affect. Bypassing onlookers and being passed by a few Amish horse & buggies going the opposite direction, I no longer hear the second bike lead. Finally cresting the hill and surrounded by colorful countryside competing with the dark gray atmosphere above, I'm directed to the left and mesh into the back end of the 10k group as the courses merge.

Then comes another long downhill as I, again, let the momentum pull me down swerving in and out of 10k walkers along the narrow hollows lined with with trees and brush. It is comforting to see competitors again. The drizzle increases and it feels good as the half marathoners and 10k group reaches the second split. They go right, the half marathoners go left. A quick refuel and I'm alone again on the out and back portion of the course.

Passing farms, farmers, farmhands and livestock - I finally see the lead group making their way back. Giving each other congratulatory gestures as we pass, I count three in the lead group before coming upon the turn around myself. I stick out my right arm to assist with momentum when reversing course and I have a little over four miles to go. A minute or so later, I begin passing those trailing me - they aren't far behind.

Back along the shared 10K and half marathon finish, I weave through walkers as the final winding, drawn out ascent begins. My legs are worn out and I push to the top with visions of an eventual downhill coming my way. With not much left in the tank, I stick to form as best I can and then a familiar voice rings loud and clear. Having finished her 5K not long ago, L bellows, "You have about a ten second lead on those behind you! Turn the corner," as she points ahead," and you have a little over a quarter mile to go." Out of the corner of my eye, to the right, I can see Grace Mennonite Church - the location of the start/finish line and post race feast.

Turning the corner, I let my moment pull me through the decline to the race shoot - I'm toast. Passing some 10K stragglers, I'm expecting those behind me to blow by any second. Just as I turn towards the finish line at the entrance of the church parking lot one of those chasers passes me, but I'm able to finish just before the girl who had tagged along before is able reel me in. I stick out my hand to grasp a finisher's medal, down a bottle of water, then grab a cup of coffee. It feels cold now as I am soaked, the drizzle continues to fall, the breeze has kicked up and I'm no longer moving.

L arrives with my jacket and we get in line for the complimentary hot Amish buttered noodles and other edibles. The noodles hit the spot and took a bit of the chill off, but not completely. We go back to the car to warm up and await the posting of results. L excitedly tells me she ran her fastest 5K since she started running again, coming in at 28:10. That's about the time my watch suddenly beeps to life. Oh, NOW you want to work - Thanks for nothing.

About 20 minutes later we had back out into the light rain for race details. I end up fifth overall and win my age group with a time of 1:28:37, my reward is an engraved jar glass. Since the weather was less than ideal for some, a number of entrants changed distances at the last minute. This meant the race details of the 5K and 10K would take awhile. We were cold, wet and tired so we left. We discovered later L placed as the fifth female and won her age group and missed out on getting her award.

Back at your hotel, we crashed for a few hours before heading to the Ribfest and Harvest Festival Parade in downtown Berlin for sustenance, then to Millersburg Brewing Company to watch the Ohio State-Rutgers game. L wanted to see the race route for the half, so later on we drove the course then back to our hotel where we crashed watching football the rest of the day as it continued to rain.

At home the next day while unpacking, I found a tie with a nice tie clip attached to it. It wasn't mine, I didn't take it with us, it wasn't in our hotel and for the life of me couldn't figure out how I ended up with it - it just..."appeared". My only thought as that it was on a hook in the large restroom of the church where the race began and ended. I hung my jacket on a bathroom stall door and took it with me when I left, so I'm figuring the tie was on the hook to start with and I unknowingly grabbed it as well when retrieving my jacket.

Now this isn't all that significant except for the fact we returned home early on Sunday morning specifically to watch the Browns-Steelers game. L is a lifelong Steelers fan and I am partial to the Browns, who have NOT LOST a regular season game since Christmas Eve 2016. And what happened on this day? The Browns DID NOT LOSE - well, they didn't WIN either, BUT they "TIED".

Did you read that...they "tie(d)". Yes...a TIE no one was expecting and came out of nowhere - sound familiar?! Like the mysterious "tie" I somehow came into possession of while at a church? I don't know about you, but I think this proves EVERYONE is a football fan and this was a half-hearted apology to Browns' fans for their pain and anguish. By half-hearted, I mean a victory wasn't going to be handed to them - seriously, miracles taking place in Cleveland, never gonna happen. Although, a seven day reprieve from further disappointment would suffice!

Of course Pittsburgh's five turnovers and missed/blocked field goals for both sides contributed to the tie - but nevertheless! A tie is a tie - I will take it.

So, there you go, football has returned, pumpkin & Oktoberfest beers are abound and our garden is producing it's last yields of the season - summer is over folks. Hard to believe, but the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is - again - on the October horizon. Though we will still have some hot & muggy weather for a little while and we aren't going to complain.

Because, you know, it is Ohio - the sweater weather will come soon enough...

The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather

And all I am is a man
I want the world in my hands
I hate the beach
But I stand in California with my toes in the sand
Use the sleeves on my sweater
Lets have an adventure
Head in the clouds but my gravity centered
Touch my neck and I'll touch yours
You in those little high waisted shorts

Oh, she knows what I think about
And what I think about
One love, two mouths
One love, one house
No shirts, no blouse
Just us, you find out
Nothing I really wanna tell you about no
'Cause it's too cold, whoa
For you here
And now, so let me hold, whoa
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

And if I may just take your breath away
I don't mind if there's not much to say
Sometimes the silence guides your mind
So move to a place so far away
The goosebumps start to race
The minute that my left hand meets your waist
And then I watch your face
Put my finger on your tongue 'cause you love to taste yeah
These hearts adore, everyone the other beat heart is for
Inside this place is warm
Outside it starts to pour

Coming down
One love, two mouths
One love, one house
No shirts, no blouse
Just us, you find out
Nothing I really wanna tell you about, no no no
'Cause it's too cold, whoa
For you here
And now, so let me hold, whoa
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

'Cause it's too cold, whoa
For you here
And now, so let me hold, whoa
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

Whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa whoa
Whoa, whoa whoa
Whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa whoa
Whoa, whoa

'Cause it's too cold, whoa
For you here
And now, so let me hold, whoa
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

It's too cold, whoa
For you here
And now, so let me hold, whoa
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

It's too cold, it's too cold

The hands of my sweater