Long Runs and What I've Learned

This marathon training has been tough. I knew it would be challenging. I knew I would be training in the heat of summer (not a big fan of running in temps over 75 degrees especially with humidity).

I have realized I am stronger than I thought. Some days (and some miles) I wanted to throw in the towel and go home. At times I walked more than I ran -- for example on my 16-mile training run this past Saturday, I started bonking by mile 10. I walked more of the last 6 miles than I ran. I felt terrible. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, I was very warm and miserable. After the fact, I realized I needed more electrolyte drink.

So, yesterday I did my 17-mile training run (I wanted to run on the coolest morning of the week). It was about 57 degrees when I started. I took two bottles of Nuun (my fuel belt holds 2 bottles). I carried three gels. I had eaten some toast and drank a little coffee beforehand. I planned my route to stop at home two times to refill the bottles and use the bathroom if needed. I also circled the park where there were water fountains and restrooms. It took 3 hours and 32 minutes of moving forward (I use the run/walk method), but I did it -- last week's 16 miles took me 3 hours and 39 minutes, so I was pleased. Sure I hurt, sure I was tired, and sure I didn't want to think about having to run 9.2 more miles on marathon day.

I know I still need to work on pre-run and during run nutrition. I need to do more stretching and core work. I need to do some runs with compression sleeves and/or socks to see how that feels. But I am strong! I can overcome the mental aspect of this "hobby."

Earned the Giant Penny!

On April 4, I completed the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield, IL. My husband, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and good friend participated with me. This was the second year I have done this event. In 2014, the medal looked like a $5 bill (50th anniversary of the race). But this year, the medal was the usual giant penny. It's well run with good support, and the weather is cool but comfortable.

As for location, it's great. We stayed at the downtown Hilton, where the expo is located, and they have a Starbucks (gotta have my pre-race mocha)! Dinner was at Obed & Isaac's -- yummy burgers and other dishes. Our post-race lunch was a little splurge at Cooper's Hawk Restaurant & Winery.

To prepare for this race, I followed the same half marathon training plan I have used before (from Women's Running). The big difference is I really followed it -- about 95% of the time (that's good for me). In addition, I have been working hard to improve my nutrition and try to lose a few pounds.

The result: on Race Day I was 8 pounds lighter than I was in January. The best part: I PR'd!!! My official time was 2:29:46, even though at mile 7.5 I tripped over my own stupid feet and fell. I spent about 4 minutes being cleaned up and bandaged.

What also helped, I believe, was a couple weeks into the training plan, I started doing most of my runs as run/walk. Allowing myself to walk periodically gave my body and mind the needed break to get my heart rate down, my legs a little rest and my breathing under control. I could run faster during my short runs, the recover with a quick walk. I was able to increase my overall pace and show myself I could run 10:30 to 11:30 miles (not all were that fast, but I could do it). Even my husband decided to give it a try and he has had a good training cycle and has been happy with his race times.

I am now between training plans, so I am focusing on my nutrition, hoping to lose a few more pounds as well as keeping up the running. I will be going back to the gym this week to start strength training again.

Call Me Crazy -- Am I Really Going to Do a Marathon??!!

In April 2012, I decided to sign up for a 5K race in which I planned to run/walk. Before that I had not been what anyone would call a runner. I walked. I worked on the elliptical machine. I occasionally did weights. But I did not run.

I saw 50 looming in my near future and wanted to become more fit and to challenge myself. After watching my husband get in Ironman shape, run marathons and half marathons and complete many triathlons, I wanted to be more than a spectator. With his support and guidance, I did the 5K at the Mini Marathon in Indy in May and signed up for the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in St. Louis to be held October 2012.

Today I have completed 6 half marathons, a handful of 5Ks, a 6K, a 15K plus a couple other shorter runs. I will do my 7th half in April in Springfield, IL. And last weekend, with a little arm-twisting from my husband, I signed up for a full marathon. Me! The person who a few years ago asked why people PAY to run, is going to run 26.2 miles!

The journey will be challenging, will required commitment, will be painful at times, and will make me a stronger person. Advice? Tips? Training buddies? I need all that!

I will post my journey to the marathon...and see what happens.

The Fed Up Challenge -- I'm in!

Day 1 of the Fed Up Challenge, and I have faced my sugar demon head on. I made my morning latte without any chocolate syrup. Usually I am a morning mocha person, but in the last few weeks I have been reducing the amount of chocolate syrup in my morning mocha. I have been using either Torani Dark Chocolate Syrup or Trader Joe's Midnight Moo Organic Chocolate Syrup. Neither have High Fructose Corn Syrup, but do have substantial amounts of sugar (organic or not, sugar is sugar).

When I learned that 4 grams of sugar equal 1 teaspoon of sugar, I could clearly visualize how much of the "white stuff" I am putting in my drink, in my body. I do like chocolate, but over the years have cut back to where it flavors my foods, not IS my food (ex. I like mint chocolate chip ice cream better than straight chocolate ice cream and a couple years ago cut my Starbucks' Grande Mochas from 4 pumps of syrup to 2 and recently to 1).

In April, I learned of Eve Schaub's book A Year With No Sugar (based on her blog) and read it, gleaning some insight from her family's experience cutting out added sugars for a year. I watched Dr. Robert Lustig's video on You Tube "Sugar: The Bitter Truth," which enlightened me on the medical and physiological side of sugar and how it affects our bodies. Finally, I saw the documentary Fed Up yesterday. And I am on board with the movie's challenge to go Sugar Free (no added sugars) for 10 days.

I know I can do it. We have been slowly cutting back on sugars anyway, trying to weed out products with lots of added sugars and using sweeteners more sparingly. We cook a lot from scratch and eat out infrequently (and when we do, we choose wisely). I am looking forward to seeing how I feel and what I eat, if I have any cravings, and how my moods are.

I will keep you posted.

Fed Up Challenge

Back in Training!

Since my last blog (in May), I have completed two half marathons. The goal was to run my first half marathon in late October -- The St. Louis Rock N Roll event. I began running (more like walk/jog/walk/jog) in April 2012. A challenging experience for a 49-year-old who had not run more than a 5k since college. With my husband Steve's support and coaching (he is a triathlete and seasoned runner), I started the journey toward my first half marathon race. It was tough training during the hot summer (I have determined I am a fair weather runner), but I stuck to the training plan the best I could. I got up early most mornings and ran before I even had my coffee!

Steve convinced me to sign up for a half marathon "training" run (Hero Run for Wounded Warrior project in Mascoutah) which was held two weeks before the Rock N Roll event. Reluctantly, I agreed. There was a 5K along with the half, so when I took off, lots of runners passed me (but I told myself they are only doing the 5k) and tried to stay slow and steady. The course went out on a country road, so I could see how far I had to run (a little intimidating). At times the water stops were few and far between, but I persevered. I was not the last one to cross the finish line -- at least 8 or 10 people behind me. It turns out the course was a little long -- 13.4 miles instead of 13.1. I was tired, sore, but felt proud. However, I was also not wanting to repeat that distance in two weeks!

The Rock N Roll event day arrived. Up early to drive into the city. Participating in the half were Steve, his sisters Sharon and Sandy, their husbands (one was doing the full marathon), friends Daryl, Kelly, and Nan. My goal was to meet or beat my time from the Hero run (2 hours 46 minutes) and to finish upright! Everyone starts in an assigned corral (group) based on the time you estimate you will finish. No one else in our group was in my corral. I started and tried to stay focused, not going too fast too soon. The race support was very good, loved going by the cheering crowds and bands. I tried to enjoy the scenery and avoid thinking about how much farther I had to go! I ran except when I walked to get water/Gatorade or take a gel. And I had only one bathroom stop (I had to stop at least twice on the other run). A highlight was when I saw my sister-in-law Sharon (she had started a couple corrals ahead of me). I caught up to her, we ran together for a mile or so, then she had to walk. I continued on and finished in 2:39:26.

I ran very little over the next month, but Steve and I, along with some friends, signed up for the Frostbite Series (St. Louis Track Club races), five races during the winter. I braved the cold and sometimes icy roads to run enough to do these shorter races (1.8 miles, 2 miles, 5K, 4 miles, and 3 miles). I did all but the 4 miles race and had respectable times (for me).

Now I am finishing week 3 of my official training for my next half marathon -- in Champaign on April 27 -- part of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon/half/10k/5k events. My goal is to improve my time (would love to go 2 hrs 30 min., but we will see). The cold weather and icy/snowy conditions have made some outside runs challenging. I have run once on the treadmill, but know I can run on that if needed. I prefer to run outdoors.

Dream Believe Achieve

Over the weekend I was in Indianapolis for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and Finish Line 5K. I did the 5K along with my sister-in-law Sandy. Doing the Mini (it's a 1/2 marathon or 13.1 mile race) was my husband Steve, our friend Daryl, my sister-in-law Sharon (her first 1/2 marathon), her husband Jeff, and Sandy's husband Ruben.

We had so much fun trying new restaurants, competing in the events, and just spending time together. Steve and I had a suite in the downtown Hilton--he received an upgrade because he is "gold card" member. What fun--15 floors with a great view, large living/dining area, 2 bathrooms and a bedroom.

I bought a shirt that has "Dream Believe Achieve" on it. It's inspiring me along my journey training for a half marathon in October (the Rock 'N' Roll St. Louis). I finished the 5K in a little over 42 minutes. Not bad, but I know I can achieve more. Since I am approaching a milestone birthday in November, I feel compelled to challenge myself more and live life more fully.

Everyone--you too can Dream, Believe, and Achieve!!

Going a Little Crazy!

Why can't life slow down just a little? It seems so much needs to be done right now! I am trying to work out more so I can get in shape and prepare for a half marathon in October. The first "step" is a 5K in Indy this weekend. Am I looking forward to it? Yes, I am. I will not be racing it, but am doing it with friends. Just for fun, but we must also complete it in less than 55 minutes. I can and will do that!

What else is going on? We are nearing the end of the school semester. Since I teach composition classes, that means lots of papers to grade. Time and energy must be applied. The last day of school for me is May 15 and grades due by the following Monday.

We want to get our garden planted soon, but need to finish preparing the soil and buying the plants. I also need to transplant some herbs (buy  potting soil, new pots, and then buy the basil).  Gardening is something I have come to look forward to each spring.

Eric (our younger son) is graduating  from SIU on May 12! We will be attending his graduation on that day, then going back on the 13th to move him out of his residence hall room.

Also on May 12, Kelly (our older son's fiancee) is having a bridal shower at our house. No need to explain all that needs to be done for that.

The weekend after that Steve (husband) is doing an Olympic distance triathlon at Carlyle Lake. That day will be spent getting up super early, hanging out at the lake (always warm and humid).

After that will be the final prep for Andrew and Kelly's wedding (June 2). We have family coming in, so all house projects and cleaning need to be done by Memorial Day.

The final "big" event of June is Steve's Ironman in Idaho in late June. We are flying out and renting a house. Lots of fun touristy activities before and after the event.After that, I will collapse for a few days!

Emilia--the newest family member

My son Andrew and his fiance Kelly have adopted a puppy, half lab and half pit bull. Here name is Emilia, and I am proud to call her my grandpuppy. She is very playful and sweet. They have brought her over to our house a few times. She is getting used to us (at this moment I am puppy sitting). The only ones who are not thrilled with her are our two cats. They have both hissed at her, but mostly they give her space.

She is napping in our cat Shadow's cat bed, which has made Shadow a little upset. Soon, however, Emilia will be bigger than they are and will run the house when she visits. I love dogs but haven't had one of my own since 2000. This new addition has added a new element to our family.

An Influential Book

Since I am an avid reader, I could name many books that have influenced me in some way. For this post, however, I will discuss only one. It's Mediterranean Women Stay Slim, Too: Eating to Be Sexy, Fit, and Fabulous! Yes, the title is long, but the book is fairly short and a quick read.

The author is chef and restaurant owner Melissa Kelly. She is from an Italian American family and relates many family stories as well as her experiences as a chef. I have been re-reading this book because it has so many great tips and recipes.

One point she makes is about the social aspect of eating in her family as well as in the Mediterranean culture. When we make meals a social "event" as well as nourishment, the meal is more satisfying and we tend to eat less. I have noticed that is true with me. Even on Thanksgiving, when I cooked for a dozen people and there were so many dishes, I did not eat too much. There was so much energy in the room, so much to talk about and share, I actually ate less. When I eat alone or eat with my husband in front of the TV, I tend to eat more and usually enjoy the meal less.

Melissa makes the point to eat at the table, to turn off the TV or other distractions, focus on the food and the companionship. When I do that, I do have a more enjoyable meal. It's easy to eat on the run, eat in front of the TV or PC or even with my phone in hand.

This book is not a diet book; it's a book about enjoying life, fresh food, family, and friends. It's inspirational. I am going to try to live more like the Mediterranean culture, right here in my Midwestern town.

If you want to see more about this book, go to Amazon. Right now the book is bargain priced and well worth every penny!

My Little Fitbit

I am not a natural athlete. However, I do want to be more fit and make working out/exercising a part of my routine. The big problem is I let other tasks take priority over my workouts. I am good at making excuses.

To show myself how much exercise I am getting, and to motivate myself to do more, I got a FitBit (http://www.fitbit.com/), a little device that I wear. It's like a super pedometer. It tracks my steps taken, my total mileage traveled on foot (walk, jog, run), calories burned, floors climbed (stairs). Through the fitbit web site, I have my personal dashboard where I can see the data from the fitbit (it uploads wirelessly) in various forms (daily, weekly, monthly) as well as providing me a place to log in my food intake, other workouts (biking, elliptical, swimming), and write in a journal. The fitbit can even track sleep patterns!

I was a little doubtful how useful this device would be, but in the last 17 days I have had it, I have been impressed and surprised. I like seeing what I have done (or not done), how much I really walk at school (not as much as I thought), and how many stairs I walk (more than I thought). When I mowed the lawn today, I got to see how many steps I took (over 7,200).

The Fitbit site sends me "badges" when I achieve milestones like my first 10,000 step day, walking the equivalent of 10 floors of stairs in one day. It took me 15 days to walk/jog 50 miles (yes, I got a "badge"). That is something I never would have tracked on my own.

If you need  a little nudge to get moving, or want to track your progress easily, check out the Fitbit.

Favorite TV Spies & Agents

When thinking about fictional spies and cops, many might name James Bond first. Not me. I love TV spies and agents.  They are handsome, brave, romantic, and adventurous. Who are my favorites?

1. Chuck Bartowski from Chuck. Chuck was played by Zachary Levi. This show just ended its 5-year run. A computer geek turned spy who is both sexy and nerdy. The show was so fun--a real mix of action, comedy, and drama.

2. Lee Stetson (Scarecrow) from Scarecrow and Mrs.King. Stetson was played by Bruce Boxleitner. This ran from 1983-87 (yes, it's dating me), and it also had Kate Jackson. The show took place when Russia was the USSR and there were more communist countries. Scarecrow was a great spy and a ladies' man until Jackson's character (Mrs. King) tamed him.

3. Michael Weston from Burn Notice. Weston is played by Jeffrey Donovan. This USA Network show has great action, a real spy hero who still has a heart and a conscience. We even get lessons in how to blow up buildings w/o getting caught! The Miami setting is great too.

4. Agent Fritz Howard from The Closer. He may not get start billing with his TV wife Brenda Lee Johnson Kyra Sedgwick), but Jon Tenney is one handsome and sexy agent. He loves Brenda and tolerates her putting him second to her job. And he loves cats!

5. Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds. Played by Shemar Moore, Morgan is tough yet caring. It's great how protective he is of Garcia. He is an agent I would want on my side.

I am From...

I am from the marble top dining room table


From I.D. cards and moving vans

I am from multiple homes, an Air Force nomad

I am from the Sweet Gum tree

Whose tall stature shaded me

I am from clarinet and student yearbook

From McCollum and Elam

I am from strict, generous

And social

I am from the golden rule

I am from Bessie and Betty

From stodge and butterscotch pie

From being scalped by an Indian

And serving in World War II

My doggy bank

I am from those moments and more

The new semester is upon us

Where did time go? It seems just last week I was grading portfolios and getting ready for Christmas. Now it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and spring classes start tomorrow.

Break was good, a welcome reprieve from the routine of classes and prepping and grading. I so enjoyed spending extra time with my family, sleeping in occasionally, and catching up on a few shows I DVR'd. I enjoyed a different routine, and I thought about spring classes.

Now the thinking has been turned into action. Finalizing the syllabus, assignments, and activities. Preparing for a new routine. Change is good, which is one reason I enjoy teaching. Twice a year I meet new people and have a new start with classes. I can mix up assignments, swap a textbook that didn't work well, and try a new schedule. This time I have one online class and two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My school day begins at 12:30 p.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

To everyone starting fresh, good luck to you!

Influential Books

Can I choose only one influential book? Of course, there are SO many. I love to read, and read a variety of genres. I will avoid the obvious (The Bible) and choose a collection of books that changed my approach to food, which changed me both inside and out.

A few years ago, I became bogged down in the everyday routine of work and household. With teenage boys (one in college) and all that comes with, I  had lost interest in cooking. It had become dull and stressful. I then signed up for a personal chef service, someone who came up with exciting meals (based on our likes and dislikes), bought the food, prepared it in our home, cleaned up (yes, cleaned up) and put the meals either in the freezer or fridge. She prepared enough for 10 meals in one day. I came home to the smells of beef stew, turkey saltimbocca, and individual pizza turnovers.

We did this for over a year, then she started to change. She rented out a commercial kitchen, so she no longer cooked in my home. She delivered the food, but it just wasn't the same. But the biggest change was the summer I did not teach. With extra time on my hands (no papers to grade!), what could  I do? I started watching shows on Food Network, especially Rachael Ray and Giada de Laurentiis. They used fresh ingredients, made homemade sauces, they made me hungry and made me want to cook! I picked up a cookbook from each of them. I found a way to spend some of my "free" time and be productive. I found my passion for cooking again. Cooking real food with fresh ingredients.

With this new found passion, we "fired" the personal chef. My husband became by sous chef. We shopped at farmer's markets more. We felt healthier. We did not need packaged, processed food (like rice mixes and such). The meals were often made within 30-45 minutes (or used the Dutch over or slow cooker). Cooking well was not that difficult.

Thanks to Rachael and Giada for all they have inspired me to do! I know own most of Rachael's cookbooks and two of Giada's, plus two from the Barefoot Contessa. These are my favorite cookbooks, but I do have a collection of others, used less frequently. I just got Rachael's new Look and Cook book and tried the Chicken Cutlets with Orange and Arugula (but I used lettuce instead of arugula). What flavor the chicken had!!

Where can I find some motivation?

This semester seems never-ending at times. The weather has been a roller coaster of fabulous to miserable. I have a terrible case of spring fever! Yesterday I just wanted to soak up the sun and blow off all my responsibilities (needless to say, I did not). Now I have heard we are in for stormy weather. Yuck!!

My "to do" list is long, and my motivation is short. How can I get it back? I do what absolutely needs to be done, but other tasks get pushed to the next day's list and the next day's list....and when Friday rolls around, I feel free...until I remember the laundry and dishes and grading don't stop on the weekend.

If anyone finds my motivation, send it my way.

Catching up on TV shows

Busy is usually the word that describes me. Busy with work--class prep and grading, busy with house work, cooking, and errands. Busy going places with my husband (he does lots of running races and triathlons). When I have time to kick back and unwind, I either read or watch TV shows. The best way I enjoy TV is either shows I've DVR'd or watching DVDs/Netflix.


Last fall, I watched all 5 seasons of How I Met Your Mother on DVD (my son owns them all). It was fun to watch the shows in order, seeing the characters and plots develop over time. Season 4 to me was a little of a let down. Maybe it was due to the TV writer's strike, but fewer episodes were made, and some of the episodes were disappointing, less interesting.

We have Scrubs on DVD, all except the last, revamped season. It's a great DVD show to watch too. And it's consistently funny. I have watched most the 8 seasons I own.

Last week I started watching the '90s show 3rd Rock From the Sun (streaming on Netflix). It is a show I did not watch much when it was on TV, but I am really finding it funny. The commentary on our lives still rings true. I am still watching season 1, getting to view only an episode or two at a time. Since it was on for 5 seasons (more than 100 episodes), I will be watching for a while.

Any shows you like watching on DVD or Netlflix? Why? Which shows hold their humor over time? Which ones seem less funny now than when they first aired?

Have you seen "Paul"?

During spring break, we wanted to see a movie at the theater. We don't often go to the theater due to the ticket prices and having to agree on a  movie and time to see it. Our younger son Eric first wanted to see Hall Pass, but my husband really wanted to see Paul. After reading the positive review on Paul in the Post-Dispatch, we headed to the Cine 15 in O'Fallon on Friday, the day it came out.

The tickets were $8.00 each. We get Netflix for a whole month for a little more than that. However, some movies are better in the theater, the big screen, the sound, the big bucket of popcorn ($8.00 also). We got there early (the second group to arrive) and passed the time till the previews and commercials started by playing games and checking out Facebook on our phones.

The movie was very funny, fairly fast-paced, and well written. We caught a number of references and spoofs of other movies such as Back to the Future and Close Encounters. If you do not care for cussing, you may want to avoid the movie; there is plenty of that language. The acting was good, the characters interesting and sometimes unpredictable. Paul is the alien and what a character!!

I am not a huge sci-fi fan, but I like a well done movie. If you want to laugh out loud and get your money's worth, go see Paul.

Top 5 Apps for my Phone

In January, I changed my cell phone from a Blackberry to the Samsung Epic 4g (an Android phone). I am a long-time Sprint customer and did not want to switch carriers, so I researched the available phones. I like the keyboard on my Epic, but what I was looking for most was a bigger screen and lots of free apps. I got both. All of these apps listed are free.

So far, I have downloaded a dozen or more apps in addition to the ones that came already loaded. What are my favorites?

1. Facebook--it's easy to "check in" with my friends and family, see what's going on and post updates if needed.

2. Words with Friends--a Scrabble-like games that can be played with someone else who has the app on their Android or iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. My younger son asked me to play the game with him. Now I am addicted. I have at least 6 people I am playing a game with. It's fun because you can play at your own leisure, then the turn passes to the other person.

3. Word Feud--similar to Words with Friends. My husband's Android phone can't get Words with Friends, so we play this game.

4. Poynt--a super app for finding restaurants, movies, gas stations, etc. Easy to use, and when out of town, invaluable. Info provided includes phone numbers, addresses, and can map it for you. If the restaurant takes reservations, you can do that from the app.

5. Kindle app--I own a Kindle (e-reader from Amazon), so I have the app on my phone and on  my PC. I can read any of the books in my collection right from my phone, picking up where I left off. I love how the app syncs with the Kindle itself.

What are your favorite apps? Let me know. I am always searching for great apps!

Meaningful Quote

"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world. . . . The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it." -- James Baldwin (24)


This quote makes sense to me. When we write, we write for a reason. Maybe we "have" to (it's assigned for a grade or a task at work). Maybe we want to share our day with friends on Facebook or in an email or text. Maybe we are inspired to write a song or a poem. With most writing, someone will read it, think about it, be affected by it. Will that change the reader? Will it change the writer?

In some small way, it usually does. It could be a temporary change (wow, nice wording. Cool. Interesting.) It could influence someone to visit the place you wrote about or avoid a restaurant with bad service.

I like that I might affect someone, that my writing could change someone, even for the brief moment he or she is reading my work. It matters. My time and energy were not wasted. I have thoughts, feelings, and experiences others care to read about.

My writing does not have to be "literature" meant to be read for the next 50-100 years by academics. It will not be made into a movie or book. Those are not my expectations. And that's okay. Considering the number of poorly written books and scripts, I would not want my blogging, especially, to be turned into something like that.

What have you read lately that has changed you in some way?

Food & the Fox

For the past few years, my husband and I have had season tickets to the Broadway Series at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. It's been a great way to have "date nights" and sometimes "double date nights" with friends.

Usually, we go out to dinner before the Saturday night shows. When we are pressed for time, we have gone to The Best Steak House (located right across from the Fox on Grand Ave.). It's a cafeteria-style steak place, with very reasonable prices, good portions and fine food. However, I prefer the dinners at "nicer" places that take reservations. One such place is Kota Wood Fire Grill (next door to The Best Steak House). Their food is excellent, with fabulous appetizers (stuffed mushrooms) and desserts (a cupcake in a coffee cup w/ an espresso and chocolate ganache). We've been there twice, and all the food I've sampled has been above average. We tried the City Diner, near the Fox, with mixed results. I got the pecan banana pancakes (yummy) but my husband did not care for his chicken fried steak. A year or so ago, we went to the Grand Buffet at the Fox. That was very good, too.

The shows at the Fox are entertaining. Most of the Broadway Series shows are musicals, but we did see a drama, August: Osage County, last year. My favorite musicals seen at the Fox are Jersey Boys (which we are seeing again in May), Mamma Mia (seen twice), The Drowsy Chaperone, Grease, The Lion King, Shrek, and The Light in the Piazza. Few shows have been disappointing, but the ones least liked have been The Wedding Singer and Legally Blonde (but I like the movie versions). Just this past Saturday, we saw 9 to 5: The Musical. It had some great music and was well done. Diane DeGarmo (American Idol season 3) did great as Doralee (Dolly Parton's role). Last year Grease had idol alums Taylor Hicks and Ace Young).

If you have not been to the Fox, you should take in a show or concert. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. And you will be mesmerized by the architecture and design of the theatre as well as the performances.