Josie swims

I will admit that I had a wonderful July 4th holiday. Sometimes I feel a little guilty blogging about my various joyrides...while my friends endure torture workouts. I'd be there if I could, my friends!

Anyway, on July 3rd, Sharon D (aka "the Darbalicious") and I headed to Kilmarnock for a ride along the northern neck (to Reedville and back). We had a hilarious day...filled with misreading the cue sheet (but not for too long), riding with a hostile ol' man who continuously blew snot rockets in our direction (we finally had to drop the guy - and didn't feel guilty about it) and a relaxing lunch along the water. We made some new friends and enjoyed gorgeous rural riding. I did almost wipe out at a stop sign (yes - in front of many other riders and cars). I'd like to blame it on adjusting to my new bike fit - but the truth is, I'm just a spazz sometimes.

On the fourth of July, I enjoyed a sweet little fair in Deltaville complete with snowcones and crab races. Yes - crab races. I opted not to bet on any of the poor confused crustaceans shimmying down the chutes. Instead, I returned to Rick's cottage to chill out on the dock with a book. Meanwhile, my 8-year old dog finally learned how to swim.

Apparently, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Josie, who loves Rick, followed him into some deeper water - and realized she could not touch the bottom. Suddenly, her doggie instincts kicked in - and she was dog paddling with glee. I, being a proud mom, immediately told her what a good girl she was. With that praise, Josie swam round and round - showing off in her doggie way. It was one of the cutest things she has ever done.

The next morning, she showed off a little more. I was afraid she'd follow Rick and I way out into the water (he was going for an open water swim - and I was serving as the safety kayaker). Instead, she just watched us dutifully from the dock. When we returned from the swim, she jumped in and swam round and round the kayak.

Love that dog - and my ongoing bike joyrides.