Well, it’s time to say so long 42. In a few short hours I’ll be turning 43. But let me tell you about how my last 3 days as a 42 year old went down.

On Saturday Mr. SOTSS and I took a boat trip along the Hudson River. (It was a birthday gift from my parents). It was super cold, windy and rainy but the trip was rain or shine.

Staying dry!

Staying dry!

This is about halfway into the trip. My hair was one big knot by the time we got back. #struggles

This is about halfway into the trip. My hair was one big knot by the time we got back. #struggles

The voyage took us past so many special places:

The Little Red Lighthouse (at the foot of the George Washington Bridge) which I’ve run to with my running friends…

Little Red Lighthouse

Little Red Lighthouse

The Statue of Liberty

She sure is pretty

She sure is pretty

Palisades Park which I’ve hiked in with Duncan

Look at the foliage colors!

Look at the foliage colors!

The Freedom Towerdsc_7216

Oh and I had an incident with my favorite Columbia hiking boots. The right boot literally cracked up. I guess I’ll be on the look out for a new pair. 14695534_10210832553111575_15519947979600462_n

Yesterday Mr. SOTSS and I packed up the dogs and headed to New Hope, Pennsylvania for the afternoon (It’s about an hour’s drive). We parked on the New Jersey side and walked along Delaware & Raritan Canal tow path for a bit before walking across the bridge into PA.

Walking from NJ to PA

Walking from NJ to PA

An abandoned old train

An abandoned old train

Happy Hiking Chester

Happy Hiking Chester

Happy hiking doodle

Happy hiking doodle

We found a pet friendly restaurant with outdoor seating and sweet potato fries were had by all.

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someone is eyeing my sweet potato fry

someone is eyeing my sweet potato fry

and someone else just took a fry

and someone else just took a fry

Headed back to NJ

Headed back to NJ

crossing back to NJ

Chester and I are in 2 states at the same time!

I ran my last miles as a 42 year old tonight just before sunset.fullsizerender

I love pink sunsets

I love pink sunsets

8 miles. 8 glorious, mind-clearing miles.

img_6912Boy did I need this. Aside from the fact I’ve got a half marathon coming up on Saturday I just really needed the time on my feet to gain some clarity on life stuff.

Duncan was not in the mood to start the day today.img_6898

But eventually we made it out for a walk.

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And at this very moment his head is buried in my armpit and he’s snoring.

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I’m grateful to get to celebrate another birthday. And I plan on spending my 43rd year on earth conquering, exploring, running, loving, and enjoying but more than anything, growing.

How do you feel about birthdays?
Do you have traditions? Do you like to be alone or go out?
How was your Monday?
Ever stood in 2 states at the same time?