Swim Meet

 Bode had a swim meet today over in Pensacola.  This was the first big meet since Covid, and there were a lot of precautions.  Parents were escorted in and out of the building, which actually worked out great.  We went inside, watched Bode swim, and then let the next group of parents come in to watch the next heat.  Overall, it went very well.  I took some pictures.  First, we have Bode and Ashley.  I can't believe how old he looks in these.

Bode swam three events.  The first event was the 100-IM; he swam about the same time as his entry time, so no PR for this event.  Still, he swam great, especially since he said his legs were sore from running the mile in gym class for time yesterday.  Also, Bode was in the "fast" heat for this race, but he just turned 13 a couple months ago, so he is racing against 13- and 14-year olds.  We do think he needs to work on that breast stroke ;-)  He is in the second lane from the left.

Next, he swam the 100 freestyle.  His best time coming in to the meet was 1:12; he swam a 1:05.  I took some pictures, but none came out very well.  Ashley has a movie on her phone, and if I get that, I will post here.  There were only three (3!) heats between Bode's 100 freestyle and his 50 butterfly.  He said he was still winded when he got on the blocks.  Still, he did amazing, swimming in 32 seconds--his previous best was 36 seconds! Below is a movie--he is in the far-right lane.

After the meet, we went to Jersey Mikes.  Ashley and I split a 7.5-inch sandwich.  Bode ate a 15-inch sandwich on his own.  Crazy how much food teenage males eat!

The carriage house is done!  All work is finished, and we even got a final bill.  Here are some photos.  First, the garage interior where I am setting up my gym.  Note the climbing rope!

Next, we have the upstairs.  No real changes here, but we do have a bed up there and are trying to figure out the right size for a couch.

We moved Ashley's framing gear into her shop and mounted the cutter on the wall.  She's ready to get back into the framing business.

Finally, here is an exterior shot--note the numbers on the carriage house.

We don't have any major plans other than relaxing.  The weather is a little cool here--in the 50's which feels like sub-zero to my thin-blood.  Joey is doing well.  He has started his chemotherapy with Auburn University.  He gets a couple pills every other day, and on the days he's not taking chemo, he takes a steroid.  He seems like a perfectly healthy dog--huge appetite, happy and playful.  We will hope the chemo can do some magic, but we also understand the factors Joey has working against him.  Still, we won't give up hope!

Happy MLK weekend to everyone!