Long run of the week:

Distance: 10 miles

Time: 1:25

Weather: 5 degrees, clear and sunny

Overall, it was a decent run–nothing bad happened, it was just really cold, which never makes for a super enjoyable run, but I made it!

My hand are always cold–even when I am not running. Actually, often times the only time my hands are warm is when I am running.

In order to keep my hands warm when it is this cold, I have to wear these mittens:

These would be full-fledged ski mittens. They are super thick and it is the only way I can keep my hands warm.

Look at how ginormous they are.

While out on my run, I had the strangest thing happen to me. . . . out of no where, a loud POP sound came up from the snow at my feet and a very faint white cloud of “smoke” poofed up. I screamed a little and instantly thought someone threw a pop-it firework/firecracker at my feet. I turned around looking for someone lurking in the bushes, but of course there wasn’t anyone around. . . who else is crazy enough to be outside in this cold?!?!

I think what had happened was as I stepped, the snow cracked and made a pretty loud popping noise. It sure scared me though!

Sightings on my run:

- 3 moose

- 3 runners

- 3 walkers

- 2 bikers (I was hoping to see a third one, so it would have been all 3s.)

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After my run, I made myself some lunch:

A good ol’ wrap with Taco Loco chips.

I also had this honey tangerine to eat.

I saw them on sale at the grocery store last night, and I’m always game for trying new produce. Sadly, it wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. The produce in Alaska is often sub-par and this was no exception.

Last night I made these scrumpdilicious bars for a baptism at our church we went to this afternoon.

Bars are such a Midwest thing. . . . . I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone else in Alaska make them–unless they grew up in the Midwest.

The corner pieces are my favorite: you get the doughy-ness of the middle AND the crunchy-ness of the edge–the best of both worlds!

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Icing Ingredients

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 Tablespoons milk

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugars, and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla; mIx well.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.

3. Stir into wet ingredients

4. Spread into a greased 9 inch x 13 inch baking pan. Wet fingers to press dough into pan.

5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Cool 10 minutes. Make icing and drizzle over top.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!!