Thursday, October 16, 2008
Old Fashioned Sunday
Our church is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and we've had some fun events. On September 21st, we had an Old Fashioned Sunday filled with old time hymns and a picnic afterwards with old fashioned games and home made ice cream. Everyone was encouraged to dress according to their favorite time period over the last 200 years. Scott and I found these groovy outfits at a vintage clothing store here in town. We won 1st prize for the best costumes. Can you blame the judges?
While Scott was trekking across Oregon and Washington, I was running in the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler on August 30th. This race raises money for the Breast Care Program at UVA and this is my second year. The weather the week before was so lovely, cool and rainy. But, when the morning of the race arrived, the temperature shot up to over 85 degrees and the sun was blazing. They took at least 3 runners away in ambulances. I had hoped to finish the race in under 45 minutes this year but finished at 46:02. I'm satisfied with that considering the heat.
Vanessa shot this video of me sprinting across the finish line. The lady with me gave me the encouragement I needed to keep running and even pass a couple of runners there are the end when all I wanted to do was stop. I don't know her name but I thank her from the bottom of my running shoes!
More Backpacking Photos
Here are some more pictures and memories from Scott.
This was Day 10, our second day out with Chad and Rich. Started out cold and frosty, but got sunny quick as we got up onto Snowgrass Flats at about 6600 feet. Then some clouds moved in as we crossed some screen slopes and onto the knife edge ridge trail that the Goat Rocks wilderness is famous for.
Chad & Scott crossing a snowfield with Mt. Adams in the background. We're still smiling at this point, because we have no idea what's coming.
Still Sunny, looking toward Mt. Rainier (not in the picture), not noticing the knife edge there that we'd be going over shortly. Doesn't look that bad from this angle and distance.
Crossing the snow-dusted screen slope as the clouds move in.
Tim out there on the snow-dusted scree slope. This was about the point I realized it wasn't all fun anymore. Had to take it slow, step carefully, and concentrate.
And then starting across the knife edge, at which point I was pretty well freaked, and just focusing on the 5 yards in front of me, for the next hour and a half. See if you can zoom in and follow the trail ahead of us. Chad & I took it slow, but Rich and Tim didn't seem to mind. It was a long rocky way down on either side. Near the end we got passed by 2 old ladies and their little dog. Nice.
This was Day 10, our second day out with Chad and Rich. Started out cold and frosty, but got sunny quick as we got up onto Snowgrass Flats at about 6600 feet. Then some clouds moved in as we crossed some screen slopes and onto the knife edge ridge trail that the Goat Rocks wilderness is famous for.
Chad & Scott crossing a snowfield with Mt. Adams in the background. We're still smiling at this point, because we have no idea what's coming.
Still Sunny, looking toward Mt. Rainier (not in the picture), not noticing the knife edge there that we'd be going over shortly. Doesn't look that bad from this angle and distance.
Crossing the snow-dusted screen slope as the clouds move in.
Tim out there on the snow-dusted scree slope. This was about the point I realized it wasn't all fun anymore. Had to take it slow, step carefully, and concentrate.
And then starting across the knife edge, at which point I was pretty well freaked, and just focusing on the 5 yards in front of me, for the next hour and a half. See if you can zoom in and follow the trail ahead of us. Chad & I took it slow, but Rich and Tim didn't seem to mind. It was a long rocky way down on either side. Near the end we got passed by 2 old ladies and their little dog. Nice.
Trip of a Lifetime!
In August & September, Scott went on a trip of a lifetime! He and several of his fraternity brothers turned 40 this year and celebrated with a 180-mile backpacking trip. They started just outside of Portland, Oregon and ended at Mount Rainier in Washington.
Here are some photos and memories from his trip in his own words prompted by a question as to whether they saw any bears or had to carry a gun for protection.
No, we didn't see any bears, but we saw their poop on the trail (along with racoon poop, deer poop, elk poop, and lots and lots of horse poop). And we saw bear tracks and cat tracks (small, probably lynx or bobcat) within yards of our tents on the third morning. The tracks weren't there the night before, and it had rained hard in the night.
On the last night, high on Rainier, Chad says he heard something "pad" through our campsite, something that was definitely not a small critter. Since several hikers and the park ranger had made a point to alert us that a mama bear and her cubs, and a great big papa bear, had been frequenting the meadow for several days, I'm happy to let Chad think it was whatever he thinks it was. But the rest of us were fast asleep and heard nothing, and nothing is what I think it was. Or it could have been one of the elk that we saw up on the hill, which we heard bugling all evening. Or it could have been a camper from another site, trying to find the pit toilet in the dark. Best view from any toilet you've ever sat on, by the way.
We did not carry firearms, although we considered it. We didn't even carry bear spray (pepper spray), although we bought some and then left it at home to save weight and because a frequent hunter in our group assured us we wouldn't need it. But then on that last night, the park ranger was carrying HIS bear spray, so there you go.
We did not see any weirdos, unless you count thru-hikers. But they were all perfectly friendly, and pretty busy making their 20-30 miles a day. They were all happy to chat about their experiences on the trail, and encouraging to us for doing a trip as long as two weeks. These people spend 5 straight months hiking!
Like on the Appalachian Trail, they spend the summer hiking from south to north, Mexico to Canada. And they take on "trail names" for the length of their trek. We met Ridgewalker and Accent (she spoke with an accent), Irish (he was Irish), and Overdose, and Milk Jug (because he carried his water in a milk jug).
We took on trail names, too, just to get in the spirit, and the thru-hikers thought that was cool. Mike was Turtle, because he was slow but persistent. Ken was Epic, for reasons that can't be described here. Chad from Tampa was Six, because as we were hiking on his first day from 4000 feet up to 6000 feet, Tim asked him "What's the elevation of Tampa, 12?" and Chad replied "Six". I was Pusher, as in Gorp Pusher, because in an effort to reduce the weight of my pack, I insisted everyone eat plenty of gorp trail mix every time we rested.
Here are a few more pix I hope you'll enjoy!
Tim's henna ink "tattoo" (it's painted on, no needles, fades completely in about 2 weeks), as we gazed for the first time on Mt. Adams, a 12,000 foot peak we could hike the shoulder of at about 6,000 feet a few days hence.
Ken's huckleberries. We ate lots and lots of these during the first week. Very tasty!
Supper on Day 9. It was about 30 degrees, had just finished snowing/sleeting lightly. Note that our excellent meal consists of peanut butter, whole wheat pita, apple, and large chunks of summer sausage and pepper jack cheed. Yum! We ate hot meals most of the time.
Mount Adams again, several days after passing it, looking back at it from this lovely alpine meadow, where we got water from a spring.
And our first view of Mt. Rainier that same day, just a few minutes later. Looks cold, doesn't it! Elevation about 7,000 feet!
Here are some photos and memories from his trip in his own words prompted by a question as to whether they saw any bears or had to carry a gun for protection.
No, we didn't see any bears, but we saw their poop on the trail (along with racoon poop, deer poop, elk poop, and lots and lots of horse poop). And we saw bear tracks and cat tracks (small, probably lynx or bobcat) within yards of our tents on the third morning. The tracks weren't there the night before, and it had rained hard in the night.
On the last night, high on Rainier, Chad says he heard something "pad" through our campsite, something that was definitely not a small critter. Since several hikers and the park ranger had made a point to alert us that a mama bear and her cubs, and a great big papa bear, had been frequenting the meadow for several days, I'm happy to let Chad think it was whatever he thinks it was. But the rest of us were fast asleep and heard nothing, and nothing is what I think it was. Or it could have been one of the elk that we saw up on the hill, which we heard bugling all evening. Or it could have been a camper from another site, trying to find the pit toilet in the dark. Best view from any toilet you've ever sat on, by the way.
We did not carry firearms, although we considered it. We didn't even carry bear spray (pepper spray), although we bought some and then left it at home to save weight and because a frequent hunter in our group assured us we wouldn't need it. But then on that last night, the park ranger was carrying HIS bear spray, so there you go.
We did not see any weirdos, unless you count thru-hikers. But they were all perfectly friendly, and pretty busy making their 20-30 miles a day. They were all happy to chat about their experiences on the trail, and encouraging to us for doing a trip as long as two weeks. These people spend 5 straight months hiking!
Like on the Appalachian Trail, they spend the summer hiking from south to north, Mexico to Canada. And they take on "trail names" for the length of their trek. We met Ridgewalker and Accent (she spoke with an accent), Irish (he was Irish), and Overdose, and Milk Jug (because he carried his water in a milk jug).
We took on trail names, too, just to get in the spirit, and the thru-hikers thought that was cool. Mike was Turtle, because he was slow but persistent. Ken was Epic, for reasons that can't be described here. Chad from Tampa was Six, because as we were hiking on his first day from 4000 feet up to 6000 feet, Tim asked him "What's the elevation of Tampa, 12?" and Chad replied "Six". I was Pusher, as in Gorp Pusher, because in an effort to reduce the weight of my pack, I insisted everyone eat plenty of gorp trail mix every time we rested.
Here are a few more pix I hope you'll enjoy!
Tim's henna ink "tattoo" (it's painted on, no needles, fades completely in about 2 weeks), as we gazed for the first time on Mt. Adams, a 12,000 foot peak we could hike the shoulder of at about 6,000 feet a few days hence.
Ken's huckleberries. We ate lots and lots of these during the first week. Very tasty!
Supper on Day 9. It was about 30 degrees, had just finished snowing/sleeting lightly. Note that our excellent meal consists of peanut butter, whole wheat pita, apple, and large chunks of summer sausage and pepper jack cheed. Yum! We ate hot meals most of the time.
Mount Adams again, several days after passing it, looking back at it from this lovely alpine meadow, where we got water from a spring.
And our first view of Mt. Rainier that same day, just a few minutes later. Looks cold, doesn't it! Elevation about 7,000 feet!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Catch of the Day
This past Saturday, I went with Dad on a guided fly fishing trip as a Christmas/Birthday/Father's Day event. What a great day! The weather was perfect. We had a bet going in that who ever caught the first fish got a milkshake purchased by the other. I must say, I didn't stand a chance. Gordon, our guide, put the fly on Dad's line first and he dropped it in the water. Before he could finish with mine, Dad already caught a fish! Hmph, not exactly fair but that's okay. Dad caught the first fish but I caught the most; 3 to 7.
Neither of us caught the biggest fish though. Take a look at the photographic proof.
Here is the boat. The James River was a bit low and Gordon had to get out into the water to pull us over rocks many times.
Dad casting his line.
The normal size fish that we saw most of the day.
What is on the end of that line?
That is the biggest catfish I've ever seen. We let him go figuring he's lived long enough to earn it.
Neither of us caught the biggest fish though. Take a look at the photographic proof.
Here is the boat. The James River was a bit low and Gordon had to get out into the water to pull us over rocks many times.
Dad casting his line.
The normal size fish that we saw most of the day.
What is on the end of that line?
That is the biggest catfish I've ever seen. We let him go figuring he's lived long enough to earn it.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Orioles Game and Ice Cream
Scott and I spent last weekend visiting Lynda in Fredericksburg. This included the obligatory trip to Carl's for the best ice cream in the US!
On Sunday we drove up to Baltimore for an Orioles game. We got a little wet during the rain in the first couple of innings. That's my excuse for the bad hair but the Orioles beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 so it was worth it. I'm always excited about pall park food until I eat it. And pay for it.
On Sunday we drove up to Baltimore for an Orioles game. We got a little wet during the rain in the first couple of innings. That's my excuse for the bad hair but the Orioles beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 so it was worth it. I'm always excited about pall park food until I eat it. And pay for it.
The Orioles managed to load the bases twice.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Pooh Card with Cricut
I made this birthday card for a friend of mine using my cricut. It the sample project right out of the booklet. I'll give this to her this weekend along with some Classic Pooh figurines from Royal Doulton. She's sure to love it.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Spa Getaway
What a wonderful time! This past weekend, Vickie and I went to VA Beach for a spa weekend at the Founders Inn. Our 2-night stay included 50 minute Swedish massages. We dressed in fluffy robes and slippers and lounged in a waiting area. I almost panicked when my masseuse turned out to be a man! He was very professional and I managed to relax to the point that it didn’t matter. On Saturday we laid out by the pool, had our massages, gave ourselves mini pedicures, found a yummy local restaurant called “Mom’s”, and watched Pretty Woman on TV. We had time to chat and visit. It was glorious!! Don’t we look relaxed?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Craft Room: Before & After
Well, it took about 3 weeks but I finally reorganized my craft room. I've been wanting to do it for a while but needed a break in our hectic schedule and a stretch where we didn't have any houseguests. I had to move practically everything out into the guest rooms, then do some painting, then move everything back in a new arrangement.
I had several problems to overcome: better access to electrical outlets, putting the Cricut near the computer, keeping the supplies for my various hobbies together (needlework, beading, and scrapbooking), and knowing where everything is with labels and more organized storage.
See before and after pictures below. I like this so much better!
I had several problems to overcome: better access to electrical outlets, putting the Cricut near the computer, keeping the supplies for my various hobbies together (needlework, beading, and scrapbooking), and knowing where everything is with labels and more organized storage.
See before and after pictures below. I like this so much better!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Trip to DC
I planned a surprise 40th Birthday party for Scott in January and we stayed the week in DC. His parents and sister/brother-in-law came as well as fraternity brothers from all over. It was quite fun. We spent the week touring around DC with his parents and had a blast.
The photos are of Scott and I in front of the White House and an image I took on him with his folks looking up at them and the Washington Monument. I like the way this one turnd out.
Latest Project
I just finished my latest project. My good friend, Sheryl, is retiring from her part time job as choir directory of our church. I made this album for the choir members to sign and give to her along with a gift. I used my Cricut and DesignStudio software to make it starting with help from a friend on the Cricut message board. Okie had created a musical note in DS and I took that to create the cover, inner pages, photo mat, and template for photos. You can see Okie's blog at http://okieladybugsscrapnmore.blogspot.com/. She is very talented and always helpful! The pages alternate between ones with photos and ones for the choir members to sign. I think she will like it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Trip to Eastern Shore
Welcome!
I thought it was time to start a blog! We'll see how good I am at keeping it updated. I'll try to include projects we are working on or involved in and our travels. I love reading other blogs especially those by other crafters. I see some creative ideas out there.
Scott, my husband takes some great pictures so I'll include them from time to time.
Scott, my husband takes some great pictures so I'll include them from time to time.
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