1,000 MILES!

Once again it has been way too long since I’ve blogged.  I wish I would spend more time on here and less time on Facebook.  If only I could blog while riding my bike at the same time…maybe I need a GoPro for the top of my bike helmet?!?  Although I’m only cycling a few miles from our townhome the views are spectacular.  Since my knee is still hurting, technically I’m going at a slow enough pace that I should be able to grab some shots of the vineyards, snow-capped mountaintops, and squawking peacocks that I pass.  I'll work on that!

I’ve decided to use this blog as my cycling journal this summer.  Some people make resolutions in January but I’ve decided to make a “summer cycling” goal.  My goal is to ride 1,000 miles in 3 months (June 21-September 22).  I figure the more official I make the goal the more likely I will be to achieve it. 

So far I’ve cycled 131 miles.  The weather in June wasn’t really cooperating with my cycling schedule.  But July is off to a much better start.  I’ve recently bought a new bike and jersey so I have no excuse to not get out there…and crush those miles! Ha!

Here is my new Jersey from Georgetown Brewery.  Love that Manny's!  JM caught me before my smile.  When I reach my goal I will make sure to celebrate with some cold Mannys.

I guess if I will be riding my bike alone more often now...I better learn how to change a flat tire.  Minor detail ;)  

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Has it really been over a year....

Highlights of the "year."

Cycled to Pacific City and back- August

Hood to Coast- first time!

JM's Cycle Cross- Fall 

Another year of first grade!

Off to Argentina- December 2012

Mendoza, Argentina

Steak in Buenos Aires

Good skiing on Bachelor with the Fullers

Our first duathlon in Bend- June

Liz met me in Palm Desert for Spring Break!

Pub Crawl III

Well we have both turned 30 now with great success. Here is our birthday invitation with memories captured from the evening. Good times!

It is that time of year... dust off your bike, hammer out those dents in your helmet, and bring an appetite for beer & slow-cooked brisket!

Please join us as we turn another year older & celebrate for the third year by biking around some of our favorite spots downtown Portland.

The tour de Portland will begin at New Old Lompoc at 3:00 to catch happy hour drinks. At 4:00, the party will travel 4 miles across the river (hopefully not by boat or car, but by bike) to Apex (1216 SE Division St. Portland, Oregon 97202).

At this local neighborhood bar we will enjoy their house made beers and outside seating. Next we will ride down the path to Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, 61 SE Yamhill Street. Meet us here at 5:30 for some more beer and delicious grub.

When everyone is full, we will move back to the Northwest to hit up Lucky Lab Beer Hall (Quimby and 19th) for some more beer and cupcakes. If you are meeting us here, we will arrive by 7. We will continue the night at a nearby hot spot or wherever our bikes may go. Look forward to seeing you at New Old Lompoc for the whole crawl or join us later at one of the other spots.

The family even came along! So fun to have Lindsay, Ford, Heather and Brian join us. How many bunny hops can Brian do?!?! Next year we will have to get our parents on the bikes. However, they did show up for the tasty beer and good food. Lastly, we hit up the Marathon. Oh boys, you are sooo strong! I hope someday I can see how strong your thighs are too!

Elementary friends..."Lake Grove is moving along, we sing our praises and songs..."

And yes, we are thirty and still having fun! Never thought I could still stay up to 3:30 in the morning. How does that saying go, "time flies when you are having fun."

4th of July

We had a great weekend celebrating our country's independence and Darcy's birthday up at Lost Lake. Of course, Grandma Dolores was missed but it is hard to not feel her presence in every part of the day; sunshine, delicious meals, sharing memories, giving thanks, waterskiing, playing cards, and even Ellie watching fireworks from grandma's bed. What a blessing to have a place that our family can come together to enjoy each other and get away from the day to day distractions. So thankful for a wonderful weekend. It's hard to find anything more exciting to take photos of besides these adorable kids.Uncle John Mark was exhausted after all his hard work in the yard. Papa Jack was still out working but his 'workers' needed a rest.Who wants to risk a burned thumb when you can use the microwave! Ha! Right Linds?!?
This moment only lasted 30 seconds but it was much enjoyed by EVERYONE! Grant is one busy-fast boy. Good thing he is just so dog-gone cute!

First for Everything

We had a great day up at Meadows trying out a new and cheaper sport...cross country skiing. I had to "train" for Pull, Pedal, Paddle. Let's just say, thank goodness I'm doing the cross country leg and not John Mark.

Grandma Dolores 1927-2011

Throughout our Grandma's sickness and exhaustive treatments, never did her memory falter. Even in her last few weeks we were able to reminisce about past memories. Right now, I can imagine us all being down at the lake house, sitting around our triangular table, eating a favorite salmon meal and listening to stories. Grandpa loved to tell stories and grandma of course loved correcting them. Some of my favorite stories involve a common interest my grandparents and I have…ADVENTURE! Grandma was an adventure seeker. I believe she lived by the motto: "there is no time, for down time." Her life was filled with many tennis matches, rounds of golf, skiing circles around the lake, carving turns down the mountain, traveling to numerous places, summitting Mt. Eleanor, and keeping a rapid walking pace that very few could keep up with... but don’t worry, even amongst all that recreation, there was always time for happy hour!

I wanted to share some advice I received that has helped me through my grieving process. A friend told me to reflect on an admired characteristic or trait of my grandma's. And to then incorporate that loved trait into my own life. I know there are so many people here today because my grandma exemplified many wonderful characteristics, so really finding that special trait can be a daunting task. However, after some time of pondering it was evident to me that I want to keep alive my grandparents love for adventure and my grandma's energy that always kept going...Although, I do remember when I tried out my adventurous side and died my hair brown. My grandmother, leaned over, asked me why, and told me that blonde's have more fun!

I'd like to think my husband and I are similar to my grandparents; we love to do the same activities, travel the world, and of course drink cheap wine…but we can only aspire to do those things with as much finesse and vigor as they did. Grandma, I will miss your bright colors, cinnamon rolls, and love for life…and like you said we blonde's do have more fun!