Gresham,OregonEnglandDominican Republic
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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Happy Birthday

Tom decorated for my bday!

Tom had balloons all the way up the stairs to our apartment!



All my great birthday presents, flowers, a new backpacking backpack, patches of some countries I've been to for my backpack, a new purse, money, a bracelet (can't see it through the vase though) and some other stuff I probably forgot. Thanks guys!!


One of the better patches "Happiness is camping at OREGON"


Can you believe Tom even surprised me by making a cheescake?? What a guy!

It was a great birthday, probably one of the best since I was about 13! We had cake and fun at work, I got flowers delivered to work for the first time by John and Rachel (and the kids), then got home to suprises from Tom, we went to Mexican food for dinner (I requested Ajo Al's in Phoenix but he said it was too far), then went shopping, and finally ended with a surpise cheesecake that Tom had made, complete with 26 birthday candles. Fun day today!

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Happy Birthday, George Washington




Tom celebrated Washington's Bday today by running the GW Birthday Marathon. Unfortunatly it was a freezing and windy 16-18 degrees (windchill down to 0-5 degrees) for most of the race, but Tom finished another excellent race at 3:15:35, bringing his total to 5 marathons. Faily hilly course through a lovely wooded area of Maryland where there is a governmental agricultural research area. Tom didn't think the hills were so lovely, but he posted his best ever time for a half-marathon (1:29:20) and had enough energy to finish the other half! Because the course went around a loop 3 times, I managed to fit in 11 miles by running the oppositie direction to see Tom (which recovering from being sick I don't know was such a good idea!). Freezing day, fast Tom, another race well done! Lots of sore legs and whining around our house now, but celebrating as we have tomorrow (Monday) off to celebrate the presidents; and celebrate we will!

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Lovely morning





We woke up to an absolute covering of snow today. What a nice way to wake up...completely white outside, completely silent. All activities were cancelled at church today so it is a proper snow-in day. Lots of reading, playing with the cats (who LOVE the snow on the patio), and Tom catching up on homework. Dennis and Abby may come down as they don't have power, so the Mather B&B may be in business!!

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Photos



Cross Country Skiing




We had a lovely day today skiing in West Virginia at a place called Blackwater Falls. After a WEIRD night at the Ladybug B&B (which I don't recommend going to) we had a great day skiing around. When we got to the B&B, the 'innkeeper' barely even greeted us, just told us to head upstairs. When we got up, she told us to wait in one of the bedrooms whilst she shouted for her husband Charlie/Carlos to come and make up the other room. A bit weird that they didn't have it ready, yah, but we went ahead and waited. After she said the room was ready we went to see it and realized that it was actually THEIR room...even worse it smelled like old people. Tom described it perfectly by saying it was like being at that awkward relative's house where you're not really sure what to do. Anyhow, Dennis and I rock-paper-scissored for it, I lost, so Tom and I spent the night in the smelly moth ball room, not wanting to get into the bed or touch anything (especially the 1/2 bottle of Tums or Vicks Vapor rub on the headboard!). Oh well, it didn't ruin our trip, just gave us lots to talk and laugh about. We skipped the cold cereal and fruit breakfast this morning and found a lovely little mom & pop diner for a hearty breakfast. Lots of snow coming down, lots of falling, but lots of fun too and really nice to get away and into the country for a bit. Kind of a rough, long drive back, but champion Dennis did the trek in heavy snow the whole way. Feels like we've been gone forever, but we still have all day snowy Sunday to play with as it's been snowing all day in DC as well!

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Another race

Tom did the Custis 12K (7.45 miles) this morning and posted his best time ever for that distance. It was also raining, so that may mean he is even faster in dry conditions (and a bit hilly of a course). Anyhow, he did a great job and is really pleased.

Dennis and Abby are headed down so we can go to REI together because they want to get some gear for our big X Country ski trip next weekend (really it's just one night away!). We're definitely looking forward to a nice little break away from the BIG CITY, so it'll be great I'm sure.