Reunion Thoughts

Went to my high school class reunion- first one since I graduated not to long ago. It was a nice gathering. I hardly remembered anyone since my memories are very sparse from that time period. But, I was able to conjure up some memories including:

* Our class did not have a formal yearbook. We were somehow in trouble and bore that consequence. We did however decide to make our own memorybook and did so in rebellion. I was proud of our tenacity and willingness to make it happen.

* I was on the mime team- yeah, it is hard to believe that I can be quiet that long :-). I was actually good at it.

* Saw my math, language arts and choir teachers- all look healthy and had smiles on their faces-- life must be treating them good. Most of my teachers were nuns since I went to an all girls Catholic school. My favorite was Sr. Mary Sheila, my Latin teacher. When I shared this tidbit with others at the reunion they gave me funny looks. You see, she was strict! High expectations was a common thread at St. Joseph's Academy.

* St. Joe's was and is a great school. I took advanced chemistry and physics there, had an internship at NASA, and was prepared well for college. As I think about education for my children now, I am grateful for the experiences I had there.

Night of 1000 Tacos

On September 18th I participated in a wonderful evening of physical activity, friends and tacos! The Night of 1000 Tacos was well planned and fun was had by all. The event concept involves traveling from taco wagon to taco wagon by bike. Over the course of the evening we traveled a total of 20 miles.

I ate one taco at the taco wagon #1, drank a Mexican soda at #2, a sopas at taco wagon #3 and could eat no more by the time we got to taco wagon #4.

At the third taco wagon we were greeted by this poster and 65 cent tacos:


Here are the three amigos--Scott, myself and Sarah:



Also at the third taco wagon we had the privilege to eat cake interspersed with peaches that was especially made for us bikefarers. The cakes were adorned by miniature bikes as pictured below:

The food was fabulous and the ride enjoyable. We were able to chat the whole way. Folks waited for each other at intersections and made sure we all stayed together. It was so fun to have 30+ riders and take up whole lanes on busy roads. This form of travelling empowers the biker and the group. As seasoned bikers know, there are many times where driver have little tolerance for those who chose this method of travel.

In the 19th mile I had a bike accident. Sorry- no gruesome pictures. I have scrapes on my face, elbow and left leg. Unfortunately, I did not know that squeezing the front brake only, would propel my body over the handle bars and cause the bike to fall on top of me. Ok, I figured that one out.

All this in preparation for my mini triathlon on Saturday. Not only am I achey, but I am beautiful! (Wonder if I will be scarred?)

On October 9th there will be the Night of 1001 Tacos, followed by the movie: Three Amigos at Studio 35. I have spread the word far and wide and I expect several friends and family members will be joining me on this one. Come out and join in the fun!

Pictures taken by ride organizer: Ray George

The Olde Harbor Inn

A week after my birthday, I had the pleasure of eating and drinking with my sister Louie and her beau Brian in Akron. When asked where to eat, Brian suggested this gem. We sat at the upstairs bar, chatted in a relatively quiet room and covered topics like wine, anti-perspirants, t-rex, Young Frankenstein, and many other various interests.

The owners of the establishment were seated right next to me at the bar enjoying their delectable meal (made by chef Clayton). As I looked on with a bit of dribble on my mouth I secretly wished I had ordered food from upstairs instead of down--this restauraunt has several areas for eating. While pouring wine and eating their food, the owners and I had a nice conversation.

It is clear that these folks are down to earth and thoroughly enjoy living and working near the lake.

A couple of things that struck me, from a restaurant goer's perspective was their desire to have home grown foods like heirloom tomatoes, fresh eggs from a local farmer and creative menus that compliment their wine list.

Visiting them again, is definitely the plan, now what to have-- my favorite--scallops (they are the best seafood restaurant in North East Ohio) or the owner's choice of stuffed pork chops. I must admit, those pork chops were calling to me....yum!

6 ft. Submarine Sandwich

We were at Subway today trying to eat a healthy meal on the go. In line, we noticed a replica of a 6 ft. sub with all the fixins. Kye took one look at it and said, "There is no way you could eat THAT whole thing!!" Eyes wide.

A minute or so passed and he corrected himself by saying, "Nothing is impossible to God."

Quinn Runnin'

Here is Quinn, both feet off the ground running the race. Recently, he shaved 1 minute from his beginning race time. Putting his mind and body to the test; it is good to see him work on his goals.

My travel partner Russell, always ready with trivia, indicated that in the Olympic sport of speed walking, they have sensors to determine whether there are times when both of the athlete's feet are off the ground. If that is the case, the athlete is considered to be running and therefore, is disqualified. I did not realize until I captured this shot of Quinn that both feet end up off the ground when running. Hmmm....

Anyway, I am glad that Quinn is enjoying the sport of Cross Country and is able to focus and give his all.