...a fun, full weekend

The fun started on Friday morning when my students put on their Little Red Riding Hood skit and ate the cookies we had made earlier in the week. Not a single one of them had ever made cookies before. What a delight to hear shy little Sandra read her lines out clear and loud.

Friday evening I drove to Pendleton for Ayanel's graduation. Such a proud family! (And rightly so!) It was a fun surprise to get to see another former student graduate as well, and I managed to find her in the crowd to give her a hug.

After graduation was over I hurried back home--my youngest sister Lani had called and said they would be driving through on their way to Montana. Could they stop by for a visit? Of course! They were going to keep driving and get a motel in Washington, but I offered beds and camping mats instead. Lani and I were up before anyone else and got a rare chance to sit on the patio with our coffee and visit. I made pancakes, then sent them on their way. I needed to get to Portland!

The weather was absolutely beautiful that morning, and the drive through the gorge was, well, gorgeous. Nate had looked online to see what was happening in Portland that day, and had discovered a bike festival and parade. After we parked and were walking towards the main street we saw all kinds of bikes and trailers. I thought that what we were seeing was the tail-end of the parade.

We wandered down the street, enjoying the people and their bikes, then found a spot at Amnesia Brewing for a bite to eat. It turns out we hadn't missed the parade at all. I must admit I've never seen/heard a goth drum corps before--they were quite good!

Next up were all kinds of people on all kinds of bikes. The families we had seen earlier were part of the parade, along with some not-so traditional participants.

After a bit it appeared that the parade had come to an end, but then there was an excited buzz in the crowd. What's this? Nude cyclists? Can that be legal? It turns out it is. (It's a protest, protected under Oregon's constitution.)

After that bit of excitement, Nate and I were ready to move on. He took me to one of his favorite longboarding sites--Mt. Tabor. I strolled around, soaking in some much-needed sunshine while he did his thing. The view of Mt. Hood was spectacular!

By evening, we were tired and hungry, so we collected Andrea and headed out to the pub where Katie works. She loves the new aprons I made for her, and got lots of compliments.

On Sunday we slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, then just hung out all day. The wide front porch on Nate's house was the perfect hangout for me and my book. That evening we headed downtown for Carlos' graduation bash. It was a lot of fun, and many people came out to celebrate his accomplishment. I got to meet his mom--what a sweet person!

Katie and I spent some time together on Monday doing (serious, non-fun personal business because I had taken a personal day and they are not to be used for fun) then it was time for me to come home.

A good weekend.

...the first century

All week long I've been checking the weather reports, anxiously waiting to see what would be in store for us on the Inland Empire Century Ride. Rain and wind had been the norm for most of the week, but the forecast was for light wind and no precipitation come the weekend. On Thursday the winds ceased to howl. My spirits perked up. Friday was pretty nice--until bedtime. I lay in bed listening to the rain pour down, wondering if the weatherman really knew what he was talking about. Early Saturday morning I peeked out the window. No rain. {Feeling hopeful...} I put my glasses on and peered out again. The leaves on the tree were NOT moving. Yippeee! We ride!

I met up with my friends Kathie and Bob at the starting point in Richland. It was brisk out at 7:00 a.m. and we had a debate about wearing our jackets or not. It was a little breezy, but the sun was shining. Would it warm up? Would I regret not having my jacket? I opted for arm and knee warmers and left the jacket behind. (The less one has to cram into jersey pockets, the better.)

The first 25 miles were easy-- smooth cement trails along the river. The biggest challenge was the constant need to holler, "On your left!" as we passed walkers, joggers, and slow moving cyclists. After that we headed out of town and started to climb.

Eight miles of steady climbing up through a canyon. Thankfully, the wind did not blow one little bit, as it did the last time Kathie and Bob rode it. It was even quite warm so I took my arm warmers off once we reached the top. And soon stopped to put them back on again, for the wind was blowing up on the plateau.

After all our climbing we were treated to an awesome 6% downgrade into Prosser. I was cautious since it was so very steep and I'd never been on the road before, but I did get up to 38 mph and was laughing like a maniac all the way down.

Kathie and I made a new friend at the Prosser reststop, and with promises to return again, we left him behind for the final leg of the ride.

And that's when the wind decided to blow. REALLY blow. If a SAG wagon had come along I would have gladly taken a lift into town. At one point I had so much dirt in my eyes and under my contacts that I couldn't see. It's a wonder I didn't crash! But we slogged along and finally limped back into the park. We did it. woo. yay us. We were so exhausted by that point that any post-ride jubilation was loooong gone.

But today, after a restful night's sleep I can whole-heartedly say it was a good ride, with good friends, and there will be many more to come. Let's ride!

...a good weekend

So sorry to all of the folks in the Midwest and NE who are still covered in snow. This is what the NNE corner of Oregon looked like this weekend! Ahhhhh....



Those pesky goat heads abound year 'round.

Saturday...31 miles with Kathie and Bob. Top speed? 38.8, going down the hill into Echo. (Had to pause at the bottom to pick the bugs out of my grin.)

Sunday...35 miles with the whole crew. We would have gone further but several wanted to get back in time to see the hockey game between USA and Canada. Proof that yes, I can actually lead the pace line once in a while. (I was working too hard on the next hill to snap a picture of them blowing past me.)

...Christmas

Just a few days ago my house was busy, noisy, crowded, and filled with merry-making.
Nate brought his girlfriend Genavieve and his roommate Anthony home for Christmas this year.

On Christmas eve we packed five adults, one medium sized dog, presents, and goodies into a smallish car and headed over the mountain to my folks' house.

Once there, we played games, laughed a lot,

ate non-stop,

sang songs,

(Good King Wenceslas is "our" song. We know all the verses and have been singing it together for many years.)

and exchanged gifts.

On Christmas day my brother Tim and his family joined us,

and my brother Dave came for dessert.

(We shore do loves us some pie!)

Taylor (one of my birthday twins) and his newlaptop from Santa.

Anthony had mom in stitches. "Sounds beautiful!"

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A fun Christmas.

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This morning my house is quiet, very quiet, and I am enjoying the solitude. Happy New Year, everyone!

...Christmas lights and The Nutcracker

My friend John is here. He scored tickets to the Nutcracker in Portland for tomorrow night and invited me to go along. Yippee! I've never seen it in person, and only bits and pieces on TV.

Tonight we went out to eat, then, since it was still early, I suggested we wander through the Festival of Lights at the Fairground. Wander?? At 17 degrees F it was more like a power walk! Whose great idea was this??? But...silly ideas make for great memories, and we got some fun pictures. And, that cup of tea once we got inside was even more welcome than if we'd come straight home!