March 23...Winter Retuns!

We have had an unseasonal heat wave recently. All last week we shattered "record highs" nearly every day.

I rode the new bike 3 times last week, and on Friday, Deb and I went out in the afternoon and rode the race loop... it was 71 degrees! Shorts and short sleeves! Sweating. It nearly felt like a summer's day.

Today was Dad's birthday.... he would have been 74. He loved winter, the snow, and skiing.
He, too, felt like snowflakes were akin to "kisses from heaven" and truly taught me to appreciate the joy of a powder day, the view from a summit, and thrill of sweet turns, speed, wind in the hair, the adrenaline rush... the gift that IS skiing.

I enjoyed that today... and found it fitting that it snowed... a sparkling, refreshing whitewash over the graying, previously melting cover which was ebbing so quickly over the past few weeks....the brief return of winter this early day of... spring.

"Braces Weekend"

I have no braces, no kids with braces currently, and no need to get braces.... but, I have always wanted to attend "Braces Weekend." If you knew just how fun and awesome Braces Weekend is, you too, would want to attend.

I invited myself long ago, knowing those attending were going on "Emily's Birthday Weekend" (Emily, though, had other plans!). I really wanted to hang out with family we seldom get to see and have fun with my incredible nieces and nephews. It was an added bonus to get to stay at Mark and Cos' beautiful new home! (Thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality! )

Since I have recently met an incredible guy... I also thought it would be a great opportunity for my new friend... boyfriend (yes, I said it out loud)... Greg, to meet a bit more of the family and back out early on, if necessary. He does still call me, I'm happy to report. Even after I ditched him for several hours to go to the St. Patrick's Day parade (of all things) with the nieces, Deb, Cos, Dave and Les and Mom.

A good time was had by all... we loved walking the parade route to cheer on the girls, and get lots of free toothbrushes and tooth paste. I even have a coupon for a free orthodontic consultation with a FABULOUS orthodontist, if anyone is interested!!

And, in case you were wondering, Greg and the boys survived the parade abandonment, too.

Happy New Bike Day!!

Yes!! It is finally here!! Picked up on Thursday! The only difference between my bike and this pic (from the website), is I have a little bit more carbon fiber in the handle bars, seatpost, brake levers, etc., and it says "XTR" on my crank and derailers instead of SLX.

I was impressed to see the similarities between my bike, and Liza's. Way to celebrate the 3rd birthday! The Marin Trail Mini. The girl has good taste. What can I say?!I, on the other hand, am celebrating my 42, 43, and 44th birthday with my bike!