Jen's Backyard

Traveling Oregon and California in our VW Bus ... 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 19:38:00 +0000

After years of wanting to visit Oregon, we were finally able to make it happen. My husband and I decided there's no better way to experience the beauty of our country, than traveling and camping in our VW Bus.

NOTE: I started this post a year ago! Pathetic.

Day 1: Murrieta, CA to Sacramento, CA
Nothing to say about this leg of our trip except it took 9 hours (the Bus moves at her own pace). It was 104 degrees and the bus doesn't have an air conditioner.

Day 2: Sacramento, CA to Bend, OR
Once we hit Mt. Shasta, the scenery became beautiful. We took a detour to Crater Lake. It was breathtaking with its deep blue water, snow capped mountains and fresh air. Our only regret, we should have stayed overnight and did some hiking. From Crater Lake to Bend ... nothing but miles and miles of pine trees. The air smelled fantastic!

Day 3: Bend, OR
Bend was everything we dreamed it to be. The Deshutes River runs through town. Bike trails, running trails and breweries oh my! Bryan and I fell in love with Bend. The people were so friendly. Bend has everything an outdoorsy person could ever want. We stayed at Tumalo State Park Campground. So green and clean. The smile never left our faces.

Our Bus met its twin! It wasn't hard to find the owner of the other Bus....his shirt kinda gave it away.

Day 4: Bend, OR to Sisters, OR
On our way to Sisters, I insisted we stop at the Fun Farm. I found the Fun Farm on America's Roadside Attractions website. It's an eclectic antique shop that looked very interesting. I thought maybe I could find that perfect unique gift, but instead all we found was a man in the parking lot that told us it had closed down, but we could take photos of the "Farm." It was interesting, yet a "scary movie" feeling took over pretty fast. We thought for sure we were going to fall down a trap door to our deaths... Later I read that it had been closed down due to a drug bust. My husband said I lost the rights to picking out places to visit. I did, however, manage to capture some great photos.

Sisters, OR is a quaint little town. We were able to walk from our campground to downtown within minutes. We found an outside area with a food trucks, craft beer and live music. I

t was hard to leave. We met some interesting people and had a wonderful time. Deer roamed the town and our campground.

Day 5: Sisters, OR to Yachats, OR

We headed for the coast to Doug and Dee Dee's new home in Yachats. The drive was amazing. I got sick of hearing myself say, "It's so beautiful."

The Oregon Coast did not disappoint. Doug and Dee Dee's new home was amazing. Yachats is a town comprised of 700 laid back, friendly people. Doug and Dee Dee's new home, located on coastal highway 101, directly across the street from the ocean was lovely. We immediately saw whales from their kitchen window. It was good to see old friends. They were wonderful hosts.

Day 6 & 7: Yachats, OR
During our stay, we took several walks into town and enjoyed some pretty amazing seafood. We enjoyed the town's "La De Da 4th of July Parade" and several pieces of pie!

Day 8: Yachats, OR to Brookings, OR
We headed south down the coast. We camped at Harris Beach State Park. We were thrilled to find out we had the best campsite in the entire campground (Site #24). Look at that view.

Day 9: Brookings, OR to Humboldt Redwood Campground, CA
We were sad to leave Oregon, but excited to see the Redwoods! Or first stop of the day was in Klamath, CA at the "Trees of Mystery." It was here that my husband met his twin.

We took the scenic route, Avenue of the Giants until we came to our next stop, "Burlington Campground." If you've never been to the Redwoods, you must put it on your bucket list. I fell in love. The trees were magical. They swayed all night and made spooky noises.

Day 10: Avenue of the Giants to Bodega Bay Dunes, CA
Ever see the movie, "The Birds?" Well, they shot that movie in Bodega. I found the church that was shot during a panic scene and pretended birds were attacking me. I thought it was a little strange when people were looking at me through the church window. Surely, I can't be the first person to do this?! Turns out, I had the wrong church.

Day 11: Bodega Bay, Ca to Reality, Hometown, USA....boo
Heading home from a great vacation is depressing. We drove through some beautiful wine country and saw San Fransisco through the car window. The Grapevine (I-5) was on fire as we drove through it. It was 100 degrees and our eyes were burning. Mother Nature, please send California some rain....

We put 2,300 miles on our 39 year old VW Bus in 11 days without breaking down. Miracles happen everyday. Even though we were basically living out of a vehicle for two weeks, it was one of the best vacations I've ever taken. Thank you Oregon, we feel in love with you...

Women's March ... What it Teaches Our Children

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 20:20:00 +0000

My best friend, Melissa, in Washington DC, showing her appreciation for being raised by her Dad, the right way.

"Hundreds of thousands of women filled the streets of major American cities to lead an unprecedented wave of international protests against President Donald Trump, mocking and denouncing the new U.S. leader the day after his inauguration.

Women activists, outraged by Trump's campaign rhetoric and behavior they found to be especially misogynistic, spearheaded scores of marches in the United States and sympathy rallies around the world on Saturday.

Organizers said they drew nearly 5 million protesters in all, far surpassing crowd expectations." - By Scott Malone and Ginger Gibson, Reuters

This morning, my husband and I had a long talk with my son, Jack, explaining to him why there were so many women marching and anti-Trump protests throughout the world yesterday. Lately, all Jack has heard is my husband and I screaming at the TV. A child can not learn from that. I want my son to see me outraged by what's happening to our country, outrage is an honest response, but peace is better. So, we calmly sat down to pancakes and a discussion.

Teaching Jack, historically, is important, but teaching Jack to value all lives, to treat women with respect and equality, to be compassionate and that there is a damn hole in the ozone layer, is of upmost importance to our family.

I remember, back in the 80s, when my mom would come home enraged that she couldn't go to dinner with her male co-workers at the Detroit Athletic Club, because she was a woman and women were not allowed. I remember when my mom came home from work, puzzled and angry, because she was treated differently in the workplace. I remember watching my mom graduate from the University of Michigan, as a single parent, the first person to ever go to college in our family. All those memories and experiences shaped me to become who I am today. I am a woman. I am educated. I am compassionate. I don't have a single cell in my body that is racist. I am a good person.

I am saddened that our country took a step backwards, way back, electing a person who demoralizes women and spews hatred and separation. I am proud of all those who are standing up for what they believe in.

It is my hope, one day, when Jack is a grown man, that he'll remember the outrage his mother and step-dad had when Donald Trump became president. That he will be treating his wife with dignity and respect and his co-workers and neighbors with equality. That, if he has to, that he too will be holding a sign, like Aunt Melissa's that reads, "My mom taught me right from wrong."

Keep on peaceful protesting!

Jen, Bryan and Jack

My First 50K Ultra Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 15:46:00 +0000

"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try." - Seth Godin

A few years ago I started setting goals for myself that seemed "impossible" and challenged myself towards them. Last weekend I ran my first ultra marathon. I joined the ranks of some amazing runners at the Old West Trails 50K Ultra, which took place in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

50K = 31 miles. Yes, it's only 5 more miles than a marathon, but it's twice as hard. Running on trails was outside my comfort zone. Having never run on a trail before, there was a learning curve involved. After six months of training, I was ready to take on the challenge.

We arrived Friday and stayed the night in the Stagecoach Trails Horse Campground (literally steps away from the start/finish line). Here's my hubby setting up camp. The race organizers provided a nice pre-race dinner at the Lodge and a perfect breakfast in the morning.

Checking my Garmin (which stopped working at mile 5).

Here's the start line. Not too many people run these sort of distances....about ninety-five 50K runners in all. Minutes from the start it really hit me. I was so nervous! "I don't belong. Look at all these elite runners who all know each other. Did I train enough? How did I get myself here? What have I done? I don't fit in." Seconds later people were running. I didn't even hear a gun go off. A kiss to Bryan and off I went, no time for self doubt.

photo by Fernando Garcia

My nerves wore away fast as I fell in line. The first half of the course was absolutely beautiful.

photo by cory schmelzer

I tried my best to look up and take it all in, but all I could do was steal a glance here and there. The trail was lined with jumping cholla cacti.

photo by Fernando Garcia

There I am heading into the canyon. I loved being on this trail with like minded people, breathtaking views and just being in the moment.

I made it to the first aid station, mile 8.10. My husband was there and so were the potato chips! Yes, that's right, during an ultra you lose a lot of salt so you eat potato chips while you run...how awesome is that?!

photo by cory schmelzer

Beautiful, but not something you would want to run into!

photo by cory schmelzer

Or this!

photo by cory schmelzer

Tiny little yellow and purple flowers everywhere....and bees!

I am so happy!

photo by cory schmelzer

Who's thinking about sore feet when you are surrounded by these beautiful blooming cacti?!

Still smiling. See those mountains behind me....I was in them earlier! See that thick sand I'm running in...it sucked! This is mile 15.70, second aid station. Grateful to see my husband.

Two pounds lighter....and maybe not as happy.

From mile 18 to 22 the heat started to make itself known. I slowed way down. Around mile 20 a stranger (an angel on the side of the road) gave me a red popsicle. I don't know if I could have continued without that popsicle! The next aid station seemed like a mirage and I was running in the Sahara Desert. Is it a tent? Is it a car? No, it's a rock? Where are you aid station....

Mile 22 aid station: That's me wondering what the hell have I got myself into and my mom in her desert hat, supporting me. The volunteers were so helpful and friendly. They took my hat and bandana and filled them with ice. My wonderful husband refilled my pack and sprayed me with sunscreen.

My body was depleted of sugar, so I loaded up on melon. That's Sandrine, a new friend who was also running her first 50K. The shade at the aid station was a blessing...I didn't want to leave.

That's me shuffling along. I could barley lift my feet because I felt like the squeaky Tin Man.

Mile 22 through 26 were challenging. Temperatures reached 87 degrees. I had to run/walk more than I had planned. I went an hour without seeing anyone...just me in a vast, dry, hot desert. This is where the race was going to break me or make me stronger. I had to mentally talk myself through this leg. Finally, the last aid station was steps away (mile 28)!

A couple minutes in the shade, a water bucket dumped on my head via hubby, a hand full of oranges and some encouraging words from my family brought me back to life. 2.5 miles left to the finish line. I had energy to run it all the way in.

7 hours, 22 minutes. Done. Elated. In shock. Tired. Need fruit. Will a beer go down? How bad am I gonna hurt? Did I just really do that?! Feeling OK. Surprised. Grateful. One of the best days of my life. Runner's high. Blessed. Happy. Happy. Happy!

You can't see them because they are standing in the shade at the Lodge to the left, but they are there....the other runners who came in hours before me are cheering me on through the finish line. It was one of the most overwhelming feelings of gratitude I'd ever felt.

I thought about a juicy cheese burger a lot during the race, but in the end it came down to a big bowl of pineapple.

We ran through the wild west, so of course our finishers medals were made of leather!

The biggest thank you to my husband, who spent every other Saturday following me on the trails on his mountain bike for hours on end. I WOULD NOT of been able to finish this race without his help. Thank you Bryan for being at every aid station (riding his bike in the heat) and being a pillar of support throughout this adventure.

Thank you to my son, Jack and his cross country team at the middle school. I run with Jack and his friends three times a week...it's the best part of my day.

Thank you to my friends and family for your support and listening to me babble about this race for months! Thanks mom and Fred for your support at the race. Thanks to the other runners, race director and volunteers!!

Thank you to my running buddy Christina. I would not of made it to several of my early morning training runs without you! You are a wonderful source of inspiration and a phenomenal runner. You are a ball of positive fire and I love that about you! Congrats to Christina who rocked her second LA Marathon last weekend! And kudos to Laurel who also ran the LA Marathon, her very first! Way to go girls!!

During my many months of training, I was often asked the question, "Why would you want to even think about running a 50K?"

The answer is, "To see what is possible." That's why.

The 50K distance was the hardest race I've ever run, but it was also the most amazing thing I've ever done. Is the 50 Mile distance now in my horizon? You bet it is!

Love & Gratitude,
Jennifer

Yoga Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:11:00 +0000

Tree Pose ...to find balance.

Tree Pose Earrings: Tree Pose charm hangs from silver plated small ball hook wire. The charms are made from Tibetan antique silver - a zinc alloy metal which is lead and nickel free. Wear these cute little things to yoga class or wear them all day long. Perfect gift for your yoga and zen friends!

Wear these little om earrings....

and feel connected to the universe.

Om Earrings

Small Om Earrings

Om Earrings: Antique silver tone (Tibetan style silver metal) Om symbol hangs from silver plated small ball hook wire. The perfect yoga gift and great stocking stuffer!

Om is often chanted three times at the start and finish of a yoga session, om is the whole universe coalesced into a single sound and represents the union of mind, body, and spirit that is at the heart of yoga.

Warrior Pose...

Improves your balance, concentration, and core awareness.

Warrior Pose Earrings: Warrior Pose charm hangs from silver plated small ball hook wire. The charms are made from Tibetan antique silver - a zinc alloy metal which is lead and nickel free. Wear these cute little things to yoga class or wear them all day long.

Perfect gifts for your yoga and zen friends!

Find these gifts and many more at etsy.com/shop/jensbackyard

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:38:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings. If you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and a wonderful meal to enjoy with your family and friends, you are truly blessed.

No one should go to bed hungry.

This Holiday season, please give a gift that gives back. When you buy a gift from thatscaring.com they provide weekend meals for hungry children in need in the U.S.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,
Jennifer

Jack's "Surfing into 6th Grade" Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:18:00 +0000

It's inevitable...Middle School.

As a parent, I know these will be challenging years. Pimples, independence and hormones. It will also be exciting watching my little guy grow and learn as he develops into a young man.

Jack, I wish you happiness, enlightenment, success, new friends, a great sense of adventure and many laughs as you enter this new chapter of your life.

Surfing into 6th Grade Party

5th Grade DARE Graduation

Jack's 11th Birthday

Wordless Wednesday...Compassion

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 07 May 2014 13:28:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:35:00 +0000

Crazy Clouds

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:54:00 +0000

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me. Look at these magnificent pink, purple and blue clouds above our home at sunset (a couple weeks ago).

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:07:00 +0000

Last January, I posted my three New Year's resolutions, "I want to run 1000 miles and another full marathon. I also want to start the process of having the city I live in “Ban the Bag.” Did I ever tell you I hate plastic bags?!

I accomplished one out of three.

I ran another full marathon. I did not reach my goal of running a total of 1000 miles throughout the year, only 775 miles. I mainly wasn't able to achieve this goal due to injuries the first quarter of the year and then I took the month of December off to get fat and jolly. I am still very proud of myself for running 775 miles, that's more miles than I've probably run in my lifetime!

My final goal was to "ban the bag." Back in March, during a City Council meeting, a courageous 7th grader beat me to the punch... urging a city ban on plastic bags. Rebekah Bearse said,"Plastic bags are a waste and that is all there is to it. This is a waste that can be prevented and stopped." She brought attention to possible toxins the community and wildlife are being exposed to and urged Murrieta to impose a ban.

In order for Rebekah's proposal to result in a vote, a council member needed to request it (which they wouldn't).

Douglas Gibbs of Murrieta, disagreed with banning plastic bags. This is what he said, (I copied this from the City of Murrieta, City Council Minutes):

"Reusable bags could become a health hazard if they are not washed regularly. He shared the argument that if you do wash them, they can put dangerous chemicals in the water. Mr. Gibbs stated that the planet is resilient and does not need to be saved."

Our planet doesn't need to be saved? What the hell?! I can't believe I live here.

So, what are my plans for 2014? To run a 1000 miles and create a vision board on Pinterest of Bend, Oregon...where we will live someday.

Happy New Year!

What I got for Christmas....

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 15:55:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday...from Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:14:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Day Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Fall Leaves Garland

Biodegradable and compostable utensils sold at SucreShop.

Words on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:31:00 +0000

Sweet Gum Ball Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:29:00 +0000

The Sweet Gum Ball Tree is known for its ball shaped, thorny seedpods. We have one of these wonderfully tall trees in our front yard. In the Fall, the leaves change to beautiful oranges and yellows.

I collect the seedpods throughout the year as they drop onto our lawn. Sweet gum balls are a natural, eco friendly item to use for all sorts of crafts. I enjoy them most in their natural state just thrown into a bowl or using them for place card holders.

Spray paint them gold or silver and make Holiday garland, ornaments or wreaths. Add them to a gift, in place of a bow. The ideas are endless.

Sweet Gum Balls in their natural state.

Spray painted silver and added to a gift.

Spray painted silver, threaded and made into Holiday garland.

The sweet gum balls, from our southern California home, can be purchased at Jen's Backyard.

Halloween Camping at Calico Ghost Town

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:19:00 +0000

Bryan, Austin & Sam

Nothing but blue sky...

Happy Halloween!

"Waiting" on Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Long Beach Marathon Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 13:11:00 +0000

This past Sunday, I ran the Long Beach International Marathon (my 2nd marathon). My main goal was to finish faster than my first marathon. My secondary goal was not to hit "the wall" at mile 20 and in a perfect world... to run it in 4 hrs 20 minutes.

During my 16 week training program, I totaled 365 miles. I was injury free and ready.

Bryan and I headed to Long Beach, CA the day before the race to pick up my race packet, take in a beautiful day at the ocean and load up on carbs. Here I am sneaking in a beer with a big pasta lunch. Hey now, beer has carbs.

Rise and eat at 4:00am....It's race day! My husband bought me these cute "race day" underwear. Bryan, you're so good to me. Little did I know, this would be a short lived gift.

At 5am, we headed to the start line...but not without stopping at the dreaded porta potty. This photo is a foreshadowing of what was yet to come.

The race started in the dark, before sunrise. It's almost time...

Miles 1 & 2 were a complete cluster cluck (sorry Grandma). There were way too many people to pace yourself, let alone follow the pacer. At mile 2, I broke away from the crowd and pacer and decided I would have to use my watch and pace myself. Mile 4, oh no, need to hit the porta potty. Miles 4 through 6 were uneventful, I felt good and was keeping my pace. We ran through the marina and around the light house.

Miles 6 through 10 were along the beach. I made sure I took it all in. It was beautiful. I still kept my pace, but succumbed to the fact that I had "runner's trots" and making my goal of 4:20 would be impossible. Ugh. It's going to be a looooooooong day.

At mile 13 I began to have horrible abdominal pain, but I was able to run through it, still keeping my pace. It was a terrible feeling not knowing when the next porta potty would be in site. I felt good during miles 14 through 17. Mile 18 was the worst for me, up a hill and then down one. My knees began to hurt.

I feared that I was going to hit the "wall" at mile 19, like I did last year, but I remained positive. I kept telling myself, "I am much stronger this year and even though I am pooping my pants, I can do this!"

Miles 19, 20 and 21 came and went. I did it, I kept my pace and didn't hit the wall! I was really happy, but was concerned because the uncomfortableness started settling in. At mile 23 they merge the full marathoners with the half marathoners and it was a hot mess. My pace slowed down during miles 21 through 25.

There was great support throughout the race, more than enough water stations and bands played at many mile markers.

Ah, the end was near. I surprised even myself that I had energy to pick up my pace and finish well. My husband, mom, Fred, my brother John and his girlfriend were at the finish line cheering me on. Thanks for your support!! Thanks to all of you who supported me from miles away and thank you Christina...no one can make it to the start line without encouragement.

4:28:18

I did it. I beat my time from last year, by 11 minutes (even with 4 bathroom stops). I didn't hit the wall or walk one time. My favorite stat below is that I was ahead of 52% of the male runners. The pain is worth it to say, "I beat a bunch of men!" I know, what a poor sport I am. You run 26.2 miles and then you can be the judge. I felt great after the race. My feet hurt pretty bad, but overall I was really pleased. I did hate having to tell my husband I had to throw his gift away...

Result in Entire Field - 1269^th place

1676 finishers behind. 43% of finishers ahead.

Result in Gender (Women) - 392^nd place

736 finishers behind. 35% of finishers ahead.

Result in Division (F40-44) - 78^th place

117 finishers behind. 39% of finishers ahead.

LEGEND

The location of the figure on the line shows your position in the finish order of the race. The closer the figure is to the right, the closer you were to the winner.

FACTS

Who's who

Of the 2945 who finished, 38% were Women and 62% were Men.

Opposite Sex

For the record, you were ahead of about 52% of men runners.

Timing Info

Your start delay: 2m 18s.
This page based on NET

times.

Click images for GUN times.

Over Second Half

You passed

428

runners

And

passed you

Up the Coast to Levi's GranFondo

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 03:49:00 +0000

Last Thursday, my husband and I took a journey in our 1977 VW Bus up the scenic pacific coastal highway en route to Santa Rosa, CA. Our destination, the famous Levi's GranFondo, a 103 mile bike race.

Getting Bryan to the race was a journey filled with beautiful scenery, scary moments and laughter. The "starter" on the Bus broke at our first pit stop in Santa Barbara. If you've seen the movie "Little Miss Sunshine" then you'll get the reference. We had to "Little Miss Sunshine" it up the coast. Push, run and jump in.

We stopped in Solvang, where the movie "Sideways" was filmed. We ate at "Pea Soup Andersen's" and had pea soup of course.

We then made our way up the coast. Everyone knows a VW Bus drives slow and even slower on mountain roads. We laughed when a deer jumped out in front of us and we didn't even have to slam on the brakes. It's as if the deer knew, "I have time to cross the road, it's a Bus!"

Making our way to Big Sur, we stopped to get some photos of the sunset. It was the most perfect sunset.

My favorite photo from the trip, is the one below. Bryan tried to use the timer on the camera so we could both be in the shot .... the timing was off and it looks like a fake sunset, one of those backdrops. I just love this photo. It makes me laugh.

We were not laughing when the Bus stalled at a light...up a hill. Nor were we laughing when we were traveling down a two lane highway through Big Sur...in the dark with a Bus that wasn't working properly. That was stressful.

It got interesting when we arrived at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campgroud. It was dark. We hard a hard time finding our campsite and of course when we found it, it was on an incline. Remember, the "starter" on the bus wasn't working. Here she is, stuck. Three nice gentlemen helped us push her and get her started again the next morning.

With a recommendation from my dad, we headed for breakfast at Nepenthe. My dad ate at Nepenthe's nearly 30 years ago and said we should check it out. We were disappointed that it didn't open until 11:30am, but Cafe Kevah (attached to Nepenthe) was open and we had one of the best breakfast burritos ever! Hands down, this place is on my top 10 restaurant list. The view was amazing and the food was delicious. We also saw dolphins and a whale while eating. Be sure to stop here if you ever ride up the coast.

This place is magical ... our "starter" began to work again. Woohoo!!

Next stop, Monterey, CA. We drove through town and stopped at Cannery Row. We wanted to stay longer, but our trip was taking way longer than we had expected. We needed to get Bryan to his race.

Back in the Bus we went, headed for San Francisco. We had no time to stop, but we still had fun driving through the middle of the city and over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hours later we made it to Santa Rosa, CA. We picked up Bryan's race packet, ate at a pizzeria so Bryan could "carb load" and headed for the campground. Time to get excited Bryan! We can't tell you what the Santa Rosa campground looked like. We arrived in the dark and left in the dark.

Time to get ready! It's race day! Levi's GranFondo is a 103 mile open road ride with both amateur and professional cyclists. 7,500 riders participated. This was Bryan's first "century" and of course he picked a hard one! The ride consisted of mostly climbs and descents.

Bryan met up with some of his friends from the Temecula Velo riding club at the start line.

This is what 7,500 riders looks like. Can you spot Bryan?

(Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

And here's Bryan's butt at the finish line!

They did it!

The woman in the middle, did it with a sprained ankle!

Way to go guys! I am so very proud of you! 9 hours, 25 mins. Can you imagine riding up and down mountains for that long?! Bryan, Mary, George, Wendy and Martyn you are truly amazing. Kudos.

October

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:01:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday (for Mary, from our backyard)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:57:00 +0000

10 Things I Love About Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 21:54:00 +0000

Fall is my favorite season. I grew up in Michigan, which had the most beautiful autumn days you could imagine...bright orange, red and yellow leaves, the smell of the fire place, crisp air, hot apple cider and donuts. Now, I live in Southern California and some of my reasons for loving fall have changed ...

10 Things I love About Fall:

1. The cooler temperatures. 90 degrees feels cool here. Go away summer, you are too hot.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Need I say more?

3. Making chili in the crock pot and smelling it all afternoon...and football playing on the TV.

4. Wearing hats & beanies....and all my fall weather clothes.

5. The sky. We have lots of pink & purple sunsets in September.

6. Going to the Pumpkin Patch with the family.

7. Halloween.

8. It's scare time. Our family is notorious for scaring each other and anyone who happens to stop by... there's something about putting up the Halloween decorations that gets us going. Come over at your own risk.

9. Thanksgiving. Uncle John's mashed potatoes.

10. Camping.

What do you love about fall?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:42:00 +0000

That Smile is Way More Inspirational than Any Quote

Wordless Wednesday - Remember 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:35:00 +0000

Camping in Idyllwild, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 20:38:00 +0000

Here's some photos of a camping trip we took in the California Idyllwild Mountains.

My latest idea... a flower centerpiece on the picnic table

every time we go camping! Flowers bring joy.

Camping makes Jack smile and Cooper tired.

Ta-da! So much easier than pitching a tent!

Jack protecting the hippie bus.

Why yes, the hat was a gift from my son.

Fresh air, bright blue sky and tall trees...