Saint Patrick's Day Weekend

We had an impromptu get together for Saint Patrick's Day. After spending a couple of days in Helen for Clay's conference we had the whole weekend off so we jumped over to Clayton for a night on Friday. I realized Saturday morning that it was St. Patrick's and we talked Allyson into heading down to visit. She and Daniel came down and we went out to Zeppelin's (our favorite spot) for some corned beef and cabbage and shepherd's pie, Clay got a green beer (looks pretty at least) and we tried out Jordan's take on the flaming Dr. Pepper which was pretty tasty. Clay and I had gotten matching shirts at Wal-Mart Daniel liked them so much we all headed back to get them a couple too. We came back and played Taboo, the Universal Joint was too loud and there was no Irishy music happening. Beautiful spring beginning and relaxing past several days has been great.

Helen Trip

Took Killer out for her first hike today. We went about 4 miles total, very slowly. Chico had to mark every tree, bush, flower, grass, leaf, rock, and piece of sand so that other animals would know he had been there. Killer kept up the pace until the last quarter mile that was all uphill, I had to pick her up for a couple of minutes then she was right back at it. It was pretty cool early this morning so I was glad I had worn a long sleeve top over my t-shirt.


I dropped my driver's license out of my pocket somewhere along the way and realized it when I was getting ready to head back so I spent the whole hike back with my eyes on the ground looking for it. Luckily I didn't miss the 2 deer in the field where the path opens up. Chico and Killer did not miss them either. Both were chomping at the bits, barking, and Killer was licking her chops. I also found my license in that field where I had stopped and crouched earlier to take some photos of the doggies.

Neither of them were very impressed with the river, I think they were both having flash-backs from their baths yesterday. They were not looking to sit and enjoy the view there.

Not much else exciting going on, I have been playing chauffeur to Clay since we couldn't stay on site with the dogs. I did complete my essay and updated my resume for my application to the new position at work so I haven't been totally useless.

Huntsville Trip

We had a great trip over to Huntsville to visit Bob and Claudia. It is always so nice to get to visit them. They are such a great couple, and have wonderful stories!

We got some pictures of us all together up at the Ledges when we went up for Sunday brunch. The weather was beautiful but a little chilly.

Looks like trouble.

The whole crew together.

Milton LOVES shoes! It is so funny how he sticks his face down in the shoes and rolls around with the shoe on the floor. I have never seen a cat with a shoe fetish, but Milton definitely has a problem. = )

Grubbin on some fro~yo

Cheers to the frozen yogurt. I mixed it up with vanilla, blueberry acai, strawberry banana, and pomegranate. I topped mine with the typical berries and kiwi and lots of granola. There were these strange balls that looked like caviar. They were similar to the boba in bubble tea but they burst and had flavored liquid inside. I had the passion fruit ones and they were tasty! I also had the honeydew mochi, yummy! Refueling accomplished.

Dinner Sleep Hike

I was so glad when Clay finally made it home Monday night because I was so hungry. We headed to Tucanos (Brazilian) for dinner. The picture below was taken in the shopping center where Tucanos is located.

The next morning I dropped Clay and one of the other guys off at Action Target bright and early then I came back to the hotel to determine what was on my agenda for the day.

This photo shows the back of the hotel, we have the middle balcony room that overlooks the Provo river with the mountains in the distance. In fact I am sitting in bed with the sliding door open enjoying the view and river sounds as I am posting this. We are staying at the Best Western Cottontree Inn and have been very pleased.

On the way to the hotel from Action Target this morning I noticed that there is a Great Harvest store about 2 blocks from here. I learned about them by reading Kath Yonger's blog KERF. She and her husband recently opened a Great Harvest in VA and I have drooled over many of the items that she posts on her blog. There isn't a Great Harvest near me in GA so I headed over there to try it out. I picked up a sandwich to take with me, got a pack of 6 GIANT gingersnap cookies, and they give you a free slice of bread to sample, I got the pumpkin chocolate chip (so moist and yummy!). I devoured my sandwich at Vivian State Park and wrapped up a cookie to eat as my snack along the trail. I did not see the start of the Great Western Trail that I thought was supposed to start there so I followed the rural road to South Fork Park and hunted around there for a trail.

Behind one of the campsites I found a small unmarked trail heading up the side of the mountain so I followed it up.

Day 2 - Sundance

We weren't able to take the ski lifts up today due to a weather hold when some rain storms blew in but we plan on going back later and hopefully doing the night full moon lift Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Yes, that is some unmelted snow up there on the mountain. Amazing considering how warm it is. Makes me think I should dress very warmly for the night lift ride.

Clay is heading off with our goodies.

Epiphany

I realized while weighing my suitcase that I have lost the equivalent of 2 suitcases packed with enough stuff for 9 days (and I am not a light packer). CRAZY!! I got on the scale first to see what I weighed with all my clothes and shoes on - 175 then I got back on holding my suitcase - 211. I had been feeling a little bad lately because even after a lot of hard work I have a roll and flab under my arms and was feeling like I had made a lot of progress for nothing. However, after holding that very large and somewhat heavy suitcase and realizing that I have lost 2 of those from my own body suddenly all the work seemed more monumental and my journey thus far a lot more impressive. Yes, I still have plenty of room for improvement and 1/2 a suitcase to go but I am encouraged by my big pink monster of a checked bag! = )

Chico and Killer staging a protest. They hate being left behind!

Chico eventually gets so indignant that he won't even look at me.

One More Night

I've got one more night at work and then ROAD TRIP with the mom. So last year about this same time our road trip looked like this:
I am certain that this year will be just as much fun if not more and will include lots of silly photos hopefully a wooden cut-out to put our faces in and maybe a photo booth.