17 Miles

This is how long I ran/walked today. The miles are getting longer as I train for this marathon in Portland. There are times I enjoy the long runs and others I get through them. Today was a mixed bag. I think I waited a little too late in the morning, then it was really hot outside. I enjoyed my new iphone though that had itunes. I had the headphones in a when a call came it I could answer, end the call, and go back to my music. Thanks to my good friend Corrine, I got quite the break and got to walk a ways (I don't think I was going to make it anyways, so it created a great excuse). Anyways, technology is pretty amazing now, how I can enjoy a run, talk with a friend, and listen to good music. I always enjoy the part of my runs where my mind is allowed to just rest, or it can sort out problems, or spend time in prayer. But now I'm pretty tuckered out and have to finish my errands and chores today....oh well, back to reality. =)

I also have a pet peeve since most of my runs are on back country roads. If you see a runner/walker on the side of the road, and there is no one coming the other direction, we (meaning us runners and walkers) really do appreciate it when you give us a bit of extra room! I understand when there are cars coming the other direction, at those times slowing down just a few mph is nice as well. But when there is no one, it's OK to go into the other lane and kind of bend wide around the runner. I hate it when a car whizzes by me and they could have easily given me a bit more room. Sometimes I've almost felt like I'm almost blown off the road into the ditch! Believe me I'm trying to get out of the way as much as possible too. Anyways, I post this in hopes to make the experience that much better for all my running buddies!

A Day at the Lake

Not much to say in addition. Tobin's parents came to visit for the weekend, and we all went up to the cabin on Lake of the Woods! It was more than relaxing and a beautiful day! Wish more weekends we could just enjoy the outdoors in such a luxurious way!

Tobin kindly worked on his Dad, who unfortunately was sick with the same sore throat Tobin had, but hadn't gotten quite over it as well as Tobin had. Tobin still had the hackers cough and got going for about 15minutes after he took a swim in the lake!

This was the third guy to get in the water...after a redhead (who will remain unnamed) screamed and gasped for air from the shock of the cool water...it really wasn't that cold, but it's always a shock none-the-less!
Snorkeling sounded good too.
I went for a real swim, and decided I'm really out of swimming shape unfortunately. I miss it!
Tobin and his cousin Tim, do you think there is a little resemblance??

Part 5- Bandon Coast

We stopped in Bandon on our drive home. We enjoyed a tour of an old home owned by Mr. and Mrs Hughes (not Howard Hughes) in the late 1800's (sorry no photos). Then we went for a walk on the coast...it was a bit windy as the photos depict! Then we enjoyed clam chowder and fish & chips at the local marina.

Literally...the wind was that strong!

I kept wondering if we were on the moon rather than the Oregon CoastThen we decided to Fly a Kite! The conditions were perfect! Tobin was quite the stunt man with the kite...
And I just tried not to let the kite send me flying into the sky!

A great weekend!!!

Part 4-Laird Lake, Our Campsite

We couldn't have asked for nicer car camping conditions. There were only 4 other people at this site, and it was quite, not too many bugs, and near a pretty lake.

Someone even left extra wood, so we didn't have to work too hard for our fire!

Tin foil Bake for dinner...it was delicious!
We had Raspberry and Butterscotch Chips Grilled in Tortillas for Dessert, Yumm again!
The two cooks...notice our cute little spatula that Shannon gave us for a wedding gift!

Then Cribbage by Lantern Light...You can see the score below (kind of)

The overly ecstatic winner...
And the sad loser...
In the morning we enjoyed looking at some beautiful fish...

See the fish?

Oatmeal for breakfast!

Enjoying the morning sun!

Part 3-Attempting to find the road to our campsite

Google is a great resources when it comes to directions, but we now realize that we probably shouldn't depend on it for Forest Service gravel roads. We think the directions were good, but unfortunately Gmaps didn't alert us that a bridge was out. Oh well, it was still an adventure and we ended up seeing a lot of wildlife!

The road began, nice a beautiful, we knew we were on the right road because there was one sign at the beginning that said, "China Mountain Rd" Well, this road unfortunately had about 40 different splits in the road, with no signs!

Here's when we knew we were on track...

Areas where it started getting a bit sketchy, and yes there were times I closed my eyes because of the steep grade. I guess you could say it was pretty much a 4-wheeling experience.

We are planning on a building a house up here someday (or we would certainly wish too) isn't it an amazing view??!!

In the velvet! And right on the road...

this is what "All hunters dream about"...so Tobin tells me.

This picture doesn't depict it too well, but this is looking at near the tops of the trees straight across from the road...so not a lot of room for error while driving!

Our car in the adventure!
And some of the dust to show for it...it was worse, but the wind blew most of it off by the time I took the photo...

Part 2-Crescent City and The Coast (at several state parks)

Tobin is always such a great pilot...

and me at copilot (well, not too sure I'm the best at that, but we get by)

We exercise regularly so we can splurge sometimes on a good American Heart Stopping Classic. It was really delicious, but probably don't want to check cholesterol levels right after eating!

We never miss an opportunity to climb!

Atop the rock...This photo reminds me of another time that I was on top of a rock with Tobin...I got a big rock for my finger at the top of that rock!

There was this fun little alcove.

The winds on the Oregon Coast are unforgettable and unforgivable!

2nd Anniversary Adventure...Part 1-The Redwoods

The pictures pretty much explain it for themselves. We decided to go on a roadtrip/camping trip for our anniversary. There were some great adventures so be sure to check out all the parts to the adventure! Tobin was the mastermind behind the planning; he is pretty much amazing because the trip was great!

We started by appreciating the amazing wilderness God has created! And just imagine our God is even bigger than these huge trees! I don't know what the compulsion is...but you just feel like hugging them. I guess to show how big they are!

This is the root of a redwood!

Sure puts things into perspective.

Tobin PASSED!!!

Wanted to thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. Tobin found out just a few days ago that he indeed had passed. All of his hard studying and devotion paid off! He currently is in his Family Rotation right now, then doing Surgery, then Osteopathic Manipulations. Then another round of exams. So keep him in your prayers! The Lord has blessed him with some good schedules so that we can enjoy some time togehter. I'm praising the Lord!

Independence Celebration Weekend

Since Tobin and I found out we both had a three day weekend, we decided that we would drive through Bend, pick up my parents, and go up to Trout Lake to enjoy a nice hometown 4th of July! As always, when we brought the in-laws together, it was a fun packed weekend with lots of corny jokes, games, and outdoor activities. I unfortunately don't have any photos, so you'll need to use your imagination.

Thursday night: Drove to Bend

Friday: I got up early and enjoyed a beautiful morning run on a trail along the Deschutes River, Then we ate breakfast and drove to Trout Lake. Arrived. Helped Marty prepare for Trout Lake Baptist's Church 4th of July picnic. Practiced golf in the yard (because the guys were going to play on Saturday). Went to the picnic, enjoyed BBQ, played some horseshoes and volleyball. Came home and relaxed a bit.

Saturday: Tobin, Jim (C's Dad), Darrol (T's Dad), and Jono (a good friend from Trout Lake) went golfing. I went on a 15 mile run. Glenda (C's Mom) and Marty (T's Mom) went for a walk around the "Lake" and to the Saturday Market. We reconvened, had lunch, and then proceeded to enjoy some rousing games of Cribbage and Hand and Foot. We had the privilege of some friends coming over and adding to the fun! Then made some Homemade Ice Cream. Had Dinner, went and played Pickle Ball (a mix between Tennis, Hand Ball, and Ping pong-I had never played before). Then we went home and enjoyed some yummy ice cream and homemade strawberries!!! Then SLEEP!

Sunday: Were blessed by a very encouraging church service. Went home, enjoyed one more lunch with all the good leftovers (including the ice cream), then drove home - Enjoying the entertainment of the Miller Parents on our drive back through Bend to Medford.

What a blessing family is.

Hand and Foot

Well, I didn't realize or remember that I may need to explain what this is, and no it is not some strange Northwestern game. So if you have never played it, you definitely must learn (if you like playing cards). In a sense this game is like a modified Canasta (if you know what that is, this may help). Anyways, for some rules and the variations go to "http://www.hand8foot.com/rules.html" Or...even better come over to our house and we'll see if you have beginner's luck! =) Anyways, it's a great card game; so if you've never played you should!