Christmas Tree 2007

Saturday, Troy and I decided to go Christmas Tree shopping. We like to get one early so we can enjoy it the whole month. We went to a tree farm to cut one down, but all the trees were small or large and round at $9 a foot and we wanted a 6 footer. This place was definitely not Indiana, PA., the self promoted "Christmas Tree Capital of the World". We didn't find one but we did have fun hiking and enjoying the crisp weather. We visited Jill and family at their cottage in Chester Springs and then went on our way to Produce Junction and got a balsam tree for $25!!!! And a huge wreath for the front of the house! LOVE Produce Junction!

On Sunday, after a day of leaf blowing and raking, cleaning and making turkey stock then soup, I channeled my Grandma Martinelli and made dumplings! We turned on Christmas music and decorated the tree. Troy made a fire and Finzel got nice and toasty laying right next to the doors. Mom - I love our topper!

Thanksgiving 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

While celebrating this holiday, I think about how wonderful my life is, how terrific Troy is and how much I cherish my wonderful family and friends. I also think about my Dad and how proud he would be of all of us.
I'm thankful for Troy and how he makes me smile and laugh every day.
I'm thankful for my close relationship with my Mom, Jill and Forrest. I love each of you so much.
I'm thankful to have such a terrific family and family-to-be.
I'm thankful for my friends, your advice, care, love, hope and true friendship.
I'm thankful for my health and getting healthy by running and eating well.
I'm thankful for Slate and Finzel and their furry cuddles.

Thanksgiving weekend -
Troy and I invited Troy's mom and boyfriend, Ed, his Aunt Linda and cousin Mandy and her boyfriend Mike to stay with us over the holiday. I hosted a brunch on Thanksgiving morning and my sister and family joined all of us. Mom stayed home this year and we sure did miss her lots. It's so nice to have a house full easting good food and visiting. Later in the afternoon we went to Bill, Chrissie and Wyatt's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was also Bill's 40th birthday! Happy Birthday, Bill! Everything was delicious. We did some Black Friday shopping and that night Troy made an amazing dinner of pork loin, kraut and potatoes. Later in the evening, we all danced practicing the waltz for our wedding, with Paulette and Ed teaching us. I love dancing with Troy. Then we got to playing some card until I looked at the clock and it was 3AM!!! I couldn't believe we were all up still!! We quickly went to bed. Paulette and Aunt Linda are troopers and they were up at 8AM getting ready for their visit with Wyatt and later to drive home. Mandy stayed with us and I really enjoyed getting to know her and Mike better. What a great weekend! We all had a wonderful time. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures!

Suntrust Richmond Marathon - NTELOS 8k

Last weekend, Jill and I ran an 8K (4.96 miles) in the 31st annual Richmond Marathon.
Jill ran 44:47:00 pace time: 09:00
I ran 51:41:00 pace time: 10:23

It was pretty cold that morning, but like Jill said, "the cold makes you run faster!" Here are the pictures from after our run with our #1 fan, Stella! and Nate too! Thanks for the pictures Nate!

Happy Halloween!

An update on Forrest & Crystal in Colorado:

Forrest and his elk, new dog Fisher, a pic of the ranch, Forrest out hunting, and one of them from this weekend. They didn't catch any fish but had a great time!

Young Family ~ Autumn Dinner

Bill and Chrissie hosted our first dinner in the fall season. We started out with pumpkin carving. Wyatt even helped getting the seeds. We had chili and corn pie out by the fire pit for dinner. Then we all gathered around the fire pit to stay warm, toast marshmellow and eat s'mores. It was a really nice evening.

Chrissie and Wyatt's Jack-o-lantern

Jason and Shelley's Jack-o-lanterns

Troy's and my Jack-o-lanterns

This is my Bridesmaid, Rachel.
I wasn't able to see her in SF since she lives in SD now. I couldn't wait to to call her when I got home from San Francisco. When she said yes I could have reached through the phone to hug her! Here are some pics through the years.

San Francisco Trip, Day 4: Belinas, Fleet Week Air Show and dinner at J&B's