Christmas - 2009

Hub and I decided to travel to the Columbia Gorge hotel, in Hood River, for Christmas dinner. It is an old, lovely hotel right on the Columbia River. We had a wonderful evening. On the way there, we passed Multnomah Falls. It was a bit frosty, but still quite breathtaking.

Spider-webs

They're everywhere!

Portland....

.....this is why we love it. Doesn't everyone? Take a look....

Front yard

After fighting weeds, quack grass and weekly mowings for 11 years, we decided to change the look of our front yard. A new sustainable look was our goal. What do you think?

Wicked hot!

Hot!!!!!

Dogwood....

......pollination

Oh No!!!!!!!!!!

Poor Kennedy needs new front teeth.....

Bryce Canyon

I/we have been told by many persons that Bryce Canyon is awesome. Well, after today, we certainly agree. As you can see, there is snow on the ground, however, there was not a cloud in the sky, it was toasty warm, we could see forever and were struck by the incredible beauty. What a day!

1000 miles

I did it! Thousands of pedal strokes, bike rides in Oregon, California and Utah, lots of grease stains on my leg, a few bumps and bruises, and a smile on my face. It took me 12 months, but I put 1000 miles on my bike in one year. I am so very proud of myself!

Sunset....

...in San Diego!

San Diego

Hub and I have some fabulous memories of San Diego from years ago when we escaped Chicago's winter and visited San Diego. One of our most memorable moments was always taking the ferry to Coronado, walking to the Del Coronado hotel and eating lunch overlooking the ocean. We enjoyed that same ritual today and it certainly didn't disappoint.

On the San Diego waterfront, we found several fabulous sculptures. The first depicts a sailor arriving home and greeting his 'best girl'. We then happened upon a set of sculptures saluting Bob Hope for his numerous tours to war zones. (Click on any picture to enlarge it!)

Time Trial in the sun in Solvang

What a fabulous Time Trial. First the starting gate, then Lance on the course, followed by big George Hincapie, Chris Horner and of course Levi....raising three fingers in hopes of winning his third Tour of California in a row. We'll see!

Merced to Clovis

The riders rode from Merced to Clovis. We went up to see the "King of the Mountain" on Crane Valley Road. 7" of snow fell the night before, but the plows came out and totally cleared the road. It was pretty warm and sunny up there and we enjoyed the bicycle snowman, batman, and of course the riders plugging up the hill.
We then drove like crazy into Clovis to see the riders arrive. Of course, we saw Levi don the yellow jersey again!

San Jose to Modesto

It was raining AGAIN in Modesto. Below is a poster Livestrong is handing out. The next pic is the peloton screaming past us and finally ... Thor Hushovd ... winning the stage. Don't fret, however, Levi Leipheimer is still the overall leader. On to Clovis, Ca tomorrow. Can you say sunshine??????

Sausalito

A few pics from Sausalito.... a pic of Astana's bus. A pic of Lance w/his 'game face' preparing to ride, in the rain again, from Sausalito to Santa Cruz. A terrible pic of part of George Hincapie and alas a rainbow because it's freakin' raining all the time. This is sunny California???

Tour of California - 2009

Wow! Lance is back. Sacramento hosted the Prologue for this years race. Hub managed to get a few pics of some of our favorite riders....
In order below.... Carlos Sastre, Levi Leipheimer and of course....Lance!