9-30-11

Martin: Another photo from where we were 3 years ago

Me: Another photo from where we were 3 weeks ago

9-29-11

Me: Thirsty Dog

Photo shows the excellent tongue lapping skills of Harley who is drinking the cool, clean, clear water of Lake Tahoe.

9-28-11

Martin: Three years ago this week we were on vacation in the U.S. Here's a photo from that trip. Daniel and Adrian in San Diego.

Me: After the Tahoe Bike Race on September 24th. I met some nice riders through Dan and they sort of took me in and even gave me one of their team jerseys. Cool! :-)

9-27-11

Martin: We had a family BBQ on Saturday for Daniel's birthday (13th). Pic of Daniel and Adrian with Daniel's birthday cake.

Me: We're HOME!

Harley and I arrived into to Phoenix this morning. Woo hoo! It's a long drive so I'm glad we split it into two days. After leaving Tahoe early yesterday morning, we spent the night in Palm Springs to rest our tired eyes! Bob booked us a very nice place (that allows dogs) using his hotel points. So Harley and I took it all in and went right to the pool to relax. Later we went across the street to eat at an outdoor restaurant (that also allows dogs). Harley was liv'n it up in Palm Springs! Actually Bob's mom said it perfectly: The Pampered Pet".

PS: Don't tell Harley she's a dog. She doesn't know.

9-26-11

Me: I'm going to hate to leave Tahoe for many reasons: the hiking, biking, peace, quiet, beauty, friends, family and fun. Tahoe is just great! On our stays here we've discovered some yummy cafes - one place being Sprouts (a little health food joint near the lake). Every dish I've ever had there is delicious and they have yummy smoothies and veggie juices too. This is their breakfast egg, rice and bean bowl along with a beet, celery, parsley and carrot juice.

9-25-11

Me: Doggie Paddle

Harley is not a swimming dog. She's never really liked the water and will usually only wade in to her knees. So I was completely surprised when on our last two visits to the beach she became a swimming dog. I think she caught herself by surprise when she chased another dog and ended up in deep water and had to swim. But the next day she willingly went out a ways with me and demonstrated a very nice dog paddle. Way to go, Harley! :-)

9-24-11

Me: Harley's first time paddle boarding and she loved it. I was a bit nervous that she was going to jump off but she settled in right away and just enjoyed the ride. She's a funny dog!

This morning I did the Tahoe (around the lake) bike race. 72 miles and I finished in 3 hours and 1 minute. I was the 3rd place female and maybe top 20 overall. It felt really hard! Though I'm not as strong as I used to be, I am thankful that I'm able to ride at a pretty high level. Our friends, Reeve and Dan competed too (on the tandem), but unfortunately broke their bike chain at mile three.

9-23-11

Me: Yoga on the beach

9-22-11

Me: View along our walk to the Tahoe Keys Beach. Soooo beautiful!

9-21-11

Me: Yoga at the cabin

9-20-11

Me: Afternoon ride with local friends, Reeve and Dan. We rode up and over Luther Pass to our favorite pie shop in Hope Valley. 

9-19-11

Me: Leaving for Reno in a few minutes as Bob flys to Phoenix and then out for a week of flying tomorrow. Pat and Bob are also leaving today (they head back home to Los Altos). Harley and I will be in Tahoe one more week. We sure had fun at the cabin with everyone!

9-18-11

Me: We went hiking along Cold Creek this morning and found a place the beavers had been downing trees. Bob and Harley didn't think it looked so tough so they gave it a try. Ha.

9-17-11

Me: Having fun with a cabin project while we're in

Tahoe. Here Pat is hanging onto the ladder while Bob paints the primer on the trim. Please don't fall!

9-16-11

Me: Our first time on top of Marlette Peak overlooking Marlette Lake (lower left) and Lake Tahoe. An absolutely beautiful morning and an amazing mountain bike ride which included views from the Flume Trail too (the Flume Trail is one of our favorite mountain bike rides). We joined up with Troy for this 4 hour adventure.

9-15-11

Me: Bob and I had a thrilling adventure today!! We went to Wide Open Excursions in Reno, Nevada with some friends to drive the desert dune buggies over some rugged terrain. Even got to ride with Baja 1000 champion, Roger Norman in his truck...talk about a hang on for your life ride!

9-14-11

Me: Our new pet duck at Zepher Cove beach. We stopped here after our bike ride around the lake. We were exhausted and needed a good spot to relax.

9-13-11

Me: Took a leisurely 16 mile cruise along the Truckee River this afternoon. Had a nicely paved bike path the whole way. Got a few sprinkles on us too.

9-12-11

Me: Bob made it to Tahoe too! Playing in the water at Tahoe Keys beach.

9-11-11

Me: Rode around the lake with our friend, Troy (from Phoenix) and some of this Tahoe buddys. 81 miles in dry, cool, perfect riding conditions and the last 6 miles in pouring rain and cold. It was a good adventure and I returned to the cabin a muddy mess. Photo above was taken at Squaw Valley where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held.

Remembering 9/11 today - this being the 10 year anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack. Thoughts and prayers go out especially to those directly affected and their families.

9-10-11

Me: Enjoying an evening by the fire. It was a nice treat that Pat and Bob spent the weekend with Harley and I at the cabin. We hit the Saturday morning flea market and garage sales. Found a few treasures too. :-)

9-9-11

Me: This is Harley in the car after 15 hours of driving. I felt the same way. But the two of us made it to Tahoe and we're really glad to be here in the clean, cool mountain air!

9-8-11

Me: With the help of my father-in-law I took an old toy truck (found it at an antique store) and painted it to look like the cattle truck my Dad had when I was growing up. Below is a photo of my Dad and his HOEGH truck. My dad loved farming and he always had fun on his cattle hauling trips.

9-7-11

Me: Harley & I on our evening walk.

9-6-11

Me: I'm no Betty Crocker, that is for sure...but I have had fun trying out some new recipes lately. This is the Banana Pudding and Greek Salad that I made for Labor Day weekend. The banana pudding is an easy recipe from my friend and was so yummy. Four of us polished it off in one night.