Well, that's not very nice!

"He's here, Mom. He's really here!"

My first training session - it was so much fun!

Of course I had to try it!

I'm stitching again!

Full bellies & a warm fire...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ha ha!!

A friend sent me this, and I couldn't help but laugh:

Cani-cross at Sunset Ridge Dryland Challenge - Day 2

Cold, rainy, and windy conditions made today's race much more challenging. But, they prevailed and held onto first place by a very small margin. All the competitors did a great job!

Cani-cross at Sunset Ridge Dryland Challenge - Day 1

Our competitors:

My friend agreed to come and run with Amber for me since I'm still injured. She was terrified because she had never run a cani-cross race at a good sized event before, but she had a blast! Amber did great and they had so much fun together out on the trails.
My son raced with Timmy and won (barely!) the race! They faced some fast competition, but ran well together.This is how I found them a few minutes after the finish...

Just when I thought I couldn't be more proud of my sons...

Yesterday evening they invited me to a yummy dinner and presentation for their Pre-Engineering class where they demonstrated (before a panel of engineers from companies that sponsor the technical school) what they are currently learning. My sons are really going above and beyond the scope of what the teacher has taught them, and the advisory members left completely impressed with their efforts.

This is the robot that my older son has been building from spare parts that the teacher has provided. It is controlled remotely by his laptop computer, and has a camera on the front so that he can see where it is going without being right next to it. Not only were the board members impressed by the principals that he has applied to this project, but that he could explain them so succinctly to a group of strange adults. I could tell that he was nervous, but he rose to the occasion. It helps when you not only know what you are talking about, but you are passionate about it!

They all agreed that although they are advanced in their respective fields, much of what he was talking about was 'over their heads' - he is well on his way to his goal being a Robotics Engineer. My younger son presented a replica air hockey table that he has been machining in class, and also demonstrated a video game that has has been writing in his spare time. They couldn't believe the level of skill in computer programming that he was displaying. It is very nice to be their mother.

Planting Cheer

Just as I'm starting to get anxious about winter's imminent arrival, (because no matter how much l like to play in the snow, it does bring hardship) I plant daffodils all around the yard as a promise to myself that spring will come!

Good Character

“He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ― Immanuel Kant

Super Moon

Dryland Biathlon @ Roberts Farm Preserve

Dryland 5k to support the Nordic team!

And yes, she ran in her Bean Boots!!

Tomorrow!

Hen-sitting

Yes, it's a thing...

Seen at the State XC meet...

How do you make hundreds of nervous teen-aged runners relax and laugh? Trot around the course in a dinosaur costume!

Final XC Team Dinner & Awards

Just look at him now...

Cooper's at school today! His new owners are making sure that the next generation knows what a yak is...and I think it's wonderful to see him again! Thanks for sharing, Chris!!

Big hugs!

At the State Meet:

In Box #1:

The Vikings, from Oxford Hills! And their proud coach, who got them here!!

All of us spectators agreed - we've never seen such a hotly-contested, closely-packed race as this one...the boys came back bloodied and mad about not having enough room to race. It was crazy!

And, don't ever let anyone tell you the cross-country is easy... 

Just a 'Dusting'

Taking in the view...

Hmmm...

Does this strike anyone else as odd? Or is it just me?

So much yummyness!

The Cheeseburger Deluxe Pizza is our new favorite from Doughboys. I'm totally addicted to it.

Someone must have a bad accent.