The Story of Stuff

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Maine 26.2, Mt. Desert Island

CDW warms up post-race in the car with the furkids.
Happy finishers and "Team Manager" Greg (he's not really the manager - he's just recovering from surgery).
Dr. Neal really enjoyed this one!
Our fearless leader, Coach Bob, at mile 20.  You go Coach Bob!
This is just one breathtaking view from the course.
A big pack of Pacemakers at mile 12.  Why are these people so happy?
CDW is feeling good at mile 20.  Lookin' good, too!
JAS and the pupps at the Gotts Island post-office.
The view from our hotel.

CDW and Jacks enjoy the ride back from Gotts Island.  Jacks decided to take a dip in the Atlantic!  He found it . . . refreshing.

What a race! Congratulations to all of the Pacemakers that toughed out this extremely challenging course.  I was only driving it, and I noted the constant uphill climb . . .  There were nearly 20 Pacemakers there, plus a few spouses, and a couple of injured runners.  I guess I qualify for two of those categories.

Just one highlight of the whirlwind tour (to Maine to run 26.2 and back all within 72 hours and driving WITH DOGS) was a trip to Gotts Island.  Gotts is just off the coast of Maine, and there aren't many full-time inhabitants - there is no public electricity.  You can only get there by boat. Our friend and fellow runner Jim has a house there.  His home is powered by solar energy, which we thought was very cool.  He has a treadmill there, and a little dirt track in the backyard for when he misses Wednesday mornings at Gilman (that's an inside thing).  Sorry the picts aren't in order. One day I will learn to do that, but not today as I take a 3 hour break from mid-term madness.

This evening we watched "Who Killed the Electric Car."  Not quite as exciting as "The Business of Being Born," but I would still recommend.  Counting the days until our next fuel-efficient vehicle . . .

Marathon Party

Some of our running buddies hosted a party last night.  Here is a shot of JS and CDW, and one of all of the Pacemakers.

Baltimore Running Festival

Today was the Baltimore Running Festival.  Neither of us ran, but a lot of our Pacemaker friends were out there.  I saw lots of folks at the 6 mile mark, and then at the finish line.  I also saw the Kenyans, which is my fave part of not being able to run (if I had to choose one).  I don't often get to see those fast folks when I'm racing.  It was definitely too hot today for a race, but everyone managed to smile in spite of the heat.

Here are some picts from today:  Chris and Jackson, A few Pacemakers post-race, runners at mile 6, Carol approaching the finish line, and Chris, Jackson, Charles and Carol celebrating her first 26.2!  Congratulations Carol!

Sports Injury

Turns out that sports injuries run in the family.  We think Caele got her injury Saturday after a dip in the cold pool - she then did a few laps at breakneck speed and then she was limping. Sound familiar to anyone?  Like mother like daughter (except for the breakneck speed part).  

The Dr.'s think that she tore some of the fibres in a tendon in her leg - that's what caused the swelling.  They gave her an NSAID injection at the site, and now she will be on an anti-inflammatory for the next few days.  She's also wearing this compression sock.  Please be quiet. She is trying to rest now.

Oh yeah - and I thought the Palin cartoon was really funny.  Thanks Carol!

Dogfest and Kittens Everywhere

Who remembers little Urban Meyer?  Well Urban Meyer (the stray kitten in my parking garage in January 2007) was adopted by a fabulous couple and renamed Huxley (I call him Huxley Meyer).  But I digress when I eat apples.  One of the many cool things about Huxley's family is that his mom is on the board of the Baltimore County SPCA.  Today the BCSPCA had their Dogfest event so we decided to check it out.  It was lots of fun!!  Doggies got to swim, go to the "beach," pick their own pumpkins, and we met lots of other fabulous dogs, some available for adoption.  We also went home with a goodie bag full of treats.

Another cool thing about Huxley's family is that they are fostering a litter of four kittens right now.  Soon these kittens will be big and healthy enough to go to forever homes.  So, if you've been thinking about getting a kitten, consider one of these guys.  They're all seven weeks old, parentage unknown. The marks on their faces are just a result of their initial homelessness & are clearing up quickly - they are all healthy.

Anyone who wants to visit them or has questions about the kittens themselves can talk to Heather - I'll be happy to give you her information.  Adoption applications are required for all of them, and available through Feline Rescue Association: http://www.thecatrescue.org/

Pictured, from top:

Monkey: Fluffy little Monkey is a little bit more reserved, but a cute & spry little sweetie. She likes to play, but LOVES to be pet and cuddled.

Oyster: She's a playful, mischievous girl determined to leave no cat toy unturned.  She's gorgeous, smart, spry & alert; clearly, she'll be a beautiful cat.

Mushroom: The smallest of the four, Mushroom's a darling shy girl who wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap and be held. Adorable and sweet-natured, she might do best in a quieter home. 

Blaze: The one boy of the litter, Blaze is a husky, lovable little scamp! Loves to wrestle and play, but the first to line up for pets - a good-natured charmer.

 

Pictures are here!

I have corrected our technical difficulties.   Top four are of the pool party, bottom two are of CT.