It all started with...

a statement that I made to my high school friend, Edie, at Ironman, Florida (Panama City--see previous blog about that). I think I said something like "There is NO WAY I would do that swim!!" Well, time has passed and it seems that when I say stuff like "No way!", "NFW!" and "Why would anyone do that to themselves??" — what I really mean is maybe I'll try it sometime. It also helps (or doesn't help) to have an uber over-achieving friend to plant the seed. Now that I've run a few marathons (and will run a couple more this year), I think this next adventure will really tell me how much farther I can go.

Today I signed up for Ironman Couer d'Alene, 2011, along with my friend, Edie. I'm truly looking forward to the training, the challenge and being able to experience my first Ironman along with Edie.

This fish has been out of the water a long time and I'm looking forward to getting back in and learning to swim for LONG periods of time. The bike will get dusted off and I'll fit that into what will be a pretty active exercise schedule.

I'm by no means a super athlete but I like to think I'm persistent and well... like the video says, I WILL do this!!

R.I.P. Chance

It's hard not to love a little Shih Tzu and especially Chance. My Mom and Dad got Chance after losing their first Shih Tzu, Teddy. I kind of brought Teddy to them and they loved him and discovered how much fun the breed's feisty attitude could be. They hand picked Chance and he was a suck-up from the get-go. He soon was the boss of them and where ever they were he was. He particularly liked to be where my Mom was but he his loyalty to her would go out the window if Dad was going somewhere in the truck. He loved truck rides! He also loved his white kitties that slept with him on the couch, eating at the dinner table, and herding his people on the big farm. He was extremely lucky to be a farm dog, and even luckier to be REALLY spoiled farm dog.

Chance all snuggled up with my Dad's jacket on the tractor in winter.

Although I've lived in Arizona throughout Chance's lifetime, I always enjoyed visiting and having him run in my bedroom to wake me up in the morning. He was well mannered, well behaved and lovable. I tend to get attached to my parent's animals because I feel like when I'm there, they are an extension of our family. I also just love animals and especially cute, smart dogs.

Chance passed away in his sleep just two nights ago. My parents really didn't see it coming and so they are really quite a mess losing their beloved little dog. Chance was 12 years old. So again our family has lost a special pet and family member in a short period of time. There is comfort in knowing that he was at his favorite place in the whole wide world when his time came. At home on his farm with his people.

R.I.P. little Shih Tzu. Your canine family is waiting for you in doggie heaven. Zach, Zoe and Kobi will all be happy to see you.

The First 50th...

This year is a big year for all things 50...

It's all starting with Wanda & Matthew's 50th wedding anniversary. It's also my Mom & Dad's 50th anniversary year as well. PLUS, Matt Jr. (a.k.a. the spouse and Cricket) is having his 50th birthday along with sister-in-law, Karen. Whew!!

We had Matt & Wanda's party on May 15 at Dan and Karen's beautiful home in Paradise Valley. It was catered by one of Wanda's favorite places to dine, Sophie's Bistro and the band with lead singer, Dennis Rowland, was great (Click through to his website for a few You Tube videos). They had played at Dan and Karen's wedding and they really know how to get everybody dancing.

We kept it a surprise for Wanda and she was certainly surprised to learn that we were not taking them to a fancy restaurant but bringing all the "fancy" to a place where friends and relatives could celebrate with them.

Here's Wanda with her "Queen" glass.

Group photo of family & friends

Matthew, Wanda and their boys Cricket (Matt Jr.) and Dan and the Daughters-in Law, Karen and I

The cake cutting, 50 years later!

Wanda with her siblings Jonni & Frank

Taking a break from the dance floor. Wanda, Dan, Matt & Karen

Wanda & Matthew looking good 50 years later.

Singer Dennis Rowland. He and his band were great. Really made the dancing fun seen below in photo of Cricket and his Mom. He hates to dance! But I think he enjoyed dancing at this party.

Cricket (Matt Jr.) & his Mom having a dance.

The lovely couple enjoying their party.