Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

LA Marathon

Guys, check out this awesome race!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Monday, April 06, 2009

The Perfect Day

Yesterday had it all:

Beautiful weather, including a trip to the park where folks were flying kites. Meg loved watching the kites while Stella chased a friend around in a wide expanse of dark green grass think as shag carpet.

Healthy and happy aforementioned kids.

Eric and Marian not stressed about money for the first time in nearly 5 years.

A Highland Brewing Company medley of beers. Marian had the Black Mocha Stout. Eric had a St. Theresa's Pale Ale (I can't drink a pale ale often, but every now and then it's very fine).

Time on our porch, the best reason for owning this house.

An "everything" bagel at Breuggher's, toasted, with honey-walnut cream cheese.

No war. No deranged shooters along our day's journey. No terminal disease that we know of ruining our day.

It really was our little bit of heaven on Earth. And it makes me want to help others achieve this kind of life - if only for a day!

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Madagascar


Long before Disney popularized the place, I'd wanted to visit Madagascar. A tour of the Lemur Center at Duke University only strengthened that desire.

I learned a bit more about the place from two Presbyterian Missionaries from Raleigh named Dan and Elizabeth Turk. They are truly down-to-earth - quite literally in Dan's case, as he's a soil scientist. Elizabeth works with village women to improve their health outcomes. They do not match the stereotype of "converting the natives" and telling them to wear more clothes.

The country had a coup recently, and the old president had to flee the country. Hate that sort of thing, but it's pretty standard stuff the world over.

I bring it up because our friends the Schmerkers are traveling the world and talking about going there. I'm really jealous, but I hope they can do it. They take really good photos and blog well at http://parisbaconpesto.blogspot.com.

A bit of Larson trivia: Marian's birthstone is sapphire, and the blue sapphire for her engagement ring likely came from Madagascar.

Here is a good blog about the country.