did i mention we're back?

Back in MA, that is, and I hit the ground running, tho the internet was down initially.
Running literally, as well as figuratively. I've got a big coaching opportunity coming up, which means many things have to be done/finished/reprinted before Oct 11th.

Vacation was wonderful, and truly relaxing, except for the self-imposed stress of fitting in runs, which I did and am not sorry for. Fifteen miles last weekend :). The pic above is from camping, and shows the part I enjoyed almost the most, except for being with family. M and I built the deliberate-looking portion of the rock jumble you see above, on the shore next to our campsite. I was heavenly to fit/piece/haul rocks to build something useful and enjoyable, and I didn't spend nearly as much time on it as I wanted to.

Visiting friends was good, despite the heart-attack news received while at one house, and the hospital location of Danimal, who could use a ton of prayers and is still there. His skydiving accident was pretty brutal, and he'll be in rehab for years and lots of questions as to the possible outcomes of it all.

I hope to post more, but will do so when I can find the time. Lots more pics to share, and stories :).

Back from Early Holidays ...

We went to Chicago last weekend to see my family, and it was delightful. Relaxed enough, for once, with me not trying to pull off too many things. I did get to see all the girlfriends I hoped to see, in two small batches, and it was heaven to meet new kids, and have a gathering around the table again. Kara's table to be exact, thanks to her generosity, lovely home, and generally central location.

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Since coming home, things have been rather crazy. Michael's been working double shifts, both day and night, 6 days a week. Needless to day he's rather exhausted, getting sick, and I'm tired of not having kid-relief in the morning or much at night, and having to keep the kids quiet or out of the house to he can sleep. Shopping has been a nice solace/diversion, thanks to an early birthday gift from my parents :) Craft fairs abound with cool and not so "crafty" options, which I love. No crocheted toilet paper covers seen anywhere, but lots of knits, fabric, pampering sprays and to-die-for clay. Douglas, however, did manage to score a $2 'record bowl' that's he's very pleased with, and perfect for his collections, made of a slightly melted LP. It's now full of empty water balloons, acorns, sticks, wagon-wheel pasta, spiky seed pods, a glittery drum christmas ornament, and other treasures that I can't remember at the moment. I do remember the intense joy of collecting and hoarding treasures though.