Transition.

People have cautiously danced around the fact we lost two dogs this summer within 24 hours of each other.  Some indirectly ask questions and others just say, so how Elvis?  

Well, we can say losing 2 dogs that close together stinks and I sure hope it doesn't happen like that again.  But, our big guy is loving life more than ever.  He loves his new pal, Bailey, and they both LOVE going everywhere with us.  Camping is a blast and this weekend the cabin up north.  Surprisingly, they both stay close by and neither requires a leash.  Each explored the lake and the dock.  Elvis thought is was the biggest water bowl ever and we finally convinced him to stop drinking.  Bailey, she just wants to swim.  

After 5 hours outside running in the yard and playing in the water, here is our result.  View pics below.   I guess they are a little tired. Ha! 

I think they relate this to heaven on earth....

Life up north....it's rough.

We headed north for the 4th of July and had a great visit with the Gacnik family.  Plenty of fishing was done, don't worry we tossed them back so we could catch them again.  The kids played in the sandbox and tried to dig to China, the Mosquitos, all 42 various species, are active as ever and attacked us all.  

Most importantly, I came close to breaking Jeremy's fishing record.  (That's probably debatable, his fish was bigger)  his fish hangs on the wall of the cabin so I am reminded of its size every trip.  Lets just say I was a close second with this one and I threw him back.  

A great trip overall.  We taste tested wine daily and found some great ones. 

Another run in the books...

Having never visited Duluth,MN I was excited for my 1/2 marathon there. A great opportunity to see the area during a 13.1 mile run....Perhaps a beer by the lake to toast a completed race.  It was a great idea until it was 43 degrees, rainy, and 1/4 mile visibility due to fog.....the ENTIRE TIME I WAS IN DULUTH!!!!

It wouldn't be a race without a story, right?  Well, I had 2 Dixie cup sized beers, bacon, bananas and a photo with bag pipers all during the run. Let's be realistic, if you are not going to win you just as well have a story.  

So, I went to Duluth and ran a race on the most amazing course. I sure wish I could have seen the sights but I guess that will happen next time when the family is with me. 

This experience was reserved for another local mom and myself and we didn't let the rain and fog ruin out entire experience.  We found some great restaurants and local beers to try.  And as tradition has it, I enjoyed the biggest piece of dessert to celebrate another finish.  

New kid on the block...

There is a new kid on the block here.  Welcome to Ms Bailey. A golden retriever/collie mix, 33 lb, 14 month old dog.  Great addition to the family.   

The conversation for this addition went much like this.  "So I looked at a dog today and she's coming to meet everyone else tomorrow."  Needless to say she won everyone over, including Elvis.   

She's a great running dog already.  Although we miss our buddies, especially Dibs, Bailey is an excellent addition. 

Baileys favorite activities includes her 2 daily walks/runs, meal time and snack time with Luke.  Those kids are now great buddies!