Monday, October 11, 2010

This and That...

Last week was statewide inservice.
-Well not so statewide-
there were a lot of districts that didn't let teachers off.
But I digress...
I went to Boise for the art educators conference.
I stayed with a good friend,

who also happens to be married to me.
Here he is in front of the 32 foot trailer and his manly truck.
After the conference we went out to dinner at a Vietnamese place with Gary and Vanessa.
The food and company were both really good.
Then Saturday morning Chuck had planned a surprise.
We drove 24 miles to Horseshoe bend and took a train ride along the Payette River.Before boarding there was an older gentleman
who could sing a mean Kenny Roger's cover song.

We were hoping for some nice fall colors. There were a lot of golden browns and greens-
no real bright colors.
It was still a lovely, relaxing ride with lots of rocks, water and crisp fall air.
There were a lot of heavily laden Elderberry bushes all along the way.

When we arrived at Banks, the half way point,
there were pumpkins set out for everyone to take home.

Chuck and I posed for a picture.
(Did I mention I've been losing a little weight?!)
If I keep it up, this is where I'll end up.
RRRRRiiiiggghhhtttt....

It was a lot of fun and I really appreciate the thoughtful things Chuck plans.

I liked this sign.
It was laying on the ground.
Just exactly "where" are they working?!?

Ok.
Here's another reason I like fall.
Check out the size of this blackberry!
It's one that grew out front this year.
There are SO many fresh, good things to eat this time of year.
And yes.
Honeycrisp apples are still way up there on the best of fall eating list.
Speaking of good things to eat....

Drew came back for a re-make of the chicken etouffee.
This time while Chuck was home.
It didn't turn out green like last time- but it was still fantastic tasting.

We ate. Played a game of Settlers of Catan.
(I lost rather dramatically).
It was really nice to be able to spend some time with Drew and Alicia
before they headed off for the new job in Santa Monica.
I'll miss those lil blue peepers.

I got a package the other day...
It was my birthday present from Chuck.
Not to worry - you didn't miss it.
Chuck is just a month and a half early.
It is a GPS running device that will chart my pace, distance, time, calories, heart rate...
pretty much everything but do the run for me.


I haven't figured it all out yet - but I'm pretty excited about it.

When he left for Boise again he left these on the table for me.

Yeah.
He's a softie.
His cover is blown.
Love you Charlie!

8 comments:

Lost Woman said...

The train ride looks pretty and relaxing. Just what you need.

It took me a minute to find Chuck in that picture... it really helps to see the scale... as in that truck is HUGE!

That was one early birthday present. I have a feeling more will come as there are weeks to fill. (:

Guess what? I found Honeycrisps!

Love them. Now I'm on a Honeycrisp binge of sorts.


thanks for the update!

Ashley and Dave said...

Not gonna lie... I'm pretty jealous of your b-day present! Happy early birthday!!

michandler said...

What a nice guy you married! Probably nice to take it a little slow (the train ride). I love blackberries too. Didn't get too many this year because we didn't do much fall golfing--at least I didn't anyway. Sounds like a nice visit!

The Desiree said...

Way cute! I have always wanted to go on a train ride.
I think your mister man misses you! I love how cute that is. I wish the two of you didn't have to spend so much time apart. Blast these jobs of ours, they ruin every thing.
Question, you are running? Good for you, I hate with a capital H running!

wallymom said...

What a fun break! Love your birthday present. What a great asset to help you reach your goal. I feel pretty much the same as Desiree about running though.

jo said...

We've been on that train ride, too...not when there were pumpkins, though :(

I envy your birthday present....I've been toying with the idea of getting a heart rate montior...yours looks like it's the cadillac of monitors..lol! ENJOY!

I cannot believe the size of that blackberry...YUM!


Always love fresh flowers....lucky, lucky, girl!

My Angels said...

I think I like that friend of yours!! Sounds like a great trip, minus the fact that the trip had to be made in the first place in order to see your friend in the first place!( So good the make the best of it. I have to admit that I didn't know you were running, but I had noticed, and thought you were doing something, you are looking GOOD!

Kristi said...

So cute! He really is in disguise...we all took him for a hard sell...but he's really more of a sell out! ha You are definitely one to deserve it! You are amazing! love ya