40

My parents were married 40 years this weekend.  My sister planned a very lovely party that everyone enjoyed.  We also surprised them with a cruse to Alaska-we worked very hard to keep it a secret for a very long time and I think it was a success!  I even wrote a cute poem with clues that we make them read out loud.

Here is the booklet I put together

Summer continues

Not the season, although we have had some unseasonable warm weather lately, but the rabbit.  Before we headed out on vacation Summer got pretty sick, lethargic and not eating.  Sedated exam and radiographs were not that helpful so we started her on a bunch of meds and supportive care.  She had some ups and downs but then had a really bad day right before we left.  I was about ready to put her down when she started eating a little more.  Over the course of out trip our very patient house-sitter medicated her and babied her until she was feeling good enough to be a huge brat about her meds.  Since we have returned she has continued to improve to almost normal.

I still don't know what was wrong or if it was meds or time that healed her.  And I also don't know if it will last but for now we are happy she is still bopping along.

Another big eared puppy!

We have a new foster pup!  Tehani was a stray who has been hanging out at someone's house for about a month.  Her sibling was found dead on the road not far from where she was staying.  They were probably dumped.  The family took care of her for awhile but knew they could not keep her so contacted rescue.

She looks to be about 10 months old, is super sweet and very good in her crate.  She is mostly housebroken, likes other animals and has a touch of puppy naughtiness.  She is a little timid but just needs some confidence boosting.  She will make someone a lovely dog.

Zodiac's halo

Back when we lived in Columbia we were members of a dog training group that put on a performance once a year.  Each dog was painted on the set and after they pass away a halo gets painted on the set as well.

Marcia sent me this photo of Zodiac with his halo after the set was updated this year.  I didn't realize his name was spelled wrong on set!  But now he and Oreo both have their halos and watch us from heaven.

Lake Powell Half Marathon

Saturday was the big race that inspired this whole trip.  It certainly wasn't our fastest-for a number of reasons, but it was very scenic.  We stopped to take some pictures-one of the reasons it was not fast. There was a lot of lakefront running and even 2 miles of actual trail running along the lake-another reason it was not so fast!

The food afterwards wasn't very good but the medals were nice.  After some better food at the Bed and Breakfast we stayed at and a shower it was time to hit the road. We spent the rest of the weekend driving and finally made it back home Sunday night.  Today was back to work and back to laundry!  And in just a little while back to running.  When you have  1000 miles to do you only get one day off after a big race!

Antelope Canyon

We also did this yesterday.  It was really one of the coolest things we have seen.  These are considered "slot" canyons because they are so narrow.  It was very surreal looking, you can't really believe something like this was naturally created.  It looks like an abstract work of art or another planet.

See that crack in the ground?  That's the canyon.  We came out right near where this picture was taken.  Hard to believe all that was underground!

Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend

Yesterday we took a brief trip to the Grand Canyon.  Lodging and logistics led us to try out the North Rim.  It was ok, but we didn't have great lighting and overall I thought the views from the South Rim were better.  But now we have seen both.  The lodge we stayed at did have excellent cookies though.

Then we headed on in to Lake Powell where the resort is apparently home to dozens of wild rabbits that hang out on the manicured grass.  You can even get married here-I did not know when I was planning my wedding that getting married in a field of bunnies was an option!

The resort was nice and we had nice views of the lake and Marina.

 Today we also took the short hike to Horseshoe bend-which was cool but I forgot to put the memory card back in the camera so this is a cell phone picture.

Parks Day 2

Yesterday we hit Zion National Park.  I think the books underrated this one as well.  Unfortunately because of the size and expanse of the rock formations it's hard to really appreciate in photos.  But it was really nice.  You have all the cool rocks and canyons of the rest of Utah, but with more greenery and vegetation.  We didn't get to see all the park but did hit a few trials and enjoyed the canyon area.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Yes, we are on vacation again.  This year was Cheri's pick for the half-marathon trip and she chose Lake Powell so we are all spending another week out west.  After two days of driving we met Steve and Cheri in Utah and our first day of fun stuff was at Bryce canyon.  The pictures in the guide books, and these as well don't really do it justice.  This park was a welcome suprise and we enjoyed our day of light hiking and sight-seeing.