Wow, That Was Hard

Pumpkin moved to college. Not sure how it was possible that 18 years could fly by so quickly, but wow, it sure did. She's loving her school and she's so excited about what lies ahead. We moved in her in on Thursday in what could be described as the tiniest real estate in all of Oxford. Her roommate is wonderful and she has a great location for a dorm. We enjoyed lunch with her at the dining hall and I ate probably the least healthiest meal that I've had in close to a year - fried chicken fingers, baked beans, green beans soaked in goodness only knows what, and ice cream!

So, it looks like I will be sending mail via Hedwig over the next few months!

Pumpkin Turns 17!

This past Saturday, November 6, my pumpkin turned 17 years old! I can't believe it. Her presents included tickets to the April 2011 Lady Gaga concert, some much-needed gift certificates, and a little Marc Jacobs necklace from her sister. She picked Players for dinner so she could have her favorite pizza - bacon with feta cheese. I thought in honor of her birthday, I would spotlight the last 8 birthdays since we've been in Cleveland - that, and I can't seem to get the scanner to work to scan the birthday photos pre-2003. Technology...a curse and a blessing. Enjoy watching Pumpkin grow up - I sure have!


Birthday 2003 at the Japanese Steakhouse


Birthday 2004 in New York City


Birthday 2005 with new skis and ski boots


13th Birthday 2006 at the Drake in Chicago, which included a trip to Tiffany's


Birthday 2007


Birthday 2008 in her Brady Quinn Jersey (before the "trade")


Birthday 2009 eating Lobster in Maine


Birthday 2010

Happy Birthday, Pumpkin! Love you :)

The Wonders of Dry Shoes and Dry Socks!

I had a 20-miler on this morning's agenda with a 10-miler scheduled for tomorrow. So it wasn't like I could just postpone my run hoping that tomorrow's forecast would be better. I dressed accordingly with my windbreaker (uhm, it wasn't waterproof I learned) and headed out the door. Here's the best part: I only wore the windbreaker to provide protection for my iPhone. I didn't care if I got wet, but I was going to treat my phone with care! Anyway, I hovered under a tree for cover and texted Meg to bring me dry socks and shoes. She showed up at mile 11 and I couldn't believe the difference! I was so cold and wet, but with dry shoes and socks I had enough energy to finish out the remaining 9 miles. And the bold cup of coffee at Erie Island was the perfect way to warm me up, plus it was wonderful sharing a cup of coffee with my not-so-little, almost 17-year-old pumpkin.