The Christmas Gift

"I wanted to surprise you - I was thinking about calling Chase and flying him out for Christmas".

Did I hear that right? Was my wishful mind playing tricks on me?

"I have been thinking about this for a long time", Gene continued.

I had recognized a definite softening toward Chase. "What are you getting Chase for Christmas? Be sure to put both of our names on it". But I had always thought, and in fact had been told, that Chase was going to have to make the effort. Now Gene was willing to forgive and make the first step towards reconciling our family.

I left for the office while Gene made the phone call, telling Chase he loved him, wanted him to come home for Christmas, promised no one would bother him, and that we needed to put everything behind us and start fresh and be a family again.

Gene called me, "Book the ticket"!


As we discussed the timeframe, etc, Gene added, "We will have to get him some jammies". (We always give the kids a new pair of jammies to open on Christmas eve.)


We decided that we would not tell anyone, and let them each be surprised when they saw Chase.

As I anticipated the visit my mind wondered, What will Sharna do? How will Kylie respond? I reminded myself to let them each forge their own relationships and simply enjoy spending time with all of my children.

I called Chase the next day to give him his flight information. He had just come back from purchasing some clothes, shoes, a belt, a razor and getting a haircut. "I only have work clothes", he explained. He seemed excited and a little nervous.


Gene and I were both excited, talking about having our family together, taking pictures, etc. We regretted that Arlene would not be able to see him during this visit, but vowed that there will be many more. Gene commented that he had discussed with Sharna the idea of doing this for my 50th birthday, but realized that things can happen in 3 years time, and that the time to reconcile was now.

We waited anxiously at the airport for his plane to arrive. Naturally it was late. We had told Kylie we would meet her for lunch and we had to call and keep stalling. Finally his plane was on the ground and we saw him walking down the corridor and through the revolving door. I reminded myself to be considerate and not "hog" too much of him, trying to keep from rushing to him, so that Gene could have a moment with him. I did not need to remind myself, Gene moved quickly to embrace him. They both hugged, tears in their eyes, pulled apart and hugged again.

We walked into the restaurant where we were meeting Kylie, and waited for her mind to catch up and recognize her beloved brother. They hugged and we enjoyed a nice lunch together. We told her that we were not telling anyone he was here and letting them each be surprised as they saw him. Our reasoning here was that it would be memorable for each person, and a bit less overwhelming for Chase if the reunions were staggered in this way. Also, we did not want others to know before his sisters knew.

Sharna arrived about 9:30pm Christmas Eve night. As she walked in the door and met her brother in the dining room her lips moved into a frozen "oh" of surprise and they embraced. We visited for a while and then Gene and I went to bed. I heard the kids up talking and visiting until late in the night.

Christmas morning was wonderful. Just before everyone arrived for Christmas dinner, Kylie and Chase left to pick up her boyfriend Jason. Of course everyone arrived while they were gone. When she came back, she commented "we brought a friend of Jason's with us". My mom looked up and then ran and hugged her grandson. My sister sat perplexed, wondering why her mother was hugging Jason's friend, and then recognized Chase as well.

The next day we went to lunch at the Cox'. Tammy was totally surprised and when she called Tom, he immediately brought his family over for a visit.

Over the weekend, we enjoyed visits with friends and family and then loaded Chase on the plane on Sunday night. It was a wonderful Christmas.

Before we picked Chase up from the airport my friend, Barb, gave me a Christmas card. In it she placed this poem she has written the night before.

The Christmas Gift

(written for the Kepplers)

The Man and the Son

Gave the Woman a gift

A Christmas give

By first giving to each other

...a gift of Love

...of Forgiveness

...of Healing

...of Wholeness

The Man and the Son

Gave the Woman a gift

A Christmas gift

As long ago, God gave a Gift

The First Christmas Gift

A Gift of His Son

...a gift of Love

...of Forgiveness

...of Healing

...of Wholeness

Yes, the Man and the Son

Gave the Woman a gift

A Gift of Love

A Family Together

A Christmas Gift

2008 Barbara J. Warner

Sidebar - I am struggling here, because blogger lets me put in the extra line between the poem stanzas and then the lines are not there when I publish the post and I feel I am doing injustice to such a meaningful poem by not keeping it exactly as it was written (and should be).

Neighborhood Walk

It has been two months since Gene broke his hip during the Portland Marathon. Recovery has been painful at times and Gene has been bored and restless at others - but he is making progress. A couple weeks ago he began walking with a cane rather than the crutches and this week he began to do some limited walking without the cane.

Yesterday we went to our storage unit and organized the mess that was there and brought our Christmas tree home. Then we had lunch and watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cowboys - YAY! After that, we took a short walk in the neighborhood. It was so nice to be out walking with Gene again. I think it helped him mentally, as much as physically - knowing that he is on his way back.

A Therapuetic Whine

I don't know if it is something specific, or just all the little things, but I have been feeling a bit down.

None of our kids will be home for Thanksgiving.

My beautiful butterfly koi was killed by a great blue heron yesterday. (Seems like every year at Thanksgiving one of God's creatures decides to help himself to a feast of my koi).

My knee is still bothering me a bit.

The weather is dreary.

The economy sucks and seems to be getting worse every day.

I do not have as much work lined up as I would like.

I had received an "Intent to Award" for a large job; attended a subcontactor meeting and sent submittals and was then notified that they "misread" my bid and signed with the another contractor - before even discussing it with me.

I have not decided on a plan for obtaining more work, and several families depend on us.

I have been incredibly disorganized at work (there are many piles distracting me).

Our business liability insurance carrier has decided they no longer want to write policies for roofing contractors, and I have been waiting for several weeks for my agent to obtain new quotes. My current policy expires in a little over two weeks.

Did I mention the economy sucks?

Okay - enough whining, time to get to work. At least tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will be taking a 4 day hiatus from work and from the depressing news about all the problems out there.

Goddess of Speed

It never rains but it pours.

Gene is laid up with a broken hip and he is quite restless. We got the Packard home a few weeks ago, but he is not able to do anything on it, as he is still on crutches. Last night he decided to get out his prized "Goddess of Speed" hood ornament and view it on the hood. Guess what we cannot find? Yes, that is correct, we have lost the Goddess.

Very much a bummer.

Trivia

Today on the radio they had a trivia question....What are the only two words in the English language that have three double letters in a row?

I knew one of the words was bookkeeper, but could not think of the other word. Beekeeper? No. I kept trying to imagine what the other word could be. Imagine my surprise when I learned what the other word was - BOOKKEEPING!!!!

That's what I get for overthinking it.

Boredom and Pain

Weekend before last we went wine tasting in the Upper Rogue because they were supposedly holding events at four locations. We were misinformed. Then we decided to go to the casino. This did not work out as the aisle are too narrow and there were too many people around for Gene to feel comfortable.

Last Saturday he went to a Duck game at Autzen Stadium. While he enjoyed it, the long ride, sitting on bench seats and the long ride back took their toll and he paid the piper on Sunday.

So we are still looking for ways to fill our weekends. Gene has a low tolerance for boredom and likes to be productive every day, so there we are.....

Weekend on Crutches

Everyone who knows Gene knows how much he likes to be busy, especially working, cleaning, building, and being productive in general. Sitting around vegging and reading is just not his style. So how can he stay busy while walking on crutches for the next 7 weeks? The dilemma.

Fortunately, it is football season, which helps to pass the time on Sundays. This Saturday we are going to go look at motor homes at the expo and go to "Wine, Dine and Step Back in Time" which is taking place at Agate Vineyards, Butte Creek Mill, Crater Lake Cellars and Del Rio.

I have made a list of other possibilities, but would encourage anyone reading this to send me ideas:
Gun Range; check Tempo; go to Movies; pick up video; visit friends; wine tasing; fishing; visit an art gallery; gambling; visit health club and inquire about facilities and trainers; visit Rogue Valley Running - 161 E. Main St (between First and Pioneer); make a new recipe; install Rosetta Stone on computer and learn Spanish; visit Barnes & Noble and Starbucks; browse Goodwill; attend an auction and/or garage sales; go geocaching; and my least favorite idea of all (but this is not about me)- go to Harbor Freight Tools.

Training Errors

Now that we are finally on the road to recovery, it has occurred to me that many of our friends may think that Gene's broken hip is a result of running a marathon and they will miss out on the satisfaction of undertaking such a challenge.

Gene's broken hip is a result of training rules we did not follow.

Rule #1: Do not increase mileage more than 10% per week. We really did not do this until August, when we doubled mileage from one weekend to the next.

Rule #2: Listen to your body and stop if it becomes painful. This one is more difficult, and I cannot fault Gene for this. He broke that same hip when he was 11 years old, hitting a tree at about 45 mph while on a toboggan. The resulting arthritis in that hip makes it more difficult to determine if the pain is from overuse or "Uncle Arthur" as Grandma used to call it.

Rule #3: Always keep good form and do not modify your gait in response to pain. In Vail, Colorado the month before, Gene was running five miles (another violation of Rule #1, as we had been walking 2/3 of the time and running 1/3), he slipped on an icy bridge and hurt his knee. In response to that, he began to run a different way to keep the pressure off his knee, which then puts additional pressure elsewhere.

Rule #4: Crosstrain. How can a recumbent bike or eliptical machine compare to being out in the early morning air? But crosstraining allows one to use muscles in different ways and gives overworked muscles a rest.

Rule #5: Not taking rest days. The strengthening of muscles does not occur when exerting them. It occurs during the rest days, when they are rebuilding stronger, in response to the additional stresses that were placed upon them. Bones also become stronger, if given adequate rest days.

Rule #6: Not doing enough strenth training. Muscles must be strong to endure a marathon. They act as shock absorbers when one is running, keeping much of the force of each step from impacting the bones. When they become fatigued, they are no longer able to absorb that impact, and stress fractures can result.

Rule #7: Follow your marathon plan. Our plan up until about two weeks before the marathon was to run 1/10th of every mile and walk the rest of the time. A couple weeks before, we decided we would run 2/10 of each mile. Race day arrived and we stood with a crowd of thousands. The race began and we started a slow jog, along with the rest of the crowd. We ran past thousands of cheering spectators. We ran past high school bands, drum bands, a bell choir, cheerleaders, Christian bands, Rock bands, a harpist, and we ran especially fast past the country music band (torture for the ears and the thighs). A few times, I worried that we were doing this completely different that we had trained and we forced ourselves to walk, but we felt so good and the adrenaline high caused us to just keep running.

We have learned (and I have read, so I cannot take credit for the idea) - The key to a successful marathon is not crossing the finish line; it is arriving at the starting line well trained, with no niggling injuries.

We had the best summer of our lives. Yes we have had some injuries, but so have most athletes - I love referring to ourselves as athletes, because I have never been one before. I was always selected near the end when choosing up sides in school. Gene's back has not felt this good in years. He told me this summer, "I feel great, and I am not ever going back"!

The Road to Recovery

Yesterday we saw the orthopedic doctor. He showed us the bone scan photos and panicked me for a moment, because I thought he was indicating that the facture was in the "ball and socket" part of the hip. He decided to do an x-ray after learning the pain had significantly increased since twisting the leg Monday (after the bone scan had been done). A fracture, approximately in the middle of the femoral neck, which went all the way through the bone (a displaced fracture), was clearly visible on the film. Dr. O recommended pinning it, because he was worried it might do a little "shifty, shifty". It was in perfect alignment so we also had the option to leave it alone. We felt not having the surgery was too great a risk because "if it does the shifty, shifty it could cut off the blood supply, causing the bone to die and requiring a hip replacement".

Originally we were scheduled to come back the next day for surgery, but getting dressed was so difficult, we went directly across the street and Dr. O did the surgery last night. He assured us the surgery would be nothing like the surgery when Gene broke his hip when he was 11 years old - just a one inch incision and a little "pokey, pokey" putting the wire through the muscle and screwing it in place.

While Gene was in surgery I sat in a waiting room - freezing, while I read and watched some of the first game of the world series (sorry, it doesn't get capitalized - it's not like it's the SUPERBOWL). I moved to different chairs, trying to find someplace that did not have cold air blowing on it from a vent above. Each seat proved to be just as windy and not hiney-warmed like the one I left. Finally I remembered that Gene had a shirt in the closet of his hospital room and went to retrieve it. Apparently, that is when the Doctor arrived to tell me how the surgery went, but we missed each other and I sat for another hour before hearing my name called over the loud speaker. So I still have not conversed with the doctor.

I sat with Gene in the recovery room and accompanied him back to his room, where he slept except to wake up and complain of being nautious. I left a little after midnight. When I returned this morning he was still sick - pain medications do not agree with him. He has discontinued all medication for pain with good pain results, but battled the sick feeling all day. So he is still in the hospital. I think he will be home tomorrow.

I cannot believe how tired and achey I am (considering I have done nothing but sit on my hiney for two days) - so I am off to bed, missing Gene but happy that finally, after 17 days we are on the road to recovery!

Orthopedic Doctor

Seventeen days after our initial visit to the emergency room, and after 10 days of steady decline, we finally see the orthopedic doctor this morning to (hopefully) get the official diagnosis.

I have my list of questions and have done a considerable amount of research on the internet (not all of it encouraging) and am hoping for a compression stress fracture (on the underside of the femoral neck) rather than a tension stress fracture (on the outside) and I am praying it is not in danger of becoming displaced (which will require surgery). If it were to become displaced, there is a chance of avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply causes a deterioration of the bone where it meets the hip socket), which would result in the need for a hip replacement.

So off we go - praying for the best.

Broken hip

Well, after nearly two weeks, the verdict is in - Gene has a stress fracture or fractures in his hip. Most likely it is in the femoral neck (the bone above the femor, below the ball which fits into the hip socket).

On one hand it is a relief to at least know, especially since the pain has been getting worse and worse (since he began walking on it), and yet it is painful and worrisome, especially when well-meaning friends comment that this is the end of the running (which is not true from the research I have done).

Right now we are waiting to get an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, and Gene is back on crutches.

The Depressed Stage

Gene has now entered the depressed stage of recuperation. He is still in a lot of pain, and we still do not have any diagnosis as to what has really happened to his hip. This hip pain is all too familiar to him - causing him to relive the long recuperation after he broke his hip when he was a child.

Today we go to the hospital for a bone scan, but they do not have an MRI scheduled until next Friday, so it will be over three weeks before we have an accurate diagnosis. To make matters worse, his cholesterol is up, in spite of all of our exercise and eating right this summer, making him wonder - what is the point? It is hard to remember how great you feel out on the trail, pushing your body to it's limits, and forcing those limits to expand, when now you cannot walk unaided across the room.

We will be having a word with the doctor today.

Marathon stats (up to 17.5 miles)

I went online and these were our marathon stats, up to the last timing line we crossed:

Distance Time Pace
10k 1:14:49 12:03
8.9 mi 1:47:50 12:07
13.1 mi 2:44:29 12:33
17.5 mi 3:45:33 12:54

Not bad for a couple of beginners. Of course the men's winner finished the entire race in 2:31:22, 13 minutes before we hit the half-way point. The women's winner finished 2:45:24.

Gene is still on crutches, but he drove into work today. He has physical therapy this coming Monday and Wednesday, a bone scan on Friday, an MRI the following Friday, and a Dr. appt on Monday the 27th. Maybe then we will actually know something. I have to be honest, I am a bit concerned, as I would have expected more improvement up to this point, but at least the physical therapist can begin to give him some exercises to help him begin to recover.

Appreciation

Nothing makes one realize and appreciate all one's husband does, more than an injury which prevents him from doing it. This week I have had to (or will have to):

Load, start, and empty the dishwasher
Pick up my own drinking glasses
Gather up the newspapers, magazines and blankets I leave lying around
Take out the garbage
Take out the recycling
Bring in the trash cans from the curb
Feed the dogs
Shovel dog doo - which I usually say I cannot do because I don't have the right equipment (testicles)
Mow the lawn
Rake the leaves
Stop at the store for bread and milk
Make the coffee
Get my own coffee
Bring in the newspaper
Review the days activities with the crew
Take the office recycling to the transfer station
Turn in the beverage cans

None of these, in and of themselves is huge, but Gene does them all, constantly, without expecting any credit (and often without any conscience appreciation) by me.

In fact, this morning he took the recycling from the kitchen to the bin, on crutches, even though it took two trips and I heard him drop a lid twice, which means getting down on crutches to retrieve it.

So Gene, thank you for all you do, every day, without complaining and without making a big deal out of it.

Portland Marathon

Gene and I got up early Saturday morning, packed, and departed for Portland, stopping in Eugene for breakfast with Kylie. We arrived at the Hilton in Portland, picked up our entry packet, and checked into the hotel.

We then went to Sharna and Eric's for dinner. We met Eric's aunt, Chris, and Kylie arrived. We had a great dinner and headed back to get a good night's rest.

Sunday we got up early so we could eat and have time for our breakfast to settle, got dressed and headed to the marathon. We lined up near the sign for those who expected to finish the marathon in 6 hours. At 7 am the race began and we crossed the starting line about 10 minutes later.

Gene and I were both pumped full of adrenaline and jogged quite a distance before slowing down to a fast walk. Thousand of spectators lined up along the way cheering and clapping. We felt great and continued at a quick pace, jogging about half of the time, knocking off mile after mile in just under 12 minutes per mile. In addition to the crowds, there were thousands of marathon volunteers, handing out Ultima, Gluekos, Gummy Bears, water and encouragement. Gene and I took care to drink at each aid station, and ate our peanut butter squares.

Along the route were cheerleaders, a bell choir, a harpist, bellydancers, and many bands. Down along the railroad district a band began to play "Now I'm a Believer" (the Monkees song). As I walked, I began to sing along. Around me, dozens of other marathoners joined in. After the railroad district, it began raining as we traveled through a neighborhood, where a mother and her children stood along the sidelines, handing out jelly beans. Then came a tedious section where we traveled along part of a highway, with only plastic cones separating us from noisy, fast moving traffic.

Finally we arrived at dreaded mile 17, which goes up the steep incline to the St. John's bridge. As we started up, a loud speaker blared the football touchdown song. It is amazing how inspiring it is to hear that song! It was also uplifting watching the marathoners around me as they bucked up and continued along their way.

We decended the bridge and began traversing through another neighborhood. Gene began to have some difficulty with his hip, which became worse and worse. We stopped and stretched, and I tried to convince myself that it was only cramps. We hobbled over to the next cross street, so I could call the girls to pick us up, accepting that we would not finish this race. The rain became heavy and we began to get chilled as the girls raced frantically through heavy traffic trying to get to our location. A marathon assistant on a bicycle stopped to help and called for a pick up. We heard the respondant say that there was an aid station about a mile down the road and we could get help there. I told him if we had the ability to walk a mile down the road, we would have the ability to finish the marathon!!! A very kind spectator, pulled his vehicle up so Gene could wait inside. The girls arrived - Heroines in the Blue Bomber (aka Sharna's car).

We spent the next few hours at the hospital emergency room, and then an inordinate amount of time filling prescriptions and traveling to three pharmacies to try to purchase a pair of crutches before giving up and borrowing a pair from Eric's Aunt Chris.

In the emergency room Gene apologized for ruining my dream. He told me how he had planned for us to cross the finish line holding hands. I assured him that we will run a marathon again.

As I drove back from Portland today, I contemplated the fact that I failed to keep the resolution I had made to walk the Portland Marathon. I still want to cross the finish line of the Portland Marathon, but the reason for the goal was so that I would be inspired and motivated to exercise. That was accomplished, and it was made enjoyable by Gene. One day early last summer, Gene was not able to accompany me on a two hour walk on Saturday. I remember realizing how long two hours was when I walked it without him.

We are in this together, and together we will triumph!

In the Dog House

After worrying about Maya all day and looking at Nicki's sad face moping around the office, it was finally almost 3pm and I was able to head to the veterinarian's office to retrieve Maya. I was lead into a room in the back and they opened a cage where Maya was calmly laying - until the door opened. She bolted past the assistant and I thought "the poor thing, she just wants to come to me." As I reached down, she ran past, with her head and tail down, trying desperately to find a way out. The surgeon headed her off one direction so she ran another, only to find the assistant had that way blocked so she grudgingly came when I called her (at least I was preferrable to the two stangers who had caused her so much discomfort).

The veterinarian showed me her ear, which has an 'S' shaped incision on the underside, extending from the base to the tip. This was not stitched closed (to allow the ear to drain), and there were approximately 30 stitches placed randomly in the ear, in effect quilting it together.

I put her leash on and began to walk to the door, with Maya 'running in place' in her effort to exit the building as quickly as possible.

I took her home and gave her two benedryl, an antibiotic, and prednisone. She did well, leaving her ear alone and only shaking her head slightly. The ear is shaved, and it is kind of stiff, making it protrude more and appear larger.

A few times she laid by me, and allowed me to minister to her, so I may be working my way out of the dog house - at least until I have to take her back in two weeks to have the stitches removed.

Monday, Monday....

I have been nie on close to useless at work today.

One of our dogs, Maya has an aural hematoma (she ruptured a blood vessel in her ear) and is having surgery today to drain it and clean it out. Then they will put several sutures in her ear to hold it together.

I brought our other dog, Nicki to work with me and she has been a blue reminder that Maya is "missing". Nicki is normally very hyper and energetic, but she just lays on the floor. If I get up she looks at me, and I know her eyes are saying, "Where is my sister and when are we going to get her?"

Then Congress failed to pass the rescue plan, and I cannot help but worry about the economy, our savings, if there will be work over the winter.....it is just getting uglier and uglier out here. According to most respected wall street gurus, the government could end up making money on the deal, but it is still widely unpopular and each one of the representatives is up for re-election this year. I think they each thought it would pass without their vote and they would be able to go back to their constituents and tell them "I voted against it".

If the government is going to have to buy all of those homes, they should set up a program to sell them to veterans and first time homeowners - who qualify - with good terms that will remain steady for the life of the loan. Now many homes will be too much home for first time buyers, but those homes will sell eventually and that money will come back to the government aka the taxpayers.

OSU verses #1 ranked USC

Kylie came into town yesterday afternoon and we had an enjoyable time talking about her work, her internship, photography, etc. We made pasta and used a vodka sauce Gene had purchased at a vineyard in the Monterey area. Then we started watching the Oregon State - University of Southern California game.


As half time neared, with a score of OSU 14 USC 0 - our power went out! I am not sure how, but for some reason, I knew almost instantly that it would not be a short outage. This was confirmed when we called Pacific Power.

I found the oil lamps but could not locate the emergency radio. Not being able to find something is a major pet peeve of mine, and I was particularly irritated that I had went to the trouble of purchasing an emergency radio (with a flashlight), that has a dynamo (a handle to spin and charge a ni-cad battery) and I could not locate it in an "emergency". I finally located it in a bowl on top of the cupboard in the sunroom.

Because Gene had been discussing the game during the outage with our neighbors, he wanted to take the radio to the garage, so they could join us if desired. We listened to the game in the garage, with our neighbor Kim (who was rooting for USC). If fact, in retrospect, I find it ironic that Gene who is from California was rooting for OSU and Kim, who grew up in Oregon was rooting for USC. While I definitely prefer to watch a game rather than listen to one - it was a great time, made better by the fact that Oregon State has once again beat a highly ranked team!

Paulina 2009

I called today to book our cabin for the weekend after Labor Day next year - and it was already booked!!!! (so I got it the following weekend). It felt good to enter the dates on my calendar and send reminders to Sharna, Kylie, Eric and Jason.

I got the pictures from Gene's camera and wanted to put a few of them on this blog posting.

Summer Picnic aka Girl's Night Out

Because Sharna was going to be in town I suggested that we include our daughters in our Tuesday night picnic in the park after Weight Watchers.

Unfortuneately, Rosa's daughter Brandi was not able to attend, but Tom's girlfriend Laurie, Kat and Sharna were there, along with Tammy, Rosa and I. As we sat in a circle, drinking wine and having multiple conversations at the same time, I felt a special warmth for the friends I have and the enjoyment of getting together with other women. I am truly blessed by my friendships and my family.

Hanging Rock Lake

While attending WSRCA Board Meetings in Vail. Colorado, Gene and I decided to do some hiking. One of the hikes I had read about was to Hanging Rock Lake. It was even mentioned in our hotel list of things to do and the description made it sound too interesting to pass up. The night before we were to go, I was told it was about a 45 mile drive to get to the trailhead, but by that time I was already sold on it.

Gene has told me that he prefers to not have a long drive to go on a hike and that he stoves up on the long drive home after pushing so hard up a mountain. But off we headed, having invited a friend of ours, Kim Baley to join us. After about 10 miles, Gene asked how much further.

40 miles.

40 MILES! I am going to kick your ass!

As we drove on and he learned that we actually have to drive past the trailhead, exit the westbound freeway and then get back on going eastbound he informed me that these points were being tallied against me.

When we arrived at the trailhead, so did a thunderstorm. But having driven so far, we took off up the mountain anyway.

The hike was only a little more than a mile up, but it was a hard mile, mostly climbing up big rocks. Gene reached to top before Kim and I and then came back around the corner and informed me he was erasing all of my bad points and was adding a couple of points in the good column.
Bridal Veil Falls cascading into Hanging Rock Lake
Behind the waterfalls
Taken through the "veil" of the falls

Anyway, it was a beautiful and well worth the drive, the rain, and the hike!

The First Annual Keppler Family, Post Labor Day Weekend

Kylie and her shadow...
Paulina Peak - 4 mile round trip, 1500 ft elevation gain...
The view at the top.....
Sharna's Daddy, is taking her fishing..........

I tried earlier in the summer to rent a cabin at Lake Paulina, but nothing was available until after Labor Day, so I booked the Eagle Cabin for the weekend after and Sharna and Eric and Kylie and Jason joined us.

We sat around the first evening, drinking beer and wine, and the guys all smoked their cigars. After Gene and I hit the hay, Sharna and Eric went exploring, watching fish at the dock, the stars, etc.

The next morning Gene and Kylie went out on the lake in the boat. From the lake Kylie viewed Paulina Peak and she selected that for the days hike. It was a good hike and we were rewarded with a few great viewpoints.

We all had a great time, and have vowed to do a three day weekend, every year, the weekend AFTER Labor Day - The Keppler Family, Post Labor Day Weekend!

Cape Sebastian

Our final weekend at the coast this summer!

We hiked from the Myers Creek pullout to Cape Sebastian and back. Heading out it was incredibly windy and we were getting sandblasted! But once we got to the base of the cape we were shielded from the wind.

We hiked up onto the cape and then out onto large rocks which extended into the ocean. After checking that out, continued to the top of the cape and came back and picnicked on the rock outcropping.

The next day my knee was quite swollen (a bit of an overuse injury), but we visited our friends Kim and Debbie at a beach house they had rented and then picked up our old friends Jay and Kitty and cooked dinner for them at the fifth wheel.

I loved spending August weekends at the coast, but we are thinking more of the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October next year, since the weather is generally nicer at that time. We will see!

Redwood Nature Trail

Our second to the last weekend (of this summer) at the coast, we went to Loeb Park on the Chetco River and hiked the Redwood Nature Trail. It was incredibly beautiful, just like most of the redwoods and the Oregon Coast.

The tree I am standing in, was very large, and very much still alive, in spite of having the entire center burned out - such endurance!

Whore shoes

I purchased a pair of whorish shoes this week. Now I know what you are thinking............

But these are the shoes I bought....

and I do walk the streets in them!

Actually, since walking the 26 miles to Ashland and back, I have had some problems with my feet and my knees. So I decided to take the advice of dozens of people and visit Paradise Footwear.

I walked in the door of a tropically decorated store, where there were a few other customers milling around.

"WELCOME TO PARADISE!!!!" I was enthusiastically greeted by a busy salesperson.

I manuevered to the running shoes and the owner appeared. "WELCOME TO PARADISE!!!!"

I explained my problem and took off my shoes and showed him my poor battered feet. He looked at the shoes, which are ASICS I purchased last spring and confirmed that they were indeed worn out. We tried another pair of ASICS as well as some other brands, but the ASICS felt more comfortable than the others, so in spite of the bright silver which makes me feel like a cross between a street walker and a 70 year old woman in a track suit headed to Bingo, I purchased them.

The gentleman who assisted me (and I believe is the owner), Tom Kalivas is a CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST, or C. Ped which is "a specialist in using footwear-which includes shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devies - to solve problems in, or related to, the foot and lower limb." (from their web page www.paradisefootwear.net)

It was a great experience and I will now be among the many people who recommend Paradise Footwear.

Brookings with Sharna and Eric

While waiting for Sharna and Eric to arrive in Brookings, Gene and I headed out for a walk. We walked down Ocean View Drive in Brookings and spotted a beach that was new to us - McVay Park. After scrambling down the embankment we walked along the beach and came upon a huge redwood tree trunk. It appeared the tree itself had been cut down some time ago, but how did the trunk come to rest upon this beach? I climbed up one side and inside the wood had an appearance reminiscent of waves and the center was hollow, revealing the sand on which this trunk sat.

When Sharna and Eric arrived we headed to Whaleshead Beach and hiked from there to Indian Sands. At Indian Sands we climbed around on rocks, viewing different little ocean inlets and caves.

On our way back to the RV Park we stopped and purchased some Pacific Cod fillets and clam chowder and prepared some beer battered fish fillets, tater tots, chowder and sliced strawberries.

Sunday morning we headed to Chetco Point Park and went tide pooling. On the main beach there was not a lot to see, although we did view a dead shark, about 2 foot in length on the beach. We climbed over some rocks and ended up in a middle section that was more exposed to the ocean. There we saw crabs, sea urchines, star fish and sea anemones.

All in all, another great weekend at the beach.

10% - Finally!!!

When you join Weight Watchers, one of the first major goals is to lose 10% of your body weight. There are substantial medical benefits to a 10% weight loss. Many people in the group reach this goal in about 3 months. Well, I am happy to say that I have now reached that milestone (and received my keychain), and it only took 2 years and 10 months! I don't think the folks at Weight Watchers will be calling me any time soon to shoot a commercial - but I am finally there (and I feel great)!

Now my goal is to lose another 20 pounds which will put me at my Weight Watchers goal. After maintaining that goal for 6 weeks I become a Lifetime Member. I say "Weight Watchers goal" because ultimately, I want to lose more than just the 20 lbs, but I can continue to lose without paying a weekly fee once I hit Lifetime.

In July, when I purchased my silver (6 month) membership, I vowed it would be the last one I purchased, so allowing for 6 weeks of maintenance, I need to lose this 20 lbs by mid November.

Dog Days of Summer

Gene left today to take Ronnie to Bonneville for a couple days of Speed Week. Ronnie's son has a vehicle there which he will race again this year.

I have been lazy today - reading, relaxing, writing, with a couple of chores added in so I don't feel too guilty. Actually, it feels very indulgent to relax and do only what I am inspired to do.

My dogs - Maya (above) and Nicki (below) have also been enjoying the Dog Days of Summer.

Steak and Roses

What I failed to mention in my last post, was that in addition to sharing his water, encouraging me along the way, going to the store after we came home to buy a steak for dinner, and preparing said steak, Gene also came home with a dozen roses "for the Marathon Girl"! He really is the Sweetest Man.

108 Degrees of Insanity

We had decided a little over a week ago that we would walk 26 miles on the bikepath Friday, since we could not go to the coast that weekend. Thursday was hot and I began to worry about Friday's forecast. I had wanted to be on the trail by 6am, but due to work problems, it was after 7:30.

We headed out from Bear Creek Park, only to become confused when we approached Barnett Rd. We crossed the footbridge over Bear Creek and then went across Barnett near the current I-5 offramp. Realizing we were walking in a construction staging area and that the path would not be there, we crossed back over Barnett and decided we would follow the signs which indicated the bike route went up the overpass. There was a gentleman on his bike who asked us how to get on the bike path to Ashland and he headed over the overpass also. He asked a gas station attendant and then told us to head south on Stewart Avenue and make a left at the first light (Center Drive) and we could not miss it. Reeeaaallly! We ended up pushing on, walking around until Center Drive hits Highway 99 and headed out past Bear Creek Golf, Roxy Ann Lanes, Kim's Restaurant and finally we were able to pick up the bike path at the Sports Park. On the return trip we learned that, had we not crossed the foot bridge, and instead headed to the site of the new offramp at Highland, we would have been able to cross Barnett and be on the bike path. People In Charge - it should really be marked better!

Anyway, we were off and did pretty well all the way to Ashland. We passed some people walking and many, many bicyclists passed us, most using proper Greenway rules and calling "Left!" as they passed us, which was most appreciated. There was quite a bit of shade from large trees, but as I anticipated the sun's path across the sky, I began to worry about the shade prospects for the return trip.

By Ashland I was wearing down and when we hit the 13 mile mark there was a shady spot. Gene wanted to push forward and get the 13.1 to be sure to walk a full marathon. I told him feel free and I would be ready when he got back.

Just before Talent I ran out of water in my hydration pack. No worries, I assured myself, when we hit Lynn Newbry Park in Talent I can fill up at a water fountain there. Many curse words were uttered by yours truly when I realized there was no water at Lynn Newbry. People in Charge - there should be more drinking water on the Bear Creek Greenway!

We decided to head to the gas station across from Walmart and while I waited outside and got the hydration packs open and ready, Gene went in and purchased the water and an iced tea.

The water and sweetened tea refreshed for a short period but the heat began to really take its toll. The rest of the trip was a tortured mind game where I fought off nausia, heat exhaustion, and foot pain. Gene encouraged, goaded and danced along the path trying to boost my determination. While a part of me appreciated his efforts, another part of me wanted to smack him.

I became more concerned with my ability to cope when I noticed I was not sweating and actually got goosebumps when a breeze came up. I stopped in the shade, drank some water and worked to summon some energy and determination.

We pushed on past the Sports Park, wondering where the path would take us. As we went under the new I-5 overpasses being constructed, I saw a large building that I mistakenly thought was one of the new hotels south of Fred Meyer. I began to curse and complain as I had thought we were closer, but then spotted the motel on Barnett Rd, and realized the other building was one of the manor's large apartment buildings and I was close to the end (in more ways than one).

We got to Bear Creek Park and I headed to the restroom, to run some cool water on my wrists. Because we did not take the same detour we took that morning, we were not at the 26.2 miles when we hit Bear Creek Park, but I was done. Gene said to use the restroom and he would meet me at the car. As I walked to the car I saw him running along the path, watching the Garmin, determined that he would hit the elusive 26.2, which of course he did, with a time of 6 hours and 52 minutes. I wrote 26.2 miles in my log, although I actually only went about 25.8.

We stopped at the store for refreshments, drove home, swam in the pool for a bit, and then Gene actually went to the store for a steak which he barbequed to perfection for dinner.

My feet have a few blisters and my knee is a little sore but all in all, I feel pretty good. Gene has a couple of blisters but other than that he feels great.

The high temperature Friday was 108 degrees, although I think it was ONLY 103 when we finished.

Gene looks and feels younger every day and is determined that eventually he will run a marathon. Last night we watched the women's Olympic marathon with an entirely new appreciation. Seeing a 38 year old mother from Romania win was inspiring, as was watching Dara Torres (age 41) take a silver medal in swimming.

Boys will be boys

Out at 3:30 this morning for our walk/jog, we passed two teenage boys. While they seemed harmless enough, the mother in me wondered what they were doing out at that hour.

Then my husband said "The kids have been having fun." I was not sure what he meant, until I looked in the street and noticed that the trash and recycling cans had been moved into the street, creating an obstacle course.

We walked a little further, watching early morning commuters manuever around the cans , and then Gene said, "What really irritates me is that I never thought of doing that when I was a kid!"

Hiking in Samuel Boardman Park

Friday we went back over to Brookings and walked 11 miles around town. The next morning it had rained a little and was foggy but we headed to Samuel Boardman State Park for our planned hike.

We started at Lone Ranch Beach, hiking the Oregon Coast Trail which goes from one viewpoint to the next. At Lone Ranch the path is narrow with plants on either side, so we became very wet as we traipsed through them, wondering if this was how our entire day was going to be.

When we reached the viewpoint at Lone Ranch, we could see nothing, because of the fog. Next we hit Cape Ferrello, which again had the view obscured by fog. After Cape Farrello we descended into a forest so dense that it was like walking into a cave. No light, or water seemed to penetrate.

At House Rock we were blessed with beautiful sunshine and gorgeous views of the Oregon coast. Next was Whaleshead and then Indian Sands where we hiked down through sand dunes to some rocks overhanging the ocean.

We decided at this point we should head back, as we had already hiked 7.4 miles. The hike back moved at a more brisk pace, however, toward the end there were more stumbles due to fatigue.

We finished the day by barbequing steak and drinking some wine, relaxing in the sun, and finally walking across the street to the bar for a nightcap and then an evening stroll on the beach. All in all, a perfect weekend at the coast.

Salesman Rant Update

Today, August 7 I finally received the last of the materials that were supposed to be delivered by July 11. Once the materials are installed and I am certain I do not need any accessories, I can sit back with satisfaction and know that I never have to deal with R.J. (aka The Liar) again!

46 Years Old (or Young)

In striving to be more physically active, I have read many books and magazines and they all promise one thing - that one will begin to feel younger by exercising. Today, I accidentally proved that theory.

In the wee small hours, while jogging with my husband and our two dogs, I stumbled and fell like a sack of bricks. It is amazing how many thoughts can cross one's mind in the split seconds it takes to fall.

"Please don't let me fall!"

Don't let me break my wrist!"

"No, not the knee!"

"Oh my! Not the face!"

Then comes the string of curse words. This took place right in front of my bank. I hope they do not have sound on their security tapes, which should be good for a laugh, anyway.

So now my chin, both palms, my knee and my thigh are scraped up. Part of me feels 11, because that was probably the last time I was this scraped up. Of course when I stand or move I feel 81, so I guess I am still averaging out to my age - 46.

Marathon Training Update

Gene and I have been walking to train for the Portland Marathon. A couple of weeks ago we walked 13.46 miles around our neighborhood. We did 13.1 miles (1/2 marathon) in 3 hours, 2 minutes and 30 seconds and we averaged 13 minutes and 55 seconds per mile.

During the month of July our training walks covered (drum roll please) 102.79 miles!!!

Rant...

Yes folks, it is summer time again - the busy construction season - which means it is time for my annual I Hate Salesmen rant.

Don't get me wrong, I do not hate all salesmen. I think it is a necessary profession and is a great job with unlimited opportunity for someone who is organized, knows his product and his companies production abilities, and is honest. Unfortuneately, that does not include all salesmen and I got a total loser this time around.

The biggest problem with an incompetent sales representative is that he does not seem to understand that when I make a commitment to purchase his product, I am tying my reputation and my word to his ability to deliver. If he fails me, then I fail my customer, and I hate that!

I cannot decide if he is a liar or is totally incompetent, and neither scenario inspires confidence. Supposedly all of my material will be delivered next week, but to date not one thing has happened as he said it would, so who knows....

Diamond Lake

This week's hike was around Diamond Lake (11.5 miles). We were asked to bid a roof on one of the West Side summer homes, so this worked out perfectly. After measuring the roof, we drove back to the resort, sprayed on the bug spray and headed out on the paved bicycle path.

If the first photo appears a bit foggy, that would be the fog of midges which hovered over the lake and shoreline. It does make one appreaciate a handkerchief (to breath through).

Half way around the lake we had an excellent view of Mt. Thielsen, and 3/4 of the way around allowed great views of Mt. Bailey. However, my feet began to hurt and the most welcome site was the lodge!

We topped the day off with a swim and a nap and it feels good to continue on our fitness journey.

Union Creek Falls

Training for the Portland Marathon is in full swing - including the increasingly longer walks on Saturday. Sometimes we walk around the neighborhood and sometimes we hike.

Last week we did an 8.2 mile round trip hike to Union Creek Falls. It was beautiful. The water was swift and cold, the misquitoes were out (have to remember the bug spray earlier), and we found out what an advantage the Garmin Colorado 400T can be when the trail peters out (mark a way point so that you can get back to a point when you knew where the trail was located).

Additionally, after hiking for several miles, there is a greatly dimished sense of guilt when enjoying a cheeseburger, fries and soda at Phil's Frosty!

Early morning opportunities

With summer here, Gene needs to be at work earlier, and yet we enjoy walking together in the mornings, so we are now getting up at 3 am, so we can be walking by 3:30. This seems to be working okay. In fact it is enjoyable to see early morning stars and to appreciate the coolness of the morning, before the heat of the day.

One day last week, as we walked in the early morning darkness, I saw a light streaking down the sky. Initially, I thought it was an airplane and became concerned about it steep rate of decent. It was in the sky long enough for me to actually point it out to Gene and we both watched it disappear.

This morning, Gene pointed to an owl resting on a power line, with his head turned, watching the crazy man, woman and two dogs walking so early morning, before flying away. I have only witnessed owls in the wild on a couple of occasions in my lifetime, and they leave me with a sense of awe each time.

So while I may miss a few early morning z-z-z-s. I am getting to see things that I would miss if I were laying in bed.

Tapas, Martinis and Life...

After a woman has spent the bulk of her adult years trying to be everything to everyone, she begins to really consider her life. She begins to explore interests she has had for years - begins to realize she cannot take her health for granted (in other words she becomes winded when she walks and has some new aches and pains) - and begins to take more time for herself.

Therefore, over two years ago, I began attending an evening Weight Watchers meeting and then going out for dinner and drinks with a couple of my friends. We are very different, and yet I sense the same desire to explore our own interests more. One of my friends is very actively studying health and aging issues and has really improved her health. My other friend is very active in genealogy, and is taking a writing class so that she can share the stories of her family. Me, I am not nearly as focused as either of my friends, but have always had an interest in writing. As we sat at the table and talked over tapas and martinis, I recalled reading an ad in the Mail Tribune, inviting women to submit articles to Joy Magazine. We discussed this, and made a pact that by the end of April we will each have written an article for submission. I am very excited about this - now I just need to decide on a topic!

Health...

Gene and I have begun to really try to improve our health. We are eating better, and really enjoying doing some cooking together. We are getting pretty good at whipping up stir fry.

I am now seriously training to walk the Portland Marathon. This month I am walking for 1 hour and 45 minutes on Saturday at a pretty quick pace; a slow walk on Sunday; 32 minutes on the recumbent bike and 20 minutes weight training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and a 50 minute walk at a fast pace on Tuesday and Thursday. I am pretty consistant about doing it, which makes me feel good. Why thirty-two minutes on the recumbent bike, you ask - because on the display there are 16 bars, so it moves to the next bar every 2 minutes, rather than every 1 minute and 50 seconds or whatever. So maybe Sharna got some of her obsessive-compulsive tendencies from me.

I took the dogs with me Saturday before last. They did well, but the last 45 minutes, Nicki kept looking back at me as if to ask, "Are we almost finished Crazy Lady?" The looks were even more frequent and questioning after it started raining on us. I have decided to take them on the faster paced walks on Tuesday and Thursday, rather than the Saturday and Sunday walks, as I need to be able to focus more on Saturday and I walk too slow on Sunday.

I am looking forward to doing some hiking. I am planning to go up the Table Rocks this spring. This summer, when the Saturday walks are supposed to be 5-6 hours, I am going to plan some hikes such as the Fish Lake to Lake of the Woods (18 miles round trip), or around Diamond Lake (11 miles). It will be cooler up there and provide better scenery than walking the Greenway or around subdivisions. Of course I will try to make sure I am well prepared - don't want another Blue Lake Canyon incident (sorry Kylie).

Sharna has been extremely busy, and has not yet begun to train for our Portland Marathon. Of course she can get in shape quicker than I can, but the clock is ticking!

I went and visited Chase in January. It was great. He is doing well and seems happy. Unfortuneately, he seems to be calling me less and less since my visit. It is hard for him to be away, I think, and he typically avoids things that bother him. I am going to have to let him know that this is not cool. This summer and every summer I am going to go visit him. I am not going to let another 2-1/2 years go by. I am looking forward to being able to do some hiking with him.

I was reading a book by Larry Winget - Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life, and he wrote something that really resonated with me. "Your health is a temporary condition. It is on a sliding scale. It can and will change in either direction." I had never really thought of it in those terms. I always knew I could do more to improve my health, but had not really looked at the flip side - that if I did nothing, it would, most definitely decline. Everything good in life is better if I feel healthy and strong - and if I feel sick and listless, even the greatest things are not going to bring me much joy.