Summer Ride - I've Lost Count

Steve and I headed out on two rides yesterday. The first was short and sweet to a coffee shop in town. The second was longer and more rejuvenating as we pedaled over paved trails, bark trails, river rocks, and highway. My favorite parts of the whole ride were being with my best friend and the wild daisies along the sides of the trails.

3rd Summer Ride

We took Wednesday off. It was much needed. Steve had taken off of work early to head to a motorcycle graveyard to find a part he needed for his motorcycle. He actually found what he needed and got a good deal (still $$) on the carburetor. Then he headed over to Jon's to install it on his bike. In the end, the carburetor broke, breaking Steve's heart a little and dashing his hopes for his bike to run reliably in the near future. Sad day. We stayed home to salve his wounds with some video gaming and unwinding time.

Ride number three was great! The weather was perfect - warm with a slight breeze and plenty of sun! This ride was sort of a tour of parks. We went through a total of 4 parks: Capitol Mall Park, Riverfront Park, Wallace Marine Park, and Olinger Pool Park. If there's one thing Oregon is good at, it's outdoor recreation. I have to say the highlight of the ride for me was the Union Street Railroad Pedestrian Bridge. Such a fun place to ride with gorgeous views of the Willamette River. Here are some "borrowed" photos:

Original Union Street Railroad Bridge

Current Day - Night Time Crossing

Our View Riding Across

I'm so sad now that I didn't take any photos while we were out. However, I'm learning to just enjoy what's going on around me rather than always pulling out my "high tech gadget thingies" as I hear so many older, wiser people say. Next time I'll try to get some photos of the river views from on the bridge. I also love the California poppies mixed with the tall blue flower stalks (blue/purple foxglove?) on the West Salem side of the bridge. So cheerful and bright! Another borrowed photo:

I wish you could have come along! We left home and headed toward the river, passing through the Capitol Mall State Park. Steve walks through it every weekday morning on his way to work. We arrived at Riverfront Park where we celebrated our first 4th of July as a married couple in 2008. It was fun to see all of the kids out playing tee ball as well as some teens swinging blindly at a pinata.

We continued over the pedestrian bridge to Wallace Marine Park where Steve led me courageously through blackberry thickets on an off-road trail -- my least favorite part of the ride. :P Then we headed back over the bridge and towards home. At the last minute, we veered north towards Steve's parents' place. It was his dad's birthday yesterday so we dropped in to wish him a Happy Birthday and take a little break.

In Oregon, I believe it is illegal to ride your bike at night without proper lights. It started to get darker so we headed back home. I was so excited to roll my bike into the patio. We completed a gorgeous, fun ride, and I still had energy when I got home.

We had only eaten a small portion of our dinner before the ride after learning the lesson from Tuesday. So, once home, we got back to eating our Beef Stroganoff. Mmm! Tastes even better after a good workout!

A great evening was had by all. =)

Thanks for reading!

2nd Summer Ride

Went for another ride last Tuesday. (Click on the photo for a closer look at the map.) Second ride in two days. Our bums hurt so bad from the abuse of the hard seats the day before. It was pretty miserable. I learned why you don't eat dinner before you go for a ride. My legs and hands were cramping. My stomach was upset. I felt awful. We didn't go very far, but we went! That's what counts on those days when you would much rather sit at home and watch TV or read a book, right?? =) I'll chalk it up to a victory.

Flood

Not a literal flood. Tears. The last 24 hours -- ridiculous. Last night we mourned the passing of Plexiglass "Plex", our Plecostomus. The death of pets is a terrible thing for me. I don't take it well, no matter their size or length of stay with us. Steve is my super hero in those moments -- well, in most moments. =)

My morning was going great, despite the absence of life in the "pond". Then my mom let me wish my Uncle Norman a Happy 54th Birthday over her cell phone, and hearing his voice triggered a flood of memories as well as longings for home and the precious places and faces stored deep in my heart. That flood had an avalanche effect and left me in tears while ending the call with my mom. Uff da! What a morning!

So much has been happening lately to remind me of the brevity and fragility of our earthly lives. My prayer list is long. So thankful God hears my prayers and give peace and comfort in times of uncertainty and pain.

1st Summer Ride

Steve and I took our bikes out for the first ride of the summer. Steve just got a new-used bike. He spent most of yesterday fixing my bike. It had a bent rear rim. So, as a graduation present, I got a new rear rim! Yay!

This is the map of where we rode. Our trail is in orange.

Last time we had been out walking, Steve found this really cool fishing hole. Nobody was there this time and we had it all to ourselves to take a quick break.

Such a beautiful evening out.

We can't wait for more rides like this.

A few random thoughts...

A boomerang is a lonely man's Frisbee.

Bocce ball rocks.

Chopped apples, strawberries, and pineapple with a dash of cinnamon is a great summer snack.

I love it when Steve offers to run an errand for me!

Steve, you're the best!

Love you!

Spring 2011

BUSY... Busy... busy...

That's life around here lately.

Steve finished Tilly, and has her up for sale:

There may be some issues with the gears or clutch, but we're hoping it's not a big deal! Doesn't she look fun?!?

We had a blast with Phil, Patty, and Maya during their May visit! Missing them so much already!

We recently celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary! I can't believe it's been over three years since this day:

We're even more in love now than we were then!

I, Kari, also finished my college degree! Still waiting for the diploma in the mail, but no longer putting off the celebrating and relief!

June holds a lot of activity and fun for us. We have our friends Rob & Catherine from the Tacoma, Washington area coming to stay for a night on Friday. We'll be in their city in August to celebrate their wedding day with them!

More friends from the Tacoma area will be down for the Church Association meeting at the end of the month. We're excited to see them and spend some time catching up. Chris & Lee will hopefully be here and have their new baby boy with them!

We've spent some time working from home as well as helping some friends move. I was more than happy to spend a few hours watching their baby girl! She's such a good baby!

What does your summer have in store?