Wisconsin?

Tom and left-overs at Lake Geneva

I just returned from my inaugural visit to Wisconsin! I attended an "active literacy" conference there featuring some big names in education, about 250 other educators, and my boss. The location in Delavan outside of Lake Geneva, WI was lovely and peaceful and I got some awesome ideas and energy toward next year with my kiddies. The population of people there was totally unique and diverse and yet we were all there to better our practice and share what little we do now that works -- way cool I think. I continue to stand in awe of landing in a career and field that I love and believe in so much...

I will try to post more pictures of the actual conference if they become available!

Me and the Boys

Lutes and Miller enjoying the rain

The boys at Mayfel's - yum, yum.

Delayed blogging, I know, but I wanted to post these pics from two weeks ago ... we spent the weekend with Lutes and Miller in Ashe-vegas after Plumtucker's Charlotte perfomance (which was wonderful...) - good times were had by all!

Still Swingin'

As promised, I am giving you readers a brief update on Beginner's Golf School...so far I have had 4 of 6 sessions and it's going surprisingly well! The school focuses on the fundamentals of grip, posture, and basic swing and you move from there. I am most proud of my chipping and putting thus far and am trying to be positive off the tee - though the woods are killin' me! Here are some pictures of the school for your enjoyment - FORE!

Poor Sissy

My poor sister - she found out last week that in addition to the original stress fracture she had in her foot, she actually has THREE in her foot (heel, between toes, and foot) - yikers. Looks like the boot is here to stay for a while...

The small black line on the picture shows an example of a stress fracture - some of the websites I just read about these used terms like "dreaded" and "very painful" to describe them. Sad! Hang in there, Melon - love you.

For my nerdy friends who want to know more technical information, check out this Web MD website on stress fractures!

Too Wonderful Not to Post

Enjoy this new shot from Andrea's wedding courtesy of her friend Jason...it's delightful!

Fore!

I'm officially back in love with blogging after being on vaca - oh, how I missed it so!

At this time, I'd like to issue a word of warning: Fore! I am started beginning golf lessons tomorrow at the excellent Dana Radar Golf School in Ballantyne! I am doing six 90 minute sessions in the "beginners school" for women - woo hoo!

I'll blog how it goes as I get going...

Plumtucker in Charlotte

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

Our talented and gifted good friend David "Plumtucker" Lutes is coming to Charlotte town and is playing at the Evening Muse this Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. He is promoting his new CD Lightning Wheels and we would love for as many as can to come out and support him and enjoy his amazing music and sound. I would describe his style as folky-rock - though you can check him out for yourself with the info. below - hope to see you there!

Visit the website at: http://www.plumtucker.net/ and reserve your tix at www.eveningmuse.com.

If you are interested in giving his new CD a preview, check it out at: www.cdbaby.com/cd/plumtucker

"Take me to the Nugs!"

David Rietz is crazy in love.

Annabelle (the Nugget/nuggles/the Nugs) has got her uncle wrapped around her little finger. Truth be told, I'm pretty crazy about her, too. Enjoy the pics...

Catalina

Dave at Descanso Beach

On the Undersea Tour

After CDM, Dave and I hopped on the CatJet Express and jaunted across the Pacific Ocean to visit Catalina Island for a few days. What a cool place - primarily developed by Jim Wrigley and the past home of the Chicago Cubs spring training, it is an eclectic little oasis with everything from palm trees to buffalo. So what if the hotel we thought would be lovely turned out to be iffy...we still had a marvelous time. Some highlights for you travel lovers: inland island tour, visiting "The Airport in the Sky" where celebs like Tom Cruise fly their private planes into, a submarine tour where we say our first Garibaldi fish up close and personal, movie night in a 1930s theater, and crystal clear water like you've never seen.

I have to give major props to my sister, Ellen, who graciously dropped us at the port and picked us up - that's love, man.

CDM

Sisters on the Beach

Me and my Niece!
Ellen wins at Mexican train...again!
The Hat Brigade at the Market
David and Nugs in the Baby Bjorn

We spent the first three nights in Corona Del Mar at the Ralston's place and on the beach - clearly, it was amazing.

LA, la, la, la, la....la, la, la, la!

Well, we made it back from our big CA trip safe and sound - with just a bit of inkling to get our tails out to the west coast more often, if not forever. We had an amazing time with Bill and Liz, our niece Annabelle (aka "Nugs"), and my Ellen. One of my favorite LA moments was cruising the Wilshire Blvd. with some pretty fancy wares (Chanel, Hermes, etc.!) for a pretty fancy boss who shall remain nameless...I'd also like to give a shot out to ye' old boot, pictured here. Let this be a lesson to you all: high heeled wedges and stress fractures do not mix. However, let's face it, even in the boot, Ellie looks pretty darn cute!

The Fuquays!

"The House Party, they came in, they came in by twosies, twosies..."

Rehearsing with the Girls
Almost married!
I spy a bride...
Bliss



It's official - Andrea and Richard Fuquay are married...what an incredible weekend and a truly lovely celebration of some of the most excellent people I know. Classy, elegant, and simple are the words that pop into my mind first -- that, and the infamous Table 3 from the rehearsal dinner! Can't wait to post pictures when 10x zoom sends them my way...