Monday, April 30, 2012

Mountain Bike Monday - The Colonial Cruise

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Here they are! The Soma Smoothie ES (burgundy) and my bike, the Soma Double Cross (blue)! We have had the Smoothie a while, but recently Dynamo got me a Double Cross, which fits me perfectly! He took over the Smoothie (which was really his bike anyways, but I just happened to ride). Finally, we each have a bike that we can ride on the road, so Dynamo no longer has to ride the mountain bike.

On Sunday, my parents volunteered to watch Charlie so we could get in a longer training ride on the road. We headed over to Williamsburg to hit the Colonial Parkway.

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We started out by parking at the Jamestown Settlement and biked about 10 miles to Williamsburg along this nice, slightly rough aggregate roadway.

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For some reason I thought it was going to be warmer, but not so much!

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It was quite chilly and the sun never really came out! We plugged onward through historic Williamsburg...

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Past a pasture with sheep (sorry they aren't visible)...

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We had to go through the historic section because bikes and pedestrians weren't allowed in this particular tunnel.

We hopped back on the parkway and traveled the rest of the way to Yorktown (about 15 miles)...

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There were lots of beautiful sights and pulloffs, but it was honestly too chilly to stop!

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So, Dynamo was taking pics on the fly...

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I now know why I like mountain biking more than road riding. It's COLD!!! on the road!

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We made it in the cold the entire length of the parkway. All 25 miles to Yorktown!

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We stopped to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, The Carrot Tree...

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The temperature dropped a lot while we ate. We had planned to bike back 25 miles, but when we came out we decided to catch a ride on the free bus back to the car and ride the full 50 on a warmer day...

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Even though it was chilly and windy, it was still so much fun to cruise the parkway with Dynamo. We will be going back again soon and will get more pictures of the scenic overlooks. Next time it will be warmer, we hope!



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A little cherry blossom goodness

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So, here I go being wild with my colors again!

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I just love the way every bar turns out differently in the end!

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This is a new scent that I think I'm going to add to my inventory! Years ago, Bath and Body Works had a great Cherry Blossom scent that they phased out! It was my favorite! Needlesstosay I was very disappointed! So, when I saw this new scent out, I thought I'd give it a try!

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I'm very pleased with the light floral scent!

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And, I think the colors give it added appeal!

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We'll see what the customers think soon!

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So, close your eyes and pretend you can smell it!!



Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Celebrating 13 Weeks

Charlie April 20, 2012 (1)

So, Mom and Dad took me back to see Dr. Kinney on Friday! Dad and I waited patiently in the lobby for them to call us back!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (2)

When we got to the back, Jill took my temperature (I sure do hate that!). She got my weight too! I'm officially like 7 and 3/4 pounds! 8 on the scale at home!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (3)

I'm a big boy! I was calm and relaxed the whole time. I'm definitely better behaved for my Dad, so that's why he's always holding me. Plus, Mom has to take the pictures!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (5)

Dr. Kinney came in and gave me lots of love! She's fantastic!! In fact, all the ladies at Crater Road Vet Hospital are wonderful!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (7)

I didn't even notice it when she gave me my puppy shot!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (8)

My mom did get a lecture about needing to show me she's in charge! I already can tell that she's the softie and my Dad is the enforcer. So, I really work the system! Dad told mom to just boss me around like she does him and all would be fine. Dr. Kinney laughed up a storm at that one!

Overall, she said I'm a happy, healthy pup! I go back in 3 weeks for my last round!

Charlie April 20, 2012 (6)

Look how big I am!

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Almost too big for my bed!!!!

Life is good! I love my home. My Grandpa comes by everyday twice each day to play with me. My Mom and Dad love me so much. I try so hard to please them! I can sit, stay, paw, come, speak, sometimes spin, and even ring my bell to go out! I'm so smart!! I wouldn't say I'm housebroken just yet. I don't like the rain, so I've been a little lazy the past couple of days! I heard "bad boy" a lot!




Monday, April 23, 2012

Mountain Bike Monday - Green Green Everywhere!

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Wow!!! We hadn't been out to Poco in weeks, and we were really surprised at the green leaves everywhere!

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It was so beautiful on Saturday! We decided to get an early start and hit the trails while the weather was still nice. We met MBM at the park and hit the Lakeview Trails. Dynamo was in charge of taking pics!

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He is more balanced and can take pics on the fly.

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The only thing is that he got lots of pics of my backside, which is not my favorite angle, as you can imagine!

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The trails sure have gotten a workout since we last rode on them. We had to reassess our normal lines through obstacles.

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The lake was beautiful with the sun shining down on the water.

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It just glistened in the sun!

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We stopped and snapped our pic together! Our usual ride photo pose!

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I keep cutting Dynamo's head off! I try not to!

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I really didn't think too much about snakes. I know...shocker...but, it was just so beautiful that I was focused on chatting and enjoying the scenery!

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We rolled through the trails at a pretty good clip.

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I was feeling really good! The best ever, in fact. It was amazing! I wish every ride could be that great! I didn't think much about the pain. I attacked the hills properly. I felt good! I was really proud of myself. No complaining! It was a peaceful ride for everyone!

We even saw a lady slipper right off the trail on Lakeview 3! MBM told us he saw it the last time he rode, so we were looking for it. To our surprise it was still there.

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Then, right next to it were two more beautiful slippers! Just like the perfect couple together!

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We finished up our ride in record time for me.

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It's kinda like golf. You always hit that great shot on the last hole, so it makes you wanna come back for more!

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We're looking forward to another ride this coming weekend. We're in training for the Cap to Cap ride on May 12! Last year we did the 50! We're planning on doing it again!

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It's a great time. A fun race with good fellowship for a great cause!

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I'd also like to note that it's camping season again! The park was starting to fill up with campers and trail explorers! I mean serious campers!

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And, did you know that the volunteers at the park cut down the fallen trees and sell the firewood to campers?

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With camping season back it means we'll be soon smelling yummy breakfast being cooked over a campfire!! Oh, I love that smell after we finish up a long ride!

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I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

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Be sure to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

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Sorry all the pics have been of me. Dynamo is so fast with the camera. I had no idea he took all these great pics! I think he will be on camera duty from now on!

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Have a great week!