Returned from Alberta

Well we are back. Had a great week in Alberta visiting Rachel, Travis and of course, Julia.
Julia is walking now - actually full tilt 'running' and arms straight up for balance. She also climbs; if you don't keep her socks on she can pull herself up and over the back of the leather couch in minutes. With her socks on she just slides......Ralf was reading books to her all weeks. She was fascinated with the pictures. Rachel showed us how Julia plays a computer/tv interaction game. When told to 'push the button' to make things happen - she is quck to smack away at it. Amazing to see how much she has grown in even a few months.
I kept up with my training - ran around the lake/pond in Camrose for an hour - in the freezing weather got a good case of 'frost balls' in the nose. If you have never felt that sensation before I won't get descriptive; unfortunately I have felt that before. Luckily the weather warmed up during the week and I ran the wheat fields in back of the house with my nose left unscathed although I had two doggy companions who kept leaping around me. Julia got some spoiling from the grandparents (us) who fed her some of the candies we were decorating her birthday cake with. She even got a taste of the piped icing - like a little bird - she loved it. Too bad poor Rachel had to deal with her at 0100 hrs that night. Who knew? We sure had a great time - it was hard to leave.

Unfortunately we also had some bad news while away; a dear family friend passed away suddenly Tuesday night. Otto signed my marathon shirt and led the supper prayer at the benefit dinner in September. He gave the Bridal toast at our wedding as well as our 25th anniversary party. Otto and Vi celebrated their 50th anniversary together with friends and family this past August. He was a good man, one of my father's best friends and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Otto's wife Vi, sons Glen, Lorne and their families at this time.

I don't have too much to add - the NYC marathon is sending me a countdown. 12 days to go in case you didn't know - actually 11 now. (just looked at the time).
I got a letter last week with a nice medal enclosed. Apparently I placed first in the Masters Division for Women at 'Jog for the Bog'! There was a slight route mix up on the race day but my thanks to the Race Coordinators. It is a lovely keepsake.
I will keep everyone updated on the countdown and results.
Regards
Jan