AIR NATIONAL GUARD
Michael was sworn in earlier this month into the Air National Guard and is not longer in the Army reserves. There were many reasons for this. One being that his old unit in Washington was downsizing their medical personel and needed to release some soldiers. The ANG had a perfect reservist position open in the medical field up in Harrisburg that was perfect for Michael. He is able to go into it without having to going away for a month to four month training. So he crossed straight over and is now int he Air National Guard reserves with the whole one weekend a month and two weeks a year thing.
MICHAEL IS A WINNER
We all headed down to Greenbrier park just South of here for a National qualifying mountain bike race. The top 33% of finishers were eligible to go to Nationals in Vermont. The race was five laps on a rocky, hilly, technical course, which is perfectly suited for Michael. He has been training mainly on the road bike, but it was obvious when he crossed the finish line in first that his natural ability and true love is for mountain biking. Looks like we might be heading to more mountain bike races in the near future.
FIRST TRIATHLON OF THE YEAR
Michael and I headed up to Butler for a family visit and to do an early season triathlon. The race was located at Slippery Rock University, about twenty minutes from Butler, PA where the majority of Michael's side of the family lives. With Gilbert in the safe hands of the Grandparents we headed up to the race. I know this might come as a surprise to some, but the only training Michael did was on the bike. Despite the lack of proper training, Michael used his natural talent and came across the finish line in seventh place out of about 80 men. I did train, and also dug deep because let me tell you the come back trail after having a baby is longer and harder than I thought it would be. But training paid off and I managed to come in first out of about eighty women. This is my first win ever in a triathlon and a really great welcome back to racing.
MOTHER'S DAY
Michael make me a mother's day cake, plus bought flowers with a sweet card from both him, Gilbert, Lucy and Meowsey. A great first mother's day!
GRANDMA JUDY aka MY MOM COMES FOR A VISIT
My mom flew in from Alaska on May 17th and stayed through May 25th. When she first arrived we met in Ellicot City because I was racing the Columbia Triathlon the next day. With 2100 people racing I really needed her help with Gilbert so that I could get through all the logistic of the race. Thanks mom! Her first few days in Chambersburg were rainy and much like Portland weather. We tried to do indoor things like head North to the Bent & Dent Grocery which is run by the Amish. On the way back we took the scenic route and went through an amazing covered bridge, I think she will have her camera next time we head up there. I did realize as a result of her visit, that there isn't much to do here in Chambersburg. So we headed just 25 miles East for a visit to Gettysburg. Thanks goodness it was a sunny day as most of the sites are outside, with the exception of a new museum. Needless to say Gilbert wasn't too into the museum, too crowded and noisy, and his howls cut that visit short. But touring the fields where the battles took place was great, and one step closer to getting a grasp on US history. From Chambersburg my mom hit the road to the NE to visit friends and family for the next few weeks, and will be back again in June for another visit on her way back to Alaska. See you soon mom!
