With the exception of a 1-2 hour visit this weekend, we have said goodbye to the family and friends for the summer. Since we got home 2 weeks ago, we have had people coming and going. The air mattresses are put away. The one word this summer that my boys have come to love is 'reunion'. They will now forever know that it means lots of people, playing, swimming, running outside, food and staying up late. Has been a great summer.

This past weekend my crazy Jbird has become even crazier. He is now riding without training wheels. He thinks this is really cool because he can make sharp, zig zag turns. On more than one occassion though, he has turned so sharp his pedal hits the ground, promptly followed by him. We have also run into mailboxes! He is so proud of himself and hopefully I can tame him a bit before B goes to school so he is safe on the road while we bike to and from school.

JR is home for a breather. Over the weekend he backpacked a total of 23 miles and spent two nights in the national forest. He said, although I have not seen pictures, he came within about 20 yards of a small bear. He saw something up ahead on the trail and realized it was a bear. He grabbed his bear spray in one hand and his camera in the other. Then let out a whistle. The bear gingerly looked his way several times, appearing not to feel threatened. JR raised his hand to take a picture and the bear took off the other way. JR was able to get a few pictures before the bear snorted and growled. Then JR knew it was time for him to depart. He is headed back out tomorrow morning for a few more nights in a different mountain range.

Week before last I hiked several times with a friend. I ended up logging 22 miles for the week and hit several new trails. We have not yet camped this summer, so need to plan at least one trip before school starts (August 24th).

Last night I worked my first formal event for the catering company. A wedding and it kicked my tail. Never realized all the hauling and setting up. I am told it was an easy event because it was only 100 people and the bar had plastic instead of glasses. I hope to work 2-3 events a month. I really like hospitality/serving in an adult setting.

Will try to load pictures next post.