There isn’t a lot about being an adult that lives up to our childhood expectations. But one thing – which would be to my serious childhood amazement – is my relationship with my sister. When we were little we didn’t exactly have the best sister relationship. She liked to boss me around. Take, for example, our 3-month road trips that…
Well, 2020 was off to a great start! Paul’s quadricep tendon was healing great after his Christmas surgery (in spite, as his doctor noted, of him ignoring everything she told him to do) and I was in a groove both in my professional and personal life. As he was starting to feel a better – as in, able to cruise…
So about mid-October, I got another wild hair… I convinced Emily that Dad only turns 80 once, and since he does seem pretty sure that France is as far away as the moon, it would be special to surprise him for his birthday – and while we were at it, we could celebrate Thanksgiving, her birthday, Christmas and Chris’s birthday.…
I wrote a recent blog post on receiving that faded, old tupperware with Paul’s cigars. When I finally came to terms with the reality after Irma that all else was gone, those were what I wanted back. Their sweet smell was life, and happiness, and love, on Poet Warrior, who I loved. I still haven’t decided whether I wish Paul…
So on my third day here, we set out on our first adventure – a two night hiking trip to one of the many remote mountain refuges. Being a newbie, I had much to learn about refuge living. I chose the Refuge de Loriaz for our adventure. Loriaz has been in its current site since the 1600’s, and the current…
This year, the flight gods decided it would be fun to throw in an obstacle to challenge my perfect record as Crew Chief. I planned this trip for a whole month – which is about 28 days longer than I usually plan trips for, so I was ready! Since Emily and Chris moved to France about six weeks ago –…
So last Christmas, the Baker family enjoyed a really special Christmas all together for the first time in several years. It was my first Christmas in my new house, and my first Christmas with Gus … who REALLY likes Christmas, it turns out. After we finished opening presents, Emily announces, “We’re moving to France.” So while Mom and I were…
So now that I’m back from Europe, I’ve told myself that it’s finally time to finish moving my stuff out of storage. On Sunday, I brought home a bunch more boxes. I got to moving stuff around and realized a few hours in that I had bit off more than I intended to, so I was exhausted. Near when I…
I came as close to heaven today as I’ve been yet. Wow … just wow. It is hard to find words to describe it. We left Zermatt early and caught the gondola to Schwarzee to beat the crowds. From there, we climbed up to the Hornlihutt. The route goes across suspended walkways stuck to the side of the cliff. And…
Today is Day 8 in Europe … and it has been an AWESOME trip!!! If my calculations are correct, I’ve hiked 45.54 miles with 18,767 feet of vertical over 18 hours 28 minutes. Hopefully my calves and quads are beginning to show it even a fraction as much as they feel it. Two favorite hikes so far. The first is…