Next Step: Tour de France
Mom and Dad came up for a visit recently. Dad brought his bike so we could explore some new trails. First up: The NCR and Heritage Rail Trails.
Dad ready to take on the trail.
We did the very northernmost part of the Northern Central Rail Trail and the southernmost piece of the Heritage Rail Trail.
Me fully caffeinated and ready to roll.
The first part of the trail was wooded and packed gravel.
It was a beautiful day for a ride. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery.
Making adjustments
Once the trail crossed into Pennsylvania, the scenery became more varied. We went through several small towns and saw some lovely murals.
Our northernmost stop: Glen Rock, PA
One thing that I was not prepared for was the constant slight incline (or decline). New Freedom, PA was the highest elevation point of our trip. Fortunately for us we passed New Freedom at about the 1/4 and 3/4 marks of our journey. The last stretch to the car was downhill and I was a happy camper about that.
I’m smiling because I know we’re close to New Freedom and a downward grade.
All in all a great time with my Dad.
Nice work, trusty steed.
Goodbye Charlie
After just a short time with us Charlie moved on to another foster home and was quickly adopted. That was probably a good thing, as he got comfortable with us pretty quickly!
Charlie: Ma’am? I feel quite certain that this bed would be roomier if you removed the brown pillow.
Chloe: Mama! Dis MY bed!
We wish you all the best Charlie!
A Conversation Between Charlie and Chloe
An actual conversation recorded at Casa Juice:
Charlie: Hi! Do you want to play?
Chloe: Dis my ball!
Charlie: OK, I’m going.
Charlie: Nothing to see here, I’m just over here being quiet.
Chloe: Dis my ball.
Charlie: That is quite an attractive ball.
Charlie: Oh don’t mind me, I just wanted to get a closer gander at that fine ball you have there.
Chloe: Mama, tell dat dog dis my ball.
Charlie: *yawns, fakes stretching*
Charlie: What? What just happened? Aren’t I adorable?
Chloe: Dis my ball, fluffy white dog. Paws off.
The End
The Great Frappucino Fail of 2012
I’m not sure how much we’ve discussed my frugal streak on this blog. Let’s just say I’ve got a healthy one.
Not too long ago I purchased a latte from one of my favorite local coffee shops (support local business!), Koba Cafe. I didn’t finish the entire drink, so I got the brilliant idea to freeze my leftovers and create my own frappucino in the future. Frugalicious!
Except that a latte frozen into an ice cube tray is really hard to release. And you’ll end up with several latte cubes on the kitchen floor.
Then when you pull out the blender you’ll neglect to notice that the rubber gasket has come undone, rendering the blender leaky. And you’ll end up with milk all over the countertop.
That’s a lot of mess for a morning beverage. Note the latte film in the ice cube tray. Those cubes were stuck fast!
Then when you finally use a mini-chopper to blend that puppy up you’ll somehow mess up the latte / milk ratio. And you’ll end up with a latte sno-cone.
Not quite what I anticipated, but still tasty.*
Perhaps some things are better left to the professionals.
*Why yes, that is a vintage 1992 Mardi Gras plastic cup. I’m so glad you noticed.
Gotcha Day (by Chloe)
Mama says today Gotcha Day. Been here 2 yeers. Not know what life be like if Mama not find me. I pensive. Also, want someone throw dis ball.
Weekend Wrap Up
This weekend I…
- Sang: My band performed at First Fridays in Ellicott City. Here are some pictures:
In front of the Old Post Office (now new Tourism Office). Yes, I am channeling Stevie Wonder with my shades on in the dusk.
And another pic, showcasing the rock star earrings Mom helped select:
Don’t be hating on my mad photo skillz
- Shopped: One of the benefits of doing a First Friday show was that all of the shops downtown were open late. I got some cute accessories from A Journey From Junk and Sweet Elizabeth Jane. Support local business!
- Biked: My friend and I were supposed to bike early Sunday morning before church. Unfortunately it was drizzly and gross Sunday morning, and Kara was unavailable for an afternoon bike ride. After church I spent about 20 minutes feeling sorry for myself and cursing singledom. Then I took the front tire off my bike, loaded it in the car and did the BWI Loop all by myself, thankyouverymuch.
- Watched: The Chicago concert at Pier 6 Pavillion (from Pier 5 of course). Ten of us (and 2 dogs) set up blankets and snacks and some adult beverages and settled in for a great show. Pier 5 might be one of my favorite places on earth!
- Volunteered: To be a foster for Charlie. Charlie arrived Sunday from South Carolina. He’ll be our guest this week.
I do declare it’s nice to meet you. Won’t you pet me on the veranda? Do I smell mint julep?
So that was my weekend. You?
Hola! Won’t you join us for Cinco de Mayo?
Happee Sinko Myo!
Let’s meet Chloe’s friends, shall we?
Up first, Ricardo the Rhinocerous.
Hi. I Ricardo. Pleese to not discuss horn. I embarrass.
Ricardo has been with us almost since the beginning (back in our Mr. Quackers days).
Next, Luis the Dog.
Hi. I Luis. I feroshus beast. Woof.
Luis was a gift from Uncle Russ and Aunt Jen. I picked Chloe up from a weekend visit and Luis was just hanging out in Chloe’s bag. However, Luis had been completely disemboweled. So I restuffed him and sewed him shut and he joined the crew.
Next, Juan the Amputee Squirrel.
I Juan. Just cuz I missing arm doesn’t mean can’t still wreck yer attic. Feer de rodent.
Juan is a particular favorite of Chloe’s. She is an avid squirrel hunter inside and out. It’s only a matter of time before Juan the Amputee Squirrel becomes Juan the Double Amputee Squirrel.
And finally Pedro the Sock Monkey. Or perhaps I should call him Frankenpedro.
What yu mean Frankenpe… hey! Not cool. I right heer.
You may have noticed a theme among Chloe’s friends. I’m not quite sure what to say about that. Perhaps I ought to try and encourage her to make some more diverse friends?
No judge, Mama. I celebrate my heritage.
