To say I have been negligent in updating this blog would be a bit of an understatement. But rest assured, even when I'm not blogging about it, I've been having fun and staying busy.
Conrad and I flew to Salt Lake for a jam packed weekend at the MonaVie Super Regional Convention. It was amazing to say the least. Photos from the firework-filled expo are up in the Gallery. We had a great time and celebrated Jeremiah's first Father's Day with the MonaVieCannondale team and the Gillespie family, including Conrad's first glimpse into the world of pretty pink girly girls. Eva and Stella doted on him all weekend long, and he loved it.
Next up was Park City where Cannondale was hosting the international sales meeting. It was a great time! What made this part of the trip most memorable were the incredible people. Imagine meeting a company's entire "corporate" staff... and feeling liked, welcomed and appreciated with genuine enthusiasm. That's truly what it is like at Cannondale. Absolutely refreshing. I think that's part of the "Good Fight!"
Okay, back home to the east coast. Been spending a lot of time with our family while Jeremiah's on the road. I haven't been in one place for very long and my voicemail and inbox are piling up. If you're in Harrisonburg and haven't seen me around, it's because I haven't been. I feel like throwing myself a welcome home party just to get to see my friends. And, despite the craziness of the coming and going, I'm already looking forward to taking Conrad to the beach to visit his Hokie Godmother, DR! Gimbel in her new MTV beach crib. (How's that for a you-called-me-out-on-my-lazy-blog shout out?)
Next week we'll be cheering on Jeremiah as he competes in the IntermontaneChallenge in Kamloops, British Columbia. And I'll be assembling IKEA furniture until my fingers bleed. HAHA.
Now I'm just rambling.
Here are some photos from our most recent fun, many more are up in the Gallery...
I'm still on the planet, but gravity is the only thing keeping me from going off on a tangent.
We've planted a small forest of trees at our house - a new maple in Conrad's honor from his great grandma, some kawanzan cherries, another eastern redbud and a dogwood. I'm also strengthening our front border with a mass of sea green junipers and rose glow berry bushes.
I enjoyed taking some photos at the farm last weekend, where plants blossom about one week ahead of those here in Harrisonburg. This is my favorite...
This afternoon, Jeremiah won his first road race of the season! There are some great stories from the day - he's sure to have the play-by-play on his blog or at the MonaVie-Cannondale.com site.
In addition to Easter, tomorrow is also the 'Burg Roubaix! Rumors are flying. Nick Waite is just over them thar' hills in his WVA motherland, will he sneak over for the gravel? Chris Scott has readied with a "Pro Tour Taper." Jeremiah will have to rally... two races in two days. Can he throw down, or will McKeagan seek his revenge? Conrad and Ethan are planning to watch the action as riders pass by the bonfire. I've got my cowbell ready. It's sure to be rowdy.
You know your blog is bad when Jeremiah tells you to get it in gear! Well, I've got a few pictures that will make him jealous he didn't get them posted first...
Last week I received some family photos from west coast Uncle Brad. My Aunt Julie's grandfather was a bicycle racer, and from the collection of winnings pictured here, we're all pretty sure he could've challenged Jeremiah to a track race... and won.
Check out the tiger skin covering that trophy base!
Talk about a trophy case. And, notice the note on the photo, "some of his prizes." Whew!
As for me, I had a fun July, attending Jeremiah's races in Windam and Mt Snow. It was an incredible experience to cheer him on during the Short Track National Championship race. I'll make a deal with you; my next blog will include photos, and I'll link to the video I captured of Jeremiah making what would become the race-winning attack!
For now, I'm tired again and am going to take a nap. Erin
1. parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.
2. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins: to marry into a socially prominent family.
3. all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor.
4. a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together: Many hippie communes of the sixties regarded themselves as families.
Over the past few days, there's been a lot happening. I'd best describe it as intense. Luckily there was a seven-buck Chuck wine tasting party thrown into the hectic mix as well. If you are in search of a satisfactory seven-dollar bottle of Australian red, then reach for Lindeman's Merlot. This mystery bottle #5 even beat out the french Beaujolais that sneaked into the tasting lineup.
Yesterday, I ventured into the land of NOVA to cheer on Jeremiah and Chris at the Capitol Cup cyclocross race. I was happy to watch as our friend Dave Weaver had a stellar race, winning the Elite Masters event by a healthy ten seconds!
The women's field was smaller than I remember them being, but the competition was plenty stiff. From the sidelines with some of the Dirty Girls, I cheered for Melanie Swartz - a good pal from 'cross seasons past.
In other news, I've decided that I prefer SmugMug for the new JB photo gallery. You can click on the Gallery link, in the left column.
Now I just have to figure out how to get the giant steel framed sofa (that came with the house) out from our basement and onto the curb in time for "Big Trash Wednesday."
You might have noticed that the Gallery link, at left, is no longer functional. I had nothing to do with the server's demise, but I've also had nothing to do with a solution. Until today.
Now, I'm exploring various photo hosting sites with the intent of finding a winner within the next few days. So far I've learned a little bit about SmugMug, Flickr and others.
If you have any input, I'm open to it. I want ultimate control over the "look and feel," buttons, options, and I'd even like to host the gallery directly from JeremiahBishop.com. I don't want ads or pop ups. That should narrow it down.
Back to the point. Here are some photos that have been floundering in my iPhoto gallery for weeks.
