Sunday, June 13, 2010

Loving Bend even More

Josh and Missy have only lived in Bend since December - all new city, all new friends. Missy has been able to make friends with the kindergarten mommies, and at their encouragement, signed up in February for a training class to run a half marathon. She has never run before this.

Last night Valerie, Jen and Miss had dinner here to "carbo load." Josh cooked and the husbands and children came. It was the first party in their new house, and we felt fortunate to be able to be part of the pre-race dinner.

It was a 13.1 trail run through the pines, many shadows and tree roots across the trail. We saw many bleeding and dirty runners, so the closer their predicted time came, the more we got anxious. No need to worry - they are coming.
Here are the girls. I think Josh's spaghetti must be the secret of their success - just kidding. They had a training coach and have carefully followed their conditioning schedule. They are thrilled at their results - look at Missy's face! And more important, they have deepened their friendships.
Bend is a socially and environ-
mentally conscious com-
munity. They came out in droves to support this event, also a fundraiser to support the land trust, allowing them to donate $75,000. If my kids had to move away from me, I cannot think of a place I would more rather they live.

We came home after the race, Missy grabbed a quick shower and we took off for a a drive around the Cascade Lake Loop. Home again, Missy is putting some ice on her sore knees, and look what it's in her hands - what a perfect activity to do while icing knees. This is her first lace and it's in silky drapey Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo. It is sooooooo pretty.

It feels as soft as it looks!

5 comments:

Marion B. said...

You must be sooooo proud of your DIL. I know I am when I read your story. Aren't women great people.

Theresa said...

Oh wow! Congrats on that first marathon.
Knitting looks lovely.

vlb5757 said...

Great race. I walked a half marathon and thought I was going to die after it was over. Took me four days to get over it! Nice project. It does look very soft. Love bamboo.

Life Looms Large said...

Wow, that's great that she adapted to running so quickly!! Kind of gives me a kick in the butt. (I'm stuck in a 5-mile-a-day rut. And I'm OK with being stuck there really, but every so often I get the urge to race.)

Great that they're enjoying their new community so much!

The knitting is gorgeous!!

Sue

Leigh said...

Just getting caught up on blog visiting and have been admiring all your Bend photos and commentary. Then I got to Missy's bag. How could I not stop to comment! It's gorgeous!