Still time to consider heading to the Thompson Falls area for the Naegeli Ranch Run next Saturday (July 24th). It's a benefit for the Thompson Falls and Plains Cross Country teams and will be held on the Naegeli Ranch west of Thompson Falls.
This is a true trail run. Jacob Naegeli has fashioned 3K and 8K courses righ throught the heart of the ranch. It has forested sections, meadows filled with wildflowers, several creek crossings (one without a bridge :-0 ), cow paths and game trails. The 8K has one tough, gnarly hill section. He basically took his hand mower and has carved out 5+ miles of pathways. It will be a course that you won't soon forget.
Check out http://www.runmt.com/ for more info on the run. Race time is 11:00, so plenty of time to head up to the race, get registered, run, check out the towns in the Clark Fork Valley and still make it home for a later supper.
Hope to see you there.
The Muddy Buzzard.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Big Sky State Games Notes
Patrick Casey pulls off another great performance at the Montana Mile. He and John Ricardi (just having finished up at Idaho State) had a great race over about 1400 meters. But, in about the last 200, Patrick put in the big finish and set a new raace record at 4:07.9. This gave him a bit over 3 seconds at the finsh, with John hitting 2nd at 4:11.3. Those are great times for both. Over the last 2 or 3 years; these two athletes have taken the Montana Mile to a whole new level of times and competitive performance.
John's performance comes after a long season of cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. His outdoor track season alone included having to be on top of form all the way to June and the NCAA outdoor championships. Amazing that he could still pull out a 4:11 when he's well beyond his competitive sharpness for the year.
And, Patrick is equally impressive. After hitting a 4:04 mile this indoor season and getting 3rd at the NCAA indoor championships, Patrick reshirted his outdoor season to build some strength and get ready for a big XC season. Well, the work is clearly paying off. To hit a 4:07 in your off-season, with no recent competitions to get you sharp - it bodes well for what we'll see from Patrick in the upcoming year. I dare say that he could be positioning himself quite well to be part of the NCAA middle distance elite over his next two years.
Another big time run came from super master Peter Dan Sullivan of Helena. At 45, he hung right into the pack for a spectacular time of 4:34.3. Just goes to show that you don't have to lose your leg speed when you get old and decrepit. Way to go PDS.
Lois Ricardi Keller also put on a good show for the folks in the stands. Winning by almost 100 meters, and figting off the effects of a pre-race hammy cramp, she set a new race record of 4:58.8. Meanwhile, the Aragon sisters of Billings Senior and Nicole Reitz of Billings West continued their year long "rivalry" with Alexa running 5:17.2, Dani at 5:17.4 and Nicole at 5:17.7.
On the roads, Alan King fought through 97 degree heat on Friday evening to win the opening ceremonies 5K at 16:44. He came back just 12 hours later (when it was already in the mid-70's at 7:00 a.m.) to win the 10K in a new race record of 33:10.
On the women's side, just one week after place 2nd at the Missoula Marathon (3:05 and change if I remember correctly), MSU-Billings' Lisa Minnehan pulled off a double of her own. Winning the 5K in 19:15 , she came back yesterday morning to win th 1/2 marathon in a new course record of 1:30:25.
So, once again - Montana's athletes show great reliliency in the heat of Billings and turn in some great performances at the big sky state games.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
The Muddy Buzzard
John's performance comes after a long season of cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. His outdoor track season alone included having to be on top of form all the way to June and the NCAA outdoor championships. Amazing that he could still pull out a 4:11 when he's well beyond his competitive sharpness for the year.
And, Patrick is equally impressive. After hitting a 4:04 mile this indoor season and getting 3rd at the NCAA indoor championships, Patrick reshirted his outdoor season to build some strength and get ready for a big XC season. Well, the work is clearly paying off. To hit a 4:07 in your off-season, with no recent competitions to get you sharp - it bodes well for what we'll see from Patrick in the upcoming year. I dare say that he could be positioning himself quite well to be part of the NCAA middle distance elite over his next two years.
Another big time run came from super master Peter Dan Sullivan of Helena. At 45, he hung right into the pack for a spectacular time of 4:34.3. Just goes to show that you don't have to lose your leg speed when you get old and decrepit. Way to go PDS.
Lois Ricardi Keller also put on a good show for the folks in the stands. Winning by almost 100 meters, and figting off the effects of a pre-race hammy cramp, she set a new race record of 4:58.8. Meanwhile, the Aragon sisters of Billings Senior and Nicole Reitz of Billings West continued their year long "rivalry" with Alexa running 5:17.2, Dani at 5:17.4 and Nicole at 5:17.7.
On the roads, Alan King fought through 97 degree heat on Friday evening to win the opening ceremonies 5K at 16:44. He came back just 12 hours later (when it was already in the mid-70's at 7:00 a.m.) to win the 10K in a new race record of 33:10.
On the women's side, just one week after place 2nd at the Missoula Marathon (3:05 and change if I remember correctly), MSU-Billings' Lisa Minnehan pulled off a double of her own. Winning the 5K in 19:15 , she came back yesterday morning to win th 1/2 marathon in a new course record of 1:30:25.
So, once again - Montana's athletes show great reliliency in the heat of Billings and turn in some great performances at the big sky state games.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
The Muddy Buzzard
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Missoula Marathon
Year number 4, and the Missoula Marathon continues to be among the standard bearers for excellence in running events in Montana. Having won the 2009 Runner's World Reader Survey as Best Overall Marathon in America, the event almost doubled in size this year - from 2300+ runners to about 4200. In spite of the rapid rise in participants, the race still kept a great "hometown" feel. Great energy, great excitement, great times. Now - on to the Buzzard's thoughts from the race.
Great peformances in both the full and half marathon.
Meg Lerch with a new CR in the women's open half at 1:22:24.
Debbie Gibson with a new CR for the women's master's marathon at 3:15:26
All 4 open winners (men's and women's full and 1/2) from Missoula.
Men's and Women's Master's full marathon winners from Helena.
Great to have a race of this size and competitive level with a bunch of home grown talent.
Jimmy Grant continue's his hot running year with a 1:11:10 half marathon win (just one week after a 1:13:15 to win the Twin Cities Red, White and Boom 1/2).
The performances of the day however came on the men's side. Both of these runs were impressive enough that they equal billing from the Buzzard.
Keifer Hahn wins his 3rd Missoula Marathon (and defends his 2009 title) in a new course record 2:30:37. A 2:40 improvement on his record from last year and oh so close to the first sub-2:30 in Montana in over 20 years. He went out hard (1:13:11 at the half), was never challenged and won by just under 11 minutes. It was a great performance.
Equally impressive - Kyle Strode's 2:47:00 to win the master's race and place 4th overall and beats the master's record by 7:50. Beats a great master's field that saw 6 guys under 3:00. Kyle Litton (not sure of hometown)(2:49:07), Mike Telling of Dillon (2:50:43) and Scott Gaiser of Kalispell (2:54:20) were all under the old record as well.
I do have to aplogize to Kyle. I had missed him when he first came in. We were having some computer problems and he got "lost" in the crowd of 1/2 marathoners. I saw Telling come in and assumed that he was the first master and gave him credit for the new record. A few minutes later I saw Kyle in the finish area, he signed to me his time and it became clear that I had some back pedalling to do.
Seeing the Higgins Bridge completely full with spectator's and runners for a couple of hours from about 1:30 into the race until about 4:00 into the race.
Seeing the crowd go ape shit as a big group of runners cranked over the bridge and just made it under the 4:00 barrier.
Trisha Miller wins the women's marathon at just over 3 hours (3:02:22) and blows kisses to the crowd as she crosses under the line.
Hearing the crowd noise when 83-year old Bob Hayes comes into the finish line.
Watching almost 1500 marathons head out in the early morning sunrise and fill the road for about 100 meters behind the start line as the UM ROTC cannon blast breaks the morning silence.
Getting a chance to hang out wit a bunch of runner's over the weekend and visiting with lots of friends at the expo on Saturday.
Working on a new personal tradition of marking the course late on Saturday night with Anders Brooker and his uncle Jay.
The excitement as Fran Gilday came across the line. This was Fran's 50th state in which she finished a marathon. A goal she first started working on in 1983. She had a support crew of about a dozen folks, all dressed in red, coming over the bridge with her.
There were just so many great stories during the course of the weekend - it really helps a guy to stay in love with the sport after spending a weekend like that.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Great peformances in both the full and half marathon.
Meg Lerch with a new CR in the women's open half at 1:22:24.
Debbie Gibson with a new CR for the women's master's marathon at 3:15:26
All 4 open winners (men's and women's full and 1/2) from Missoula.
Men's and Women's Master's full marathon winners from Helena.
Great to have a race of this size and competitive level with a bunch of home grown talent.
Jimmy Grant continue's his hot running year with a 1:11:10 half marathon win (just one week after a 1:13:15 to win the Twin Cities Red, White and Boom 1/2).
The performances of the day however came on the men's side. Both of these runs were impressive enough that they equal billing from the Buzzard.
Keifer Hahn wins his 3rd Missoula Marathon (and defends his 2009 title) in a new course record 2:30:37. A 2:40 improvement on his record from last year and oh so close to the first sub-2:30 in Montana in over 20 years. He went out hard (1:13:11 at the half), was never challenged and won by just under 11 minutes. It was a great performance.
Equally impressive - Kyle Strode's 2:47:00 to win the master's race and place 4th overall and beats the master's record by 7:50. Beats a great master's field that saw 6 guys under 3:00. Kyle Litton (not sure of hometown)(2:49:07), Mike Telling of Dillon (2:50:43) and Scott Gaiser of Kalispell (2:54:20) were all under the old record as well.
I do have to aplogize to Kyle. I had missed him when he first came in. We were having some computer problems and he got "lost" in the crowd of 1/2 marathoners. I saw Telling come in and assumed that he was the first master and gave him credit for the new record. A few minutes later I saw Kyle in the finish area, he signed to me his time and it became clear that I had some back pedalling to do.
Seeing the Higgins Bridge completely full with spectator's and runners for a couple of hours from about 1:30 into the race until about 4:00 into the race.
Seeing the crowd go ape shit as a big group of runners cranked over the bridge and just made it under the 4:00 barrier.
Trisha Miller wins the women's marathon at just over 3 hours (3:02:22) and blows kisses to the crowd as she crosses under the line.
Hearing the crowd noise when 83-year old Bob Hayes comes into the finish line.
Watching almost 1500 marathons head out in the early morning sunrise and fill the road for about 100 meters behind the start line as the UM ROTC cannon blast breaks the morning silence.
Getting a chance to hang out wit a bunch of runner's over the weekend and visiting with lots of friends at the expo on Saturday.
Working on a new personal tradition of marking the course late on Saturday night with Anders Brooker and his uncle Jay.
The excitement as Fran Gilday came across the line. This was Fran's 50th state in which she finished a marathon. A goal she first started working on in 1983. She had a support crew of about a dozen folks, all dressed in red, coming over the bridge with her.
There were just so many great stories during the course of the weekend - it really helps a guy to stay in love with the sport after spending a weekend like that.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Monday, June 28, 2010
Catching Up on the Wulfman
A bit behind on this; but, check out the results of the Wulfman CDT 14K Trail Race on the Butte's Piss & Moan Runners website.
Full results by overall, male, female, age groups and age graded (40+); plus, a race summary by the Muddy Buzzard himself.
The Piss & Moan Runners site is @ http://www.buttespissandmoanrunners.com/Butte%20Races/CDT-14K/cdt_14k.htm
Also, check out the race's Facebook page @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=214474434957&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=214474434957&v=wall&ref=ts to check out some pix from the event.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Full results by overall, male, female, age groups and age graded (40+); plus, a race summary by the Muddy Buzzard himself.
The Piss & Moan Runners site is @ http://www.buttespissandmoanrunners.com/Butte%20Races/CDT-14K/cdt_14k.htm
Also, check out the race's Facebook page @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=214474434957&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=214474434957&v=wall&ref=ts to check out some pix from the event.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Naegeli Ranch Run
Up here in the northwest part of the state - we're having a bit of a struggle to continue to have our schools support high school cross country. Both the Plains and Thompson Falls programs are at risk of losing school funding and having to "self fund" in order to keep the sports alive. We're not quite there yet; but, with the impending fiscal issues that will be coming out of the 2011 legislative sessions, we expect that we could be at the tipping point where we move from partial funding to self funding.
So, to try to be proactive and get our fundraising solidly in place, the Clark Fork Valley Running Club will be hosting a fun little trail race on the Naegeli Ranch outside of Thompson Falls. Sarah Naegeli is the coach at Thompson Falls H.S. and her family will be opening up their property to any and all Trail Nerds.
Below is the information from the entry form. So, if you're open that day, want to have some fun at a new race and help out the next generation of runners - head up on up Higway 200 and visit the Naegeli Ranch. Put a smile on the Muddy Buzzard's face and help out some fellow harriers.
Here's Da Facts:
NAEGELI RANCH RUN
A Trail run located just outside of Thompson Falls, MT
3K and 5 mile Trail Run on Saturday, July 24
This race might include trees, logs, hay bales and creeks to cross, hills, forests, irrigation systems, cows, hay fields, and anything else you might imagine on a ranch!
Race Day registration starts at 9:45am RACE BEGINS AT 11:00 AM
Entry fee: $15 for 3K, $18 for 5 mile for entries received by July 17
$18 and $22 day of race registration
Entry fee includes unisex sized , t-shirt
Make checks out to Clark Fork Valley Running Club
Mail to: Carol Brooker PO Box 794 Plains, MT 59859
Or turn entry forms in to The Runner’s Edge, Missoula, MT
Directions
We are located 12 miles west of Thompson Falls, MT.
Travel north on Hwy 200 approximately 10 miles past Thompson Falls.
Turn left (west) on Big Beaver Creek (before the 40 mile marker).
Travel ¾ of a mile up Big Beaver Creek and turn left on Little Beaver Creek Road.
We are the first driveway on the right, approximately ½ mile up Little Beaver Creek.
Contact Sarah at tfl4887@blackfoot.net or 827-4887, or Tony Banovich at badrock04@msn.com or 672-6700 for more information
Many thanks to Runner’s Edge for sponsoring the race.
Proceeds to benefit Cross Country teams of Clark Fork Valley (Thompson Falls Bluehawks and Plains Horsemen)
So, to try to be proactive and get our fundraising solidly in place, the Clark Fork Valley Running Club will be hosting a fun little trail race on the Naegeli Ranch outside of Thompson Falls. Sarah Naegeli is the coach at Thompson Falls H.S. and her family will be opening up their property to any and all Trail Nerds.
Below is the information from the entry form. So, if you're open that day, want to have some fun at a new race and help out the next generation of runners - head up on up Higway 200 and visit the Naegeli Ranch. Put a smile on the Muddy Buzzard's face and help out some fellow harriers.
Here's Da Facts:
NAEGELI RANCH RUN
A Trail run located just outside of Thompson Falls, MT
3K and 5 mile Trail Run on Saturday, July 24
This race might include trees, logs, hay bales and creeks to cross, hills, forests, irrigation systems, cows, hay fields, and anything else you might imagine on a ranch!
Race Day registration starts at 9:45am RACE BEGINS AT 11:00 AM
Entry fee: $15 for 3K, $18 for 5 mile for entries received by July 17
$18 and $22 day of race registration
Entry fee includes unisex sized , t-shirt
Make checks out to Clark Fork Valley Running Club
Mail to: Carol Brooker PO Box 794 Plains, MT 59859
Or turn entry forms in to The Runner’s Edge, Missoula, MT
Directions
We are located 12 miles west of Thompson Falls, MT.
Travel north on Hwy 200 approximately 10 miles past Thompson Falls.
Turn left (west) on Big Beaver Creek (before the 40 mile marker).
Travel ¾ of a mile up Big Beaver Creek and turn left on Little Beaver Creek Road.
We are the first driveway on the right, approximately ½ mile up Little Beaver Creek.
Contact Sarah at tfl4887@blackfoot.net or 827-4887, or Tony Banovich at badrock04@msn.com or 672-6700 for more information
Many thanks to Runner’s Edge for sponsoring the race.
Proceeds to benefit Cross Country teams of Clark Fork Valley (Thompson Falls Bluehawks and Plains Horsemen)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wulman CDT 14K Preview
Wulfman 2K10 – Who To Watch
Another year of hot, hot racing is in store at the 3rd Annual Wulfman’s CDT 14K trail race. This 3rd edition of the race, to be run from Homestake to Pipestone in this even numbered year, looks to continue the same high level performances seen at the first two editions.
The women will have a new champion in 2010. The winner of the 2009 event (and course record holder for northbound route), Nicole Hunt will be focusing on her race director duties and leave the running to others this year - which makes the race up front wide open.
Early favorites would have to be Marta Fisher and Michelle Bazanella, both of Helena. M & M finished a strong 1-2 at the Don’t Fence Me In 30K Trail Race in Helena in early May and a 2nd and 3rd at the Big Butte 11K in April. Trail and endurance race specialists, they should both perform well at the high altitude and on the southbound trail climbs. A dark horse could be Maurie McLaughlin. Getting the win at the Wulfman Frigid Digger 7-miler in February, she’s looking take the honor’s in the Wulfman’s warm-weather race.
Master’s ace Debbie Gibson could also be a factor in the race for the title. With a 5th place in 2009 and top finishes at the 2010 Snow Joke and Run To The Pub ½ Marathons, Debbie looks ready for a top 3 finish.
Other women who look to make the elusive top 5 podium finish include Jennifer Burke and Laura West, together with a couple of teenagers in Rebekah Kirtley and Olivia Wood. All the women will be chasing the southbound course record set by Sarah Keller in the inaugural (2008) event of 1:10:36.
The men’s field looks to be deep, deep, deep – especially on the master’s side. Thomas Jodoin, the event’s one and only winner, will be back to try for the 3-peat (and to challenge his record time of 58:51). And, Thomas has been on a bit of role this year. With wins at the AOH 3-miler, the Vigilante Road Mile and the Don’t Fence Me In 12K, together with a 3rd at the Ice Breaker 5-mile, Thomas is looking sharp in the 2010 season. But, the converted middle distance track specialist will have his hands full. Keifer Hahn, the 2009 CDT runner up will return to give chase to Thomas. He doesn’t race a lot; but, his runner-up finish in the Riverbank Trifecta shows that - like always - when he races, he runs for the win. And, fresh off another stellar season at the University of Montana, Lynn Reynolds will look to improve on his 4th place finish in 2009.
A few of the other open men running to reach the podium include Matt Choquette, Colin Gaiser, Josh Panasuk, Adam Peterman, Ben Phipps, Doug Wadle, Brian Wieck and Dylan Zitzer. But, these youngsters will have to hold off some old guys as the top echelon of Montana master’s runners are coming to race along the great divide. In the first two editions of the event, master’s athletes took several of the top 10 spots; and, with this year’s group, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see up to half of the slots going to the 40+ crowd.
Two-time top 10 finisher Mike Telling (and masters champ in 2008 and 2009) will be back and will certainly have a start position at the front of the pack. Scott Gaiser and Jeff Braun have both have had a string of excellent performances dating back into 2009. Don’t overlook a couple of 50+ athletes in Kirk Keller and Mad-Dog Marvin Speece. And, mountain specialist Jeff Thomas is having his best season in the last several years and loves to run the hills and at altitude. Although both have fought a few injury issues the last couple of years, Ray Hunt and Tony Banovich are always a threat. Ken Newhall and Mark Slater will also be in the mix and ready to rumble.
With a sold out field, clear trail conditions and the hospitality of the Homestake Lodge, all the pieces are in place for an amazing mix of racing, camaraderie and a celebration of the Wulfman and the trail he loved.
Another year of hot, hot racing is in store at the 3rd Annual Wulfman’s CDT 14K trail race. This 3rd edition of the race, to be run from Homestake to Pipestone in this even numbered year, looks to continue the same high level performances seen at the first two editions.
The women will have a new champion in 2010. The winner of the 2009 event (and course record holder for northbound route), Nicole Hunt will be focusing on her race director duties and leave the running to others this year - which makes the race up front wide open.
Early favorites would have to be Marta Fisher and Michelle Bazanella, both of Helena. M & M finished a strong 1-2 at the Don’t Fence Me In 30K Trail Race in Helena in early May and a 2nd and 3rd at the Big Butte 11K in April. Trail and endurance race specialists, they should both perform well at the high altitude and on the southbound trail climbs. A dark horse could be Maurie McLaughlin. Getting the win at the Wulfman Frigid Digger 7-miler in February, she’s looking take the honor’s in the Wulfman’s warm-weather race.
Master’s ace Debbie Gibson could also be a factor in the race for the title. With a 5th place in 2009 and top finishes at the 2010 Snow Joke and Run To The Pub ½ Marathons, Debbie looks ready for a top 3 finish.
Other women who look to make the elusive top 5 podium finish include Jennifer Burke and Laura West, together with a couple of teenagers in Rebekah Kirtley and Olivia Wood. All the women will be chasing the southbound course record set by Sarah Keller in the inaugural (2008) event of 1:10:36.
The men’s field looks to be deep, deep, deep – especially on the master’s side. Thomas Jodoin, the event’s one and only winner, will be back to try for the 3-peat (and to challenge his record time of 58:51). And, Thomas has been on a bit of role this year. With wins at the AOH 3-miler, the Vigilante Road Mile and the Don’t Fence Me In 12K, together with a 3rd at the Ice Breaker 5-mile, Thomas is looking sharp in the 2010 season. But, the converted middle distance track specialist will have his hands full. Keifer Hahn, the 2009 CDT runner up will return to give chase to Thomas. He doesn’t race a lot; but, his runner-up finish in the Riverbank Trifecta shows that - like always - when he races, he runs for the win. And, fresh off another stellar season at the University of Montana, Lynn Reynolds will look to improve on his 4th place finish in 2009.
A few of the other open men running to reach the podium include Matt Choquette, Colin Gaiser, Josh Panasuk, Adam Peterman, Ben Phipps, Doug Wadle, Brian Wieck and Dylan Zitzer. But, these youngsters will have to hold off some old guys as the top echelon of Montana master’s runners are coming to race along the great divide. In the first two editions of the event, master’s athletes took several of the top 10 spots; and, with this year’s group, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see up to half of the slots going to the 40+ crowd.
Two-time top 10 finisher Mike Telling (and masters champ in 2008 and 2009) will be back and will certainly have a start position at the front of the pack. Scott Gaiser and Jeff Braun have both have had a string of excellent performances dating back into 2009. Don’t overlook a couple of 50+ athletes in Kirk Keller and Mad-Dog Marvin Speece. And, mountain specialist Jeff Thomas is having his best season in the last several years and loves to run the hills and at altitude. Although both have fought a few injury issues the last couple of years, Ray Hunt and Tony Banovich are always a threat. Ken Newhall and Mark Slater will also be in the mix and ready to rumble.
With a sold out field, clear trail conditions and the hospitality of the Homestake Lodge, all the pieces are in place for an amazing mix of racing, camaraderie and a celebration of the Wulfman and the trail he loved.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Whrilwind
The last month has been a flury of activity.
A big chunk of my time went towards remodeling our living room. When we bought the place, only the back half of the main floor was finished. The basement was completely unfinihsed - just open studs. We've put in a bedroom and an entryway (although there is still a bit of finish work to be done; but, we do have functional spaces) in the basement and a laundary area.
The primary living area on the main floor was finished with old, dark-dark, paneling. Think 1970's basement type stuff. It was on all the walls and the ceiling. It was like living in a cave. Well, we finally got things put together to get the room upgraded. We had sheet rock put on the walls and toungue and groove pine on the ceiling. I had contactors do the drywall and install the tongue and groove; but, I had to stain all the boards (some 140 of them), stain the boards for the window and door trim, install about half the door and window trim and install all of the base boards. Also installed some new lighting fixtures.
It turned out great. The room fits well with the existing finish work in the rest of the house; and, it brightened up the space so much. With the high ceilings (19' at peak) and open beam structure, it really gives it the look of a light, open lodge type setting. It's made a huge difference in the space. We're super excited about seems like a whole new house. Erin is very pleased that we finally jumped in and got the job done.
But, for most of May I was working from the time I was off work-work until somewhere between 9 - 11 at night. And all of my open time on the weekends was spent on the house as well.
On top of that, we spent lots of Saturdays traveling to track meets to watch Zoe and the rest of the Plains kids.
And, last weekend (Memorial Day) we took an extra long weekend to take my parents out to the Seattle area to see my brother's new house.
Needless to say - with all that going on I haven't really had the energy or time to get to the Buzzard. But, over the next few days I intend to get caught up on what's been going on in our sport and some big things that are coming up.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
The Muddy Buzzard
A big chunk of my time went towards remodeling our living room. When we bought the place, only the back half of the main floor was finished. The basement was completely unfinihsed - just open studs. We've put in a bedroom and an entryway (although there is still a bit of finish work to be done; but, we do have functional spaces) in the basement and a laundary area.
The primary living area on the main floor was finished with old, dark-dark, paneling. Think 1970's basement type stuff. It was on all the walls and the ceiling. It was like living in a cave. Well, we finally got things put together to get the room upgraded. We had sheet rock put on the walls and toungue and groove pine on the ceiling. I had contactors do the drywall and install the tongue and groove; but, I had to stain all the boards (some 140 of them), stain the boards for the window and door trim, install about half the door and window trim and install all of the base boards. Also installed some new lighting fixtures.
It turned out great. The room fits well with the existing finish work in the rest of the house; and, it brightened up the space so much. With the high ceilings (19' at peak) and open beam structure, it really gives it the look of a light, open lodge type setting. It's made a huge difference in the space. We're super excited about seems like a whole new house. Erin is very pleased that we finally jumped in and got the job done.
But, for most of May I was working from the time I was off work-work until somewhere between 9 - 11 at night. And all of my open time on the weekends was spent on the house as well.
On top of that, we spent lots of Saturdays traveling to track meets to watch Zoe and the rest of the Plains kids.
And, last weekend (Memorial Day) we took an extra long weekend to take my parents out to the Seattle area to see my brother's new house.
Needless to say - with all that going on I haven't really had the energy or time to get to the Buzzard. But, over the next few days I intend to get caught up on what's been going on in our sport and some big things that are coming up.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
The Muddy Buzzard
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