Autumn in Shenandoah

This past weekend we went on a group trip to Shenandoah with Mike and Marissa (OBX people), Dale, Mike's sister Erin, and some other people somehow associated with M&M. It was a perfect fall weekend, which means a lot of time was spent around the campfire drinking, chatting, and trying to stay warm. But that's pretty awesome in itself.

We hiked the Rose River Falls trail on Saturday. John and I started at the campground, hiked about 1.5 miles on the Appalachian trail, and then picked up the trailhead where it met the AT on Skyline Drive. Then we did the loop and hiked back the same part of the AT. So we had a total of 7 miles. Everyone else drove to the trailhead and just did the 4 mile loop.

We had some great views of the fall colors along the AT and at the overhead (before the real trail began). Although we had a small spat before starting the hike, the tension quickly died. I love that about us - we disagree and get back to happiness. Who doesn't disagree? Anyway...stupid sidenote. So, we sat on a rock not far into the hike and just looked out over the mountains. It was incredibly peaceful and the fall air was cleansing.

The falls were not the most impressive we've seen, but still a nice change of scenery from city life. I will always be happy with a waterfall, even small ones.

We met up with the crew about halfway through the real trail. Some were fighting injuries, so they were slower. John, as always, was happy to be around dogs. Dudley would later eat horse poop and rocks and end up at the emergency vet. Poor pup.

Back to the trail. We hiked with the group for awhile, but eventually got back to our real pace and passed them. Unfortunately, by the time we finished the loop, my back was sore. So the last 1.5 miles back to the campsite were not as enjoyable as the rest of the day. 7 miles shouldn't be too much for me, but I was tired. But I made it! And despite the rough end, was really glad we added the extra bit.

On our way back to the campsite, John stopped to use the facilities. I saw a chipmunk run into a kid's shoe and go flying. And I shouldn't have laughed, but I did. Especially when the kid ran to his dad, worried that he'd killed a mouse.

Back at camp, I ate way too much hummus and tostitoes (hint of lime!), and we all then proceeded to cook burgers and all kinds of other food, and ultimately smores. Dale and Erin got drunk and made out in front of everyone, even though they continue to maintain nothing is going on. Something about wanting different things. Really, as adults can't you just say "Hey, we're hanging out and making out, but it won't ever be serious because we want different things." Nothing wrong with that. Anyway, it was funny.

Also, Erin asked John and I to go hike Kilimanjaro next year. A trip she should be taking in a few months, but with her injured ankle she's thinking of postponing. Now if only I had 2 more weeks of vacation time...

John and I switched sleeping bags that night. Mine's a 20, his -20. I was cold Friday night because there's something wrong with me. He said he was chilly with my bag, but it was fine. He likes cold. In his bag I was all snug and warm and couldn't have been happier. So we'll probably switch for good. Until we go real backpacking, in which case I need something lighter.

Anyway...it was a pretty great trip. That's about all I can say. I hope we get in one more camp trip before winter, but it may be a cabin trip in November, if anything. Our weekends are filling up.

Some Zombie Like You?

This is why I love this boy.

John: Oh it's your girl! *turns up radio*
*listens*
What's this about?
Me: Her guy is all married to someone else now. It's sad.
*listens*
John: In my zombie movie, this is going to play during the scene where I have to smash my wife's head in.
Me: Please don't smash my head in.
John: No, this is movie wife. If you become a zombie I'll keep you in a cage and feed you the brains of our enemies while we wait for a cure.
Me: Aww
John: So, it's a good song for that scene, right?
Me: Well, hopefully it's a sad scene, yes, but it may be sending the wrong message with the whole other woman thing.
John: Just the music then.
Me: Perfect

PS: I'm totally calling my zombie novel "Some Zombie Like You" hahaha

Great Falls Climbing

These are old, and some people may be tired of climbing pics. But next time I will probably be up on the wall! I have to take it slow and see how it affects my back. But ultimately, it should help strengthen the muscles and make life better. I'll just have to suffer some first. But, I have a harness and shoes now, so as soon as John gets me comfortable, I'll be on my way.

Anyway, we went climbing at Great Falls on Columbus Day. It was awesome outside. I sat on a tree and just watched leaves floating down the river. There was a snake in a crack in the rock. And wasps. John got poison ivy. There was 1 impossible climb. I ate a lot of hummus.

Dear Santa,

I would like a puppy for Christmas. But I really can't have one until I have a bigger yard. So, can you give me a house too? I don't mean to be greedy, but I've been very good this year. Also, I think it's about time I get that puppy. Wasn't the plan always to get a puppy, make sure I don't kill it, and then have babies? Yeah, so if I'm going to have babies someday, I need to start with the puppy thing. Sooner rather than later. You know how it is, right? I'm sure you and the wife got the reindeer (instead of puppies) to address the whole "how do we know we won't kill a baby" question. And the reindeer all seem to be very happy and well cared for. I need that chance with a puppy. So, I'm giving you some advanced notice on this Christmas wish so you have time to figure it all out.

Love,
Melissa

PS: If the brothers have sent you a list, please forward on the items you will be unable to obtain. I will take care of them as I have no clue what they want.

***

Dear Readers,

This is what happens when Melissa is bored at work. I almost just typed this and deleted it, but I figured I should share my insanity with someone. I am thinking about going home for the holidays and seeing the family's puppy (sure, the family too) and it's kind of making me crazy. It should be a pretty fantastic Christmas this year and I'm pretty excited. But then I get sad because as great as life is, there's no puppy. It will probably be next year or the year after before I actually get a puppy, but I really have puppy fever. It's probably because there are babies on FB. And puppy fever is like baby fever. But I know I don't have that baby fever thing. Yet. So it's all puppies. If you know of puppies that I can play with to get rid of the puppy fever, please send them my way.

Miscellaneous Thursday

I feel like there are many things I should be writing about today but I don't actually feel like anything is worth an entire blog post. Even though it is. Maybe I'm just not in the mood to share.

Like, I could write about all my kitchen adventures. Apple butter, apple jam, apple bread, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, jambalaya. I kicked John's butt in the jambalaya cook-off. No, actually, his was tasty. Mine was just tastier. And spicier. I also want to make a lot more jam now! And pumpkin everything.

Or I could write about how much I love my brother Matt. And how because of him I will probably need 1 suitcase just for beer when I go home at Christmas.

Or I could write about how annoying it is to have to plan my Christmas in St. Louis around the kids' visitation schedule.

Or I could write about my general excitement over the holiday. And how much I want to do Christmas shopping but don't know what to get most people. (Boys are tough) And how I want to be crafty and make ornaments and tie bows and the like. Oh, and the gumdrop cookies!

Or I could write about this: "When you get knocked up, I'm going to need you to have a cute little baby bump that I can rub for good luck."

Or I could write something like this: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/an-open-letter-to-pumpkin-flavored-seasonal-treats

Or I could write about the fire and how it made me realize every family has problems.

Or I could write about how I should be working on an article about Yosemite so I can actually attempt publication again. (It's ok to yell "slacker!" here).

Or I could write about the Cardinals status in the playoffs. And how I think my roommate is really sick of my monopolizing the T.V. And how if we do make it to the World Series I'll be out of town for games 3 and 4 (possible the winning game!) and I kind of want to not go camping because of that. But I will.

Or I could write about how the leaves are beginning to change, and the world wants me to all into fall, but it's like 80 degrees in my bedroom with the windows open and a fan on.

But those tidbits are all you get! Cause I just don't feel like writing any more.

Fact

Birdsboro, PA Round 2

Since we got rained out the first time went went climbing in Birdsboro, we decided to try again. Guess what. It rained! We all arrived on Friday, built a nice fire, at some food. Got up Sat morning and had to rally everyone to hit the grocery store and then the rocks. Of course John was sick - what started out as a tickle in the throat got worse all day, and I was starting to feel sick myself by the afternoon. So after he took a small fall and twisted his ankle (all better now), John didn't really climb. And I could tell he wasn't feeling well. But I could not convince him to go back to the campground and let the others climb on until dark. So I gave him hugs and let him be all sick. The next morning I was sick and he was doing better. For some reason everyone wanted to just stand around a crappy campfire and do nothing. So I went back into my sleeping bag where it was warm. At noon I finally just started packing up to go home. And yes, they were still around the campfire. I love my some fire time when camping, but when I'm sick, cold, and wet, not so much. Since it was too wet to climb I didn't know what we were waiting around for.

So, we did get a few hours of disease-free, dry climbing in, but we're pretty much never going back to Pennsylvania.

Yes, 5 Years!

5 years ago John and I had our first date. And look at us now! Sure, there were "the Dark Ages" but I am sure our 2006 selves would be pretty impressed. And the way we've been talking, the next 5 years should be just as entertaining/interesting.

Now you get to sit through the cute, the sappy, and the funny.