Happy Holidays 2008

Mom, Keith, and I enjoy Smith Family Christmas in Grover, NC

Alicia and Pam, two close friends from NCSU, and I pose with part of the floor from the old Reynolds' Collesium. If you've never been to a game there, you have to go. The RBC Center is nice, but there's nothing like a game at Reynolds!

Christmas Eve Midnight Service

We hope that each of you has had a restful and enjoyable holiday. We have been keeping the roads hot and have had a busy first week off work. We spent some time in Conover with my parents and then traveled to Elkin to spend time with Keith's family. From there, it was back to Conover and visits with old high school friends Suzanne Cadwallader, Amanda Moose, and Tatum Preston and their families. Then, it was off to Grover, NC for Smith Family Christmas and then, finally, back home to Raleigh! We spent yesterday cheering the Wolfpack on with friends - despite the football loss, we were happy to witness the basketball win live and in person. Not sure what will be going on the rest of the week. Hopefully, lots of lounging on the couch!

Holiday Fun 2008

Portsmouth Lane's own Team Hardy four months before their St. Baldrick's shearing!

Marshall Loew, our resident Santa, and Pammy Sue

Captain Cleavage action figure (made by Britta) is coming to a store near you!

Elaine, Carolyn, and Jane catch up

Sharing good times at my work holiday party

Last week started the week of parties for us. We spent Monday night at my boss' house with most of my work colleagues. Her husband is a gourmet chef, so we ate well that night.

Friday night, we hosted around fifty of our friends and neighbors for our annual Holiday HooHa. This year, we decided to collect donations for the Triangle Girls on the Run program which I have become involved with. (The program works to build self esteem and a love of fitness and overall wellness in girls grades three through eight.) We collected four large boxes of items and over $200 in cash. We are lucky to have such fabulous and generous friends!

NSDC Conference in Washington D.C.

Gorgeous views from the downstairs atrium at the Gaylord on the Potomac

These were all over the many trees in the lobby

Looking down the lobby of the hotel- These trees lined both sides.

Three of my colleagues from the school system and I just returned from four full days at the NSDC Conference. We presented during two of the session times and also attended many fantastic and informative classes during our time there. If you get a chance, Google this hotel. It's absolutely GORGEOUS- right on the water, has shops that are in houses in the middle of the atrium, has four restaurants, a night club, WOW!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Digging in some pumpkin pie!

Mom and Dad with the feast

Mom and Dad came to Raleigh to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. We've spent the majority of today chilling out feasting, watching "The Godfather" marathon and football and even managed to squeeze in a walk through the neighborhood. We hope to get a bit of shopping in tomorrow (not at 4 AM!,) and Dad has promised to take all of us to see "Australia" at some point. We'll be heading to see the Wolfpack beat up on Miami on Saturday.

Fun Times with Friends

Jess and Catherine

Bridget, Stacy, and I say Cheers!

This weekend was another fun-filled one! We spent Friday night babysitting for our friends Dave and Natalie. Keith and I had a blast hanging out with their two girls while they enjoyed an evening out to celebrate their birthdays. Saturday was filled with yard work and cheering on the Wolfpack as they slaughtered the Tarheels!!! Later that evening, we ventured across the street to our neighbors Sara and George's house for a feast and sing-along with lots of 80's metal classics. On Sunday, we attended a performance of the Free Spirits Ensemble (if you live in the Triangle and get the chance to see them, do it!) and then, I enjoyed an early Thanksgiving feast with eight of my favorite ladies!

Another Fun Fall Weekend

Grayson Heckle and me having fun

Showing some Thanksgiving Love...

Cheers with Jess and Pammy Sue


Another busy weekend here in Raleigh. We spent Friday night with our friends Matt and Shannon Aycock enjoying a movie and conversation. Saturday was spent test-driving Ford vehicles in the AM- fundraiser for Millbrook High School PTSA- and then had lunch with friends after they finished their test-drive. That evening, we went out with Rick, Alicia, and Pam for the Rescues/Kate York show at the Pour House and then ventured to Tir Na Nog for a rolicking good time listening to a local Irish duo. Keith and I spent about three hours in the yard finishing up round two of leaf collection before going to the Heckle home for the annual Thanksgiving dinner with friends.

Loving the Fall!

These are views from our neighborhood. The fall colors are gorgeous as you can see!

Sunny and 60-plus degrees in November, love it!

View from our front door.

Got Guinness??? Enjoying a pint after the Black Crowes' show....

We've been having a blast enjoying the gorgeous weather these past few weeks. Last Sunday, I ran in the City of Oaks 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) and had one of my best long runs ever. We've been running outside as much as we can since the scenery is so beautiful, and we want to take advantage of the favorable weather while it lasts.

I worked the polls for the first time ever on Tuesday and was proud to be part of such a historic election! (Did I mention that I was a JUDGE and got to sign off on everything?????)

This weekend, we hosted our friend Pam over for dinner on Friday night and went to a concert event downtown featuring the Black Crowes on Saturday evening. It was an outdoor show, and luckily for the crowd, the temps didn't drop below 50 degrees and the sky was clear and starry.

Avon Walk Charlotte 2008

We had a blast serving lunch and cheering on the nearly 1100 walkers in Charlotte this year. We're already working to plan and improve our theme and costumes for next year! I'm in the middle on the front row, and Keith, well, you can easily see him.... : )

Weekend update

This is a quick update as typed from the dining room table on Sunday morning. (Keith is on one end working, and I'm on the other. Looks like dueling laptops!)

Keith's parents visited us this weekend, and we enjoyed our time together. Saturday included a day at the fair, and we couldn't have asked for better weather or tamer crowds. I got my usual fair food fix of Kettle Corn and a Grilled Chicken Pita. Just couldn't stomach trying this year's new delights- Fried Mac and Cheese and Fried Pecan Pie.

Dinner Dance with the Family

Keith and I ventured to Conover Saturday evening for a silent auction, dinner, and dance to benefit Concordia Lutheran School. (This is the school affiliated with my home church that I went to, my sister went to, my mom went to, you get the picture!) I still have many friends from my childhood days at Concordia, which is nearly unheard of.

We won several items- Queen mattress set for our new guest bedroom, a NCSU fan pack, a bottle of Cabernet, and a new toolbox for Keith,- and all proceeds benefit the school. Good times!

Oktoberfest Fun

Enjoying some good times with Bryan and Todd

We made our yearly outing to the Oktoberfest held at St. Rafael's Catholic Church here in Raleigh. They usually hold the festivities in their fellowship hall, but this year, they moved everything into an outdoor tent. We had a crew of about ten folks join in the fun of German food, music, dancing and plenty of Oktoberfest beer!

NCSU Homecoming

NCSU Homecoming Tailgate 2008- Alicia, Pam, and Ashley

In years past, many of you remember me talking about the yearly BAT (AKA Big Ass Tailgate) that we'd host for NCSU's homecoming. Due to stricter tailgating/parking restrictions and the rise of football tickets, we had to end the large party, but a smaller version was held on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium with nearly twelve folks in attendance. The Pack lost but put up a good fight against Boston College. The weather was gorgeous- perfect for tailgating!

These ladies are a team of twelve who will be walking Charlotte in a few weeks. They had several banners set up all along their tailgating area, and we're going to make sure we hang their banners at our lunch stops also.

Two Week Update

Things have been a whirlwind since coming back from LA, hence the lack of postings!

When we got back from LA, both of us were working ten-hour days just to catch up. I came back and jumped right into multiple training sessions, and Keith had a huge stack of grading awaiting him. I also spent all day Saturday and Sunday of last week attending a fitness conference in Cary. It was fabulous ( I go every year and love it) but unfortunately, I injured my back during one of the classes, and a week later, it's still not happy with me.

This past week was another whirlwind between work stuff, cleaning house, etc... I also attended my first voter training meeting (am working the polls this year for the first time!) which was rough after a full day of work. (6-9 on a Wednesday night- hard to keep focused....) This past weekend, we've had lots of much-needed down time. We did meet up with our friends Rick and Alicia to go see the Rolling Stones concert film "Shine a Light" outside at the art museum. We made it a little over halfway through the movie when the rain and wind started. Really wanted to watch until the end, but we decided to pack things up and call it a day.

I was supposed to run in the Anna's Angels ten-miler this morning, but with this back injury, I decided against it, hence, here I am finally updating our blog!

Avon Walk LA

Getting started on Day One

Keith, Elaine, and me finishing up the 26.2 on day one

We had such a fabulous trip to LA this past weekend!

Thursday, we arrived at LAX early afternoon, picked up our rental car, and tackled the crazy California highways. We traveled along the PCH through Santa Monica and Malibu, then drove into the hills via Mulholland Drive, then into Hollywood and Beverly Hills via Sunset Boulevard. We then ventured back to Santa Monica for an overnight stay at the quaint Hotel California which was right by the Santa Monica Pier.

Friday, we walked along the beach and then picked our friend Elaine up from the airport. We then ventured back up the PCH, stopping in at Venice Beach for a quick visit along the boardwalk, before heading back to Long Beach to get ready for the walk.

Saturday and Sunday's walk took us through Long Beach and Seal Beach with many gorgeous views along the coast and the main thoroughfares of the city. On Sunday, we traveled back into the city to stay at the posh Chamberlain hotel off Sunset. We visited the La Brea Tar Pits, drove around Hollywood, and then ate a much-deserved delicious meal at a French restaurant near our hotel.

Thanks to our many friends, family members, and colleagues who donated and/or wished us well in our walk efforts. With your support and assistance, our team of three raised nearly $6000 for cancer research, early detection, and treatment programs for under-served populations in the LA area.

Sunday Parties

We spent Sunday afternoon between two fantastic parties in town. First, we hit a "Welcome Back and Happy Birthday Alicia" party at her boyfriend Rick's house. We had a chance to catch up with lots of folks we hadn't seen in a while, and Alicia's happy to be back in Raleigh again. From there, we went to a co-worker's house for a fun pool party and cookout. All in all, a fantastic way to end a weekend!

All Work and No Play- NEVER!

Mr. Lindsay dispensing infinite wisdom.

Hanging out at the Raleigh Times with Jessica and Alicia.

After working for many hours Saturday afternoon, we hit the gym and then made our way to downtown Raleigh for the big weekend festivities. (opening of the new convention center, downtown festival, International Festival, many stages with a variety of music.) First, we ventured to the Pour House Music Hall (fabulous place to see live music) and saw Ellery http://www.ellerymusic.com/ and Kyler England http://www.kylerengland.com/. Kyler is an NCSU grad - small world- and it's been really cool to see her live shows over the past few years. Check out both sites- fabulous singer/songwriters!

Then, Jessica and Alicia met us, and we made a quick breeze through the International Festival at the new Convention Center (long enough to eat some delicious Crab Ragoons and see an Indian dancing group,) caught a bit of Lou Gramm from Foreigner outside ("Cold as Ice" was the song...) and then ventured to the Raleigh Times for dinner and drinks.

The Weekend Warrior Returns!

Tropical Storm Hanna made her way through Raleigh last night and this morning without much fanfare. We are apparently having lots of flooding issues around town, but they aren't showing any images on the news. My parents in Conover saw and knew more than we did, and we live here!

We're leaving for the Avon Walk in LA on Thursday, and as a result, Keith AKA "The Weekend Warrior" has stationed himself at our dining room table to get ready for his three-day absence. I'm also pitching in a bit to help him get it all done before we go.

Update on the Upstairs- Just a Bit of Laboring...

The shower is officially in!

Check out this marble countertop that we found at the Habitat store for $21!

Today, Keith officially put the shower in and installed the final two windows upstairs. Estimated move-in date is the end of October....

Labor Day Weekend Break- Not a Moment too Soon!

Don't we look like we need a day off?

Kim, Robert, and Tink

We are thoroughly enjoying a relaxing weekend here in town. Keith just finished his first week of work- his students are wonderful, and all has gone well, but he's exhausted and will be catching up on sleep and rest this weekend. We spent Friday night at the Millbrook Football game- well, we spent about thirty minutes there and left when the thunder and lightening began. Had a delicious meal out and spent most of the day on Saturday either at the gym, relaxing at home, or at a Pinot Noir tasting in town.

We did have the pleasure of going over to Kim and Robert's home for a delicious Mexican Fiesta Saturday night. I have known Kim for nearly ten years- we met teaching classes at a ladies' only gym in town, and have been friends ever since.

Visiting with Nikki and the Kiddies

Dannah and I talking about important business. I believe she was telling me about the meaning of life or something like that...

John Hinton checking out the great outdoors

Unfortunately, there are no photos of Nik and I, but we did have the opportunity to catch up for a while, which was wonderful. I'm hoping to be able to head to Birmingham at the start of 2009 to visit with the Lane crew. I did have a "Pudding Poke Cake" for the first time in my life, served up by Ms. Dannah, and it was fabulous. If you've never had one, you're missing out my friend!

Keith starts back to school tomorrow and is already prepared for a night of little sleep. (Typical every year on the night before his first day of school.) He'll be teaching all seniors again and will have his favorite Shakespeare elective in the Spring. He also has a student teacher for the first time in his career and is excited about mentoring a newbie, especially since she's from NCSU!

Back Porch Cinema

Lovely flowers that Chuck and Donna brought to us

Our friends Donna and Chuck joined us Saturday night for dinner and a movie on our back porch. We've only done the backyard movie once before, and it's so fabulous that we will definitely be doing it more often. The feature of the evening was "Almost Famous." Note the captain in his daddy-mack chair....... He starts back to school on Monday!

Photos from Thank You Dinner

Shannon and Sam Aycock

Keith and Jordan ponder the meaning of life.....

Two of our favorite Portsmouth Lane people- Sara and George

We got Jordan, and he never gets got.... Email me for details.... : )

Weekend update

We've had quite a busy weekend here in town. Spent Saturday AM/early afternoon on an eighteen-mile walk through North Raleigh, and then spent way too much time at AT&T switching phone providers. Saturday night was spent at the NC Museum of Art with friends watching "Juno" on the big screen outdoors under a perfect starry summer NC sky.

I spent part of today at the pool with some girlfriends enjoying mimosas and girl talk. We're getting ready to host an appreciation dinner for folks who have helped work on the upstairs. Will try and post some pictures from tonight's dinner later...

Walk Rained Out

Amy Myers joined Elaine and me for a sixteen-mile walk today. The skies were a bit cloudy, but we thought we would be fortunate enough to have cool temps for the duration unlike the ninety-degree weather that we've faced thus far. We made it about one mile in and had to call our friend Jane to rescue us from heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. We enjoyed breakfast out and then, Elaine and I hit the treadmill for a four-hour jaunt. Let's just say that we don't care to spend any more time on a treadmill anytime soon......

Construction Update

Keith's neck and back are back to normal again, and he was feeling adventurous Friday afternoon. I came home from work that afternoon and was surprised to find that the first upstairs wall had been taken down. These photos will give you an idea what it looks like at this point. We will be putting up a banister for those of you who were worried about safety issues near the stairs... : )

Our friend, Dan came in this weekend, and he and Keith finished most of the sheet rock, took loads of construction trash to the dump, finished tiling the bathroom, and picked up some furniture. The new estimated move-in date is mid-October since Keith will return to his real job in a week.