tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56746435338718781352011-12-06T07:43:01.769-06:00Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-38269528375249275232011-12-06T07:42:00.001-06:002011-12-06T07:43:01.777-06:00<div><p>It took a little longer than usual, but our house is finally ready for Christmas. We usually have everything done the weekend after thanksgiving, but this year we finished last night by hanging the lights outside.</p> <p>Now, if I could just get those Christmas cards filled out and in the mail!</p> <br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zqlipIl97bg/Tt4byYSH2bI/AAAAAAAAAxw/IhFSv2Ak4QM/IMAG0322.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Usl1LIg77CY/Tt4bzGLfATI/AAAAAAAAAx4/fcwZAePs8t0/1323178738142.png' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3826952837524927523?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-34328665274731812552011-11-29T11:46:00.001-06:002011-11-29T12:38:02.132-06:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgFR_S9TfAc/TtUkfCF4PxI/AAAAAAAAAxg/PSrObGtIE7w/s1600/November+2011+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgFR_S9TfAc/TtUkfCF4PxI/AAAAAAAAAxg/PSrObGtIE7w/s320/November+2011+028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursing, Reading, and Cuddling Corner</td></tr> </tbody></table> Baby Braun's Nursery is coming along and starting to look like a nice place for our little bundle to enjoy for the first few years of his/her life. Considering we are on a budget and that Darrin and I are pretty simple people, I have had to be pretty resourceful and crafty to make the room come together. A few of the items have come from places like good will and Saint Vincents. Other items like the artwork and the curtain, I have crafted myself.<br /> <br /> Darrin and I have to thank my parents, as they purchased the crib &amp; mattress, changing table, and the rocker for us! We can't say enough for the support my parents have given us over the years and now with the new baby on the way. The pieces are just perfect for our Nursery and helped me think about the decor for the room, starting with the window treatment.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha13Yd6XstY/TtUkQ5rmVdI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XqfXmyl4xF8/s1600/November+2011+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha13Yd6XstY/TtUkQ5rmVdI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XqfXmyl4xF8/s320/November+2011+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-purposed Curtain</td></tr> </tbody></table> When we lived in our old apartment, I hand sewed curtains for most of the rooms as a project when I was not working. These curtains were in our spare bedroom&nbsp;and provided a lot of darkness for visitors sleeping in there.&nbsp;I picked a fabric that was surprisingly gender neutral and designed them without using a pattern. For the nursery, I was able to resew the top on one of the panels to fit the existing curtain rod, and was excited when it turned out.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Thinking of items that are in baby's rooms, I wanted to find some old wooden alphabet blocks to put on a shelf I picked up from Good will a few years ago. At first I was going to spray paint the shelf black, but thought the existing color went well with the wood from the crib, changing table, and dresser. And the blocks I found after searching 3 different second-hand stores. Darrin picked out the little elephant when we first found out we were expecting back in June. We were just starting to look at the baby items when he found the cute little stuffed animal, which was on clearance!<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twaIO4Zg7iY/TtUkNXcGXpI/AAAAAAAAAxI/jEImNdaOgg4/s1600/November+2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twaIO4Zg7iY/TtUkNXcGXpI/AAAAAAAAAxI/jEImNdaOgg4/s320/November+2011+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Photo Wall</td></tr> </tbody></table> Speaking of clearance, I found a set of 10 black frames on sale at Kohl's for under $8. These frames brought my Family wall to life! My idea was to introduce the baby to the family through pictures since we live so far away. I thought this would be a fun and cute addition to the Nursery. Now I just need to get the photos of OUR family in there.<br /> <br /> We have also re-purposed a few items that Darrin had from before I met him. The first is a dresser that fits perfectly in the closet, where we can keep all the baby necessities. The second item is a book shelf that was made by someone for Darrin. It is the perfect size and is already holding books that I have picked up at different second-hand stores!<br /> <br /> The last items are two pieces of art that I created using canvas and markers. They took longer to think of then to actually make and I think they turned out kinda cute! I kept with the green and brown theme of our nursery and tried to make them as whimsical as I could. And they add some decoration to the bare wall above the crib.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ8MrFgncq8/TtUkYSKXuwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/nSz8xxur7Ow/s1600/November+2011+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ8MrFgncq8/TtUkYSKXuwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/nSz8xxur7Ow/s320/November+2011+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand Made Artwork - Canvas and Markers</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> With all of these items our Nursery is coming together. We only have to put our rug down (which we picked up at Menard's for $25 Sunday), take the closet doors off, and stock with the baby's necessities! Our goal is to have it all done before Baby Braun arrives in February. Until then, I will be uploading the Nursery photos to our Flickr Site (See Our Photos to the right) for everyone to enjoy!<br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OlXHCe4oSM/TtUkimVtwPI/AAAAAAAAAxo/yrtCm1S1VEY/s1600/November+2011+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OlXHCe4oSM/TtUkimVtwPI/AAAAAAAAAxo/yrtCm1S1VEY/s320/November+2011+044.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Coming together!</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3432866527473181255?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-59483840774389152772011-11-24T08:35:00.001-06:002011-11-24T08:36:39.227-06:00<div><p>What a great way to start the day! I can't decide if I like the fresh fruit or the caramel roll more. Hmm, I'll go with both!</p> <p>Waiting patiently for the parade to start! Happy thanksgiving everyone!</p> <br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_xDZHnv8dC4/Ts5WFzv1SBI/AAAAAAAAAwc/CqrRrK_y9XU/IMAG0281.png' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5948384077438915277?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-15773222268300035352011-11-23T13:22:00.001-06:002011-11-23T13:22:24.534-06:00<div><p>Well its the day before thanksgiving and I have been making goodies all day. I started with puppy chow, which is one of Darrin's favorite snacks. I put a pumpkin pie in the oven just a few minutes ago and now I'm working on a banana cream pie for us to enjoy tonight as we start our thanksgiving celebrations.</p> <p>But before we eat, we are going to participate in an event called "Stuff the Bus." I have a bag of groceries waiting by the door to donate this afternoon. I know we are living on one income, but there are people out there that don't have anything. And we feel very fortunate for what we have and want to help others less fortunate!</p> <p>Here is to a wonderful thanksgiving eve!!</p> <br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a6S_id2AX9Y/Ts1H4_n3UsI/AAAAAAAAAv8/kP4k_bK0nng/1322076094478.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kamtZ47IRGw/Ts1H5yAjHII/AAAAAAAAAwE/o-VyQ93xk5k/IMAG0261.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iIYsSzWjIbA/Ts1H61DD7HI/AAAAAAAAAwM/o3f17oDPuno/1322076074625.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UfjRlGLR-Ho/Ts1H7qPedvI/AAAAAAAAAwU/w14BDYD1Wnk/1322076053207.png' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1577322226830003535?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-89641737173844937962011-11-17T18:06:00.001-06:002011-11-17T18:06:26.976-06:00<div><p>So we are really trying to eat healthier and one of the ways we do this is with a salad every night. What about this doesn't look good. Mmm!</p> <br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k7gvqfFBtGU/TsWhgYh1ZeI/AAAAAAAAAv0/-J-VDLdPQEw/IMAG0251.png' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8964173717384493796?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-21186451969048347162011-11-15T09:31:00.001-06:002011-11-15T09:32:17.189-06:00<div><p>It is the middle of November and I already am battling off my first cold. Before I was pregnant I took airborne and zicam tablets at the onset of the cold feelings.</p> <p>However, being pregnant I am resorting to old fashioned methods such as lots of vitamin c, fluids, and plenty of rest!</p> <p>Let's hope it works because we are having our first baby shower this weekend. And I want to be healthy and able to talk to everyone!</p> <p>On the menu for lunch: chicken noodle soup. Mmm my favorite!</p> <br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Y5_as8IiEs/TsKF_nPy22I/AAAAAAAAAvk/vA5z6BhM0gw/1321371106190.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bqj7seFsQNM/TsKF6J2MhZI/AAAAAAAAAvc/cw36sMsgeKU/IMAG0248.png' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2118645196904834716?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-4877210334631635852011-11-14T08:49:00.001-06:002011-11-14T08:49:05.735-06:00<div><p>Well Darrin has decided to get back on track and start his training for the upcoming biking season. This means eating healthier, weight training, and getting in more workouts for him.</p> <p>And for me it means supporting him through healthier meals, and helping him get his workouts in. But I started to think about the last trimester of my pregnancy and thought it might be a good time for me to start training as well. So, I am also going to do some weight training and getting in some cardiovascular workouts. My training won't be as intense as Darrin's, but it will be good for me and Baby Braun!</p> <p>I'll try to post a little more often with what we are eating and what we are doing to get in shape before baby arrives in February!</p> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-487721033463163585?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-9021456882374456142011-09-19T14:17:00.000-05:002011-09-19T14:17:20.941-05:00Wow, It's been awhile since I have last been on here. In fact, the last time I blogged I was still in school, we lived in Butler, WI, and we weren't expecting our first baby! Yup, a lot has changed in the last few months. The most recent change is that I lost my job due to the ever failing economy on September 9th. I worked for Quad/Graphics in their Design and Construction (Facilities) Department as an Interior Designer. It was a great place to work with fabulous people. I sure am going to miss everyone. But, I must say that Darrin and I are so grateful for everything in our lives right now.<br /> <br /> If you remember we got married back in January and have been enjoying life as the Braun's. We decided to look for a house and move out of the apartment we had been renting for the past 3 plus years. It took awhile, but we found the perfect little house. And as of August 22nd, we now call it home. I have posted pics on Facebook and most likely will blog another time about it here.<br /> <br /> And our new home will be blessed with Baby Braun this February. This is probably the most exciting news we have to share with family and friends! I am currently just shy of 5 months by a few days. And I think I just started to feel the baby moving around in my belly. Some days it seems so weird to think there is a little human growing inside of me, and then I begin to think of how awesome it is to be starting a life!<br /> <br /> Many people have asked us if we are going to find out what we are having, but we are going to leave that a surprise for the day Baby Braun gets here. The only thing we are hoping for is a healthy baby.<br /> <br /> We will definitely post a little more often as life has slowed down a bit. But in the meantime, don't take things for granted and live life to the fullest! Life is GOOD!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-902145688237445614?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-69060056014354431902011-05-01T13:28:00.001-05:002011-05-01T13:28:27.946-05:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Tb2mSLJTaRI/AAAAAAAAAt8/OnsxzBcahyE/IMAG0574.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Tb2mSLJTaRI/AAAAAAAAAt8/OnsxzBcahyE/s400/IMAG0574.jpg' /></a></p>Iola bump and jump...let's race!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6906005601435443190?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-12875226610882751912011-04-29T13:29:00.001-05:002011-04-29T13:29:55.018-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TbsDoCkcR0I/AAAAAAAAAt4/iM2kLBFDY3c/IMAG0572.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TbsDoCkcR0I/AAAAAAAAAt4/iM2kLBFDY3c/s400/IMAG0572.jpg' /></a></p>I love trying new places. And what a steal at just over $7 for all you can eat!!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1287522661088275191?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-63501943860437414802011-04-13T17:03:00.001-05:002011-04-13T17:03:21.280-05:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TaYdpk9UKaI/AAAAAAAAAt0/nGTKYdRNu5Q/IMAG0538.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TaYdpk9UKaI/AAAAAAAAAt0/nGTKYdRNu5Q/s400/IMAG0538.jpg' /></a></p>Sampler platter. What a great way to start dinner. Great atmosphere!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6350194386043741480?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-74041281969498125772011-04-03T11:37:00.001-05:002011-04-03T11:37:43.215-05:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TZiiVCSer8I/AAAAAAAAAts/36U39KvQ7cM/IMAG0475.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TZiiVCSer8I/AAAAAAAAAts/36U39KvQ7cM/s400/IMAG0475.jpg' /></a></p>One of our first thunderstorms of spring. And this storm brought tiny pellets of hail, but a lot of it!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-7404128196949812577?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-38167505825319875802011-03-18T20:08:00.001-05:002011-03-18T20:08:41.537-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TYQCFoJlWBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/SA6-p0im5RY/IMAG0449.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TYQCFoJlWBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/SA6-p0im5RY/s400/IMAG0449.jpg' /></a></p>Darrin is a professional at carrying my bags. But I must tell you, we spent most of the money on him. Now he will be a Sharp dressed sales man!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3816750582531987580?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-90364671536980916102011-03-12T15:19:00.002-06:002011-03-12T15:23:02.148-06:00Darrin taught himself sketch up and is creating a new biking concept. Can't wait to see the final product.<br /> <div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-9036467153698091610?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-79619845363430812992011-03-12T08:31:00.001-06:002011-03-12T08:31:44.033-06:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TXuDzZ8EjwI/AAAAAAAAAsw/9OTGO_D-RJg/IMAG0444.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TXuDzZ8EjwI/AAAAAAAAAsw/9OTGO_D-RJg/s400/IMAG0444.jpg' /></a></p>Wow, to think of flying back in the 40's. Simpler times.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-7961984536343081299?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-6900048026370613772011-02-27T20:46:00.000-06:002011-02-27T20:46:59.107-06:00<span>Honored to be one of the Interior Design students featured on LauraGainor.com. 150 students were challenged to complete a visual resume within 4 days and to step into the social media world! Challenge completed and Met! <a href="http://www.lauragainor.com/2011/02/student-presentations-asid-iida-wi-interior-design-career-day/">Student Presentations from Career Day 2011</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-690004802637061377?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-67525279150806193902011-02-26T21:03:00.001-06:002011-02-26T21:03:49.641-06:00Challenge met. Thanks Laura Gainor and the ASID/IIDA Career Day! <div style="width:425px" id="__ss_7039317"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/lynnbraun/lynn-braun-virtual-resume" title="Lynn Braun visual resume">Lynn Braun visual resume</a></strong><object id="__sse7039317" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=lynn-braunvirtualresume-110223225213-phpapp01&stripped_title=lynn-braun-virtual-resume&userName=lynnbraun" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse7039317" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=lynn-braunvirtualresume-110223225213-phpapp01&stripped_title=lynn-braun-virtual-resume&userName=lynnbraun" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/lynnbraun">Lynn Braun</a>.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6752527915080619390?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-46661105332112163342011-02-20T15:17:00.001-06:002011-02-20T15:17:18.190-06:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TWGE28mbfrI/AAAAAAAAAss/R1TLfEXo0Ro/IMAG0422.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TWGE28mbfrI/AAAAAAAAAss/R1TLfEXo0Ro/s400/IMAG0422.jpg' /></a></p>It's another snowy Sunday here in Wisconsin. It's making for a great day of homework and social media networking!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-4666110533211216334?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-69357090057856283982011-02-18T09:33:00.001-06:002011-02-18T09:33:36.534-06:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TV6RSQyx2-I/AAAAAAAAAsk/Q8U9WLGorRQ/IMAG0417.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TV6RSQyx2-I/AAAAAAAAAsk/Q8U9WLGorRQ/s400/IMAG0417.jpg' /></a></p>Great presentation to start our interior design career day here in Madison Wisconsin!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6935709005785628398?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-10393919851991025232011-01-30T12:11:00.001-06:002011-01-30T12:11:22.611-06:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TUWpx7YO02I/AAAAAAAAAsE/6DnbKibVB0M/IMAG0364.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TUWpx7YO02I/AAAAAAAAAsE/6DnbKibVB0M/s400/IMAG0364.jpg' /></a></p>Downtown Milwaukee on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1039391985199102523?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-23332439231874227272011-01-14T19:53:00.001-06:002011-01-14T19:53:58.488-06:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TTD-M8OvFxI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Au5cqEBXKAg/IMAG0329.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TTD-M8OvFxI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Au5cqEBXKAg/s400/IMAG0329.jpg' /></a></p>Darrin and I are enjoying a varsity girls basketball game this evening...this after watching the jv squad play earlier. Let's go warhawks!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2333243923187422727?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-31440054538208200522010-12-25T11:11:00.001-06:002010-12-25T11:11:00.916-06:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TRYln93tQ9I/AAAAAAAAAr0/RkNIO1rm8f8/IMAG0275.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TRYln93tQ9I/AAAAAAAAAr0/RkNIO1rm8f8/s400/IMAG0275.jpg' /></a></p>Let the feasting begin!!! Happy holidays to all!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3144005453820820052?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-67158432556755800582010-12-24T16:48:00.001-06:002010-12-24T16:48:03.888-06:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TRUjIflvPiI/AAAAAAAAArw/v1vfNbx82Ec/IMAG0260.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TRUjIflvPiI/AAAAAAAAArw/v1vfNbx82Ec/s400/IMAG0260.jpg' /></a></p>What a rough day for ginger! Christmas eve wore her out...merry Christmas everyone.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6715843255675580058?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-59412502883228392832010-12-04T17:11:00.001-06:002010-12-04T17:11:05.770-06:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPrKhl5gluI/AAAAAAAAAro/_90IdyXGlEU/IMAG0245.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPrKhl5gluI/AAAAAAAAAro/_90IdyXGlEU/s400/IMAG0245.jpg' /></a></p>Out plowing with Darrin!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5941250288322839283?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-60063031871793972572010-11-29T19:04:00.001-06:002010-11-29T19:04:06.276-06:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPRNgzV30-I/AAAAAAAAArk/Ja6dHsQkJ6g/IMAG0240.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPRNgzV30-I/AAAAAAAAArk/Ja6dHsQkJ6g/s400/IMAG0240.jpg' /></a></p>It's 7pm on Monday night and he is still hard at work! Big meeting tomorrow...I know he will do good. He always does.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6006303187179397257?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-932976305048748172010-11-26T18:57:00.001-06:002010-11-26T18:57:46.883-06:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPBXiOM9jsI/AAAAAAAAArg/Dyg-RO3vi3M/IMAG0221.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPBXiOM9jsI/AAAAAAAAArg/Dyg-RO3vi3M/s400/IMAG0221.jpg' /></a></p>Who would have thought...holiday parade in butler! Let the holidays begin!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-93297630504874817?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-4144994742469153842010-11-26T17:34:00.001-06:002010-11-26T17:34:37.171-06:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPBECuey7hI/AAAAAAAAArc/STbwBvmGYJI/IMAG0220.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TPBECuey7hI/AAAAAAAAArc/STbwBvmGYJI/s400/IMAG0220.jpg' /></a></p>Darrin and I found the best tree on the lot. Now we have to decorate it!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-414499474246915384?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-67164990607429502202010-11-26T12:20:00.001-06:002010-11-26T12:20:58.891-06:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TO_6h45eXbI/AAAAAAAAArY/_8rjZbQftX8/IMAG0205.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TO_6h45eXbI/AAAAAAAAArY/_8rjZbQftX8/s400/IMAG0205.jpg' /></a></p>Watch your step...<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6716499060742950220?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-66722144020055389172010-11-25T09:03:00.001-06:002010-11-25T09:03:44.726-06:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TO56ziFn5nI/AAAAAAAAArU/KdJhTk55qxU/IMAG0197.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TO56ziFn5nI/AAAAAAAAArU/KdJhTk55qxU/s400/IMAG0197.jpg' /></a></p>Darrin and I are enjoying the macy's thanksgiving day parade while we make appetizers for our meal today! Happy thanksgiving day!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6672214402005538917?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-42639525750044780972010-11-09T10:54:00.001-06:002010-11-09T10:54:29.168-06:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TNl8wF7of-I/AAAAAAAAArM/cQXrjoOZ-a0/IMAG0180.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TNl8wF7of-I/AAAAAAAAArM/cQXrjoOZ-a0/s400/IMAG0180.jpg' /></a></p>Visiting the empire of Kohler today for school! Very cool...might have to bring Darrin back someday.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-4263952575004478097?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-37777187538263270862010-11-07T10:20:00.001-06:002010-11-07T10:20:33.613-06:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TNbRznVyQpI/AAAAAAAAArI/SigBPQsdkOI/IMAG0171.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TNbRznVyQpI/AAAAAAAAArI/SigBPQsdkOI/s400/IMAG0171.jpg' /></a></p>Putting together my last board for illustration. Next on our agenda...sketch-up.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3777718753826327086?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-59818294784108641222010-10-30T07:12:00.001-05:002010-10-30T07:12:45.650-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TMwLuTW6a9I/AAAAAAAAAqs/bJkfs6FHB2I/IMAG0140.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TMwLuTW6a9I/AAAAAAAAAqs/bJkfs6FHB2I/s400/IMAG0140.jpg' /></a></p>Can you say delicious? Girl talk martini and cheese cake! Great start to our date night.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5981829478410864122?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-71978566818012113062010-10-23T12:34:00.001-05:002010-10-23T12:34:49.473-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TMMcthuaA5I/AAAAAAAAAqo/3ko6T51okjI/IMAG0125.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TMMcthuaA5I/AAAAAAAAAqo/3ko6T51okjI/s400/IMAG0125.jpg' /></a></p>Soggy day for a cross race. Hanging out before the cat 2 race.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-7197856681801211306?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-23607983737186802692010-10-15T18:41:00.001-05:002010-10-15T18:41:45.147-05:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLjmtcev5NI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ljtw8gUxnvI/IMAG0120.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLjmtcev5NI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ljtw8gUxnvI/s400/IMAG0120.jpg' /></a></p>So it is really starting to come together...my kitchen project that is. I just met a great group of people at Artisan in wauwatosa, wi. Thank you for helping me select a better material for my kitchen counters. Now...back to the drafting board!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2360798373718680269?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-88608575535031261322010-10-10T12:29:00.001-05:002010-10-10T12:29:59.555-05:00<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLH4FZDCeGI/AAAAAAAAAqc/abEXSCpRURc/IMAG0110.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLH4FZDCeGI/AAAAAAAAAqc/abEXSCpRURc/s400/IMAG0110.jpg' /></a></p>Chris and Darrin getting ready for the last race of the wors season! Good luck to everyone racing today.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8860857553503126132?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-21353361403305120292010-10-09T19:14:00.001-05:002010-10-09T19:14:36.824-05:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLEFaeDjkkI/AAAAAAAAAqY/hSygkdg9igo/IMAG0107.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TLEFaeDjkkI/AAAAAAAAAqY/hSygkdg9igo/s400/IMAG0107.jpg' /></a></p>So the girls have him coloring for them while we wait for our food. He wrote love big d on one and had to do the same for the other.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2135336140330512029?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-82313202043475446142010-09-26T15:23:00.001-05:002010-09-26T15:23:42.026-05:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJ-ryjG0HII/AAAAAAAAAqU/OvEj_8QgKSc/IMAG0064.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJ-ryjG0HII/AAAAAAAAAqU/OvEj_8QgKSc/s400/IMAG0064.jpg' /></a></p>Well I am proud to report that Darrin got his first Wors win today at Bear Paw. Coming in second was Nathan, and third was Chris. Great job also to the rest of the Adventure 212/Specialized team and Wors racers.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8231320204347544614?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-89224479975177445362010-09-26T11:03:00.001-05:002010-09-26T11:03:33.412-05:00<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJ9u0iZUrOI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uH7J2NJEyaM/IMAG0060.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJ9u0iZUrOI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uH7J2NJEyaM/s400/IMAG0060.jpg' /></a></p>this weather is perfect for spectating at a bike race. Good luck Wors competitors, especially the Adventure 212/Specialized team!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8922447997517744536?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-87179287449591018042010-09-21T07:04:00.001-05:002010-09-21T07:04:42.079-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJifVweIieI/AAAAAAAAAqM/ZEF74xzKS3g/IMAG0043.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJifVweIieI/AAAAAAAAAqM/ZEF74xzKS3g/s400/IMAG0043.jpg' /></a></p>we were assigned an architectural inspiration board and this is what I came up with. my marketing firm does advertising for places like rei...now to design the interior!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8717928744959101804?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-56456240566370524942010-09-18T09:01:00.001-05:002010-09-18T09:01:41.427-05:00<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJTGRMrW2AI/AAAAAAAAAqI/6edvGw2ANlA/IMAG0018.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJTGRMrW2AI/AAAAAAAAAqI/6edvGw2ANlA/s400/IMAG0018.jpg' /></a></p>great weather and crew. Good luck everyone!!! see you at the finish. <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5645624056637052494?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-7122990662234865812010-09-17T14:58:00.001-05:002010-09-17T14:58:53.113-05:00<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJPIeVQbeNI/AAAAAAAAAqE/hYnS5FNazyI/IMAG0016.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TJPIeVQbeNI/AAAAAAAAAqE/hYnS5FNazyI/s400/IMAG0016.jpg' /></a></p>we are traveling up north and stopped in tomohawk to get coffee...<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-712299066223486581?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-15512053043610753202010-06-03T07:02:00.003-05:002010-06-03T07:08:05.337-05:00<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeapwHGEHI/AAAAAAAAAo8/i1s7IB8c17E/s1600/Illustration+Name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="103" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeapwHGEHI/AAAAAAAAAo8/i1s7IB8c17E/s200/Illustration+Name.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the greatest skills an interior designer can posses is the ability to graphically present to a client what their design is going to look like. We call this rendering and provide these drawings to illustrate to our clients what their space is going to look like after the work is done. Within the last 10 years, more and more rendering is done on the computer, but clients still appreciate a good old hand rendered elevation, floor plan, and perspective.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVQ5bFmEI/AAAAAAAAAns/2p5Dl7W1pwk/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVQ5bFmEI/AAAAAAAAAns/2p5Dl7W1pwk/s200/003.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last semester I enrolled in a class titled "Illustration." I was a bit apprehensive as I had very limited use with markers, let alone rendering. As the class progressed on throughout the semester, I began to loosen up a bit and actually enjoyed many of the rendering projects we were given. Although my renderings aren't perfect, I was able to learn a valuable tool and will be able to build upon this as my schooling and career develop.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeYzu-IrBI/AAAAAAAAAo0/mFkzuBhBOoY/s1600/Illustration+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeYzu-IrBI/AAAAAAAAAo0/mFkzuBhBOoY/s200/Illustration+006.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The class projects included sketching, rendering worksheets, doing freehand perspectives (1 &amp; 2 Pt), and a final rendering project. I found this challenging to say the least. I have always loved art, and have a degree in architecture which has already given me many skills in drawing. BUT, I still struggled with one aspect of illustration....it doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, some of the drawings are meant to be sketches and simply provide someone with an ideation of what the space will look like. So over the summer, I will be working on speed and trying to let go of some of the rigidness I have been so accustomed to with my architectural background.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For now, I thought I would post some projects we did this past summer....Enjoy!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVa1vcA6I/AAAAAAAAAn0/-7VrFstnS5E/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="145" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVa1vcA6I/AAAAAAAAAn0/-7VrFstnS5E/s200/002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeYob0PXwI/AAAAAAAAAos/Gik5yW-lJh8/s1600/Illustration+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeYob0PXwI/AAAAAAAAAos/Gik5yW-lJh8/s200/Illustration+005.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVkHt3nwI/AAAAAAAAAn8/qN7dIJw-UJk/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="145" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAeVkHt3nwI/AAAAAAAAAn8/qN7dIJw-UJk/s200/001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1551205304361075320?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-69463265545688748492010-06-02T12:04:00.006-05:002010-06-02T12:16:10.777-05:00on your promotion at work! May 19th I got a phone call from Darrin and he was pretty excited. He told me that they pulled him into a meeting and offered him an outside sales position. This position was going to be selling Landscape block for County Materials. As you can see by the photo below, Darrin's previous job was to deliver block to job sites. <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAaP4aHV6-I/AAAAAAAAAnM/2aKDvPS0ZpM/s1600/2.26.09+(2)+004.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478224195988351970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAaP4aHV6-I/AAAAAAAAAnM/2aKDvPS0ZpM/s320/2.26.09+(2)+004.jpg" /></a></div><div>(Darrin and his work truck winter 2009) </div><div></div><div> So now, instead of Darrin putting on dirty work clothes and riding his bike to work everyday, I get to send him off all dressed up and in the car. This has been a major adjustment for Darrin, but I think he is doing a great job already and he is only a week and 1 day into his new job!!</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAaRMJzdlFI/AAAAAAAAAnc/OWv6OtWlH00/s1600/Darrin%27s+First+Day+as+a+Salesman+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478225634719011922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAaRMJzdlFI/AAAAAAAAAnc/OWv6OtWlH00/s320/Darrin%27s+First+Day+as+a+Salesman+001.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div><div>(Darrin's first day as a salesman)</div><div></div><div> Congratulations again...I know you will do a good job!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAaP42ynvpI/AAAAAAAAAnU/xGfptSkqPk8/s1600/Darrin%27s+First+Day+as+a+Salesman+001.JPG"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-6946326554568874849?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-7940547841804089752010-05-31T10:32:00.012-05:002010-06-02T09:41:43.585-05:00This weekend was the 3rd WORS race of the season in Wausau, WI. The race is called the big Ring Classic and the weather was a bit on the warm side, but beautiful. I really can't complain because last year we were wearing winter hats, coats, and gloves! The crowd was awesome as this past weekend was Memorial day and everyone had more time to hang around. <div></div><div>For the first time ever, Darrin's siblings (and spouses) were there to support him and take in a bike race. Jamie, Craig, and his Fiance, Brenda have been to a couple of races as Craig races too. But this was the first time they were able to just cheer and enjoy the race. Derek and his wife Courtney were attending their first ever biking event. Although they thought it was intense, I think they enjoyed seeing what Darrin works so hard for almost everyday.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAPaeRXJkCI/AAAAAAAAAm8/63zZJff-6qo/s1600/Memorial+Day+Weekend+034.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477461785404084258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAPaeRXJkCI/AAAAAAAAAm8/63zZJff-6qo/s320/Memorial+Day+Weekend+034.JPG" /></a></div><div>(Left: Jamie, Courtney, Derek, Brenda, Craig, Darrin, and Lynn)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ginger...over heated, but thanks to Brenda, quickly recovered and enjoyed most of the race from her lap in the shade.</div><div> </div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAPaeOgP4bI/AAAAAAAAAm0/5W8zGA7DCEw/s1600/Memorial+Day+Weekend+029.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477461784636940722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAPaeOgP4bI/AAAAAAAAAm0/5W8zGA7DCEw/s320/Memorial+Day+Weekend+029.JPG" /></a> (Ginger falling out of the chair. Brenda and Jamie) <div></div><div>Excitement...and a photo finish! I guess I really got excited when Darrin was battling it out with Brian Matter (1st) and Mark LaLonde (3rd). But who wouldn't be excited with a sprint to the end like that. And I must say I am super stoked for Darrin to have come in second among two riders that he has looked up to over the past few years. I know a win is not far off for Darrin and I can't wait!!</div><div> </div><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAUBTGSmc_I/AAAAAAAAAnE/E5o4PUKAupQ/s1600/Photo+Finish2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477785949383848946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/TAUBTGSmc_I/AAAAAAAAAnE/E5o4PUKAupQ/s320/Photo+Finish2.jpg" /></a> <div>(Photos Courtesy of Christine C. and Amy D.) </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-794054784180408975?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-57393009232587868452010-05-24T09:08:00.004-05:002010-05-24T09:31:45.966-05:00<div><div> I'll try to keep this post short as I know we are all busy. In fact, I have been so busy until recently that I haven't had time to do any postings. So I thought I would share some of my projects with you all to show you what I have been so preoccupied with. After being challenged for an entire year with an empty job market, we decided to use my time more efficiently. This decision sent me back to school. In early August of 2009, I enrolled full time at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). I just made the deadline for the Interior Design Program with school starting August 28th. <div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLXwRszEI/AAAAAAAAAlE/gRDpsxZQG1c/s1600/stuff3112010+060.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLXYGB35I/AAAAAAAAAk8/UBoCh9UVdjY/s1600/stuff3112010+058.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474841530743250834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLXYGB35I/AAAAAAAAAk8/UBoCh9UVdjY/s320/stuff3112010+058.JPG" /></a> (Not bad for my First Materials Board) <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLXwRszEI/AAAAAAAAAlE/gRDpsxZQG1c/s1600/stuff3112010+060.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474841537234652226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLXwRszEI/AAAAAAAAAlE/gRDpsxZQG1c/s320/stuff3112010+060.JPG" /></a> (Second Materials Board - Board #1) <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLYTJElvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/4hTBhfrM5-U/s1600/stuff3112010+056.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474841546593703666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLYTJElvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/4hTBhfrM5-U/s320/stuff3112010+056.JPG" /></a> (Second Materials Board - Board #2) </div><div> It was challenging at first going back to school after six years of being in the work world, but eventually it felt good to actually be productive during the day. Fall semester flew by, and spring semester went even faster. Looking back now I am really glad we decided that I should go back and get another degree. This program is a 2 year program, which I am on track to graduate in May of 2011. I have learned so much in the last nine months and I have gained a lot of great friends!</div><div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLYyf-mDI/AAAAAAAAAlU/tbN5Eh9Uii0/s1600/boards+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474841555011278898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLYyf-mDI/AAAAAAAAAlU/tbN5Eh9Uii0/s320/boards+008.JPG" /></a> (First Commercial Project - Board #1) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLZD78GGI/AAAAAAAAAlc/SiUNr4K9_Bg/s1600/boards+006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474841559691958370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S_qLZD78GGI/AAAAAAAAAlc/SiUNr4K9_Bg/s320/boards+006.JPG" /></a></div><div>(First Commercial Project - Board #2) </div><div>Hope you enjoy the Photos!!</div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5739300923258786845?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-21828674272562457802010-02-22T08:12:00.015-06:002010-02-22T09:04:07.240-06:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRh1bnaNI/AAAAAAAAAik/Hd0qdhFVTXk/s1600-h/February+14th+2010+074.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071310281599186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRh1bnaNI/AAAAAAAAAik/Hd0qdhFVTXk/s320/February+14th+2010+074.JPG" /></a> <div><strong>The NEW Mrs. Darrin Braun!</strong> Yup you guessed it, we are engaged. And we couldn't be happier. Darrin proposed to me on Valentine's Day 2010 out at Lapham Peak near Delafield, WI. This was a big surprise to me because we had agreed to just go and get married one day and not go through the "normal" process of starting our life as Mr. and Mrs. Braun.</div> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRisQB6SI/AAAAAAAAAis/q2sn9qfVuCM/s1600-h/February+14th+2010+076.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071324996954402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRisQB6SI/AAAAAAAAAis/q2sn9qfVuCM/s320/February+14th+2010+076.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRi5Exo1I/AAAAAAAAAi0/6z-Nry8clko/s1600-h/February+14th+2010+077.JPG"></a></div> <div>So, how did he surprise me you ask. For starters around New Years this year while Jamie (Darrin's sister) and I were shopping in the Bloomington Mall, Darrin ventured out to the jewelry stores to start his search. My shopping trip was a little more successful than Darrin's, but he had started.</div> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRi5Exo1I/AAAAAAAAAi0/6z-Nry8clko/s1600-h/February+14th+2010+077.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071328439411538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KRi5Exo1I/AAAAAAAAAi0/6z-Nry8clko/s320/February+14th+2010+077.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div>After coming up empty handed at the mall in Indiana, he took his sister to the Mayfair mall just down the road from our house. I was at school and thought it was nice that Darrin was taking his sister to see our mall. I never thought in a million years that he was going to be purchasing a ring. After having a bad experience with a sales lady from Zales, Darrin and Jamie ventured to Roger's and Hollands where he found what I think is the perfect ring. Not to mention, he actually had his sister pay for it because I take care of the checking account and would have asked him about his purchase back at the end of January.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KUsJO9SPI/AAAAAAAAAi8/AvCIpf6g5aU/s1600-h/my+ring.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 304px; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441074785930791154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/S4KUsJO9SPI/AAAAAAAAAi8/AvCIpf6g5aU/s320/my+ring.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div>Once he had the ring he had planned to take me hiking, but I was really consumed with the NARI Interior Design Contest project. After signing up to be involved with the project, I inadvertently become the leader and was spending many late nights and early mornings organizing, delegating, and preparing for this project. Not to mention, Darrin began training a lot more and we were traveling across the country to watch basketball games. So there was little time left to get out and hike.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>But, I had a day off on February 14th, 2010 and Darrin was determined to make it the best day in our lives. I was up a little earlier than he was and started the coffee. About a half hour later Darrin woke up and immediately took Ginger outside. To my surprise he returned with a bouquet of roses and a card that told me how much he loved me. This alone blew my socks off simply because we don't celebrate holidays like the norm. He explained that to me that he wanted me to know that he was proud of me for working so hard on my project!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>We then went out to breakfast, which was the only thing that day that I was expecting. We had decided to go out and celebrate the NARI project coming to a close and to just enjoy our time together. I remember thinking that he was extremely smiley and happy while we ate, but decided it was because we were actually spending good quality time together. This was something that took a back seat while we were both working towards other goals.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>After breakfast he convinced me to venture out to Lapham Peak for a short hike up to the top of the lookout tower. Ginger was so cold right away and the breeze took my breath away, but we smiled as we looked out over the land to see Milwaukee off in the distance. We enjoyed the sun on our faces and smiled at the skiers making their way through the trails. Then, I started to get as cold as Ginger and asked Darrin if we could go.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>It was at that moment that he grabbed my hand and started talking about how we moved to Milwaukee and how great the last 3 years have been....and then he got on one knee! My jaw dropped and I remember saying, "No way, there is no way! OMG! OMG!" And then as he smiled wide he asked me, "Lynn Meyer, will you marry me?"</div><div> </div><div></div><div>"YES!!! YES!!! OMG YES!!!," is what I managed to squeal out while he put the ring on my finger. We hugged and kissed for a while and I expressed my complete sense of shock to him. Needless to say as I am writing this I am still in shock!!! But, I couldn't have been happier with how the day was starting. We then enjoyed the day and only told a couple of people...Jamie (Darrin's sister) and my parents. We just wanted to enjoy the day and the excitement of the new stage in our relationship.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>The next day we posted on Facebook the pictures from the day to let the majority of people know we were now engaged. Now what? Well, we are just enjoying each other the same way we did before...yup not much has changed except for that piece of jewelry on my left hand! But we couldn't be happier!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2182867427256245780?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-27049272113044719972009-08-21T09:05:00.003-05:002009-08-21T09:47:40.905-05:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6wBVjzqII/AAAAAAAAAco/jXT7G8xKXeU/s1600-h/Date+Night+Aug+20th+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372424942513268866" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6wBVjzqII/AAAAAAAAAco/jXT7G8xKXeU/s320/Date+Night+Aug+20th+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>Date night. For us, date night is important for sharing time together without interruption from anyone or anything. It's about our lives together, and our love for one another. Darrin and I both agree that taking time out of our hectic lives for appreciating each other is a must have to keep the fire going. </div><div>So that is what we did last night. Darrin actually was the one who set everything up and told me what time to be ready. The evening started with a full bouquet of autumn colored roses. I would have to say that he does a great job of making me feel appreciated. The flowers are beautiful and really remind me just how much he loves me and I love him.</div> <div>We live a pretty modest lifestyle. By that I mean that we aren't the couple who goes out to eat every Friday and Saturday night, we don't mozy to the bar occasionally, and we tend to just by the basics when we are out and about. I believe I can count on one hand the number of times we have actually gone out to eat. (That doesn't include the subway stops when we are traveling for bike races.) It really felt more like a treat to us to be able to dine at a very classy restaurant and not have to worry about the money we'd be spending.</div> <div>Mr. B's Steakhouse is set in a charming shopping village just up the road from our house. I have traveled out on Capitol a hundred times and have never seen the sign for this place, but Darrin, has and he set up reservations for 6pm. Although the prices were a little scary to Darrin (who by nature is as cheap as they come), we both picked what we wanted off the menu without hesitation. He let me choose a subtle, sweet wine from the menu and we enjoyed a bruschetta appetizer. The restaurant also served us two types of bread while we waited for our meals to arrive.</div> <div>We both ordered steaks and french fries with a side of asparagus to share. Before our meals came, Darrin added another surprise for me. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a (don't go there!) CARD. (I warned you!!!) I started blushing because I didn't have a card for him, nor did I know he had a card for me. He smiled at me while I read it...I don't know how he did it but the card was perfect (Yup, I'm still smiling as I type this). We both are very blessed to have each other and that is what the night was all about. </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6qVTPxFtI/AAAAAAAAAcg/SHqB7mg_xmg/s1600-h/Date+Night+Aug+20th+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372418688419960530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6qVTPxFtI/AAAAAAAAAcg/SHqB7mg_xmg/s320/Date+Night+Aug+20th+018.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div>With just enough room for dessert, we paid our hefty bill and ventured to the store for some ice cream. As we left the restaurant Darrin had us pose for a picture together to have a memory of the night. We made a stop at Pick n Save for some ice cream. To our surprise when we walked out of the grocery store, there was a rainbow off in the distance. "I think it's a sign," Darrin said to me. A very good sign I added as we headed home, ice cream in hand.</div><div> </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6wBwAtL7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/0EFpmr2Lgnc/s1600-h/Date+Night+Aug+20th+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372424949613801394" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6wBwAtL7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/0EFpmr2Lgnc/s320/Date+Night+Aug+20th+023.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/So6qVTPxFtI/AAAAAAAAAcg/SHqB7mg_xmg/s1600-h/Date+Night+Aug+20th+018.jpg"></a></div><div>The night ended with a bowl of ice cream and a very good movie. I really couldn't have asked for a better night, or a better person to share it with. I can't believe it myself, but Darrin and I have been together 4 months shy of 3 years. (December will be 3) We have had our share of ups and downs. We are not the "Perfect" couple by any means, but what we have is real, it works, and we wouldn't trade it for the world.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2704927211304471997?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-58814368416234777692009-08-03T14:53:00.011-05:002009-08-05T10:34:56.946-05:00<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk0tvpOkI/AAAAAAAAAbM/LJ0uw3tWfnY/s1600-h/IMG_0118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366501656528239170" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk0tvpOkI/AAAAAAAAAbM/LJ0uw3tWfnY/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div> </div><div>Darrin had another WORS bike race this past weekend. The nice thing about this race was the proximity to our home here in Butler, WI. The commute to the course was roughly 20-25 minutes, all freeway. Alterra Coffee put on a great event at the Crystal Ridge Ski Hill in Franklin, WI. Nathan Guerra, of Mr. Tree, took his 1st WORS win which was just one of the great moments of the race weekend. <div><div><div><div><div>Darrin pre-rode the course Saturday morning with his coach before the rains came and went. Afterwards he was happy with the gear selection he had decided upon for racing on Sunday. (If some of you are new to the blog or have just forgotten, Darrin rides a single speed bike with only one gear in the front and one in the back. Sometimes you get lucky and pick a gear that works very well for the course conditions and sometimes you pick a gear that is either to much or to little on race day.) The decision would allow him to compete on the flat parts of the course, he would have to run up the larger of the two hill climbs on the course.</div> <div>Another thing that Darrin noticed were his rear break pads...there weren't any pads left. For most people this isn't a problem because they simply go to a local bike shop and pick up another pair. But Darrin found himself at a loss because the break pads aren't a part the bike shops keep on hand. Darrin made a few phone calls to fellow bikers and was happy when Bubba said he would give him a pair at the race on Sunday. Most racers also have spare parts lying around their bike rooms, but Darrin is pretty new to racing and hasn't had a lot of time to create a surplus of all the parts he goes through in a race season.</div> <div>Mom and Dad arrived in Milwaukee around 3:30-4ish on Saturday afternoon. They had my nephew Killian and niece Reegan with them. The kids are always a lot of entertainment and found Darrin's Rollers to be the best toys we had. We snacked on Ice-pops and then enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. Killian opted for cheese and butter sandwich while Reegan spilled her spaghetti on the floor. No problems there as Ginger helped her clean it up. After we enjoyed some ice cream and Brownies, they headed to their hotel on the south side of Milwaukee near the Race Course. We relaxed the rest of the evening watching TV and enjoyed being at home for a race weekend. </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg3_2g43I/AAAAAAAAAac/ik2pEdI5ywc/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366497314881987442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg3_2g43I/AAAAAAAAAac/ik2pEdI5ywc/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> <div>Darrin and I took our time getting ready Sunday morning. Normally we have to pack everything back into the car, eat breakfast and get to the course in time for Darrin to register and warm up. But this time we didn't have to pack much and the race was only minutes from our house. By about 11am we were headed off to Franklin. Usually we only have to concentrate on one racer and his race, but Sunday we also had a chance to watch Killian and Reegan in the Kids Race. When we got to Crystal Ridge the parking lot was packed, bikers were warming up for the sport race, and my Family was already there. After getting Darrin registered we emerged on the other side of the ski lodge to look for my Mom, Dad, and the kids. To our surprise we found them golfing on the ski hill. They were already having a great time and the race hadn't started. In no time, we were headed back to the car for Darrin to get ready. He was extra excited for this race because his coach was going to be in attendance for the first time. Yup, this was the first time that Joe was able to attend one of Darrin's events.</div> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg4a6AQBI/AAAAAAAAAak/9EqDbZFkzsU/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366497322144382994" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg4a6AQBI/AAAAAAAAAak/9EqDbZFkzsU/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Just as Darrin and I were heading up to where he wanted water bottle hand-offs, Joe (his coach) pulled up. He parked and met us near the top of the first hill. Darrin and I thought it would be the best spot for a water bottle hand off and Joe agreed. Joe (Cieszynski of Wenzel Coaching) brought with him a cooler full of water bottles and gu for Darrin and other racers he knew. Joe also brought his son Jake, and a friend of Jake's to enjoy the race event. With us in place, Darrin headed off to finish warming up.</div> <div>About 20 minutes before the race began Darrin came back to where he left Joe and I. He hopped off his bike and asked Joe if he thought his front wheel needed to be trued up before the race started. YES was his answer and he sent Darrin searching for someone to quickly help him before the race started. As luck would have it, Bubba<span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"> (</span>Team Extreme) was finishing his sport race and offered to help Darrin. They also remembered that Darrin was going to use Bubba's break pads. Before I knew it, Randy and John had Darrin's bike up on a stand and were wrenching away. T-minus 15 minutes until call ups. </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg5EoXheI/AAAAAAAAAa0/6MBkeEKt1to/s1600-h/IMG_0056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366497333344699874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg5EoXheI/AAAAAAAAAa0/6MBkeEKt1to/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I ventured off to the start of the kids race to help Killian and Reegan. Mom took pictures while I helped Killian and Dad helped Reegan. We waited for the older kids to make their way around the course and then it was time for Killian and Reegan to line up. The director yelled, "Ready, Set, GOOO!" And the kids were off. I gave Killian a little push to get him over a mound of rocks and he didn't stop pedaling. Although the lap was a short one, Killian huffed and puffed the whole way around the loop. When we got closer to the finish he started to smile and was excited to be finishing his first race. Reegan was not far behind. The great part of the kids races are that they all get medals until they get up to the Youth race, which takes them to the same course the adults race on. Reegan and Killian both held up their medals for a quick photo and I was off to make sure Darrin got his bike fixed in time to be at the start line. </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg4gsdN-I/AAAAAAAAAas/4RQOwXAg_zI/s1600-h/IMG_0051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366497323698173922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg4gsdN-I/AAAAAAAAAas/4RQOwXAg_zI/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Not only did Randy (of Team Extreme) get Darrin's front wheel true enough to ride, they were also switching out his rear break pads with Bubba's. The funny part was that Bubba had just finished his race with those pads and now they had to work again for Darrin. Without the help of Randy, Bubba, and John, Darrin would not have been able to race. I don't think we can thank those guys enough for their generosity. Darrin pedaled off to make sure everything was in working order and then found himself headed towards the start line.</div> <div>Darrin has been doing well in the WORS series. This has allowed him to take 3rd place overall (in the series) and gave him a great starting position for this race. Along with Darrin, about 15-20 other riders get called to the front of the pack. We all waited as they sang the national anthem and then got the riders into start position. "One foot in and one foot on the ground gentlemen," Don announced just before he counted down from 10. The guys put their race faces on and began to realize that they had 4 long laps up and down the ski hill course. </div><div>Ginger gets very excited at the start of the race and begins to bark when the racers go past us. Everyone gives me this look of what the heck...but we know she is only cheering everyone on. (In fact this one time, she got out of the bag and ran after Darrin thinking she would be joining him for a common run. Luckily he was able to stop her and I put her back in the bag for the remainder of the race.) Once out of sight, I made my way back to where I would be handing off water bottles, but this time Darrin's coach helped me out by doing the job. </div><div>I thought about walking around and taking pictures but found myself near Joe just in case something else happened. I think I get more nervous than Darrin does sometimes. While I waited I had a chance to talk with Joe who just returned from a 3 week trip helping the Junior riders out. It is nice to know that the kids are getting really great help at an early age. As we were waiting for Darrin to come around on his 2nd lap, John (of Team Extreme) thought I looked a little parched and brought me a nice cold beverage (aka-beer). It sure went down smooth and was a great way to enjoy the race.</div> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg5zJ2wEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/RXrA93bjNKA/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366497345833189442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmg5zJ2wEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/RXrA93bjNKA/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" border="0" /></a></div> <div>We watched as the riders came by for their 3rd lap. My Mom kept Ginger in the shade with her while she watched the race. My Dad carted Reegan around on his bike, while Killian rode around the BMX track a few more times. As we were all chatting, someone was yelling in our direction that Darrin needed water. For some reason I thought it was funny that there was another rider out on the course whose name was Darrin. It didn't dawn on me that they were talking about my Darrin until Randy said, "Lynn, your Darrin needs water on the other side of the Ski Lodge." I grabbed the only bottle of water I had and started running from one side of the course to the other. I had a few minutes to catch my breath before Darrin came through and got the hand off. As I walked back by my Mom, she informed me that he dropped his bottle again on his way down the hill.</div> <div>After I made it back to my original spot, Darrin was making his way back up the steep hill climb. Once he approached the top I could hear him yelling, "I need 2, 2 bottles, I need 2!" I knew Joe had one for him so I grabbed the last bottle full of Gatorade from the cooler and got it to him just before he was past us. And here I thought the day was going to be enjoyed by watching and actually getting to cheer Darrin on. I guess I got some much needed exercise in. </div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk0Acx8GI/AAAAAAAAAbE/8fRltPNGY9Q/s1600-h/IMG_0097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366501644369522786" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk0Acx8GI/AAAAAAAAAbE/8fRltPNGY9Q/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Once again we waited while they finished their last lap. On Darrin's first lap he had a technical which put him back a ways in the pack. From then on, Darrin had to make up time and spots if he wanted to have a good finish. We watched him lap after lap gaining time like crazy, and even gaining time right up until he finished the race. I won't spoil the end for him, but I will tell you that he did his best and he had a great time. These trails have become his home course if you know what I mean. Not only does he train on these trails, but he also takes part in the Wednesday night Time trials here almost every week through out the summer.</div><div> </div><div>After the race we sat around while they handed out the awards. Reegan fell sleep, but Killian was still talking about how he went up and down the hills in his race. Killian, Darrin, and Ginger all posed for one last picture on the podium, Killian sporting his proudly earned medal. Just as we were packing up to head to the car, Dennis called to see how the race went. Dennis and Heidi have been to quite a few of Darrin's races and were not able to make this event. Dad talked to Dennis for awhile and then put Darrin on the phone to tell of his race.</div><div> </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk1FKaLHI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6LfvHfYch-A/s1600-h/IMG_0160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366501662814514290" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Snmk1FKaLHI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6LfvHfYch-A/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>I think everyone was a bit sun burnt and ready for a nap by the time we left the ski hill. Mom and Dad had 2 tired kids, and we headed home with one more bike than we came with. Scott Cole, an Adventure 212 team member brought down a geared bike for Darrin to borrow while he trains for the Chequamegon 40 in September. Darrin is borrowing the bike from Adventure 212 Team Owner/Captain, Chris Peariso. </div> <div>I know I am not speaking for myself when I say that we are very appreciative for all the help and support that everyone continues to give Darrin as he pedals down the road of achieving one of his personal goals/dreams. Thanks goes out to everyone who made this race even better for us!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5881436841623477769?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-34081124351539268152009-06-30T14:17:00.004-05:002009-06-30T14:53:55.324-05:00Saturday turned out to be one of those days and the heat just didn't subside like we had all hoped it would. Early afternoon we decided to go out for a bike ride with the entire family, which included Ginger. Most of the time we put her in a biking bag and strap her to one of us, but being as hot as it was that just wasn't a viable option. <div> <div><div>After rounding up water bottles, helmets, gloves, and strapping on my shoes I proceeded outside only to giggle as I saw Ginger ride by in the B.O.B trailer behind Darrin. Amazingly she seemed okay with the ride and we proceeded to get ready. Jamie was in town once again and got to ride my road bike. It's fairly new considering I have only ridden it two times since I bought it. (Remember this, because the story gets better!)</div> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkpleDgUYuI/AAAAAAAAAZw/C22sV2byFTc/s1600-h/June+30th+2009+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353202674094596834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkpleDgUYuI/AAAAAAAAAZw/C22sV2byFTc/s320/June+30th+2009+015.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div>Everyone we passed along our bike ride seemed to also get a quick giggle out of Ginger in the trailer. I guess you could say she provided everyone with at least a bit of humor. Usually she runs behind Darrin and in front of me. Roads are a little more dangerous for dogs, hence the trailer. Well, she rode very well for about half the trip until she decided to bail.</div> <div></div><div>"Oh My Gosh!!! Darrin Stop!!! Ginger!! STOP STOP!!!," I screamed as I too came to a stop. Then CRASH! Jamie, being on a bike she wasn't used to crashed right into me. (I guess she didn't know the bike had brakes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HAHA</span>) Fortunately I broke her fall. I didn't really fall as I was acting like a Mom and rushed to Ginger's aid. All I could think about was poor Ginger and how she must be so scared after doing a few butt skidding rolls down the bike path.</div> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkplfKnhk4I/AAAAAAAAAaI/J0LkTjK3Sxk/s1600-h/June+30th+2009+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353202693183738754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkplfKnhk4I/AAAAAAAAAaI/J0LkTjK3Sxk/s320/June+30th+2009+029.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div>Darrin and I both agreed that we would trap her in the biking bag in the trailer so she wouldn't be able to jump out. As we got her situated Jamie said, "Um, guys I think I broke Lynn's bike for sure." Darrin assessed the damage. One bent spoke, front wheel out of true, a missing bar end, and the need for some new bar tape were all the visible effects of the crash. Oh, I can't forget the tire tracks on our legs. It was okay to ride and once again we were on our way.</div> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkpleVbtx6I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/uo-WKLhKJp8/s1600-h/June+30th+2009+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353202678907127714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkpleVbtx6I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/uo-WKLhKJp8/s320/June+30th+2009+030.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div>After about an hour we returned home. Ginger was happy she got to ride with, Jamie was still worried about my bike, and Darrin was happy to have all of us with him on a ride! Well, I wasn't too upset about my bike as it is only a bike. I am just glad that neither Jamie or Ginger were injured!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3408112435153926815?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-10242572509590887352009-06-23T13:27:00.011-05:002009-06-26T08:48:08.651-05:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVaY--1xI/AAAAAAAAAZA/BPdDhiRqUIs/s1600-h/IMG_0244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351285062862034706" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVaY--1xI/AAAAAAAAAZA/BPdDhiRqUIs/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div>Talk about one heck of a weekend. For sure this one will go down in the record books as one of the best to date. The weather finally decided it was time for summer and provided us with two of the hottest days this year. We got to enjoy the company of family and friends while meeting lots of new people. Lastly, the biking event at Mt. Morris was a great venue which provided us with lots of entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. The <a href="http://stagerace.wors.org/about/">Subaru Cup </a>has become a national event and provides the racers with an entire weekend of racing, first on the menu was cross country event. The weekend of racing also gave us proof that things happen for a reason and dreams/goals can be achieved. <div><div><div><div><div>When you're a kid everyone tells you to dream big and don't let anything stand in the way of achieving those dreams. They advise you to set goals, some smaller and some larger. The goals provide steps to achieving your dreams. Something they forget to mention is how one goal might conflict with another goal/dream. They also don't give you much guidance on how to handle life when one goal gets in the way of another goal or dream. And this is why, I believe, things happen for a reason. While we make a life altering decision, there are circumstances that we haven't yet been able to uncover for they haven't been disclosed. They only become apparent to us when we have already committed to our decision and are trying to decide what to do next. But it always leaves us thinking about why we chose the path we chose and what good will come of it.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Things up to this point really haven't been going all that well for Darrin in terms of biking. You see he has been having trouble with a few goals and dreams he has. Providing for his family and having a family is a life goal that Darrin has. He also has a dream of becoming a Professional Mountain Biker. (Yes, this is different from what Lance Armstrong does!) For those of you who don't know Darrin, he is the type of person to give 100% in whatever he is doing. He began to think that if he pursues his dreams of becoming a professional mountain biker that he wouldn't be able to give 100% of his attention to the family, nor would he be able to provide financially as much as he would want to. Can you see where this is going? Should he pursue his dreams of mountain biking or should he do the more grown up thing and start pursuing a career? Darrin has been mentally struggling between these two life goals and aspirations, which has caused him a lot of frustration on and off the bike.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Over the last month or so, I have been trying to help Darrin get through this mental struggle. Ultimately it is his decision on whether to keep biking or to hand in the towel and start working on a career. Uncooperative weather, nagging injuries, and mechanical bike problems really added to Darrin's frustration. Mental struggles tend to become harder when non-controllable items pop up over and over. Sometimes it seems as though they are signs leading you to make a decision sooner rather than later. I think we were both hoping that the weekend would be a good one, to provide Darrin a sense of direction.</div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS5-IcHsI/AAAAAAAAAYI/nytU_9dPYAs/s1600-h/IMG_0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282306874875586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS5-IcHsI/AAAAAAAAAYI/nytU_9dPYAs/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>And it is here that our weekend began as we prepared for the WORS #4 - Subaru Cup near Mt. Morris. Our adventures started Friday afternoon, as we headed out in two separate vehicles. Jamie made her way up from Indiana early Friday and helped us finish packing our vehicle. Being the nice older brother he is, Darrin drove her non-air conditioned car to our hotel in Red Granite, Wisconsin. I drove our Subaru (Up front parking for all Subaru Vehicles!!!) while Jamie relaxed in the passenger seat. I felt a little guilty as it was a crazy hot day. If any of you have forgotten, Friday was a severe weather day in and around Milwaukee. We ended up driving through some really heavy rainfalls, but by the time we arrived at the course, the clouds had cleared and Darrin was able to pre-ride. (First item to go his way!)</div> <div>After he pre-rode the course for awhile, we headed back to the hotel for some spaghetti and rest. I think Darrin was a little excited but we all fell asleep rather quickly. Breakfast was once again provided by the hotel. We sat in the main lobby and enjoyed coffee while Jamie caught some extra shut-eye. I don't think we could have gotten the car packed up fast enough for Darrin. He was really excited for the race. We found ourselves rushing out the door to get back to Mt. Morris so he could warm-up and finish his registration. It didn't take long. Darrin finished registering, got dressed, paid 50 cents for a new bib number, and began warming up for the Cross country event. The weather was extremely warm, unlike the race in Wausau where I wore my winter hat and gloves! Before the race I made sure Darrin took in a lot of fluids so dehydration wouldn't be an issue. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS6fPonQI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/iU9j9yoKFBY/s1600-h/IMG_0055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282315763424514" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS6fPonQI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/iU9j9yoKFBY/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>12:00 came earlier than we expected and we found ourselves once again waiting for Don to begin the race. This Cross Country race was different from other WORS events because they ran each category at a separate time slot. The Comp riders usually ride with the Elite/Pro's (starting 2-3 minutes behind them) but started 2 hours after them on Saturday. Jamie kept Ginger at bay while I handed off water bottles and took some photos. The first hand off didn't go so well and I knew immediately that I needed another spot to give him his water bottles. Without too much putzing around I found a place that I could walk to and even get some cool pictures from. The race went very well and by about lap 3 I knew Darrin was going to have a good finish. Darrin can tell you how he wound up finishing this race, but I will tell you that he did his best and he had fun. Both of which are questions I ask him at the end of each and every race. (When he answers both questions with a "no," I will know that it is time to find something else to occupy our time!)</div><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS681AGlI/AAAAAAAAAYY/In-N0w3tX40/s1600-h/IMG_0205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282323704781394" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS681AGlI/AAAAAAAAAYY/In-N0w3tX40/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>We stuck around for the awards ceremony, but then headed back to Red Granite to grill out and meet my parents. Darrin cooked chicken on the grill, and we had a wide range of sides to choose from including cut up watermelon. YUM! After we all filled our bellies we headed off to bed early. I suppose there is something to being out in the sun all day. It wasn't really sticky or humid, but it sure was hot! I managed to walk away with minimal burning on Saturday, but tired from being in the sun all day. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS7N6lwtI/AAAAAAAAAYg/DDDcOURs5W0/s1600-h/IMG_0215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282328291623634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS7N6lwtI/AAAAAAAAAYg/DDDcOURs5W0/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Before we could venture off to bed, Darrin tried on his new racing kit. (More proof that things happen for a reason~Congratulations Darrin, all your hard work and determination are starting to pay off.) Just when Darrin thought he should give up biking, he was able to check off another item from his goal/dream list. I know I shouldn't spoil his story, but I must tell you how proud I am of him! He is always telling me I am the best, but truthfully I think we make a great team. We believe in each other and when one of us is down, the other one is right their to help us up and get us through our struggles! Darrin can proudly mark this off from his goal list. Yup, I believe things happen for a reason.</div> <div>Sunday started bright and early as we had to be at the course by 9am so Darrin could pre-ride the Super D and the Impreza Short Course. Nothing could pre-pare us for the day's events. And I don't think Darrin knew what he was about to do in a day's work. We arrived early at Mt. Morris once again. This allows Darrin to make sure he is registered and for him to get warmed up. The Super D is a race to the bottom of the hill, fastest person down wins. The course is mainly a downhill trail with a little bit of climbing involved. They sent the racers down in waves of 5-8 people according to their category (i.e. Pro, Cat 1, comp, etc.). This was an intense race to to be the first one across the finish line.</div> <div>Jamie and I found a little shade near the finish line and waited for the race to start and riders to make their way down the hill. The rest of the gang found a shady spot somewhere on the course to cheer the riders on. After the first wave of riders came down we noticed there were an awful lot of tongues hanging out and everyone was saying, "Holy crap, that was intense!" They looked to be completely exhausted, yet thrilled at the same time. We weren't sure how they scored everyone at first, but then we noticed the guy pushing the timing button each time a rider crossed the finish line. In the end, Darrin had a great time and finished in 0:07:24, which was pretty good considering he has never done anything like this before.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The weekend provided another first, the short track or dirt crit as others were calling it. After the Super D, there was about an hour or two of lag time before the short race started. Darrin did a cool down and then began to prepare for the next event. The weather was so muggy and once again hydration was a key component for the racers and the spectators. I made Darrin a pb &amp; j for his pre-race meal and he guzzled some more water. He also decided that he needed to make a gear change for the short track. The one he had on wouldn't provide him with the right ratio for this type of event. Again, this is something only single speeders need to worry about as racers on geared bikes can shift their gears as the course changes.</div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS7sq3HbI/AAAAAAAAAYo/NxOZAWy2HtY/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282336547151282" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOS7sq3HbI/AAAAAAAAAYo/NxOZAWy2HtY/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The Impreza short course was just that, a short lap that took less than 2 minutes to complete. The scary part of this race is that they push it to the limits for 20 minutes and then have to push it even harder for 2 more laps. (CRAZY! I know.) Darrin lined up with everyone and it became apparent very early that he had a small case of the nerves. But, I think I was more nervous than anyone. My poor heart was beating so fast and truthfully didn't calm down until Darrin crossed the finish line. My nervousness stemmed from watching a road crit that ended badly last summer. On the last lap someone made a little mistake that took out 4 riders and sent one person to the hospital after he collided with a mailbox. Crits on the road or on the dirt are scary because everyone is traveling as fast as they can and even the tiniest mistake can cause big problems.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>26 Pro/Elite riders chased each other through the fastest part of the Mt. Morris trails. Each lap they got faster and faster. We could see the riders through a section in the woods to know how the lead pack was doing and Darrin of course. Lap after lap Darrin was right there with the leaders. I noticed after about 5 laps that I was no longer paying attention to how many laps they completed, but I was more concerned with how Darrin was doing. Faster and faster they came across the finish line, allowing almost everyone in the lead group to work a little. At 0:19:45 the leader crossed the finish line, giving everyone an extra lap to complete. (The two laps start when the leader has crossed the finish line after the 20 minute mark.) The lead group had pushed it into overdrive and Darrin was doing all he could to keep up. I have learned through Darrin and others that when you ride a single speed it is a bit different than riding a geared bike. On a single speed you have to do more work to keep up with the riders who have gears, but you also have to be smart and save your legs if you want to finish the race. (Perhaps Darrin can explain this one better than I can~you'll have to ask him about it!) I won't spoil the results for Darrin, but I will tell you that on the last lap he tried to pass the guy in front of him 3 times before they emerged on the final stretch. Then without hesitation, he found his legs to be strong enough to sprint to the finish....he advanced one spot.</div> <div>Now, I was thinking this was great! But I am not a bike racer and I don't know the etiquette of racing. We made our way to the car to get Darrin his recovery drink and found him to be a bit upset with himself about how the end of the race played out. Darrin called it a newbie mistake and began to explain a little bit about racing. Everyone does work throughout the race and at the end it's an all out battle to the finish line. Darrin, being on a single speed was doing all he could do to keep up with the leaders. This didn't allow him a chance to do any work for the group. So, although he did jump up a spot at the finish line, he really felt bad about his choice to sprint it out with the guy in front of him who had done work throughout the race.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Darrin immediately talked to his teammates and made sure they knew how he felt. Darrin is pretty young in terms of biking (And in life!) which makes all the difference in knowing the proper protocol for racing. He sure has a lot to learn this year, which is great because it is a learning and growing year for him. And now he has teammates to learn from!</div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVZ-Sgm4I/AAAAAAAAAY4/Qe7Y7GqCRtA/s1600-h/IMG_0232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351285055696182146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVZ-Sgm4I/AAAAAAAAAY4/Qe7Y7GqCRtA/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>We hung around for the award ceremony as Jamie headed off to Marshfield. Just as we thought it couldn't get any hotter, the sky opened up and provided us with a nice cool sprinkle. It wasn't enough to end the rest of the events, but just enough to cool everyone off and it brought out the umbrellas. Once the rain was done, the heat was back and more intense, just in time for the awards. Darrin was fortunate enough to achieve some awards for the weekends events. Standing around waiting for all the awards to be handed out, I began to run out of energy fast, which meant it was time for us to get going. I didn't know it yet, but I was burnt. The awards too quite awhile as there were a lot of events and categories to get through. Eventually we were able to make our way to the car. Darrin chatted with a bunch of people after the awards were handed out, including Don the race director. He wanted to know Darrin's story...biking story that is.</div> <div>Darrin had a great biking weekend. Not only did he do well in all of his events, but he gained knowledge, teammates, and got to know more people. Although it was hot, I also had a great weekend. I got to take lots of pictures (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbraun-lmeyer/sets/72157620402163362/">check them out</a>), spent time with great people, and enjoyed watching Darrin do what he loves to do! What could be better? <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVZp8_bnI/AAAAAAAAAYw/JE2rQI215Bc/s1600-h/IMG_0327.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351285050237218418" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SkOVZp8_bnI/AAAAAAAAAYw/JE2rQI215Bc/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>So just to let everyone know, things really do happen for a reason and dreams/goals can be achieved! You just have to put in the work and the effort. Oh, and Darrin and I will start our own family soon enough, but for now we are enjoying our many blessings and greeting each day as it comes! Darrin and I are quite content enjoying life and biking!</div> <div>Thanks to everyone who joined us this past weekend to watch Darrin compete! We hope to see you all in Eau Claire over the 4th of July weekend!!! (<a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=13">WORS #5-Chippewa Valley Firecracker</a>!)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1024257250959088735?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-23067830832106791252009-06-10T08:30:00.004-05:002009-06-10T11:29:53.422-05:00Nine Mile was our destination over this past weekend as Darrin participated in the <a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=9">WORS #3-Bing Ring Classic</a>. We headed up Saturday morning. I was thinking about pre-riding, but the closer we got to the course the more mother nature decided to drop rain out of the clouds. Darrin and I met <a href="http://hatercab.blogspot.com/2009/06/wors.html">Craig</a> there so they could both pre-ride. Craig decided to race this WORS event considering it was so close to home. <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z1IfTXxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/zQD_wCWGfQ4/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345730789547138834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z1IfTXxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/zQD_wCWGfQ4/s320/June+8th+2009+026.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>After the boys got soaking wet while riding, we waited around until 3pm for registration to open up. This race closed it's preregistration on line earlier than most races. Darrin and Craig were in a hurry and it added to their frustrations when the registration once again turned into a mass state of confusion and when the staff expressed their dissatisfaction at how the participants were inconveniencing them by registering. Seriously, does chaos have to happen each and every race? They are so much fun and would be even better if registration could just go a little smoother. (A side note, the registration staff really could be more helpful and a whole lot nicer to these people racing~ have they forgotten that without the racers there would be no events!?!)</div><div> </div><div>Enough venting for now. Once registered, we ventured to Marshfield in a hurry to find ourselves at the bike shop to pick up Darrin's new crank and seat. After spending about $325, we hurried to Craig's to fix the bike, and then to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39019901@N03/">Mom and Dad's </a>for supper and some much needed rest. Supper was spaghetti, french bread, applesauce, and salad. Boy was it good. Reegan, Killian, and Tiernan were there when we arrived. Both Killian and Tiernan were excited to watch Darrin race on Sunday.</div><div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z1Q4HcOI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MLcUK2Fild8/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345730791798698210" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z1Q4HcOI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MLcUK2Fild8/s320/June+8th+2009+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Morning commenced with java, followed by a pancake breakfast. Mmm was it good. We lounged around that morning playing with the kids. Darrin made paper airplanes for all three of them, while I made a garage for Killian out of Lego's. Oh to be a kid again! We slowly started to get the car packed up and ventured over to Nine Mile around 11 o'clock or so. Nervousness started to settle in as we approached. This time it was just nerves for the race to begin because Darrin has ridden here plenty of times before, just not for a WORS race.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4NaZMo0I/AAAAAAAAAWc/JZJT30WHFOc/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345693823274885954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4NaZMo0I/AAAAAAAAAWc/JZJT30WHFOc/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Unlike the day before, the sky was cloudy but no rain was falling. Darrin and Craig had lots of people to cheer them on. John and Cheryl (Darrin's and Craig's Dad/Step Mom), My parents, my nephews Tiernan and Killian, Brenda, and me along with Lucy and Ginger all braved the cold, damp June weather. Hats, gloves, and blankets were very necessary to keep everyone warm. Brenda joined Craig as his official pit crew and I was Darrin's. (Ah, the glorious job of the bottle hander-offer.)</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4M0TnR1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/XeBKz64s4ts/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345693813050918738" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4M0TnR1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/XeBKz64s4ts/s320/June+8th+2009+087.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4MqLeiVI/AAAAAAAAAWM/gZ2rWtQpq88/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+072.jpg"></a><div> </div><div>The race started without a hitch and before we knew it they were coming around for water bottles. Everyone was trying to stay warm while cheering Craig and Darrin on. Ginger cuddled in a blanket to keep her and Heidi warm. Brenda and I took turns with the camera. It worked out well since we both had to hand off water bottles, she was able to get some shots of Darrin and I got some photos of Craig. This course provided a fast race.</div><div> </div><div>We all watched with anticipation as comp men entered their third and final lap. Craig was racing in the Comp-Open Single Speed Category and only had to do 3 laps as opposed to the Elites 4. After emerging from the last bit of single track we noticed Craig making his way to the finish line. Both Brenda and I snapped a few photos. Brenda cruised to the finish line to meet Craig while I bounced back to our water bottle position to wait for Darrin to make his way back around for his 4th lap.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4NixkFnI/AAAAAAAAAWk/21dLnApfFIY/s1600-h/IMG_0120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345693825524569714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4NixkFnI/AAAAAAAAAWk/21dLnApfFIY/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4M0TnR1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/XeBKz64s4ts/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+087.jpg"></a></div><div> </div><div>As the Leaders of the Elite race made their way around for their final lap, we watched through the woods behind us to see how Darrin was making out. About 2 or 3 minutes went by and we noticed the group of riders that were battling for 8th-11th places. To our surprise Darrin wasn't with this group this time through. Of course my mind wanders and starts to think of flat tires, mechanical problems, crashes, etc. We waited for a while longer and then I saw him! "Come on DB! Come on Darrin!!!" I screamed as loud as I could and found myself surrounded by other's who decided to cheer him on as well! When he came by our spot he looked as though he was hurting and giving it everything he had.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z0VdqFBI/AAAAAAAAAW0/RGlUhopNiXg/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345730775850030098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si_Z0VdqFBI/AAAAAAAAAW0/RGlUhopNiXg/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>We all cheered him in as he made it to the finish line taking <a href="http://www.wors.org/results/results.php?year=2009&amp;race=3&amp;type=o&amp;cat=elite">13th place overall</a>! "Thank heavens he finished," was the only thought rumbling around in my head as I walked to the finish line to great him! Surrounded by fellow racers, Darrin was giving hi fives and hand shakes to everyone there. Although he didn't finish in the top 10, he was still proud of himself for finishing. He chatted with his Dad and Cheryl for a few moments before they left and then Craig and him pedal on to start their cool down ride.</div><div> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4OPTaeBI/AAAAAAAAAWs/VSoj3jvm3hU/s1600-h/IMG_0167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345693837477705746" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4OPTaeBI/AAAAAAAAAWs/VSoj3jvm3hU/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Once both the guys were changed, we opted for some hot coffee while watching the awards being dispersed. Darrin got 3rd in his age group which means more WORS bucks to pay for races....every little bit helps. Little Killian was so excited he ran up to the podium to be with Darrin, only to be plowed over by Don the announcer. (He didn't see him standing behind him.) Mom swooped in to grab him. Craig, Brenda, Darrin, and I all enjoyed our coffees as we chatted with a few more riders.</div><div> </div><div>Craig and Brenda headed back to Marshfield while the rest of us headed over to Fazoli's for a post race meal. Poor little Killian slept the entire time while the rest of us enjoyed our Italian entrees. After another round of hugs and thank yous we started our 3 hour journey back to Butler. The drive didn't seem to take that long but we weren't back by Milwaukee until around 9:30-10pm. Racing sure makes for a long weekend.</div><div> </div><div>But we have a lot of fun doing it. This weekend seemed to work out for a lot of our family and friends and it was nice to have company throughout the race! (Thanks Brenda!!) Also I think it was nice that Darrin and Craig got to sort of race together. I think they will get another chance at the <a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=13">Chippewa Valley Firecracker </a>race in Eau Claire the weekend of July 4th.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4MqLeiVI/AAAAAAAAAWM/gZ2rWtQpq88/s1600-h/June+8th+2009+072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345693810332436818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-4MqLeiVI/AAAAAAAAAWM/gZ2rWtQpq88/s320/June+8th+2009+072.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> YES! A weekend off for a change...then off to Mt. Morris for the <a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=3">Subaru Cup</a>. That will be exciting as it is a national event. If you have time to stop on by, this race will be held at 12pm on Saturday June 20th. He will also be racing again on Sunday. Hope to see you there!</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2306783083210679125?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-50298409722222467042009-06-10T07:43:00.005-05:002009-06-10T08:21:53.909-05:00Since Darrin has already posted his results for this race, I thought it would be appropriate to start with a picture that sums up the weekend. Darrin was not able to finish the race after his crank fell apart. For this race he <a href="http://www.wors.org/results/results.php?year=2009&amp;race=2&amp;type=o&amp;cat=elite">DNF'd</a> (Did not finish). <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-q6OHLjfI/AAAAAAAAAVM/VcpaxmTLVQc/s1600-h/June+1st+number+2+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345679199909416434" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-q6OHLjfI/AAAAAAAAAVM/VcpaxmTLVQc/s320/June+1st+number+2+091.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p>We packed up on Friday and headed to Mom and Dad's house. Our logic was that Marshfield was a lot closer to <a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=8">Rhinelander</a> than Butler and it would be a shorter trip for us to pre-ride the course on Saturday. Once we got to the course Darrin was off to pre-ride and I was in a chair waiting for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39019901@N03/">Mom and Dad</a> to arrive. (They are trying to make it to as many of his races as they can.) <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wJm4TAVI/AAAAAAAAAVU/dClzQkAYg68/s1600-h/June+1st+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345684961814053202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wJm4TAVI/AAAAAAAAAVU/dClzQkAYg68/s320/June+1st+075.jpg" border="0" /></a> Once they got there we decided to walk around and check the place out. The event was held at Camp Tesomas, also known as the boyscout camp. This camp is nestled into the pines with a small lake on the back side. (Great for swimming in the summer!) We managed to walk the trail to check point one. We later learned that this was almost half of the race course. We earned our Pizza Hut supper that night. Darrin waited patiently for us to return to the car. Afterwards, we were off to catch some grub, a dip in the pool, and some shut eye.</p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKFv7PDI/AAAAAAAAAVc/rnaJKKVm-3g/s1600-h/June+1st+095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345684970100440114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKFv7PDI/AAAAAAAAAVc/rnaJKKVm-3g/s320/June+1st+095.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p>You ever wake up with a bad feeling? I guess you could say that is exactly how my morning started off on Race day (Sunday). Well, that and freezing cold. We headed off to the continental breakfast and took our time relaxing before we had to pack up and head back to the course. Darrin checked his bike over and reassured himself that the gears he changed to were going to be great for this course. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKtfzTgI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Lun7ojbH1Ys/s1600-h/June+1st+194.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345684980770229762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKtfzTgI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Lun7ojbH1Ys/s320/June+1st+194.jpg" border="0" /></a> Darrin got his first call up as a racer and was so jazzed! Everyone else at the line said congrats and they chatted while the announcer finished out the top 20. They were rushing a little at the start line perhaps to beat the rain and didn't play the national anthem. Instead we heard Don reminding everyone to put one foot on the ground and clip the other one in. Before we knew it, the race had begun. "Bark! Bark! Bark...Ginger cheered as the roar of the group passed us by. After the dust settled, we noticed a few riders on the ground. At this point I was praying it wasn't Darrin. I would learn later on that he was involved in the crash.</p><p>The leaders made their way around the 8 mile loop and lots of elite riders passed us by. No Darrin. That feeling I mentioned before was still there and only getting worse. Before long the first of the comp riders were making their way to the start finish line. Something was definitely wrong. Doug, an elite rider rode past and let me know that Darrin was coming. I soon saw him walking with his bike just off to the side of the race course.</p><p>"I was in that crash right away and I think it knocked my crank loose," he said as he held up his pedal. A rider came from the back of the pack and tried to win the race in the first 30 seconds taking out 4-5 top elite men. This was a mega bummer as he thought he was going to do fairly well with his new gearing. Not much one can do about it now, except get to the first aid station to clean out his wounds and head for home.</p><p>Although he DNF'd this race, we still had a great time up in Rhinelander and he can say he has now ridden there. Mom and Dad were generous enough to pay for our hotel stay and our meals. (Thanks!!!) We stopped at a nice restaurant after Darrin got changed and had some supper before we made our way back to Milwaukee.</p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKg0BH8I/AAAAAAAAAVs/sCKFm7H-6Rg/s1600-h/June+1st+168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345684977365360578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Si-wKg0BH8I/AAAAAAAAAVs/sCKFm7H-6Rg/s320/June+1st+168.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>All in all it was a good weekend and Ginger was the champion that weekend!</p> P.S. Check out Mom and Dad's Flickr account for more pics...I've added them to the side under our photos.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5029840972222246704?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-73813551435988628602009-05-19T10:01:00.001-05:002009-05-19T10:01:42.763-05:00Well, we made it through the first weekend of racing. I will let Darrin write about his racing experience and how he finished. So check out his <a href="http://d-braun.blogspot.com/">racing website </a>to see his results. I will share with you what Ginger and I experience on race day! Ready, Set, GOOOO! <div><div> We started race day with coffee and pancakes. Darrin loves pancakes and filled his plate full. Apparently his eyes were bigger than his stomach because I had to eat his last one for him. We relaxed a bit and then packed the car up to head out to the course. Iola is about 1.5 hours from Marshfield and allowed Darrin to relax before hand. I think the closer we got to the course, the more our nerves started to intensify. As we pulled into the parking lot Darrin let out a big breath of air and said, "It's on! I am ready for this." We found a spot near the back of the parking lot and turned the Subaru into a pre-race prepping station.</div><div><div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAvzmbIzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/De0KPmw-li4/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337540435925214002" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAvzmbIzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/De0KPmw-li4/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>We are usually an hour and a half early to the race. The time allows Darrin to relax, get dressed, get his bike ready, hydrate, and warm up. He usually eats about 2-2.5 hours before the race just so it doesn't upset his stomach while he is riding and so his body can use the food he has eaten appropriately. (Believe me, there is a true science to endurance fueling!) I take the time to check out all the other bikes and get my stuff ready to hike into the course. My job during the race is to hand off bottles and cheer of course. Darrin usually tells me what laps he is anticipating a hand off and gives me his goal for the day.</div><div> </div><div>Unlike any other race, Darrin had a few fans to cheer him on. My parents and their friends, Dennis and Heidi trekked over to the course to provide a little excitement for their Sunday afternoon. Upon arrival, they chose to check out the venue and find a place to watch the race. Mom and Heidi held spots in the "bowl" while Dad and Dennis ventured back to the car for their chairs. They were in position by 12:30.</div><div> At about 1:15 Darrin got me to the spot he wanted me for hand offs and we made our way to the start line. I met up with Darrin's Fans and we waited as the racers filled the starting blocks. After an introduction of the top 10 Professional Racers from last year and the national anthem, everyone in the Elite/Cat 1 group made their way to the start line. With a count down of 30 seconds, the announcer yelled, "GOOOOOOOO!" And the race began.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGoaLds9I/AAAAAAAAAU8/_YxkDw-N_6M/s1600-h/May+18th+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337546905911931858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGoaLds9I/AAAAAAAAAU8/_YxkDw-N_6M/s320/May+18th+127.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGo1prygI/AAAAAAAAAVE/o17MiEpxbTw/s1600-h/May+18th+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337546913286441474" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGo1prygI/AAAAAAAAAVE/o17MiEpxbTw/s320/May+18th+128.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>This year Darrin chose to move up to the Elite/Cat 1 field after winning the 3 races he entered in the Comp category last race season. The move up allows him to race with more people pedaling with his intensity, skill, and speed. The year should be a challenge for him and a chance to enhance his skills by riding with such a competitive group of riders. He is one step closer to achieving his dream/goal of becoming a professional mountain bike rider.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGoNNbY2I/AAAAAAAAAU0/QeTPgaNNqYY/s1600-h/May+18th+113.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337546902430507874" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGoNNbY2I/AAAAAAAAAU0/QeTPgaNNqYY/s320/May+18th+113.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Ginger and I made our way back to our post and started our count down. Darrin had completed a lap in 25 minutes during his pre-ride on Saturday, so I expected them to make their way to us in about 21-22 minutes. Right on time, the first few riders made their way back to the start finish line to complete their first lap. It all happened so fast and was so exciting that I forgot what I was doing. My camera never captured any pictures and I forgot to ask Darrin if he wanted water or Gatorade. This was okay as Darrin chose to take two bottles to start the race. We figured fewer hand offs were better. Again we waited.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGnTaFPgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ojtAhwd1NXc/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337546886914326018" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGnTaFPgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ojtAhwd1NXc/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>The excitement of the race continued for another 4 laps. We watched as riders made their way around the course again and again. Darrin took a water on lap 3. He looked good and for his first race was doing very well. At the end of his 4th lap/beginning of his 5th lap he asked for a Gatorade because he was cramping up. I don't think this has ever happened before so I was a little concerned that he would make it around for another lap.</div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAwwatDWI/AAAAAAAAAUM/1hMQPB4aJEw/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337540452250619234" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAwwatDWI/AAAAAAAAAUM/1hMQPB4aJEw/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div> People started to file to the finish line as the leaders made their way through the course. Darrin's fans even made their way over. I could hear lots of cheering and cow bells as the elite riders progressed to the end of the race. After about 18 minutes or so the two leaders battled to the end and crossed the finish line in 1:38:44, FAST!</div><div></div><div>We all waited in anticipation as more riders crossed the finish line. My heart was racing until I saw Darrin and another rider making their way out of the single track and onto their sprint for the finish line. What a great ending for us to watch as the two of them battled it out to the finish line for a better finish. (I don't want to leave you hanging but I will let Darrin tell you where he finished. Also you can check out the <a href="http://www.wors.org/results/results.php?year=2009&amp;race=1&amp;type=o&amp;cat=elite">WORS</a> website for all of the results.)</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAxMYn3xI/AAAAAAAAAUU/k56P4d5Iiy0/s1600-h/IMG_0030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337540459758083858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAxMYn3xI/AAAAAAAAAUU/k56P4d5Iiy0/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Still cramping we made our way back to the car and prepared a post race meal for Darrin. Dennis, Heidi, Mom, and Dad put their chairs out and enjoyed some snacks with us as we waited for Darrin to cool down. After hydrating with water and eating some fresh fruit, Darrin began to feel better. I packed up the car as Darrin got changed. And with his first race under his belt we headed up to the awards area where Darrin scored a spaghetti Dinner. We also watched as they presented awards for those who did well in their age groups, and how the Elite racers finished.</div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAxno83ZI/AAAAAAAAAUc/rIzQjsm8lJs/s1600-h/IMG_0051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337540467074325906" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLAxno83ZI/AAAAAAAAAUc/rIzQjsm8lJs/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Did he finish well? You will have to read on his post to find out, but I will tell you that we had a lot of fun watching the race. Also check out our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbraun-lmeyer/">flickr</a> site for more photos! Ginger and I love being the pit crew and we can't wait for the next race. I always tell Darrin at the beginning of each race to do his best and have fun. And when I approach him after the race, the first thing I ask him is if he had fun! If he tells me yes, then it doesn't matter where he finished because I know he gave his best performance. We are very proud of him and are looking forward to this building/learning year! <a href="http://www.wors.org/schedule/event.php?e=8">Rhinelander</a> here we come!</div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGnp4gEbI/AAAAAAAAAUs/6nP39uoqJNE/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337546892947493298" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShLGnp4gEbI/AAAAAAAAAUs/6nP39uoqJNE/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-7381355143598862860?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-55055227840186160532009-05-19T07:55:00.006-05:002009-05-19T08:42:39.630-05:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0nkxSIfI/AAAAAAAAATE/IxBwyO2-bbY/s1600-h/May+18th+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337527100365742578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0nkxSIfI/AAAAAAAAATE/IxBwyO2-bbY/s320/May+18th+039.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>After the trip to Madison Friday night, Darrin slept in a bit Saturday morning. I couldn't sleep and decided to get up and start packing for our trip to Iola. I finished making sandwiches and coffee when Darrin got up. Oatmeal was on the menu and after adding fresh fruit, I inhaled mine. Who needs sugar right? We took our time packing the last few items and tidied up our apartment. Darrin ventured outside to get the bikes on top of the car and I hauled our stuff out to him to pack in the car. He does a great job of getting a spot for Ginger to relax and see the road.</div> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0ng3TtUI/AAAAAAAAATM/CO9j8Id8CNA/s1600-h/May+18th+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337527099317269826" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0ng3TtUI/AAAAAAAAATM/CO9j8Id8CNA/s320/May+18th+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0oCS0EOI/AAAAAAAAATU/WVaebtycy0A/s1600-h/May+18th+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337527108291006690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0oCS0EOI/AAAAAAAAATU/WVaebtycy0A/s320/May+18th+055.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>By 11:30 we started our trip north, and what a windy trip it was. Iola is about 2.5 hours from our house and provided me with a great time to study. As we approached Amherst we could sense that the directions Google Maps gave us were going to lead us down the wrong roads. Sure enough, we ended up about 5 miles out of our way. With my superior map reading skills and Darrin's driving skills, we found a scenic route to the course.</div><div> </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK2bA6VajI/AAAAAAAAATs/JGLTFAHHcx0/s1600-h/May+18th+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337529083604855346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK2bA6VajI/AAAAAAAAATs/JGLTFAHHcx0/s320/May+18th+073.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>The parking lot was packed full of other's who chose to pre-ride the course. All the nervousness of that first biking event ran through my veins as we pulled into a spot. The banners were up and bikers were every where. The wind whipped through the parking lot, creating a dust storm for everyone to enjoy. We managed our way to the registration tent and picked up Darrin's race numbers. Geared up for winter, Darrin got his pre-ride in while Ginger and I camped out in the car because of the 30 mph winds.</div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK2boAQIbI/AAAAAAAAAT0/PlqSmiLHjsA/s1600-h/May+18th+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337529094098657714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK2boAQIbI/AAAAAAAAAT0/PlqSmiLHjsA/s320/May+18th+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div> </div><div>I debated a bit with Ginger if I should pre-ride or if we should just go to Mom's. In the end I decided to ride one lap of the course. I follow Darrin's wheel and his advice on just trying to make it up hills and through certain tricky parts. Darrin does a really good job of leading the way. When we started on the course, he warned me of the butt burner hills and technical spots. I had so much fun even though it was so hard. The hills were short but steep and there wasn't a lot of recovery time between them. This provided me with a burning sensation in my chest/throat and a great workout.</div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0obgFORI/AAAAAAAAATc/ozlGivBM_cc/s1600-h/May+18th+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337527115057543442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0obgFORI/AAAAAAAAATc/ozlGivBM_cc/s320/May+18th+080.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>On one portion of the trail, I knew I couldn't ride it because of it's difficulty so I got off my bike. I managed to pull of the trail just as 6 riders were coming through. The fourth rider forgot he was riding a mountain bike and turned to look at me. Upon returning his attention to the trail it was too late. "Oh Shit," were his last words as he plummeted to the ground. I asked him if he was okay and he gave me this glare as if I were somehow responsible for his recent accident. However, had he just kept riding like the three ladies previous to him, he would have been just fine and his pride wouldn't have suffered.</div> <div>I had a lot of fun out on the course and we decided that this is a great way for me to get in a little exercise and enjoy mountain biking more. For me it is about gaining confidence. This trail was a lot different than the trails I was used to. The downhills are the scariest parts for me as I have never done anything like this before. Yes, I have jumped out of a plane twice, but that is way easier than trying to navigate a heavy bike through trails cut into the woods. But, I think the more I ride the better I will become!</div> <div>After pre-riding we made our way to Mom and Dad's for a spaghetti supper! Boy was that delicious. Perhaps because I had just worked so hard on the bike trail. Cory, Jaime and the kids made their way over after supper and we all ventured outside for the kids to play a little ball. Darrin was the pitcher for the boys. Mom and I laughed at Reegan trying to multitask with her watermelon in hand, trying to swing at a ball. We played outside for a while until everyone got cold fingers. This was okay for us as we wanted to get to bed early for a good nights sleep!</div> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0ooXEkWI/AAAAAAAAATk/OFSHkU_r3xM/s1600-h/May+18th+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337527118509412706" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShK0ooXEkWI/AAAAAAAAATk/OFSHkU_r3xM/s320/May+18th+107.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5505522784018616053?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-80185307440011937982009-05-19T07:08:00.006-05:002009-05-19T07:54:47.777-05:00Darrin has a routine he follows for the week before a race which includes different types of rides to help him prepare. He also does a lot of mental preparation through relaxing, looking up the race course, and setting a race goal for himself. The last few things are to get his bike ready for the race and pack the car up. My pre-race preparation usually starts the Friday before hand and involves getting the food prepared, packing up everything except Darrin's biking stuff, and making sure Darrin has packed everything he needs. <div><div><div>Friday afternoon started off great. Darrin had the night off from biking which allowed him to chill out while cleaning up his bike. After about 2 hours of working in the basement, Darrin walked into the kitchen with a look of panic on his face. "We have a slight dilemma." Now to me this only meant one thing, something was broken and we had to fix it.</div><div> </div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeFyXgKI/AAAAAAAAASk/HbzQ_q3SDdU/s1600-h/IMG_1835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337514842802061474" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeFyXgKI/AAAAAAAAASk/HbzQ_q3SDdU/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Tuesday night Darrin and I went to Crystal Ridge. I studied and took Ginger for a walk while Darrin got in some race pace training. After the night was over and we were packing the bike up, Darrin mentioned that his headset was loose and he needed to tighten it before the weekend. Upon working on his bike Friday afternoon he realized that the part was broken and not just loose.</div> <div>Immediately a chain of phone calls happened. First he talked to his brother <a href="http://hatercab.blogspot.com/">Craig</a>, who we would call Darrin's part time mechanic. Craig remembered that <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7638646@N06/">Chris</a> had the exact replacement for Darrin and out of luck would be returning to Marshfield for the weekend. Darrin was still feeling a bit concerned about pre-riding the course on Saturday and wanted to get the part changed as soon as possible. We talked about other solutions and Darrin made a few more phone calls to bike shops and his coach. Just as he was beginning to freak out, Chris called and offered to put the part on for him if he wanted to make the trek over to Madison Friday night. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeTK5emI/AAAAAAAAASs/VfPJvUYp6nI/s1600-h/IMG_1839.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337514846394612322" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeTK5emI/AAAAAAAAASs/VfPJvUYp6nI/s320/IMG_1839.JPG" border="0" /></a> At 7:30pm, we were on our way to Madison with the bike in the back of the car. Chris lives on Madison's south side and happens to work at a <a href="http://www.revolutioncycles.net/therevolution.html">bike shop</a> near his house. At 8:40pm the bike was up on a mechanic stand and torn down in minutes. Darrin lended a hand when he could by holding brake cables and greasing parts, but he left the real work to the mechanic. I was very entertained by the boys, the bike shop, and the very friendly shop cat. Ginger, however viewed him as a pest and refused to give him the time of day.</div> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeqnlyJI/AAAAAAAAAS8/jc6xJ-82-5Y/s1600-h/IMG_1854.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337514852688971922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeqnlyJI/AAAAAAAAAS8/jc6xJ-82-5Y/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Chris had a latte beforehand, and it showed when he finished putting the bike together a little before 10pm. He then offered to "tru" up Darrin's wheels for him. Chris gave us a quick tour of the bike shop which allowed Darrin to find new tires for his commuter. By 10:30pm the bike was back on top of the car, we dropped Chris off at his apartment, and we headed back to Milwaukee.</div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeltCt1I/AAAAAAAAAS0/Km_1DU7e-LU/s1600-h/IMG_1844.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337514851369662290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ShKpeltCt1I/AAAAAAAAAS0/Km_1DU7e-LU/s320/IMG_1844.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Madison is about an hour and a half from our house. (Depending on where you are going to go in the city.) We probably would have been in bed by 8:30 that night, but this was a much better adventure.</div> <div>A big thank you to Craig and Chris for locating the part, and getting it put on Darrin's bike. Dreams aren't possible without a great support crew.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8018530744001193798?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-44670419326025522002009-05-16T06:36:00.005-05:002009-05-16T07:43:37.171-05:00Darrin has a lot of great places to train around Milwaukee, but nothing (Except perhaps out west) can replace Levis Mound near Neilsville, WI. So we packed up the bikes, some clothes, and headed to Marshfield for the first weekend in May. <div><div><div><div> <div>When we arrived in Marshfield we headed straight to the bike shop (The Sports Den) where we found Craig, Darrin's brother. Darrin was in need of a few items and Craig wasgoing to help him with a little bike work. Darrin is good at biking, but still needs a little guidance when it comes to working on his bikes. After a good chat with everyone at the bike shop and $70 in bike parts later, we headed to Craig's house to fix up the Surly.</div> <div>The next morning Craig picked Darrin up for an early Saturday morning ride at Levis. After their ride they headed to Willard to "hold bikes" for Dar's Time Trial. (This was their 4th straight year!) Meanwhile, back at the ranch...Mom and I picked up Tiernan, made our way to the grocery store and then stopped at the hospital to see my cousin Debbie and her son, Ben. We were happy to see Ben smiling and ready to go home when the nurse walked in a few moments after we did to discharge him. He had been in the hospital four about 3 days with a stomach complication. After visiting with them and helping Debbie to the car, I made my way to Loyal for some much needed quality time with my good friend Rebekah. Mom made her way back up to the hospital as Reegan and Killian were both hospitalized due to dehydration from the stomach flu. (not the H1N1 flu)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPMdDfHI/AAAAAAAAARs/vgcQHC_tSWc/s1600-h/May+1st+weekend+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336399682103114866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPMdDfHI/AAAAAAAAARs/vgcQHC_tSWc/s320/May+1st+weekend+008.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Later on Saturday afternoon we enjoyed a cookout at my parent's house to celebrate a few of the birthday's that had passed in April. (Dad, Cory, and Darrin) Dennis and Heidi, Mom and Dad's friends made their way over from Wisconsin Rapids and the party began. The night was filled with good food, a bike ride through the zoo, laughter around the campfire, and a very good cake! Darrin and Tiernan kicked off the marshmallow roasting and almost emptied the entire bag! The evening drew dark and we all headed off to bed.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPm5Nz5I/AAAAAAAAASE/OoYyijfZ5qA/s1600-h/May+1st+weekend+(2)+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336399689200553874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPm5Nz5I/AAAAAAAAASE/OoYyijfZ5qA/s320/May+1st+weekend+(2)+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPm1N4YI/AAAAAAAAAR8/p84Q6-FiYFM/s1600-h/May+1st+weekend+(2)+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336399689183781250" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPm1N4YI/AAAAAAAAAR8/p84Q6-FiYFM/s320/May+1st+weekend+(2)+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zP9NIE4I/AAAAAAAAASM/4MKf0-MKOOA/s1600-h/May+1st+weekend+(2)+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336399695189644162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zP9NIE4I/AAAAAAAAASM/4MKf0-MKOOA/s320/May+1st+weekend+(2)+049.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div> <div>The next morning Craig, Darrin, and I headed to Levis for another ride. It was really nice to get back out there again and see the great view from the lookout point. I rode with my new clip in pedals for about an hour and a half, but lost my confidence somewhere along the way. Normally pedals are just platforms you place your shoe on, but clip ins are pedals that your shoe attaches to via a clip on bottom of your shoe. This allows you to have a better pedal stroke...so I've been told. (Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong!) I had already wiped out with Ginger while we rode on Earth Day and really felt uneasy about my new "connection" to my bike. I had to get off and walk a few sections, but hope that next time I can ride more!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPUkZ-1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Lp02C6SnLwY/s1600-h/May+1st+weekend+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336399684281432914" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sg6zPUkZ-1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Lp02C6SnLwY/s320/May+1st+weekend+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Late in the day, we headed back to Marshfield. My niece and nephew were still in the hospital and so was the rest of my family. Darrin and I packed up, rested on the couch for a few moments, ate some lunch and then headed for Milwaukee. The weekend provided us with much entertainment and we enjoyed seeing everyone.</div> <div>Although the weekend was filled with lots of good memories, Darrin and I had a little hiccup. With the stress of everything beginning to way in on both of us, we just weren't connecting the way we usually do. The weekend could have been a lot better had we just talked through everything on our ride to Marshfield. Apologies go out to everyone who had to deal with our squabbles. In the end, our car ride home provided us with a place to talk through everything we had been avoiding the last few weeks. This trip home was a much needed regroup of our thoughts and emotions. Who knew a car ride could be so helpful.</div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-4467041932602552200?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-8614926081690861762009-04-30T12:50:00.005-05:002009-04-30T13:41:50.971-05:00Knowing we had a free weekend April 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> and 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>, Darrin and I decided to pack up the car and venture down to Indian to visit Jamie. The preparation for our trip started early Friday morning. I got the car filled up, washed, and vacuumed out the spilled dog food from our last trip. I pack everything except Darrin's clothes. That is a lot of responsibility and has resulted in an official packing list. When Darrin got home Friday he immediately jumped into the mechanic role, replacing the breaks and rotating the tires on the Subaru. (Makes traveling safer when the breaks are brand new!) Once he finished, he threw the bikes on top and we were on our way...only 3 hours later than we had hoped. <div><div><div><div> The good news was that we weren't going to hit any traffic and the bad news was that with the time change we wouldn't be to Jamie's apartment until 3am. Darrin drove as long as he could keep his eyes open, while I caught a much needed nap. I took over just after Chicago and safely got us to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bloomington</span>, Indiana.</div><div> We slept as long as we could, then finished the preparations for our Picnic in the Park. Darrin needed to do some mountain bike training at Brown County Park. Jamie and I were thinking not of biking, but of a cook out. The weather in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bloomington</span> Indiana that day was around 80 degrees, sunshine, and beautiful. We took full advantage of the day. To make the day more enjoyable, Jamie invited team mates and managers to picnic with us.</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sfnvbipj9AI/AAAAAAAAARM/THTQh4Sd9mU/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330554890406327298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sfnvbipj9AI/AAAAAAAAARM/THTQh4Sd9mU/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvbJDlWOI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/ZdJn_LG66xA/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330554883536148706" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvbJDlWOI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/ZdJn_LG66xA/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I prepared lots of good food: taco dip, Jamie's Salad, Western Dressing Dip, Fresh fruits, and Veggies. Darrin got in his training only to become our grill master for the evening. Brats, hot dogs, chicken, and hamburgers filled our bellies. Wow those Kids can eat! I brought pudding, vanilla wafers, cool whip, and chocolate chips for dessert. Jamie brought marshmallows. Little kids love to build their own desserts and I thought I would see if college kids would love it too. It was a hit! The girls (and guys) got a few laughs while roasting marshmallows over the grill. Kevin put chocolate chips in his marshmallow and roasted it. He then put it on a vanilla wafer. Ta-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">da</span>, a makeshift <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">smore</span>! I think the highlight of the afternoon was when Sasha wrapped hers in aluminum foil and hung it from a twig. We have never seen a marshmallow roasted this way before.</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvbX4q5oI/AAAAAAAAARE/D2mFmKE0WNk/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330554887516907138" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvbX4q5oI/AAAAAAAAARE/D2mFmKE0WNk/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Everyone kept busy throughout the afternoon. Some rode bikes, while everyone else played a game of touch football. Jori Kept the dogs entertained by throwing a ball. Or perhaps they kept her entertained as they never really brought the ball back to her, she had to come and get it! Sooner than later the sun began to fade and we packed everything back into the car.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvcI_-cDI/AAAAAAAAARU/rkPexwMehn4/s1600-h/IMG_0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330554900700885042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvcI_-cDI/AAAAAAAAARU/rkPexwMehn4/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>We would have to say it was Great company, which made for a great weekend!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvcYxlLmI/AAAAAAAAARc/-QHGNiO8lLo/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330554904935476834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SfnvcYxlLmI/AAAAAAAAARc/-QHGNiO8lLo/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-861492608169086176?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-32683182603595397222009-04-03T08:39:00.004-05:002009-04-03T08:59:14.618-05:00Do you ever wonder what goes on while you are sleeping? Well, sit down because I would like to tell you a tale of Harry the mouse. Harry was a little grey mouse, who somehow found his way up to the second story of our apartment building. Darrin and I live up here and were amazed to find Harry joining us during the night. <div> After waking one morning to use the bathroom, I was joined by Harry and began screaming. This really provided a lot of entertainment for Darrin and my Mom. (Darrin who enjoyed the moment as it happened, and my Mom who enjoyed as I told her the tale over the phone later that day.) We didn't really see him much and were wondering where he was going during the day. Also we weren't seeing the usual trail of food or mouse turds anywhere.</div><div> Darrin and I were starting to believe that Harry had left the building. I began spring cleaning in the living room only to discover Ginger's food behind our couch. Upon further investigation and more screaming, I found Harry in our couch. EWE-EWE-EWE! As I opened up the couch for further investigation, I learned that he had been stealing Ginger's food and storing it in our couch. Yes, it is the same couch we sit on every day.</div><div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYUw65WvxI/AAAAAAAAAP8/vBED5eL03ic/s1600-h/other+photos+3.22.09+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320462840460918546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYUw65WvxI/AAAAAAAAAP8/vBED5eL03ic/s320/other+photos+3.22.09+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYSApBo31I/AAAAAAAAAPs/NTokEw96ygk/s1600-h/3.26.09+Photos+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320459812006846290" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYSApBo31I/AAAAAAAAAPs/NTokEw96ygk/s320/3.26.09+Photos+001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> Needless to say, I ran to the nearest chair with my cellphone and immediately called Darrin. I informed him of Harry's wear abouts and pleaded with him to meet me at the hardware store to purchase mouse traps and materials to plug all the holes. Harry had been coming in through a hole in the wall in the bathroom. The hole is hidden to us because it is in a hole in our bathroom cabinet. The good news was that he couldn't get into our cabinet.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYUwZgystI/AAAAAAAAAP0/B_cL3Bel1vo/s1600-h/3.26.09+More+Photos+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320462831499522770" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYUwZgystI/AAAAAAAAAP0/B_cL3Bel1vo/s320/3.26.09+More+Photos+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Later that night, Harry met his fate as he found one of the mouse traps we set for him. I wasn't glad to see him resting in peace, but I was glad he wasn't in my couch anymore. And I can report that we are mouse free!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3268318260359539722?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-15038641595826413782009-04-03T08:18:00.005-05:002009-04-03T08:35:20.636-05:00I am finally getting around to posting a story about last weekend. Wow how time really slips away when you aren't watching the clock! <div><div><div> </div><div>Last Saturday Mom &amp; Dad brought Tiernan and Killian down to Milwaukee. Not only were they visiting to celebrate Peyton's Birthday, but they carted a bed down for us. Now when people stay over, they don't have to sleep in a very small twin bed. </div><div> </div><div>We started the festivities with a trip to Old Country Buffet. Mm was that good. As we were standing in line, the kids provided much entertainment for us and everyone else standing in line. We then filled our bellies with good food and many desserts. This was followed by entertainment using the Wii. This was a lot easier than trying to get 6 kids set up at a traditional bowling alley, which is also a lot of fun. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPWoAJL1I/AAAAAAAAAPE/3AWv7XKYMMM/s1600-h/3.29.09+More+Photos+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320456891154378578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPWoAJL1I/AAAAAAAAAPE/3AWv7XKYMMM/s320/3.29.09+More+Photos+030.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXC4j8JI/AAAAAAAAAPM/c0KhY1YWsg0/s1600-h/3.29.09+More+Photos+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320456898370334866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXC4j8JI/AAAAAAAAAPM/c0KhY1YWsg0/s320/3.29.09+More+Photos+036.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXeH_lLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Pz8PEXWd2r4/s1600-h/3.29.09+More+Photos+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320456905682818226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXeH_lLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Pz8PEXWd2r4/s320/3.29.09+More+Photos+045.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> Darrin and I got to drive back to our house through a blizzard. I guess when you live in Wisconsin the winters tend to last a bit longer. And March is the snowiest month of the year, so we really can't complain. It just made for a very crazy 30 minute drive to the northwest side of Milwaukee.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYQFZ6IlzI/AAAAAAAAAPk/06yMbXbyfQc/s1600-h/3.29.09+More+Photos+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320457694824929074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYQFZ6IlzI/AAAAAAAAAPk/06yMbXbyfQc/s320/3.29.09+More+Photos+065.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Sunday was a hoot as well. We enjoyed sub sandwiches, fresh veggies, chips &amp; dip, and of course birthday cake. Mmm, birthday cake. Peyton was so happy to be the one opening gifts, especially after she opened the one that contained her new Nintendo DS. The cutest moment of the day had to be when almost all of the kids were on the floor playing their computer games together. I don't think I have ever heard all 6 of them that quiet.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXd27l_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/i43SklRDl5Y/s1600-h/3.29.09+More+Photos+102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320456905611253746" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SdYPXd27l_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/i43SklRDl5Y/s320/3.29.09+More+Photos+102.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Great weekend filled with lots of family fun! Happy Birthday Peyton.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1503864159582641378?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-7228921363996688632009-03-26T16:34:00.007-05:002009-03-30T08:59:38.671-05:00The months keep rolling by and we are heading into April. For everyone who is interested Darrin has added a biking blog. You can get to it by clicking on the "<a href="http://d-braun.blogspot.com/">Darrin's biking site</a>" link on the right hand side of this blog. Biking has really been keeping us busy here the last few days of March. After viewing our checking account, we learned that Darrin had been selected in the lottery for the <a href="http://www.cheqfattire.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chequamegon</span> 40 Fat Tire Festival</a>. We are both excited for this new race to be on the schedule and hope it is a great race. This race is a large one in Wisconsin and only allows 1700 riders each year. The race is a 40 mile point-to-point ride starting in Hayward and finishing in Cable, WI. Cheer Darrin on at this race Saturday September 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> in Hayward, WI. Also this month, we have added a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbraun-lmeyer/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">flickr</span></a> account that I have also linked to on the sidebar. My goal is to download new photos to this as I put them on the computer. But, first I have to add a few older photos that I would like to share! I hope everyone enjoys the photos. I think that is all for updates. Hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of March!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-722892136399668863?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-21884207483214039042009-03-15T10:20:00.007-05:002009-03-15T10:48:31.678-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0dVilA3hI/AAAAAAAAAMs/1n_ZVdwzajw/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0dVilA3hI/AAAAAAAAAMs/1n_ZVdwzajw/s320/5k+Race+weekend+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313435391263563282" border="0" /></a> Yesterday March 14th, 2009 was my first 5K race. I picked the Blarney Run here in Wauwatosa, WI which ended up being about 3-4 miles away from where we live. I started training in January using the <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">C25K program</a>. This program allows you to train for a race in 9 weeks. It just so happens that my last run was my 1st race. Each week you add more and more time to your running starting with only 60 seconds of running and ending with 30 or so minutes. I set a pretty realistic goal of 34:01 for myself when I was on week 4 of the training program. After completing week 8, Darrin decided that my goal was too long and decided to change it to 29:00. I felt perhaps this was an ambitious goal, but decided to stick with it. My last run was on Wednesday and I ran 3 miles in 30 minutes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0enl6o6CI/AAAAAAAAAM0/XjsliJe8hBE/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0enl6o6CI/AAAAAAAAAM0/XjsliJe8hBE/s320/5k+Race+weekend+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313436800908847138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0e15Xtp2I/AAAAAAAAAM8/oHUICv0hFeM/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0e15Xtp2I/AAAAAAAAAM8/oHUICv0hFeM/s320/5k+Race+weekend+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313437046649235298" border="0" /></a> There were over 900 people participating in the event on Saturday. One of the participants was Jamie who ended up being a great pace setter and motivator and Darrin my training coach. I had no idea there were going to be three hills. The beginning of the race started at the top of a large hill. And when you run down a hill at the start, you know you have to run back up the hill at the end. (I did include hill training, but not that large of a hill!) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0fktceUhI/AAAAAAAAANE/eLHosRhdxHg/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0fktceUhI/AAAAAAAAANE/eLHosRhdxHg/s320/5k+Race+weekend+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313437850901828114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0fk3Im7pI/AAAAAAAAANM/QJmVcR7oNXA/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0fk3Im7pI/AAAAAAAAANM/QJmVcR7oNXA/s320/5k+Race+weekend+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313437853502860946" border="0" /></a> After making our way past the halfway point, I still felt good and took time to notice everyone else running around us. There were still quite a few people running to the halfway point! I wasn't the slowest runner after all! When we reached the hill I almost felt as though I couldn't finish, but muscled through the uphill battle. When we reached the top of the hill there was a backlog of runners who had also finished waiting in line to give their tags to the officials. Wow, 30:22 was my unofficial time and I felt great about it. It felt good to accomplish my goal of completing a 5k and it is only March. What should be next a 10k, half marathon? Well, I will see where the year takes me! I just have to say thank you to Darrin who ran with me when he could while I was training and to Jamie who decided to run with us while visiting. It was great to have supporters along the way. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0hI23V19I/AAAAAAAAANU/kOuX6iX0JTQ/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0hI23V19I/AAAAAAAAANU/kOuX6iX0JTQ/s320/5k+Race+weekend+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313439571417356242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0hJjCZKjI/AAAAAAAAANc/Nzpn_1oaYY8/s1600-h/5k+Race+weekend+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sb0hJjCZKjI/AAAAAAAAANc/Nzpn_1oaYY8/s320/5k+Race+weekend+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313439583274871346" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2188420748321403904?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-19528322601207616672009-03-03T09:16:00.007-06:002009-03-03T09:54:11.570-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1Q9nZfg_I/AAAAAAAAALM/dR6LriuEtPU/s1600-h/2.26.09+%282%29+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1Q9nZfg_I/AAAAAAAAALM/dR6LriuEtPU/s320/2.26.09+%282%29+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308988555217830898" border="0" /></a>I know a lot of people are wondering what Darrin decided to do for a job when we moved down to the Milwaukee area. He now works for County Materials as a block delivery driver. At first he was very nervous about driving down here. I even think he came home one day shortly after beginning his new job and said, "I don't think I can do this." We are happy to report that he really enjoys his job. He says there are so many benefits to his job that makes him smile day in and day out. Not knowing the area used to cause him a great deal of stress, but Darrin has now become so familiar with Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee area. This is very helpful for us when we decide to venture out and take in some of the attractions Milwaukee has to offer. Darrin gets to work early in the morning and has the pleasure of seeing the sun come up sometimes over Lake Michigan. If you know Darrin, then you would know this is a great thing for him. Back in the day he would text me from job-sites to let me know how beautiful the sunrise and sunsets were. Now he gets to enjoy even more picturesque scenery. After about 4-5 weeks of winter lay off, Darrin is back to work again this spring. He has been to many jobs and still enjoys driving his truck. So if you are wondering if Darrin's job is going well, yes it is. And he is enjoying it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1SftSOrJI/AAAAAAAAALc/lMWietN9JD8/s1600-h/2.26.09+%282%29+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1SftSOrJI/AAAAAAAAALc/lMWietN9JD8/s320/2.26.09+%282%29+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308990240425159826" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1952832260120761667?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-59389280232843166222009-03-03T08:54:00.007-06:002009-03-03T09:16:00.722-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1JO07pp-I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/c-h96LMj7_k/s1600-h/2.25.09+%281%29+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1JO07pp-I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/c-h96LMj7_k/s320/2.25.09+%281%29+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308980054815516642" border="0" /></a> I bet for most people when winter rolls around they barely leave their homes. In fact, until I met Darrin, I used to be one of them. He has really made me more of a winter sports enthusiast. And I am beginning to like it. This year, we have really gotten out and enjoyed winter here in Butler. For a little over two months (December and January) Darrin kept begging me to bike ride everywhere we went. It didn't matter if we were going to the YMCA, the grocery store, or if he just wanted to get outside and ride, he always popped the question, "Are we riding our bikes?" One really nice day in February, I gave in to his desire for me to be on my bike in the winter. It was a Friday and the weather wasn't too cold. I bundled up in what ever I had for layers and we were ready. Where were we going? You guessed it. First to see his coach at Brookfield East and then to workout at the YMCA. I am pleased to let everyone know, I didn't freeze like popsicle and I really enjoyed myself. The ride to the YMCA was a bit easier, but only because our workout was strength training. So I challenge everyone to embrace our wonderful Wisconsin Winters. I do recommend putting heaters in your shoes if you are going to be outside for more than 30 minutes though.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1Iwy0w3wI/AAAAAAAAAJs/a2Jzf_SMdrs/s1600-h/2.25.09+%281%29+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1Iwy0w3wI/AAAAAAAAAJs/a2Jzf_SMdrs/s320/2.25.09+%281%29+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308979538853682946" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1IxJi_4rI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/KcmUfVXU_Zw/s1600-h/2.25.09+%281%29+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Sa1IxJi_4rI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/KcmUfVXU_Zw/s320/2.25.09+%281%29+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308979544953184946" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5938928023284316622?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-6317759725364166462009-03-02T13:51:00.002-06:002009-03-02T14:14:00.377-06:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Saw5NFL5uBI/AAAAAAAAAJc/gocQPWhuu8s/s1600-h/2.25.09+(1)+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308680957656152082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/Saw5NFL5uBI/AAAAAAAAAJc/gocQPWhuu8s/s200/2.25.09+(1)+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> After living in Butler for about 3 months, we realized this small town had it's very own library. I love to read, and have found the library to be a great place to spend some of my time. Adding to my excitement was the fact that the village was building a new facility on Hampton Avenue. The new library opened on December 1st and is a nice addition to Butler. Inside there is more room for books, a kids section which includes a reading club area, a fireplace with additional seating, and more public computer spaces. Darrin and I try to make it a point to get over and use the library at least once a week. The atmosphere is just wonderful and allows us to stay focused on our reading. Not to mention, the library has enabled me to participate in a few book clubs. After meeting some former colleagues for drinks one night, they both invited me to join their book clubs as a way of getting out and meeting people. This has not only provided me with a couple of nights out of the house, but also a great place to meet new people and become more involved in the Milwaukee area. Kim's book club meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month. There are 12 active members, all of whom are women. Most of them are involved in the Architectural community, which provides a lot of great conversation before and after book club. The first meeting I went to was a movie-book review. I have read The Picture of Dorian Gray and am trying to finish Corelli's Mandolin for our next get together. At the last get together we discussed future book selections and decided on a years worth of reading. The list has a lot of diversity and should provide me with a lot of great books to read this year! Robin's book club hasn't meet this year, but will this Friday. We have read the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. This was a great book. I couldn't put it down and think I finished it in less than 3 days. (In between other stuff!) The lessons that he shares with everyone are great to hear and put some perspective into your own life. I don't want to spoil any one's readings, but this one is a tear jerker. As everyone knows, Mr. Pausch has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only had a few months to live when he published the book. None the less, this is a great addition to add to your reading list! I am really looking forward to the get together this Friday. I have also picked up The Story of Edgar Sawtell, Bridget Jone's Diary, and a few Janet Evonovich books. Good Luck to anyone reading this year! I think at the end of each month I will put a list of books I have read for everyone else to see. Please let me know if you have any readings that I should add to my list of must reads because I am always looking for a good book.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-631775972536416646?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-30170458651461207052009-03-02T13:31:00.002-06:002009-03-02T13:50:58.451-06:00March is off and running for Darrin and I. This is going to be a very busy month down here in Butler. We have book clubs, training (Biking and Running), Construction Tours, ARE study sessions, homework, and so much more. Darrin has really been putting in the time not only on his bike, but in the gym with his coach. Already he has logged over 100 hours for the start of 2009. Some of those hours come from training inside while listening to the ipod, bundling up with more layers than a pastry to brave the elements outside, and pumping some heavy iron at the gym. He has been focused on starting out in a new category this year and knows his hard work is going to pay off. I have been doing a lot of reading recently. I have joined two book clubs and love the diversity each one has offered me in terms of reading and conversation. This Friday will be the first book club meeting for Robin's book club. We have read the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I won't give any details away, but this is a must read. Next week Tuesday will be the 3rd book club outing for Kim's book club. For that one we are reading Corelli's Mandolin. I was a bit sceptical at first but think this book has really been a good read. Everyone who knows I love to scrapbook should mark it down on their calendars that I have been scrapbooking this year more than ever! In fact last year I finished my first very own scrapbook. I am currently working on number two. This one is proving to be fun because it is from when I was 11 years old. What was I thinking?? Seriously, I can't believe my Mother let me out of the house dressed like that and with that hair! All I can say is OMG! REVIT is proving to be a challenge, but a great one at that. This program is by far way more advanced than AutoCAD. It has really surprised me on so many levels. I have class once a week and enjoy spending a couple of hours each week in the computer lab working on my projects. It also allows me to advance in the subject matter we have learned for that week. Perhaps I can post some of my progress on the blog when I get it printed out. Volunteering through the AIA-Milwaukee has proven to be a great asset to have. It is not only fun, but I am getting to meet so many individuals that I probably wouldn't have met. My first tour was February 17th and had a good turn-out. I am actually assisting John Holz for another tour on April 23. It should be a great one to attend considering it is in conjunction with the SARUP 40th anniversary. They are hoping for a 50+ crowd. This opportunity has allowed me also to become more involved in my IDP which will keep me moving forward in the Licensing program. I will be attending study sessions for the ARE-focusing on preparation for the 7 exams. This was a great way to spend my time away from an actual desk. The only other bit of news I thought would be nice to share is that my Brother Mike and Wife Chandi will be expecting their 5th child here this summer. I know everyone is excited to know if they will be having another girl or if God will bless them with their first boy. Stay tuned for the answer to that million dollar question. The weather down here in Butler/Milwaukee has been quite nice. We have had a few cold days, but the sun has been shining which makes them easier to handle. About a week ago we did get a substantial amount of rain that was supposed to be snow. The next week of temperatures is in the 40's or near 40 anyway. Well that is all for now. I hope everyone is enjoying this 1st March Monday. Until next time.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-3017045865146120705?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-9051417906533289852009-02-10T20:04:00.015-06:002009-02-10T21:52:31.420-06:00I always have hoped to have a family one day but wasn't quite sure if I would be able keep doing the things I love to the extent that I do now. I am a big supporter of family involvement but my expectations just haven't been met. There seems to be something missing. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI1NG7jmDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/nTsd_kiS26M/s1600-h/misc+Summer+pictures+2008+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301358210683476018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI1NG7jmDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/nTsd_kiS26M/s320/misc+Summer+pictures+2008+014.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI_OaIPYCI/AAAAAAAAAG0/GT4QLoWOqek/s1600-h/misc+Summer+pictures+2008+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301369228133097506" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI_OaIPYCI/AAAAAAAAAG0/GT4QLoWOqek/s320/misc+Summer+pictures+2008+031.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>"Someone always gets left behind when I go on my big rides........But that little someone is always there to rest off the hard day when I get back:)" </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI5Tl3aYwI/AAAAAAAAAGc/b49_D9Wx6us/s1600-h/rainy+and+snowy+days+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301362720113320706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI5Tl3aYwI/AAAAAAAAAGc/b49_D9Wx6us/s320/rainy+and+snowy+days+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZI5Tl3aYwI/AAAAAAAAAGc/b49_D9Wx6us/s1600-h/rainy+and+snowy+days+039.jpg"></a></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> We have already mastered the "Ginger in the bag" to help her join us on some rides. </div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJKAXRGglI/AAAAAAAAAHk/GLKUW2z7jp0/s1600-h/August+Pics+2008+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301381081474695762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJKAXRGglI/AAAAAAAAAHk/GLKUW2z7jp0/s320/August+Pics+2008+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> I have plenty of help getting ready for my race.</div><div> </div><div>This just isn't enough for me . So. One day Lynn and Ginger decided to join me in the basement for a winter trainer session, and I thought now would be the time to put my curiosity to the test. </div><div>Take One, </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJIlTD7KMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ka9rOUH5DnM/s1600-h/rainy+and+snowy+days+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301379516977588418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJIlTD7KMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ka9rOUH5DnM/s320/rainy+and+snowy+days+046.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div>Take Two, </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJI7pfb0wI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Td9N97VHibU/s1600-h/2.9.09+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301379900955677442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZJI7pfb0wI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Td9N97VHibU/s320/2.9.09+017.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div>I'm not sure about taking this experiment out of the lab into the field yet....maybe we I will just stick to what works, I mean Ginger already looks scared out of her little mind!! Thanks for all of the help I get from anybody in my pursuit of my goals! Especially Lynn and Ginger! Love you guys!</div><div> </div><div>That's all for now. Darrin</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-905141790653328985?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-88586890543308849812009-02-09T14:42:00.004-06:002009-02-09T15:03:49.422-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZCV7oL8_gI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tDEz3NP00ag/s1600-h/2.9.09+043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZCV7oL8_gI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tDEz3NP00ag/s320/2.9.09+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300901613047447042" border="0" /></a>Okay, so I really don't like posting pictures of myself but I was getting ready for my class on Thursday night and decided I needed a change. I used to be a blond back when I was a kid, but as age creeps into my life, so does darker hair. Not sure how it happens, but it does. So I called the beauty shop around the corner here in Butler. Talked to a really nice hairstlyist at the Odara studio. I scheduled an appointment for Friday at 10am. Kathy in Spencer has taken care of me for so long, I felt bad having to find someone new to trim my split ends and revitalize the color I now call dirty blond. But, it had to be done. And I think I found someone I can trust as much as I trusted Kathy. It was nice to be able to walk into her shop in Spencer and know that when I left I would look 100% better than when I walked in. She was great at helping me pick out a hair style and great colors that worked with my skin tone! I really miss Kathy. (If I remember I might post pics of the hair cuts she has given me! Perhaps a hair through the years post!) But as I sat in the small studio and chatted with my new stylist Christa, I felt a little better about the finding a new stylist. She was so cute and talked to me for about 15-20 minutes on what my options were and then helped me pick out some color. I felt as though she was a little nervous. Probably as nervous as I was. But, the end result turned out good. My eyebrows are cleaned up, the split ends are gone, and there is some much needed color added to my lifeless hair. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZCZA6zN9fI/AAAAAAAAAF8/0GUGP5om1BA/s1600-h/2.9.09+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SZCZA6zN9fI/AAAAAAAAAF8/0GUGP5om1BA/s320/2.9.09+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300905002478204402" border="0" /></a>And I think I found a new hairstylist. She was fun to chat with and did a great job on my hair. It is amazing how just a couple of hours of pampering can make a difference in how one feels about themselves!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8858689054330884981?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-13714321750811705912009-02-08T14:17:00.012-06:002009-02-08T16:32:05.678-06:00<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9WJabH5UI/AAAAAAAAAE0/vIqXNQRFsOs/s1600-h/2.8.09+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300550006150260034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9WJabH5UI/AAAAAAAAAE0/vIqXNQRFsOs/s320/2.8.09+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I guess that is what you could title it......? So I am totally new to the blogosphere world and thought I would give you all a little something from my perspective. Any way, I am not sure if I am cut out for this but hey, I'll try anything once!</div><div> </div><div>Layoff during the winter months for me is usually inevitable and considering the awesome state of our economy I knew sooner or later I would be "biting the bullet". Two weeks ago when I was told that I would be getting laid off for the week I wasn't surprised and decided to make it a positive thing by taking care of odds and ends. One week in and I was doing just fine. By the middle of last week however I was speaking a different story with motivation becoming a factor. There is this presence that comes with layoff that just does something to a person and givin due time it wears me down and takes me me out of my element. So determined not to let this feeling take me over I decided that I needed something different.</div> <div></div><div>I have always been adventuresome and willing to explore, but usually on my bike. I would take my bike with me when ever I would travel and just find places to go. Make a few wrong turns, cross state lines, meet random people, you know the usual exploration stuff. I knew Ginger would be up for such a thing because lets face it she's a dog and she has been stuck inside all winter. So with day light becoming an issue I packed up a bag with a light, water, a little snack, and my snowshoes, got ginger ready and with a kiss goodbye we were on our way.</div> <div>Not more than three blocks away Ginger is hobbling down the sidewalk with me calling her "com'on Gingee lets go! What are you doing?" <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9YGSllBRI/AAAAAAAAAFE/hBXOVYBDvCE/s1600-h/2.8.09+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300552151530276114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9YGSllBRI/AAAAAAAAAFE/hBXOVYBDvCE/s320/2.8.09+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>So I stopped prepared to throw her in my bag but soon realized she had just got a little piece of salt stuck in her paw. So with one obstacle avoided we ventured on. Its about a 15 minute walk to the Butler "Frontier Park" and this is where I was looking forward to getting. Away from it all, a little piece of sanity nestled right between a city, an industrial park, and suburbia. I had been down there a few times but never really able to explore it. Its a beautiful place and when I go to places like that they remind me of the childhood adventures I would take in the woods across the road from our house. This was exactly what I was looking for on this particular day. Just Ginger, the "wild"(or at least that is what I pretend it to be) and I. I like it! Ginger seemed too as well running around like she does when ever she gets a chance. Getting off the path the snow was getting too deep for Ginger so she was more than willing to climb in the bag and enjoy the view from a higher vantage point.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9WtGO6GDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/mwfi-MrCECw/s1600-h/2.8.09+010.jpg"></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9ZAe_oxEI/AAAAAAAAAFM/NBZp94wVbBE/s1600-h/2.8.09+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300553151293211714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9ZAe_oxEI/AAAAAAAAAFM/NBZp94wVbBE/s320/2.8.09+043.jpg" border="0" /></a>The further in I got the greater the adventure seemed. I was in my element and the only thing missing was Lynn. I had wished she could come but with her new class added to the schedule all I had was Ginger to bounce my thoughts off of. As usual she didn't have much to add and just silently enjoyed. My mind wandered as I took in all of natures true beauty. I tried to capture it with my camera but as we all know a camera never does the real thing justice. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9adFrvGII/AAAAAAAAAFc/0-8GmQsiaPo/s1600-h/2.8.09+027.jpg"></a>Oh was I having a good time but the sun was falling rapidly and I had hoped to be out of the woods by the time it was completely dark. So I turn around and head back on the river because I knew it would be fast. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9bhfrRATI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DayLKh2_34Q/s1600-h/2.8.09+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300555917435142450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9bhfrRATI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DayLKh2_34Q/s320/2.8.09+027.jpg" border="0" /></a>This also gave me a different view of everything I had seen going the other way. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9Z8HhyBYI/AAAAAAAAAFU/Z6D9oc3D_Yc/s1600-h/2.8.09+027.jpg"></a></div><div> </div><div>By the time I was out of the woods there was a slight glimpse of light left in the far sky. My walk home would be in the dark and I was more than content with that. While walking the feeling I got from the neighborhoods of Butler were very similar of that of Marshfield or some other small town up north. It made me realize how lucky Lynn and I were to find the place we did and be set in a community with that "small town" feeling. </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9clmT-jWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/x7umTwMqusc/s1600-h/2.8.09+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300557087447616866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SY9clmT-jWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/x7umTwMqusc/s320/2.8.09+054.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Now at home my mind was eased, motivation temporarily restored, and a renewed sense of well being. </div> <div>Till another day............</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1371432175081170591?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-81030311420355830502009-01-31T20:08:00.002-06:002009-01-31T20:34:01.184-06:00It's Saturday January 31st and I was just thinking about how fast the month has gone by. This month has been filled with resolutions, training (for both of us), traveling, and spending a lot of time together. January has also been a very cold month with about a week or two of below zero temperatures and negative numbers for the windchill. February is going to be much of the same except for the record low temperatures. Darrin and I are planning to keep up with our resolutions, training, and we will be traveling a bit for Jamie's games. Near the end of February she will be traveling to Madison and Chicago, both of which are near us. February is also filled with Birthdays and Valentines day. My niece <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jadyn</span> was born on February 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> the same day as my Sister in Law <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chandi</span>. My older brother Mike was born on February 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> and My birthday is February 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>. Now that is a lot of February Birthdays!!! Darrin and I don't get all mushy-mushy over the now commercialized V-day, but we do like to take that day to enjoy each other. Perhaps homemade valentines day cards (Much better than Hallmark!) and a dinner made by the both of us is going to be the extent of it. It has really worked out well for the both of us. We aren't material people and homemade cards, dinner, and spending quality time are great. (It also goes very easy on our pocket books, which is a good thing considering the current economic crisis we are in.) January has been a great month for both of us and we are looking forward to February starting and continuing to be a wonderful winter season.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8103031142035583050?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-88409920351538547832009-01-24T18:21:00.006-06:002009-01-31T20:07:45.920-06:00About a year and a half ago, I spent Labor Day weekend with Darrin in Copper Harbor, MI. The place is unbelievably gorgeous. The town is very quaint and has a few locally owned shops. We happened into one of the shops, I think it was a bookstore actually and I fell in love with a pair of wool mittens there. We left the store without the mittens, thinking we could get them the next day. Well Darrin's race came and went and we learned that all the stores were closed for Labor Day. (Should have known that before hand!) Bummed, we left Copper Harbor knowing we would return again in one year. <div> And the end of August came very fast in 2008. I had one goal for our trip up north, get those mittens. Darrin went out on a pre-ride and my Mom, Dad, and myself went shopping through the town. I told my mom I was going to get those mittens because I didn't get them last time I was there. The last store we stopped at was the bookstore and I finally got my Homemade Wool Mittens! Well, everyone loved my new mittens including Jamie. I think every time we saw her she tried to steal them. So over Christmas break she decided she needed a pair of these mittens and thought we could simply make her a pair. And so the weekend project began. The first step in our project was to find out just how they were made. Jamie found a few patterns on the Internet. It was a tough time for her trying to find a pattern that was most similar to mine. You wouldn't believe how many different mitten patterns are out there. The Thumbs on my gloves are not angled out but rather folded down. I thought Jamie had forgotten about those darn mittens until she called me from good-will. The mittens are made of 100% wool sweaters and lined with fleece. And she was looking for sweaters at her local good-will. I joined in the search for sweaters and spent about 6-8 hours weeding through the clothes looking for 100% wool. I happened upon 3-4 really nice sweaters, well what I thought were nice. (I wasn't sure if Jamie was going to like any of them!) We spent some time with Jamie for about a week and didn't have time to make the mittens but she did pick out a sweater that she liked. When we got back to Milwaukee I spent a few days looking up a few patterns because we couldn't find the one Jamie had found at Christmas. I also had to look up fleece mittens for the lining of the gloves. I also had to learn about the felting process of wool sweaters. For some reason the sweaters have to be washed in HOT water and then dried. Wow! The sweaters shrunk to almost half their size. You have to wash and dry the sweaters in a pillowcase that is some how closed. I used safety pins and when I finally got all the safety pins off of the pillowcase, out rolled a lot of lint created by the felting process. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpdQcbBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/ZY6ser0TDZY/s1600-h/January+download+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpdQcbBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/ZY6ser0TDZY/s320/January+download+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297643447922748434" border="0" /></a> It took me about a day to figure out the size I would need to cut the pieces. We had a pattern formula but had to make our own pattern for cutting. I used regular paper and my mittens to put all the pieces together. After about an hour of cutting out the fabric, I was finally underway of making my first pair of wool mittens. Darrin helped me sew the thumbs. He was better at getting the fabric to turn around the needle in the sewing machine. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpk9ovgI/AAAAAAAAAEk/7Sex0np_l34/s1600-h/January+download+067.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpk9ovgI/AAAAAAAAAEk/7Sex0np_l34/s320/January+download+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297643449991347714" border="0" /></a> I believe I had the mittens in the mail to Jamie on Saturday the 17th. We were hoping she would get them before she had to leave for their Michigan game. She checked her mail Tuesday and Wednesday before she left. She also went to the post office to see if they were holding the package there. No mittens on her hands, she was off to Michigan. When she returned she checked again at the post office and even talked to the mail man. He reassured her that they were going to be sent back to the person who sent them to her. It's been another week and a half and still no mittens. I worked very hard on them and thought they turned out nice. Jamie was so excited to receive them that she is also saddened by the case of the missing mittens. Below you will find a picture of the missing mittens. If you have seen these mittens, or know where they could be please leave contact information in the comments section below. Thank you for your cooperation in our search for the missing mittens. Forever saddened, Jamie and Lynn.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpkTg2zI/AAAAAAAAAEs/6Ktb82xU8MQ/s1600-h/January+download+070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SYUCpkTg2zI/AAAAAAAAAEs/6Ktb82xU8MQ/s320/January+download+070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297643449814670130" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8840992035153854783?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-43430316642301275232009-01-24T17:54:00.003-06:002009-01-24T18:20:38.233-06:00Darrin spends a lot of time with his coach Joe, training for his bike racing. Technically Darrin is in his off season, but still has to put in a good base to be prepared for the upcoming season of biking. Although Darrin isn't much of a skier, he puts in the hours necessary to get his training in for the winter months. I bet it is a much better alternative than spending that time staring at our basement wall while spinning for hours on his trainer. <div> <div>Over Last weekend (January 17 &amp; 18) Darrin went with his coach for two separate skiing adventures. The first one was at <a href="http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/lapham/index.html">Lapham peak</a>. Joe had a race to do. Darrin took his Snow shoes with and stepped his way through the Ice Age Trail there. This was a better way of staying warm and use of his time while he waited for racing to begin.</div> <div>Then the race began. Darrin spent the time cheering on his coach and his teammates. The races only last for about 45 minutes but provided a photo finish. Containing his excitement, Darrin captured the battle to the finish on camera. After Joe was done skiing for his race, they skied off and put in some time around the ski trails for fun. (And for Darrin's workout.)</div><div> </div><div>They made a few laps around Lapham and then headed home. Joe talked Darrin into going to another park for a 3 hour training session on Sunday. I must remind everyone that Darrin doesn't ski very often. The next day Darrin found himself very sore. He was so sore he took Monday off to recover. Joe pushed Darrin to workout harder than he would have liked to workout that day, but only to see how much Darrin would handle.</div><div> </div><div>I think Darrin might actually be warming up to the sport of skiing. But that will only be true if Joe can keep Darrin out on the trails. And if we could get some more snow.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXutvunA8HI/AAAAAAAAAEM/ADe7EzbJDtI/s1600-h/Darrin+Skiing+with+Joe+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295016822381277298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXutvunA8HI/AAAAAAAAAEM/ADe7EzbJDtI/s320/Darrin+Skiing+with+Joe+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXutvt7crPI/AAAAAAAAAEE/2YqAEKzBGUA/s1600-h/Darrin+Skiing+with+Joe+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295016822198545650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXutvt7crPI/AAAAAAAAAEE/2YqAEKzBGUA/s320/Darrin+Skiing+with+Joe+004.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-4343031664230127523?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-78587289027555915442009-01-23T19:24:00.003-06:002009-01-23T19:46:47.199-06:00Well it's finally Friday and I would say that the week went by pretty fast. Darrin is sleeping on the couch with Ginger so I thought I would post a few things. We had a really good afternoon and evening together. We do usually go to bed early but tonight he is extra tired. Last night I started my REVIT class at the WCTC over in Peewaukee. It was kind of weird taking a class again. For those of you who don't know how old I am, lets just say I haven't been in college for just over 6 years. (Pipe down, I am not that old!) But the course should be a good one. I am hoping that it will allow me to be more prepared for when the architectural firms start hiring. The teacher is from a firm downtown and really knows the software. The class is made up of about half professionals returning to class for their current employer and half young college kids. The class starts at 6pm and runs through 10pm. I think that is an awfully long time, but I am sure it will get better once we start using the program. I also forgot how expensive everything is in college...$220 for the class and $89 for the book. OUCH! We have homework assignments and my very first quiz next week. I spent most of the my day getting chores done around the house. I had laundry, picking up, removal of dog poop from the front yard, scraping the driveway, and making supper. I chose stuffed bell peppers for our main course and fruit salad as an accompaniment. Every once in awhile we have these for supper. Darrin ended up getting home just as I was blanching the peppers. Then we were off to the YMCA. It was nice to get a jump on our workouts. We have been working out together for awhile now. He has strength training to do and I have my little weight routine to do as well. Then for kicks and giggles, he did my cardio workout with me today. I am training for a 5k run in March. It is called the Blarney Run. I have already paid the $18 for myself and Darrin so I have to put in some time at the gym. I am hoping that my running legs have found their way back to me. I do this three days a week and then three days of the week I get in at least 30 minutes of cardio. I am really enjoying it. I was also hoping to get into some of the classes down here, but can't muster up the courage just yet. Once we got back from working out, we worked on getting the peppers into the oven. Darrin was very helpful in cutting up the mango and pineapple for a fruit salad. (Both were nummy!) Once we finished getting supper ready we got the dishes out of the way. We both agreed that it would be better to get the dishes done tonight so we wouldn't have them staring us in the face tomorrow morning. After supper we decided to make rice crispy treats. I haven't made them in awhile and forgot how good they were. We decided to freeze half of them in hopes that Darrin wouldn't eat all of them. So that left a few for each of us to enjoy over the weekend. It is so much fun to be cooking in the kitchen with him. I think we just enjoy the time we get to spend together. Oh I almost forgot about the funny ha ha from today. I sent some mittens to Jamie the other day and she was sure they were in her mailbox today. Once she got into the mailbox, she discovered that they weren't in there. We spent at least an hour trying to figure out where they could have gotten delivered. So the case of the missing mittens began and was very quickly put to an end when she finally talked to the mailman. Turns out he was trying to figure out who the package belonged to. She just moved in and hadn't forwarded her mail. Her mailbox had another name on it and so he couldn't deliver it there. After speaking with him for a few minutes, she let me know that they were on their way back to me! So once again we will have to send them again when they come back. Hopefully she will get them this time. All that on a frigid Friday. I am sure this weekend is going to be a good one. Darrin has most of it off from training so we will get to spend time hanging out. Perhaps I can get him to help me make some cookies!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-7858728902755591544?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-13104396456271451002009-01-22T09:50:00.002-06:002009-01-22T10:12:26.863-06:00<span style="font-size:100%;">Monday night Darrin and I were filled with anxiety as the Indiana Hoosiers Women's Basketball team played a tough game against their state school rivals Purdue. Although we were both hoping for a win, we were also hoping that Jamie could score her 1,000 point at a home game. The game started very intensely with Indiana jumping to a small lead, but Purdue proved the challenge ahead was going to be a long and grueling battle. The game was either tied or within 3-4 points the entire first half. Indiana managed to pull ahead within the last few minutes of the half 35-30. I don't think we sat down the entire second half. Purdue seemed to be making all the right plays and getting more points to show up on their side of the scoreboard. Darrin and I were thinking the game was over. But to our surprise Jamie and the rest of the team found their groove! Jamie hit two-three's bringing the team closer to victory with an eight point lead. The team played a very balanced and organized game of ball during the end of the second half. Indiana finally pulled ahead and won the game 71-57. Once the game had progressed far into the second half, we began thinking the Hoosiers were in foul trouble and that is usually when things go sour. But the team came out playing clean and smart. It was a great victory for them at home against the Purdue Boilermakers. The game wasn't the only thing to celebrate for the Hoosiers. Darrin's Sister Jamie (mentioned above) is a Junior point guard for the team. This game provided her the opportunity to make her 1,000 point. At first Darrin and I weren't quite sure she was going to make it because she had only 2 or 3 points in the first half. She proved us and many others wrong by adding to that a couple of threes and finishing off her 16 point total with two completed free throws! We were so excited we jumped up and down and gave each other huge hi-fives. We were a little sad in the fact that we couldn't be there to share in her accomplishment, but we shared our excitement with her after the game. So Congratulations again Jamie on getting 1,000 career points in your junior year with the Hoosiers. If you are interested I have a link to the story posted here. Check it out! </span><a href="http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/011909aab.html">http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/011909aab.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1310439645627145100?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-85210373314341568682009-01-22T08:51:00.006-06:002009-01-22T09:26:08.186-06:002009 has begun and with it came a new president. I hope everyone enjoyed the inauguration of President Barak Obama on Tuesday. I think for the first time in my life I actually watched the ceremonies. I feel as though the older I am getting the more involved I want to be in the political world. Although I have no prospects for a job, I am still staying pretty busy here in Butler. I have joined two book clubs, started a workout plan at the YMCA, and have enrolled in a REVIT computer class at the WCTC in Peewaukee. Darrin is also staying busy with his training. This winter he has started skiing with his coach Joe C. Although he dislikes skiing, he is sure logging the miles. He has also started a strength program which allows us to workout together three days a week. Sometimes he also chooses to get his cardio in at the Y and I can join him! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXiNjud61XI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ksWGpZmcFOw/s1600-h/December2008+220.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SXiNjud61XI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ksWGpZmcFOw/s320/December2008+220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294137006882477426" border="0" /></a> Ginger gave us quite a scare right before Christmas. She began squealing very loud. We weren't able to pick her up or even enjoy her company. She wanted to be left alone and was very uncomfortable. One morning she woke me up at 4am squealing. I was in tears and told Darrin we had to get her into a Vet ASAP. Around 9am the vet down the road finally was open and had time to see her. He did a thorough exam of her and told us she would have to come back for x-rays. The vet explained that perhaps some of her disks had ruptured in her spine causing her to freak out on us when we petted her. He informed us if this was the case that she wouldn't be making a recovery, but instead it would be a long road ahead. I took her in Monday morning and she was put under anesthesia. They were able to clean her teeth, clip her nails, and get the x-rays in. The doctor also checked all of her joints for arthritis. Fine, fit, and Healthy as a cucumber! She was just fine. He was amazed that she was in some kind of pain but he couldn't find out from where. She passed every exam he gave her with flying colors. We brought her home and she began acting normal again with a few outbursts. They gave us some pain killers for her in the form of a shot and we ended up using one right before Christmas, but haven't used one since! She has made an almost full recovery. We were really busy through the holidays and I did not do much posting here on our blog/website. I will try to get everyone caught up from December to now! Perhaps the best way is just to blog each day/week and then do a Catching up blog for that day/week as well until we are fully caught up! We have a lot to share with everyone! Enjoy the somewhat warmer weather we are having. Keep in touch and don't be afraid to email, call or leave comments for us. We would love to hear from everyone!! Miss you all and can't wait to catch up.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-8521037331434156868?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-25639770789535548072008-12-05T06:01:00.007-06:002008-12-09T10:39:15.682-06:00Wow, I can't believe it is already December. I have been so busy since Thanksgiving day that I have lost track of time. Darrin and I spent Thursday (Thanksgiving) with my Brother and his family who live near South Milwaukee. Yes, my older brother Mike cooked the entire dinner. It included turkey, potatoes, stuffing and vegetables. I would have to say I am impressed because he usually only cooks pizza and macaroni and cheese. My neices were very excited to see Darrin. My brother has 4 little girls and they love to climb all over Darrin. After we were done shooting hoops and filling our bellies, we headed to Marshfield for a weekend at Mom and Dad's. Friday morning my Mother woke us up early and insisted we help her shop the Early bird specials. So I drove the get away vehichle while Mom and Darrin went in and got the stuff she wanted. Pots pans, tables, towels, and a few other items were on her list! We had fun and even had time to stop at McDonald's for our morning coffee. :) We spent the rest of the day with friends and family. I haven't seen my girlfriends since April when we moved down to Milwaukee and it was great to see everyone again. We enjoyed Rebekah's Pizza Burgers and laughed at Parker wearing pink high heels while chasing the other kids. The kids were so big, I couldn't believe how much they have all grown since I last seen them. Saturday was a great day as well. We started with a workout at the YMCA in Marshfield and then filled our bellies with more food at Mom's. My aunt Kathy and her three daughters (Renee, Julie, and Cindy) came from Minnesota. It was nice to see my Aunt Kathy and her girls because I haven't seen them in almost two years. I could barely tell the girls apart because they all look alike. My Aunt Julie and Tim brought Nicole. Nicole showed us her ring. She is getting married in October of 2009 to her high school sweetheart. (They dated back in High School and broke up for a number of years before reuniting about 2 years ago. Cool Huh?) My Aunt Lisa's kids: Ashley and Cody were going to ride with Grandma and Grandpa, but chose to bring Ashley's new SUV down. It was a really nice GMC Yukon with all kinds of bells and whistles. Turns out she got a great deal because most places are giving trucks and suv's away. Grandma road with Grandpa and even made a stop at Fleet Farm in Marshfield before arriving at Mom's. The day started out with Darrin challenging everyone to riding his unicyle. Those who were up to the challenge tried it, but in the end everyone decided it was much harded than it looked.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dMPoWjzI/AAAAAAAAACs/pHDh4sZsIU4/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277828647004573490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dMPoWjzI/AAAAAAAAACs/pHDh4sZsIU4/s320/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+060.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dNajXe1I/AAAAAAAAAC8/H8xTkAO0bOA/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277828667116321618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dNajXe1I/AAAAAAAAAC8/H8xTkAO0bOA/s320/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+074.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dNJBzMjI/AAAAAAAAAC0/P1mYYKvIBLk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277828662412128818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/ST6dNJBzMjI/AAAAAAAAAC0/P1mYYKvIBLk/s320/Thanksgiving+day+weekend+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> After Lunch, I decided to start a game of kickball with my nieces and nephews. Boy was I in for it. The kids are good at kickball. Even the little ones. We played outside until it got dark. We then retreated into the house to eat some more, watch a movie and clean up the house. Then everyone left for skating at the rink, while I caught a little shut eye. My Dad ended up going to the rink about 15 minutes after they all left to get Killian because he fell asleep while skating. The weekend ended with a snowy trip home to Milwaukee. A 3 hour trip took us about 4 hours. By the time we got to Butler there was 6-12" of snow in surrounding communities. I think we ended up with 3-4". (It was not fun shoveling the snow this time because it had a little bit of rain mixed in.) All in all it was a good trip home. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving's Day Weekend.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2563977078953554807?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-47885858432453501632008-11-26T07:48:00.003-06:002008-11-26T07:58:29.470-06:00<div>I want to mention that my job with Plunkett Raysich Architects only lasted for 6 months. As most of you know, the economy began to slide backwards in October and has been falling ever since. They weren't able to extend the employment for three of us. Doug, Dan, and I dealt with it in the most positive way we could. Other firms in Milwaukee layed off over 15 people. I have sent my resume to almost every Architectural firm here in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. I have also sent my resume to construction companies, general contractors, and many more companies!</div> <div></div> <div>For now I am working on my IDP and volunteering with the AIA-Milwaukee chapter. I guess I picked a wrong time to pursue my dreams of becoming an architect. Hopefully, times will turn around soon and I will be back on track. Until then it is time for getting around the house projects done. I have organized every closet, cupboard, drawer, and box imaginable. I have my scrapbooking station so organized that I have no excuses not to scrapbook. And I have done just that. I finished my first scrapbook, started another one, and made thanksgiving day cards. I am so excited to be finally using all of the tools and embellishments I bought throughout the years.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1ViooxzOI/AAAAAAAAACE/0xUSWF_ICjw/s1600-h/11.22.08+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272964792233086178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1ViooxzOI/AAAAAAAAACE/0xUSWF_ICjw/s320/11.22.08+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-4788585843245350163?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-25803115163760049432008-11-26T07:23:00.009-06:002008-11-26T07:47:53.813-06:00Monday night Darrin and I spent the night watching Iron man, driving around the big city of Milwaukee to find the Domes, and making a batch of Puppy Chow. The puppy chow hasn't lasted more than 2 days but was sooo good while it lasted. Darrin has to loose about 6 % of his body fat for next season and has decided to get in everything he can before December 1st. Then we have to cut out everything for a couple of weeks to get off of our addiction to sugar and high fructose corn syrup. (Do you know how extremely hard this is going to be? There is HFCS in everything-what am I going to cook now?) I am sure we will do okay until Christmas when his sister comes home, and we spend time with my family. <div></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsX7_tJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TDAuyhyyMQ8/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272959461990839442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsX7_tJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TDAuyhyyMQ8/s320/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+057.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsothzbI/AAAAAAAAAB8/zmXuf01lmVM/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272959466493562290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsothzbI/AAAAAAAAAB8/zmXuf01lmVM/s320/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsX7_tJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TDAuyhyyMQ8/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+057.jpg"></a></div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SS1QsX7_tJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TDAuyhyyMQ8/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+057.jpg"></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-2580311516376004943?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-51142282611984416562008-11-25T07:07:00.004-06:002008-11-25T07:28:13.067-06:00Good Morning everyone. Yesterday we received our first measurable snowfall of the winter season. I was glad to see it because I love snow. I have come to the realization that everyone wants it to magically fall only on areas that don't require shoveling or plowing. Darrin was very excited to be able to ride his bike to work in the snow. He found a "short-cut" or "back road" to work. On his 2 mile bike ride to work he saw 2 men standing outside their place of employment. They were very excited to see him on his bike and they exchanged morning's. I think this made his day. While he was hard at work I went out and shoveled the 2 inches off our driveway and sidewalks. I had a lot of fun shoveling and decided that this driveway was going to be more of a challenge than the one we had in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Marshfield</span>. Where am I going to put all the snow? Last year we started to run out of room towards the end of the season, but here in Butler I think we will run out of room within the first month. (See pics!) I think an investment in one of those large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scoopers</span> would be beneficial. Most of the snow from the driveway is going to have to get shoveled to the back yard. (Hence the need for one of those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scoopers</span>!) It was nice to get outside and "play" in the snow. Shoveling brings back some of the muscles I have lost since last year's shoveling season. I hope everyone enjoyed the white fluffy stuff and had safe travels yesterday. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8ewCZ2fI/AAAAAAAAABc/KtmL4q60r7c/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272585393988557298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8ewCZ2fI/AAAAAAAAABc/KtmL4q60r7c/s320/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8fFL2zmI/AAAAAAAAABk/SxZ99ex8R48/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272585399665348194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8fFL2zmI/AAAAAAAAABk/SxZ99ex8R48/s320/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8fQReZxI/AAAAAAAAABs/U3YQ8soEJwQ/s1600-h/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272585402641704722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSv8fQReZxI/AAAAAAAAABs/U3YQ8soEJwQ/s320/11.25.08+photos+around+the+house+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5114228261198441656?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-54568291163231067842008-11-20T11:22:00.006-06:002008-11-20T11:44:03.367-06:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSWeUyLgKaI/AAAAAAAAABE/kuF7q4B9qrs/s1600-h/Misc+November+Pictures+035.jpg"></a> Monday was our first so called "snow storm." I have never before heard of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snow squall</span> before, but it sure caused a lot of problems for people who were on their way home Monday evening. In a matter of about 15-20 minutes, mother nature had spread about 1/4-1/2 inch of snow on the ground. (A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snow squall</span> is a sudden moderately heavy snow fall that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">referred</span> to as a whiteout or blizzard. They are usually limited by location or time. I guess they are caused by the lake effect. I found a good article on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wikipedia</span> that explained how they work.) Darrin was commuting home by bike when the snow flakes started flying. He looked like a snow-pop when he got home. The roads became dangerously icy causing more than a half-dozen accidents throughout the area. They included 5 car pile ups, jack-knifed semi's, and people sliding out of control at normally safe intersections. Luckily Darrin and I were in for the evening. The snow didn't last more than a day but sure put a lot of people in their "Winter's Here" mode. I love snow and can't wait for our first measurable snowfall. Guess I will have to wait a little longer. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSWfVg_kKOI/AAAAAAAAABM/RZDB4HM6yqI/s1600-h/Misc+November+Pictures+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270794130889648354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSWfVg_kKOI/AAAAAAAAABM/RZDB4HM6yqI/s320/Misc+November+Pictures+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSWfWB_z09I/AAAAAAAAABU/Hsg3tbXKt3s/s1600-h/Misc+November+Pictures+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270794139749045202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFxJqTjnBp4/SSWfWB_z09I/AAAAAAAAABU/Hsg3tbXKt3s/s320/Misc+November+Pictures+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-5456829116323106784?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674643533871878135.post-16042500788008125702008-11-20T09:27:00.003-06:002008-11-20T09:30:22.357-06:00Good Morning Everyone! I am so excited about this new website. Darrin and I have been up to a lot of great things since moving to Butler, WI in June. I have a lot of time on my hands and will begin to post things we've been doing for the last 6 months. Thanks for visiting and check back soon because I have a lot of stuff to post about. Keep in touch!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5674643533871878135-1604250078800812570?l=dbraun-lmeyer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Darrin &amp; Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04404942111445992923noreply@blogger.com0