Speak, Memory

Holy shit, I finally got it to work!

My adventure to WEG with windy_withers and punkerpony began at 4am Saturday morning when we all got up. We were on the road by 4:30 and were parked in the $20 lot at WEG by 7:45. It was a chilly morning, but not overly crowded yet. We strolled through the village, and then made our way toward the action.



Main arena and the KHP lake.



( The action is back here...lots, and lots of action. )

So, way back at Christmas my wonderful husband offered to send me to the World Equestrian Games for three or four days. I really wanted to take him up on it, but the prices were just more than we could swing. I told him I loved him very much, but I'd pass.

And then September came around.

And I really wanted to participate in this amazing event for at least one day.

And the tickets for just one event weren't so bad.

And it's only three hours to Lexington.

So, I called up windy_withers and asked her if she'd like to join me in a WEG adventure next weekend. Consequently, we now both have tickets to the Eventing XC day and I can't *wait* to go down to Lexington!

Will take lots of pictures, no worries!

Thanks everyone for the congrats and well wishes. Sorry I don't have time to respond to you all individually--this not having internet at home kinda crimps my time sometimes. *grin* Hopefully, that will be coming to an end soon!

Anyway, thanks again!

Jeremy and I have been back in Indiana for just about 24 hours now. We enjoyed a lovely week in sunny Gulf Shores, AL during spring break/the honeymoon. *grin*

We didn’t do a whole lot—laid on the beach a lot, soaked up the sun, drank and ate a LOT, soaked in the hot tub...yeah, rough life. We also swam in the ocean one day and enjoyed putt-putt golf and go-karting. The weather couldn’t have been any better—highs in the mid-70s all week and only one day of rain. Otherwise, perfect!

And yes, we did share our moon with a couple of friends. I couldn’t resist, and neither could Jeremy. Gulf Shores is a fun place, but we’ve been there once before. We both thought it would be a lot more fun if we had Ann and Kyle along for a few days. So, they agreed and we shared the moon with them for four days. The other three we had all to ourselves to do those honeymoon things.

But without further ado, the pictures. Hope you all enjoy them!



( The rest are under here )

Just spent the day with my best friend, her boyfriend, and my husband lounging on the beach. *sigh*

There really isn't much more to say than that, now is there? *grin* It has been a splendid day in Gulf Shores, AL. I have sunbathed, walked, been in the hot tub, ate good food, and now we are planning our seafood outing for the evening. Perhaps I will take pictures. Warm and sunny is nice.

I've been home from New Orleans nearly a week now and I'm ready to report on it. This Sunday in church we are bringing our New Orleans stories to the people and I will be among those presenting. This is what I have reflected on this week and will be sharing with my congregation, friends, and family...



I returned from New Orleans energized and more centered in myself. Eager to share my stories and let my family know I had returned safely, I called my parents shortly after getting home.

One of the questions my dad asked me was, “Did you see everything you wanted to see?”

Sadly, I had to reply no. I did not make it down to the 9th ward as so many others managed to do. And dad, in his protective fatherly way, responded, “That’s a good place not to go to.”

Well, sorry Dad, but we’re going to have to disagree here. That’s exactly the kind of place I should go to. It’s a place we should ALL go to.

What you see in the photo is not from the 9th ward. It is from my walk through the French Quarter early on a Sunday morning. But I feel like it captures the tenacity of the people in New Orleans. In case you cannot tell, the dog has only three legs. Yet he stands in this doorway, quietly greeting all those who pass, seemingly never meeting a stranger.

The homeowner our team worked for was much the same. Theresa and her sister Louise came by three times that week to answer questions, tell us about the house, and yes, give us their life stories. We learned that several generations had grown up in that house, that Katrina had ripped the roof off and rain had ruined nearly everything. But despite the ruin and displacement, Theresa was hopeful and thankful for her blessings.

Today we are considering the question, “Can anything good come out of New Orleans?” While some may think this city is overrun with crime, and others see nothing more than wild parties, good food, and good music, I can tell you there’s a whole lot more that comes out of New Orleans and it is indeed good. Theresa and her sister were not the only ones to come by the house that week. Neighbors opened their doors with a smile. Some came by to see our progress and thank us for our efforts. They were all kind and grateful for our generosity. After hearing stories from the other work teams, I believe that many of the people of New Orleans feel the same way, and it is indeed a place we should go.

( More of New Orleans behind the cut )

Meeting up with friends late on Christmas eve can be tricky, as most everything is closed. But On Christmas eve, Jeremy and I ventured out to meet Ann and see if we couldn't find someplace that was open for wandering souls like us. Noblesville did not disappoint us.

Ann met us in a deserted Starbucks parking lot where we all piled into one (very toasty) truck and proceeded to drive toward the town square looking for greasy spoons that might provide shelter and solace for any lonely souls that night. But any lights we saw on were either flickering off, or simply providing security. It wasn't until we drown around the second corner of the square that we spotted Sal's Place.

It was a little corner bar, just a hole in the wall really. But the light were shining and music was drifting out. The front table was packed with a holiday group, and regular patrons were crowded around the bar. As we walked in and picked out a booth, we were greeted warmly.

"You'll need to come to the bar to get a drink. We don't got any waitresses on duty tonight."

*pause*

Tall, country, wiry blonde gal squares up in front of me and declares, "I like you're hat. Mind if I take it?"

I think she was half serious, but she laughed and told me she liked it and said we should enjoy ourselves. We laughed backed and said thank you before cozying up to the bar next to a few regulars. While we waited for the bartender, the man next to us struck up a conversation. And then Ann took off her hat too.

Ann: Does my hair look ok?"
Regular: "Looks great."
Ann: "It's just there's so much of it and it tends to get all flat with a hat on."
Regular: "Well look how flat mine is!" (It was a simple crew cut)
Regular No. 2: "Yeah, but mine takes even longer to do. Spent TWO HOURS on this!" (He was a large fellow with a bald head. *grin*)

We all had a good laugh and made some new friends. The skinny fellow bought us a round of drinks. We returned to our booth to chat and enjoy ourselves while the regular turned their attention to several rounds of shuffleboard. The bar had one of those lovely old shuffleboard tables set up in the middle of the bar and the guys were having a blast playing games and heckling each other. It was a riot.

And now we know. Sal's Place. It was great. We'd go again, even if it wasn't Christmas eve. But it sure was a fun evening.

Lookit what I did at scho... I mean WORK today!




A co-worker brought in cookies, icing, and other such fun things to help pass the slow days that are inevitable at the end of the year. It was fun. And tasty too! And everyone was impressed with my work. :)

For those of you that are wondering about Indiana's part in Tornado Alley (snugimp) check out this story in the Indianapolis Star . . . And no comments about sharing stories from the competition! *grin*
Three words!