26.2

Some people get addicted to running marathons. I don't suppose that will happen to me. Completeing a marathon was merely a check on the ol' bucket list. Although......it turned in to a little more than that. The training leading up to a marathon requires running.....running A LOT. Not just running a lot........but a lot of long runs. During the countless miles my mind most often drifted to Theresa. I wished she was running next to me....or rather, she would have been way in front of me. And I would be so frusterated she was so much faster than me. On a few runs, I couldn't stop the lump from growing in my throat or the tears from sneaking out from under my sunglasses. Crying while running is really challenging, considering the airway feels the size of a coffee stir stick. On one such run I was on mile 5, pushing the Chariot, dreading the next 5 miles. I had just finished giving all my worries, sadness, emotions to God and a cyclist pulled up next to me and started talking in German. I responded I only spoke English and a conversation ensued. In two days "Nick" would compete in the European Ironman Championship. So........of course......true to old days my first thing to talk about was my sister. Her speed, endurance and her Half Ironman. Nick asked, "How did she do?" I don't talk about Theresa with....well.....anyone. But, it all just spilled out and Nick responded, "Oh...I see....so you're running this marathon with her on your mind." Exactly.....so simple......but that response meant the world. Sometimes its just the obvious waiting to be spoken aloud that will touch a person's heart. Needless to say, the next five miles flew by as we chatted it up.

The marathon went well. At mile 18 I wanted to quit and never run another step in my life. I lost one toe nail and was sore for two days....but now I am feeling better than ever. Of course, I ached to call Theresa and tell her all about it. I can hear her bouncy voice, "Margaret, I am so nervous for you......oh you will do so well.....I wish I was there.....I am so proud of you." I miss you Theresa, but I know you were there with me............closer than ever!



Grandma Loves Bike Riding

No doubt the high light of Mom's visit was the bike riding. We rented bikes from Base so we could all go riding together. Paved trails wind through the villages, farms and fields like an intricate maze. Easy riding, beautiful scenery and family! Thank you Jesus.

Alex cant believe how tall the wheat grows over here.

Gretel and Poppi

Switzerland

The Lauterbrunnen Valley.....words escape me. It was simply breath taking. And such a delight to share the beauty with family. This particular area of Switzerland has been on Dad's bucket list for quite some time. And I can see why! Thank you Dad and Mom!

Looking down on the town of Lauterbrunnen from the train to Wengen.

First tram ride up the right side of the valley.

Ah......such good lookin parents!

A moment of awe!

 Poppi is such a tease.....

Each morning we woke up to the sounds of bells clanging on the cow's necks as they were hearded from the valley bottom to the higher grazing ground.

 A park break in Murren.

Gretel got the biggest kick out of this slide. I was suprised she wasn't scared to go down because it was farely long and bumpy. 

Looking down on Murren as we took the next cog.

The Eiger is right behind Pierce's head.

Heading back down.

Out to enjoy some very expensive Swiss food.

We took a series of trains to the Jungfrau-Joch. That is, the saddle below the top of the Jungfrau. It takes about 2 hours to get from Lauterbrunnen to the observation center. Mid way up the train stopped in the middle of the Eiger and there is a view point looking out the north face of the mountain. Upon reaching the top, there was sledding, ice caves, restuarants and shops all in an impressively huge complex. And of course a few die hards were venturing out on skiis, skins, harnesses and crampons.

The Foursome.

Kleine Scheidegg sat on the ridge between the Lauterbrunnen valley and Grindewald. It's a ski resort that can be accessed either by Grindewald or Wengen.

A little refreshments before hiking.

Eiger - Monch - Jungfrau



Empty House

I woke up this morning feeling a bit lonely. Alex drove everyone to the airport long before I crawled out of bed. The house felt empty after the last two weeks of buzzing activity. All morning Pierce asked, "Where's Caleb? Where's Caleb?" Ironically, a rain cloud descended over our house and it has drizzled all day. I slowly started putting loads of laundry through and getting the house back in order.

Mom and Dad's stay was simply delightful. However, their leaving has stirred up an emotional tornato in my heart. I have never had a hard time telling people goodbye....as a matter of fact, I would rather forgo a goodbye all together. Just move on; switch gears. Well, at least that's how it was before Theresa died. Now........its different. I dont know exactly how, just different. When I said my farewells last spring, I wanted to turn around on the jet way and run back to Mom and Dad for one last hug, one last look.....just hold on to the moment. Saying goodbye last night, I felt the same way.

I spent today missing Theresa.



Hangover

I am a little embarassed....well....and a little shy to tell this story, but it's simply too comical to be forgotten. At my tender 27 years of age I have never been drunk..........until last night.

Gerda and Pius are not only our landlords but our next door neighbors. A waist high stucco wall separates our yards. However, bushes have grown along the wall making the yards semi-private. The only break in the shrubs is an old spray tank on Gerda's side of the wall. And that tank serves as a rendevous point for.......oh, about anything. Gerda sends cake over at least twice a week. Not to mention flowers to transplant, popcicles for the kids and regular odds and ends.

Last night the spray tank served as a table for cheese, crackers and liquor. Toooo much liquor! It all started shortly after we layed the kids down for the night. Alex and I dished up big bowls of ice cream to enjoy out on the patio. The evening sun warmed our backs as we dipped in to our desserts. However, not five minutes had passed before Gerda popped up by the spray tank to ask a few questions. We started chatting about this and that and before we knew it Gerda was pouring champagne in to glasses sitting atop the old spray tank. Presently, we learned that Pius made his own liquor. Actually, three kinds of liquor! Alex and I not only tried all three, but multiple shots of all three. Immediately upon finishing Pius would fill us up again. And how could we refuse? Pius has a heart of gold! A little after midnight Alex and I stumbled back to the house. Alex mumbled, "They just drank us under the table!"

So....after living through highschool, college and beyond never caving to peer pressure.......I finally got drunk due to a 70 year old's genuine likeablness!

Absolutely awful! Pierce had to pretend he felt sick too.