Happy Birthday Hubby

Nick is 30 today. 30... That's crazy. I'm not far off either. I still feel like a kid. I know, before any of you call me a kid.. I know. It's all relative.

We're going to Bob's Bar tonight. He's never been. We'll meet up with a cousin of his and her husband. It should be alot of fun.

Giant Rainier

They didn't have this bike in stock when I stopped by Spoke-n-Sport on Saturday. While they did have a small, I needed a medium. So, I did look at the Yukon. I didn't like the red and silver paint that it had. I'd seen online that the Yukon was available in white, so I asked about that. They would have to order it.

The downfall of shopping during the off season is that selection is really limited, even at a bike shop. They had quite a few road bikes to choose from, but not so many mountain bikes, it seemed.

Fortunately, the guy helping me checked the computer. There was a medium white Yukon available, and there was also a medium Rainier available too. He said that the components were pretty much a toss up. The Yukon may have had a stronger wheelset, but I don't envision trail riding THAT often. For $100 less, I figured that the Rainier would definately be the better option especially when they were so close to each other.

So there you go. The bike and the story. Additional chapters later.

Two Dogs

Pretty cute for two completely rotten dogs, huh?

Merry Christmas

I really and truly wanted to send out Christmas cards this year. Time just slipped by. I don't make Happy Holiday cards to dishonor the notion of saying "Merry Christmas", Peace on Earth or anything... We truly wish all of those things to all of our family and friends.

I make Happy Holiday cards because I figure that means we have until Valentine's day to send them. :D I kid. I feel that we at least have until sometime in January. But, in an electronic age and with an effort to be more green, here's our digital card. Prints can be available. :-)

Nick and I are both well. We hope that health and happiness have found all of you too. We haven't yet added children, but our roster of animals is growing. Calves and chickens keep Nick occupied with a few chores at home.

This fall we brought home a second dog. Max is a German Shepherd who had been with Nick's boss' family. Things weren't quite working there. We kind of wanted a German Shepherd eventually and decided to give Max a home. Instantly Ruby thought we'd brought him for her. They've been pals ever since. Sketch even gets along with him too. Pixel is less warm and can almost manage to be in the same room. But she's warming.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Peace be with all of you!! - The Sievers

Cycling Addendum: I am happy to have successfully completed the Tour de Kota at least once now. I was quite pleased that Nick joined me on the MS150 this year too. I hope that he and I can enjoy a few more bike rides together, even if they're just to town (Vermillion, Beresford, Wakonda, Volin, Spink, wherever) for lunch occasionally. Or even just for a ride around the neighborhood.

I've received permission to buy a Mountain bike for Christmas. By Permission I mean that Nick and his folks all bought gift cards to Spoke-N-Sport so that I can buy a bike. So, I look forward to a Bunyan's to Bob's ride sometime. We shall see what 2009 brings.

Blogging has been really fun and I've enjoyed the 'family' that cycling has provided. I've met people in Vermillion that I may not have otherwise and thanks to blogging I've extended friendships into a greater area.

May health, happy trails, personal records, the best brew or that perfect piece of pie find all of you this coming year. :D

The Collabradors at University Road and 311th.

Anyone who rides University Road may or may not have met the border collie and the black lab that likes to hang out in the ditch by the road.

They're not mean, they just aren't afraid of anything that goes slower than 55 mph. This past spring they had babies. The last time that I counted, I believe that there were two dogs and maybe 5 black and white collabrador puppies. However, they're not puppies anymore. And they've all been seen hanging out at the end of the driveway. I don't know if the offspring have the desire to heard slow moving vehicles or not.

I just figure that if they're all still there next Spring and Summer, I'll be detouring they're place via Greenfield Road and 312.

I'll try to post pictures some time. THey're kind of cute.

Dear Santa?

There is a pair of sandals that I've had my eye on for cycling. Performance Bike has them on sale already. PLUS another 15% off which makes them $89 instead of $114. Which sort of doesn't seem as huge of a deal when a person thinks about it. I think that it's the drop below $100 that make them seem ideal. PLUS members get double points right now.

BUT, Christmas is coming up and I can't buy myself anything. Blah. I won't specifically ask Santa for them because I don't know if they're any better or more thoughtful than what he's come up on his own. I don't *really* like asking for specific gifts. I will offer general ideas, but I do enjoy seeing what someone else decides for themselves. That's what I like to do for other people too.

Dear Santa: If you do happen to read this post. And I'm not going to point you to it. You don't really have to get me these shoes. I'm just providing this as a talking point. I would acquire them on my own, if I hadn't grounded myself. Or if they'd be on sale like this at any other time of the year. Besides, they aren't available until February now. Shoot. Who am I kidding. I'm totally going to buy them this spring. I hope they're comfy and don't create blisters.

From Missy