Something you didn't already know (as if)

Chris and I did something we regret this Christmas. A thing we won't repeat, despite the season. Something we've talked about angrily, on numerous occasions, only to do it again. We flew Northwest Airlines.

Northwest Airlines, quite probably, is the worst airline currently in business. In a quick calculation, I recalled that the customer service agents are trained to be rude (am I being punk'd here?), their overhead bins nearly too cramped to accommodate even my winter coat, and that my luggage is lost an average of one in two times. This time is was our Christmas presents (a case of our favorite wine from California).

I watched the same bags dizzily go round and round on the baggage carousal. Blinking rapidly, I tried to click to the next slide, but any way I looked at it, my case of wine was still missing. Someone was having a VERY Merry Christmas, I fumed. Someone was laughing, uncorking that last bottle of champagne, throwing back a few hearty gulps and cheersing all around. Nice.

It's important here to note that our package did not exist. Though we had our baggage claim ticket, our box was never scanned into the almighty Northwest Airlines system so there was no way to track it should it decide to board any of the three other flights coming into St. Louis that day. Though my gut already knew, it wouldn't make it that day.

Angrily we shuttled to our rental car, and had a still (though somehow less) irritating experience with our Avis rental agent. In our defense, we were undercaffeinated, though you should know that if you're renting from Avis, be aware that they have a policy whereby if you drive less than 75 miles in one of their cars you must pay a fee of $13.99. Should you decide to return your car early, you'll incur astronomical penalty fees. Ah, how I digress...

We spent Christmas at Chris' parents like a couple of broke college students who didn't have the scratch to shop. We sat around the tree, opening up our presents. What they say is actually true, it is better to give than receive. There was no use in making excuses. Our presents were lost and we needed to come up with a new plan. About the only present we'd carried on was for the dog and though she's as cute as a bunny, it wasn't enough to make it OK.

Nine hours later, Chris placed a call to the Northwest "customer service" hotline. After thirty minutes or so on his good ear, Chris was able to break through to a live voice. What's-her-face scolded Chris for being upset that our Christmas presents were missing because this "just happened." She assured him that he would receive a call when (and if) they materialized and that the delivery company would bring the package to the Rutherford's. I get that NWA is using airport employees to scan the bags. I get that they get by with as little employees on staff as possible, which can make a person testy. I get that checking bags plane side speeds up the pace and frees up overhead bin space. As sad as it is, it seems that it's more cost effective to pay a delivery company to bring lost baggage all over town than to actually put it on the plane as the passenger is expecting all the while charging a "convenience fee" for checked bags. In case you hadn't guessed, neither of us will be giving a testimonial about how "convenient" this process was.

To my complete surprise (and it was a surprise since there was no phone call), our package finally arrived at the Rutherford's at 8:30 AM on the 26th, early given my past experience. I've worn the same clothes my entire vacation due to NWA efficiency. Good thing I had the presence of mind to pack some panties in my purse.

What was sandwiched in between was a blast. Truly, visiting with our friends and family, the reason we made the voyage, was absolutely worth it. We love you all. It was amazing to see all of your shining faces and spend some quality time with you be it over a beautiful Christmas meal, an Italian feast, over coffee and shortbread, blasting karaoke in the basement, or crawling through a pub. You guys rock. For serious.

Our NWA experience wouldn't be complete without sitting on the tarmac for no less than an hour (upon our arrival in Detroit), and fetching our plane checked bags carelessly thrown about the ramp. It's a good thing that our ride didn't leave us stranded. I can't say I would have blamed him.

To all our favorite people

Happy Holidays, everyone!

2008 was a year of plentiful travels, competitive sports, and elective surgeries (ok, just surgery). It marked the end of one career and the beginning of another, home improvements and the fostering of our new hobby, making beer! (Breakfast stout, anyone?) We've befriended our cool neighbors, made new friends and collected more wine than we can drink in 09. We now make killer hot sauce, are continuing our awesome (with the occasional unsuccessful) creations in the kitchen, and have the just the right collection of furry friends who keep us on our toes with swiffer in hand.

It's been a great year with fantastic memories, one of those years where you'd like to take a snap shot since you wouldn't change a thing. We've learned a lot about ourselves, had to lean on each other and are so thankful for our close friends and family. You're what makes our life great! Thank you!

We welcome your visits in 09. Maybe you can climb a mountain with us, show us your culinary tricks or entertain us with your witty sense of humor. Whatever it is, we've got room for you and yours!

Love,
Chris & Libbie

P.S. If you want a play by play of 08, please feel free to browse our other posts throughout the year.

Public Service Announcement

Chris and I have come down with a nasty case of near pneumonia. Our days were numbered until we dragged ourselves to the M.D. for some high voltage antibiotics. So far, we have unwittingly infected at least two innocent bystanders. For God's sake, please stay away from us until we've completed our cycle of meds (for me this is Thursday, for Chris it's Friday). We are now doing our part by leaving the house only to retrieve the newspaper or mail. If you have seen us recently, go to the doctor, just in case.

Traverse City: Here I Come!

I just signed up for the Bayshore Half Marathon! Who's in?

Instead of stupidly squeezing in one 5K, two 10Ks, two half marathons, three marathons, and one ultra, I am limiting my racing to a few halves and some shorter distances plus maybe a marathon or ultra. We'll see on that last bit.

Turkey Trot

Despite how my year has gone with respect to running, there's one race I would never miss, and that's the Turkey Trot! This race captures all of the reasons why I run: the cameraderie, friendships, fun, city views, and of course, the costumes. Although I could have done without the guy dressed up as a turkey with a$$less chaps, Angela, Julie and I had a great time making our tutus and fluttering about the course. The only thing we forgot to bring was a wand!

What we learned in Chicagoland

As usual, we had an awesome and informative weekend with the Messicks. They showed us that the trick to the perfect lasagna is a turkey baster and how to effortlessly repair a ceiling leak by mopping it. My only regret is that I don't have the pictures to prove it. Those Messicks sure know what they're doing.

We had a pleasant Saturday afternoon over at Goose Island sampling their many delicious beers. Danny and I had no trouble deciding though Holly and Chris decided on the flights. Why make one choice when you can make four?

We had a pleasant Sunday afternoon at the wine and cheese shop for lunch. Danny and I had no trouble deciding though Holly and Chris decided on the flights. Have you ever heard of a salad flight? Me either.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We feel so lucky to have such fantastic friends in our cousins. I'm so happy to know that my awesome cousin Holly married someone equally so. We just wish that we lived closer (or that we could build a tunnel with a fast moving travel device between each other's homes).

Brewmasters Unite!

Who has the most outrageously fun and fascinating friends in the world? I do! My brilliant friend Becka and her clever husband David orchestrated a field trip for a group of us to Kuhnhenn to make beer! Starting from scratch we whipped up two batches (that's 12 cases) in a cool eight hours. In a few weeks we can bottle and bring home our booty of Breakfast Stout and Belgian Triple Cream Ale. That first meal of the day may never be the same.

The Patient

It's been four days since Chris' surgery, and his recovery has been remarkable. He's still quite uncomfortable (and bored as hell), but his stitches seem to be healing quite well. The procedure, in case you haven't heard, was an incision behind his ear, literally peeling the ear off the skull, removing some fat from that area, building a new eardrum out of it, and putting him back together. He has a set of stitches behind his ear and foam, a screen, more foam and a sponge (that you can actually see) in his ear. It is truly a work of art.

I'm becoming skilled at both cutting C-shaped gauze pads and opening the Neosporin tube with one hand. Thanks for all your cards and thoughts! I know they are helping. Tomorrow, Chris goes back to the doctor to see how he's doing!

Chris Has a New Ear

Well, not exactly, but he does have a new eardrum! Chris' surgery went well, taking six hours total. The surgeon said that it was a perfect surgery, but that he did not expect Chris' malleus to be fractured along with lots of scar tissue that needed to be cleaned up. (I hope that cliff dive was really worth it.)

Who knew that anesthesia can both make you mean and be sick?! Chris is quietly resting at home and he'll be lounging for the next few days with no real strenuous activity for at least six weeks!

Thanks for sending all of your good thoughts and energy our way!

Idiot in the Waiting Room

I hope Chris never has to have another surgery again, and not just because having surgery sucks. While sitting in the waiting room for six hours (not that I mind, because I’ll wait forever for favorite person any day), I had the pleasure of meeting one of the more offensive people I’ve come across.

He began his conversation with me by saying that he turned on the TV this morning only to be welcomed by “Black America.” What does this even mean? I squinted at him and went back to reading my magazine. He went on about how he has no problem with black people as he was in the military (again, what does this even mean?) and that there’s no way Obama will ever get done what he’s promised. I smiled and said, “Well, it will be hard, but we’ll have to wait and see!” He then accused me of voting for Obama (I did). Anyone who begins a sentence with, “I have no problem with black people,” or, “I’m not racist but…” clearly has a problem with black people and is someone I would consider to be racist.

I thought I’m waiting for my husband to come out of a pretty major surgery. I’m sure you’re here for similar reasons. I prefer to keep to myself, which is why I’m sitting in the opposite end of the room as everyone else. Could he not see that I was not interested in getting into a political conversation or any conversation at all?

He then asked me if I was in school. Wondering why this was any of his business, I answered that it has been a long time since I’d been in school. Hoping to avoid further comment or question, I volunteered that I was 31. He offered that I looked 18. I’m not sure it that’s good or bad. He asked me if I had kids and advised me that, at 31, I only had two more years to have some. Desperate to end our conversation, I told him that I didn’t like kids. He gave me the most incredulous look, and FINALLY WALKED AWAY!

Thank you for telling me that I look young but I’m really old and that you are the kind of American that makes us all look ignorant and stupid!

Chris' Eardrum

Put in a positive thought for Chris tomorrow! Due to a 40 foot cliff diving incident while trying to do a cannon ball this past Labor Day at his brother Hal's bachelor party which burst his eardrum, he's having reconstructive surgery tomorrow. It's a scary procedure but we're both thrilled that he'll be able to hear once again! Keep a good thought as he recovers over the next six weeks.

California Love

What an awesome, awesome place wine country is in California. Chris and I had the good fortune to spend 10 days with some of our favorite people following the marathon. Jessica and Chris Iloff and my Chris and I rented a 1,000 square foot house in Santa Rosa for a week. We roughed it with a hot tub with stunning views, our own dog and cat, an SUV for carrying boxes and boxes of wine and 90 degree weather. We cooked, drank mass amounts of coffee and wine and generally onwound for the week.

We were joined for a few days by Clayton Gehbauer and Leah Hammel (or the Hammelbauers, as we affectionately call them), of St. Louis. Leah and Chris met in second grade and Clayton came along in middle school. It was their first time out to wine country, and we were happy to show them around to what we knew.

The pictures will give a more accurate description of our trip, but here's a quick rundown if you're thinking of heading to any of these places on your next trip.

Some of our favorite vineyards and tasting rooms were: Hook & Ladder Winery, unpretentious and simply great wine (Santa Rosa, CA). We loved the Merlot (many of them tasting like Cabs this year), Zinfandel, and, of course, the Tillerman, their famous red wine blend


We enjoyed a private poolside estate tasting at VJB Vineyards & Cellars overlooking their breathtaking vineyard (Kenwood, CA). They specialize in Italian varietals (and even have a sister winery in Italy). We loved the Prosecco (who doesn't?!), Rosso (red table wine blend), Barbera and Syrah (which, apprently we should'nt be drinking until 2018!)



We adored
Kaz Winery in Kenwood. We were in last year and had to return! The vineyard is organic (no yucky wine headaches), and is truly the smallest winery in Sonoma. Kaz will make four barrels of something rather than 400, so if you like something, you'd better buy it. They make the best rose Chris has ever had and some chewy reds. It's hard not to leave with a bottle or two. Here we crushed grapes, samples mustards and had a light saber fight (don't ask).


We lounged in the hot tub, sampled wines and relaxed all week with some of our favorite people! We can't wait to go back!

Angela & Libbie Run Another Marathon and are Still Alive plus Jerry Garcia's House

Yesterday, Angela and I completed our seventh and fifth marathon, respectively, in San Francisco, the Nike Women's Marathon. As girly as the race was themed, this was no race for the faint of heart. We climbed from 0 to 300 feet over a period of two miles three times between miles six and 15, and endured a serious of slow inclines and declines throughout the second half of the course. I think the most interesting thing about this course was how difficult it was, but we powered through it anyway, admiring the gorgeous houses, Golden Gate Bridge, crashing waves and all of the pink surrounding us. I still think that running through it is the best way to see a city. We smiled at all the photographers despite feeling like total crap (Angela, aching knees, me, annoying cramps reminiscent of the St. Louis Marathon). Even so, we finished in around four and a half hours (not great, but awesome considering the circumstances), and we lived to cross the finish line and grab our Tiffany necklaces from our firemen dressed in tuxedos, and scarf down some bagels and chocolate milk.

We headed to Haight-Ashbury, where the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin lived in the seventies, for sloppy Mexican sustenance. Always the best thing to eat after marathoning. Check out where the Dead lived!

The Naked Women's Marathon, SF Oct. 19

Said to a fellow female Downtown Runner this past Tuesday: Angela and I are running the Nike Women's Marathon Oct. 19! We're so excited!

Woman (with shocked/horrified look on her face to Chris): Is this true?

Chris: Yup, absolutely!

Woman to Chris: And you're going too to watch?

Chris: I wouldn't miss it!

Woman: So you're running the Naked Women's Marathon? A whole marathon naked with all women?

Me (confused, silent for a minute): No, I said "Nike," not "NAKED!"

Right Back Smack to Reality

I'm back from vacation and it's safe to say I'm not very happy about it for a few reasons:

1. The OBVIOUS (no more waking up to the mountains, planning a day long hike, pretending that I'm a photographer or that I'm making a documentary)
2. While away, Elvis has perfected the art of opening up the kitchen drawers and grabbing himself a snack. For example, this morning I awoke to the rustling sound of a box of Triscuits being enjoyed. HEY! I was going to eat those Triscuits!

Whose dog does that?! How sad is it that we will have to put child locks on our kitchen drawers when clearly no children live here?!

Smoky Mountains Trip Pictures

Here are your trip pics (nearly 400 of them)! OK, so we were a little camera happy, but who knows how soon we'll be able to go back? We did some of the coolest hikes (I even climbed my first mountain, (Mount Le Conte), checked out a local brewery, out ran some bears (OK, we didn't do that), supported some local artists, visited North Carolina for the first time and cooked like mad in our kitchen overlooking the Smokies!

Chimney Tops & Clingmans Dome

After a quick stop at the Hard Rock Cafe for a t-shirt to add to my collection, Chris and I headed out the great Smoky Mountain National Park! We had decided on two hikes for the day: Chimney Tops, a four mile, labeled strenuous, out and back hike, and Clingmans Dome, one mile out and back labeled moderate. Although it was only two miles, it took us over an hour to climb to the top! We knew we'd have to scramble the rock face to catch the view, but I wasn't expecting that I could plunge to my death if I had a misstep (we were at 4,800 feet). Luckily, neither of us did and we have the pictures to prove it. If you are afraid of heights or are generally a nervous person, this is not the hike for you.

Since we live in the city, we don't have many opportunities to hike. Even so, Chris and I came prepared. It always amazes me how many people do not respect nature and embark on a trail without basic things like water, a simple first aid kit, a pocket knife and sustenance. We were good samaritans to an older couple from Ohio whom we had seen taking a break on the way up. An hour later, they were still sitting along the creek bed, a good mile or so from the trail head. The woman's knee had given out and she asked us if we had a pocket knife she could borrow to tear apart a sweatshirt to make a brace for her knee. Are you kidding me?! If your daily exercise routine generally consists of walking from the kitchen table to the counter to pour yourself another cup of coffee or there's a chance that one or more of your body parts could spontaneously fail, probably don't try your hand at a strenuous hike in the mountains. Get some postcards and say you did.

Our second "hike" (I use quotes here because, although it was steep, it was completely paved) was to Clingmans Dome, 6,643 feet, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here we had another 360 degree view which we shared with some pot smokers (the view, not the drugs).

Gatlinburg, TN

After a long and silent drive, Chris and I have arrived in beautiful Gatlinburg, TN! Although we cannot understand a word anyone is saying, we are having a great time. I cannot believe how many places there are to eat pancakes and get married. I think I'm getting the bug again (and yes, I would marry Chris a third time)! We're looking forward to doing as many hikes as we can in the Smokies and avoiding black bears at all costs! Since I'm the only one who can hear (Chris burst his eardrum on a recent bachelor party cliff dive and is constantly wearing ear plugs), I'm going to have to pay extra special attention. I'll post some pictures soon! The leaves are already changing!

These two need to be separated

Look who's actually smiling!

On August 10 Angela and I participated in the Run4 H20 5K on the Riverwalk. Some of our Downtown Runners friends, Amelia Letvin and Kathy Brennan, put on the show. These two know how to put on a race: cute tshirts, great prizes, tons of yummy post race food, coffee, and the all important keg of microbrew that tastes best when consumed at 9:30 in the morning. We were slated to be volunteers but, at the last minute, we learned that our help could be better used as participants.

Having not run a 5K since high school, I wasn't expecting much. I had it in my head just to have fun, which has been my new goal since I started running again. After seeing too many miserable pictures of myself on the course, and beating myself up unnecessarily during one of my favorite pastime, I had had enough.

Angela and I smoked our age group taking first and second with times of of 23:02 and 23:03! She and I left with bread for a year from Panera and a Bagger Dave's gift certificate, respectively, plus bagsful of leftover race food. I think I'm beginning to like these shorter races.

The Holly & Danny Show Comes to Detroit

The Messicks come to Detroit

Finally, the Messicks (Danny & Holly) penned us into their calendars and made the trek the Detroit! We were elated to host them and planned a weekend of fun family events, including a trip to the DIA. My cultured (and fast) running friend, Matt, works at the DIA and I begged him to give us a tour of the new sections of the museum. Danny's face lit up like a Christmas tree on the 4th of July when we told him we were getting a special guided tour.

We decided to take the scenic route down to the Museum via Woodward. Good and bad, I think the cruise down Woodward South is a great way to see some of the best parts of the city. It's also the fastest route since it's the season of construction.

We arrived at the museum with ease, found prime parking, and I put in a quick call to Matt to let him know that we'd be walking in the front door shortly. He let me know that, because of a bomb scare (apparently the first since 1994), the museum was under lock down for a sweep. Due to the disappointing news, we decided to head home and park it on the couch for the rest of the weekend. Well, not exactly...

We met up with Matt and the rest of the DIA employees hanging around on the sidewalk, and dragged him to a sweet little city store called Bureau of Urban Living because I thought it was outrageous he'd never been. It's outrageous if you've never been too. It really is a great place to pick up a gift (for yourself or someone else).

After we parted ways, the Messicks and Rutherfords took a quick tour of the city via Dodge Caliber. We headed to Ford Field and Comerica Park to show the Messicks where it all happens, and motored down Jefferson to do a loop on Belle Isle, which was being set up for the Grand Prix. A quick stop at the Town Pump was in order to quench our thirst, followed by a return visit the DIA. According to Danny, we have the best collection of American landscapes.

As expected, it was another awesome weekend with the Messicks, where our diaphragms tickled from all the laughter. We feel so lucky to have such great friends in our family.

And another one

Ms. Rutherford,
This is an apology for not being on time yesterday, Sunday. But......Oh my God! I went to the lake with some friends this weekend. It has been about 3 years since I've had the chance to 'play'. I got carried away, all the while thinking......man oh man, I have got to get my school work done. Well, the fun got the best of me, and, here I am Monday morning, tired in all the right ways. So I apologize for the delay, I just couldn't help myself! Hope you had a great weekend too!
Peace.

Student Quote of the Day

First I would like to say sorry about the late assignment me and my family went to Indianapolis for there state fair. I had a great time.

Reducing my Carbon Footprint one Car Repair at a Time

Today is day two of ten that I will be without a car. What began as a burnt out windshield wiper motor and a pesky little "check engine" light has turned into the equivalent of paying off the mechanic's mortgage. OK maybe just paying for the month of August. Not that I'm complaining. I've been without a car payment since I paid off my '00 Jeep nearly five years ago without any expenses except oil changes and gas. My hope is that this isn't the beginning of the end.

Since I live in a pedestrian friendly town, not having a motorized vehicle isn't much of a problem. I live in close proximity to the grocery store, the doctor's office, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. Walking from point A to point B only becomes an irritating problem when, for example, you walk a mile to the chiropractor, you're told that your health insurance plan has a $5,000 deductible, of which you have previously been unaware, you walk a mile home, call the insurance company, get it straightened out, call the doctor back and walk a mile again (this is mile three now) to the office for the original appointment losing over an hour in the process. This is just an example.

Today I have big plans to make flan for 12. I'm about to head out to the grocery store with my handled bags. As long as they're not out of whole milk, I figure I should be fine. Bring on the adventure.

Elvis' Adventure

There's really no better way to meet your neighbors than to have one of them knocking on your door at 7:30 in the morning with your dog who was cruising around the block at his leisure!

My first treatment

Yesterday, I had my first, highly anticipated acupuncture treatment! I'm happy to report that it is not only painless (in more ways than one) but that it was actually pleasant! Even though I had needles in my feet, hands, neck, head, legs and chest, all I could feel were heaviness and a buzzing sensation. As difficult as it is normally for me to sit still, I had no trouble laying there, motionless, for 45 minutes. It was as if my body was asleep while my mind was awake. Weird, I know, but kinda cool.

The clinic was very zen, and in Ferndale, which I love. Supporting your community businesses is really the only way to go. In fact, this is a community clinic called Community Health Acupuncture Center. It's a sweet little clinic with a sliding scale ($15-35 per treatment, whatever you can pay) so you can actually get the treatment you need. The community aspect is the treatment room, which can serve up to four patients. Since you're fully clothed, there's no weirdness (but if you're into that sort of thing I guess you wouldn't feel weird), but yesterday I was the one and only. I say, if you've ever been curious about it and want to check it out, here's your opportunity.

I can't say yet if my shoulder is feeling better yet, but I should know in another two or three treatments. At best, I'll be completely healed. At worst, I'll be relaxed!

Community Health Acupuncture Clinic
Darlene Berger
801 Livernois
Ferndale, MI 48220
248-246-7289

Pins and needles

As if running two times since the marathon was not enough, I decided to run a third time---in the length of half a marathon. I swear that running makes you dumber! It was difficult, and I even tripped and fell at the end, something that often happens when I become to exhausted to continue (just check out my sweet scars on my knees and elbows). The fall is also my last big warning sign before, I imagine, something worse happens. So, I now have 10 days of not running under my belt, and I've never been so bored in my life. If I have to do one more minute on the elliptical or take another spinning class I might die! I had hoped that the rest would help my shoulder, but it's still a crunchy mess of tightened up muscle that neither massage or yoga can touch. Tomorrow I'm headed to my first acupuncture appointment at the suggestion of a friend. I have no idea what to expect, but am praying that it will help me! Bring on the qi!

Day 12

I'm on day 12 of not running and I have to say, it's not going very well. I've laced up not once, but twice, for a total of nine miles in the past two weeks. :( It's a far cry from the 50 mile+ weeks I'm used to logging, and to be honest, doesn't feel much like running at all. You could say that I am actually giving myself a rest (albeit an active one), as I've also been swimming, which I love!

I've concluded that I'm not going to make it a whole month. With two new pairs of running shoes staring me in the face, dancing in my head, and my peer pressure-ish friends hinting (read: pressuring!) me to come out and run, I know I'm going to cave. It's more than just the training, the miles, the log books, my speed. I miss my friends, our conversations, how silly/crazy I feel after a long run, and watching my friends stuff their faces with whatever experiment I've decided to bake to eat after our runs.

It's just that my hip hurts, my shoulder hurts, my head hurts and I generally, genuinely, need a break. A real break.

A Royal Flush

Say what you will and think what you want, but this is a rare type of Royal Poinsettia, native to the city of Boca Raton, Florida, called a Royal Flush. Thank GOD Gran-Dot (Chris' grandmother, named Bea-Dot) knew what it was and knew how to care for it! It survives best in luke warm water, recycled several times daily, and delights in artificial light. An arborist, floral arranger or church-goer will tell you, this is a rarity, and is, quite possibly, the only existing photograph of its kind. Behold!

Look who got third in her age group anyway!!

Marathon Women 30-34
Total Overall Overall State/
Place Name Bib Lap 1 Lap 2 Run Time Pace Place by Sex City Country
1 Edmondson,Kelly 401 3:29:05.7 7:59 26 4 Cincinnati OH
2 Alzaga,Lucia 303 3:50:45.7 8:48 62 20 Urbana IL
3 Rutherford,Elizabeth 619 4:16:23.1 9:47 88 30 Ferndale MI
4 Rosso,Erin 612 4:17:15.3 9:49 90 31 Stanwood MI
5 Adams,Jill 300 4:17:23.0 9:49 91 32 Pinckney MI
6 Weghorst,Rebecca 700 4:18:11.7 9:51 92 33 Waterville OH
7 Plumstead,Cile 595 4:30:41.1 10:20 112 39 Empire MI
8 Johnson,Amy 481 4:34:54.5 10:30 118 41 Webberville MI
9 Mlotha,Brenda 557 4:39:43.8 10:41 122 44 Ann Arbor MH
10 Deschoff,Jennifer 388 4:43:45.6 10:50 127 46 Grand Rapids MI

What Paula Radcliffe and I have in common

Dear Running Friends,

I'm officially making like Paula Radcliffe and taking the month of July off from running. Paula doesn't exactly take July off each year, but she does take a month off to recover from a marathon. No running, not one step for 30 days. Oh, and I'm taking June 29 and 30th off too.

I ran the Charlevoix Marathon today. Before I stood at the starting line, I thought of three goals for the race:

1) Just finish and have fun with it
2) Beat my PR of 3:54
3) Qualify for Boston (requiring a 3:40)

To my chagrin, I wasn't able to achieve any of these, at least not completely. Even though I did finish the race, I was not able to have fun despite trying to keep a positive attitude. Chris commented that he could tell I was "trying" each time he saw me. Every time I started to get going on pace my body refused. It even refused to run at some points. I had plenty of time to do some thinking throughout the race (it took me 4:16), and I came up with the idea that I might just be completely exhausted. The St. Louis Marathon, Race Under the Sun 10K, Dances with Dirt 50K Ultramarathon, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon and the Charlevoix Marathon all occurred in a three month period (of couse, I chose to run all them hard).

Here are the highlights and lowlights of the Charlevoix Marathon:

Highlights:

1) Organized and easy-to-find packet pick up
2) A+ volunteers
3) No rain (it was pouring cats and dogs until 6:30 AM -the race began at 7AM)
4) Cool race long sleeved t-shirt
5) Enthusiastic fans (especially the little girl w/her kazoo)
6) Seeing Chris and Elvis several times because they drove around to see me
7) Red licorice and pretzels on the course, pizza at the finish line
8) Ambulance in plain view that, thankfully, no one had to use
9) Awesome view of the beach that I got to see four times (see below to find out why)
10) Being able to take my ice bath in Lake Charlevoix while giving Elvis swimming lessons

Lowlights:

1) Humid, humid, humid
2) Two out and back "loops" that I thought would be OK, but gave me the worst case of deja vu
3) Sparse water stops (I recommend either carrying your own if you do this race or bringing along your cute water boy/boyfriend/husband, whatever you get your hands on to follow you around the course)
4) No timing mats on the course (not even a starting mat or one at the turn - hmm...did I do one loop or two?)
5) No "hills" per se, as the race director assured me before I signed up, but several mile long or more "inclines" that were worse than the Ambassador Bridge
6) No mile markers or time clocks on the course
7) Course marked by a few cones and running, unmanned (unwomaned?) cop cars - at some points it was unclear about where to go. If I hadn't seen it three times previously I surely wouldn't gotten lost.
8) Dixie cups of water at the finish (I hate this. I've just run a marathon. Do you think I can have more water than I can gargle with?)
9) 20MPH winds on the return portion of the "loop"
10) Having to hobble nearly a quarter of a mile up a hill to return my chip and pick up my medal after I crossed the finish line

During my break, I'm planning to concentrate on other extreme sports like yoga, hanging out with friends, and cheesecake baking. I'm looking forward to seeing what my feet look like without calluses and purple toenails. It also will feel great to sleep in on Saturday and drink my coffee in my pajamas rather than in my car on the way out to Stony Creek. I'll even be able to take a real vacation without trying to figure out when to squeeze my long runs in! This could really last!

Chris' Triathlon Pics, June 15, 2008

Marathon # 3.75

June 28th you'll find me participating in the second annual Charlevoix Marathon! After a disappointing St. Louis Marathon, I feel like I need a positive marathon experience to regain my focus. This is a small race (less than 400 people participated last year including the 5K, 10K, half and full marathons, runners and walkers) and consists of two out and back loops. Even if I don't love the course (and why wouldn't I love running along the beach in Charlevoix and on wooded bike paths?), the race advertises candy at each aid station. After Dances with Dirt, I discovered that candy if my favorite running treat!

Even better, Chris and Elvis are coming with me. It's the best to see my favorite person with my favorite dog along the course and at the finish line. AND, if my favorite person is carrying a bottle of cold chocolate milk, well hell, I'll need to pinch myself!

Who makes the best strawberry-rhubarb pie?

Chris and Libbie do! Here's the recipe.

How I became an ultramarathoner

It took five energy gels, one chindigger with a small knee abraison, thirty-five miles, two pairs of shoes and socks, four pretzel rods, two saltines, five red jolly ranchers, one piece of 60% cacao dark chocolate, three cups of Gatorade (blue), eight electrolyte tablets, two Advil, 7:57:51, one detour, four extra miles, half a PB&J, one Larabar, body glide, one hydration belt with lots of bottle refills, and three pringles for me to become an ultramarathoner!

Stay Thirsty My Friends

We had, yet another awesome time with my cousins, the Messicks, in Chicago. The highlights are as follows:

1. Catching the Hopper & Homer Exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago , which, in my opinion, is one of the best art museums in the country. The Messicks had a VIP members only connection where we got to see the paintings before the museum opened and the madness began.

2. Dining at the Park Grill in Millenium Park (just say "yes" to the organic grilled pork sandwich). There's something about sipping from a water goblet with a cloth napkin on my lap that makes me feel like a grown-up.

3. Meeting up with Chris' college friend, also Chris, and his Swedish girlfriend Anna-Lena. We hooked up at the Gage for a couple of beers with cheers, which, adding to the grown up theme, were all served in their proper glasses. If you know me, you know I love my glassware. Chris and Anna-Lena live in Allentown, PA and were in town on business. This was their first trip to the Windy City.

4. Piling in the Honda Pilot and cruising through the city back to the suburbs to check out some of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces (several Oak Park homes and a temple). It's amazing how theses residences have become landmarks in the city.

5. Having an early Cinco de Mayo celebration where we convinced Anna-Lena to pour on her thickest Swedish charm (and what a charming young lady she is) to see if our server would provide her with her first go at a pinata because May 5 happened to be her birthday.

6. Watching Anna-Lena to charm the beer off the trays of the Dos Equis girls who were roaming the bar. When they figured out that Anna-Lena was was Swedish, they rushed back with more beer samples and a bunch of Dos Equis schwag for her to take home with her to Sweden, uh, Allentown. It's funny how people talk louder when English isn't your first language. Btw, Anna-Lena speaks better English than I do.

7. When the Messicks realized that my Chris, who I affectionately call "Plum," was not a morning person and Holly referred to him as "Prune" instead! Hahahaha!

8. Kudos to Danny, who reminded us that Chris didn't get just one, but two great nicknames over the weekend, the second being "Turtle," which he actually got first. Chris eats his meals like a turtle runs. We all rejoiced in yelling, "TURTLE! TURTLE! TURTLE!"

The Rutherfords' International PBR

Today Chris ran his first race, a 5K in Windsor called Run Under the Sun. Boy was it ever, though it really should have been called Run Back and Forth Several Times Under the Sun and in and out of the Wind Along the Noisy Highway. The 5K runners did two "loops" consisting of running out three-quarters of a mile and "looping" around a cone guarded by a man and a motorcycle while the 10K runners had four "loops." I ran the 10K and as far as I know, I counted my "loops" correctly.



The proceeds from the race went to support organ donor awareness in Canada. Our awesome friend Karen, who loves all things cool (like running, travel, wine and charitable events) also ran. Her father was the recipient of a heart some twenty years ago and is still doing great! Though I didn't meet him, it was an honor to meet others who were either organ recipients or families who had donated their loved ones' organs.


Chris ran an impressive 28:32. He's been hitting the triathlon training pretty hard, but has only been out running a half a dozen times. He has perfect running form too, which, of course, I've been working on for the majority of my life and it still causes me angst. I assume that this is probably because he does what feels good rather than scouring decades of running magazines debating the elements of proper running form.


I ran a PR (personal record) of 48:52 (formally 51:40) and even placed third in my age group. Today I decided that my name spoken over the loud speaker has quite a nice ring to it. I received one of those white ribbons you get on Field Day in elementary school. Finally I got my white ribbon! I remember being annoyed in Kindergarten when I earned a blue ribbon but thought the white one was prettier.

Karen congratulated us both on our PBs (personal bests, as Canadians like to say) but we insisted that we both had run a PR. We decided to split the difference and call it a PBR, but since by ribbon was white, it didn't seem quite right to crack open a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon to celebrate...so we didn't.

Things I Always do Before a Race/Training Run That I Didn't Do Before the St. Louis Marathon

Now that I'm two days removed from the St. Louis Marathon, I've had some time to think about what exactly went wrong. I decided to make a list of the things I always do before a long training run or race and realized that I had done none of these things before the St. Louis Marathon! Things that I just thought I did because that's just what I do, unbeknownst to me, was really helping my performance:

1. Eat pizza, usually Italian sausage, feta and spinach (lots of sodium and potassium here, stuff that runners need)

2. Have a cup of coffee in the morning (I'm not completely clear on how this helps me, but I do know that it wakes me up, is part of my morning routine anyway, and since caffeine is a diuretic, it takes water out of my system that, now, I know I drink in excess.)

3. Have an electrolyte drink in the morning (more sodium, potassium, other vitamins)

4. Arrive early for my run/race (The race started at seven, for reasons out of my control, I arrived at 6:30.)

5. Start out conservatively (When I realized that our pacer was running sub-eight minute miles instead of the 8:24 I needed, I should have dropped back.)

6. Bring back my pace if I can't relax (see above)

7. Refrain from taking ibuprofen in the morning (I later read that taking ibuprofen before running can impair a runner's ability to conserve salt)

8. Bring a salty snack (Angela and I are always noshing on pretzels, almonds, and salt & pepper peanuts from Trader Joe's.)

Now that I am enlightened, I need to plan my next race!

The Easiest Marathon I've Ever Run

The St. Louis Marathon was today, the day I've been waiting for. It's was beautiful out. A welcomed sixty-five degrees was quite a change from the zero to twenty degree weather Angela (my fearless training partner) and I had been training in. It was clear, bright and sunny!

We decided to run with the 3:40 pace group, to make it easy on ourselves. We had put in our miles, done the work and were more than ready to go. I gotten the best night's sleep I'd ever had before a race, hydrated the entire day prior, eaten healthy foods and stayed off my feet. Everything was perfect...until we realized that the pacer was one minute ahead of pace at mile two.

I regret not pulling back a bit, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I think I ended up running my fasted 10K actually (sub 50 minutes)! Good for a 10K race, not so much for a marathon.

By the seven mile mark I was nauseous. Really nauseous. Nauseous enough to jump off the course and alarm the spectators. Even so, I decided to press on. I was thirsty as hell, yet I noticed my fingers swelling, and not just a little bit. I ate some of my Shot Bloks and drank some Gatorade, hoping to up my sodium levels. I was already having flashbacks from Chicago. Swollen fingers, stomach cramps, the whole bit. UGH. Not again!! I said a little prayer that at least Angela was on her way to a Boston Qualifying time, knowing that I wasn't.

I saw Chris at mile nine, told him to meet me at the half way point, and downed more Shot Bloks. I was pissed. I have gotten up before six each Saturday since January to run 14-22 miles out at Stony Creek, a 45 minute drive from my house, and even more in the snow. I had turned down Friday night plans to go to bed early in preparation. I had wasted my Saturday afternoons napping so that I could at least enjoy the Sunday of my weekend. I'd done tempos runs, speed work, cross training, yoga, weights and now I was about to drop out of a race because of swollen fingers and stomach cramps?!

Yup. That's what happened. I don't know if it was the heat, the ibuprofen I'd taken in the morning, too much water and not enough salt, the ridiculous hills or a combination of all of that, but I couldn't run any more. Every time I got into my groove, I swore I would puke. The thought of coughing up Shot Bloks and GU was all too much. And, I'd completely lost my focus.

I hung out with Chris and our friend Brian, who came to both cheer me on and help Chris drink his famous bloody marys. I changed out of my shirt, shorts and shoes, ate something and walked over to mile 21 to wait for Angela. Chris asked me if I secretly hoped that Angela dropped out too. I was appalled. She worked so hard too, and I honestly hoped that she was having a great race. The events that followed couldn't have worked out more perfectly.

Two of my friends, Kristina and Laura, from my college days, came down to cheer me on. I had seen Kristina briefly the day before, but I'd missed Laura. It was fun to be able to catch up with them for a bit on the course, something I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. I miss my friends tremendously, and I only get to see them a few times a year, if that. We all waited. The 3:40 pacer went by with three people (there were 20+ when we started). The 3:45 pacer blew by with no runners. The 3:50 pace team passed us. We were worried. Then we saw Angela. All five of use were screaming her name to cheer her on. She stared blankly ahead, not acknowledging us at all. Finally, after about 3o seconds of yelling and screaming at her, she snapped out of her spell and stopped.

She asked me to run the last five with her. I didn't hesitate. In fact, I was thrilled to be invited and glad for the opportunity to support my friend, even though my race was over. Chris and Brian were my pit stop team, helping me out of my post race shoes and back into my running shoes, pinning my number back on my shirt and sending me on my way. I was feeling a lot better by then, and filled the next 5.2 miles with mindless chatter and anything encouraging I could think to say to pass the time. It's amazing how the miles blow by when you're feeling good, something I didn't get to experience at the beginning of the race.

We finished together in 3:59:54. The announcer blasted my name over the loud speaker. Ha. This is the easiest marathon I'd ever run, I thought. With seventeen miles and an hour break, I still broke four hours. Angela told me I'd better get a medal anyway. We got our medals, our snacks, our beer and sat on the lawn to stretch and talk about what a crap race this was.

Even though this wasn't a great run for me, it ended up being a great day in other ways. I am thankful that I have an awesome husband to comes to all my races, cheers me on and shares in my triumphs and disappointments. I am lucky to have such amazing friends who support me, in person and from afar, even when what I do doesn't quite work out the way I want it to. I was happy to learn (albeit the hard way) more about what it is to be a marathoner, what I need to do differently and how I can grow from this experience. I also learned that helping Angela cross the finish line was just as good (if not better) than getting there myself.

Dances with Dirt anyone?

Those of you who know me well, know I'm a person who doesn't like to get dirty. I wouldn't be caught dead gardening because a) I could get sweaty being out there so long pulling weeds, and b) I could get dirt under my fingernails. I hate camping because, after a long sweaty hike, at the end of the day, there are still no showers in the woods.

So why, oh WHY would I sign up for a race titled Dances with Dirt? Dances with Dirt is 50K (31 mile) adventure race in Nashville, Indiana through Brown County State Park. In fact, I thought for sure I was going to throw up when I hit the "submit" button to sign up for the race. Something sick about it appeals to me though.

To run a marathon is tough as your body stores only enough glycogen for about 20 miles. It's the 6.2 more that makes the distance a challenge. The last six miles of the race are the most miserable I've ever felt in my life! To add 5 more miles to that distance, to see how far I can push myself, to prove that I can still use a compass in my delirium...that's what it is. And, as Chris points out, I'm crazy.

Chris Competes in Second Triathlon!

No stranger to triathlons, having competed in the IronKid in the mid-eighties, Chris has decided to compete in the Belle Isle Sprint Triathlon this June 15. I'm not much of a swimmer, but I agreed to be his inspirational coach and training partner. This time, while Chris competes, it will be my turn wear the skirt and shake the pompons. It will be strange for me to be on the other side of the finish line, but good to experience what Chris goes through as I drag him to each boring race I enter. Have a look at his training program. Let us know if you've been inspired to compete too!

From Fat Elvis to Skinny Elvis

As you may or may not know, we have a superdog living with us named Elvis. Elvis is a six year old Alaskan Malamute who is skilled at snuggling, opening jars and drawers, chasing cats and taking long naps in his dog house. Three years ago, he weighed in at an unhealthy 162 lbs. With all that fur, who could tell that he was fat? We immediately put him on a diet. As it turned out, both Chris and I were giving him enough treats to equate to six full-sized Snickers bars per day. I just know we'll make great parents some day. Now he's down to a slim 118 lbs with a sweet little waist line which was sadly, hidden for so many years. I think those pesky last few lbs. finally peeled off when we finished our kitchen and Elvis was no longer able to supplement his diet with delicious items from our trash can. Check out the transformation:

Before: Elvis in the backyard after a good summer brushing

After: Elvis, in a slimming Dracula cape, after months of starvation

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Chris' Gallery Opening March 10 and all those who have supported us along the way! It feels great to have such amazing friends. We've finally got our website up in working order: http://www.formvibrations.com/. Please check it out when you have a minute, and pass along the link to anyone you think may be interested!

The Orange Vest

Chris and I volunteered to be Course Marshalls yesterday for the Corktown 26th Annual St. Patty's Day Four-Miler. It is amazing how much more respect one gets when donning the orange vest. Chris was enjoying it so much he wore his straight through the rest of the day, well into the evening.

We were situated at the two mile mark at the corner of Woodward and Montcalm, sandwiched between the Fox Theater and Comerica Park. The race started at noon with the earliest runner coming by at 12:10. We checked in at 10:30 and figured we start walking that way. We wanted to start conservatively to make sure that we could A)make it there on time while dragging our heavy cooler of adult beverages, and B)start our day off right with a few spicy bloodies.

We arrived, oh, and an hour or so before the race was to begin. It was freezing but sunny. Our corner was swarmed by cop cars. I would venture to say it was cop central. We sat in our orange vests on the sidewalk, poured ourselves a couple of cool ones, taking in the action, both with our eyes and through our straws. We were so impressed that there was so much police support for the race. No matter that Jesus Christ Superstar was playing at the Fox across the way featuring Ted Neely (who?).

Turns out that the race and the musical began at the same time. What a coincidence. Chris and I moved to the center of the street eventually to assume our positions (bloody in one hand, cooler in the other). We thought we could help direct the Fox traffic as well as keep an eye out for the first runner. Some officer screeched his SUV angrily to a hault, rolled down his automatic window and asked us how long we'd known about the race. I wanted to roll my eyes. Maybe I did. Good thing I was wearing sunglasses. We told him we'd known about it for exactly one year. It's St. Patty's Day, for Pete's sake!

With our orange vests, nothing could stop us. We promised to keep the race contained, as best we could, to one side of the road. We even offered to help move cones knowing full well that we only would be able to contribute one hand each. The race must go on!

It was fun to see so many fast and familiar faces out there! So many runners thanked us for volunteering. I do that when I run, but I certainly did not expect to be thanked today.

The race went on without a hitch, that is, until the police force began directing traffic one block earlier to avoid the Fox. We stood our ground, refusing to get out of the street until the last runner ran by. One officer pointed out that my drink wasn't an energy drink. Because I was wearing the orange vest and feeling particularly confident, I told him it was my kind of energy drink. He laughed and left me alone.

I think the race was a success. Detroit Police Officers aren't all that bad and we learned that one can achieve almost anything when wears an orange vest.

Venue Change for Chris' March 10, 2008 Gallery Opening

Hi Everyone,

We have changed venues for Monday’s gallery opening. The show will now be held at Howe’s Bayou in Ferndale . It is one block north of 9 mile on Woodward, at the corner of Vester and Woodward. Howe’s Bayou will be serving a complimentary sampling of their tasty cuisine. The opening is at the same time (6:30) with the same great artwork.

Please get the word out to anyone who you think may not check their e-mail. Sorry for the late change. I hope to see you there.

Libbie & Chris Rutherford

Gallery Opening - Chris Rutherford - Amici's Living Room - Berkley - 03/10/2008 - 6:30pm

Hello Friends,

Please join us for the opening event! There will be art, free pizza, and a cash bar. The opening (and pizza) is from 6:30-8:30, but Amici’s Living Room is open until 10:00. See the flyer below for additional information. I hope to see you all there.

If you need more detailed directions you can follow this link to Amici’s web site: http://www.amicispizza.com/location_IE.html.
If you have any questions, please e-mail or call me: rutherford@formvibrations.com, (313) 492-6143.

For more information on design services, or art purchase, please visit our website at www.formvibrations.com. The site is currently being updated, and I will add a page with pictures of us all eating pizza and having a great time after the show. Feel free to forward to anyone you think might be interested.

See you there!
Libbie & Chris Rutherford

St. Louis

I'm just getting back from spending a week in St. Louis! I took care of my SIL, Alicia, while my ILs were on vacation, worked a lot (I'm teaching nine classes!), caught up with a few friends and did some running. Even though I lived there for five years while I was in college, I don't remember this city being that hilly. I think I was doing more partying, um, studying than running during that time period, but seriously---it was frightening and ridiculous.

Monday I made it a whole 2.88 miles before I felt like I was going to pass out. One long hill after another through my ILs neighborhood in Chesterfield left my heart throbbing, and not in a good way. I can run 22 miles at Stony Creek but I can't run a little over two in the suburbs. Already my week is not going well.

Tuesday I was smart and used the treadmill for my speed work mile repeats. Wednesday I did my 2.88 route twice, in the dark, managing to trip and fall, flat on my face, only once during my first loop. I think that's pretty good considering I was sans headlamp, the streets were poorly lit, there was ice and snow everywhere and I'm blessed with a complete lack of grace in general.

My intuition prompted me to take a good, long look at the St. Louis Marathon course elevation (pictured above). Who was I kidding?! I didn't even bother to drive the course, especially after my friend Leah emailed me to tell me that she ran the last 18 miles of the course over the weekend. Her email read, "..all I have to say is Hilly, Hilly, Hilly!!" I know how bad it's going to be. Look at that hill at mile 25! When I spoke with Leah on the phone about it, she used expletives while describing it. Whoever designed this course has quite a sense of humor. With so few surprises left in life, I thought I'd just wait and see for myself on April 6.

Thursday I did an 8.5 mile tempo run through Kirkwood (my old neighborhood!) It was fun to see how much it has changed and to rediscover the sharp elevation changes the city has to offer. I have five weeks 'til the big day and two 'til my taper. Ready or not....

Headlamps Aren't Just for Spelunking Anymore!

One Christmas Chris received a headlamp as a gift from his brother, Mark. Mark was so excited to give Chris the gift as he found his own headlamp to be invaluable. Although we believed him, we couldn't possibly think of one way we'd use it. This was four Christmases ago, and boy was he right! So far, we've used this headlamp for anything from home improvement projects to locating a missing cat under a piece of furniture. We've used it for hiking, painting, during power outages and most recently (as in, last night) running in the dark through crunchy snow in subfreezing temperature through a snowstorm. I've had my fair share of near misses running through the streets of Ferndale, but last night I couldn't be missed! I glowed like a shining star. My third eye lead the way through the hurdles of my neighborhood with boundless energy. Did people think I was crazy? Probably. Am I? Probably. I didn't care as I was so happy to been able to get my run in while avoiding being flattened like a pancake by some oblivious driver on a cellphone. Thanks for keeping me safe, Mark!

Montana's, Orillia, Ontario

Chris and I stopped off for some traditional Canadian cuisine tonight at a place called Montana's. There, we were able to order ribs, fries and pitchers of beer. To immerse ourselves in the local culture, Chris decided to order the following:

And now, a multiple guess quiz about what it could be:

a) fried veggies a la mode

b) a spare tire

c) poutine

If you guessed b or c, you are right! Poutine (pronounced pooh-TEEN in English or pooh-TEN in French), is cheese and gravy covered fries and then baked. Our server rubbed her belly and assured us that no one earns a guts like hers without consuming trop poutine. I couldn't resist, but I did take a picture of our poutine. I'll be uploading it when I get home! Au revoir!

Five Wineries, Thirty-Four Hours and One Trip to Chicago

What a crazy trip! Chris and I traveled to Chicago for the annual Lamott Pilgrimage (hot, fun and noisy get together with sixty of my closest relatives) this weekend. To keep it interesting and to break up the drive, we stopped at some terrific wineries both on the way down and up.

Our first stop was at Contessa Winery. This is where we met the very hungry (i.e. fat) cat Tabitha who kept our laps warm as we sampled some tasty Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Though the property was covered in glistening snow while we were there, the grounds would make a terrific backdrop for a lovely little spring picnic. If we'd had more time to stay, we could have bellied up to the bar for wine sold by the glass.

Our next stop was Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery . The cute little cupcake shaped barn drew us in. OK, the variety did, but whatever. Here we were sold matching tasting glasses which we can bring back empty at any time to sample wine next time. For five bucks total you get nine tastings and one martini. We took our time. What an extensive wine list! There were two wineries housed in the same building, Round Barn and Free Run . We bounced from Red Barn to Free Run to the distillery, called DiVine, while diligently scribbling our our tasting notes. Our favorites included a Cranberry wine (a bit sweet on its own but would be delicious in sangria), a dry Gewurtztraminer and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Round Barn was slammed while we were there, but we got great service and were even given a case discount even though we only purchased three bottles.

We hung out with the fam for a few hours then drove to the Chi Town Burbs for dinner and couch time at the Messicks. We philosophised and cracked ourselves up over a few pots of coffee which I dubiously drank for fear I would laugh in it and scald my face. We have too good of a time with that Holly and Danny.

Sunday was brunch with more family followed by a thrilling ride home. We were lured off the highway by two more wineries, Domaine Berrien and Lemon Creek. We snagged a delicious Pinot Noir at Domaine Berrien. We're not huge pinot fans, but I'll say that we're starting to be. This wine was deep in color with a fruity nose and a fine finish, a far cry from the pale and lifeless Pinots I've been drinking. Lemon Creek has a couple of winery dogs, who we much enjoyed and an '03 Cab with which we fell in like. Even though it's been in the bottle a bit, rich tannins were still prevalent. I wonder how big it was four years ago!

I'm changing my mind about Michigan wines. I've been less than complimentary about the wines we produce in the past, but I do think we're producing some great ones now. Our wine makers are becoming more experienced with each vintage and we're enjoying every bit of it. We'll be back in the spring when the '06 vintages are released!