Vacation

BLOGNOTE 10.29.07 4:50 pm
We’re in Shanendoah National Park, Skyland Lodge Resort around mile 40 on the Skyline Drive. Yesterday we were with Becky and the kids in DC watching Greg run the US Marine Corps Marathon (32nd annual). Greg also ran it last year and bested his time yesterday by 30 minutes. He looked fresh as a daisy each time we saw him at 12 miles at the Smithsonian on the Mall, then at 21 miles at Crystal City. Then Carol and I took Ben and Maayan home on the Metro (after a quick stop at the inflatables and Sabaros Pizza) while Becky and Jamie went to cheer Greg at the finish line. By the way, the cheering all along the race is great fun. You cheer your own friends and others. So many “TEAM” runners (for Leukemia and Lymphoma). Hurray!! The trains were filled with exhausted and elated runners with bright shiny medals around their necks. Greg has one as well. He got 2 finishers medals for the kids. Sat. night we had dinner with Hadar and Raheem and the family at a Moroccan restaurant. Fun. Last night we left after dark which was a mistake not knowing exactly where we were going. We went 35 miles out of our way but finally got to speak to someone at the hotel who got us up into the mountains without having to retrace. Oi!! Dark empty country roads in western Virginia with little gas left you start thinking ………….(movie). As we entered the Park the temperature was 37 degrees F. We got into our neat cozy room by 10 pm. Tired enough to watch the end of the World Series and pass out. This morning I awoke to see the sun rise over the mountain behind us to glow into the valley and mountains in front of our western facing picture window. There was ice on our car. (As I write sunset is a creeping in). So then we walked to the dining room for breakfast. A good uphill climb. After breakfast we drove to a picnic area and hiked briefly on the Appalachian Trail which runs throughout the park. Reminded me of my boy scout days hiking the Kittattiny Mountains in western Jersey. Fun. After a nap lunch was terrific. Great menu. Then sit by a fire and read the papers. Made a trail ride horseback riding appointment for 3:15 tomorrow. Then back to our place. A deck off the back of the room overlooks this incredible valley and other mountains. Sooo quiet. Only hear chipmunks scurrying through the leaves. Beautiful air here in the mountains. We’ve needed this rest for a while. Very happy to be here. Thanks to Carol’s family for helping us with Mommy’s care. Love you all. Peace. More later. JIMBO
10.30.07 Happy Birthday Benjamin!!! No. 7!! Love you xoxoxo Grandpa and Grandma. 5:30 pm. Just got back from a horse back trail ride. Fantastic; on a pinto. See pix.Saw a Buck. Also had a picnic out on a field in the cool air and warm sun. Beautiful Fall day. Blue skies. This am after breakfast we hiked; more pics of scenes, skies, a buck and more. Perfect vacation. Nap too! We need this more often. Heaven man!! Later.