Ahhhh Winter

I love all this white stuff!!! I forgot how much fun can be had during the tepid Minnesota winters. My new love is Winter Biking. Yep, I finally did it. I have yet to ride on a trail, but everytime its planned it snows again, and we instead break out the snowshoes and hike the trails.

Andy and I took a little cruise around our neighbor hood, down 13 and back. It's amazing how quickly you tire will slide out from underyou. I plowed through drifts and plow piles. The sidewalks werent plowed so we rode through about 4 inches of snow. Its really quite a thrill, a good core workout, and a good way to keep hold of those handling skills during the off season.

Not to mention its so beautiful out on the trails.

So, Christmas was actually relaxing this year. I think I am going to make a trend of this. Keep the crazy travel to a minimum and limit the number of christmas's we attend. I know this may sound scrouggee but I would prefer to not need a vacation after the Christmas Holiday. Isnt it supposed to be a relaxing time to spend with the ones you love?

All the little ones seemed quite happy with their gifts and us big kids got a few great things as well. Thanks to my Sister for putting together a great array of foods and fun!!

Crazy White out conditions on Highway 52 can also be out for next year. That was quite an experience. I think it took us double the time to get to Pine Island, we could only see about 2 feet in front of the car. It was kind of exhilirating but my shoulders were sore for 3 days afterward from clenching the steering wheel.

Samie, I cant wait for our Spa Trip this weekend, Thank you so much. It will be great to have all the Schoppe Girls together for the day!

Oh Yeah, back to biking.... Tonight the Ladies and I are heading to Lebanon for a Stomping of the trails. When all of us get together its never short of a good time. Definately looking forward to it. We are going to then hit up Doolittles to try out our Jerseys from Pactimo. (I am sure the brews will be a sloshin) We have been working incredibly hard on coming up with a Womens MORC Jersey and its just about complete. I cant wait for the finished product!!

I hope everyone had an absolutely fabulous Christmas!!! Happy New Year!!!!

Life

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away. ... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!! I hope everyone is enjoying the snow and will be spending your holidays right where you want to be.

I have been going through my photos recapping what a wonderful year it has been. Here are some of my favorite shots. Hope you enjoy.

Matt Horner - 24 Hrs of Afton

SandStone, MN

Ben Moore

Blue cone flower (i think)

Paul Hansen, Bear Naked/Cannondale Pro Rider Woopin everyones butts!

Crazy Clouds (for those of you who dont know me, I spend lots of time starring out into space)

HMMMM! Never seen these creatures before. I saw on Wikipedia that they are called Gesses, or something like that.

Sweet, Sweet Sophie

Okay, Yeah..... This is ridiculous I know, trust me I have thousands of favorites I did spare you.

Football, the way it should be played!

Park Near my office in Eden Prairie, Dang Bees, leave me some honey!!

This obviously isnt natural but it looks cool!

Good Luck next time Vikes

Arent they pretty! Cherry blossoms from my front yard

Have a GREAT NEW YEAR and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Not much going on

Isnt it great to finally have a MN winter!!!!!! It took me 2.5 hrs to get home from work today, that was quite fun. But I always say if its gonna be cold bring on the snow.

I cant wait to get out there and do some snowshoeing and my first attempt and winter mountain biking. I hope everyone is having a great night and safe at home.