First TBT Post! (Throw Back Thursday)

This comes from a time long ago known as The Great Cortland Pumpkin Fest of 2014 the year of our lord. I haven't seen my buddy Surmetty and her husband Jak since their wedding (May 2014? Yup, I'm a bad friend since I can't exactly remember). So while my P.I.C. and I were home recouping from the trail we decided to meet halfway between our places which landed in Cortland. What fabulous timing for the Pumpkin Fest!

We weren't quite certain how to participate in this exotic setting until we found a gaming truck with a new version of DDR. All four of us battled it out at once until only one champion remained...Surmetty. Here she is with the follow up challengers who ended her short range of championing.

And then of course, we needed to visit the children's tent and fish for stickers. Success!

To finish off the loveliness of this day, we took advantage of being in a college town and went to a local pub for some gnosh. It was here we learned of Jak's affinity for lamb's head. I guess don't knock it 'til you try it and I would like to try it. Here's to a possible annual event? Thanks for a great time Surmetty and Jak!

*Dance Revolutions and Friend Resolutions*

Kmeg

Making Moves for Winter

We're back in the heart of Colorado for another fantastic winter. When I started hiking the AT this past spring I thought the last thing I wanted was to come back here because I always want to move onto the next thing or to the next place. After 6 months, however, of moving every single day, I found myself craving the familiar. Someplace I could just be where I was back on my own but still knew where everything was and how everything operates. So here I am again back in the snowy mountains of Crested Butte. Only this time we're living in a cabin town 20 minutes south of town and I'll be forgoing my usual season pass on the mountain for maybe a 10 day deal? I would just really like to visit the other opportunities this amazing place has to offer. Below is a quick list of things I hope to experience this winter and I'm stoked!

My P.I.C.s and me back in Colorful Colorado!

• Yoga: This is a big thing out here in Colorado. Mayhaps I shall harness my chi AND get a great butt.
• Snowshoeing the Back Country: Living away from town means I get a chance to explore new terrain where the coyotes and elk roam and the sage brush peek out from under mounds of snow. I just have to remember to get Millie some snow shoes.
• Single Employment: Since moving out here, I've had an obsession with having multiple jobs. Ski school requires having a second job since it doesn't really pay too much. But the last few seasons I've just been searching for direction and now I have been blessed with the opportunity to work at a new shop on Main Street that promises to be fun, entertaining, with room to grow. Maybe I can increase my knowledge of social media marketing? I think yes.
• Cross Country Skiing: This is harder than one would think. Yes, it's difficult to go uphill but it's more difficult to go downhill without having the sides of my skis to rely upon for stopping.
• Ski Competition: This one could be a stretch but there's a backcountry ski race that goes from midnight in Crested Butte over to Aspen in the afternoon. That's a big mountain range to climb up and over. And you have to have a dedicated partner and all the right gear...not sure if this is a 2015 goal or maybe a 2016 goal? I really have no idea how long we'll be out here.

Keep checking back as I'll be posting about the hilarity that ensues with these ideas. In the meantime, please enjoy this despicable me themed Halloween shot. Yes, Molly, I know the dress doesn't go but orange jumpsuits are surprisingly hard to find on short notice thriftings.

*Big Plans and Mellow Jams*

Kmeg

Have You Herd?

This last week I took advantage of being unemployed and found Millie a place that would teach her to herd sheep and ducks. We drove the hour out to Chisago, MN and had her evaluated on her potential. I've posted the video on my Youtube bar below as well. Though she is very vocal, the instructor JoAnna said this was part of Australian Shepherd genetics.

This is the first few minutes that Millie met the sheep and experienced the smells of a real farm so she's a bit distracted haha. As she continued to work with the sheep she started focusing more and began to understand her new job of keeping the sheep tight together near the person. We were so excited!

We're moving out to Crested Butte again this winter which means the nearest herding facility is in Denver or Santa Fe; both approximately 5 hours away. So at the moment we'll be working on other training with the hope that by next year we can get her involved more seriously. What a great dog I'm blessed to call my buddy.

*Herding and Nerding*

Kmeg

Early Gifts for Christmas

As we've bummed around Minneapolis for the last 2 weeks, we've visited quite a few family members and close family friends of the Beard family. One of their many traditions involves a themed gift exchange known as the Patter-Beard Christmas. They are close families since Adam was little and have remained so throughout the years. This was the first one in about 3 or 4 years in which everyone was able to attend.

The theme: Non-American Culture. This resulted in the smacking of a pinata, the garbage bagging of presents, and an assortment of gifts not everyone knows what to do with. Our contributions were a bottle of Glogg and a Mexican piggy bank of an extremely fat guy complete with sombrero. We left with a couple antler whistles (of the Native American culture?) and a 3D puzzle of a German castle. 

Next year's theme was drawn from a basket: Something Magical. I can't wait! What a great idea to have a theme. Then it's less about what you get and more about what you can give! Kelly family, mayhaps we should begin this new tradisheon?! I think yes. Expect to see a ballot pop up in your emails.

Also, have you noticed how well they all pose? I didn't think it could be mastered but anytime someone calls out, "family photo" everyone just gets into position. *sigh* the cooperation brings tears to my eyes. In case you don't know, the most bearded Beard is my p.i.c.

*Gift Exchange and Family Change*

Kmeg