Jay Richards

What another beautiful Fall day. Can't believe how long the color is hanging on in the woods. Especially after the 3.5" of rain over the weekend. Usually this time of the year most of the leaves are down. Not likely from global warming, likely from our leaves coming out in June this year and normal to above normal precip during the summer and fall keeping the trees very healthy.




Jake and I did a lap on the Loppet course at sunset and was just incredible. (link to new Maplelag site) Traction was surprisingly good with all the leaves down and not greasy like I expected. Should be awesome for Saturday once we do final trail prep for Pumpkin Run this weeend.

Last night Jake had to play pep band for girls volleyball. Watched that for a while which was interesting. Everything that happens, they get in a huddle and cheer and high five about it etc. Anyways, then took Jon to hockey, came back and picked up Jake, roller skied with Jake for almost a hour from 8-9 then picked up Jon. Rollerskiing up and down the lighted streets of DL sure makes you appreciate the riding tonight. It has been about 15 years since I roller skied last. I told Lars a month ago I wouldn't ever rollerski again. Actually felt pretty good. Even Jake said it was fun. Amazing, the V2 rollerskis haven't really changed much over 20 years. Combis work fine for me.

Have to remember ski trails that have swamps and ponds need to be avoided until it freezes. Was a nice adventure through the woods though and Jonell said she enjoyed it actually. Looks like she is going to attack something.
Jens started hockey last weekend. Rookies. Lots of falling and chair pushing. All good.
Jack was on a soup making mission this weekend. Raided the walk in cooler, took out a bunch of veggies, cut them up, put them in the pot with salt and cooked it down. Was actually pretty darn good. Lettuce was his secret.

With 3.5" of rain falling Fri-Mon, dug the weight bench out for some inside activity and Hanz and Franz. No curls for the girls in our house. Maybe this winter I can get back into a routine. With kids off rest of the week for MEA, Jonell took Jack and Jens to Disneyworld. Jonell told me not to wash clothes. Guess the time I shrunk the Norwegian wool sweater a Norsk friend made for me 10 sizes and pinked her white shirt was enough convincing. Talked to Jonell and of course they are having a blast. Jonell said everything is super sugar coated cookie cutter. They are staying at the Nickeloden hotel.When she gets home, she will probably want to put flashing neon skiers at the end of the driveway and have Christmas lights strung along the driveway all the way back to the lodge.