My Husband is a Super Engineer!

So, all last week we had out AC off b/c it was really nice outside and we just kept the windows open. Saturday it got a little hot in the house so on our way out to a bbq we turned the AC on to cool the house down a bit. When we got home at like 10:30 that night it was still 83 in the house-when the AC was set to 75. Not good. At least it was still going to be nice for a few days and we could survive w/ open windows and fans. So, VAP, being a mechanical engineer, who designs large scale HVAC systems every day, talked to his work buddies about what might be wrong, came home w/ some gadget, fiddled w/ the AC for 15 mins [talked about hopefully not electrocuting himself] and soon enough had fixed our AC!!!! [far as we can tell- it's now cooling :-) ]

So, it pays to have a handy engineer around the house. He also fixed our washing machine a few months ago when the kill switch that keeps bad things from happening when you open the top when the cylinder is spinning broke. He just hard wired it so it doesn't stop when you open it-but now it will finish a cycle. Ahh the joys of inheriting old appliances.

So, I'm going to relax for another half hour before I have to go into 'bed mode' and wind down for the day. Looking forward to a ridiculously chilled house and snuggling under the covers!!!!!

Huzzah!

So, even though I was a little hung over by 8:30, the day at the RennFest was awesome. I got to see two of my best friends who go all the way back to middle school and hang out w/ all our respective husbands. I even think the men had fun together. It makes me happy when my husband can get along so well with my friends and their significant others. So between the Dragon's Blood, Black and Blue, and all the good food, I can say I had a pretty good day. The weather held out and even though it was hot and steamy, at least it wasn't raining. Here are some pictures for fun.

The ladies with our Dragon Blood.
The men conferring.
Shielding ourselves from the sun at the jousting arena.

Back in town!

Just some random pics from our trip, more to come soon!


View from the beach on the Penobscot in Passadumkaeg, ME.

Our sleeping quarters in the cabin.
Brewery #1.
Brewery #2
Brewery #3
Brewery #4!

Trip through VT and NH to Burlington.Random waterfall.
We're in Montreal! And eating poutine!
Streets of Old Montreal.
Drinks at the fancy "Wonderbar" at the W hotel.

bon voyage

VAP and I are off on a week long trip to the north. We're flying out w/a friend in about 20 mins to Maine. While there we're going to take a few day trip to Burlington, VT then to Montreal Canada. I've never been to either. Once back in Maine we'll head to Boston for the final day/night then fly out next Saturday. We're going to visit a lakeside camp for a few days and have a clam and lobster bake, go kayaking, go to brewery tours, a Ben and Jerry's tour, wander around a foreign city, and do whatever we please. I'm not usually ok w/ such a spontaneous plan, but I'm excited to wander and relax with friends. I'll try to take lots of fun pictures and reflect once I'm back. Hope you all have a great week!

I could have been arrested....?

So, while on vacation a few weeks ago down in Avon, NC, VAP and I went shopping. We headed for a shop I've gone to most years, though usually I just window shop. Walking up to the store, VAP asks, what's a nips? I look up and the sign on the door says, "No NPS Allowed." I think this is kind of funny and wonder, what letters could have fallen off to spell "NPS" [ie. National Park Service]. Upon closer inspection, we learn by reading the many posters, newspaper clippings and random rantings that are posted up outside this woman's business that she is VERY unhappy about the state of things on the Outer Banks and blames the Dept. of Interior, and specifically the NPS. I really couldn't tell you what her problem was, b/c unfortunately for her, she is not skilled at writing a reasoned argument. I really have no idea why she is so mad at the NPS but she had plenty to say. So, VAP and I thought it would be funny to get my picture [as an NPS employee] from inside the store. More for our own entertainment than anything else. I had visions of walking in and asking her if she worked for commission and telling her "Big Mistake, Huge" a-la, Pretty Woman, but eh, he store was filled w/ cheap crap I wouldn't have bought anyway.

So...I skirted being arrested [one poster said she'd call the police if you were caught on her property], and came away with this fun picture I will post up on my cubicle at work for everyone's entertainment.

"I know when I look into your eyes...

that a man can just drown in there." That is what the older gentleman at the circulation counter of the library said to me today. Not creepy, just sweet. What a cute old man. I told VAP he'd better watch out, I have an admirer.

super proud

SO, VAP and I went running today, around one of the lakes in Columbia. And I'm happy to say we made it around the whole lake without stopping, it's like 2 miles. We've never run that far together without stopping. Lately we've been running 3-4 four times a week either around the track at the gym or in our neighborhood. We started a few months ago and we've definitely improved, which is awesome. I don't totally love running, but I feel very happy with myself after I've done it, and I like being able to track my progress. I'm very proud of VAP. When we started he couldn't really run a mile w/o stopping or looking pretty pooped, and now we've doubled that. I'd like to be able to run 3 miles as my next goal, but that might take a while. I'm gonna work on making 2 miles my standard run for a while and get used to that.

So, hopefully tomorrow morning we head back out to run again. Then it's off to a family bbq/pool party, then later to a Jaws themed party in Frederick! Pretty good day lined up.