CAPS 2008
the competition is taking off in leaps and bounds. each of us has had a moment at the lead, and each day brings the opportunity for new finds. besides the friendly race, CAPS has helped me accomplish what I wanted - to identify as many of the beauties I can.

it floats
took my boat on its maiden voyage. about 45 minutes from shed to the potomac - that's not bad at all. it tracks great and is very comfortable. I went around roosevelt island, under key bridge and upstream to where the sounds of traffic and planes and people were nearly gone. about 2 hours on the water this first time. I could get used to this.

the pope!
rode down to rock creek park to catch a glimpse of pope benedict xvi. there wasn't a crowd where I settled, about 20 folks on my side of the street, 50 or so on the other side. the police were everywhere - I had never felt so protected on the bike path. they said the popemobile would be coming shortly and traveling about 3-5 mph. turns out it was going about 30, so I only caught a glimpse of the pontiff and a quick wave.

nyc
trying out the bolt bus this month with a long weekend in new york. I've only flown through, seeing liberty from the plane and shea stadium from a taxi. lots to see. should be interesting.

two wheelers
amazing how many people are out there commuting by bike in the mornings. all sorts. mostly guys, but a few ladies. fun to see how everyone carries what they need for work.

wild goose chase
fun ride around cambridge with hundreds of other bike ladies. not as much wildlife as I had expected in the blackwater national wildlife refuge, but we did see lots of redwing blackbirds, a couple bald eagles, a rare delmarva fox squirrel and some interesting roadkill. the organizers need to work out a few kinks - like restrooms - this was the inaugural ride. it rained at times and the wind was steady - usually in our faces.

newseum
went to the grand opening with folks from work. I rode down early and the line was down the street. it went quickly and soon we were inside exploring all the interactive and interesting exhibits. I liked the pulitzer gallery, the ethics game and the general feel of the place. wvu was represented in the free speech hall. I saw a museum first - a built-in tissue box at the 9/11 exhibit - they don't even have that at the holocaust museum. I look forward to returning, despite the price of a ticket ($20), to spend more time reading all about news history.

"baby mama"
saw this one to beat the heat before the century. it was funny, well cast.

"wordfreak"
finished the book and have a real hankering to play scrabble. enjoyed reading about a wv scrabble tourney too.

wv is calling
hope to meet up in greenbrier county with some browns creekers one of these weekends.

garden goodies
enjoying mixed greens and looking forward to carrots, pole beans, snap peas and cucumbers.