Shelley's new bike

Here are some pics of my new bike - it is awesome! Did I mention that is rocks, too? It kicks butt...I can SLAM it into the corners and rail the gnarliest of trails, both up and down. Trail users be warned...GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Thanks for the perfect anniversary present, sweetie!

17th Anniversary!

Hard to believe it has been 17 years...I love you, baby!

Labor Day Weekend

The weather was OK...a few showers on Saturday, Friday and Sunday were decent. The boys went fishing at nearby Howell Lake, and caught 2 trout, and several carps (carps were thrown back).

The pizza oven was put into operation, and the results were...delish!

We decided to leave on Sunday afternoon, as bad weather was expected to move in. I got in some GREAT mt. bike rides over the three days...check out my video channel at www.vimeo.com/channels/michellemoye to see the fun.

The Earth Oven Survives First Meal

It was the moment of truth...after several months of planning, building, rebuilding, repairing and rebuilding again, it was time to actually cook something in the earth oven. Guess what - it worked! Steve made breadsticks, a pizza, and "overnight oatmeal" (that one was not a complete success, but Tony enjoyed it for breakfast).

Rex's friend, Cameron joined us for the weekend...he has been to the cabin a few times before, and always enjoys the campfires and playing by the river. We all had a great time!

The Pizza Oven Chronicles - Part III

Although the second edition of our pizza oven looked great when we left it 2 weeks ago, it had several major cracks upon our latest visit. Apparently, the PNW climate is not the best for clay ovens (duh). I suggested removing the damaged clay dome and replace it with a brick structure, but Steve decided to give it one last attempt. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Steve borrowed Bill's tractor and most of the weekend was devoted to grading/leveling certain areas, and making a spot for the future hot tub and guest cabin. He really got a lot done - thanks, Bill!

The boys biked, swam, hiked and read. Mom went on some gnarly trails, and even saw a bear (6th one this season!) All in all, a great weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend

It was wet and soggy. The pizza oven suffered rain damage, and will have to be redone, which is a bummer.

Nevertheless, we had a fun time...mountain biking, motorcycles, board games, time away from the computer and video games is always good.

Lurkers, please leave a comment...it would be great to know that someone (other than Megan and Karin) actually read this drivel.

Another layer on the pizza oven

The weather was great this weekend! Uncle Dennis came out on Saturday to help with the earth oven...he and Steve repaired cracks from earlier drying, and added an insulating layer of "cobb" (clay + hay = cobb).

The boys put in plenty of miles on thier motorcyle and quad, and Rex went innertubing on the river. Mom blew a fork seal out on the trails, but had a couple of great rides (even though my new "Panaracer Rampage" tires suck...will be switching back to the tried and true "Kenda Nevegals.") Look for more mt. biking references in the future.