First Week in Town

We’ve enjoyed our first week in the ‘boro, although it is much different than Clemson. A few observations include:

1. There are gnats!
2. There are gnats!
3. Just because the map indicates a road, there is a good chance the road may be dirt.
4. When you have to turn around multiple times on roads, due to dirt, you increase your chances of running into trashy neighborhoods and viscous dogs.
5. When a bull mastiff the size of your bike runs towards you and your husband yells, “Go MELISSA!” You sprint, ready or not!
6. It’s not as hot as Augusta, but its sure close!
7. People stare because you are not overweight.
8. They only stock Bud Light and Budweiser at the grocery store, no exotic beers!
9. No one knows what organic means.
10. Did I mention, there are gnats!

Lisa came down for a weekend visit and we explored Savannah. Someone there must know how sweet I am and felt so strong they posted a sign! Surprising to some, I know...

The Move to the 'boro

We made it to Statesboro on Monday. You can see below we didn’t get a big enough truck and had to sell things before we drove off. A county sheriff was interested in a few items and Sean was happy to help. I looked out the window and figured he was in trouble with the law, again! It was a good laugh! The rest of the pictures are of the house. Tomorrow I head to school to get bona fide. Will keep you posted on the new adventure. Thanks to everyone along the way that helped!

Moving Pictures

A Night to Remember…

Not because I decided to partake in Rae’s superliquored margaritas, but because we have been blessed with so many great friends. Rae and Steve hosted a good luck party (not goodbye) for us last night. The food was amazing, the liquored poured freely, and no one talked about goodbyes. After a long dry spell of not drinking, for numerous reasons, I decided to celebrate a little. It’s been a long time, but I remembered quickly after Rae handed me one of her fancy margaritas, alcohol can hit fast on an empty stomach. That theme continued through the evening and that pretty margarita glass had had enough of me by night’s fall when it jumped out of my hands and broke on the deck. I will apologize in advance to Rae and Steve for the soon to be flat bike tires! I think Sean decided a few beers was enough, after Steve gave him some extra strong suds, and when my inside voice was no longer. You can see from the pictures we had a great time! Caroline made an amazing pound cake, Danna made her famous wedding cookies (which I can’t walk by without popping one in my mouth=1,000 calories a piece thank you very much), and Rae had my favorite, strawberry cake. And despite bets that I would be in the loo or hung-over today, neither happened. I actually got a great night’s sleep, woke up earlier enough to catch Meet the Press and Face the Nation, and post the party pictures on the blog. Thanks to everyone who organized and came. We couldn’t have asked for better luck!

Good Luck Party Pictures

Good Times but No Stars and Stripes

Sean and teammates (Josh, Darby, Rodney, and Weaver) returned this week from the Seven Springs Road Festival and put in strong efforts to win a National Title, in both the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups. Team members placed in the top twenty in both the road and criterium events, but the only place that counts is #1. Now I get to listen for another year about how he could have won if he had more time to train. I feel a request for the Summer of Sean III approaching.

The Fat Man Hand off to Masters

Today Sean left for Masters Nationals taking place in Seven Springs, PA (a flat place I hear!). He, Rodney, and Shane will all be competing in the 35-39 age group, which currently has over 100 riders registered. As Sean checked the roster last night of registered racers, he said it was the, "who’s, who’s of pro and national champions." I guess at 35 you realize you are not going to win the Tour de France and decide to get a Masters Title. Right before he left he was stung by a few nasty looking wasp and the fat hand you see below was the result. I didn’t care to look at it, or for it to touch me. I know, shallow I am. Anyway, hopefully someone from Greenville will come back with a stars and stripe jersey!

Racing Pictures

Racing Fun

The Southeast Mountain Bike Championships were held at Issaqueena this past weekend. Two teammates and a few friends raced. Afterward we had some great chicken at Z’s, thanks Tammy & Z. Emily entered her first mtn bike race and placed 3^rd out of 12 women. Ian and Z won, of course. All the gals came out to support the gang. Great racing everyone! Hope I can be on the bike next time. Also, above are pictures from the Mellowdrome track in Asheville. I was a supporter, again. Sean, Shane, Jim, Rodney as well as Dawn and Bo raced. We represented Greenville well!