Thursday, July 16, 2009

July

Fourth of July weekend was great. We went to the annual gathering at the Olson Farm where there is a huge spread for breakfast. Everyone brings something to share along with eggs, ham, pancakes, omelets, sausage, etc. A heart attach in waiting. Last year there were an estimated 750 people.


Bro. Olson is a member of our ward and well connected with local military base. He works with disabled veterans. This year, as with others, we honored a soldier lost in the war in Iraq and presented his mother with our appreciation and a tribute to her son. He also had soldiers as far as World War I in attendance that we had the opportunity to honor. One of them was originally from my home town in Rochester, New York.


Luckily it wasn't as hot as it had been in other years, making the program a bit more enjoyable this year.


Later that day, we met friends at the Antietam Battlefield for the Maryland Orchestra and fireworks. A friend's wife in the Orchestra as a violinist. Again, we had a GREAT time.


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A few weeks later I did the Diamond in the Rough Triathlon. This is my first one in open water, the Chesapeake Bay. I slacked off a bit in my training, so I didn't think I did as well - boy, was I surprised when I won 3rd place in my division!