Bikes Again Only This Time As Spectators

For sometime now Bonnie and Bill have discussed watching a cycle-cross bike race. Well, with one being held within five miles of their home why not. Barton Park: behind the park is a large gravel pit. Bill decided to take rubber boots, green ones at that. Oh well, being dry was more important than being fashionable. Was not long and Bonnie went back to the car to install her boots as well.
Not sure what to expect other than mud, expectations were, well open. When Bonnie and Bill entered the parking lot area there was a line of riders waiting to wash off their bikes as well as themselves. Hmm, this might be a bit more extreme than anticipated. I might add, this was not just a guy thing. As Bonnie and Bill were leaving at the start line maybe 200 woman participants were prepping for their races. These may have been the novice groups, but still quite serious about their sport, young and old alike.
About half way through the time Bonnie and Bill were there, a kids race was announced. And yes these were kids, maybe six and under. Parents running along side of their child assisting when needed. The kids track was around a shed, but with all the traffic from the various races, there was mud and water to be had even for the little ones.
A couple of pictures here show some of the extreme times, but none of the races were easy. Minimum time ~45 minutes. Most races were six laps or less depending on class by skill set, age, and weight.

BRRRRR

For some reason Bonnie and Bill decided to go for a bike ride, and with the Farmers Market in downtown Portland calling their names off they were. No, they did not ride from Damascus. They drove into Sellwood and road in from there.
What a busy path along the old rail line. Numerous walkers and many bikes. It was 40 degrees when they left the house. Yes warm dress was in order, only to realize another layer would have been nice. But the ride with a bit of fall chill was well worth it. They were rewarded with squash and apples from their favorite Hood River orchard to make a squash soup for an up and coming club meeting. At the market they found a pastry business that looked too good to pass up. Once again they were rewarded with two fabulous cookies, a cranberry and raisin granola, as well as a butter toffee chocolate chip cookie. The best award has yet to be given. Ha, but to leave with only two items. Not. They picked up a blue cheese, tomato, and asparagus tart, and of course a cranberry tart dessert. These were for home consumption.
So, back to home they headed. Still a bit cool, but closer to 45 than 40. Bonnie dawned her footie boots for wind break, and Bill added a toe wind break to help with thawing the toes.
The outing would not be complete without a coffee shop break. On the way in Bonnie had spotted a new shop, so of course this was our next stop. Bonnie had her white chocolate mohca and Bill had his second egg-nog latte of the season. Both were quite pleasant.
Onward the truck rolled only to be delayed again with a stop at a local sport shop to check out foul weather gear: lobster gloves for both, and a head warmer for Bonnie, of course with a pony tail slit.
Overall a great morning that remained dry between the NW storms.

Though the path will never be the same….the memories of our time together will be strong.

I don’t know who it is harder on, the one getting old, or the ones watching those whom we love get old.

It has been a very sad week for both our household as well as my Mom’s. Dion who was 13 ½ years old has been starting to show signs of old age over the past several weeks, and on Monday evening he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

This poem has circulated many times and always brings a tear to my eye. There is the sadness of farewell and the knowing he is going to a better place at this time of his life.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

I remember when my Mom decided that we were going to take Dion as a puppy back from Elizabeth’s litter out of Rhett & Aajah. Since Dion was our only puppy at the time. He was spoiled and yet always a gentleman, and mild mannered.

I showed him and he easily completed his championship, and then was retired until I met Bill and decided perhaps Dion was the perfect Veteran to teach Bill what it takes to show a dog.

Dion couldn’t have been a better instructor and he and Bill made quite a team, picking up several awards from the veterans class (dogs over age 7).

Dion also taught Bill how to hold a leash properly. I don’t think that we will ever forget walking in the vineyards behind John & Tracey Skupny’s house. They turned Indi and Tazi loose to run and Dion decided he was going too.

The leash slipped right through Bills fingers and Dion was free. It was a heart stopping moment for everyone except Dion who was thrilled to be running in the vineyards with the other dogs.

Thank heavens they didn’t scare up a bunny that day.

After I got married the boys remained at home with my Mom. Dion, Buddy and my Mom became constant companions. A gentleman watching over the household sitting on his favorite chair or in front of the fire.

We are two households and a single family that deeply miss one special Saluki boy, Dion.

Ch. Snowynde Pandava of Tiarc, JC

March 15, 1996 – November 2, 2009