Where did summer go?

Summer has flown right by and the pace of our adventures picked up towards the end. I have been bad at updating you all, but I will catch you up.

The knee is fully healed and chomping at the bit to hit the slopes. No rafting or white water adventures for me this summer, but Justin hit is hard in his canoe. He guided a few times, but has enjoyed going out with friends mostly.

We helped our friends Kathy and Conor paint their new home a few months ago and made a pilgrimage to the Bershires with Sam, Andy and Glen to see Michael Franti! It was an amazing show. Sam and Andy also hosted what I hope can be an annual Bigelow station bash to celebrate getting hitched. I think next year Justin and I will host one later on to celebrate Kate and Dave's wedding.

Not much has changed at work. Justin is considering a nuring program and I continue building my skills and knowledges to sit for my Certified Hand Therpist Exam in two years. (I have to wait until I have been an OT for 5 years to sit for it).

We hope all is well on your end of the world. Best to all! S&J

Family, Friends, Fun and Franti

Family Fun and Franti

The weekend before last we traved to Gloucester to return the boys home after a few days of fun in the Western Mountains of ME. We schooled them in the ways of Extreme Bocce, hanging on the porch and showed them the secret swimming hole. After a night in Gloucester we traveled to Western MA to Glen's place in the Berkshire's to see Michael Franti in concert at the Green River Festival. We packed a lot of fun into three days, but it was worth it!

Sprummer...

summer 09

Sprummer has been fun, but low key. It was full of knee rehad for me and breaking in a white water canoe for Justin. My knee is not 100% and won't be ready for agressive activity for a few months, but I am pleased with the progress and so is my rehab team. Justin has had tons of fun in his new white water canoe and has really taken to it. He has also be guiding too which I know he is equally excited about since he didn't get on the river last year because of school. At the end of the month he will move from working in Farmington to working in Livemore. He has mixed feelings, but is ready for the change. There has been mention that he will use the "low call volume time" to continue his education even more...oh jeeze!

Our friends/neighbors Sam and Andy are currently in Barbados getting hitched. We were suppose to go, but were not able because of the financial blow of my injury. We did however participate in the pre-wedding fun and will be ready to party at the reception right here in Bigelow Station!

The weather had been up and down. A few weeks ago we got down to the 30's at night. Our flower and veggies are planted and we are ready for summer to come full force. Our next adventures will be to a wedding in Western Mass next weekend and the 4th of July at Milea's beach house I presume. Be well...Jut and S~

Recovery

It has been one week since my ACL reconstruction and things are coming along really well. I almost have full motion back. My goal for the end of this week is to get full extension and I am at -4 (this means my knee has a 4 degree bend in it and it needs to be at 0). My other goal for the first week was to get up to 90 degrees in flexion on my CPM (a machine that bends and straightens my leg) and I was at 110 4 days after my surgery! I am being stubborn and not really wearing my brace at home a lot, and I am only using one crutch. I hope all this progress keeps up...

Reggae '09

OMG what a Reggae this year. Kate came from Telluride and surprised us with Little Dave. SO COOL!!! It made the whole weekend. Conor and Kathy came up and made it all complete (minus Big Dave of course). We spent the weekend eating, drinking and reuniting. It felt good to have family back for a short while and we can only hope next time it is for longer ;)

We are all the more safer...

Farva is now a Paramedic! He nailed his written test on the first go around and all he has to do is send in the official paperwork to the state to get his license. There has already been some celebrating, but I am sure we will turn up the juice when Kate and Chaos get here from Colorado on Thursday!!!!

Alta-tude Adjustment

So we couldn't afford our usual mega trip out West this year, but Sara snuck way to see Collen in SLC for a long weekend. A major knee injury put a dampor on skiing full force, but I did dominate the beginner and intermediate areas. Alta has a cool deal where you can ski the beginner area for free after 3pm (take note Sugarloaf) so I was able to test the bum leg before rippin' all day Sunday (Do NOT tell my PT or Ortho doc). Had a great time chillin' with Coll, Jarrod, and Smarion. The airline lost my luggage on the way home, but I am getting use to that. I also got use to getting searced at the airports since I kept setting off the metal detector with my knee brace. It was a great trip for SURE!

Paramedic...almost

So Justin passed his last two Paramedic practical exams on Friday. Now he just has the written to do and he will be officially done. The practicals were a huge weight because of the pressure involved. Having another professional breathing down your neck critiquing you is never fun. The written will be somewhat less stressful. Once that is over I am sure he/we will be ready for a new challenge.

Knee Injury...yet again

So I had a nice three day weekend finally planned and we got about a foot and a half of snow. I WAS PUMPED. On my third or fourth run on Saturday I caught an edge in a duff of powder and took a head over heals tumble. I hyperextended my knee and got a ride to the hospital by my personal EMT (soon to be Paramedic). My director at work (my personal PT) thinks I sprained my ACL and my knee cap is out of positon. I have been constantly icing and doing some strengthening to get things back to normal. It almost looks normal too. I WILL BE BACK ON SKIS!

Marc takes on Maine

Justin and I brought his nephew Marc back to Maine with us after the holiday. They had a great time skiing/riding and just plain hanging out. He got a good tast of our lifestyle and I don't think he hated it. Uncle Jut was a great host and was happy to have family in Maine for a little while.

A Hurlburt Christmas!

We traveled to Gloucester to spend the holiday with Justin's family and all their friends. We had fun and played with baby Emily lots. Justin made out well getting a white water canoe for Christmas. And no there was no ring under the tree for me. We hope you all had a safe and joyus holiday.

Meet Poppy

So our family has a new member. Her name is Poppy and she is a Yorkshire Terrier. She is full of it and a little busy body. Potty trainging has been hard with the cold weather and she she seems to be particular about food too. Poppy is a fun addition.

From poppy

no more teachers...no more books

Yes ladies and gentlemen, today at approximately 4pm Justin "Farva" Hurlburt took one of the final steps toward becoming a Paramedic. I am sooooo excited for him and the opportunities this will give him. I tried my best to be really supportive, understanding and helpful this past year and he worked his hardest at something he is more that passionate about. It was cool to watch. The trip isn't over yet, but the destination is on the horizon now.

Cassie

This morning my best friend Cassie (aka Cassarole)was called to doggie heaven. She didn't suffer at all and for that I am greatful. Cassie had become my mom's faithful companion ever since I went away to college, but she and I always had a special bond. Growing up my mom had a Chiuaua that my dad bought her. She was cute but, that dog never liked me because I accidently pushed her down the stairs when I was a baby so Cassie was really the first true blue companion I have had. She was 12 and still as active as ever (must be from hanging out with my 62 year old mother who still Ski Patrols) so she has lived a good life. I know she will be chasing her ball or relaxing by the fire in her Sno Dundah in the sky.

Dave and Maggie came out from Colorado. We had a great turkey dinner and made it to all the local landmarks so Maggie could get a real feel for the Valley. Let's just say I think she walked away with a new found appreciation for the unique. Justin had to work the one night they stay in town, but we caught up with them the next night after work/school for dinner on thier way out of town. It was great, but it really made us miss the family even more. xoxo

My Good Buddy Colleen is leaving for Utah next week and I journeyed down to MA for her going away party. Good times were had by all, reconnecting after a short summer. Tears were shed, but this journey will be one she will never forget. I love you Coll and I will miss you tons!

Festivus with the Best of Us!

We have been really busy with work and school this summer and haven't had too many exciting outings. We have mostly enjoyed and explored the wonders of our own backyard. I went on what was supposed to be a 4 hour hike, which ended 6 hours later. Thanks Nate! Justin has kept busy studying, but did have an opportunity to help me break in my new kayak. That trip almost was the end of many things. The weather has left a lot to be desired which has also put a damper on outdoor excitement. Now that summer is almost officially over the weather has turned around and just in time for the annual Carrabassett Valley Festival. Enjoy the pictures from the festivities!

Wedding Weekend

So Justin and I got invited to two weddings this past weekend. Our bestest buds Dave and Kate came from CO came home for one. They missed out on their Farva Fill since he went to the second wedding...I am pretty sure after time Farva and Dave will kiss and make up. I started the weekend by catching up with two members of the Fab 5 (my bestest buds from college) in Portland for and 80's dance party at Bubba's. Then is was on to brunch Saturday with Dave and Kate. We caught up all afternoon and then hung with good friends at our friend Jennie's wedding. We completed the weekend with a midnight (maybe it was closer to 2am) rendevous to LL Bean for which Tomas and Fromas came too.

Fourth of July in Review

Justin and I enjoyed some quiet down time at Wells Beach at his friends beach house. Millea and Justin have been good friends for a while and a week long visit to the beach house for the 4th is tradition. We enjoyed lots of good food, drinking and fires. Most of all the beach. He even had a outside shower to clean off when we got back from the beach! Didn't get a picture:( From there Justin spent some time in MA with his family and I headed to my grandparents for a quick day picnic on Sunday. It was jam packed, but fun and relaxing! Enjoy the photo recap.

Yet another addition to the family...

Earlier this month Justin had to give up his faithful friend Buck the truck due to a significant Toyota recall. Just yesterday Justin took on a new companion and adopted Tim Buck Two (Tim). He is finding places to add pieces of Buck the Truck (the ski pole shifter, ash tray and 4W drive shifter) so that Buck will live on. Here's to many more years with a faithful friend!