A Few Days in Bermuda

With the fall exams complete we escaped for a few days in Bermuda. It was a quick flight from DC - which was nice. Michelle had booked a great house right on the water, fantastic views of the bay and a multi-tiered porch...perfect for smoking a few Cuban cigars! Although we had a bit cooler temps than expected and a bit of rain it was a very relaxing 6 days - we rented a sailboat, did a bit of snorkeling, toured a few of the towns and mostly didn't think about work...very nice.

Michelle in Brazil

While Les watched the Formula One Grand Prix final from home, Michelle traveled to the host nation of Brazil (doesn't seem right...she doesn't even like racing!).

Les prepped her on the status of the championship so she was conversant with the cabbies in Rio and Sao Paulo.
Although the real purpose was (apparently) business Michelle was able to see the sights of Ipanema Beach (where bikinis are mandatory!) and the 120' tall "Christ the Redeemer" statue overlooking Rio.

Michelle back in Europe

Exam time for Les and Michelle departs for Europe. 4 days in the UK and then another week in Germany. Another chance to catch up with "Dr. Dave and Dawn" and a trip to the British countryside and beautiful Leeds Castle. Making the best of an otherwise "business trip." While back in Germany Michelle caught up with Simone and Michael.

Mid Life Crisis

Finally - I'm back on a motorcycle again. It's been so long that I thought it best to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. Despite the mocking I got from Paul Cooley it was well worth it - and I'm loving the new bike, a BMW f650GS Dakar...zoom, zoom!

Michelle back in Oz

While Les was chained to his desk prepping for the Fall MBA exams Michelle escaped back to Oz to bring our new news to her Mum and sisters. Being the Aussie winter (they actually do have a winter, kind of) the girls booked a B&B at Lake Mountain. This was Michelle's mum's first experience with snow, and she even strapped on the snowshoes! Michelle (and bubbie) joined Bernie, Tamara and Daniel for a cross-country ski.

Of course, no trip to Oz would be complete without a visit with good friends in Melbourne. Michelle caught up with Rod, Lauren, Paul and Dave.

She finished off the visit with a road-trip to the old 'hood: passing through Seymour (her birthplace) on the way to Mildura (on the mighty Murray!).

Michelle in Kona (Hawaii) with Greg & Lisa

I am off yet again on another trip leaving Les to his studies. A few days relaxing in Kona Hawaii with Lisa, Greg and their daughter Sarah, they were kind enough to offer me to join them on their vacation, how could I refuse. It was the Kona outrigger race weekend, both Lisa and I were wishing we were in the race, but for me being 11 weeks pregnant it probably wasn't a good idea.
We had a fantastic night snorkel with the Manta Rays, they were so close if I had of reached my arm out I would have touched them, they were doing barrel roles right underneath us, it was a pretty amazing experience.
The next few days were spent exloring the foods of Hawaii, with a side trip to the volcano's. There was an obsession to find the only chocolate growing farm in Hawaii and we did. Even after seeing how coco is grown and the bean is prepared for chocolate, still didn't put me off eating it. Of course our food exploration took us to a coffee farm, where we not only got to try the local coffee, but Lychee's, avacardo's and see the crazy chooks, that thought they were dogs or cats.
Enjoyed a few days snorkelling, with the warm waters and the fish are colourful, how could you not enjoy it. The last day before getting on my plane was spent stand up paddle boarding which I really enjoy, the baby certianly got a tase of water sports on this trip.

Bubbie on the Way!

In late July it was confirmed that we've got a baby on the way!

We're expecting a boy in mid-March 2009.

Michelle in Mexico

Yet another business trip for me, this time to Mexico City. I must say I wasn't really expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. unfortunately being a few weeks pregnant I was not able to enjoy the margarita's, imagine going to Mexico and not having a margarita, that is like going to Australia and not having a beer. However I did enjoy some fabulous Mexican food, it really made you realize that the "Mexican Food" that we get here in the US is definitely modified for the American pallet.
Got the opportunity to take a trip into the old part of town, it was pretty amazing, they had Aztec ruins right in the heart of the city, which was surrounded by these old buildings and churches. It definitely would be a great place to go back to and explore a little more.
Oh yes and I did do some work while I was there!

Desperate East Coast Night Skiing

After a stunning ski trip to the French Alps we were Jonesin' for some late season fresh turns...so we drove up to Whitetail in Southern Penn. It wasn't France...it wasn't Colorado, or California...but it was still a lot of fun - hadn't been night skiing in years.

Skiing in France - Chamonix !

Back to Chamonix! I was here on Christmas back in...(1995, I think).

Wasn't much of a skier back then - not much better now but at least the place didn't scare the ski-pants off me this time - serious terrain, amazing views and wonderful conditions. We met up with Mike and Stacey (thanks for driving down to see us!). It was like we were back in Fallon again: trading Beastie Boys lines and tearing up the mountain...except everyone was speaking French...luckily Mike learned French (probably during a spare weekend last year).

The conditions varied every day - I loved our time in les Houches (I almost caught Mike on one of the runs) Michelle was digging the huge dump of snow we had on our last day (and she...well...kicked my butt - I'm man enough to admit it...).
And thanks to that one French guy in that little ski shop that guided me right on the rentals (where's my skis Delta Airlines!?), put a great layer of wax on Michelle's skis and was cool about giving ski area tips to an American that didn't speak a lick of French - you rock - and so does Chamonix.

Christmas in Oz!

After two years away we returned to Oz for the holidays. Michelle arrived by way of New Zealand (and a four day lay-over with Olga and Paul),

Les met up with Deggs in Sydney before we were reunited again (if only briefly) before Michelle was off to Melbourne and Les went up the coast to Nelson Bay. Alas, we met up again in Muldura for a traditional Aussie Xmas (Bar-B-Q, swimming pool, backyard cricket, and the biggest bloody portable esky (beer cooler) we've ever seen. Good times...