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Thank God there are no marching violins.

July 9, 2006 at 12:19 PM

Around came my favorite time of year, complete with fireworks, parade, carnival, and mountain race. July 3rd brought me four hours of sleep, 11 hours of kitchen work for a special banquet (which I accompanied with a little simple violin music on the side), and a two hour drive to Seward for the annual race up my old favorite, Mount Marathon. I wasn't expecting much out of my attempt this 4th of July, even after so much training. This year, I'd have been pleased just to report another survival. As an added bonus, though, my friends and I all performed better than last year, and I placed 69th out of 350.

I love my friends Heidi and Kim. They've made training so much more fun.

Seward's 4th of July parade calls for special attire. Pets, too!

Ruth and I watched the fireworks display from afar, so that the explosions came several seconds after the bright lights. Sudden booming sounds frighten me; I prefer the advance notice.

And here's my excuse for not practicing this week:

(don't worry, mom, it's all better now.)

I do believe it's true
That there are angels in both of my shoes.

It's been a bittersweet summer so far, like a steep mountain that offers a beautiful view above the clouds.

Alaska looks so pretty! Mount Marathon sounds scary, but you did great!
Nice photos, Emily. I'm glad you're having fun.
what did you do to your hand? did you forget to e-mail Oprah or something?
The cat photo is already a hit at the office.

I call it Kat Kozy.

Was that foto after the race?

Danielle, you wouldn't believe, Oprah was sitting on top of the mountain with Joshua Bell, and when I turned to begin my descent, I heard, "Have a nice trip, see ya next fall!" and I felt a deliberate shove. I was too busy falling to look back to see which one did it.

Bill, my question is, do you take one lump or two with your kitty?

Emily, so good to read a blog of yours - it's been so long! Don't know what's more entertaining - the blog or your reply here. Or the pics. Ah, so much sensory appeal!