Gettysburg!

Yesterday was my very first trip to Gettysburg and I was absolutely amazed and humbled at the magnitude of the 3 day battles that took place there 149 years ago this week (with same exact temperatures in the upper 90's 100's).

I am thankful to have gone with my friends Shelley and Janet, who is an expert in Civil War history and was our own personal guide! My photo is taken on the Union side near the Pennsylvania memorial. I believe our freedoms that we enjoy today hinged on those three battles, and that Lincoln saved the Union one year later!

BSoleille! Humbled at this very sacred place.
Terri

Olympic Hopeful to Olympic Team!

I am so thankful to report that 3000M Steeplechaser Bridget Franek will represent the USA in Track & Field at the London Olympics in August! Could not be happier for Bridget and her family as she takes on the best in the world at the Games! How exciting is that?

BSoleille! A bright shining track star -Bridget Franek. Go USA!!!

Photo from internet after her race

Everybody in the Pool!

It seems like the dog days of summer have finally descended in Maryland with high temps near 100 degrees. So the best cooling off (besides an air-conditioned home) is a dip in the local pool. I am thankful we continued our membership for these special days. Interestingly enough, today was my first time going this season which is way later than normal for me. It was very inviting today though, and I plan going more often.

BSoleille! Finding the bright side of cooling waters!

Terri

200th Anniversary of the War of 1812

In commemoration of the War of 1812, my 2Bee Trish and I are taking on our guild's Block of the Month duties, and hopefully our members will make lots of blocks throughout the next year. For our first month we decided to make a "Dolly Madison" block since she was a huge part of the war effort! We had 13 made and one lucky guild member won these tonight. Thankful Trish was able to design this block on her EQ-6 computer program; something I do not have. Got to love teamwork!

BSoleille!
Terri

In Season Vegetables

Good ole summertime fruits and veggies in abundance! Fresh tasting and delicious no matter how prepared but I like most in their "natural" state. The best part of summer is sinking my choppers into a big fat fuzzy and juicy peach! Yummy......

BSoleille!
Terri

Bridget Franek at the USA Track&Field Olympic Trials

Today my thoughts and silent prayers went out to the US Track&Field Olympic Trials held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon and Bridget Franek's prelim in the 3000M Women's Steeplechase. Her race went off a little after 8pm EST and I am here to report that she won her heat, and thankfully qualified for the final on Friday with a time of 9:44!  Her preparation, dedication and commitment to be the best in her event is incredible and I am so proud of her as she reached the final!  Whoooohooo Go Bridget!!!

Photos today: 7 year old Bridget running on Kelley's Island, OH -1995 and today at the US Olympic Track&Field Trials in Oregon (she is in the lead in green sports top) (photo from internet)

BSoleille! Finding a bright spot at TrackTown USA

terri

Special Day on the Chesapeake Bay

A few months ago (think cold and in a hockey rink) at a Hockey 4 Hope benefit, I won the bid for a sailboat ride on the Chesapeake Bay. Jump ahead now to today and that bid turned into a unbelievable reality. Captain David Sabourin took me and pal Linda on a 56' Sea Ray boat ride we will never forget. We began our 6 hour trek in Deale and headed over to St. Michaels for lunch then headed back to the Annapolis Harbor before ending out trip back in Deale. I am very thankful It was a spectacular day to be on the water and to really enjoy the moments..."sailing away" like the Pablo Cruise song!

BSoleille! To a great Captain of "All The Toys", Dave Sabourin.
Terri

Hunger Games

I just finished the last book of the "Hunger Game" trilogy while on vacation. It was great catching up with my reading but these books were something else. Tons of metaphors on all aspects of life (series aimed for young adults), with a tough premise of kids killing kids coupled with a twisted love story with the main characters. Thankfully it was a fairly quick read and I am interested now in seeing the movie that apparently is all the rage! I think it's time to read a classic!

Photo today taken in downtown Annapolis after a quick breakfast at Chick and Ruth's

BSoleille!
Terri

Family Fun from Ocean City to Rehoboth

The week at the beach is only a memory now, but it was great spending time with the family. We had to "squeeze" in some skee ball along with many trips to the beach for sun, surf and sand. My husband Bill and I finished the week by biking the Junction Trail from Rehoboth to Lewes,DE, and getting caught in the downpour of rain a few miles from our ending spot! It certainly cooled us off and a big shout of thanks to Lizzy and staff at Atlantic Cycle for our rides and a place to change out of wet clothes!

BSoleille! Finding a great June week to hit the beach
Terri

Crashing Waves

There is no mistaking the thunderous sounds of crashing waves along the beaches anywhere in the world. I'm thankful to be able to sit quietly early this morning to listen to the syncopated rhythm of the sea and all it's glory. A great place to be considering the heat today!

My photo taken after sunrise as the sun and heat began rising.

BSoleille! The bright side of a beach morning!
Terri

Segway

A legitimate bucket list item for me can be crossed off by going on a Segway this afternoon in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. Lizzie, our wonderfully informative guide, was great with me and son Ryan as we wheeled around the whole town in 95 degree heat! Thankful we stopped to wet our whistles along our route and take some photos.

BSoleille! Enjoying the hot sun on a different kind of two wheels.....
Terri

Rehoboth DE

I'm thankful to have gotten in a 15 mile bike ride this morning that was relatively flat, plus some beach time and dinner near the Rehoboth boardwalk with the family.

BSoleille, for sunny skies and warm days at the beach!
Terri

Ocean City Maryland

A cooler day at the beach but the "world's famous Thrasher's Fries" we're hot and so delicious! I especially like them dipped in vinegar. Thankful the family is together to enjoy each other and spend some quality time at the beach!

BSoleille!
Terri

Also in Sandusky Ohio Over Weekend

As I noted in my blog last weekend, I was able to visit Kelleys Island
in Ohio and spend an incredibly precious weekend visiting
with family and college friends. The weather was spectacular and the
company I was with was even better...these times happen too
infrequently.

On the drive home that evening, we learned that Chris Smith, who was on the island all day, (and cheering on all the runners in the 5k and 10k races) had passed away in a single auto accident Sunday evening after having left Kelleys Island.

Chris had been at the afternoon get together at his brother Scot's (and Jodie's) house lighting up the place with big bear hugs and fun teasing banter.

So this past week was very difficult for Chris's family and the service was
held yesterday in Sandusky OH. I am blessed and thankful that I could
attend the services for Chris. He was an incredible man who touched
the lives of literally thousands of people. The out pouring of love and
support was so touching to witness; that the take away was to live passionately like Chris did.

The world has lost a wonderful man, dad, coach, son, husband, friend.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/obituary/chris-p-smith-nov-19-1965-june-10-2012

Terri




Sent from my iPhone

Grad party in Ohio

Thankful we were able to get back to Ohio for my nephew Brandon's graduation party. Good food, warm weather and catching up with my Mom, sisters and families and cousins rounded out the day. Brandon sporting his new alma mater Akron Zips T-shirt was the icing on the cake!

BSoleille, helping to celebrate a major milestone.
Terri

New Technology?

I have not posted in awhile about new technology, but I am compelled to write about a new "toy" that I got for mother's day this past May called the Nike Fuel Band.  It's a great gadget to get you moving and then you can plug it into your computer to see how well you stack up against yourself (from your set goals), and then, of course, mankind.....or let me say, maybe your age group?  Anyway, I have mine set to accomplish 3000 "fuels" a day, a measurement set by the good folks at Nike, but whatever, it keeps you moving.  It also gives you the time, calories burned (not so sure on this one if it's accurate enough) and steps taken throughout the day.  I am thankful that my family wants to keep me fit and active as much as possible every day!

BSoleille!  Finding the bright side of measuring "fuel"!

terri

All the pretty sailboats!

A nice "surprise" dinner out for our anniversary at the Pirate's Cove Restaurant in Galesville, MD, afforded us to see the Wednesday night sailboat races out of Annapolis.  We had a great meal of "steak and cake" or filet mignon and an crab cake that were delicious.  Afterwards, we stolled out on the pier to take a closer look at all the wonderful boats parked in the water, and the sailors going across the "finish line" with their colorful sails blowing in the wind.....spectacular!

BSoleille!  Enjoying a sunny evening near the water!

terri

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary!

Today I am VERY THANKFUL for the past 25 years of marriage with my best friend, lover, father of my children, and over-all great guy, Bill Tomoff.  It seems like the years keep going faster, but our bonds keep getting stronger.  A deep sense of family, focus and faith keep us marching on everyday through everything that life throws at us!  It is also our deep love for each other and hearty laughter that makes up for the rest of life's trials.....

I am going out on a limb today by posting not one or two photos, but five!  Bare with me, but I could not resist posting these as June 13, 1987 seems just like yesterday!

P.S. We celebrated this milestone last summer (August) with our wonderful Alaskan cruise!

Wedding Party

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Cleveland, Ohio

Bill Tomoff

Terri Nolan Tomoff

Terri & Bill 

BSoleille!  The bright and wonderful world of wedded bliss!!!

terri

Back to Business

Lots of quilting projects to catch up on now.  Today I worked extra hard to complete the top of a T-Shirt quilt for a recent high school grad, and I'm thankful it's ready to hit the baby long-arm for quilting- hopefully tomorrow!  Good thing it rained today, kept me inside to finish it.....

My photo is the finished T-Shirt quilt top:

BSoleille!

terri

Wrap Up KI Photo

Traditionally, after the Kelley's Island 5K and 10K races, we take a group photo of the runners and the rest of the gang that did not run as well.  Since the photo was taken on my camera I was able to upload the photos to my computer, but could not post due to no internet access when driving home.  My "deadline" is midnight (home one hour after that) to count!  I am thankful for the great weekend and weather, a great kick-off for summer fun.

BSoleille,

terri

End of a Priceless Weekend at KI

Biked it, hiked it, liked it!

BSoleille, savoring the bright side of the long standing Kelleys Island tradition.
Terri

Day 2 at Kelley's Island

I am thankful that today was just as spectacular as yesterday and the fun continued all day!  A little run, a little trip to the Kelley's Island Winery and a little golf cart ride, plus a little swimming in Lake Erie rounded out the day.  I am including three photos today because I just do not want to leave anyone out that I know and on the Island.  They include my BGSU Cross Country team (5 runners including Jodie, Rosalie, Laura, JoAnn Wegert and me); BG girls and boys (including Tom, Scot and Chris Koehler) and of course, the Tomoff/Misencik/Godleski family and crew at the campground!

BSoleille!  The sunny side of "island time"!

terri

Kelley's Island, Ohio 2012

For many years the tradition was to go camping and run a race on Kelley's Island, Ohio, beginning in 1985 with my BGSU friends, then friends of friends and then families and more friends.  It's really a total blast, and last year was my family's first trip back after a 15 year hiatus!  So, I am doubly thankful to repeat it again this year!  Our day started early in Crofton at 5am sharp, but we made good time and got on the 2pm ferry over to the island!  Setting up camp, having dinner with a few Tomoff siblings and their families, then heading to the Smith's at the back of the island to enjoy some beach time and a beautiful June sunset-priceless!

My photo today is of the June sunset and my BG crowd:  Jodie and Scot Smith; Tom and Rosalie Franek and Josh (with friend Brandon); Laura Murphy, and my family as well.

BSoleille!  The bright side of the Island!

terri

I'm still making tote bags!

I have not mentioned quilting or sewing much lately, but I am, I am!  I just made these two tote bags in brown and yellow so I could give one away as a gift to Maureen Diaczok today at her retirement party from School Health Services.  Ms. Diaczok was a "pioneer" in our county in setting up school health programs in the public schools which now includes 117 in Anne Arundel County.  She has had a brilliant nursing career, and I was thankful that many people were invited to her party to wish her well.  She has spent 45 years as a nurse, with 22 of those with School Health Services.  Best wishes to a fine lady!

I'm including two photos:  the totes, and me and Maureen with her tote!

BSoleille!

terri

First time at Washington Nationals Stadium

Taking in a ball game with the son and nephew on a beautiful Wednesday evening. Three tickets near a cool hundred bucks plus parking and eats for the crew adds up in a hurry; but the memories in the making are priceless!

BSoleille! The bright side of MLB in DC!
Terri

High School Senior Visitor

My nephew Brandon, class of 2012 from Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, flew in today for his post graduate visit to Maryland. Lots of fun packed into a few days beginning with his favorite restaurant - Fuji Steakhouse for dinner. Thankful to make this possible for him and the family. Fun as the chefs prepare your meal to "perfection". Love that filet mignon.

BSoleille!
Terri

The Power of a Healing

After hearing all the tragedies over the weekend with an automobile accident in Brunswick, Ohio, involving almost high school graduates, my heart and prayers go out to those families and that graduating class. Very. Sad.  On a positive note, the young lady, Katie, who I posted about her one-car collision a few weeks ago is healing nicely and doing well today.  She was finally able to get the skin graft from her foot to place on her hand, and except for extreme itchiness, it's healing!  Katie came to visit us today, hanging out with Ryan and Olivia and staying for a great dinner with the whole family!  Lovely.  My photo is of Olivia and Katie in the backyard this evening.

BSoleille, finding the bright side of good healing!

terri

How Can I Help You?

This will the question posed hundreds of times by Olivia in the coming weeks at one of the Dunkin Donuts in Crofton. It's her first job and thankfully, so far she loves it! And since she likes coffee and likes early mornings this job should work out to be a great fit for her. Maybe I'll even try one more cup of joe eventually!

BSoleille!
Terri

Chantilly Quilt Show to Fiddler on the Roof

It is not often that I attend other quilt shows, but today I am thankful to have gone to the Chantilly, VA Quilt Show with my 2Bee, Trish.  Once there, we really enjoyed seeing all the pretty quilts, plus the wonderful vendors to "help keep our stash(es) of fabric(s) alive and well".  And the fun did not stop there because we ran into other friends and guild members all there to do the same thing!

My photo today was taken by a nice lady quilter on Amy M's camera.  Seated L-R: Shelley and Cappy; Standing L-R: Amy, Linda, Trish, me, and Karen!

P.S.  I ended my day seeing the terrific "Fiddler on the Roof" play at the Bowie Playhouse!  A great show to add to the summer event calendar (if local).

BSoleille!  Finding super bright fabrics at the quilt show and singing (in my head) along with the cast, "Sunrise, Sunset"!

terri

Last Day as a Junior

Today marks the last "full" day of school for my son Ryan in his junior year of high school.  After finals next week, he will officially be a senior!  We are very proud of how far he has come, and can't believe he will be a senior soon!  Here's wishing all the best for our 2012 graduates, both high school and college, a bright future ahead no matter what is pursued!  Congratulations!

BSoleille, wishing for bright days ahead on all who are graduating in 2012!

terri