Rain means...

...that it is too warm to snow! It also means it's messy---or rather the small hound gets messy when she runs. Today for lunch I took her on her usual "Field-Trip", and when she hopped back into the car...all winded from her run, she managed to hop in before I could stop her and I wore her muddy paw prints for the rest of the afternoon. Luckily most of my "team" left for Lincoln Nebraska to put new engines into a New King Air we're buying and so no one cared if I looked a bit disheveled.

Some very good news is I found someone to take my place at work. It's different when you really care about the folks you work for (on a personal level), and I've been searching for the right person for the job! I found her and she is training with me tomorrow.

Mike did a 30 mile loop before he started work today. I'm envious. The best days are those when you can get your ride in before work! So I am really looking forward to getting back into the swing and back rolling along on two wheels. I can't remember when I've been so long off the bike.

I disconnected our land-line today. And started calling all the utilities. Of course the new buyers have already called many of the folks and she gave them a different date than the closing date. I'll be glad when this is over with. Sigh. I guess our realtor thought we wouldn't mind moving up the date and even though we signed for the 15th, they "ok'd" an earlier closing verbally---hence the confusion. Sigh again...it's a small thing though in the big picture and so I'm like..."whatever".

Not much else going on here---except a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH FOR RICK OLSON! As well as a belated "Welcome to the world to Chloe Kulla!" And a little more unsettling weather. But I've been talking about that all year---nothing new.

scored with craigslist...again!

Remember when craigslist was "cnewmark.com"? I do. Then it changed names a bunch more times. But it bounced back to craigslist and then BOOMED into a worldwide thing. I never use ebay to sell or find stuff anymore. As long as you're in a metro area, craigslist is the BOMB! And...bombs away---we scored again!

I have been searching for places on the boston.craigslist website and then when I'd find something that seemed good, I'd forward it to Mike so he could go and check it out. It was kinda hard to do, as they don't always tell you exactly what you're looking for. But this one did. The only thing that wasn't exactly what we wanted was the move in date...which was April 1st. But I liked it enough from a distance, that I just wanted Mike to go see it anyway---so we'd know what we were missing out on by having to rush things.

He loved it. They loved him. Enough to let us move our stuff in early. And we passed the credit check with flying colors. It is right next door to a big woodsy park where hounds can play and roam free---literally right next to the house! It even has a track! Plenty of storage and cute cute cute. And less than a mile away from Seven. So how about that?

We found our Los Altos rental, our car, many bikes and parts bought and sold, and even sold the bus, and even found jobs...all on craigslist. Thank you Mr. Newmark for creating this place in space!

I've been busy getting rid of stuff and trying to box up as much as I can. There's a guy from work who's getting married in May and I gave he and his wife-to-be some stuff on Sunday. I also managed a jog through Camden yesterday. I needed to get outside and do nothing for a couple of hours. My back hurts from hauling boxes. My back NEVER hurts. But it is all worth it.

Mike went on a long ride through some historic MASS landmarks, with Parke Rhoads (a friend of Erik Saunder's) and called me and said, "Oh sweetie...you'll just love the riding here...small rolling roads through lovely wooded terrain. It's kind of like a rolling Woodside." Oh Man---does that sound good to me. And the rolling terrain and woodsy trees block the wind. It isn't that it isn't windy in SF even...but you can shelter your way out of it. He enjoyed the mild temps and I could hear it in his voice that he liked his new "digs".

Thanks to Parke and Ruth for showing Mike a grand welcome to Massachusetts...I'm next. I want sushi and burritos and a long bike ride too!!!

Finding stuff...

A sure sign that I have too much stuff? Opening boxes that I haven't opened since we moved here, for one. It's a bit overwhelming. I am off again to the Goodwill today. And I've been finding stuff that I've been looking for as well. It's the boxes that I packed up last in California that didn't get marked so well, as I was getting "rushed". And it's the stuff I packed last, that I've been searching for. Example? I had a box of shoes (yes, a whole box), that half I inherited from my Grandma...and half were of the mild weather (California) variety. I looked for them all summer...and thought I'd left them in SF. (I even had my brother keeping an eye out!). I found them...in an unmarked box in the basement. I even looked in the box after we'd arrived here...as it was opened. That was why I was sure I'd seen them. But in the rush of getting this place in order, I opened them, put them aside for later, and forgot about them.

Which brings me to the next predicament. Sentimental crap. Why am I lugging around all this junk? Because my "Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, brother(s), fill in the blank" gave it to me. It's ridiculous. It's also a problem when you've been the same size your whole life pretty much, and so you don't out-grow stuff. Like these jeans I wore when I was 18. Or my addida-baseball shoes (with the rubber cleats) that I wore in the fifth grade. They still fit me. But I never will wear them again. So what's the point? Luckily I'm annoyed enough that today these two items and a bunch of others are making their way to the Goodwill.

It's good to pack by myself though. Mike would give it all away. He doesn't get too sentimental about stuff. And there is some stuff worth keeping even if I don't have "good use" for it. Like letters from my Grandma. I used to write her every week. And she would write me back. I can recognize her writing in the boxes, and I spent the afternoon yesterday reading her letters and wearing her shoes and clothes (we were both small-ish in size). I was very close to her---and I cried...but a good cry, as I read about how much we talked about about.

In one of the letters, she was telling me about how they'd just moved into this "grand place"...on the top floor. My Grandpa didn't like anyone's footsteps walking above him. But my Grandma didn't like going up the stairs and she wanted a unit (they were huge ---like 3000 square feet) on the ground floor. Grandpa said, No!". So while he was on a business trip in New York, she moved without telling him! It was great remembering that! And that feeling is worth lugging around. So in a box they [letters] went...for the next time I unpack them.

Sydney and I both are very ready for Mike to come and get us. Even though we talk on the phone 3-10 times a day, it's just not the same. anyway---just taking a little time out for slacking, I really need to get packing some more. It's already Sunday....

Just me and the Scrapper!

For a night or two, it's kinda nice to stretch out and snuggle up in bed with just the two girl scrapper's....but now we're on the 4th night/5th day, and I miss my husband. This will be the longest separation in 6 whole years that we've had. Hmmmphh! Luckily I have way too much to do and so I don't have a bunch of time to dwell on it.

A couple of days ago I took Sydney to the vet and she got all her shots and heartworm stuff/flea stuff. All of the "it's easier to do here in Marshall" things have been a priority these days. And let me tell you how nice it is to be able to get this stuff done on my lunch hour. Not possible in California (where you basically take half the day to do one task!), and I imagine Boston will be more like that. So if I can do it here...I am.

The people who are moving into our house are trying to get all set-up with their utilities and such. At first I was being as helpful as possible. But now all of my utilities and phone company and other folks keep calling me and saying someone is trying to set-up their service to my house and should they cancel me. I don't know. I feel like if I am paying until the 15th, I would like my service in my name. It's kinda annoying. I mean I can't meet the phone guy or the cable guy here. We had to set this up ourselves when we moved in. I don't know what to do about it. If I get more calls though I will call my realtor. It's my house until we close. I'm sure the new folks are just excited to get moved in---but in my opinion, they are beginning to overstep boundaries. It even feels kinda rude. But I am letting it go...

I talk about the things I miss all the time----from California, to my Family back home (MOM! DAD!!), to my friends, to riding my bike everyday---I realize now, that there are worse things though. I MISS MY HUSBAND! And, I was told not to worry about this, but anyone who feels like sending in a little prayer and some good energy for my Mom, it would be welcome. She had a funny blood-test count and has to have more tests. Concern but not worry. Yeah right! You see, I have plenty to keep my mind occupied these days...and trust me, it isn't the weather! Sigh...

I am glad it is Thursday---Love, Joni

Dear Minnesota;

You know how some people and places come into your life, leave footprints on your heart and soul, and somehow you are never ever the same? If you are getting this message, it's because you have touched my life in a very special way. This has been one heck of a 12 months and I have now experienced the Minnesotan extremes of weather, seasons and wonderful people.

I know from experience that I will arrive in Boston blissfully aware of my new surroundings; I'll rejoice in the newness of it all. And then in a couple of months I will miss Minnesota. I'll tell stories about riding my bike and suffering in the fierce headwinds and then sailing home with the wind at my back ). I clocked 16,993 miles on my road bike in that wind last year, and I didn't even ride in December; I'll brag about walking to work in the sub-freezing climate; I'll inform everyone about the black black soil and cornstalks for miles. Nothing will ever compare with my winter jogs through Camden with only Sydney and the wildlife for company--we got married in Camden and don't know what we'd have done without it as our escape [from the wind!]. From Marshall to St. Cloud, Duluth, Grand Marais & Grand Portage, Stillwater, Minneapolis/St.Paul, Fargo/Moorehead, Northfield, Mankato, Taylor's Falls, Rochester...sigh. The list is long and I realize how much I enjoyed Minnesota.

But aside from the places and things I did, what I will really miss...and it won't take me a couple of months to miss either, are the people who have charmed my life while I've lived here. (In no particular order)

Joe & Chantal Bennett---Duluth suits you well---but I can't believe we moved to Marshall and you guys were already gone....my stomach will hurt from laughing if I dare mention the many conversations with you Joe...and the phone messages you've left that Mike and I save because we laugh until we can't breathe! Priceless!

Kim & Rick Olson---I don't think we'd be here if it wasn't for you guys. I remember Mike sitting in the bathtub in Los Altos, CA talking to Rick on the phone one night around Christmas (2004) and that was the clincher. He toasted you with a beer while you got hammered in a bar somewhere...spiced rum with diet coke (w/splenda) was I'm sure your drink that night. I'll miss not being here to welcome the newest little Olle' to the family. I know you'll come visit. Rick I have your Lance book...Call me.

Dave & Lisa Horstmann---Remember my daily Monday calls, Dave, from California? You are the salt of earth...And you hate this kinda junk---so I'll leave it at Thanks and know that you know what I mean. If you can forward this on to Cody and Chad, who graciously tolerated this girl in their "bike-space", that'd be great! Lisa, I have your book still!

Jim, Mary & Jim Muchlinski---always a day-brightener for me. You already know I love you. Uncle Jim and Mike telling "Johnnie" stories after a dinner of Aunt Mary's homemade soup was a treat of an evening that warms me still!

Kathy Eveslage---even before we moved here...just knowing you were here increased the market-value of Marshall---You're the best hound guard we've ever had and we were wondering if you might come to Boston for a little houndsitting?

Pete & Lynne Johnson---How could I get the coolest job in Marshall right before we leave? Keep on riding Pete. Let me know when you're ready for a Seven! Lynne says ya'll will come visit us in Boston on your way to New Hampshire...we'll go and ride the New England back-roads together...

Celeste Lasich---I've learned so much from you. You are one heck of a woman and Marshall is lucky to have a you preaching the good word.

Rachel & Mike Carpenter---My first bike sale in Marshall! And my riding buddies. I will certainly see you on the road still, perhaps you and Mary and Phyllis can plan a Fall colors in New England bike trip!

Mary Baldwin---I'll never forget riding with you Mary. Training with ya'll for RAGBRAI was wonderful! Sometimes I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe---oh yeah, don't crash!!

Phyllis Johnson---You're a hammer! I guess you win the Most Improved Rider award. Between the antics of you and Mary, each and every suffer-fest in the prairie winds was enjoyed by this California girl!

THE BIRTHDAY CLUB; Marge & Sheldon Haaland, Sandy & Bob Fenske, Joanne & Harland Christoffer, Mike and Mary Jacobs, and Don & Carlene Otterson---for everything from my welcome to our wedding...I'll never forget the day when I rode by on my bike right after Tuesday's coffee and Sandy gave me a warm hug and said, "Oh Joni, I'm so glad you're here!" Watch the Calendar Girl's and think of me! (Diane can you forward this to the Birthday Club?)

The Grandstay Cycling Team---Minnesota started feeling like "home" after meeting you guys! Seriously. Casper, Matt, Jim---you make it hard to leave and we will follow your results on the mcf.net website and on the Grandstay website. With Linda and Casper potentially doing Nats next year---we'll see you in Rhode Island for sure. It has been a GRANDstay! And how about Jim being on the same plane ride out to Boston and giving Mike a ride to Seven!

David LaPorte---It figures the year I'd get a very cool job at the Minnesota Bike Race, working for the race instead of a Pro-Team, I'm unsure if I will be there! It'll always be one of the best events I've been to. You do a fabulous job!

Jay "Hollywood" Henderson---You are the "man"! Rock the good life, and ride the good race! I know I will see you on the road and at the races. (Casper...Matt...someone forward this to Hollywood)

Curtis & Bev, The Soupir's, The Bowden's, The Weeks' and The Rupp's---welcoming us from day one as neighbors! We were lucky! (Diane can you forward to the Bowden's) (Dave Horstmann, can you forward to the Week's?)

The Midwest Aviation Crew---Sam, Norman, Doug, Mike, Art, Bill, Jessie, Shelley, Pat, Joel, Eli, Frank, Lee and Charlotte---You all were awesome to work with! Sam...forward this on to everyone for me.

Kennedy Gilbertson, Cindy Fleck, Carrie Radloff, Austin (Powers! International Man of Leasing!), Erin, Curt Kovash, Deb Schnibley, Paul Meyer and all the wonderful people at US Bank...(Kim, can you forward this onto these folks...?) Mike was blessed to have spent the year learning the skills of leasing with you all. Curt, you are one of the finest leaders I have personally ever met. I hardly knew you but you have a calm, solid leadership quality that I can't describe in words, but is admirable all the same. Kennedy and Austin---you're champs! Cindy, Erin, Carrie, Deb, Paul---I always felt welcome with you guys! Thanks! ---also Joe Andries and Dave Verkinderen (Veech?) (Kim, can you forward?)

Paul Johnson---the best dentist I ever had! It was fun bike riding with you---and thanks for being so gentle on my teeth! (Dave Horstmann, can you forward?)

I am missing lots of email addresses and I am wordy as usual.

As my cousin (in law) Douglas said, "It's rare when folks even know what their passion is---rarer yet when they are able to make a career out of their passion". The weirdest thing is how these jobs found us...we weren't even looking. Two careers that speak to our hearts and lifestyles makes the somewhat scary move to Boston worth the risk. We are excited. Mike will be working the "designing process" end of the custom bicycles, and I will be working Sales and Dealer Development---focusing on growing the brand. Look for us at www.sevencycles.com!

And, know that you will be missed by this California girl!

Love,
Joni Taylor

Celebrate Good Times!

We arrived at Minnesota Mom and Dad's Saturday evening for dinner. It was hard not to reveal the "evening's happenings" to Minnesota Mom---especially since she's sad that we are leaving. Sue gave a call to say she was about 20 minutes out of Marshall though, and so we arrived just a bit beforehand. Just as we sat down, the doorbell rang and everyone looked to Diane to go and answer it. Who could it be?

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!", cried 4 little grandchildren, Sue and Tom! She really didn't expect it! And indeed it worked to bring a real smile to her face. Dave, with Sue's help, masterminded the whole thing. He did a GRAND job...planning a pizza feast and even cake! We even celebrated my birthday and Taylor's birthday---all the February Taylor birthday's together. I was missing a little family celebration myself----and was feeling a bit sorry for myself too. Even my mood changed.

The highlight of my evening? Well, there were a few...but I have to admit that playing "crazy 8's" and "Old Maid" with Livvy-Lou on my lap was pretty special. Plus we won! (Livvy wanted to keep the Old Maid---so even though we got stuck with it, we won the game!). Our wedding furniture looks lovely in Diane's livingroom---it is nice to know it has a good home. And we played a "word-game" of sorts...kinda like a hot potato game where you have to guess a word with a buzzing machine in your hands. Girl's against Boys---Girl's won!

I've been feeling a bit sad and out of sorts and overwhelmed with all the future plans---like we tried something here and failed---and let folks down. Isn't that weird? Here we are facing a career of a lifetime, something that I couldn't have written for myself any better, something that works for both of us---so why feel anything but thrilled? Who knows? It's always been a comfort, as I've taken risks, to know that I could always go "home". Even coming here to Marshall had comfort in that we were in Mike's hometown. So it was less scary.

But this new adventure is new territory for both of us. The comfort being that we *are* each other's home now. We are what we've got to rely and count on for the comfort of being at home. I guess the *we* part is really sinking in now. It's no longer an "I" or "me", but rather it's a "we" and "us". And I guess the being on our own is sinking in...sounds like growing up all over again.

Packing is a pain. I've become such a regular at The Good Will that they recognize me when I drive up. And we've still got too much stuff. I'm doing my best to enjoy the last couple of weeks though. Sydney and I spent the weekend at Camden. She knows something's up---sniffing around to make sure her bags are packed. She isn't aware that she'll be seeing the vet this week---she's due for shots and we might as well get them done before we go. One less thing to do. I can't believe I am moving to Massachusetts. Lots of US History involved moving to such an "old" state.

Happy Monday!

Scrappers first day at work!

Yesterday, I asked if it would be OK for me to bring the small hound to work with me. The Taylor's have been taking her out ever since I started working full time, and it's alot to ask...and so my hope was that if she could just come with me, it would be easier on everybody. Ask and you shall receive. Sam said, "No problem!"

So today was the Scrap's first day at the office and she was a champ! I set her up with her pillow under my feet and when she wasn't busy stealing shop rags from the mechanic's or playing tug of war with them, she was busy resting under my feet. She's also been charged with greeting visitors and they've already called her the shop watch dog! This makes it easy as we get to stop by the field for a run at lunchtime, and she doesn't get bored or lonely by herself at home all day.

And anyway---she's gonna be working again soon enough once she gets to Boston. I finally finished up my systems review for the owner's to take a peek at for implementation. I have to say, this is the quickest I've ever done something like this. I've been in Net-meetings solid for the last couple of days. Sigh. Once a decision is made---I can hand off to the proper departments and wind my time down here. I still think I have the coolest job in Marshall, but knowing that I'm leaving it for the "coolest job for Joni" is somewhat of a comfort. And when you're this close to checking out, it's hard to focus---I'm mentally gone already....and am anxious for the physical part to catch up with the mental part---if that makes any sense?

In any case...it's nice to have some Scrapper company with me at work. It snowed again last night but Mike ended up getting in 2-3 hours on the bike outside anyway. He's thrilled to be heading out on Sunday. I can't wipe the grin off his face. "One more winter" is his mantra. I'm just happy that tomorrow is friday. I've got so much to do it seems. enjoy the airplane photo's...It's hard to get the camera settings right in the hangar.