I fall for Sundance

Every fall my friend Sarah and I participate in a lovely little tradition we started years ago...we take a long lunch at Sundance. We buy a lift ticket, buy lunch at the deli and buy some time to catch up. We ride the lift up and back down and enjoy the amazing foliage all around us as we nibble on treats and talk about everything from politics to men (draw your own parallels). We always get some photos and great memories. Let me tell you...on this side of the Mississippi, this is the best way to enjoy the (very, very short) Autumn.

A new place to love

On the way back from Korea, I spent two days in Salem, Oregon to see Dad and Diane's new place and explore a bit. I now love Oregon - lots.

Not far from where they live is a great national park with waterfalls, lush green woods and great hiking. I have found that hiking in this park is a great way to stay awake when battling gross jetlag. Don't take my word for it...try it yourself.


Daddy and Daughter
Another reason to love Oregon - Christmas tree farms! How can you help but love a place that grows these little trees of joy?

Touring around

Our last day in Korea...so we toured around. We went to this ancient village and learned about the people who lived there, their art, culture and history. It's amazing to be in a place with 2000 years of recorded history. We went to an active Buddhist monastery and finished the day with shopping...naturally.
The monastery and its grounds were so lush and beautiful.

This is the photo op of the grounds...our guide said we HAD to have our picture taken here, so we did.

Stack the rocks and make a wish - imagine a whole garden of stacked rocks. A lot of wishes...

The protective gods of the entry to the monastery. The one of the left controls the weather so don't make him mad.

The monastery roof needs retiling, so "buy" a tile and everyone writes a wish or desire for the future...this was our group's tile. It's heavier than it looks - maybe we all wanted too much.

Our photographer, Alan, found a fellow shutterbug. They took pictures of each other and then had to see each other's results.

Korea's version of "Sprite" - not much better than the Coke.
Our whole group touching the golden boar for luck and prosperity - not a bad end to the tour.

So, my review of South Korea? The people are warm, kind, intelligent and rightfully proud. The country is clean, modern and lovely. The history is interesting, the food (mostly) is yummy and the shopping is fun. I would recommend it.

A bit of work too

The meetings were a hit and the crowd went a little nuts - but all in good fun.

We got a bit of culture and entertainment along the way.

This little booth at the convention had traditional Korean robes to dress up in and feel like a princess.

Coke was safer than water, but tasted ick.
Cool, strange and yummy food!
Traditional Korean "fashion show" and some dancing...those ribbons are spinning off the hats - very cool.
All dressed up for the Closing Gala with a few darling little ones.

Tour of Busan

Our first full day was a city tour of Busan (lovely) and then to the first of our meetings. This is a really cool place. The hotel is right on the beach so there's always plenty to observe and it's a great running path.
Who doesn't love a giant dragon?
This tower has an observation deck to get a 360 view of the city and the ocean - super nifty.
War memorial not far from the UN Cemetery.
Just in case you weren't sure where I was...this big map is just the thing.
These beautiful little girls all dressed up and playing instruments twice their size...very plunky sound...but still cool. This was followed by too many hours of Asian rap/boy band concert and we were done.

Adventure by the Bay

Three girls on a weekend adventure in San Francisco...shopping, playing and making new friends. Getting home was quite the treat - broken shoes, broken luggage, Chinese weddings, small towns, AirTran and delayed flights...home at 4 am. Ouch.
Don't worry, we had fun and I have pictures to prove it.

Amy, Ann and Stephanie at Fisherman's Wharf

Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge (add a rousing game of Kickball for a lovely day)

My first hostel! I learned that hostel is both a noun and a verb. Interesting...

Amberly and I haven't seen each other since '94!

My Famous Jeni!

Check out my sister's dramatic debut in this little gem of a commercial! This could be like a Where's Waldo game...can you spot her? http://www.jeffpedigo.com/uploads/Hinds_Health.mov

Everyone wants to be Greek

A big group of us all went to the Greek Festival - so fun!

If you haven't been, there are a few things to know: 1) Pack a snack - the food lines are long, but worth it. 2) The dancing is really boring - SO boring! 3) They don't let you break the plates - I think you have to full Greek for that.
I think this says it all.

Sierra Club

Welcome baby Sierra.

Well done Cherie and Phil - your family is so beautiful and we love you dearly!

Love,

"Auntie Ann" and "Auntie Lori"