I know it has been a few days. So I thought I would update everyone before I leave on Sunday. I have had a great week and a wonderful visit up here in NNY. Tuesday, Liz and I took the dogs (all 4 of them) for a hike in Adirondack mountains. We walked up this trail to one of the high peaks. It took about 1:45 minutes to get to the top. It was overcast and rainy during the day, but because the climb was quite vigorous at times it was refreshing. The dogs of course loved there leash free existence for a while. We crossed paths with some French Canadians that were less than friendly about the dogs, even though they were always under control. I find this hard to fathom because all my Canadian friends are such big dog lovers. We decided Europeans are much more tolerant of pets and it made me miss Europe. After the hike (covered in mud) we went to a winery and bought some local Lake Placid wine. We tried a white dessert wine that tastes very much like the Moscato that I used to have in Italy. Let's see, on Wednesday I can't really remember what we did too much. I did run my 3 miles, shaving 1minute and 45 seconds off my time. Thursday, Liz had the walk thru of her house. It was my first time seeing inside. It is very cute and I think will fit Liz very well. Not to mention it will give me a place to summer from now on :) . We wen t to a Bible study at her friends hour and hit some of the markets. No running on Thursday as my legs were very sore after the hike and run on the previous 2 days. Now it's Friday morning. Liz is closing on her house this morning. I'm going to catch the farmers market. Then maybe we will start some painting. Tomorrow is an auction. So I'll let you know if I'm able to make it home, j/k. I can't buy too much. I won't have room for the dogs. Alright, that is all for now. I'll let you know when I get home and get some pictures of the trip posted.

Canada Day

Went to Ottawa, Canada today. It was very rainy, but we walked around a bit. Hit the market. They had the most beautiful geranium baskets (it reminded me of the way Italians grow flowers). We found a little Italian grocery and I picked up some coffee and balsamic vinegar. We ate at this little restaurant with pictures of naked men on the wall.....it was interesting, but actually really good food, spicy! I've been drinking starbucks more than I ever have in the past....I don't know if this will be a bit of a new trend, at least until I get my own things to make a homemade cappuccino. Anyways, taking the dogs hiking tomorrow. We took them walking yesterday. Liz was throwing a stick into the river for Grady and Dyllan. Bella was sooooo excited. One time before she even knew what she was doing she ran in the water up to her neck. She then realized what she had done and turn and ran out. It was hilarious. Okay, Grady is smoking me out right now, I can't concentrate.

It has been a couple of nice days here. Getting a little warmer. Lets see, Thursday we had lunch at Liz's house with a couple of ladies from her church. Then I went for a 3 mile run......non stop I might add. I was so excited to finally beat the 2 mile hump, only 7 more to go now :) Friday, Liz taught me how to knit, so I practiced alot and then we had game night. That was pretty fun, I learned to play canasta. Today, Liz, her mom, and I went to a garden show to see some of the peoples gardens around. I'm going to be leaving to come home next Sunday. I figure that will be plenty of time to miss the 4th traffic. That's all for now. I'm really looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone!

Back in Canton

Well, we made it back from Buffalo without any problems. We had a great visit with one of the other wives. It is definitely helpful to me to stay in touch with everyone. I'm so lucky I have them. That to me sounds so odd, but it is true. When we got to buffalo amazingly it was between 55 and 60 the whole time we were there. Oh, how nice cool weather is!!!! Went to Niagra Falls (on the Canadian side) to see the horseshoe falls better and it was so beautiful. Then we went to lunch at the Hard Rock. The hotel we stayed in was interesting to say the least. I think alot of the people lived there instead of staying there for a night or two. It makes me happy I travel with dogs :) We arrived back in Canton this afternoon to a cool 64 and soup for dinner. Liz's mom is quite the cook. Tomorrow is a luncheon and Friday we are playing cards.

New York Fun

Hi everyone, I have some updating to do. I made it to NY last Tuesday. I had a wonderful trip up. I stopped the first night in New Orleans and stayed with my sister. I think it was the best day and night. I enjoyed hanging out with her soooo much. The next day I was on to Ft. Rucker to see some friends from Italy. They reminded me that I am not alone on this new journey in my life. Sometimes I feel that my old life and new life are seperate for some reason. But I am now seeing that one doesn't end where the next begins. Thanks for reminding me of that guys! After that I drove to Greenville, S. C., Roanoake, Virginia, and finally somewhere in Pennsylvainia. The drive was very relaxing and easy nothing unexpected. I hit some bad weather around Syracuse, NY, but luckily it kind of skirted around me on the edges. So what have I been doing? So many new and fun things. Liz's mom and dad have been great! The have taken in me and 2 small schnauzers into their clan temporarily. Bella has been doing fairly well, althougth she is still quite vocal. Leah doesn't think she has rules to follow......she is on vacation. We have been spending time at the lake house and going to the movies. We went to an auction yesterday. I bought a few things, but I have no clue what I'm going to do with them now. I guess I'll figure something out. It was very fun. Today we went to church. They announced that I was there visiting and their church gave David a standing ovation for his service to his country. I thought it was rather appropriate that it would be father's day because I figure we were parents too. It made me cry and of course I had not tissues in my purse again. You would figure that after 7 months of not knowing when the flood gates would open I would have put some in there by now. Anyways, it was very touching. Tomorrow Liz and I are driving to Buffalo to see one of the other wives. We are really looking forward to that, she has just had a new baby and I can't wait to see them. Taking my pups of course. Also, we are going to visit Niagra Falls. Mom I know you are jealous.......I'll take lots of pictures :) Alright, I need to go to bed. I have to run tomorrow before we leave. Have a great week......I can't believe it's already going to be Monday, time is flying.

Hey everyone, just a quick note to let you know I arrived safely to NNY. The dogs are glad to be out of the car as am I. We are enjoying Liz, her family, and the dogs. I'm not sure they know what to think of each other yet. I will tell more later.

Training update

Well, I did my 3 mile run this morning. I think I did pretty well (I'm still alive anyways). I'm thinking that once I get to 5 miles, 10 miles is going to be like just a little farther. I think 5 is going to be the hump for me. I'm determined though. Don't worry about my NY trip it will not affect my training as Liz is also running the 10 miler, so I will actually have motivation. I wanted to add the link to my page if any of you did not get an email about the run, so you can check it out and also the TAPS organization. Lots to do today before I leave and the dogs stink too! Have a great day. Here is the link

https://taps.kintera.org/army10miler/rachaelalvarez

NY trip

I know I haven't written in a few days. Things have been busy around here. I decided on Tuesday that I was going to drive to NY and visit Liz for a few weeks. I'm leaving Thursday! 2046 miles is the trip, it's a good thing I got the truck tuned up last week. I'm really looking forward to the drive, it's one I haven't done since 2000. There is something about driving vs. flying. You miss so much of the country flying. Also, I get to take the pups with me. This is going to be fun! Leah is resting up for the trip and Bella is awfully excited. I had to finish up alot of last minute things before I go, but it looks like everything will work out. I going to visit my sister in New Orleans on the way up and some friends at Ft. Rucker. Well, I really don't have time to be blogging right now. I will keep in touch as much as I can thru the email. Also I will always be reachable by cellphone. Oh yea, thanks to everyone who has donated to my run in Dave's Memory! I did run today :) and am starting to feel my legs again after beginning my training regimen last week. Have a great day.......