Manu Schmitt Invitational Classic

Sunday, May 17th was a gorgeous warm afternoon – perfect for the 41st Annual Manu Schmitt Invitational Classic (2nd Observed). This year was a little more casual – a 3 mile ride along the Sammamish River trail, a ride short enough that I was just getting into my cycling groove when we had already arrived at Bothell Landing and it was time for the Swiss Picnic. The watery portion of the this year’s event consisted in watching boaters go up and down the river and sticking our hot tootsies in the nice cool water. Fellow riders were rather lacking; Andre Tapernoux was the only brave soul to join the intrepid us. Next year I hope more join us on two wheels – we have to earn that Swiss picnic! Thanks to all who came out to celebrate Manuski’s special day!

 

The family on wheels – Zazzy is in the trailer

 

The Tapernoux Family – authentic Swiss people eating their Swiss Picnic

 

The Swiss Picnic-- In case you wonder, cheese, bread, sausage, hardboiled eggs, apples, water, and Chocolate (of course)

Fresh From the Garden

There is something deeply, deeply satisfying about eating food grown in our own garden. Enough that it makes me want to dig and plant again in the spring, despite the hard work and endless weeds. This evening for dinner we had chicken Caesar salad with romaine lettuce from the garden. We also had scrambled eggs from our chickens with spinach grown by Mina in her garden. For dessert we had rhubarb crumble made by Loulou. All delicious and made more so by dining outside in the balmy summer twilight air. Thank you, God, for seeds and plants and sunshine and air. Thank you for gardens and for all the spiritual lessons we learn from them.