2009 rketburt backcountry photos

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Webster Youth Triathlon (flash)

Emily and Rachel did a swim-bike-run event on 14 June 2009. Maya also did the event, which was a big incentive for Rachel to participate.

Webster Youth Triathlon (Eric, Marie, and Amanda) (flash)

This subset is for a few friends from work.

Big Woods Trail (flash)

On the morning of Independence Day, with the skies a neutral grey, I took a walk through the Big Field to the Big Woods and enjoyed the crooked old trees.

Oak Openings (flash)

Kelly, Rachel, and I took a hike at Oak Openings near Toledo, Ohio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak\_Openings\_Preserve\_Metropark). There was a blend of woods and open areas of sand dunes. There were hundreds of blackberry bushes, with plump berries that made Kelly pucker.

Bele Quartet Debut (flash)

Emily was part of a summer ensemble group called the Bele Quartet. They performed three pieces at the Webster School Board meeting, including one called "Buccaneer Shanty" written by their teacher, Mr. Isham. They played well. It was the first time I (Tim) had heard them together, and I was impressed.

Video (MPG) of the Performance (flash)

(Before clicking the link, beware that the file is 90MB which could take a while to download.) The girls gave a wonderful performance.

Share Pictures (flash)

This gallery contains almost all the pictures that might be interesting.

New England vacation; the New Hampshire half (flash)

We traveled to New England for the summer vacation. The first part of the the trip was spent visiting Tim's Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken in Portsmouth, NH (and it surroundings). On the day we arrived Hurricane Bill was making it way up the coast and we got to enjoy some wilder ocean than Mary and Ken had seen for years. We then went to Franconia Notch State Park to hike and enjoy nature.

Solo paddle on Lake Sagamore, Adirondacks (flash)

I set out for a solitary hike, but decided instead to take the canoe out to see the setting sun. This lake used to be part of a camp owned by Durant then Vanderbilt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagamore\_Camp).

A Visit to Pleasant Hill and Newton (flash)

On a recent trip to Oxford I breezed through the town of my childhood, Pleasant Hill, OH. I visited my brother Jon's grave that has the Stillwater River in the background. I also had the privilege of seeing the physical education teacher, Marty Dale. We talked for quite a while and it was clear she was happy for the new school being built, even though it means tearing down the old. There was a beam that the community was signing, so I made a mark for the "transient tribe" Burt.

A pleasant Sunday after Halloween (flash)

The day started with the Halloween candy sort and trade. Later Emily went to help with the smokehouse restoration project at Whiting Road Nature Preserve, and Tim continued on the Blue Trail then strolled by the Lake.

First frost (flash)

Early in the morning I stepped outside and was greeted with brisk air and bright lights. There was frost on the glass and grass as the full moon shown down. After starting the van to warm up I took a few hand-held photographs. One of them has streaks for the lights but the van is (fairly) in focus; this is a consequence of the flash being quick but the exposure being long.

Emily's Album of Rachel (Mostly) (flash)

Early Christmastime with Grammy and Grandpa Sabo (flash)

Grammy and Grandpa Sabo drove from northwest Ohio to our house on the second day of a bad winter storm. The normal route is to go through Buffalo but since I-90 was closed in parts, they rerouted two hours to come in from the south which still had lots of snow and blowing. We are all glad they came and impressed by their persistence.

Swim meet: Bayview Tigers and Lockport Stingrays (flash)

Both girls continue to grow as part of the Bayview Tigers swim team. Emily was chosen to do the 200 yard individual medley and was only 3.06 seconds off the state qualifying time. She says that the event tapped her out for the rest of the meet. Rachel did the 25 yard breast stroke for the first time and did not get disqualified, which was a fear given all the specific rules that begin just after the dive.

Grammy and Grandpa Sabo share their time (flash)

Grammy and Grandpa Sabo, otherwise known as Linda and Rob, are very generous with their time and experience. Rob fixed some blinds and helped me hang pictures around the house. Linda showed the girls how to make tea cookies, which was special for Emily since it was also preparation for a school "hands-on" presentation. While they were here we got to visit with the Pauls for an early Christmas.

Willink Orchestra Winter Concert (flash)

The Willink Middle School has an orchestra for each grade (6-8) and they played a winter concert. Emily had a solo as did her friends Becka and Emma (see Bele Quartet above).

Visit with Joe and his family (flash)

Joe and his family (Sarah, AJ, and in-laws) stopped at the house on their way to his sister-in-law's near the Adirondacks. They drove from the Chicago area and arrived around 6:30 pm, just in time for an early Christmas ham dinner. It was wonderful to see them and the girls really enjoyed AJ's antics.

Christmas Eve and Day (flash)

These two days were pleasant and relaxing. We made cookies, cared for each other, played with each other (and each others' gifts), and felt blessed to be together.

A morning walk in Webster Park (flash)

This morning the sun was shining through the windows and I took this as an invitation for a walk. The temperature was a bit above freezing but here and there the ice remained. These few miles of wood and water reminds me how the wonder of the world helps bring me enjoyment and peace.

A snowy morning walk in Webster Park (flash)

Snow started dusting the ground on the night of the 27th. On the morning of the 28th there was about 3 or so inches of fresh snow which was an invitation for another walk in Webster Park, this time with the family. We walked along Mill Creek to the Lake playing the whole way. Back at home we had hot chocolate from scratch to warm our cheeks and insides.