Bluffton, Ohio

The view as we woke up in the morning.

It had snowed lightly late in to the night and it looks like a winter wonderland here. It is so pretty (well at least from in side our warm house). I truly have a sense of being "home" here. Probably because I have so many memories of fun times spent here. Growing up in this quiet place was sort of magical. We were carefree and played the day away. I can remember spending many a nights in that tree house and swimming in the pond. One year - my brother even fell through the ice on the pond. We had all been ice-skating on it but we must have weakened it for the next thing you know - he was suspended there.

We plan to drive around town, drive by the old family farms, visit with friends and family. Though to be honest - I didn't take pictures with everyone that we visited. I'm not sure why - guess I just got so involved in our visits that I forgot. First ~ I need to warm up the car and get the ice off of the windows!

This post is mostly for you mom - you said take lots of pictures....so here is your picture rundown of our time in Bluffton.

Look, I actually was out in the snow! I'm glad we took pictures in the morning, for so much of it melted away during the day...it sure wasn't as pretty when it was just a muddy, sloshy mess.

Awww - the countryside

Our first visit was with all of my cousins on my dad's side. We met for lunch and I got to meet all of their 'significant others' too. The only one missing was Andrea - she is in Texas. Maybe I'll have to travel there to see her ;)

Holly with her sweet little girl, Ayva, Me, Ashley and Elisabeth.

We went by both cemeteries where my grandparents are buried. There is such legacy here as I tried to tell Buzz about my family history. He says he wishes that he had been able to meet my grandparents.

Grandma's house - it pretty much looks the same, except for that front entry porch. And the old apple orchard is gone. I think there were two trees left back there.

The barn that my dad help build

Look - there are even horses there now...just like when Uncle Denny lived there. See - we could go back and make it ours again. Wouldn't that be fun?!?!I didn't take any pictures of Grandma Augsburger's home...the person who lives there now had so much junk on the porch that it just didn't feel 'right' any more. It really looks different there.

The little town of Bluffton looks the same though. We were there later in the day - notice lots of the snow is gone. But it was still nippy out! We walked through and did a bit of shopping then got a nice warm cup of coffee .

Off we went to see cousin Tam. We had a great visit. Played with her dogs and her goat that freely roams around outside. She sure lives a different life than we do and is a huge Ohio state fan! Fun times ~

After our time with Tam we ran by the hospital in Findlay to see my Aunt Carol. She had been admitted the day before. She looked good to me and we had a lovely visit. The only bummer was that Uncle Donny had just left before we got there so we did not get to see him. I wish we had a few more days to spend here...I'd love to visit more and stick around a bit!

Of course I had to get one treat in before we were done with our visit. Num Num...sugar cream pie. Love it!

Bye, Bye Ohio - we will miss you!

Debbie

4th Place Finish

Wow - the Biola girls claimed a fourth place victory spot in the NAIA indoor nationals!! That is quite a feat considering all of the teams that were competing.

Coach sure has done a good job transforming the team from one that no one had ever heard of...into a nationally ranked one. But, even more so than being a nationally ranked team ~ I am consistently awed at the integrity of the women on the team. They are the kindest, most compassionate, nicest people you could ever meet. The team works well together and you rarely hear of any squabbles. They support each other and are friends off the track as well as when competing. Many of them even live in the same house together. I am so glad that Erika has been able to say that she is a part of this awesome group of women!

Natasha - awarded the meets "most outstanding performer" award. Rumor has it that she has a couple of these old shoe trophies.

The senior girls ~ Sarah, Katie, Kelsey, Erika and Natasha.

After the awards ceremony, Buzz and I headed down to Bluffton, Ohio to visit with family and friends.

We even drove through this old covered bridge. I think it used to be the longest one in Ohio - but it looked like some of it might have washed away at some point for there was a metal green bridge attachment on the one end. There have been many rain storms in Ohio recently and the river sure was full. They are calling for some flooding tonight in some areas.

Still...it was pretty amazing...I can only imagine riding through on my horse drawn carriage.

The snow covered banks are so pretty to me. Maybe because I don't have to actually live here but am just vacationing...

Actually, I got a good taste of living in the snow tonight as it started to snow before we actually reached Bluffton. Now you have to keep in mind that I live in southern California ~ so my driving skills in snow are probably not the greatest. Yet, we did arrive safely at our destination. I just drove slower than normal and stayed in the tracks of the person in front of me. We will see how it is in the morning. There are people I want to visit, so I don't want to be snowed in :) Then again, it is pretty cozy in my uncles house, there could be worse places to be stuck. We will just make the best of whatever is to be.

Debbie

NAIA Indoor Track

We started the day off with crazy cold, along with a bit of rain.

Our first event for the day was meeting a friend for breakfast.

Ann Marie and I have known each other for about 35 years...we initially were matched as 'pen pals' in junior high school.

I had asked for one international pen pal and one stateside...Ann Marie was that person. We started writing to each other and have stayed in contact over the years. We became good friends and have met each other in person before.

Ann Marie lives outside of Cleveland, I had told her we were coming and we made plans to get together. It was so fun to see her.

We went to eat at Bob Evans. I knew I wanted to go here for we do not have this restaurant in southern California. It is good, midwest, comfort type food.

I, of course had to order the fried mush...yummm! Buzz even liked it. I think I am going to have to make some at home.

Then it was off to the track meet.

It is being held at the GaREAT sports complex in Geneva, Ohio. Basically it is a huge building, housing a track, soccer field, and dining facilities. It is sort of in the middle of no-where. Not much else to see there but a small town.

The girls have ran well - everyone so far has qualified for finals in their events. Exciting!!

'Coach' Erika taking a little break.

Me, with the some of the Biola athletes. Aren't they cute?!? They actually do have a reputation in the league of being the 'hot' team...and not necessarily all for their running abilities.

Erika's room-mate Natasha.

Erika and Natasha have lived together the last four years. She is from Canada ~ but has been awarded 'All American' titles every year. It is fun to watch her compete for she is so good in her events. And she is quite humble about it all. She never brags or talks about herself. She is just such a sweet, young lady. I know that she will remain friends with Erika for the rest of their lives.

Today, she broke the meet record and won her third pentathlon title. It was her own record from last year that she broke. You can read about it all here.

Natasha has also been picked up by the Canadian Olympic coach to continue training for the 2012 games! Maybe we need to plan our next trip for London!!

Debbie

O-H-I-O

Not only did we take time last week to travel along the California coast...we hopped on a plane and headed to OHIO.

I spent many summers in Ohio. My parents are both from Ohio. As kids, my brother and I, were sent there to experience life on the farm. I still have relatives in Ohio and have maintained friendships with many people. I have fond memories of the time I spent on the farm and of small town life.

When we found out that indoor track nationals were going to be held in Geneva, Ohio this year, we made plans to go.

Erika did not qualify to compete. She has never quite gotten back to her old running self since her health issues last summer. Coach took her as an 'assistant coach' though. We have also developed relationships with other runners on the Biola team...so it was an easy decision to attend the meet, and to add in visits with family and friends.

When I go to Ohio, I always have this sense of, "coming home". It just feels right and comfortable. I often wonder if I could still move there, live on some land, have a horse and plant a garden. I'm just not sure that I could handle the winters!

We chose to stay at the Quail Hollow Resort. It is nice and rustic and they always have a nice fire going in the lobby. It is a great place to just hang out.

The room was spacious enough. Though we really weren't in the room that much since most of our time was spent at the meet and out exploring the area surrounding Cleveland.

This is our view from the first morning...quite different from our beach sunset a day or two ago! Yes, that is snow on the ground. It is bright and sunny - but that is deceiving! We went to go out and it is only 25' ~ one definitely needs a coat and mittens - HA!
The current view of Lake Erie...BRRR..Off to the track meet we go. I love these national meets. There are so exciting and only the best in the league get to attend. There are some great athletes here...but of course we have our favorites.

Go Biola!!

Debbie

Hearst Castle & Cambria

We decided to take a tour of Hearst Castle on our trip. We both have been here before and decided to take a different tour than we have taken on previous trips. W.R. Hearst was a wealthy newspaper owner and had dreams of building a lavish home up in the hills of San Simeon. He inherited the land from his parents and started building his dream home. Now it is an historic landmark...

See it way up there on top of that hill?

The home is lavish, almost too much I would say... and Hearst never finished parts of it.

The famous pool. The staff and their families actually still get to swim here. I think that would be fun!

A typical guest room. Fancy - don't you think?!?!

Hearst's bedroom

The indoor pool

Our touristy picture. I never buy these types of things but we thought it was kinda cute

After spending time at the castle, we checked in at our hotel in Cambria. It was right by the beach and we listened to the ocean waves all night long.

Our room

The view from our room

A perfect sunset to end our time away

We drove home for I had to attend school then we got ready to head to Ohio the following morning...more to come on that. I sure am enjoying being on vacation

.Debbie