Mosaic birdbath, originally uploaded by g8rgal.

My first completed project. Made with glass mosaic tiles on a birdbath that belonged to my Grama.

Fennhenry’s, originally uploaded by g8rgal.

Stopped by the the new downtown Orlando bar for the grand opening. After getting some free hors ‘doeuvres and a drink (no idea what the bartender made for me but it was tasty), my friend Kelly and I claimed a spot outside to enjoy the cool evening. Expect this to be an ideal spot to stop for drinks after dinner, but if you stop for happy hour, avoid sitting near the windows or you’ll get baked and blinded by the sun.

Took these with a 5 mp cam phone (Nokia N82) from 5th row seats at UCF Arena Sunday night. Seeing Duran Duran certainly isn’t a first for me, not even close, but they are such amazing performers that every show feels like the first time.

The first shot is midway or so during the show when the band set up with an electric set, all of them parallel and right in front of the audience. They played a medley of songs that started out with one of my favorites that rarely makes the set list — “Last Chance on the Stairway.”

If you remember the classics and you’ve never seen this band live, go! You won’t regret it.

Not that you can tell but this is the former Bush front man during a free concert at Hard Rock Live. I had an opportunity to join a meet ‘n’ greet before the show in the inner sanctum of HRL. Unfortunately there wasn’t time for more than a hello, it’s a pleasure, take the photo, move on, but in the brief moment I can say it was a pleasure to meet him; he was very personable and genuinely interested in meeting everyone. And maybe it’s just my wishful thinking, but I think he would’ve liked to have chatted a little bit more than there was time for.

I wish I had more of a momento than this blurry shot on my Nikon N82 cell, but I’m still waiting for the shots from the organizers.

The show itself was fantastic; Gavin sang some of the Bush staples such as “Everything Zen” and “Glycerine” as well as new songs from his solo debut “Wanderlust,” to debut in June 2008.

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Chill in the air, originally uploaded by g8rgal.

It was cold when we left this morning.

Wisconsin, originally uploaded by g8rgal.

We’re in the cheese state again.

 What a great day! It was snowing when I woke up so by the time we hit the slopes in the afternoon there was lots of fresh powder. There were high winds, which didn’t make for ideal conditions (the gondola was closed for the day), but we didn’t want to miss our last chance on the mountain so we sucked it up and went for it. I rode Flapjack twice to warm up, and I felt good, so I braved the lifts and went down Ullr Run to Karen’s Corner. Then we went up again to go down Big Bunny, and a final time to take Ullr Run to Chick-a-dee. After that my thighs were burning a bit so it was time to call it a day. (And the lifts were closing in the next half hour anyway — they close at 4:30.) That’s right, I braved the lifts three times today in high winds! I actually took it all in and enjoyed looking out over the mountains; I just avoided looking down or ahead. The picture above is the view looking down Big Bunny.

I love snowboarding! And I can’t wait to do it again. Once you learn how to control the board, it’s great. I made it down all three runs and didn’t fall very much. I can now call myself a snowboarder! It’s a lot more fun going down a mountain on the board rather than on your butt!

Tomorrow we check out and head back to Chicago. I love it here; Lutsen is a quaint, small, friendly resort area. I talked to quite a few new people. It reminds me of that show Northern Exposure a bit, just not as quirky. I look forward to coming back one day, hopefully sooner than later.

Today we rode in the gondola, this little red round car-like container hanging from a wire that takes you up to Moose Mountain. (Look in the distance, that’s where we’re headed. It’s about a five minute or so ride.) We had lunch on top of the mountain at the Summit Chalet, then took a short hike to the observation deck.

I am Mummy Woman. It’s 20 degrees today, but feels like 12. I’m well bundled but still feel it at the tips of my fingers. I’m standing on the observation deck on Moose Mountain, and yes, that’s snow — it’s been snowing all morning. I love it! It was great boarding while it was snowing. The bad part is when the roads ice over; the car skidded a little coming back to the condo.

I had a great day boarding, stayed on Flapjack and just took it easy and practiced. I can pretty much get down it without falling more than once, and I’m getting a better handle on controlling the board. I’ve worked through all the soreness in my muscles, so I was feeling great, just a little soreness in my left knee. Another reason to take it easy.

Tomorrow I plan to take another run or two down Flapjack to warm up then brave the lifts and take another ride on Ullr Run. It’s a shorter run than Big Bunny. (Hopefully I’ll do more riding and less falling, going down a mountain on your butt is no fun!)

Yesterday we took the day off (I was limping…) and drove 17 miles to a cute little town called Grand Marais so I could buy some winter boots, and we could do a little exploring. When we got back, I went over to pet the dog that stays in the back and this cute little cat meowed and came over to say hello. Then she followed me up to the deck for a little more attention. Steve named her Pedro.

Practicing heelside stops on Ullr Mountain. A couple times you’ll see me swinging my arms — I’m not suppose to do that — I’m suppose to swing my hips to control the board. Intellectually I know that, but when I’m actually doing it, I’m pretty much thinking, “Don’t fall, don’t fall!”

The weather today was gorgeous. It was sunny with mostly blue skies and a few clouds (Yesterday was overcast). This morning it was 17 with a windchill of 9 so we went out later in the morning not only because it was cold, but also because I was still licking my wounds. It warmed up in to the lower 20s. I wore three layers on the bottom and four layers on top, plus added a neck gaitor. And today since it was so sunny I wore goggles because the sun is very bright off the snow. My legs were so sore that it was difficult today to really control the board. At one point I just sat there taking in an absolutely breathtaking view overlooking the mountains and Lake Superior. The photo below doesn’t compare to seeing it yourself.