Weekend Quest for Popsicles...

Jeff and I went for a run on Saturday morning, braving the heat and humidity (it was *so* hot). During the run, we got to talking about the summer-time treats we enjoyed growing up. I mentioned that I really liked those two-stick popsicles that our parents always had us break in half to share with our siblings (why we couldn't eat a whole one, I don't know!). We ran about a mile talking about these popsicles so, naturally, we set out to get some later that day. We were unsuccessful at two stores, and I was getting pretty sad, but we finally found the last bag at Albertsons. They are as good as we remember and worth the hour or so we spent looking for them! Of course, we picked up a box or two of "consolation" popsicles when we couldn't find what we wanted...it's going to be the summer-of-the-popsicle at the Tobler house!

Also with the popsicle excitement, we watched a couple of movies with some friends. One not-so-good, "Garden State," and another that was better than expected, "10000 BC." I thought 10000 BC was pretty entertaining...it highlighted our "need" for a surround-sound system :-).


We're off to Melbourne, FL later this week to celebrate the 4th of July and the blessing of our new niece, Violet. Jeff's parents are flying in on Wednesday and were excited to get out of town and spend some time with some of Jeff's family!

Big 2-8 for Jeff!

Yesterday was Jeff's 28th birthday and despite having to work and feeling like an old man, I think he had a pretty good day! We met for lunch to have birthday-gyros and stopped at Best Buy on the way home to pick up the 80 GB music/video iPod that he's had his eye on. We had dinner with some friends at one of our new favorite places, O!O Tapas & 'Tinis (we don't know how to say the name either). Jeff prefers birthday pie to cake so, I made him an apple pie that he polished off tonight. All in all, a pretty good day I think!

Jeff & his birthday pie and candles



The birthday boy with his new toys and treat (all the Tobler boys grew up getting their favorite sugary-cereal on their birthday. This year Jeff went with Captain Crunch with Crunchberries...I'm hoping he'll share a bowl!)

Rainy Weekend in Tampa

We're back in Gainesville tonight after spending a rainy weekend in Tampa! We had big plans to go to the beach that were thwarted with some pretty heavy thunder storms. We managed to have some fun inside instead!



Ashley & Greer--no need for a radio, these girls can sing (loud)!



Amy & Jeff--still in love after playing spoons!



Mom & Braden--Mom's a big cheater and apparently Braden wanted to show me his nostrils.



Ashley, striking a pose during spoons.



Harley had surgery last week to repair his doggy-knee. It was a sad sight to begin with but, as you'll see, things got worse.



Cone-head, Harley, he kept knawing at his cast--hence, the cone.



Poor little guy. I suppose somebody could've taken the sticker off the cone at least.



Happy Birthday, Greer!



Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Off to Tampa...

We're off to Tampa this weekend to celebrate Jeff and Greer's (my 'lil sister) birthdays. Greer is turning 14 and will be starting high school this fall...pretty hard to believe. Jeff is reluctantly turning 28 on Tuesday...where does the time go??

Jeff's Road Trip

About 3,000 miles, 4 seasons of The Office, and plenty of Mountain Dew! Jeff and Brent made it to Sunnyside, WA in record time. Here are a few pics!

Outside of Kansas City--greasy food, gross bathroom



Denver--close call



The only interesting thing in Kansas...



Sunnyside...the final destination



Little Charlie in Seattle. Jeff's buddy for a few days of home improvement projects!



Surprisingly, Jeff would do the cross-country drive again. I'm not so sure I would join him...even if I did get to hang out with Charlie at the end of it!

Finally!

Jeff is on his way home today! Yeah!

What to Do While Jeff's Away?

So, I've been wondering what to do with myself this week while Jeff is away. I decided two things: (1) catch up on my chick-flicks and (2) paint my kitchen. The last two nights I've watched "No Reservations" and one of my all-time favorites, "Pride & Prejudice." I did cheat a little on Monday night, getting sucked into the Stanley Cup game. Not exactly a chick-flick but, exciting nonetheless (triple over time!). Tonight I'm going to tape and prime my kitchen. It's been a really bright red for the last three years and I decided I'd like to see what it would look like with the same suede paint that we have in the rest of the main room. I think it might make me hate my white cabinets a little less but, we'll see! I think I'll top my evening off by watching another Jane Austen favorite, "Sense & Sensibility."

Jeff rolled into Sunnyside, WA late last night, marking the end of his big road trip. It sounds like it was all pretty enjoyable, except for Kansas, which he said was pretty boring. He's off to visit Kyle, Kim & Charlie for the next few days before he comes home on Tuesday. Less than a week left...I can't wait to have him home!

Home At Last...

I just made it back to Gainesville and I'm so thankful to be home! It's been a long week away and I'm happy to be able to sleep in my bed tonight.

San Fran was fun. Unfortunately, it was Friday before I really got to see the outside of my hotel. I did get my clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl (just as tasty as I remember), did a little shopping and had a great night out with my good friend, Carly, whom I really haven't seen in five years!

Jeff and Brent spent the night in Denver last night and will be pulling into SLC today. They've made unbelievable time (they left Gainesville late Friday afternoon). Jeff is looking forward to spending time with Kyle, Kim & Charlie this week. Still 9 days to go before we get to see each other again...

A final bit of good news...there is another Tobler in the world! Violet Tobler was born early this morning. Violet, Mommy Janet & Daddy Chad are all doing well. I imagine Chad is taking advantage of the hospital cafeteria today. Something I here he's been looking forward to, in addition to having a new baby girl of course. Welcome, Violet! Thank you for giving me hope that Toblers can, in deed, make girls!

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you are all enjoying your three day weekend! Ours have been fun, although we had to say "goodbye" to each other for 2 1/2 weeks on Friday!

I am in Orlando hanging out with my family and having a good time. Greer, my beautiful lil' sister, had a soccer tournament at Disney so we took the opportunity to watch her play and celebrate my mom's birthday. We've had a couple of marathon days packed with fun. We went to Disney Quest one day, have had several great meals, watched a few soccer games, and saw a really good movie, "The Son of Rambow." This film had great reviews at the Sundance film festival and is playing only at a few theaters but, it is definitely worth seeing. I definitely recommend this feel-good movie. Today, Ashley and I are going to do some shopping, which is always fun!

Jeff is at home in Gainesville this weekend and our friends the Copelands of Greenhalghs have been keeping him entertained (thanks, guys!). He is supposed to be studying today but, I have a feeling he could be easily distracted!

I'm off to San Francisco tomorrow for a conference. Jeff is leaving for his big man-road-trip on Friday and he'll be gone for a week and a half or so. I miss him all ready...it's gong to be a long two weeks!

Our five year anniversary is on Friday. I can't hardly believe it's been that long! It's been a wonderful five years and I'm looking forward to celebrating it a little late with Jeff when he gets back!

San Francisco, here I come! Can't wait for the sourdough bread-bowls and clam chowder! Yum!

Scary!

As we were pulling out of our neighborhood this morning, a woman stopped us to let us know the cops had set up a speed trap. We saw a bunch of police cars as we drove out of Haile and thought it was nice of her to let us know. Then I saw this story on the Gainesville Sun website. It wasn't a speed trap at all. Pretty scary! This is the trail we run and the attack occurred about a half-mile from our house. No more running alone...

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who attacked a woman on a running trail in Haile Plantation at SW 94th Street and SW 46th Boulevard early Wednesday.

The man beat the woman extensively and sexually assaulted her, said Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Steve Maynard. The incident occurred between about 6:30 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. at the entrance to the Indigo Square subdivision.

The 36-year-old woman had been jogging and was about 40 feet from the back of a house when a man with a gun appeared on the trail, officers reported. He struck the woman at least once in the face with gun, Maynard said. He then hit her repeatedly before tearing her clothes. The man raped the woman.

The woman was badly injured and may have suffered a broken jaw, according to deputies.

Another jogger heard the woman's screams and came to her aid. The witness told investigators she saw a man walking away toward a four-door small sedan. “He nonchalantly drove away as if he wasn't in a hurry,” Maynard said.

Maynard said investigators are hoping that any motorists in the area who may have spotted the man or the car can provide information about the suspect's whereabouts. The suspect was described as a black male with short hair and a medium build who was “very clean cut” and wearing black shorts and a black shirt.

“This guy is extremely dangerous,” Maynard said.

Officers were at the scene of the attack Wednesday morning. A law enforcement helicopter also had been called out to circle the area and look for the suspect's vehicle.