Up, up and away in my beautiful Montgolfiere...

We went 30 miles southeast of Montreal to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to see the "Montgolfieres." "Montgolfiere" is the French word for Hot Air Balloon. It is named after the Montgolfier brothers of France who are credited with having invented the first "airship" in the late 1700's. It is approximately 3,000 miles from Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno where the Great Reno Balloon Race is held. Regardless, I felt the same excitement at seeing the balloons inflate and launched. A favorite balloon was in the form of Darth Vader. It was launched to the theme of The Empire Strikes Back. Stirring like an anthem!

Storytime for 175 - 29 July 2008

The scheduled performer, Ishkabibble the Magician, cancelled 12 minutes before showtime. A teacher implored, "Isn't there a Librarian who could do a storytime?" I've waited a decade to hear the equivalent of "Is there a Librarian in the house?" I graciously accepted the invitation. I expected a crowd of 40. 175 ultimately gathered in the park. The picture is of me leading "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" en masse.

Expectant Ladies in Red - July 2008

At the time this picture was taken, I was 29 weeks pregnant. My friend Heather is 25 weeks pregnant. We didn't mean to match in so many ways.