Life on the Runn...

I knew today felt 'different,' but it took me a moment to figure out exactly why.  When I looked at the date, however, it made complete sense. Time passes, but in so many ways, nothing ever changes.  My  heart hurts for the memories we never were able to make, for the trouble the three of us Unti kids surely would have made together, but most of all, it hurts because of the hole left behind when we had to say goodbye far too soon. I do my best to be the best me I can be in honor of you, to live the life you weren't able to.  To my baby brother, Matthew David Unti, you're in my heart always!

Happy Father's Day to the most selfless, dedicated, caring man I have ever know, my dad. our first picture together   We have a lot in common -- aside from our alma maters  I love you, Dad! 

Both Brian and I have long been wanting to get to Vail for the Climbing World Cup event held at the GoPro Mountain Games.  This year we were finally able to do so.  I flew into Denver Thursday evening and we made the drive to Vail.  Brian had to work remotely on Friday, so I offered to retrieve breakfast and made the first of many long jaunts from our hotel to the downtown area, where all of the gear/goody tents were set up and the climbing was taking place.  I did a bit of exploring before returning, but in the afternoon we ventured downtown together.  And while Brian was doing his computer thing after lunch, I had my nose in a book.   We then made our way through Gear Town and to the climbing wall to watch the women's qualifiers. On the way, I made a discovery.  While there were a number of events taking place - kayaking, climbing, slack lining - the best was dock dog jumping.  As Brian so eloquently stated, I love dogs, and jumping dogs are eve...

The much-anticipated River Cruise adventure that Grandpa Runnells had been planning took place this past weekend.  The festivities began at Pere Marquette park, where we all met for lunch.  By the time everyone arrived, Grandpa's siblings and their spouses, his six children and most of their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it was a picnic 35+ strong.  At departure time, we all boarded the boat, a bigger version of the up north party boat, to venture down the Milwaukee River and into the Lake Michigan Harbor. There were plenty of sights to see, most of which were actually on or along the river - there was plenty to see onboard too, it turned out.  The trip was so relaxing and scenic that I found myself thinking I could live on the river, but then there were those moments when the smell of the river became a bit too pungent for our patience, and I found myself back in reality, where living on the River will not be in my future. ...