Friday, September 18, 2009
Welcome, the Longhorns
On September 12, the University of Wyoming Cowboys welcomed Texas Longhorns to War Memorial Stadium. Mike Harrington was in attendance.
Celebrating the Year of Cotton
For the Harrington's Labor Day weekend was much more than a three day weekend. The weekend served as the Harrington's jump-off point for their second anniversary, the year of cotton. The weekend began with a Friday night game of Pandemic, an especially co-operative game that brings all involved into community, fighting to save the lives of all the world's people. The Harrington's enjoyed the company of Mark, Jordan, Eric and after the game, Abbie and Lindsay. Throughout the game and as the activities came to an end the Harrington's and a few friends came to the conclusion that the next night would be perfect for camping.
Come Saturday morning, the Harrington's donned their Brown and Gold and attended the UW vs. Weber State football game with Rob, Kim and Macradee Jackson (Melissa's uncle, aunt and cousin). Prior to the game, the five made it into Tailgate Park for a quick drink and some exploration before making their way to the gate and the bleachers. The Harrington's and the Jackson's enjoyed watching the first game of the season which even showcased a Wyoming Cowboy win!
As was decide the night before, the Harrington's along with Jordan, Mark, Abbie and Marge made their way out on Happy Jack Road, hot dogs and s'more materials in tow. Unable to camp at the exact site of their wedding, the Harrington's settled for a spot just past the place of their vows. With some challenge, the men were eventually able to start a small campfire and gather enough wood to keep it alive for the evening. Everyone enjoyed some hot dogs and s'mores and the men folk enjoyed a game of bean bags by moon light while the ladies got in some healthy chatting.
Sunday was a day of church and worship in the morning followed by activities of separation. However, these activities did not take place until after the exchange of gifts. Mike graciously handed Melissa a silver bag stuffed with cotton, claiming it was the traditional wedding gift for year two of marriage. Much to Melissa's surprise, there was also a great gift of books, regarding wine, under the piles of cotton. Mike was presented with a small paper sack which held two books regarding the life of John Muir, friend to the natural world and National Parks. Having exchanged gifts, Mike made the decision to enjoy some time outside playing volleyball whereas Melissa headed upstairs to help the Herrboldt's prepare some freezer meals in preparation for their adopted child. By Sunday evening, Mike was not so sure what status his health would be at the actual day of anniversarial celebration.
Waking Monday morning, it was clear to Mike that his health was not optimal and he would be wise to take the day easy. Melissa prepared some cranberry walnut French toast for Mike, SaraJane and herself to enjoy before taking the rest, relax and take care of some things she saw fit. By late afternoon, the couple was beginning to feel hunger and felt it was necessary to share a meal worthy of the anniversary, however, Mike was not feeling up to leaving the house. With that, Melissa made her way to the Teriyaki Bowl where she purchased a large amount of sushi and made her way back to the house via one stop for a bottle of wine. Upon her return, a living room picnic was established and the Harrington's enjoyed each others company and many delicious sushi bites.
The couple now begins year three. Thankful for the past years lessons and discoveries. They share gratitude for their church friends and family, the joys of CouchSurfing and the adventure of road trips. They anticipate the deepening of their relationship with one another, their community and heavenly father; hoping to plan a successful World Cup trip and decide where to go from there.
Come Saturday morning, the Harrington's donned their Brown and Gold and attended the UW vs. Weber State football game with Rob, Kim and Macradee Jackson (Melissa's uncle, aunt and cousin). Prior to the game, the five made it into Tailgate Park for a quick drink and some exploration before making their way to the gate and the bleachers. The Harrington's and the Jackson's enjoyed watching the first game of the season which even showcased a Wyoming Cowboy win!
As was decide the night before, the Harrington's along with Jordan, Mark, Abbie and Marge made their way out on Happy Jack Road, hot dogs and s'more materials in tow. Unable to camp at the exact site of their wedding, the Harrington's settled for a spot just past the place of their vows. With some challenge, the men were eventually able to start a small campfire and gather enough wood to keep it alive for the evening. Everyone enjoyed some hot dogs and s'mores and the men folk enjoyed a game of bean bags by moon light while the ladies got in some healthy chatting.
Sunday was a day of church and worship in the morning followed by activities of separation. However, these activities did not take place until after the exchange of gifts. Mike graciously handed Melissa a silver bag stuffed with cotton, claiming it was the traditional wedding gift for year two of marriage. Much to Melissa's surprise, there was also a great gift of books, regarding wine, under the piles of cotton. Mike was presented with a small paper sack which held two books regarding the life of John Muir, friend to the natural world and National Parks. Having exchanged gifts, Mike made the decision to enjoy some time outside playing volleyball whereas Melissa headed upstairs to help the Herrboldt's prepare some freezer meals in preparation for their adopted child. By Sunday evening, Mike was not so sure what status his health would be at the actual day of anniversarial celebration.
Waking Monday morning, it was clear to Mike that his health was not optimal and he would be wise to take the day easy. Melissa prepared some cranberry walnut French toast for Mike, SaraJane and herself to enjoy before taking the rest, relax and take care of some things she saw fit. By late afternoon, the couple was beginning to feel hunger and felt it was necessary to share a meal worthy of the anniversary, however, Mike was not feeling up to leaving the house. With that, Melissa made her way to the Teriyaki Bowl where she purchased a large amount of sushi and made her way back to the house via one stop for a bottle of wine. Upon her return, a living room picnic was established and the Harrington's enjoyed each others company and many delicious sushi bites.
The couple now begins year three. Thankful for the past years lessons and discoveries. They share gratitude for their church friends and family, the joys of CouchSurfing and the adventure of road trips. They anticipate the deepening of their relationship with one another, their community and heavenly father; hoping to plan a successful World Cup trip and decide where to go from there.Dancing Vertically
As a farewell to summer vacation, the Harrington's attended the University of Wyoming's Dance department's production of Vertical Dance at the Vedauwoo recreational area. As should be expected in this great state, there were a few clouds threatening rain and upon their threat becoming a promise the show was postponed. However, as is also typical Wyoming, the storm passed over quickly and the Harrington's as well as hundred's of other attendees were set to enjoy a very entertaining show of superb story telling, athletic ability and grace.
A Family Gathering
Shortly after returning from their extensive road trip, Mike and Melissa Harrington soon found themselves "on the road again." As was true with previous trips, the Harrington's would have the opportunity to meet with some beloved family. However, unlike the summer trip, this encounter would also provide the first opportunity to meet her half brother, sister-in-law and niece. Melissa and her brother Gary have had a few email conversations and a couple hellos via phone throughout the past ten or so years, however the Allen girls (Melissa and Luella) had not yet had the opportunity to meet their brother face-to-face.On a fine August evening, all of that would be history. The Harrington's were to meet Luella and Alex in Ft. Collins/Loveland and then continue on their way down I-25 toward Arvada. It would be at Grandpa Al's and Grandma Lu's that the first meeting would take place. From the grandparent's appartment the Allen clan and guests would make their way to a nearby park to enjoy a K.F.C. pic-nic and the childhood joys of playgrounds and ice cream trucks.
The family gathering was a huge hit. The siblings, parents and grandparents were thankful to have this time to spend with one another and to get to know each other. Not to mention, Luella and Melissa and their niece Haley had a great time using the playground equipment.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Some Rules were Harmed in the Making of this Road Trip
For 47 days this summer, Mike and Melissa Harrington enjoyed touring the western United States. Before beginning their journey, they posted a set of 12 rules they hoped to follow and committ to for as long as they were on the road. Today, we at the Harrington Times bring you the truth, and hold the Harrington's accountable to their committments. The following recounts their rules and whether or not the couple fully complied with each.
1. Seat Belts - always: The Harrington's managed to keep their priority on safety and buckled up every time the car was moving.
2. Maximum speed = 5 mph over posted speed limit: As was reported in earlier posts, the Harrington's were pulled over once for speeding, which they claim was a problem of Nevada law rather than a lead foot. Considering they managed to keep this rule as well, we the people will have to agree that Nevada's speed restrictions are more or less inconvenient.
Rules of the Road:
as determined by Mike and Melissa Harrington
plus an explanation of how closely each was followed as reported by the Harrington Times.
1. Seat Belts - always: The Harrington's managed to keep their priority on safety and buckled up every time the car was moving.
2. Maximum speed = 5 mph over posted speed limit: As was reported in earlier posts, the Harrington's were pulled over once for speeding, which they claim was a problem of Nevada law rather than a lead foot. Considering they managed to keep this rule as well, we the people will have to agree that Nevada's speed restrictions are more or less inconvenient.
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