Vacation at Home: Laramie, WY and Denver, CO August 18-22

The Harrington's final days in the US were spent primarily in Laramie soaking up memories and good-eats with the Harrington sisters and ton of friends. Upon arriving from Sturgis, SD the couple were thrilled to enter 519 and find the dearly beloved Herrboldt's, Blomberg's and Steinkens. Friday brought with it a necessity to tackle some errands such as fingerprints and the receiving a new title in hopes that Navajo Durango (the Subaru) can find new owners in Colorado. The highlight of the day however was heading on over to the Cooley's place for their infamous Fish Tacos and even more infamous company enjoyed alongside the Herrboldt's and topped off with a glass of Red Ass Rhubarb wine out of South Dakota.

Saturday brought a slow, easy start and was quickly highlighted by an event where the Harrington's were honored to see a number of dearly beloved friends from their time in Laramie. No photos were taken, but images of dearly beloved friends gathered within the walls of 519 chatting and living life fill the hearts and memories of the Harrington's. Among these images, a few stand out, in particular one which involved a can of unsuspecting silkworm chrysalis and a crew of equally unsuspecting tongues which took on the challenge and passed with flying colors! (However, only one friend, who will remain unnamed [yeah right], enjoyed them enough to consider creating a silkworm stirfry -- oh Lisa ^.^).

The weekend carried on with a number of oppurtunities to catch up with their Laramie community when the Harrington's made their way to Emmaus Road Community church. Following the service, the couple went downtown to enjoy lunch at Coal Creek Coffee Co. with the Harrington sisters and for Melissa to meet up with the talented and enjoyable Becca Skinner before loading up the Herrboldt's Subaru and heading down to Ft. Collins.

Saying their final farewell to Laramie and ultimately Wyoming, the Harrington's were soon in Ft. Collins sitting down to enjoy a delicious Ethiopian meal with the Herrboldt's, Atwood's, Luella and Ryan. As was common at this juncture of their vacation the couple then said a tearful good-bye to the Herrboldt's before heading over to the Atwood's place for a roaring good time and game of Redneck Life (highly recommened and a desired item by the Man Harrington -- hint, hint to gift givers to the Harrington's ;)).

Monday, August 22 was the Harrington's final day in the United States and was filled with little more than eating, lounging, grocery shopping, re-packing and more eating. Fortunately, Melissa's sister Luella is no stranger to the kitchen and the boyfriend Ryan is no stranger to the grill, so it was, the last meal the Harrington's enjoyed in the US was: steak, mashed potatoes, fried okra and cheese stuffed, bacon-wrapped figs - you ought to be jealous.

With one last set of tears the Harrington's bid farewell to family, wide-open spaces, clear air, poor job oppurtunities, obesity and the whole gamut of America and headed to the land of Kimchi where they are joyfully residing for at least one more year.

Vacation at Home: Sturgis, SD August 15 - 18

Following one night's sleep in the Ten Sleep canyon, Mike and Melissa loaded up the car once again and began a cheerful trek to Sturgis, SD where the infamous motorcycle rally had just come to a close. Eager to spend a couple days enjoying the parents as well as the sister and her boyfriend, the Harrington duo set out relatively early and arrived in the early afternoon ready for whatever the Black Hills and the Allen folks might throw at them.

The visit was kicked off by an evening of dumpster diving in an attempt bolster the eBay business of Luella who is choosing to follow in her parents footsteps. Finding a few good leftovers (boots, bike seats, posters and more) the crew headed back to brown house on Whitetail Dr. and Elk St. to wash up and enjoy a dinner of steak, corn, macaroni and potato salad accompanied by a few good brews (Estes Park Raspberry Wheat to be exact).

Tuesday came at a slow-pace but was quickly picked up a trip in Deadwood, South Dakota where the history of the old west has hardly died and the slots and poker tables are ready to be dished some of your hard earned cash, and hard earned cash is exactly what was left in Deadwood as none of the crew had any big wins. However, the boys (Harland, Ryan and Mike) enjoyed a $12 buy-in Texas Hold 'Em tournament while the ladies (Brenda, Luella and Melissa) hit up the slots and crossed their fingers for a chance at the bonus rounds.

Having enough of the slots and gambling life the crew of  six made their way up Mount Roosevelt for a spectacular view of the hills before heading down the road to Central City to scarf down some hot wings and pizza from the infamous Pizza Lab (should you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, be sure to order a Thai Pizza - veggie or chicken, either way it's phenomenal!) The night ended with Melissa and Luella gettin' their Wii dance on and breaking a bit of a sweat.

Wednesday held a number of great joys and highlights for the whole family as they made their way into Rapid City for first and foremost a late lunch at Casa Real (that's Mexican food folks...a dearly missed cuisine in South Korea). With fully bellies, the crew headed on up the road to Putz and Glo a black light mini-golf center that really needs no explanation...the pictures can do all the talking on this one...

Following mini-golf and remembering the pure, unadultered awesomeness that was the 90's, the Harrington's and family made their way to Ralph's auction house for the pleasant, melodic rhythm of the auctioneer song and to again bolster the eBay businesses of both Luella and the Allen parents.

Having stashed up all these phenomenal moments and memories with the dearly beloved Allen family the Harrington's had to do what became an all too frequent routine on their return to the states: say good-bye. So, with tears in their eyes (Melissa's eyes more specificially) the couple loaded up their car and bid farewell to the Hills and more regretfully, the Allen's.

Vacation at Home: Ten Sleep, WY August 14

Prior to dating, Mike and Melissa with the majority of HR Camp Summer Staff of 2006, made their way to infamous Nowoodstock Bluegrass Festival of Ten Sleep, WY. Mike and his family were well familiar with the event at the time, but little did anyone foresee that this moment would set a pattern for years to come that would be shared with many but rarely lacking Mike and Melissa. From 2006 – 2009, the couple faithfully made the trek to Ten Sleep where they crashed at the Harrington family cabin when there were no longer performances to enjoy. In 2010 the couple was unable to attend as their World Tour led them to San Francisco in preparation for teaching in South Korea. So, in 2011, when it became clear that a return to Nowoodstock was possible and not only would Jalan Crossland be performing, but additionally Dan Walker, the couple did all they could to once again enjoy this summertime tradition. So with good company, chilled beers, Indian tacos, cool grass and warm sunshine; the couple settled in for an afternoon of delightful sounds and memories, before crashing at the beloved Ten Sleep cabin.

Vacation at Home: Red Lodge, MT August 12-14

On Friday morning the Harrington’s enjoyed a tasty treat available from the one and only Brass Plum in Worland, WY – cinnamon twists. Sugary and buttery these delectable delights are highly desirable amongst the residents of the Harrington household and for good reason. Having a fresh and sweet start, Mike and Melissa loaded up the little gold car (which was graciously lent by Nate and Lisa) and made their way to a family lunch date with John, Susan, Ryan and Rachel in Cody, WY.

Filled with the deliciousness that is Mexican cuisine, the Harrington duo hit the road once again and found themselves in Red Lodge Montana for the second-round of family reunions. With an impressive showing, the Rigg Family spent the weekend of August 12-14 hittin’ up the local Red Lodge Ales brewery, swingin’ some clubs on the golf course, shootin’ hoops, bumpin’ passes in the sand, scavenger huntin’, chattin’ and simply enjoyin’ one another’s company.

The well organized and executed event offered all ages of Rigg family members a chance to relax, rest, dine, play, catch-up and enjoy the love that is available only amongst family. Aside from the aforementioned activities which are easy enough to picture on one’s own, the majority of the crew also enjoyed a not so ordinary event in the little ole town of Bearcreek, Montana: Pig Races.



Throughout the summer months, residents and tourists of the Red Lodge area can make a quick little jaunt down the road and take their chances bettin’ on the pigs. The evening provided a number of laughs as well as a few wins and losses amongst the Rigg family before the whole crew made their way back to cabin accommodation for a final nights rest.



The morning was saved for good-byes and breakfast at the Regis before our favorite duo made their way back across that good ole Wyoming border for one of their most beloved Washakie County summer traditions.

Vacation at Home: Laramie and Rawlins, WY August 8-11 (Melissa)

While Mike tromped through the Big Horn Mountains, Melissa took care of some important business (shopping, homework and maintaining friendships) in the Laramie area. Monday was highlighted by a morning at Turtle Rock coffee shop drinking a London Fog and chomping down a white chocolate and raspberry scone while attacking a bit of the MAED. The continued in a peaceful fashion, walking downtown to receive fresh veggies, enjoyed grilled antelope a good beer and even better conversation with SaraJane and Mark underneath the wide open skies of Wyoming.

Tuesday morning came quickly and was fortunately began with a Thai coffee in hand while riding shotgun with yet another dear friend Stephanie. With Nash buckled in the back, Melissa and Stephanie made their way to Rawlins, WY to see expectant mother and beloved friend, Cailin. Conversation between all three women flowed easily and naturally. The day made room for a perfect deli sandwich, sunny play date at the park and warm hugs. Upon returning to Laramie, Melissa was overjoyed to see the entire Herrboldt family enjoying dinner with the Coulter family and her joy continued when all warmly welcomed her to the dinner table.

Wednesday was a major day of errand running: from NU2U for thrift finds, to the Herb House for spices and Safeway for dried beans and barley. Wednesday ended with a sweet dinner date near the train tracks with the beloved SaraJane. Dinner was take-out from Anong’s Thai which featured chicken pad Thai, Thai tea and coconut cake, quite possibly the best meal one could enjoy on a Wednesday summer evening.

Thursday morning brought a failed attempt at accomplishing work on her master’s and a long trek solo to Worland, WY but resulted in the reunion of man and wife, wife and in-laws and the sharing of stories, all worth the wait and hours in a car.

Vacation at Home: Big Horn Mountains August 8 - 11 (Mike)

After the weekend with his in-laws, Mike made his way to his family home in Worland, WY for one night before making his way into the wilderness. With his father, sisters and a local pastor, Mike packed into the Big Horn Mountains. For four days he and his family enjoyed glorious sunrises and sunsets, stunning mountain views, fly-fishing, catching the elusive golden trout, cold rains and nights and most importantly one another’s company.

And if the above photos don't convince you why the Harrington's are head-over-heels in love with Wyoming, perhaps nothing will.

Vacation at Home: Cheyenne and Torrington, WY August 6-7

With a slight amount of pressure and eyelash batting, Melissa convinced Mike that the morning of the sixth should begin at Ross for an opportunity at cheap, new clothes. Like a trooper, Mike agreed and the couple stocked up on shorts, dresses and other clothing items they decided were necessary. From Ross the two made their way to Melissa’s Aunt Kim’s home where she was being gifted roll after roll of toilet paper in honor of South Korea. The family (Mike, Melissa, Brenda, Harland, Luella, Ryan, Kathleen, Dennis, Larry, Linda, Jameson, Rob, Kim and Macradee) would enjoy chatting, drinking, eating and the appearance of two ‘famous’ Rodeo Clowns.

Following an enjoyable afternoon with the whole family the Harland and Brenda Allen family made their way to Torrington to reconnect with Papa and Grandma (Dennis and Kathleen) for pizza and a rolling good game of ‘What if?’

                                                 

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend trip was returning to grandma and papa’s home for a healthy dose of biscuits and gravy, one of Melissa’s deepest cravings since living in the land of kimchi. Filled to the brim and having enjoyed continued conversation with the grandparents, the Harland and Brenda family eventually made their way down the highway to return to Laramie for a separation of paths.

Vacation at Home: Laramie, WY August 4-5

Back from Wheatland and a day with the sisters, Melissa and Mike reunited at 519 Clark to enjoy Laramie life as they always knew it. Entertained by Mihretu and offered deep conversation and joyful laughter by SaraJane the couple and good friend Mark settled in for a couple hours of remembering the ‘good ole’ days’. Aside from reminiscing, Mike set Mihretu and Mark to work on his mop-top and was relieved to finally have a cut that will keep him for overheating in the hot, humid days currently rampant in South Korea.

The night of the fourth was ushered in by a game of volleyball at Undine Park for Mark, Mike and the Harrington sisters while SaraJane, Mihretu and Melissa prepared some pizzas to deliver. With pizza in hand, the girls and Mihretu made their way to Undine just to discover volleyball was over and only two hungry bellies remained, fortunately the bellies of Mark and Mike are content with eating and they met the challenge joyfully. The night continued forth with walks in the rain, un-upholstering an ottoman, drinking some brews at the Library, 519 and the Ranger.

When morning came, the four M’s (Mihretu, Mark, Mike and Melissa) joined SaraJane for pancakes and yogurt (all based on the request of the littlest M). The morning continued forth with gopher hole making, car racing and a number of other entertaining activities spurred on by little M. All this was in anticipation of another arrival that of Fern the beautiful and kind mother of Mark. Upon Fern’s arrival Mark coyly convinced her that lunch at Sweet Melissa’s (the finest vegetarian restaurant in Wyoming) was in order. As no one can argue against Sweet Melissa’s, the whole crew made their way down town and enjoyed a very fine meal before seeing Mark off to spend time with his family.

The day continued forth in the way only a day with good friends can: conversation and silence, working on various projects within each other’s presence, etc. As the afternoon came to an end Mike and Melissa made their way to McAllister’s before heading to the Harrington sister’s household for a night of games and chit-chat, the perfect way to round out a perfect, Laramie day.

Vacation at Home: Laramie and Wheatland, WY August 3-4

After the lovely day or so with Ryan and Luella and all other Denver area family and friends, the Harrington’s were given a ride to Laramie, WY where they surprised SaraJane and Mihretu before heading off in separate directions. Mike stayed at 519 Clark kickin’ around with little M for a while prior to watching his sisters conquer the softball field and joining them for a long night of movies and who knows what other shenanigans.

As for Melissa, she packed up that sweet, long awaited hug from SaraJane and entered the loving embraces of Erin, Annalise and Hannah, the women who make up 519 Thread Place, the one thing that brings constant beauty to the not-always-beautiful-world of Facebook. These three women, alongside Melissa have maintained a Facebook thread since February of 2008, sharing deeply, honestly, angrily, joyfully and humorously regardless of distance. So it was, on August 3, 2011 these four women were able to come together at a time when each was in need of something slightly different yet something that could only be gained by enjoying community with one another.

The foursome enjoyed such Wheatland treasures as Tera Grano Italian Cream Sodas and Calzones, shopping at Pamida, Arby’s curly fries and soda, Tiara’s and Toddlers, sleeping at Motel 6, drive thru coffee and donuts enjoyed at Wheatland’s best little park. Conversations were deep, easy, rejuvenating, revealing and absolutely perfect. The hugs extended beyond the conversations and spoke volumes of the love and respect these women have grown for one another. And to think, it all started on a mountain, years ago...

Vacation at Home: Denver, CO August 1-3

The Harrington's made their way home to visit family and friends on the first day of August. After 26 hours of traveling, 16 of those in air the couple landed at DIA where they were greeted at the gate by dear friend Mark before taking the train and escalator to the 'hall of reunions' where Melissa and her sister Luella ran into each others arms with smiles, tears and an indescribable joy that can only be fostered with 14 months of absence. The crew of five (Mike, Melissa, Mark, Luella and Ryan-Luella's boyfriend) made their way to the baggage claim carousel and picked up the luggage before heading toward the first meal (Denny's dinner style burgers, sandwiches and chocolate-bacon milkshakes, welcome to the USA) and a good nights sleep.

The first full day of living the American vacation dream had Mike, Melissa and crew waking up and preparing to head on down to visit Grandma Lu (Melissa's grandma) in Denver. The visit included an enjoyable diner experience at Gunther Toody's where fries are delicious and burgers giant! Following a filling and not 'Korea-spicy' lunch, the group headed toward Denver's military cemetery where they were able to leave flowers, memories and love for Grandpa Al (Nov. 2, 1925 - Aug. 18, 2010) and Grandpa Frank (Jan. 17, 1929 - Oct. 21, 1966). With a sense of closure, the Harrington's and all said their farewell to Grandma Lu before heading over to REI where the Harrington's made a significant purchase in hopes of beginning a running routine...only time will tell how these Vibram FiveFingers carry the Harrington's in this desire to embrace the fact that they were 'Born to Run'.




Following REI, the crew went next door to meet up with the Harrington crew of all Harrington crews. Mike's cousin Adam did a stellar job coordinating the bloodline within the Denver area and for dinner the Harrington's enjoyed the continued company of Luella, Ryan and Mark with the joyful addition of Katie and Molly (sisters). Landon (Molly boyfriend), Adam, Jeff and Kari (cousins), and a friend of Kari's. Dinner was accompanied by some fabulous brews and left the Harrington's thrilled to be in the presence of so many they love in a land which is familiar and often times delicious.




The evening ended with a few more libations and attempts at flying via the Wii Fit Plus housed by Ryan and Luella. After a nights sleep, and AWESOME breakfast burritos made by Luella, the crew of five made their way to Laramie, WY for new adventures and experiences with dear friends and family.

Stories from the Couch: The One we Forgot to Tell

On May 15th the Harrington's were host to three lovely souls, 2 from England and one from Canada. The three are/were English teachers in the southern Korean town of Suncheon. The trio made their way to Daejeon for the infamous Barefoot Marathon (which may or may not be a full marathon). The Barefoot race occurs on a mountain near Daejeon that is famous for it's natural red clay which is, as with most things in Korea, good for your health. (Perhaps next year the Harrington's will provide a first hand account of this race so readers have a better understanding regarding this unique event of the city and country in which the Harrington's reside).

Continuing on, the three guests, Charlotte, Sarah and Dave arrived Saturday evening offered great conversation, assisted in preparing a large and delicious pasta salad, gave their 'expert' opinion on Mike's Alcoholic Apple Cider and got a good night's rest prior to heading out in the morning for their race to victory.

Although the time was short and this story lost in the archives the Harrington's enjoyed their evening with this trio and hope they've enjoyed much success in making their own cider. 

'Occasional' Coffee Dates and Other Treats: July 2011

Throughout the month of July, coffee dates were held primarily in Eunhaeng-dong as Melissa stalked the cutesy shops of the neighborhood in search of gifts for the family and friends she will see in a matter of hours. Fortunately, Eunhaeng-dong provides a wealth of cozy, comfy, chocolaty, creamy, coffee-producing coffee shops, of which all were fabulous finds!

The first one featured is a chocolate cafe and aside from offering the regular array of coffee beverages, they provide their costumers opportunity to purchase some fine chocolates and even a chocolate Pat-Bing-Su (which was what Jen and Melissa went for after an evening in the market). You'll know you're there by the chocolate display in the window and if you're not sure, just look for the words "Shall we chocolate?" on the window and you'll know without a doubt!

On a Sunday Coffee date, Melissa and dear friend Holly made their way to the cafe above the Flying Pan named the Oven Story (pretty sure). This cafe not only features delectable drinks, waffles, a few sandwiches and cupcakes but also has on sale some adorable, not-so-Korean-cutesy-style skirts, shirts, accessories and nick-knacks.

A more recent and memorable coffee date took Melissa and Holly one floor above the chocolate cafe mentioned earlier. The cafe claims to be famous for their latte art and it's a sure possibility. The foam was perfect (according the expert of the two girls, Holly) and the coffee oh, so divine. Melissa opted for a cafe cream latte unsure what such would entail and was overjoyed to receive a slightly sweet cup of coffee with the smoothest, most delicate and delicious cream to ever pass these taste buds.

Getting There: All of these coffee shops are essentially in the same area. Get off an Jung-angro Subway station (unsure of the exit, perhaps 5?) Regardless, make your way to the large and famous Bakery or S.dot stationary store, or the Flying Pan and you should find one or all of these sweet little cafes. Enjoy!