Good Manners

The benefits of Schuyler growing up in Scouting is all the lessons in life we learn and share with him.  Good manners has always been shared with Schuyler and really has been a part of our lives since childhood.  There is nothing better than having a child that has good manners!

Here is the chart I found and the requirements for the belt loop and pin that we are working to complete!  Worthy of a blogpost!  :)

Mount Snow Devo Coaches Slideshow

My baby is growing up!

Chocoate Face at Mount Snow

Ski Racing at Willard Mtn in NY

 Wolf Cub Scout - Pack 57 - Den 1

Playing baseball in the spring 2009

Summary of Schuyler (February 2010)

He's a great skier and soccer player

He is good at baseball and basketball

He does not drink soda

He reads quite well, just does not have inflection in his voice.

He's quite sharp, has quite the wit, and has a growing vocabulary

He goes hiking and snow shoeing in New Hampshire

He's a very good artist and is great at conceptual crafts

He cooks and feeds Oakley on occaision

He's a good Scout and has been awarded many belt loops and a few pins!

He obeys and listens well

He is respectful of other people and socially is doing very well
 
His grades at school are exeeptional and we are so very proud.....

Post it Tuesday!

I found this fun posting opportunity on Angie's Blog "Three's Company"---- which is now #97 in the ranking for Top Baby Blogs --- vote here!  She has some fantastic insights and experiences that she shares on her beautiful mommy blog!  Cheers to Angie!

A Year in photos

Photos from this past year!

 Top left to right:

Judy and I at the RFL Staff Meeting

Kim stopping by in her way home from Maine - first time I have seen her in almost 20 years!

Team IZOCA at the Troy Turkey Trot

Steve & I hiking up Mount Snow - early season training

Schuyler's group photo at his birthday on the Cedar Works playset

My Family at the Long Horn after the VCM

ACS friends - Stacy, Dana, Colleen & Jane - in Atlanta

Steve & I - Thanksgiving at the Ma Family house

RFL Nationwide Staff -- Judy, Kyadrine, Samantha & more

My family expanded version at Thanksgiving

Steve & I on the Moomba

Kelli Barry with me at the finish of the Dave Barry Memorial 5 miler in Hatfield

Veteran's Day with Schuyler & Steve

Steve's family at Bob's house when Krissy came to visit

Washington DC - the finish of the MCM

Olivia & Judy at the Relay Summit 2009

SVC J5 Race #4 at Stratton - Nancy E Photography

Love these latest photos from Stratton on Sunday -- the sun was right in my face on the side of the course, but I feel that my photos are getting better and better all the time.  This is the first I was able to play with my new camera - a D300s and VR 18/200 with image stabilization.  There are certain skiers that I get such great photos of including Will and Ian Lynch, Evan Hynes and of course our own Schuyler.  :)  We missed Jenna this weekend as she is with her family in Vail.

Enjoy!

J5 Ski Racing Gallery on Nancy E Photography




Hannah Trudeau

 

Reed Mullen

Sofia Kurd

Race Schedule 2010

Planning my race schedule and considering the below races....   I am signed up for Boston, planning on entering via lottery for Mount Washington and the rest is still for discussion and planning with my training.  Hoping to connect with my friend and past running partner Tina Naimie for some variety in racing in the mountains and on the trail!



Boston Marathon
April 19 - 26.2 mi - 10 AM start - Boston MA

Mount Washington Road Race
10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010

2009 Mt Washington Road Race Results

Time	Bib	First name	Last name	Team	City	State	Zip	Sex	Sex Place	Age	Division	Division place
1:35:38	1085	NANCY	COOK	WHITE MOUNTAIN MILERS	BELCHERTOWN	MA	01007	F	30	44	F4044	4

4 of 50 in age group
189 overall out of 917 finishers

The below races are selected from the Grand Tree Trail Series from the WMAC running site:

Seven Sisters, 12 mi, Amherst, MA, 9am Sunday May 2, 2010
Seven Sisters
May 2nd   - 12 mi - 9 AM start - Amherst, MA

20^th Annual 7 Sisters Trail Race 

Sunday, May 2, 2010

For the Benefit of the Friends of the Mt. Holyoke Range

and Sugarloaf Mountain Running Club

9:00 AM

Amherst, Massachusetts

Twelve (12) very hilly, rocky miles

An out-and-back roller coaster ride along the ridgeline of the Mt. Holyoke Range on a single-track trail.  Very scenic overlooks of the Pioneer Valley with views of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College and the Town of Amherst, as well as a beautiful view of the Connecticut River and Northampton to the west.  Extremely hilly with 3,700 feet of climb consisting of many steep hills with hazardous footing in places due to the many sharp basalt rocks the comprise the elevated ridge of Mt. Holyoke.

Soapstone Mountain, 14.5 & 4 mi, Stafford Springs, CT, 9am Sunday May 16, 2010

24k COURSE
The first mile of the 24k travels along a slightly downhill dirt road before turning sharply onto a more 'traditional' hiking trail. From there it starts a slow accent towards Soapstone Mountain. After crossing the first road, the trail makes another sharp right where participants are challenged with the first difficult climb - a very steep 1/2 mile trail named "Killer Hill". Once at the top of the hill, runners travel by the Soapstone Mountain observation tower and then run down a steep descent. Following the downhill, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks and rollers through the woods - though it's challenging, the rollers aren't steep enough to dramatically alter one's overall pace. There are brook crossings and a muddy stream decent. There are lots of rocks and roots to twist ankles on. Watch your footing! Towards the latter half of the race, the course has one more significant climb up a single track, followed by a steep descent on a dirt trail continuing on dirt road and finishing on single track to end the race in a grassy field surrounded by friends and family. The entire course is marking with painted white dots on rocks and trees. In areas where the trail splits or is tricky there will be additional flagging.




Greylock Trail Races, 13.5 & 3 mi, Adams MA, 10am Sunday June 20, 2010


Savoy Mountain, 22mi (GT race), 11mi, & 4mi, Florida/Savoy MA, August 15, 2010


Mt. Toby, 14 mi, Sunderland MA, 9:30am August 22, 2010

12 of 12: Another Day in the Neighborhood

Not sure what I was planning for 12 of 12 this month, but I have missed a couple months and wanted to get one in --- then my camera crashed in the parking lot.  I called Nikon and plan on sending my lens in for repair work.... so today has been a sad day considering my options for a new camera, D300? and the repair on my lens that I love so much!  With 2 ski races in the next week I really don't want to be without my camera for more than 5 days, so the timing of the repair is tough for me to make.  Who knew I would be so attached?  :)

So here is my 12 of 12 -- Oakley again is my star....
Music in our lives makes us happy - 7 AM

Our home view from the trail as I run up every morning.... 8 AM

North South East or West?   8:30 AM

Peaceful Surrounding --- love the sunshine in the greenhouse area of our house 9:00 AM

Gorgeous puppy in the living room...  9:15 AM

On the deck....  10 AM

My new office area & new desk!  LOVE it!   1 PM

In the kitchen....

6 PM

Skis for sale ---- a raffle win at Pro Jam --- any one need slalom skis?  Hart makes a great ski - stay tuned for a craigslist post soon!  6 :15 PM

Schuyler home from school!  6:30 PM

Oakley  upstairs, following me around the house....  : )  7 PM

And last photo for my craigslist sale --- these are brand new from my days as Lange girl - never skied them, very cute!  8 PM

I hope to be back in action with a new camera soon!  :)

Here is my November 12 of 12

New to 12 of 12?  Check out Chad's site for all the details....  

My story of "DetermiNation"

Putting together my story for a national website promotion of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program at More.com.

Description:

MORE magazine, for its Website (more.com), is interested in producing a slideshow of female DetermiNation athletes over 40 years of age. The photos -- one of each athlete, and preferably during competition -- would be accompanied by a brief synopsis of their stories as to why they compete for the DetermiNation team. As well, the slideshow would be accompanied by a brief bit of context about our new collaboration with CGI and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.

As I look through the photos from the Marine Corps marathon it shows the determination & endurance it takes to train and then run for 26.2 miles.... Although this was my 22nd marathon, in my 40's I feel stronger, smarter and more dedicated ...  My times are faster, my results are better and my appreciation for good health has become my focus now that I am in a place in life where I am happy, fullfilled and loved.

In one year I will have run 3 marathons and signed up as a DetermiNation runner to raise the much needed funds in the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society.   (Please note all fundraising dollars are net dollars.  Travel and registration costs & fees are my own responsibility).

Vermont City, May 2009 = raised more than $1100
Marine Corps Marathon, November 2009 - raised more than $1000
Boston Marathon - upcoming - April 2010 - currently raised $710
Total raised more than $2800 ---

All of these marathons in honor of my dear friend and volunteer leader from American Airlines, Mary Beth Reddell --- as she continues to fight, I will continue my quest to run marathons and raise money for an organization that I truly believe in the mission.  Creating more birthdays, celebrating life, remembering and fighting back against  this disease are just a few of the taglines that pop into my mind as I train each morning --- building up the miles and this time for the grand daddy of them all --- the Boston Marathon.  Below are some links of interest sharing my results from Vermont City in May, Marine Corps in November and also some information on my story about fightning cancer through DetermiNation - the American Cancer Society's charity runner program. 

The program is such a perfect fit for runners like myself --- sign up, make a committment to run and raise money by sharing your story of why you want to fight cancer.....  the online fundraising function is user friendly, the Boundless Fundraising tool on Facebook has been a great help and reminder for a soft outreach and the Training Peaks program has truly kept me on track with daily tips and reminders of the miles to run.  I recommend the program to anyone that wants to run a marathon, 1/2 marathon or event that DetermiNation is connected with nationwide.  Now with the Rock n Roll partnership where ACS will be highlighted - more people will become aware of the program and feel even more accomplishment when they cross that finish line --- to make a difference, create a world with more birthdays, and as I celebrate another birthday in June --- I will again be training, getting stronger and fighting cancer so that others may survive this terrible disease.

Story links of interest:

My Charity Runner Story - from my first ACS Charity Marathon Spring 2009
Article about me in the Republican before MCM - Fall 2009
Marine Corps Marathon results - first in age, 50th woman
Vermont City Marathon results - 4th in age, 21st woman

Please consider a donation today --- help the American Cancer Society create a world with more birthdays.....  Link here to my personal fundraising site to make a donation today. 

Celebrate life, honor a cancer survivor or donate in memory ...  

We all have been touched in so many ways.  

I run and dedicate my fight to: 

Susan - My best friend from my days in Boulder, CO.  She lives with this disease and is one of the strongest women I know. 

Phylecia - A true leader in the Society  & Dick her husband -- both amazing leaders and friends!

Chester -- my first yellow lab that fought this disease and gave me so many days of love and devotion.   13 1/2 years he was always by my side through thick and thin.  Oakley is doing a great job of living that legacy of my sweet yellow lab.  :) 

Mary Beth - a volunteer leader in the NCTP - the strength of this woman amazes me... and her smile and energy light up the room.  I read her stories and experiences and it fuels me more and more!

Diana Love - One of my original volunteers that did EVERYTHING for EVERYONE and every organization.  The most amazing community leader  that gave me my start as a staff person in the Society.  Her memory will live on forever in my heart and in the hearts of everyone in NH and Sullivan County.  

Diann Roffe

Recently I had the opportunity to meet, spend time with and be coached by Olympic gold medalist, Diann Roffe. The 2 day race camp was a great experience for me as a skier and has met some personal goals of mine. Where before I have been tentative in the gates in downhill and never before been in the slalom gates -- this put the pieces together and helped me understand lines and tactics in a course. It is a great as a parent of a ski racer, coach of development program skiers considering racing and my own personal skiing -- can't wait to get in the gates again!

Here is the link to Diann's new site - she is an incredible athlete and person. I recommend her as a speaker and coach!

Here is a link to her 1994 Olympic GOLD medal run!

The Zen of Skiing

Ski Vermont Mag features Terry!

On our list trip to visit our best friends, the Barbours, we got to talk to Terry about the interview with Ski Vermont and see the article at their home. What a great interview! Terry is Steve's best friend and they have been working together in PSIA for many years and have worked together analyzing skiing techniques.

Quote: "I want them to think of skiing as a dance.... If you keep dancing it becomes beautiful" Terry Barbour

Here is the article. Enjoy!

New Year's Quotes

A collection of my latest favorite quotes ---

"I wish for those I love this New Year an opportunity to earn sufficient, to have that which they need for their own and to give that which they desire to others, to bring into the lives of those about them some measure of joy, to know the satisfaction of work well done, of recreation earned and therefore savored, to end the year a little wiser, a little kinder and therefore a little happier." - E. Roosevelt

What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other. -George Eliot-

Nothing cures like laughter. Make each day a reason for jubilation, laughter and festivity. Create celebration in your soul.

Joy is not a precious concept reserved for holidays and special occasions. Rejoice in simple things. Make joy at home in your heart today.

Unshared joy is an unlighted candle. -Spanish Proverb-

The simple pleasures are life's truest treasures. Indulge yourself.

Contentment with little makes happiness. - African Proverb

"Wealth is not a matter of intelligence; it's a matter of inspiration." — Jim Rohn

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." -Earl Nightingale

Link to Falconwing11 Ken's Posterous Website of quotes and posts

Nancy E Photography Flyer for 2010 Season

A quick creative on Pages to promote my photography at the ski racing events for the MSSC this season. Looking forward to it!
Here is the list of Mount Snow Events where I hope to take photos!

Nancy E Photography

Third Annual Cook Family Christmas Eve Eve celebration

Christmas Eve Eve with the Cook Family
Mom Cook
Her Brother Uncle Bill & Aunt Jeanette
Cousins Lisa & Lynn with their kids
Brother Bob, Lynn, Brie, Chris & Scott
Brother Jim, Donna, Jeff, Jason & Brian
Brother Tom
US: Steve, me, Samantha, Stephen & Schuyler

Great night of Roast Filet of Beef, roasted red potatoes, garlic bread, salads, and desserts of pie and cookies!
Wonderful time with family and plenty of Cook's Champagne !

Gazpacho

Gazpacho Recipe
(use Vita Mix) :)

INGREDIENTS
6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 purple onion, finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
1 sweet red bell pepper (or green) seeded and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
6 or more drops of Tabasco sauce to taste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (omit for vegetarian option)
4 cups tomato juice
METHOD
Combine all ingredients. Blend slightly, to desired consistency. Place in non-metal, non-reactive storage container, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to blend.
Serves 8.

Grama Cook's Whoopie Pies

Our neice Monique shared this on facebook, and the comments back were from Joe that these need to be against the law! :) So I will try them soon for the holidays! Stay tuned for photos!

Whoopie Pies
1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 c. cocoa
3 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 c. milk
Cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add milk to the creamed mixture and mix well. Add the blended dry ingredients and mix well again. Drop by teaspoonsful on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Cool, then fill.

WHOOPIE PIE FILLING:
1 1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Sm. amount of milk
1 1/2 c marshmallow creme
1 1/2 c confectioners' sugar
Cream the shortening and sugar and vanilla. Add the marshmallow creme and cream again, adding milk as necessary. This makes enough filling to generously fill approximately 50 whoopie pies (3 inch size).

Christmas Letter to Family & Friends

It's that time of year, time to get in the spirit of Christmas. I love the cards, the letters, the photos ..... coming from all over the country from our friends and their families. I remember as a child receiving the letter from Aunt Pat with all the updates from each child in the family and then from the farm.... it was always a "good read" my dad would say as we got the card along with a photo, or sometimes just a card. Aunt Pat was so great about getting it out early and actually has a scrapbook where she has saved every photo and every letter she has sent out ---- every year. Amazing woman --

The family photo sharing once a year at Christmas is a tradition for many, and others just to address and sign all the cards and share their favorite chosen card with all their friends seems to fit the bill. Others take the professional photo (which this year I was so lucky to photograph a few families with my Determination fundraiser for their card) --- thanks to the Seifels, the Barbours, The O'Connell's and the Courchesne families for their donation and the privilege to take those photos!

The letters vary from family to family - some a short update, some a nice detailed message, others (like the Coelho family) out do all with the 6-7 page laugh out loud rendition of life in California. I like to get the letters and read each one --- I have many of them filed away for future reading when I need to catch up once again.

Oakley has been the writer of our letter of late. He does a great job and it is fun to take the update a little out of context. I was feeling a little rushed and behind this year, but still I was proud to do the assembly line of family photo, letter ... and I found these great cards to make the whole package. In a day when Christmas gifts to friends are not as necessary --- this Christmas package fits the times. I hope everyone enjoys our letter that I was able to mail --- and if I missed you -- I have posted it here for you!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah & Happy New Year to all!

My Mount Snow 1/2 marathon

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for
My Mount Snow 1/2 marathon

Steve & Schuyler were with the Alpine Comp Team and doing dry land training on Sunday morning, so I decided to get a long run in. After heading down Handle Road with the snow guns blazing on the hill, I ran in the slush and snow on the side of the road, wandering to the middle whenever possible. I passed a couple of J5 Dads headed back to the lodge and I kept on going down Handle, taking advantage of the glorious day. Once I hit 5 miles I thought I would try and loop around to 100 and took the first road that looked like it may go over the mountain / trees, with no luck. I asked a passing snowmobiler what is the best route to get to 100 and after he looked at me as if I was crazy gave me direction to go back on the road and stay there (or find Cold Brook) --so I did .... Then I headed back to Mount Snow on Rte 100 - which wasn't so bad (thinking traffic and no shoulder) - because it was flat and entertaining --- I looked at all the shops, the restaurants and the houses for sale, dreaming of settling more in that are for a ski home / weekends / vacations. What a beautiful area -- I love Vermont as it reminds me of my childhood, my family and the friends I have made here.

So the last uphill was a challenge getting out past Two Tannery Restaurant (remember going there a couple years ago with Steve and Kat's family before Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) - and then back on Handle to the base lodge. I love my Garmin 405 - it kept me motivated to run faster, keeping a good pace the whole way. I ran a 1:52 1/2 marathon (13.3 miles - so it was a little more) --- which ain't so bad for a training run. Hope to keep getting runs in up at Mount Snow - it will be great training for Boston 2010!

Thanksgiving 2009

The Wishbone - by Summer Jackson
The pumpkin pie is cooling,
The turkey smells delicious
The table's covered end to end
With all my favorite dishes

When we break the wishbone
Here's what I will wish"
That everyone's Thanksgiving
Could be as fine as this

Memories:
Turkey Trot - won my age group and set a PR by .01 sec!
The Ma Family welcomes Jamie home as a surprise to Alex & Harrison
Dinner! Prime Rib, Jambalaya & Choc Cream Pie!
Gram, Aunt Sandy, Uncle Tom and clan visit to Mechanicville
A warm family feeling everywhere and all around!!