Jennifer Wene

Lobo Has Surgery

2010-10-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our dog, Lobo, had surgery 2 weeks ago. He tore his cruciate ligament in his right stifle (equivalent to knee). We took him to Azzore Veterinary Specialists (www.azzore.com) in Russellville, AR, for the surgery. Dr. Dew is the only board certified small animal surgeon in the state. Only the best for Lobo! Dr. Dew and the whole staff are wonderful. We couldn't ask for better care.

Lobo has to be on a leash for the next 12 weeks. He has been staying in the kitchen. Here's a picture of him in his new home for the next weeks. He will be very happy to be outside again.

Drop Box

September 2009

2009-08-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my last post was in February! A lot has happened since then. Chris and I were married on July 11, 2009. Below are several links to pictures. Enjoy!

Engagement pics

Wedding shower

Bridal Shower

Pics of Bridal Portrait day by my mother-in-law

Dinner- Beginning of the wedding celebration

Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner

Bridal Brunch

Wedding

Wedding Reception

Ben Geren

2009-02-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

Chris and I took advantage of the sunshine Sunday morning and went to Ben Geren Park. We, along with Lobo, enjoyed walking the trails. Here's a couple of pics. Have a great week!

From Pictures

4-Wheeling at Mt. Magazine

2009-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Chris and I went to Mt. Magazine with our friends Nic and Snoober on Saturday. The plan was for Nic and Snoober to ride their 4-wheelers and Chris and I would hike and run the trails. Then it changed to Chris and I would ride down to the valley and then hike back up. Well, once we got on we never got off. We had a lot of fun! I hadn't been on a 4-wheeler since I was in high school. It was a beautiful day and so nice to be outside after all the cold and ice. It was quite an adventure at times as there were lots of limbs and many trees that had fallen onto the trails.

4-wheeling. 1-31-09

Altus Winery Trip

2008-11-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

This Saturday Chris and I made a trip to Altus to visit the wineries there.

From Altus Winery Trip 2008

We met our friends Charlene, Lou, and Bernie for mass at St. Mary's (beautiful church) and then had dinner at Wiederkehr's Restaurant. We had so much fun!!

From Altus Winery Trip 2008

Check out the rest of the photos here:

Altus Winery Trip 2008

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Chris and I started the day with a 5 mile run with a group in Fort Smith.

From Thanksgiving 2008

We spent Thanksgiving day with his family in Gentry, Arkansas. On the way we stopped in Fayetteville to check out the Pedicab they just bought. Keep a look out for it when you are in Fayetteville.

From Thanksgiving 2008

We stopped by the square in Fayetteville on the way home to look at the Christmas lights.

From Thanksgiving 2008

One Year...

2008-11-20T14:48:00.001-08:00

Chris and I had a full weekend of events this past weekend...celebrating our first year together and a yard sale. His mother had a yard sale on Saturday morning and we both added several items to it. It was my first yard sale to participate in. I had a good time visiting with people...and selling most of my stuff.

From Pictures

Lobo enjoyed himself as well

From Pictures

Chris and I left the sale early to go to Hot Springs for his mountain bike race, Atilla the Hun, and to celebrate our first anniversary together. Chris had flowers waiting for me when we checked in at the hotel (yes, he is always that thoughtful and sweet). I enjoyed a massage and scrub while Chris rode the bike course on Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed drinks before dinner at the hotel and a nice dinner at Central Park Fusion. The food and service was great. I highly recommend it if you are in Hot Springs. Sunday, Chris rode in his race and then we traveled back to Fort Smith. Click on the picture below to see the rest of the photos from the weekend.

Pictures

Mount Ida

2008-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Yet another post over a month late! Chris and I traveled to Mount Ida, AR, October 19, for a mountain bike race on the Womble Trail. It was a beautiful day, a great day for a ride and hike. Chris, Lobo, and I hiked part of the trail after Chris was done racing. We hiked up to the ridge that I am sitting on in the picture below. It was another reminder that I don't think I belong on a bike this high up!

From Desktop

Lobo enjoyed it too

From Pictures

Kansas City

2008-11-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

Chris and I went to Kansas City the weekend of October 24 for Summit 2008, put on by Leadership Team Development, a support company for the products we sell from Quixtar (www.quixtar.com). We got to see and listen to Oliver North speak. It was a quick trip, but an informative and fun time.

Oliver North speaking...although you can't tell!

From Desktop

Chris and I

From Desktop

Pigeon Roast Mountain Bike Race

2008-11-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hello! I have been back in the states for over 2 months now, starting my new life in Fort Smith. I had planned to make a post before now, but life has just been busy and exciting, a new place to live, starting a new job, making new friends, and enjoying my time with Chris.

This weekend we traveled to Mountain Home, AR. Chris raced in the Pigeon Roast Mountain Bike Race. He placed 2nd in his group...way to go Chris! Here he is at the finish.

From Pictures

I'm not sure I will ever get on a mountain bike, it's enough for me just to run the trails, but I love going and watching. I hang out with Lobo, Chris' dog, and we find our own trail to walk or visit with friends. Lobo would rather be with Chris though. He can't stand to see Chris leave to go race.

From Pictures

Lobo loves to go bike riding with Chris. Here they are before the race.

From Pictures

It was a beautiful drive to Mountain Home (when I wasn't sleeping). It was the first real cold weekend but luckily the sun was out for the race on Sunday. Chris and Brad after the race with their tickets they got for placing. Neither one of their numbers were drawn so no prize.

From Pictures

Chris and Lobo after the race.

From Pictures

Royal National Park

2008-08-31T01:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday we drove to the Royal National Park. It is the second oldest national park in the world, after Yellowstone. Once inside the park we drove to Wattamolla. We had a picnic lunch and then walked along the coast. We stopped at a beach that has a large lagoon tucked behind the beach.

There is a stream that is ankle deep which then enters the sea at one end of the beach. It was a beautiful day...lots of sun, although cool and very windy. Ella and Jack had lots of fun playing in the sand. The water was cold, but it didn't stop Jack from rolling up his pants and playing in the water.

All images from day (the batteries died in camera, sorry no pics of Ella! :-(

Royal National Park - Wattamolla Lagoon

This will be my last post of the sights of Australia. I leave Monday to return to the states. I won't have to leave Jill and the kids until I reach San Francisco though. They are coming home as well for a visit. I hope you have enjoyed reading during the last month. I have had an amazing time! I will continue to post with the updates of my life.

At Home In Australia

2008-08-26T03:12:00.000-07:00

We've spent the last several days in the apartment trying to get everybody well before our trip home to the U.S. next week. We were very happy today when we saw that the high was 71 F. Everyone is not 100 percent yet, but we thought some fresh air would certainly do us all some good. We went to the park to play chase and ball. Ella and Jack had fun tickling me and throwing grass on me.

Later they had fun playing in their "tent".

And then a little more fun before bed.

If you are one of the grandmothers, grandfathers, or someone that thinks the kids are just so cute you might want to click on the album below to see a few more of the same. Otherwise, you have probably seen enough! Hope you are all feeling well!

At Home in Australia

A Few More Hong Kong Photos

2008-08-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

Night Market.

Hong Kong at Night.

Ella and Jack having fun in the hotel room.
Background is view from hotel window.

Ella and I.

Ngong Ping 360

2008-08-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Hong Kong was on Wednesday. We had an overnight flight back to Sydney on Wednesday night. Jack got in one last swim that morning while Ella took a nap. All of us then went to the Kowloon train station where we checked in our luggage. Many of the airlines offer this service at this station. They then transport your luggage to the airport...very convenient!

We visited Lantau Island to experience Ngong Ping 360. We took a 25 minute cable car ride to the top of a mountain on the island, to Ngong Ping Village. The Po Lin Monastery is located here and the giant Buddha, the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue. It's 268 steps to the top of the statue. We all climbed them...even the kids!

Ngong Ping 360

Everyone in Australia and in Hong Kong loves to stop and look at Ella and Jack because of their blonde hair. Many of them ask if they can take a picture. This happened when at the top of the Buddha statue. We got a photo as well this time. Ella liked the little girl's bracelet and she gave it to Ella...so sweet!

Stanley Market/ Peak Tram

2008-08-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island. It is located on the waterfront. There was a nice promenade next to the market. The view of the sea and hills were beautiful during the drive there. Ella and Jack each picked out a toy. Jack- a motorcycle. Ella- a cell phone, maybe she will leave ours alone now, I somehow doubt it.

Stanley Market

Ella and Jack both enjoyed eating noodles at the restaurant. Jack is pretty good with chopsticks.

That night Jill and I rode the Peak Tram by ourselves. It has been running since 1888and takes passengers up to the Peak. The incline was so steep that buildings looked like they were leaning at a 45 degree angle as we went up the mountain. There are trails for hiking and many shops and restaurants at the top. Jill and I went to the top of the Peak Tower for an amazing view of Hong Kong below. Unfortunately the camera batteries were dying and the pictures aren't the best.

Peak Tram

Hong Kong Fun!

2008-08-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

We stayed at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Hong Kong. It is connected to a mall with a large play area for children. Jack and Ella had so much fun playing!

Playground

There was a display of the Olympic Village made out of Legos at the mall.

Olympic Village

The hotel had a very nice pool, which we visited several times.

Hong Kong Pool

There was also a nice area on our floor where breakfast, afternoon tea, and happy hour were available. It was nice to come back to after a long day of walking around Hong Kong.

Trip to Hong Kong

2008-08-22T02:13:00.000-07:00

Jill, Jack, Ella, and I flew together to Hong Kong. Our flight was delayed about 5 hours. We tried to make the best of the situation as we hung out at the Sydney airport.

Sydney Airport

It is a 9 hour flight from Sydney to Hong Kong. Jack was seated next to a lovely lady on the flight, Lilly. He and Ella had a lot of fun with Lilly.

Hong Kong Flight

We were all glad to see Ben at the airport and to get to the hotel, as it was almost 2 a.m. by then!

A Few Pics...

2008-08-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

Jack and I have been working on buttoning...the OT in me! He really didn't need any help from me, just a little patience.

Ella loves glasses! Somehow she still had a smile on her face with looking through the lens of my glasses (for those of you that don't know my vision is BAD). Maybe we need to get her eyes checked!

Ella during our breakfast time together.

Ella playing at the mall. She loves to drive the car.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

2008-08-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Featherdale Wildlife Park. The kids hadn't been to this park yet and we all had a great time. We saw wallabys, kangaroos, koala bears, various birds, pelicans, pigs, chickens, you name it! A wallaby got spooked once and ran out under his fence. Jack ran right up to it and started petting it.

The kangaroos were out where we could feed and pet them. We spent a long time there! Ella was a little hesitant about getting this close to them, but Jack had a lot of fun!

We all had our picture taken with a koala bear...so sweet!

Check out the rest of the photos here:

Featherdale Wildlife

We are ending our day with packing for our trip to Hong Kong tomorrow. We will return next Thursday morning. Jack and Ella were helping me pack my suitcase and Ella found the goggles I brought them. The Cheeks family are ready for some hot weather (I'm not so sure I'm ready to return to it yet). Ben is already in Hong Kong and he said it was 95 yesterday. So they are excited about going swimming and wearing their new goggles!

Goggles

I will probably not post again until we return from Hong Kong. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Hi From Australia!

2008-08-14T01:50:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of "normal" days around here. Ella and I have started our mornings like usual, or what has become the usual since about day 3 of me being here. She wakes up and after a little bit makes it known that she is ready to get up (I am sleeping in Jack and Ella's room). We have breakfast together and shortly after the others get up. This didn't start until day 3 because even though I was the one that "saved" her from her bed in the morning, she wasn't sure about me yet at that early hour.

We went to IKEA and the outlet mall yesterday. There wasn't much buying though. Most things are much more expensive here and many of the outlet prices were similar to what we would pay regular price in the U.S.

Today I drove the car for the first time, only for a few miles! This was a big deal because the driving is British style in Australia. Constantly remembering to stay in the left hand lane is one thing, but then you also have to be careful of the cars parked on the left side of the street. I wasn't very observant of the left side of the car or those cars. As my sister repeatedly said, just hug the center line!

A couple of other tidbits: rubbish=trash, bin=trashcan, a sleep=a nap, buscuit=cookie, morning/afternoon tea=snack for the kids (or anyone).

Touring Sydney and Bondi Beach

2008-08-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Jill and I spent the day in Sydney and Bondi Beach. We took the Ferry to Darling Harbour and walked along the water to the Chinese Garden of Friendship. The pavilions, waterfalls, and landscaping were beautiful. It is a peaceful garden in the middle of an otherwise busy city.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Our next stop was Chinatown. We made a brief stop in the many stores. We probably would have spent a little more time here if we weren't going to Hong Kong on Saturday.

We then took the train to Bondi Beach, one of Australia's most famous beaches. There are many outside cafes and restaurants and shops, like most beaches that you have been to. But I especially liked the rocks along the coast of this beach. We walked/ climbed along the cliffs. It was a beautiful day and the water looked amazing. There were many surfers out enjoying the water. Although the sun was out it was very windy and cool by the water....60F for all of you in the Northern Hemisphere. I am not wishing for 100 degree temperatures but you do have to put on many layers here to to make sure you are prepared for the cool and few warm moments of the day.

Bondi Beach

A Day at Breakfast Point

2008-08-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday started off with mass at St. Patrick's Church. The church is charming. It is just a short 15 minute walk (with children in tow) from the apartment. Ella insisted on walking versus being carried so Jack, being the good big brother he is, took the opportunity to teach her how to walk on the sidewalk....she'll need a little more practice!

We decided to spend the day at Breakfast Point, where Jill and her family live. It is a development west of Sydney with homes, specialty shops, grocery store, cafe, etc. The property is on the Parramatta River, which flows into the Sydney Harbour. This is where we get on the ferry when going into Sydney. We packed a lunch and spent the afternoon at Silkstone Park. The kids enjoyed playing tag with Jill. Ella thought she was big enough to ride Jack's bike. Our fun was cut short by afternoon showers but Ella and I headed out again later for a walk by the water. Although I have not been running as much lately, I'm sure that this scenery could get me to go for a daily jog.

BreakfastPoint

The Rocks Market

2008-08-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the Rocks Market today. The Rocks Market is located on the northern end of George Street, Sydney's biggest and most high profile street. The Rocks Market is a weekend market with over 150 stalls of jewelry, antiques, food, flowers, toys, etc. Jack got to purchase a car at the market and couldn't wait to play with it. It was another beautiful day and we enjoyed walking around. We used the train and bus as transportation today. I'm enjoying using the different modes of public transportation. Jack has had fun teaching me how to put my ticket in the machine for the train and the bus.

See the photos here:

Rocks Market

Ferry to Sydney

2008-08-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day Thursday! Jill, Ella, and I took the ferry into Sydney (Jack was at preschool). We took the ferry to Circular Quay, which is the hub of Sydney Harbour. There are several outdoor cafes and benches where you can watch all that is going on at the harbour. We walked around the Sydney Opera House (to be determined if we will make it back for a show). Seeing it in person wasn't quite what I had expected. I thought it would be larger than it was; it was still quite a sight to see though. We walked through the Royal Botanical Gardens. Ella got to see some bats while there! We went to Hyde Park and the Queen Victoria Building. The QVB is an old, large building with stained glass windows and tons of boutiques. Australia is known for their meat pies. I had my first one for lunch. It was really good!

Click here to see photos:

Ferry to Sydney

Arrive in Australia!

2008-08-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Sydney, Australia on Wednesday morning. It was cool and rainy, but I stood outside at the airport waiting for Jill to pick me up because the weather was such a nice relief from the recent Arkansas temperatures! We took the train and bus to Jill's apartment. They have a beautiful view of the water from their balcony. Jill had scheduled me a massage for that afternoon. Which was such a nice treat after the long flight. We then had a cup of coffee at one of the nearby cafes before going to pick up my niece and nephew, Ella and Jack. I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. I brought Jack a puzzle and Ella a purse.

Click on this picture to view the rest of the photos from the day.

Jennifer Arrives in AU Aug 2008

Cleaning...Unpacking...

2008-08-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm officially moved to Fort Smith. I finished my last day of work on Thursday. Now begins the fun part of cleaning and unpacking at my new place. Although I am using this blog as an excuse to take a break, I can honestly say that it's not that bad. For one, the cleaning is only being done for my peace of mind, I'm not sure it's really needed. And the unpacking is a necessity so... My goal is to have every box unpacked by the time I leave for Australia; which is Monday. I leave Fort Smith Monday afternoon and arrive in Sydney on their Wednesday morning. There is a 15 hour time difference. Unpacking awaits!

My New Home

2008-07-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Chris found me a great duplex in Fort Smith. He saw the For Rent Sign a couple weeks ago. I couldn't get to Fort Smith to look at it, but we new it would go fast, so Chris went to look at it for me. He took lots of pictures and emailed them to me. I decided to take it based on the pictures and Chris knowing enough of what I like and don't like. I probably can't put into words how perfect it is for me. It is just a couple of years old. It has a garage, which many of you know I have been missing since I moved from Maumelle. And, speaking of my house in Maumelle, the duplex reminds me of a smaller version of it. It's 2 bedrooms, 2 bath...yes, that means come visit me!! I have plenty of space! And lots of closet space. My closet is larger than all 3 of the bedroom closets in my Little Rock house!

Obviously, I was very happy when I stepped into my new home. Which was a good thing considering everything I owned was in a trailer just minutes behind us. I did all the usual things, opened doors, cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator....and that's when I got the best and most thoughtful surprise. Chris had in the refrigerator a bouquet of flowers, bottled water, and milk (I really like milk). In the freezer were popsicles and ice cream. But that wasn't all. The water was not going to be turned on at the duplex that weekend, so Chris had bought huge containers of water and put them in the bathroom so that we could flush the toilet. That's a pretty huge thing for me. It turns out that the water did get turned on, thanks to Chris' mom, Debbie. Thank you!

The Move...

2008-07-28T15:42:00.001-07:00

We moved my furniture to Fort Smith on Saturday. Several moves ago, I said that I would always hire movers for any future moves. Well...I talked myself out of that since I had gotten rid of a lot of my furniture, and luckily had some great helpers to help me with the move. Chris, his mom, Debbie, his dad, Robert, and my good friend Laura helped load the truck in Little Rock. We made a stop in Russellville to have lunch with Jack, a friend of Chris' dad. When we arrived in Fort Smith we recruited Lou to help us unload. By this point I was tired and was so thankful for Lou. He made the unloading much faster than it could have been. Lou is my friend Charlene's husband. I'll take this moment to mention that she is the one that introduced Chris and I....and to say thank you again.

Chris and I setting up the dining table so that we can eat a piece of Banana Cream Pie from Red Rooster in Alma that his mom and dad brought over. If you're ever in Alma you have to get a piece of pie, it's the best!

I am Moving!

2008-07-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have sold my house in Little Rock (pictured) and I am moving to Fort Smith where my boyfriend, Chris, lives! Most of you have heard me say that I would never have a blog, but since my sister, Jill, has moved to Sydney, Australia, and kept us updated through her website I have realized that maybe this will be the easiest way for me to let you know all the new things going on in my life. Just don't anticipate anything too exciting...I wish I could say I have a way with words, but I don't.

The sale of the house...I placed a For Sale by Owner sign in the yard on a Thursday evening in June and I had an offer 2 weeks later. I feel incredibly blessed that I sold it so fast!