50 Miles for 50 Years

     Just when I think I couldn't be any crazier, I get crazier.   I've not even run the marathon yet this year and I'm already looking ahead to the next challenge.  I did the unthinkable.  I've just made this year's Pittsburgh Marathon a training run.

      Wait a minute.  Let's think about that.  26.2 miles is training?  Are you kidding me?  Nope.  I'm not.   I signed up for the Hell Hath No Hurry trail run again this year, but instead of the 50k option like I ran last year, I signed up for the 50 mile option.  This is not a type, nor did I do that by accident by confusing "k" with "m."  I did this on purpose.  Heck, I did this for a purpose: this one is for my parents.

     Come August 8th, this year will mark my parents 50th wedding anniversary.   It's hard to believe that they have been together that long, but they have.  It's not always been smooth sailing, but what relationship doesn't have it's speed bumps here or there?  Not matter what they may have struggled with, they are still together, every day, by each other's sides.   They are my heroes.

      I've love to introduce them a little bit to you.   First, let's go with my dad.

      My dad is Charles Andrew Hull.  He was a Navy man so you can see why I joined.  He also worked for P & LE Rail Road for a time.  He was attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics when he suffered a stroke at the age of 44, the same age I turned today.  It was a struggle and a big life changing event, but it's been something that he was able to overcome.  It's been 26 years since that has happened, and I've seen him grow stronger each and every day since then.  At the time it happened, I was only 18, and getting ready to graduate high school.   I'll be honest that I didn't know how to handle it.  My dad had almost died, and I really didn't know or understand the severity of his situation.  I kind of just shrugged it off, figuring he was fine, and only visited him in the hospital once.  He was there for about 2 or 3 weeks.   I was his oldest son, and kind of a jerk.  But, I was scared.   My dad wasn't supposed to be there.  He was Batman to me.  He was a Jedi.  He could do anything and I just couldn't handle seeing him so vulnerable.  I don't know what I would have done without him if he hadn't survived that stroke.  But, what I do know is what I've done with him because that stroke didn't take him away from me, or my family.  I continued to learn from him (and still do.)  I am able to still talk to him every day.  I was able to help him celebrate his 70th birthday just a few weeks ago.  My dad once said to me that it seemed everytime he was at the top of the ladder ready to climb out of that hole, something seemed to kick him back down into it.  That's never stopped him though.  He just gets right back up, dusts himself off, and climbs right back up that ladder.   After all he's been through, he's still a Jedi Batman, and he's still my dad, and the best man I know.

Father's Day Dinner.

An oldie: My sister Jodi, me, my sister Jamie, and my dad.

Like father like son.

    My mom is Ruth Ann Hull.  She was attending college at the same time my dad was at P.I.A.  She started school attending CCAC and continued her education and graduated from Kent State University.  Right before graduation, she had a minor accident in the kitchen where she had broken her leg.  That didn't matter, because a simple broken leg was not going to keep her from getting her diploma.   My mom now has a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant.  You'd think as a runner having a mom who is a P.T.A. would benefit me a lot but she one time said to me "my boss says stretching doesn't really do much but if you do stretch, do it after you run and not before it."  I'm pretty bad at both.  My mom has a great sense of humor, but don't let her fool you.  She gets a good zinger in here or there and her mind can be as twisted as mine.  Sure, she's my mom and I really shouldn't crack the jokes that I do when I'm hanging out with her, but every now and again she comes out at you like a ninja with a "that's what she said."  It can be disturbing, but it's absolutely great!  She loves to collect things such as salt and pepper shakers, and other little trinkets and nick-knacks (and then see how much she can sell them for on E-bay, even though she doesn't.)  She absolutely loves being a grandma, but she'll still tell you she's 39 when her birthday draws near in July.  My mom isn't Batman, but she sure as hell is Wonder Woman.

My mom looking stunning on 7th Ave. in Coraopolis in the 70s.

My mom and Santa

     My parents have raised 5 children, and each of us have grown up and moved out.  Because of that, they get to do the sort of things you would hope any parent will do when they finally get their freedom.  They get to travel and do the sorts of things together that they deserve.  Every year, my parents are able to attend a Naval Reunion for the Aircraft Carrier that my dad served on.  (He was a DJ on board that ship.  My dad and I have so many similarities as you can see.)  They've gone to St. Louis, San Francisco, Denver, parts of Alabama and Florida, pretty much everywhere.  They recently went to Atlantic City where they gave para sailing a shot.  When I looked at the pictures of them doing that, the pictures speak volumes of the love that they have shared for 50 years, as well as how strong they are together no matter what obstacle had come their way.

    If my parents can survive every challenge that 50 years of marriage can throw their way, I can survive every challenge that 50 miles of trail running can throw my way.   They've made it this far, and I'll make it that far.  It seems like this race is a a ways off, but January flew by and it's already February 1st.  Before you know it, June 24th, 2017 will be here, and I'll be there bright and early for a 6:00 A.M. start.  This one is for you mom and dad.  I love you both.  (Well, duh!)

Sinceriously,


Chuck Hull.....the Running Jedi



#50milesfor50years, #HHNH #runpgh #lovetorun

PS - I've added some random pictures below of my folks.  Some they probably don't even know I took, scanned, and put back before they knew I had them.

PPS - In lieu of Happy Birthday wishes: DONATE to some GREAT CAUSES!

#teamlemieux for #therunningjedi

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

$2501 is the goal to raffle off a signed Mario Lemieux jersey, $701 raised to date.  Almost there!

#PawsOverPittsburgh #furbabbies

https://www.crowdrise.com/AnimalRescueLeaguePitt2017/fundraiser/kimberlyjurica

Goal of $350, $210 raised to day.  Almost There!  Signed Pens memorabilia raffled to one lucky person that donates!

My dad ad my baby sister Julie.

Boot Camp Graduation

Awkward teen age pose with his parents
as graduation.

Me, my mom, my sister Julie, and a small goat...

That big wheel is bigger than me!

My mom and her parents.

Don't Forget Your Athletic Supporter.

Amy, Bryan, Bryan's munchkin, and Sara

     That sounds sort of funny, doesn't it?  It doesn't matter if you are a boy or a girl, you always need your athletic supporters.   But what the heck does that have to do with running? A lot, actually.  However, this type of athletic supporter comes in the form of people.

     I've made it well known that when it comes to running, I couldn't do it without the help and support of all of you.  As a runner, it's extremely important to surround yourself with a great support system.    Mine just happen to make me laugh, make me smile, and make me forget sometimes that I'm even running.  I've always stated that my journey to a mararthon is not just my journey, but also ours.

     I'd like to take a minute or two to introduce you all to my "athletic supporters."   I don't want to go into too much detail as they too have a story to tell, and I'd like to give them the chance to do so in the coming weeks.  It's important to me that you get to know all of them as well.  So, with that being said, let's begin.

Amy - Amy is a friend from high school.  She's the little red headed engine that could.  She told me that I ran her first ever race with her a few years ago (I think it was three) and that race was the Hell Hath No Hurry trail run up at Settler's Cabin Park.   I can't forget that day.  It was cold, wet, and rainy, and we were both pretty much covered in mud.  It wasn't easy to do, but it was fun (which is why we keep going back to that race.)  We've run quite a few races together, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Amy and Me

Sara - Sara is another friend from high school whom I've known for many years.  From our days working at Roy Rogers down the street from Moon High School (lunchbox) to now, she's always one that gives 110%.  She has completed not one but two Tough Mudder races, and I know she's training for her third.  She likes to get dirty and the Tough Mudder was made for her.

Steph, Amy, Sara, me

Steph - I've known Steph and her husband Eric for half of my life as well.  (He's an OK guy even if he is from Philly and a Flyers fan.)  I see the same attitude in Steph as I do everyone else: never give up.  She doesn't.  I've watched her run two 10 Milers and did her first half marathon in her home town of Puxatawney.  This year, she's giving the Pittsburgh Half a shot.  I'm looking forward to Steph seizing the day on May 7th.

     Steph is raising money for Team Red White And Blue which helps benefit and support Veterans.  If you'd like to help support a Veteran organization, click this link:

     https://www.crowdrise.com/TeamRWBPitt2017/fundraiser/stephaniehaas

Chad -  I can't forget Chad, even with his recent move to Baltimore.  Thankfully, he's only a few hours away.  Chad is a huge positive spirit, always smiling and laughing.  We may not have the chance to always run together these days with him being a little south of Pittsburgh, but it was a privilege to run my first marathon alongside of him.

Chad and I

Kirsten -  Kirsten is pretty much a speed demon.  Don't let her lie to you.  She can take off at the drop of a hat.  Kirsten has a good idea of how to add miles to a long run while running throughout Carnegie, but I really have a hard time convincing her of staying away from hills.

Kirsten, Kim, Me, and Marty

Marty - Marty joins Kim, Kirsten, and myself when we are doing our Carnegie loops among other things.  An avid lover of all Pittsburgh sporta, Marty can usually be found working Pens Games, Pitt Game, etc.  Marty started running a few years back and just keeps on going, too.

Bonnie and David -  Bonnie and David are a different type of athletic supporter.  They have no interest in running themselves, except when they are chasing their two little girls around the house.  They've been with me since I started my running journey, and continue to follow me on my path, and encourage me as well.  They do remain active in other ways through the Beach Body program.  These work outs can be intense, but you do get results.  If running is not your thing, maybe what they do may be something that sparks your interest.

     Links to their coaches pages are below:

     Bonnie: https://www.facebook.com/BonnieHamsteadFitLife/?fref=ts
     David: https://www.facebook.com/FitTechDad/?fref=ts

Bryan - Last but not least, I can't forget Bryan.   He doesn't run, but he's our pit crew.   He's Uber.  He's our cheerleader.   He also hacks our phones when we hand them to him before they say go at the start line.  I've know Bryan most of my life as well, and I would change a thing. (See above pic #athleticsupporter)

     We always need support.  Everyone I work out with and run with are always there for me.  In fact, everyone has been.  My friends, my family, all of you.  Without everyone, things may get a little boring.  I'm glad that you are all there every time I lace up my shoes.

Until next time, keep on running.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull...the Running Jedi


PS: Don't forget, I too am raising money for the Mario Lemieux foundation once more.  If I hit $2500 again this year, I'll raffle off that awesome signed Mario Lemieux jersey.

Click here to donate:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

Enjoy some more pics of my athletic supporters....

Beardcicles, 50k's, and more...

   

16 dgrees + 7 degree wind chill = beardcicles

       As 2016 ended, training for the next big race was about to begin.  The Pittsburgh Marathon training kick off run was just last Saturday, and I started to reflect on the past year (as well as grow beardcicles in the icy temperatures.)  I know I've said it well more than once, but never in my life had I ever expected to run a full marathon.  When I started my journey to 26.2, I was not quite sure what to expect.  I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't realize just how difficult.

     I look back at that day, and I still remember everything.  I remember the huge crowd of people on the front end of the course.  I remember the dead silence on the majority of the back end, leaving me to tackle the obstacle of my mind.  I remember Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons blaring outside of a Bloomfield restaurant amd everyone outside of the church in Homestead singing and cheering.  I remember my friends handing me a beer at the finish, and I remember my girlfriend Kim and her girls screaming at me to keep going.  I remember 20 miles for Evan.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting choked up right now just typing all of this, because we all know how sentimental I can be.  The Marathon was one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do, and I did it.  I also didn't have to do it alone.

     Now, I didn't stop there.  I kept going.  I just...ran.  Completing the marathon was the end goal, but it wasn't (and isn't) my only goal.  And not only that, but, I just like to run.  A few weeks after the marathon I finished the Ogden Half in Wheeling which I hadn't run in over 20 years. (I highly recommend it.) After that, I gave something else another shot: trail running.  I've done a few trail runs before, but in 2015 I failed to finish the Hell Hath No Hurry 30k due to the unkind nature of the weather.  I rolled my ankle in the first mile and even though I was able to finish the lap, I was done.  I had to take a DNF.  As stubborn as I am, there was no way I could finish.  I was pretty mad and upset, so I wanted pay back.  I wanted it in a big way.  Once June rolled around I was getting that payback, but I went for the 50k option instead.  I must be a glutton for punishment.

Hey, if Luke can train in the woods with Yoda, so can I.

Lap 1 and smiling.

     That was another run I couldn't do without help.  I remember sitting down on a log in the woods on my third loop.  It was hot and very humid, and I was exhausted.  I still had two more loops, and I had no idea how I going to do it.  I was ready to tap out.  I texted everyone, (and I do mean everyone - the girl I was dating at the time, my life long friends Amy, Steph, Bryan, and Sara) and they all said the same thing: "you got this."  Even still, I finished the 3rd lap, and sat down to rest.  My mind was giving up.  I just wanted to get off that chair, get in my car, and go home.  I had never sweat so much in one day in my whole life.  However, there was this nagging in the back of my mind asking my if I wanted to DNF yet again?  I had just finished a marathon only a month and a half prior.  It would be OK if I let this one go.  But still, I just sat there breathing heavily and staring blankly into the woods.  I texted my then girlfriend again.

Lap 2, and still smiling, but not for long....

     She told me I didn't get that far to quit and that she knew I could do it.  She was right.  She always is.  Everyone was.  At that time, another runner I had met through Steel City, Adrienne Tolentino-Essey, was just finishing her first lap of the 30k and saw me sitting in the refreshment/recovery tent.  She knew I was giving the 50k a shot and asked how many laps I had left.  I said two and her reply was, "good so do I.  Let's go."  I didn't want too.  I had to get up.  So, off to the woods we went.

  It took two hours to finish that next lap, but after doing the third lap alone, it didn't feel as bad.  My spirits were picking up now that I was running with a couple of other people just as crazy as me.  Time was ticking away, though, and we still had quite a ways to go.  It was still very hot and I was still running out of gas.  I didn't have much left in the tank.   I cramped up.  I changed my shoes.  I had to keep going.

     With only about a mile left I texted my then girlfriend to let her know I was nearing the finish.  Just up ahead on the trail was the last water stop of the loop, the same one I was happy to see each of the previous four times I had gotten to that station.  The end was finally near, but so was the course time limit.

     Just then I had just gotten another text from the then girlfriend.  "We're here.  How close are you?  I think you're running out of time."  I had less than a half a mile to go and some of the people I care about most in this crazy messed up world were there waiting for me.  I'll be honest and blunt. It lit a fire under my ass.  I took off like a bat out of hell and sprinted for the finish.  I've been in the woods now for almost 10 hours and I was not letting the clock beat me.  I sprung from the woods and saw everyone there waiting and cheering.  Everyone was there cheering.  It was just as cool as the marathon, if not even cooler.  I crossed the finish line, and then I kissed it.  It was dirty but I didn't give a rat's behind.  I did it.  Again.

     As I look back at 2016, I feel pretty good about what I was able to do.  I ran over 1400 miles.  I went through four pairs of shoes.  I cramped up.  I cried.  I chugged a beer.  What an amazing feeling and an amazing year.  With every step and with every mile, I never had to do it alone.

     It's now 2017 and I'm about to do it again.  Will you all join me once more?

     Happy running everyone, and, happy trails.

Sinceriously yours,

Chuck Hull....the Running Jedi.  (yeah, I'm still using that)

#runpgh #lovetherun #26miles26dedications #teamlemeiux #teamRWB

PS - I am fundraising again this year.  Please help out one or the other if you can.   It's greatly appreciated.

     - All that donate will be entered into a raffle for a signed piece of Penguins memorabilia (Signed Olli Maatta puck)  Goal is $350, only $315 to go!

The Mario Lemieux Foundation:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

     - All that donate will be entered again for a signed Mario Lemieux Jersey but we MUST reach the goal of $2501 raised.  Only just under $1500 away!

Four years of running the Pens 6.6k

Some race highlights from 2016:

Pittsburgh Marathon, Ogden Halff, and HHNH finisher....

Life long friend Aaron Plunkett and I prior to the start of the Run Around The Square.

The Melanoma 5k in Support of Stephanie's Uncle and Dana's dad who was taken too soon....

Can't do the Rocky Run without seeing Rocky

Best way to finish a race in Philadelphia?
Yeah, like this

Wheels, Wings, and Wishes

(Left to Right: Chuck Hull, Mike Hleuben, Dawn Hleuben, Sara Majtic,
Amy Egan, and founder Bryan Benson of
Wheels Wings And Wishes https://www.facebook.com/Wheels-Wings-Wishes-1495548790746174/?fref=ts)

     It's been a while since I've been able to write or put my thoughts down here in my little blog.  I've had a pretty busy summer thus far, and summer is not over just quite yet.  There is plenty to catch up on as far as running goes, but I wanted to take the time to write about something else.  You see, I don't always run.  Well, actually, I kind of do, but there are other things about me that I wouldn't mind telling you all about, and sharing with you.  In fact I'd like to share something with you right now.  Have you heard of something called "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes?"   You haven't?   Good, because you're about to, so sit back, grab a drink or a snack, and continue to read.

     What exactly is "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes?"   It's the brain child of one of my closest friends, Bryan Benson.  Bryan and I go way back.  We didn't know each other in high school, however, as it happens sometimes in life, we became really good friends after.  At one point, we became roommates in Aliquippa's famous "ABC House."  (That's a different story all together.)  They always say friends may come and go, but families are forever, however this friendship it just like that: family.

    Last summer, Bryan had posted on his Facebook page that he finally tried Big Shot Bob's wings in Coraopolis.  He decided that hands down, they had the best wings in Pittsburgh.  This was a pretty bold statement to make as someone who grew up, and still resides, in Moon Township.  Why?  Wings Suds and Spuds has always been a Moon Twp. staple and favorite amount it's natives.  Those that leave and come back always have to stop there before they head back to where ever they now call home.

     It was at that point that another life long friend (family) had chimed in with his thoughts.  Mike Hlueben had never tried Big Shot Bobs, but he felt that it wouldn't matter if he did.  He already had tried the best wings in Pittsburgh, of so he thought.  Me?  I certainly was not going to sit back and watch them argue.  Clearly I had my favorite wings, too at (I enjoy those of Carson City Saloon.)  You can see where this little argument was headed.  Mike being a collector of show cars remembered that Bryan had recently bought and old Corvette.  Mike said, "hey, why don't we all get together at my place, bring some wings, and you can bring your car over, and we'll hang out with our rides and see who has the best wings."  Even though my Nissan Versa could not compete with a classic Corvette or the General Lee, I was still going to hang out and eat wings.  However, a light bulb went off above Bryan's head.

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melisa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallowich

     Bryan had an idea, and little did we know, he had contacted a local chapter of The Make A Wish Foundation.  He pitched to them about possibly having a a small car cruise, and during that cruise, he would try and raise money for the foundation.  He then pitched the idea to us.   We did not hesitate to get on board.  Bryan had set up the event on Facebook and called it "Wheels, Wings and Brews,"  It was a private event and would be held at Settler's Cabin Park.  We had a  pretty good turn out.  Most of us made wings, while others brought some from around the area.  Roughly 170 people attended (family and friends) and we were able to raise $3300.00.   The Make A Wish Foundation sent a couple kids our way that afternoon, and overall it was wonderful experience.  There was no way we could not do that again.  Back in January, we had gotten together to begin the initial planning for this year's event.  We also agreed to change the name of our event.  "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes" was born.

     What we found out last year was that it takes $3900.00 to grant a wish for a wish kid.  We came up a few hundred dollars short, but were still happy to find out that we were considered a wish contributor.  Our goal was now to make sure that we were able to raise enough to grant a wish.  We were not expecting what would happen next.

     This year's event was held on Sunday, July 31st at the Hangar in Moon Township.  So much time and planning went into "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes."   Vendors were contacted for donations.  Local businesses were contacted for donations.  The Penguins were contacted for donations.  You get the idea.  It may have taken months to prepare, but all the hard work done by Bryan, Mike, Sara Majetic, Amy Egan, Dawn Hlueben (Mike's wife,) Mike Jackson, Bernie Augier, and even myself was about to pay off, big time.  It was finally time for the show, the wings, and the kids.

     I can't begin to tell you what I saw that day.  Last year as I previously stated, we had around 170 people attend.  This year, we had approximately 400!  Last year, we had maybe two dozen cars.  This year?  We had at least 100!  The sun was shining all day, and even thought it was hot, that didn't matter.  There was a DJ outside playing classic rock and oldies.  Inside, my band Tuned Up entertained the crowd with all of their favorite rock hits from the 70s, 80s, and today.  We had face painting for the kids;  we had a caricature artist for the kids (and the big kids.)  With over 51 Chinese auction items (as well as a custom pool cue that was able to generate an enormous amount of funds thanks to Sara), this day was ready to go.  And, so were we.

   We had three Make A Wish kids join us that day: Nicholas Moser, Enrico Mucci, and Cory Efremenko.  Nick and Enrico were our special guests last year and returned for more fun this year (Enrio brought his show truck, which was his wish.)  Cory was a new wish kid whom we had the privilege of meeting.  Seeing the smiles on their faces all day, as well as the smiles on their family's faces, is the reason why we were doing what we were doing.  This is what "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes" was all about.  (Nick's mother Melissa, offered to be our official photographer for the day.)

Nicholas Moser (credit Melissa Hallowich)

Cory Efremenko (credit Melissa Hallowich)

Enrico Mucci and his parents (credit Melissa Hallowich)

    Most of the car owners will bring their ride to a car cruise to simply show it off, but for these kids, they did more than that: they took the kids for a spin.  That is one of the coolest things we get to do for these kids, as well as the car owners.   The other cool thing we do is that we have all the kids vote on their favorite cars, and award a custom made trophy to the owner.  This is not the sort of trophy you can find just anywhere.  These trophies were built and constructed out of old car parts.  They were the masterpieces of "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes" own Bernie Augier.  You may not have a show car, but I can assure you you'd want to get one just to win these one of a kind trophies (I know I do.)

For the best cars as chosen by the children (credit
Melissa Hallowich)

Cory getting ready to go for a ride (credit Melissa Hallowich)

Credit Melissa Hallowich

 
     So, how did it go this year?  As you can see from the pictures and what I had already written above, this year's even was a huge success.  Our goal was to raise enough money to grant a wish.  We did just that.  What we didn't expect was to be able to grant two wishes.   We also didn't expect to be able to grant almost three wishes!  But, that is just what we did.  The "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes crew (and all those that helped) surpassed last year's event by raising a total of  $9,131!  I can't even begin to tell you how excited we all were.   This was just so surreal.  I mean, the first year we thought we would raise just a couple hundred dollars and we stomped on that.  This year we knew we could raise what we need to grant a wish, but this?  This was simply amazing!  It speaks volumes about what we were set out to do.  We are going to be able to help make two special kids' wishes come true, and be able to help with a third one.   We could not have done it alone, either.  We had a lot of help:


     - The Twisted Metal Car Club
     - Cookie's Closet (order your t-shirts here:  https://www.facebook.com/c; ookiescloset22/?fref=ts)
     - The Hanger of Moon. Twp and The entire Bross family, as well as the bartenders and cooks (eat wings here: https://www.facebook.com/TheHangarMoon/)
     - Tuned Up (Rock your face off here: https://www.facebook.com/tuneduppgh/?fref=ts)
     - Melissa Hallowich Photography (get your picture taken here: https://www.facebook.com/melissahallowichphotography/?fref=ts)
     - All Of YOU
     - (There were other vendors I'd like to recognize, but do not know them at this time. I can add them when I do get their information.)

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallwich

Tuned Up, Credit Melissa Hallowich

    I also wanted to give special thanks to Don Koffler, Debbie Stucke Szczypinski, Jacki Stucke Porter, Brenda Hall, and Rhoda Oktela.  We could not have had the success we had without you all stepping in to give us a helping hand when we needed it the most.  Thank you all so much.

     "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes" clearly grew, not only in name, but also in size.  Bryan had an idea and we all rolled with it.  We did something amazing.   What we didn't know was that Bryan's idea did something else.  It created a brand.  We don't know what the future holds for that brand, but I can assure you all we'll continue with it for as long as we can.  We've already begun the planning for next year.  So, make sure you leave your calendar's open next summer, and your keys in your car.  Oh, and bring your appetite as well.   Until next time....

Vroom Vroom....let's make some wishes some true.

Sinceriously yours,

Chuck Hull
The Running Jedi

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallowich

Creidt Melissa Hallowich

Credit Melissa Hallowich