Day -1 - Welcome

I'm new to blogging so bear with me. My name is Patricia Harm, but everyone calls me Patty. I live in Puyallup, Washington, with my daughter Emily Harm, foster daughter, Addy Haga, and sometimes foster daughter, Kiki Haga. I have two cats: Onyx, a black fluffy fur ball who is really my daughter Em's cat, and Belle, who I rescued from under a car in Belmond, Iowa while on an RV Trip (she got to come back in the RV from Belmond to Seattle with us last year). Yes, at 46 years of age I am still taking in strays (both the people and pet version). I have two dogs: Lexy, a husky, and Molly, a rescued cattle dog. Everyone in my house hold is female, so their is a lot of estrogen running around.

I have a big yard and garden, and enjoy working in both, especially in the Summer. I really like to cook and bake, especially when I have fresh vegetables from my garden. I very much enjoy reading, and hardly ever watch TV. I try to read at least 36 books a year. This year will be less because of getting ready for the Big Ride.

My other hobbies include mostly outdoor activities like: hiking, road biking, kayaking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and scuba diving. My daughter Em is certified, and we got a few dives in this spring, until I got pneumonia, and Em was diagnosed with allergies, and allergy induced asthma. She's getting treatment, so hopefully when I get back in the fall, we can start diving again.

As far as employment, I work at Madigan Army Medical Center as a Staff Nurse Anesthetist. I have worked there for 8 years. I spent 20 years in the Army (13 in the Reserves and 7 on Active duty), and retired as a Major in 2005.

I have been interested in riding my bike across the country since I was in high school, but really started making it a reality 3 years ago. I met a man who was biking unsupported across America at that time while on a trip to Winthrop, WA. Later that summer I read a book about a man and his daughter who rode across America. I asked my daughter Em to join me, but she said heck no, but I'll drive the support vehicle. I started to look into it in earnest found out about the American Lung Association's Big Ride. I decided to sign up in 2 years for the 2008 ride. I approached my Department Chief, Col Bolt and Assistant Chief, Col Allison (ret) and asked for permission to take 8 weeks off in three years. They supported me fully, so I owe them a big THANK YOU for allowing me to take the time off.

If you go to my fund raising page you will find out the multiple reasons for me doing this ride for the American Lung Association, but the main reason is because of my Mom. I am riding mainly for my Mom, Shirley Holmgaard, who died from Lung Cancer in 1998.

I want to also Thank my long time friend and ex-roommate Akira Hayashi (plasticpeg) for his support in starting my blog page, and keeping it up while I am on this ride. You may often see updates coming from him, as I will be talking, texting, and emailing him on a regular basis.

Also, a big thank you to my family and friends who have so generously sponsored me. Your generosity is so appreciated. Keep an eye on my blog, hopefully with Akira's help I will keep it updated.

Cheers,
Patty