YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE. . .

It's hard to believe it's almost time to Hustle Up the Hancock once again but the event is coming up on Sunday, February 24. I wanted to post today because it is a day of service and remembrance in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s honor, and because his beautiful quote about faith is so fitting to not only our literal effort of climbing but also Carol's bravery in how she lived with and fought her disease.

We lost Carol just a month after the 2012 Hustle Up the Hancock. 2013 will be our fourth year participating in the event and we are so pleased to have our biggest team ever this year of both climbers and cheer squad members (live and virtual).

Matt and Carol (in her "I HAVE CLIMBERS!" hoodie) after our first Hustle (2010)

Our team is called Carol's Climbers because we climb in memory of an amazing woman, Carol Knoepke, my mother-in-law. Carol fought a brave and tough battle with interstitial lung disease for two decades. Anyone who knew her misses her and the light her smile and spirit brought each room she was in. 

While no tribute could ever be enough to capture her spirit and spunk, the Hustle Up the Hancock is fitting as the stair-climbing event is a challenge, a call-to-action, and a celebration.

All donations will support the mission of Respiratory Health Association to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education. We appreciate your support in all forms.

DONATE IN SUPPORT OF CAROL'S CLIMBERS NOW

Thank you, with love,

Diane and CAROL'S CLIMBERS

CAROL'S CLIMBERS 2010: Ryan, Carrie, Diane and Matt

CAROL'S CLIMBERS 2011: Matt and Diane

CAROL'S CLIMBERS 2012: Carrie, Diane and Angel

FIRST, THE FOOTBALL

As I work on getting back in the blogging habit, it's only fitting to start with how we spent a lot of our fall in 2012: FOOTBALL!

LOVE THE PURPLE! GO 'CATS!!!

Northwestern had a terrific season and just became Gator Bowl victors on New Year's Day, their first bowl win since ten years before Alaska and Hawaii became states.

We road-tripped to Ann Arbor to see the 'Cats lose in an overtime heartbreaker. The game was so emotional we got hugs and condolences from the Michigan fans who happened to be sitting around us. We stayed with Lisa and Ed in Kalamazoo and they presented me with a giant glass of wine when we got back from the game. And I needed (and drank) every drop! :)

BEAT MICHIGAN! C'MON!!!

Rare purple at The Big House

And we even got to a University of Chicago game! My first, but definitely not my last. Maybe next year we'll actually attend one in Chicago! Matt promises me there's even a special Hyde Park version of tailgating.

John, me and Matt watching U of C v. Wittenberg

Some more snapshots of the fun and food we had in 2012. . .

Us in front of the new tent--we are fancy tailgaters now!

John with a beer and the Sportula--all you really need for a proper tailgate. . . 

Ryan, Jenny sporting the Willie head, me and the Sportula!

Ed, Lisa, me, Ryan, Matt, and Eric

Dad got in on the action

Mom, John and Matt--they kind of look like a bar chart, don't they? :)

Cold weather 'Cats!

So much spirit, so much yum.

So good. . . 

Purple Sangria will definitely be back next year

Healthy and delicious tailgating fare

You pay quite a premium for purple M&Ms but they sure looked and tasted good!