DJsCorner

November/December-Hunting/Traveling etc

2011-12-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

November still in Minnesota, first time we've been here since 2004. Art retired September 2005 and we've been leaving end Sept. or first of October since then. Time to do something new. Art and Arte wanted to hunt so he came up the day before and we got stuff ready to go and took the camper down to David & Glorias farm the night before. Day one-Arte got a doe. Day two-Arte got a forked horn. Day four-Art got a 10 point. Day 6-Art got a spike. This makes for a lot of butchering so I would no sooner get one done and in the freezer and we were starting again on another. We could have purchase many more permits for lots of deer, but that was enough butchering for one year. uggh. But after not having venison for so many years, they were both hungry for it. Here are pictures of the forked horn and the 10 point:

After the first week of hunting we signed papers for buying the house next door and that took some days to accomplish. We took the neighbor and only a few of his things with us to the Assisted Living where he will be living. Then Art and I started cleaning and burning brush plus the Excavating & Sewer guys were there to put in a new sewer so we had lots of activity going on for a few days.

The mobile & lot

Fixing Sewer System

After hunting and cleanup neighbor house came Thanksgiving, at our house Friday. The whole Minnesota crew came for dinner:

Mak doing schoolwork?

Dave Jacob Meri Nathan

Lets Eat!

Kaleb Art Arte

Meri Nathan Jody playing games

Handsome Kaleb

Smile Grandma

Mak Gma

Showing Dimples

Meri packed up to go home

A few days after Thanksgiving Art and I leave for Oregon via Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California then Oregon. first night: Des Moines, IA. second Liberal, Kansas. Third, Bowie, Arizona. Fourth Night Quartzsite, AZ. here's our campsite there:

Two nights in Quartzsite looking at the flea markets that were open. It was before the big rush, so it wasn't awful crowded, but plenty to see in a day and a half.
Then it was on to 29 Palms to see David and Barret (I wish I had taken pictures of David but I wasn't thinking):

Max

Parked in front yard

Bougainvillea

Barret Gmpa

Surveying Sand

Hmm Chips

Breakfast

Max on his blanket used under the tree

On to Oregon-got this picture of Mt Shasta out of the truck window:

Christmas at Moms' house:

Mom sick bundled up on couch

Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas to all & to all a Good Night!

September/October the Quiet Months

2011-10-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well, not much to post for September, just working on cleaning out the garden and catching up on yard work. Actually I gave up on the flower bed and just used the weed trimmer on it last week, can't keep it up like I should. Cleaned up the asparagus bed-with the weed trimmer, too.
Towards the end of the month it was time to start getting ready for the trip, which meant getting rid of the horse trailer. It worked just fine, but wanted to go lighter. And since we are going the California route this year, we would need a camper with 'facilities'. So, first off, empty, clean and sell the horse trailer. Didn't take long on craigslist. Put it up in the afternoon, got a call that they would be here in the morning. They came, gave us the money, returned in the afternoon and picked it up. Hey, that was nice. Then we decided to go pickup camper shopping, after scanning craigslist for couple weeks. Either they were too heavy, or no bathroom, or too old (gotta upgrade, not get older stuff). So, we went to Superior, then Kerrick, where we found a new one that would do. Price wasn't too bad, except they were going to give us next to nothing for our pop-up camper we have now. So, back home, fix up, cleanup and put the Northstar popup camper for sale. Saturday afternoon, put it on craigslist, got a call that evening, they wanted to come Sunday a.m.. I told them we go to church, could they come later. Nope, they would come early so we could still go to church, and they did. Bought it, loaded it up, pretty fast. So, Monday we called the dealer said we'd take the 2011 Travel Lite Camper model 800x that was on closeout. The X stands for the bed running lengthwise, instead of side to side. It's an 8' model, only weighs 200 pounds more than our popup camper did. Here's a few pics:

The inside:

Kitchen

Dining Room/Living Room/Bedroom

Dining Room-like the crazy print?

4.0 cu ft 3-way fridge

The Bathroom-no wasted space, barely enough actually.

Well, that's about it. Caught up to date. Still working on getting the yard ready for winter, sheds and get all the veggies taken care of. Potatoes are dug, but still have a squash use up. Made two pies today from two of the winter squash I got from Lucille, Impossible pie. Will try to post again before January, would be easier to keep up without doing it a few months at a time. ttfn

July & August Summary

2011-10-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try to remember what happened this summer so I can catch my blog up to date. Here's what I remember of July/August.
July-Garden and VBS. The garden was needing water & weeding, I got some of it but not all, it was pretty jungle-like by the time I started harvesting most of it. Kevin, Wendey, Mikaela Davis and Jacob Davis visited for a few days in July. The guys did lots of fishing and Jacob came to VBS the first night before they had to leave. It was nice to get to know two more of Kevin/Wendeys grandkids and I'm glad the guys fished so much, we got to eat Northern Pike for quite a few meals.

VBS is always a busy time- planning, decorating, lots of time spent figuring out crafts, what works and what doesn't. Our VBS was July 17th-21st in the evenings. I blew up hundreds of ballons with prize numbers in them, using our little portable compressor. The week went very well, so many people pitch in and we really enjoyed the fellowship with all our crew.
August is the time for harvesting- zucchini by the wheel barrow load, summer squash, beans, peas, broccoli, etc. It was a pretty good year, but some critter was eating my cucumbers and no trap caught it, and I had several traps set for him. Also ate some peas and nibbled on other stuff. Hopefully he won't be back next year.
First part of August went to the St. Louis County Fair with Lucille- saw Dave/Jody & twins there. It was about the same as usual, I really enjoy looking at the quilts and 4-H stuff each year, it's always different.
Dave/Jody/Jacob/Nathan/Arte/Meriden came for a barbeque about mid/August, celebrating Arte and Meriden coming up for a visit. I think Meriden enjoyed being the 'information giver' for the boys, they are always asking questions and she was happy to give them answers. They all enjoyed playing on our decrepit old swing set. Steaks on the grill turned out great, enjoyed the meal and the company.
Took Meriden fishing for sunnies, here's a pic of one of her 'catch':

After the biggest bulk of the garden was over, we decided on another trip to Oregon. Mom was having an 85th birthday party and Art had some project to do for Doreen. Gloria and Renee needed to go too, so we rode together, which saved on gas expenses. Renee went to paint Davy/Adriels house and Gloria wanted to check on her folks, who had health issues going on. That was a fun trip, drove all day, all night, into the afternoon to get there.
We had a few days to regroup before Mom's birthday celebration. Verns' son & wife, Vernon Jr & Tara were there with their two kids and many people showed up at the church Saturday, it was good to see everyone again.

The next day Judi, Mom & I took off camping with Judis' van & Winnebago trailer and tried Beverly Beach campground. First night was tough, we got in late, plug ins didn't seem to work, couldn't figure it out. But we managed without 110 that night. Next day, Art came down and helped us figure out the electrical situation and we moved down to South Beach Campground. I was moving better by this time, still not healing from my surgery/broken foot like I thought I should. We walked on the beach and I managed the sand hill much better than my beach trip in May.

Back to Willamina Tuesday, then off to the Oregon State Fair on Wednesday, Moms' actual birthday. I love to see the flowers and all the quilts and exhibits, we listened to guitar music and enjoyed the whole day.
We headed east on Saturday. Picked up Gloria (Renee had flown home to be back for some school business) and drove all day/night/day again to get back to home.
And that was August.

May & June 2011 Summary

2011-10-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

My last post was in May, guess Judi's right, gotta get caught up. Just seems like there's so much to do, getting ready for winter, hunting and a trip all at once.
Back to catching up.....
May was so crazy. Art & I decided to go back to Oregon, collect our car and get back here for our garage sale June 3rd. In the meantime, my knee is still hurting from when I stepped out of the horse trailer wrong. Doc Schnell took x-rays, found the problem and says to me, you want surgery on May 10th. I told him we were flying to Oregon on the 17th, he says, "You'll be fine." Day surgery, not bad, recovery seems a little slow, since he had to do more than he figured on. But, tickets are bought already. So, we hitched a ride with Jody to David/Glorias may 16th. They took us to Hinckley where Arte picked us up and took us to our motel. Took a shuttle in the morning to airport, flew to Oregon. Visit, camp at the beach, reunion with Arts & my family at Corvallis Park. Took Mom and Aunt Jo around to put flowers on family gravesites. I was still hobbling around, not able to bend my knee very far.

Camping at South Beach S.P.

We did bring the 95 bonneville home. Good thing, since the Impala needed some work this summer. Got back home, preparing for the garage sale, still hobbling, fell down on the stairs and wrenched my bad knee all the way closed, oww did that hurt, caught my foot in between the rungs and broke 3 bones on the top of my foot. Who does that after they had surgery? At least it was the same leg, so when they gave me the 5 lb brace to drag around, it was on my bad leg. Well, the show must go on! Jody and I did have our garage sale and I spent a lot of time in the camper laying down, trying to stop the pain in my leg/foot. After our sale, Art took me to Urgent care where I got a foot brace. Then Doc Cardwell put the 5-pounder on later in the week, boy, what a summer. I did get a garden, thanks to Jody. Did some planting myself, she did the plants, which is hard, you have to get down on your hands & knees for that, it was great she could come help me. So went June, me hobbling and whining and complaining the whole time. That cast was a pain when my leg hurt already.
Two very busy months, everything I did took twice as long, or I had to prevail on someone else to help me.

Family Reunion Avery Park

Mom & Aunt Jo-Car is Loaded with Flowers

Wearing my Foot Brace-Jody/Daves' Deck

Is it May already?

2011-05-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well, after seeing Judi's blog I feel like it's about time I said something new on mine. Let's see, last post was January 20. Home from Hawaii and back to my real life. Hmmm. Well February is sort of foggy in my mind, but March stands out. We spent the first week down at Doreens watching Nina and her ranch while she visited Marty & Erica in D.C.. So, back to Willy, I had become sick and was like that for about a week when we found out Mom B was losing ground. So, try to get stuff ready to leave while trying to get well, and not make everyone else sick (guess that worked). Then comes the cross country, beautiful trip in the mountains, what scenery with snowy mountain passes, it was awesome. And of course I got my camera out right after we passed the last of it!

Camping in the cold is an experience, but the little canvas side pickup camper is surprisingly warm. Home Friday night, get the house open, heat on, water on, sleep, get up, back up trailer, hurry, unload, move trailer, unhitch. Off to Jody's, visit, boys nap. Jody, Mak, Art & I head to farm to visit Mom B. We did not know it would be our last visit. She was sleeping and Gloria talked loud to her that we were there, she nodded and then went back to sleep. After an hour and a half or so, back to drop off Jody and Mak, plans to visit Mom longer the next day, but it wasn't to be. She passed away 11:58 that night. Thank you, Lord, that we were able to visit. Got the message in the morning that the Lord took her home in the night. Then plans for family to come visit. Clean house, get some food, company coming and going, funeral. More family visits, then everyone is gone, just us again. I remember the funeral was nice, Renee made DVD with pics, got a chance to really watch it when things were quiet. March is gone, into April. Quotes on furnace, cold weather, snow comes and goes, sunshine, warm, then more snow and more cold. Easter church with Jody, Kaleb, Makayla, Jacob, Nathan, Art & I. Then hide Easter eggs in afternoon, dinner that evening with the whole crew. Finally it is May 1st, Mayday, it should be warm, why is the ground white? Glad that furnace is almost ready looks like we'll need it long time still. Guess I'm caught up till the next event......ttfn

Hawaii Day 10: last full day

2011-01-20T01:09:00.000-08:00

Well, today we went to the flea market again, after stopping at Kmart to get some aleve for my knee. Then later to a Walmart to get a knee brace. The flea market has a whole circle around the Halawa Stadium set up with hundreds of vendor booths. Anything from clothing, jewelry, crafts, etc. Then to the Dole Factory to have some Dole Whip and look around. This is my last day to post, will be packing up the computer in the morning. Plane leaves in afternoon so will be at airport right after noon probably.

Flea Market at Halawa Stadium

Dole Plantation

Dole is written in shrubs on front lawn

The grounds.

Information on Pineapples

How they grow, this one seems to be on puny vine.

Have some Koi

Hula Dancer

Ukulele Player

More pictures out front

Getting ready for pic.

Last night picture after our grilled fish dinner and a game of 'Apples to Apples'. Barret won again.

Aloha!

Hawaii Day 9

2011-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Day 9 was the Polynesian Culture Center at Laiae, up North Shore. It was a day of learning the different Polynesian Cultures, where we visited different areas for each one. There was Samoa, Fiji, Tahitian, Tonga, Aetorrean, and Hawaiian Islands. There was a canoe parade in which each culture floated by on a canoe in native dress doing native dances, etc. At 5:00 we attended a luau and at 7:00 there was the 'Ha: breath of life' show. We didn't get home till after 10 because it went from noon to 9:00 p.m. Today we are leaving early for the flea market and Dole Plantation. So I will have to post the pictures later. I have a bum knee which I have on ice right now which means I will be limping to the airport tomorrow afternoon. i just need to make it through todays' activities. Will need to see the doctor when I get back to Oregon. I either twisted it or caught it from Art. He has a knee problem that is worse at night, too. Today I will get some aleve or aspirin to see if it helps.

PCC

Palm tree climber at the Samoan Village.

Samoan Village

Aotearo

Getting ready for the Canoe Pageant

Tahiti

Aotero

Samoa

Fiji

Hawaii

Tonga

Tahiti

Karen

Tahiti Village

Tonga Village

Loud Tonga Drummers

The Luau

The unfortunate pig.

Floor show

'Ha: Breath of Life' Show - no pictures allowed once show starts

Hawaii Day 8

2011-01-18T00:51:00.000-08:00

Time is drawing near when I have to leave the kids and the island, makes me feel sad, but I don't think we could have gotten in any more sight-seeing, for sure. Today David, Karen, Barret & I went for the hike up Makapu'u Light House hike to see if there were any whales to spot. This is one humongus hill you have to hike up, and I'm old. Plus I have a bum knee, but we made it!! After the hike, we ate out in Kailua, came home and Karen and I took off for some shopping till time to come home.

The view from partway up the first incline.

It doesn't look steep, but it is.

Looking back down the trail towards the parking lots after the first big corner.

Pretty water.

Rabbit (?) Island

Off in the distance is the Base.

The lighthouse.

We made it to the top!

Posing on the rock on top.

Posing on a rock on our way down.

Me, too, hanging on.

More pretty water.

On our way down.

Looking back up towards the trail after we're almost back to the car. There was no room at the bottom of the hill parking lot, so we parked up the road at the next scenic lookout.

Hawaii Day 7

2011-01-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day in mostly sunny/sometimes cloudy/sometimes rainy but always warm Hawaii. This is our day of rest kinda. We did a little beach combing, saw the area where Karen used to live and watched some surfers at the Pyramid Rock Beach. One was a little guy, maybe about 7 or 8 yrs old, he did pretty good! Few stops here and there, home to relax and power up for a hike tomorrow.

Karen at Fort Hase Beach, close to where they lived before.

The beach towards the North.

Towards the South

Waterfall on the rocks.

Rock Shelves.

Karen & I on beach

Beach at Pyramid Rock

Towards the south.

Surfs Up!

Here's the little surfer guy, he was doing very good!

Trevor works here, saves gas by walking to work.

Mini Golf

Cute Sign

Bumper Boats

Looks like fun place to work.

Karen and David went to a dinner event while the boys and I held down the fort here.

Hawaii Day 6

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

Good morning! It's a beautiful day in Hawaii, kinda warmish, but we're off and running. First a picture of hard-working Trevor heading for 'Tiki Island' for work. Then Karen and I went to sit on the beach at Lanikai, then Kailua Beach before shopping at Kailua Mall.

Trevor headed for work at 'Tiki island'

Alley leading to Lanikai Beach.

Lets lounge on the beach.

Self-Portrait.

In parking lot at Kailua Beach.

Kailua beach to the north.

View to the South

Our view from the California Pizza Kitchen, for our lunch after shopping at the Mall.

Hawaii Day 5

2011-01-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

Oops, had 3 ahead of 4, fixed that. Here's day 5, hopefully in order. Karen, Trevor and I went to the Macadamia Nut Farm on the drive towards North Shore. It's not far from their place, about a half hour or so. We took the bus tour and it was really fun. Authentic Hawaiian tour guide, dressed in Hawaiian garb with a sense of humor, too. His name was Solomonuala or something like that.

Aww, Mom loves ya!

We got to crack our own Macadamia nuts, but the chickens were quick and took them from you if they got the chance. The sign says not to feed the chickens, guess they can't read.

Our tour bus.

Self-portrait

Tour guide.

The farm road.

Bananas

Coconuts.

Flowers.

Our floor show included learning how to make fire with two sticks.

Real Fire.

And of course, a fire dancer.

Using real fire.

This guy is a real ham-bone.

Movies and tv shows were filmed here in this farm and surrounding area and water.Fantasy island, Gilligans Island and some I can't remember.

We saw lots of fruit and nut trees. This is Macadamia.

Very gorgeous scenery

The girls got these plant head ring things.

McDonalds with a Hawaiian garbage can.

Trevor in the back seat. He was helping out in the directions to go.

Hawaii Day 4

2011-01-14T00:17:00.000-08:00

Today we drove around South Shore, stopping at beaches and sights along the way, then to Hawaii Kai Costco for lunch and shopping. Then to the Wakiki Aquarium to see some fascinating looking fish and sea critters. Nordstroms in Honolulu, then stopped at the Exchange on Base and the Commissary.

Barrets' new haircut.

This is the discounted price of gas on base, it is about 10 to 20 cents lower than the general Island prices.

Karen and I in front of Rabbit Island. Gets is name from the shape?

Karen with road to Kailua & Base behind her.

This is the beach at Hanauma Bay, where we will snorkel if possible this week.

Here we are at the Aquarium to see the native fish and such.

Nemo.

Frog Fish

Octopus opening the jar to get his shrimp.

Very nice picture from Karens' camera.

Wakiki Aquarium Monk Seal being allowed his 'activity time'.

Playing with his plastic tube toy.

Mr. McStripey.

Hawaii Day 3

2011-01-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today started out VERY rainy. But we went to the flea market at the Halawa Stadium. Karen wanted a Bubble Tea so I tried one, Honeydew & Peach flavor, with Pearls (huge tapioca) at the bottom of the cup. It was really good. No pics at the flea market, too rainy, but I got one of the Stadium from the car after we left. It rained cats and dogs there till Karen and I found umbrellas to buy. Not even five minutes later it stopped raining and was very hot and windy. After lunch we went to the Arizona Memorial at Peal Harbor. It is very sad to read all the plaques with names of those lost. A reminder of all the sacrifices made just for our freedom. There was too much wind for the boats to take people to the Memorial so I just took pictures from land.

USS Arizona Memorial Sign

Karen standing on Hawaii on the world map.

Buildings at the Memorial.

Many plaques with the names of those who died.

The Arizona Memorial out in the water.

'First Wave' Plaque.

More buildings at the Site.

Me in front of torpedo.

Kari & Navy airplane.

USS Bowfin

Ramp to Bowfin

Leaving the gate.

Hawaii Day 2

2011-01-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

Leaving for North Shore Waimea Valley Botanical, with a few side trips first:
1. Take Picture of Barret heading out for school
2. Get gate pass for me.
3. Stop at Yarn & Needlecrafts & Strictly Christmas - Karens 2nd job workplace so she could arrange some stuff.
4. Up North Shore, stopping for sights and lunch before the Botanical Gardens.

Hawaii!!!

2011-01-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Vacation Jan 10th, 2011. Here's what I shared on my Facebook Post:
Hawaii Day One:
1.Nice flight, a little bumpy in windstorm towards the end.
2.Traveling with cousins Lori and Rick, meaningful conversation, caught up on family news.
3.Get off da plane.

4.Trevor picks me up, drives me to the house, great reunion with the whole family, even the dog remembers gma.

5.Karen made a neat 'pineapple' lei for me, felt bad she got tied up at work, no problem, Trevor came to rescue.

6.I love it here, slow down time!

I will add more pictures as I can.

Christmas Eve at Moms'

2010-12-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve Day with Mom, Aunt Jo, Judi & Non, Vern, John, Cousin Butch, Art & I.
Moms' Tree

Here's Mom n Aunt Jo

Cousin Butch

Vern

Judi

Me n Mom

Let's Eat

Group Picture, all here except Art & John

Merry Christmas Everyone! Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Vernon Jr and Tara Visit!

2010-10-09T21:52:00.001-07:00

We had a surprise visit from Junior and Tara today. They came down from Washington and it was a great day! I got to meet a nephew and niece I've never seen before, and found they are very pleasant company. Here are some of the pictures:

And they helped us finish the puzzle, too! What a day!

Judis' visitor Sherry (a visiting missionary from Washington), also helped!

Might as well show how tall the sunflowers were in Johns' garden:

ttfn

Arts' Hi-topper trailer project

2010-08-29T13:57:00.001-07:00

Oh, no, another great idea from our Idea factory. This time, it is to take our tall topper, which we paid many many dollars for (about 5 years ago) and make a covered trailer out of it. Started with a Harbor Freight trailer kit. This is the one with 1980 lb. carrying capacity. But, since this is a car which will be pulling it, we've got to keep it as light as possible. Our intention is to use it for summer travel with the car. He doesn't care for tents, I don't care for Motels. So, we should be able to use this behind the car, instead of the truck, which uses 3 times more gas than the car. We can sleep in it, stand up in it (because we are short) and use it for hauling stuff out of the weather, too. We'll see, how it works out. The whole point is, we have a use for the hi-topper now.

DJ turns '61'

2010-08-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year and my old tripometer clicked over to '61'. A person never knows how many you'll have, we're not given that information. The Lord gives us a certain amount of time to do the things we're supposed to do, and he takes 'his own' home in His timing. Till then, the birthdays keep coming. We waited to celebrate Saturday, when the teens and Dave could be there. Jody baked a cake, Mak pulled it out of oven and decorated it. It kinda had lumps on the top, and Jody said "It fell, lets make brownies". But, when she tried a corner it was fine, actually very good. After our BBQ steak dinner, the guys dispersed and us girls started eating the cake, and fed some to the little guys. Not much left after that.
Here are the two door greeters, who are always so anxious for us to come in the house, waiting by the door and excited. This is a great morale booster for us old people, that someone really enjoys our visits.

After dinner, we took a group pic of those of us who didn't 'bail' to the garage or retreat to their room.

Here's Mak and me. Her arms are long enough to reach out and take a pic without using the timer feature.

Catching up - August 2010

2010-08-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm really behind in my blogging, summer is such a busy time! We have had company, gardening, fixing cars, fixing camper, building trailer, Art had lots of jobs coming through the shop. But what's new? This is summer! Here are some pics from this month. Starting with pics of the twins and Jody's crew, then camping this week in Minneapolis with Arte & Meriden.

More May Events

2010-05-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

After Maks concert, she had a dance recital, also at the High School Auditorium. I got a few pics, but none were very good or close up. But here they are:
This first one is her costume before we left. The second is very blurry, yes, and Mak is on the far right. I'm just not catching on to getting good shots in the auditorium with the lighting, movement, etc.

Next is Mothers Day, these are flowers Karen sent with Tulips and Hyacinth Bulbs all arranged in this neat planter. Jody and I made dinner at their house, Steak and salad, yummm....plus another attempt at the perfect Ice Cream Cake, it was very good, yes it was. Arte called, too. That was my 40th Mothers Day.

Next event was our Ladies Tea at church. Karen, recognize anyone?

Flowers again, blooming on the deck.

Next event was our Garage Sale, which we held here in our pole barn during the Annual Pengilly Saturday Sales. That really helps, since there are hundreds of people from around the area for all the sales in Pengilly and around the lake. We did pretty good, got rid of lots of stuff, visited with lots of people and had fun, too. But I didn't get any pictures, very busy that day and many days before that.
Next are pictures of the twins, with new haircuts. Jody did very good, wrangling and cutting hair on those two wiggle worms.

Well, that's it for now, more later as the summer unfolds. ttfn

Mak Band Concert

2010-05-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Monday night was the HHS band concert. They can really play and have a wonderful band instructor. She picked some great music for the classes, and I really enjoyed it. Pictures aren't too great, the lighting inside the auditorium isn't the best, but oh, well, you get the idea, anyway. Here is the front of HHS, we parked out front, and it is an interesting building, so.... then I got Mak walking up to the stage (yes she has red eye) wearing all black, then next one is 'peeking' over her music stand - flute in hand, next is her class actually performing, then one shot of them all standing up preparing to leave. Good job, Mak!

Mankato Visit

2010-05-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning we left to visit Meriden and Arte with our pop-up pickup camper on the truck. We noticed there was more and more green on the trees and ground the further south we drove. They definitely have warmer temperatures. Wednesday night we camped at a campground in Henderson,MN, right on the Minnesota River about 14 miles north of St. Peter. It was nice there, beautiful and quiet, since we were alone.

Arte stopped by on his way home from work, first time we saw him since last September. He ate with us and we sent him home with a Bonnevile side window to put in. Next morning we were off to Mankato, found some interesting shopping, way more stuff than we have up north. Arte & Kat came and we visited and the guys looked at the Bonneville motor. They left for Burnsville and we stopped by at Becky & Tims' to see Meriden. First she drove her Jeep, then grandpa Art teased her a lot.

We ate dinner out, came back to Beckys' and Meriden wanted to see our camper. Really enjoyed it, told me she wanted to play 'camp'. So we did:

Next morning, Arte came and used his jumper cables to get our truck started. (Somebody left the 12v cooler plugged in all night inside the truck) then off to Perkins for breakfast. Meriden hadn't seen Arte in months, so she was extremely excited and did not want to part when it was time to go. Very hard for the little one, really misses her Daddy. Here are some pictures with one 'two funny faces' in the middle.

Then we headed back north, 5 hour drive and home to cooler temps and partially greened up foliage.

Maks' 14th Party!

2010-04-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Makayla had 5 friends over after school Friday. Celebrating her 14th birthday, which is Sunday. Dave had his garage all ready for them to have their sleepover, very nice with the hot tub and lots of amenities. But mostly the girls wanted to: TALK! Hmmm, I'm sure I wasn't that gabby as a girl, or was I? We got pictures of the boys as we waited for her friends to arrive, then some pictures of the actual gift opening, pizza and grandmas' experimental ice cream cake. Jody said it was good, but I have better ideas for my next one, so I'm thinking of making one for Mothers Day. Back to the party, here is the first video, we let the boys go in the garage so they could see Sis' decorations, but it was a short visit for obvious reasons:

We brought the jeep out of the garage so they could play with it. It's not charged, because we got the wrong charger, but Jacob decided to give brother a ride, a one-hp motor it was. I cranked the wheel so we would not run into poles and other objects:

Pictures from that day:

Easter Day

2010-04-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Easter Service at church in the morning, then to Jodys' in the afternoon. Started off with hiding eggs. Jody & I hid them first for Kaleb and Mak, then Mak hid some easy ones for the little guys after they woke up and had their snack. After dinner Kaleb and Mak hid them for us 'old folks' and they were hard. Dave found the most, for sure. I think Jacob found more than I did, but don't tell anyone. Mak saw Nathan 'throwing' his Easter bucket onto his head, so I got out the camera. But, once I started filming, it didn't work so good. He kept missing.

This video is Jacob on the trampoline, he really likes it, but mostly under controlled conditions:

And here are some pictures of the day:

Slide Show

2010-03-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the slideshow:

Kids Visit 3-31-10

2010-03-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Jody and the twins came to visit today, and I saved some pictures from Saturdays visit too. So I'll put them both on here, 3 videos and a slide show of pics later when I find a better way to download it.

Moores at the McDaniels

2010-03-05T08:56:00.001-08:00

Calvin, Bettina and Rayven arrived safely from Florida yesterday. Mom, Art and I joined them for dinner at Judi & Nons. Judi rotisseried a chicken and we had a great meal. Rayven was easily entertained and very entertaining, since there is a complete 'loop' to make from the kitchen, living room, dining room and back again. Judi has an organ and lots of stuffed animals for her to play with. She can say quite a few words, draws and knows some numbers from one to twelve.

Day at the Beach

2010-02-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Judi, Mom and I went to Lincoln City to see the beach and do a little shopping, actually it turned out to be more shopping than beach, but we enjoyed the day for sure. We got our lunch at Dairy Queen and took it to the Dee Lake turnout to watch the waves. Judi and I finished and went to walk on the beach. Mom is always cold, so she stayed in the car to finish her lunch and stay warm. We didn't realize she was going to have a skirmish with a sea gull, trying to keep it off our roof. I don't worry about our old car, but Mom was determined to protect it, beating on the roof trying to shoo it away. He probably spotted her fries through the glass. He did leave a little souvenir on the back of the car, but that is pretty normal in sea gull country. Nothing a little paper towel can't fix. The weather was really good, only a little sprinkle at the Tanger Outlet, and it just smells so nice there. Beach trips are fun!

Here's a picture of Mom from a trip to the beach last August, when she and I walked on the beach at Roads End.

Horse Trailer

2010-02-04T14:50:00.001-08:00

Guess what we did today? Bought this horse trailer to bring home our junk this spring. All we need now (besides less junk)is cowboy hats for Montana and straw hats for North Dakota. A little bit of work and cleanup and we're good to go when it's time to head east. :)

Wynwood Dinner

2010-01-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

We were invited to join Aunt Jo for dinner at Wynwood this evening. I really enjoyed it, the food was excellent. She seemed to know everyone in there, and we met some of them. The manager came and visited with us, and kitchen staff treated us very well. It is like a restaraunt, bringing one course at a time. Very nice!

Mom got to visit with someone she knew.

Here is the lobby at Wynwood.

It was a very nice evening, hope we can do it again sometime!

What a Year!

2010-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

That was quite the eventful year we had: Major events included 1) March - The Rockwood needed repair work so we left what we could in our storage shed here and took the fifth wheel back to Minnesota for summer, After completely emptying the contents (furniture & all) into our house, 2)April - We delivered the Fifth Wheel to our dealer so they could transport it to Indiana for Warranty work 3)May - Just as we picked up the Rockwood from Little Falls dealer and we had to make a trip back to Oregon in May for Aunt Jo, 4)June - then back to Minnesota for family pictures and Arts' family reunion, 5)August - then back to Oregon when my dad passed away, 6)then back to Minnesota to wrap up the garden and get the house ready for winter, 7)October - back to Oregon for the winter 8) November - Arts sister passed away and the memorial service was December 1st.
In between the summer months, we had a huge garden again, gave most of it away in September. We also bought a pop-up pickup camper in June which was quite a project to bring up to usable condition (one of those ready-to-go purchases, of course). Lord willing, we will have a quiet year ahead, if that is what the Lord has in store for 2010. Happy New Year to All!

Jo Robinson Memorial Service

2009-12-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Arts' older sister, Josephine, passed away in her sleep on November 25. The family gathered at her church in Estacada for her memorial service. She served in her church faithfully and they will miss her a great deal along with us. Here are some pictures of family members. I did not think to take a picture of her photos close up, but this is a picture of Jo and Gary from this summer in Minnesota.

Treats, Clocks, Cars

2009-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it was trick-or-treat at Moms' house tonight. Judi and Angie came over to 'help' out. Judi, John and I cleaned up the sidewalk removing moss and grass making it safer for the kids. Angie and Mom made cookies. Then us girls drew faces on the pumpkins so we can still use them for pie later. Then after dinner we put in a movie 'Love Comes Softly' and took turns answering the door for trick-or-treaters. There were 62 in all, so we had some candy left over. We had tracts from church to hand out, too. Kids tracts with optical illusions, jokes and interesting things. So, thanks to the family who provided the tracts, the gospel went out tonight, . Then at 9:00 we turned off the porch light, brought in the pumpkins and turned the clocks back, all ready for tomorrow. Poor Art, he worked on the car allllll day, after picking up the right part from Napa this morning. This is his fourth day on the project, I think. But, hopefully with new main bearings and rod bearings the oil pressure stays in the zone.

One week down!

2009-10-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Just one week into our winter escape, only 23 to go. This might prove to be an aggravating winter, we'll be spending lots of time looking for stuff. I don't mean looking for Mom's keys, either. Actually we do spend a lot of time doing that and I don't mind that at all (Mom is such a character). No, aomebody has re-arranged everything in the workshop and around the yard, so if you want to use something it will require searching for it. As if losing your Dad isn't enough, all the places he had set up to work in are totally disassembled. The 'stuff' isn't the important thing, but it's memories you would like to hang on just a little longer. I was not ready and sure do wish we could have been given a few months or at least a few weeks before somebody started destroying this place. A little consideration would have been nice.

Snow Birds? Sea Gulls?

2009-09-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Most people go south for the winter, but we're different, we head west so Judi calls us 'Sea Gulls'. But Art calls them 'feathered rats' so I probably won't adopt that name for our westward migration.
It's that time of year again, when we start buttoning up our 'summer' home and head for our 'winter' one. I'm already missing our country life and we haven't left yet. When I work in the garden surrounded by fields and woods, it is sometimes so quiet I can hear little birds in the brush a long ways off. It smells so clean, (except when some skunk is wandering upwind of here), that I can imagine what the pioneers must have felt long before motors and such appeared. And I'm really going to miss my kids and grandkids, they are all so special to me. So, going without seeing them for half a year isn't a pleasant thought. We visit with Jody & Dave and crew most because they are closer to us, with Arte/Meriden in Mankato, Karen/Trevor/Barret in Hawaii (David in Afghanistan). But I did get to see Arte and Meriden in March and Arte did come here this week for a very short visit. He got to see his newest nephews for the first time.
I tried out the pop-up pickup camper one time, in Jody's yard for one night. I enjoyed that. We got to take the little guys out in the yard to play, and had a blazing bonfire after they went to bed. I woke up to the smell of a foggy morning, which reminded me of the beach, so I got a little homesick for Oregon.

Jody and Dave are enjoying those two little Champas, they are growing up so fast. I can't imagine what new tricks they will know by the time we return.

Yesterday I worked in the garden for hours but there is still lots to do. At least I got a start on cleaning it out. Still have all the tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, two broccoli plants and one pepper plant, that's it. This is our last week so I know I have to step up the pace a little if I'm going to be really ready to go.

Get ready for winter

2009-09-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

It is so beautiful today, one must appreciate it because the weather man is saying next week 'fall' arrives, with frost and cool temps. We are trying to get ready to go out west for winter, but I feel so unorganized, just can't get my act together this year. I am already missing my family and home here, seems like we didn't get to see them much this summer, our plans for fishing, camping and bike rides just didn't happen.
We did get to spend a day in Grand Rapids, mini golf was fun:

I don't think anyone added up the score, I'm sure I would have come in last if we knew. The twins loved the flowers, also loved the colored golf balls, so we took turns with the ones they weren't playing with.

Really Missing Dad

2009-08-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
In Loving Memory
Of Ray Barber

This has been one sad month for me, joining the ranks of those who have lost a parent. My dad has been gone for 3 weeks. We got through most of the paperwork and now we must go on with other things. Still we'll never forget how much he meant to us. A hole remains in my heart, I'm sorry if I can't be myself, since I don't feel 'right' or 'whole' just yet. I've been having flashbacks of things we did and talks that we had. Even though we're back in Minnesota life isn't the same, but I know we have to pick up and move on with this year. It seems like it would be better if things were put on hold for a while to give a person time for mourning, but it isn't meant to be. Just gotta keep going, the Lord is giving me strength day by day, I couldn't do this without Him.

Catching Up

2009-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been over a month since I posted anything on this blog! Just keeping too busy since our second return from Oregon. We had a Braford Family reunion in Grand Rapids on June 6th, with family here from Oregon, Michigan, Washington and Missouri. I got the garden all ready and planted on the 9th and 10th of June. Then there was a small break one week so I started clearing the house out for garage sale which will hopefully happen sometime this summer. The place is still a mess, I keep getting interrupted from my goal. We bought a pop-up pickup camper which needed fixing, so hours were spent on that project. Mom Bush had an 87th Birthday party on July 3rd. Her brother, Jack, came for a short visit from Michigan so we got to see him, too. Now I'm working on Vacation Bible School which starts next week.

June 6 - Jean, Jane, Jo & Joyce - Braford sisters. Jack (Janes twin from Michigan) couldn't make it this weekend for the reunion.

June 10 - Art caught this big Northern Pike when brother Kevin was visiting. Last time he caught a big fish Kevin was with him, too. Way back when he was a kid.

June 23rd - Bought this pop-up truck camper.

June 27th - Hibbing Fourth of July Parade

July 3 - Mom Bush 87th Birthday

Fourth of July - Jody invited us to her house for a bbq. Daves' brother George, his sister Amy and husband Nick came, too.

July 5 - Visit to Mankato to see Arte and Meriden, towed home his broken car.

Makayla plays some tunes, Nathan 'standing by' in case flute gets close enough to grab it.

Jacob woke up from his nap to help, but still no luck getting that flute.

First Birthday Pictures

2009-06-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

First Steps

2009-05-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well the little guys are learning to walk, and they are so adorable, Grandma thinks so.

April shower

2009-04-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

It rained today and we really needed it. You can almost watch the grass turning green, it was that thirsty. Nothing major to write about, but there are so many little things that just take all my time. I know I should be working on cleaning up the yard, sorting through stuff from the Rockwood and cleaning flower beds, but nothing done in that area. Besides the usual daily activity, I have been trying to fix my laptop, working on the Ladies Tea program, going to garage sales, we even went to Makaylas 13th party for dinner and brought Kaleb home with us. It is good to visit grandkids one at a time, you have one-on-one conversations and get to know them. Target practice in the yard, using bb guns and slingshot. The pop cans were pretty safe, but we did manage to hit those cardboard box targets.

We have gotten in some walks, sometimes at Jody's, and here on our road, too. Lucille and Breanne went with us last time, but it was windy and cold, not the best weather for it. Here's a picture of Mak and the twins before our first walk, when it was still pretty 'wintry'. I wish all the kids were closer to us, so we could do more things together, it would be great. We are planning a visit to see Arte, Libbey and Meriden this week, that will be nice. Life is pretty peaceful at the moment, I'm enjoying the lull before the garden and all the summer activity that is soon to come. We had a business meeting at church tonight which lasted less than two hours, amazing! The Lord is good!

Florida Flamingo

2009-03-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Kari took a picture of flamingos at the Honolulu Zoo for me because they remind me of her. Way back in the 80's she brought me a ceramic flamingo with a thermometer on it which she got while visiting her Grandma Lee in Florida. I kept it, of course. Here it is, just a special reminder of her travels as a kid. Thank You, Kari!

Jacob and Nathan video 2

2009-03-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the other video from Sunday, I never get tired of watching these little guys. Jody came out to visit today, so if the videos I took are good ones, I'll try to post them later. ttfn

Video of Jacob & Nathan

2009-03-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

I could not get the video to embed, maybe I will figure it out and put the next video on the right way? ...Thank you Kari, for figuring out this mystery!

Our northern MN family

2009-03-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Finally on Sunday afternoon we were able to leave the house long enough to see Jody, Dave, Kaleb, Makayla, Jacob & Nathan. Jody invited us for delicious dinner, and we got to 'catch up'. Greeted first by Jack and Jenna, they remembered me for sure. Kaleb and Mak have grown so much it is unbelievable, makes me feel shorter than usual. The twins have changed so much, it was great to see their new 'talents'. They are both standing, moving very quickly across a room to find something to chew on, and they can make noise, Jacob especially. Here is grandma with Nathan, Jacob and Kaleb. Next time I'll try to get pictures of them standing. More to come...

The Trip

2009-03-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

We got to spend some time with Kevin and Wendey the weekend before leaving. We discovered how much you can stuff in the trunk of our Bonneville. There were 10 Rubbermaid totes to return because we no longer needed them. A valiant attempt was made to place them in the trunk of their Prius, and most fit, but not all. Then they were able to pack them tightly into the Bonneville trunk. But they do have us beat hands down in the mileage department. I enjoyed the day, we had a good visit. Then the day before leaving Oregon, Judi, granddaughter Bettina and great-granddaughter Rayven came to visit. I got to see her for the first time, she is one year old. It was not a good day for the little one, she had stomach upset, so the day ended with them leaving to visit the doctor. I'm glad they could give her something to settle her system.

Our trip started at 3:38 a.m. the next day when we left Willamina. Our first night was spent at a Missoula campground.

We were blessed with beautiful weather over all the mountain passes, the scenery is so gorgeous.

It gets a little monotous after the mountains, when you have about 800 miles of high plains and prairie through eastern Montana and through most of North Dakota.

At the begining of North Dakota we see the badlands, that provides a break in the scenery for a while.

Finally on the third day we came to our own driveway, filled with snow, which is no surprise. Thanks to Dave and Jess, the end of the driveway was cleared out so Art had very little plowing before he could back the Rockwood alongside the house.

It's good to get home, especially Monday afternoon, when all our utilities were working again.

2009-03-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

March 5, Jo & Gary, Kevin & Wendey and Doreen took Art & I out for dinner, since they knew we were leaving soon and we hadn't gotten all together yet. Art was finishing up his fifth wheel frame to take, and I was packing things up to bring back to MN because we were leaving our fifth wheel behind in Oregon. The Rockwood needed some warranty repairs done, and the manufacturer wanted to do it in Elkhart, Indiana, and it needs to be emptied before this work can be done. Sooooo.... homemade trailer stays behind in Oregon, and the Rockwood will be going home with us so we can unload the contents at home. This is not what we planned. Well...we had to re-plan our trip home. Meanwhile, Judi and I got to have our annual beach trip: shopping at the Tanger Outlet, on to Depoe Bay and a little sight seeing.

2009-03-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Let's see, where was I? We were in Oregon, I was about to post a picture of my flower bed, but I did not get it fully weeded before things got crazy. I'll try to get things caught up to here and now. First, the flower bed on March 2nd: There are crocus, narcissus, tulips, daffodils, poppies and more I don't know the names of, plus shells and artificial flowers to fill in. Next year I'll try to finish it, if anything survived after the fifth wheel ran over it.

Niña at the Ranch

2009-02-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

We've returned, after our month long 'back & forth' journey to Oakland. Niña-sitting mostly, plus watching Doreen's place till she returned from her Florida vacation. I felt we were on vacation in the big house and open spaces, it was an enjoyable stay, even though they have no fast internet service available there (the only draw-back I could see). She goes to a great church in Yoncalla, with a good pastor and very nice people. The weather was very mild, too. We had company, Kevin was there three days, then Davy for three days the first week. Then the second week Dad was with us for 3 days. It was nice to be close to Aunt Jo so we could visit her more often. Mom stayed with her for a few days, after not seeing her for about 3 months. Art worked on the wood-splitter he is making for Doreen.

This is what he got done so far. (Nice wheels, thanks Non!) Now we're back to our fifth-wheel and he is making a trailer to take back to MN. We have lots to do before we head East. The Lord keeps us busy, and we haven't been bored, for sure. Bless You All!

January

2009-01-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Well, 3 weeks have gone by since my last post. We've been to Sutherlin for a week and a half and back again. Art stayed there with Doreen while I spent a few days with Aunt Jo for her cataract surgery (left eye). There was a problem with the implanted lens, and she needs to have a different one put in tomorrow. Hopefully that will work out okay for her this time. The pictures don't load very well on dial-up, and it was so neat to come back and see all of Kari's pics, and the new ones on Jody's site. We've kept busy here so the time is going fast. Then next week we'll be back to Sutherlin to spend a couple weeks dog and house-sitting while Doreen is in Florida. When we get back to Willamina there will be lots to do, and start the countdown before we head back east.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

We had Judi & Non, Shirley & Stan for our New Years Eve get-together. We played Rummikub, worked on a jigsaw puzzle, ate some goodies and did a lot of visiting. Except Art, who was in the fifth wheel all day alone, since he is trying not to spread his cold around, but he did get some rest, which is good when you're sick.

This is the time of year for reflection and I mostly reflect that I miss my kids and grandkids A LOT!!. But the time has been going by fast lately, there is so much to do here. We stayed pretty busy these last couple weeks, even with the snow storm. We canned pumpkin and applesauce, did our Christmas baking & delivered some to neighbors, got everyone to their appointments (the ones that didn't get cancelled) and managed a couple jig saw puzzles in between things.

Art is sick with a head cold now, but we'll head down to Sutherlin tomorrow, then to Eugene for family stuff if he is okay to travel. Praying that it doesn't turn into bronchitis. He has been inside all day, and feels a little better tonight.

The rain is coming down in buckets and the wind is blowing hard at times, but this is Oregon. I think I might be getting webbed feet again, they feel a little weird.

We got Snow!

2008-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Oregon Snow Day

We got snow and it is cold enough to not melt... yet. I hope nobody gets hurt, as I see people sliding up and down the Avenue out front. One car is still stuck in the ditch since early morning, and no attempts to rescue the car have been successful. The view is pretty and reminds me of home, especially when the temperature stays low. But the view of 'the Hood' is awesome, that's one thing you don't see in Minnesota. They are getting a snowstorm, too, but are definitely more prepared for it. They don't salt roads here, but I have seen some sprinkles of sand/gravel on the on-ramp one morning. They are allowed to use studded tires. Guess I'll just stay home and get stuff done, package to send and gifts to wrap, there's always something to do. ttfn

Light Parade

2008-12-06T21:40:00.001-08:00

Light Parade and Christmas Play

2008-12-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Tonight was Willamina's Light Parade with vehicles donned in Christmas lights, most being lit by generators, some were on horseback, motorcycles, bikes, etc. I don't know how they kept their lights lit. Anyway, it was very nice, lots of police and fire sirens sounding off to make it more astonishing. Mom, Judi and I went to the church afterwards, where we were treated to a very nice dessert and coffee before their Christmas play. It was great, with a good script and actors/actresses that made it very funny.

Christmas Party

2008-12-05T19:10:00.001-08:00

Judi invited Art & I to her company Christmas Dinner and Party. It was really nice, good food, nice people, beautiful surroundings complete with Santa, elves, a clown, lots of children and babies. Non was not able to come because of a medical scan which was done on his back, so Art had nobody to gab with. He did enjoy browsing through the Museum. This was our first time in this one, and it is amazing. Thanks, Sis!

Space Museum

2008-12-05T19:04:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

Another Thanksgiving Dinner down the tubes, Turkey, Ham and everything else you need for this holiday. Dad, Mom, Non, Judi, Vern, Me, Art, John - 8 of us, just filled the table. We are very thankful to be all together this year and for the bounty, who knows what next year will bring? I sure miss the kids and grandkids, and it doesn't seem that long ago that we were seated around the table with them, eating our Thanksgiving meal and watching snowflakes fall. Those memories are precious to me, especially now, with everyone so far away.

Here are the pictures I took today, another attempt at 'collaging':

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

Grandkids Collage

2008-11-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Grandchildren all together on one page, from 16 all the way down to 5 months. They are all so very special to me. This my first attempt at making a collage, I need to work on technique.

Mak on Track

2008-11-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

Found a video on my computer from last year. I hope Mak won't mind. This was Track and Field day at the Junior High. After the event was over, all the kids were walked back to school, that was quite a lineup heading across the highway. School days are so special, I'm so glad I get to share some of these times with the grandkids.

Apple Picking Time!

2008-11-15T20:32:00.001-08:00

Time to get these apples into storage before its' too late. Dad usually does this, but he is recovering from a broken leg. Judi and I really enjoyed it, except for those 'mushy' kind where you grab it and your fingers just sink in. Ewww!
And it was a beautiful sunny day to be outside.

Snowbirds

2008-11-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

Saying goodbye to our home in Minnesota. So quiet, peaceful and woodsy. Load up the fifth wheel, say goodbye to everyone. Sad to leave the kids and grandkids. Traveling 3 days west for our winter escape, beautiful scenery, no deer on our grill this trip. No snow flurries, just gorgeous leaves and mountains. Pulling into Mom and Dads' yard to set up our living space again. This is our life since retirement.

Our fourth year of snowbirding. Oregon is not the usual target area, most folks head for places like Florida, Arizona, California. But we chose a different path. This may not be the warmest place but it is green and doesn't even come close to 40 degrees below zero. The precipitation is different too, not much shoveling here, just stay dry..... if you can.

We seem to have no trouble finding something to do. Since arriving here on October 1, there has been fifth wheel maintenance and repair. Leaks in the basement, leaks in bathroom sink, electrical issues, too. Fortunately Art can fix things and sometimes enjoys doing it. We also have people here to be with: My crew-Mom, Dad, Judi & Non, Vern, John, Aunt Jo. Arts crew-Kevin & Wendey, Doreen, Jo & Gary, along with other family members.

It is really nice to be close enough to see the beach occasionally. Our first camping trip this season was at Barview Jetty north of Tillamook. Here we are in our fifth wheel, Judi's trailer, Mom & Dad's fifth wheel. Mom is on the beach for another 'unusual driftwood' search which will be added to a fine collection at home.

Verse for thought: "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Proverbs 16:32

More later...