I just checked Aubrianne's blog and she said she guessed she should blog and tell everyone she made it home -- duh --- guess I should be telling you we are home too.
Made it home a day early actually. We were heading out from Carson City to Grants Pass when we noticed our motel reservation there was accidentally made for Monday night not Sunday night so when we got there we decided we would just drive on thru to Eugene instead of stopping there. So we cancelled our Monday reservation and put in a 500+ mile day and arrived in Eugene about 7:30 or so. It worked out better for everyone as Ken and La Chel had a really busy day Monday and wouldn't have been home until Monday at dinnertime so we would have had all day to waste until we would get to see them.
It was so good to see Aubrianne again and we got to look at a lot of her pictures that night.
We got to see pictures of some of her friends and all the families she stayed with and also some fantastic shots from Rome and her other extra excursions before she left Slovakia.
Didn't have time to look at all of her pictures and will look forward to seeing more at another time.
So we are home and getting back into our routine again. Lots of things on the agenda coming up so we are back to life at home. Fun to be gone - had a great time - but love being home again !!
Chester was glad we were home too !!
Hugs to all !
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Forty-Eight Years and Counting
Can't believe it....48 years ! When I walked down that aisle so many years ago I never dreamed it would go so fast. Unbelieveable but here we are as of last Wednesday (the 18th ) It as been such a fun road to travel. With family there to support us and three wonderful children to light up our lives it has been a blast to say the least. Oh sure, there have been some rough times and everyone has their ups and downs but when the Lord entered our lives five years after we were married we found a whole new realm of our traveling on this good old earth.
We had a really fun anniversary this year - very different as we were on vacation and spent a really great day in Fresno, California celebrating. We were staying in Oakhurst for several nights and had just finished our visit to Yosemite and decided to drive into Fresno for the day. It was only about 50 miles from our motel. Years ago when we visited Bill and Willa Mitchell there they had taken us to a dinner theatre and we wondered if it would still be there so after some checking found out they were still there and open..... So we had a very delightful evening with a delicious buffet dinner and then watching a great performance of "Annie Get Your Gun" live on stage. What made it even more fun was we sat a the same table with a family that was celebrating their kids engagement so thru the evening we toasted them and they all toasted us. They were Christians too. Their wedding will be the first on November. It was just a really cool evening. We got back to the motel a little late but it was a beautiful warm evening so the drive was very nice coming back too.
Tonight we are in Carson City, Nevada. Got the capitol pics this am then drove up to Virginia City to play around. Tomorrow we will do some things here in Carson city and maybe drive up to Reno just for fun if we have time. The weather has been hot every day.... LOTS and LOTS of sunshine of course. It was 90 today and supposed to be 93 tomorrow!
Have a great day everyone !
We had a really fun anniversary this year - very different as we were on vacation and spent a really great day in Fresno, California celebrating. We were staying in Oakhurst for several nights and had just finished our visit to Yosemite and decided to drive into Fresno for the day. It was only about 50 miles from our motel. Years ago when we visited Bill and Willa Mitchell there they had taken us to a dinner theatre and we wondered if it would still be there so after some checking found out they were still there and open..... So we had a very delightful evening with a delicious buffet dinner and then watching a great performance of "Annie Get Your Gun" live on stage. What made it even more fun was we sat a the same table with a family that was celebrating their kids engagement so thru the evening we toasted them and they all toasted us. They were Christians too. Their wedding will be the first on November. It was just a really cool evening. We got back to the motel a little late but it was a beautiful warm evening so the drive was very nice coming back too.
Tonight we are in Carson City, Nevada. Got the capitol pics this am then drove up to Virginia City to play around. Tomorrow we will do some things here in Carson city and maybe drive up to Reno just for fun if we have time. The weather has been hot every day.... LOTS and LOTS of sunshine of course. It was 90 today and supposed to be 93 tomorrow!
Have a great day everyone !
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Stay on Your Side of the Road Please
I haven't blogged since we have been on vacation because we have been sending our e-mails and I think everyone that reads my blog is on our e-mail list anyway.
But this afternoon we are in Carson City and Bob is taking a nap so I will take time to jot off a note here. We had a beautiful drive today (if not a little "scary" at times) Our "lady" routed us up to Carson City on a route that looked quite a bit out of the way so we changed her mind and found a closer route. Closer yes and a bit more "interesting" to say the least.
If you ever decide to travel Hiway 4 from Yosemite to Carson City prepare yourself for quite an experience. It started out as a very windy horseshoe curved road but a nice wide road....
Took us a little longer than we planned and stopped for lunch at a cute little sandwich shop in Arnold, California.... glad the windy road was behind us - it was such a long windy road and miles from anywhere of any size. Asked the gal in the sandwich shop what they did for excitement up there and she said"work,, and we like to swim in the river. (She was just a young gal)
Sitting at the table next to us two young people were playing chess. Guess that is the exciting thing to do in the little wayside called Arnold, California. HOWEVER, little did we know this was not the end of this adventure. Later we were glad we had lunch there as we weren't "out of the woods" or down the mountain yet - in fact - it was just the beginning. As we headed on there was a sign saying something to the effect of ---- Very steep, windy, narrow road, not recommended for rigs longer than 23 feet in length. OK no problem, right, with our little Honda. What an exciting beautiful trip it ended up to be. It WAS a VERY steep, windy and narrow road..didn't even have a center line down it. Guess they figured we would feel guilty driving over it going around some of the corners hoping no one was coming the other direction. Also it was over the Sierra Nevada moutains so the drop off was RIGHT THERE and guess what - they don't believe in guard rails in California. At least not on this road. It was beautiful and after being in busy California around Sacramento was a quiet, gorgeous drive but quite a "pay attention to the road" situation for Bob around all those curves. It sort of puts you in touch with the beautiful creation God made before man got ahold of it and made the concrete jungles. But if you are in a hurry, listen to your GPS and trust her to get you where you want to go. It was indeed an interesting drive : ) Tonight we are in Carson City and will be off to get our second capitol tomorrow.
But this afternoon we are in Carson City and Bob is taking a nap so I will take time to jot off a note here. We had a beautiful drive today (if not a little "scary" at times) Our "lady" routed us up to Carson City on a route that looked quite a bit out of the way so we changed her mind and found a closer route. Closer yes and a bit more "interesting" to say the least.
If you ever decide to travel Hiway 4 from Yosemite to Carson City prepare yourself for quite an experience. It started out as a very windy horseshoe curved road but a nice wide road....
Took us a little longer than we planned and stopped for lunch at a cute little sandwich shop in Arnold, California.... glad the windy road was behind us - it was such a long windy road and miles from anywhere of any size. Asked the gal in the sandwich shop what they did for excitement up there and she said"work,, and we like to swim in the river. (She was just a young gal)
Sitting at the table next to us two young people were playing chess. Guess that is the exciting thing to do in the little wayside called Arnold, California. HOWEVER, little did we know this was not the end of this adventure. Later we were glad we had lunch there as we weren't "out of the woods" or down the mountain yet - in fact - it was just the beginning. As we headed on there was a sign saying something to the effect of ---- Very steep, windy, narrow road, not recommended for rigs longer than 23 feet in length. OK no problem, right, with our little Honda. What an exciting beautiful trip it ended up to be. It WAS a VERY steep, windy and narrow road..didn't even have a center line down it. Guess they figured we would feel guilty driving over it going around some of the corners hoping no one was coming the other direction. Also it was over the Sierra Nevada moutains so the drop off was RIGHT THERE and guess what - they don't believe in guard rails in California. At least not on this road. It was beautiful and after being in busy California around Sacramento was a quiet, gorgeous drive but quite a "pay attention to the road" situation for Bob around all those curves. It sort of puts you in touch with the beautiful creation God made before man got ahold of it and made the concrete jungles. But if you are in a hurry, listen to your GPS and trust her to get you where you want to go. It was indeed an interesting drive : ) Tonight we are in Carson City and will be off to get our second capitol tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
JUNEUARY
That's what the news calls our weather - I agree ! January in June.
Heard someone comment the other day they were really tired of this weather.
He was asked how long he has lived here. His reply "All My Life!" Yes, even the locals are getting tired of this spring. We did have summer though - one weekend in May -It actually got the upper 80's in Astoria. Those poor people who were out of town that weekend totally missed summer this year : ( But now school is out so it has to rain a bit before it can clear up!
Anyway we are on our way in two days to find some summer and land sakes is it ever out there. Bob just checked Sacramento (our first stop for several days) It is in the 90's and 100's. OK folks - Let's be realistic - we would totally be happy with mid 80's !! Or even upper 70's so we coastal people won't melt as we try to enjoy their city. But guess we shouldn't complain - we are seeking summer. Looks like we are going to get it. I just took out one pair of long pants and replaced it with another pair of capri's.
We actually enjoy our automatic air conditioning here on the coast but this year has been a bit trying even for us. We had another slight wind storm one day this week and one of the weakened trees came down on Hiway 101 between Cannon Beach and Seaside and hit a car. The road was blocked for some time but no one was injured. Now we have to contend with all the trees that almost toppled in the "big" storm and watch all those that are were on the verge of going over topple at the slightest wind. It has been a year to remember weather wise.
Chester came in the other night to "go to bed" and we just had to laugh and laugh at him. He had been out hunting I guess and it was pouring down rain. He looked so pitiful - he looked like he had been dunked in a barrel of water. He looked very skinny with his hair soaked on his back but his head and mane stuck out like little points sort like he had stuck a paw in an electric outlet.
Needless to say he got a GOOD rubdown before he was allowed on the bed.
OK - I'm off. Have lots to do today to get ready to go. Probably won't be back here before we leave. We have wifi at most if not all of our motels along the way so may check in somewhere along the way. WE'RE OFF TO FIND SUMMER !!
Heard someone comment the other day they were really tired of this weather.
He was asked how long he has lived here. His reply "All My Life!" Yes, even the locals are getting tired of this spring. We did have summer though - one weekend in May -It actually got the upper 80's in Astoria. Those poor people who were out of town that weekend totally missed summer this year : ( But now school is out so it has to rain a bit before it can clear up!
Anyway we are on our way in two days to find some summer and land sakes is it ever out there. Bob just checked Sacramento (our first stop for several days) It is in the 90's and 100's. OK folks - Let's be realistic - we would totally be happy with mid 80's !! Or even upper 70's so we coastal people won't melt as we try to enjoy their city. But guess we shouldn't complain - we are seeking summer. Looks like we are going to get it. I just took out one pair of long pants and replaced it with another pair of capri's.
We actually enjoy our automatic air conditioning here on the coast but this year has been a bit trying even for us. We had another slight wind storm one day this week and one of the weakened trees came down on Hiway 101 between Cannon Beach and Seaside and hit a car. The road was blocked for some time but no one was injured. Now we have to contend with all the trees that almost toppled in the "big" storm and watch all those that are were on the verge of going over topple at the slightest wind. It has been a year to remember weather wise.
Chester came in the other night to "go to bed" and we just had to laugh and laugh at him. He had been out hunting I guess and it was pouring down rain. He looked so pitiful - he looked like he had been dunked in a barrel of water. He looked very skinny with his hair soaked on his back but his head and mane stuck out like little points sort like he had stuck a paw in an electric outlet.
Needless to say he got a GOOD rubdown before he was allowed on the bed.
OK - I'm off. Have lots to do today to get ready to go. Probably won't be back here before we leave. We have wifi at most if not all of our motels along the way so may check in somewhere along the way. WE'RE OFF TO FIND SUMMER !!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
New Love
I was just reading Cathy's blog about Warren at 70 years twitterpated and anticipating a new marriage. It IS refreshing to be around people with that new love. As you know we were with Mark and Jill this weekend who at 50 years (for Mark) and 43 (for Jill) were united in marriage (each for the first time) in January of this year. . Interestingly enough that is almost the amount of time we have been married. (not quite - we're up to 48 this month) But as Cathy said it is fun to be around people who have just found each other. Always brings back memories. 48 years ago we had the world by the tail and was off on our own adventure which is still exciting and fun even after all this time. There is never a dull moment it seems. The love never dies it just matures from the twitterpated to the solid rock of marriage and the realization of how that love can grow each year.
We had a delightful time with Mark and Jill. We had about 40 people out for the reception and everyone had a great time meeting Jill for the first time. She is a real sweetheart. They stayed until Monday about noon then headed on back to Coquille. I made them a scrapbook of Mark's life since we have known him (met him in 1982) for a wedding present. Now let me tell you, he IS NOT an easy person to scrapbook. He has been in so many countries back and forth, had so many graduations from assorted colleges, seminarys etc that they all get confusing. Hopefully I got them all in the proper order. I made it for Mark but also to help Jill catch up on his life prior to their meeting. It was a delight to make and I think they enjoyed receiving it.
So far the rest of this week has been another busy one. We have had something every day including a day back to Portland to replace one part of his new computer that wasn't working and today a trip to Longview to the Honda dealer to see why our airbag light is now on continually and the book says take it to the dealer immediately as there is something wrong. We are to leave on vacation next Friday so needed to have it checked out. The time has g0ne so quickly it doesn't seem it is almost time to begin packing.
Speaking of time, I'm off to begin my list for the day.
Have a great day everyone !
We had a delightful time with Mark and Jill. We had about 40 people out for the reception and everyone had a great time meeting Jill for the first time. She is a real sweetheart. They stayed until Monday about noon then headed on back to Coquille. I made them a scrapbook of Mark's life since we have known him (met him in 1982) for a wedding present. Now let me tell you, he IS NOT an easy person to scrapbook. He has been in so many countries back and forth, had so many graduations from assorted colleges, seminarys etc that they all get confusing. Hopefully I got them all in the proper order. I made it for Mark but also to help Jill catch up on his life prior to their meeting. It was a delight to make and I think they enjoyed receiving it.
So far the rest of this week has been another busy one. We have had something every day including a day back to Portland to replace one part of his new computer that wasn't working and today a trip to Longview to the Honda dealer to see why our airbag light is now on continually and the book says take it to the dealer immediately as there is something wrong. We are to leave on vacation next Friday so needed to have it checked out. The time has g0ne so quickly it doesn't seem it is almost time to begin packing.
Speaking of time, I'm off to begin my list for the day.
Have a great day everyone !
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Big Stuffed Dalmatians : )
This weekend is a busy one to say the least -
The annual Amateur Radio Convention is in Seaside all weekend, with a benefit speghetti dinner Friday night, there is a concert by the Columbia River Brass Quintet Saturday night and Sunday night is our reception for Mark and Jill at the church which we are pretty much in charge of.
But "busy" is fun.
We're now half way thru all these events. The dinner went great. We got down there a little after three and got home about 9:30 or 10. Didn't have as many as was planned but it ran 300 - 350. All we knew was they were lined up around the corner and we had no idea where the end was but the line didn't go away until about 7:30 and the doors at 5. Some people
straggled in after that but that was when the line around the corner ended. Bob ran the cash register and I handed out the door prize tickets as they came in. We did have a break to eat but that was about it. They had so many door prizes donated, they were calling off numbers about every 30 minutes at first - then at the end about every 10 minutes to give them all away. They had gobs of raffle items so needless to say, they did well on the money end. They really needed it because a lot of the equipment, antennas etc was lost during the storm so some of that can be replaced. It took a lot of volunteer help to pull this off but it was success enough to plan on one again next year.
It was kind of cool because it was in the Seaside Fire Station so they just moved the fire engines out in the parking area in front and we got to see all their equipment, hats, coats etc all lined up hanging on the walls ready to go and even had a call for the ambulance to go out on while we were there. (They have a big stuffed dalmatian in the office - he rides on the fire engines in parades) Really Cool !
Bob was back down to seminars etc on and off all day yesterday....he will go back after church today for the drawings etc. The concert was fun last night. Just a group of guys (in nice shirts and ties, how refreshing - seems you see mostly blue jeans often full of holes on everyone nowdays even as performers.) They were all young men, one of them was Allan Stromquist, whom we are assuming is part of the Stromquist family from the high school here as they said he was from Astoria. Fun concert with some really neat songs.
Tonight is the final event of the weekend. Mark and Jill will be here after church today and we will get to celebrate again with them and get to know Jill a little better. They have to head home tomorrow though. He said he had so many weekends off flying back and forth to Cincinnatti while they were courting that he is out of vacation time. Will give a report on that later....
Hope everyone is having as much fun this weekend as we are.
Hugs to all
The annual Amateur Radio Convention is in Seaside all weekend, with a benefit speghetti dinner Friday night, there is a concert by the Columbia River Brass Quintet Saturday night and Sunday night is our reception for Mark and Jill at the church which we are pretty much in charge of.
But "busy" is fun.
We're now half way thru all these events. The dinner went great. We got down there a little after three and got home about 9:30 or 10. Didn't have as many as was planned but it ran 300 - 350. All we knew was they were lined up around the corner and we had no idea where the end was but the line didn't go away until about 7:30 and the doors at 5. Some people
straggled in after that but that was when the line around the corner ended. Bob ran the cash register and I handed out the door prize tickets as they came in. We did have a break to eat but that was about it. They had so many door prizes donated, they were calling off numbers about every 30 minutes at first - then at the end about every 10 minutes to give them all away. They had gobs of raffle items so needless to say, they did well on the money end. They really needed it because a lot of the equipment, antennas etc was lost during the storm so some of that can be replaced. It took a lot of volunteer help to pull this off but it was success enough to plan on one again next year.
It was kind of cool because it was in the Seaside Fire Station so they just moved the fire engines out in the parking area in front and we got to see all their equipment, hats, coats etc all lined up hanging on the walls ready to go and even had a call for the ambulance to go out on while we were there. (They have a big stuffed dalmatian in the office - he rides on the fire engines in parades) Really Cool !
Bob was back down to seminars etc on and off all day yesterday....he will go back after church today for the drawings etc. The concert was fun last night. Just a group of guys (in nice shirts and ties, how refreshing - seems you see mostly blue jeans often full of holes on everyone nowdays even as performers.) They were all young men, one of them was Allan Stromquist, whom we are assuming is part of the Stromquist family from the high school here as they said he was from Astoria. Fun concert with some really neat songs.
Tonight is the final event of the weekend. Mark and Jill will be here after church today and we will get to celebrate again with them and get to know Jill a little better. They have to head home tomorrow though. He said he had so many weekends off flying back and forth to Cincinnatti while they were courting that he is out of vacation time. Will give a report on that later....
Hope everyone is having as much fun this weekend as we are.
Hugs to all
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