More Summer Visitors

I've come to the conclusion that great-grandchildren are as wonderful as grandchildren.  Mandy and John's family came to see us this summer, and we loved the energy, the activity, and yes, the "cuteness and charm" of these delightful children.  We're always grateful when our offspring makes the effort to come to our remote part of the world to touch bases and allow us to get to know our family better.  Perfect!

Pictures from Our Trip Down South

 Ron and Ann having a deep discussion about how to make an elk tooth ring.  Not your everyday topic.

Our visit with Dwight and Velna was delightful.  In spite of all the difficulties, a sense of humor still reigns in this household.  And, Dwight has perfected making pulled pork barbecue.  His culinary skills keep growing.  Of course, he still needs some appliances, but I'm sure that will come in time.  I loved seeing the row of marquetry above the balcony doors - a perfect place to keep them out of the sun and still enjoy them.  Dwight's wonderful photography decorates the walls of their home - so good to see them before they head to St. George for the winter.

More Pictures from Olympia

As I've said before, funerals are a sad-glad occasion.  Sad because we've lost the companionship of the person who is gone, but glad because there is still family to cherish.  This picture was taken at Judy and Bob's house the last night we were in Olympia.  Mike's white beard looks distinguished, Julia has her amazing smile, Andrea looks as lovely as ever, Ron looks good, and I didn't close my eyes.  However, pictures do help us analyze, and I've decided that a green sweater I thought was bright and cheerful is a little much.  Oh, well.  See part of Bob's lighted Christmas village behind me.  That village goes almost around the whole living room, and is like an enchanted village.  If I were him and Judy, I'd leave it up all year - or does it then become common and not magic?

The Five Plus

 The addition of spouses and three grandchildren add to the mix.  (Oh, yes, and mother, too.)

The years go by, and people change, but it is wonderful to have all five of my addition to our combined family come to their step-sister Jennifer's funeral in Olympia.  Their presence was much appreciated by all, and it was good to see them in one place, after many, many years.  Dorothy and Sara came from North Carolina, Tony from Las Vegas, Pat from The Dalles, and Brig from Sequim - all of the trips a sacrifice, but not even considered in that light.  Thanks for family solidarity.

Visitors to Preston

We recently had a visit from Ron's sister, Evie and her husband, Dick, from the Lake Stevens area north of Seattle. She is, without doubt, a human dynamo. Family is very special, and we had a great time together. Evie used to paint pictures, but her passion for the last 10+ years has been in gourding. It has become an incredible art form, and she is a member of the Washington Gourd Society Board - Gourders travel all over to take and give classes, and learn more about the art. She tried to get me involved some years ago, with the result that I have a big number of dried and cleaned gourds, and have completed a very few into some sort of an art form. There are so many things of interest to do in this world, and sometimes I am greedy and want to do them all. Oh, well, I might have a quarter of a century left. (My two new dental implants are guaranteed for twenty-five years, and the roof on our house for 30 - do you think we will make it?) Anyway, it stirs us up to have people around us who love to do different things. The world is full of possibilities!

Thanksgiving Sunset or Sunrise - Take Your Pick!

Winter is meant to be cold, and the frost is all around us each morning as we wake up - 16 degrees F this morning. We are thankful for many things this Thanksgiving Day, but the first thing that always comes to mind as we wake up is that we don't have to stoke the fire with wood and coal - the house is already warm, and we are protected from the cold. We realize that there are many in the world who do not enjoy these blessings. The turkey is in the oven, everything else is ready for final preparation for our meal - leftovers will last for days, and for that, I'm particularly thankful. I did not take time to prepare the turkey as Dwight suggested in his Curmudgeonly Professor blog, (dental floss???) but it will be delicious - never fails. We are particularly thankful for family, and for the means of communication that knit us together, even though we are miles apart. Thank you for being upstanding, good people, and for keeping your families safe. We are proud to be your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, and brother and sister.