Whew! It has been quite a ride

Sorry that there has been such a span between updates. Not having access to a PC is the number one excuse. Being tired and busy comes in as a close second. Michelle is at work, Daddy has this week with Alexis so no more excuses for not letting you know what has been happening. After leaving Kennewick with Ashley on July 12, we arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho at approximately 4:00. Rob was still working but arranged with us to meet at 5:00 and lead us to his house where we could get settled before going to dinner. We each had our own room with great beds. We did share the upstairs bathroom. Worked out pretty well considering the needs and desires of a 13 year old. The age thing is a story in itself. Out on the speedboat around 6:00. Traveled across the lake to a restaurant where the food was simple but delicious. It was getting dark as we came back to Sandpoint plus there was distant lightning. No rain until after we went to bed then it poured and continued to pour on Monday. Ashley and I spent 3 hours getting a mani/pedi which neither one of us were pleased with. Rob has planned to take us out on the boat Monday to wakeboard and fish but alas it was not to be. Instead he made spaghetti and then, after dinner, we drove to Swietzer Sky Resort for rhubard/strawberry pie alamode. Yummy!! Next leg is Glacier Park...leaving July 14th.

Tri-Cities, Washington

Richland, Kennewick and Pasco make up the Tri-Cities. When I arrived on Monday the temp was in the high 70's and low 80's. Well, that is gone and the 100 weather is now here. Different from AZ as it does cool way down at night. Staying with granddaughter, Alexis and daughter, Michelle until Monday. Number one granddaughter, Ashley is arriving with her mother and brother on Friday for some great kid time and then Ashley and I leave for Sandpoint, Idaho on Monday the 12th. We are staying with the fellow that Michelle is seeing who happens to be my youngest son's best friend. Michelle and Rob seem to be quite smitten with one another and I couldn't be happier. I've known Rob since Jason and he were in college together and he is one handsome nice guy. On Wednesday Ashley and I will be off to Glacier Park and the "Going to the Sun Hiway". Ashley has to sit on the side nearest the cliff which has her a little freaked. If we make it out alive you will next hear word that we are in Billings, Montana. Take care, everyone. Include us in your prayers as we include you.

It's Independence Day

Not a whole lot of fireworks in Portland.   The laws here are very strong against it.  We spent the day in Long Beach, Washington yesterday.  Angel's parents have a beach house there.  We drove the Astoria Bridge which is 4 miles long across the Columbia between Oregon and Washington.  Spectacular scenery.  The weather is fantastic.  Was 94 in Portland and 75 at the beach.  Tonight we will celebrate the 4th exploding what is acceptable in Oregon and hang out with the rest of the neighbors that didn't leave town.   Car rental is scheduled for Monday and off to Eastern Washington to spend a week with Michelle and Alexis.  Just love being with family.  My Chicago family is sorely missed and won't be seeing them this summer.  They sent photos of the wedding reception and will post some when I can figure it out.  Might have to do it the old fashion way and print them at Walgrens.  God bless all who read this.  May today be a day of remembrance and prayer.  Until next time.   

Don't miss the chance

Pastor Matt is pretty funny.  Somewhere between Jeff and Scott.  He related a dentist story that will stick with me.  Their baby of 6 months was beginning to cut teeth and, because Matt and his wife had not been since college, they were afraid they were grossing out their daughter so to the dentist Matt went.  It was Monday, he was tired and cranky so wasn't much in the mood for his dental consult.  It was funny and I could tell you the whole thing but you might get bored and miss the point.  The point being that when the dentist asked his profession, he said, "Pastor".  Instead of the dentist changing the subject, he asked why did he become a pastor.  Matt gave an off the cuff answer like, "I like kids and people."  He said he regretted that and should have said, "Because I love the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is my Savior.  We do miss lots of opportunities and I will try to remember this story to help me be a better witness.  As for the trip, I'll be in Portland for the 4th and then on to Eastern Washington and Glacier Park.  

Oregon Coast

The Pacific is as beautiful as ever.  Cold but beautiful.  Taylor played in the water and thought it was great, being only 9 has its advantages.  The Seaside Oregon gift shops are like all the others and are full of tourists just like me.  Bought airbrush tatoos for Ashley and Taylor and sweatpants for me.  Now its 85, wouldn't you know it.  We just went for the day as it is only about 75 miles from Hillsboro where Brian and family live.  We are now getting ready for church.  Looking forward to meeting Ashley's youth leader.  He's a big influence on the family.  Please pray that Jesus will be the center of this family more and more each day.  Love to all and will write more as our trip unfolds.  

Brrrrrr

Is it cold in Oregon. Not for those who have webbed feet and bodies that shed the rain but for this poor soul it is freezing.  Temp was maybe 77 degree today but since it is 80 at night in Maricopa my fingertips were turning white.   So far though it has been wonderful.  Being with the family and enjoying them and the things they do is great.  This morning Angel and I went for a 2.5 mile walk and then, after showering, (needed to put that in) because I was going to say we then went to Costco.  Bought planks at Costco to BBQ salmon and vegies.  Really good.  Taylor played some basketball this afternoon.  He's very good so like to watch him play.  He is only 9 so by the time he is in High School he is going to be a force to reckon with.  Nothing really exciting to write about right now but keep tuned you never know when something exciting might happen.  

Carpe diem

That's the word or words of the day. Starting with a workout at the local gym and, because sleep eluded me after 5:30am, it has been a rather "Seize the Day" ever since. The refrigerator is clean. Care packages are prepared for Kelly and Clint and Perry and Barbara. They will be by for keys and meeting each other. The thought occurred that arrests could be made if found doing their thing but didn't know each. We'll indulged in some dessert and a bit of conversation and then when they are on their way it's packing time again. Just started some wash and may or may not iron anything. Why am I telling you all this stuff? Guess because I love each of you and I will miss you who are here in AZ and excited to see family and friends in the Northwest. Can't really explain the lonliness that I'm feeling right now. Packing a suitcase by myself is good but not good. If I were married HE would be telling me what I should pack and how I should pack it. Isn't it strange how we want to be alone but with someone.