tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22531525363729476322024-02-18T20:14:30.272-08:00KNOW & DOKnow & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-11169701978719180482014-12-24T15:22:00.000-08:002014-12-24T15:23:42.491-08:00New Home in Albuquerque 2014<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmv0AEWHHCBskGMX6cSygp_q6XNkOvx7Qh7GZzXsIFjIjp0O__yWrq1RAGAN7_QO1hnEhQvr-Qg_-6R3r3lA5dG46wVff-ZQagsH5l18H5Dedc0MwTa0SDu7CzuprNqer2W7gcpUQMGQ/s1600/DSCN5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmv0AEWHHCBskGMX6cSygp_q6XNkOvx7Qh7GZzXsIFjIjp0O__yWrq1RAGAN7_QO1hnEhQvr-Qg_-6R3r3lA5dG46wVff-ZQagsH5l18H5Dedc0MwTa0SDu7CzuprNqer2W7gcpUQMGQ/s1600/DSCN5033.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the fall of 2013 we decided that it would be in our best
interests to be closer to family in these latter years, thus the move to
Albuquerque, NM to be near Patti’s brother Michael and family and not far from
Dick’s daughter, Leslie and Marc, in Sedona, AZ. The pictures below are of the
condo we purchased which is in the Four Hills Village and within walking
distance of Michael and the Sandia Mountains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>We went through a 6 month renovation, instigated primarily to get rid of all the steps in the sunkenliving room also those in the bathroom shower. The before pictures contain the furniture of the sitter who stayed in the house while it was on the market, per the realtor. <span style="font-family: Calibri;">The den at the end of the living room became our library and office.</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Ooz_prPiKhyphenhyphen6yD4M-wsEUP4zuhk4EyOAebk3XcAMdaGk0LidWHCPkDLTszo5jm0MIl9GewVe9Uqt6WB2vYAvSIqVH_JFHfgbrK2tImiDZFoQm7e-wvODnYAQJXUCXRNLTyd-muy-m0/s1600/DSCN5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Ooz_prPiKhyphenhyphen6yD4M-wsEUP4zuhk4EyOAebk3XcAMdaGk0LidWHCPkDLTszo5jm0MIl9GewVe9Uqt6WB2vYAvSIqVH_JFHfgbrK2tImiDZFoQm7e-wvODnYAQJXUCXRNLTyd-muy-m0/s1600/DSCN5025.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSJgcXscvl-1SdPDQCaGUQ272sm4QCU3NMq3s1xzv6SywFLpJcPPjfr4inMh9ZPF_2DZe937CcHuow_AMazjt9-eSEe4t-13pLDZRzInGqHNUIn8ks-PvWqHRR-yDV064UnfSUy5bXgg/s1600/DSCN5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSJgcXscvl-1SdPDQCaGUQ272sm4QCU3NMq3s1xzv6SywFLpJcPPjfr4inMh9ZPF_2DZe937CcHuow_AMazjt9-eSEe4t-13pLDZRzInGqHNUIn8ks-PvWqHRR-yDV064UnfSUy5bXgg/s1600/DSCN5263.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTTTlgM4qEfP0GEVOKnEjvwt48AlgPnCyUfZ8-www01GffhUwglYdgU1ZIAsqmiHdwa3YPjzCldokBFWuJsfPX811oJiGbYfBso4xO3zWWa3igNNdE6W3izp5NTjC6Zr6cUq4HG49eOY/s1600/DSCN5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTTTlgM4qEfP0GEVOKnEjvwt48AlgPnCyUfZ8-www01GffhUwglYdgU1ZIAsqmiHdwa3YPjzCldokBFWuJsfPX811oJiGbYfBso4xO3zWWa3igNNdE6W3izp5NTjC6Zr6cUq4HG49eOY/s1600/DSCN5268.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Our kitchen was small and old fashioned. We removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen to open up the area, removed the kitchen door to the outside, as we already had a dining room door to the outside, and also opened the kitchen to the living room.</o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLksgRMDTqjHSJObgxisb7dj2j36H-eoXm0_gjnzKW9I0Az40Kev-HXNbyEjXtcMI3p_AF5lqfbNJo6FQNcI2sEwVEBFlQHkCln_tT2Lw-zWlFHi-OIWQpf7UOtMtqgkHUS6TqU-mnxY/s1600/DSCN5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLksgRMDTqjHSJObgxisb7dj2j36H-eoXm0_gjnzKW9I0Az40Kev-HXNbyEjXtcMI3p_AF5lqfbNJo6FQNcI2sEwVEBFlQHkCln_tT2Lw-zWlFHi-OIWQpf7UOtMtqgkHUS6TqU-mnxY/s1600/DSCN5056.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT-pwTOhkdFW5wclDkjCjFcWyFi3wlF1qCHFe_UdRJ3Bx_eczWg6ThKQe3DBBfshP-Qk_z6013Tfq69WTqBmh_CBbcgQwfHPYoyPNwHTprhdrReNlnfyiclMJqi-fKbJkDhQ34xNldaM/s1600/DSCN5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT-pwTOhkdFW5wclDkjCjFcWyFi3wlF1qCHFe_UdRJ3Bx_eczWg6ThKQe3DBBfshP-Qk_z6013Tfq69WTqBmh_CBbcgQwfHPYoyPNwHTprhdrReNlnfyiclMJqi-fKbJkDhQ34xNldaM/s1600/DSCN5264.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wB-NN9YKNv4zEvwvW1tNizgwrvmr3cZcq2IiB_TGPqT59Gx8QX5-I-QJS5llFxFKI_KwtxTqa5vpchf-IzqYe6q1ziugxtqK2RMP37b4w89NlwocgQEO0KasD4c5WAE9Pv6EyM8RBLE/s1600/DSCN5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p>The dining room was left unchanged except for elevating the LR floor and fixing the fireplace.</o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_Uun4Ej0Td1AkIzeHo1qeTHdGlRciA3Ue7hGjoqTH9ytmo2wEqUPq7ayW0AfvCr4L0VlD5m6pGEfYsl-FblHhlAGV_qo7PtYVBSFb6ghSBGLUsrYZHxCqi8UMFOtHkOpUHIqyxHnRY4/s1600/DSCN5265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_Uun4Ej0Td1AkIzeHo1qeTHdGlRciA3Ue7hGjoqTH9ytmo2wEqUPq7ayW0AfvCr4L0VlD5m6pGEfYsl-FblHhlAGV_qo7PtYVBSFb6ghSBGLUsrYZHxCqi8UMFOtHkOpUHIqyxHnRY4/s1600/DSCN5265.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p>The master bedroom was unchanged except for the laundry, making the front in the kitchen into a small pantry and opening the back side into the bedroom.</o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wB-NN9YKNv4zEvwvW1tNizgwrvmr3cZcq2IiB_TGPqT59Gx8QX5-I-QJS5llFxFKI_KwtxTqa5vpchf-IzqYe6q1ziugxtqK2RMP37b4w89NlwocgQEO0KasD4c5WAE9Pv6EyM8RBLE/s1600/DSCN5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wB-NN9YKNv4zEvwvW1tNizgwrvmr3cZcq2IiB_TGPqT59Gx8QX5-I-QJS5llFxFKI_KwtxTqa5vpchf-IzqYe6q1ziugxtqK2RMP37b4w89NlwocgQEO0KasD4c5WAE9Pv6EyM8RBLE/s1600/DSCN5039.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrifTUq71mXXIIITX6hKDYcuGPCtM4JO_sc4J-LovpQdMolHDB6fO8Vx56N8RTnau07UnyT74lBNX-WAFpEYrl0STuYpuYU9shgt7ymyFoXGmComLi-Veo9DqhLtwvXM1ITlTFOQMFHBI/s1600/DSCN5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrifTUq71mXXIIITX6hKDYcuGPCtM4JO_sc4J-LovpQdMolHDB6fO8Vx56N8RTnau07UnyT74lBNX-WAFpEYrl0STuYpuYU9shgt7ymyFoXGmComLi-Veo9DqhLtwvXM1ITlTFOQMFHBI/s1600/DSCN5270.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p>The master bath had a step into the shower which we eliminated and we modernized the bathroom.</o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ksZ7CxErEmALJNEW2P2w7KF1QmuNctL1uF40ISTCIjYAkslim7X9cHRahNmCiE4PhUsSro8_VQS5sy9Q2iBlR6b2gkCkSY5b4gUFUQDL8wyyiwJEc8Rk10k6PhEr0qHsp0F5-xTUXM/s1600/DSCN5042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ksZ7CxErEmALJNEW2P2w7KF1QmuNctL1uF40ISTCIjYAkslim7X9cHRahNmCiE4PhUsSro8_VQS5sy9Q2iBlR6b2gkCkSY5b4gUFUQDL8wyyiwJEc8Rk10k6PhEr0qHsp0F5-xTUXM/s1600/DSCN5042.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r7D3cZSxmBOITrhyphenhyphenG2ZmSJ1zdWSE01ikHfu6j-5Uja6UGV-pntcdh1Z3vn7x4vD0VLyIYxHPMJD_hRsrluOkDagrmQcTq207FpfwU81xQJs1y3R-SmaVmOWir6qkT_5g88A-pi3N-mA/s1600/DSCN5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r7D3cZSxmBOITrhyphenhyphenG2ZmSJ1zdWSE01ikHfu6j-5Uja6UGV-pntcdh1Z3vn7x4vD0VLyIYxHPMJD_hRsrluOkDagrmQcTq207FpfwU81xQJs1y3R-SmaVmOWir6qkT_5g88A-pi3N-mA/s1600/DSCN5278.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ksZ7CxErEmALJNEW2P2w7KF1QmuNctL1uF40ISTCIjYAkslim7X9cHRahNmCiE4PhUsSro8_VQS5sy9Q2iBlR6b2gkCkSY5b4gUFUQDL8wyyiwJEc8Rk10k6PhEr0qHsp0F5-xTUXM/s1600/DSCN5042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><o:p><o:p><o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPG0gmhHwN4IE01EGgaFTzeCqfqI0cAtCDi0l4KvFaAAlbrlT-BUywMnRwf4CXaXNkXbaVR_XI8boW3XqSoGZ2a0gQsGfXAftxzE9fBBUFOhrusHtgW4P_kylsBWdtylitiVFcNlvPS0/s1600/DSCN5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPG0gmhHwN4IE01EGgaFTzeCqfqI0cAtCDi0l4KvFaAAlbrlT-BUywMnRwf4CXaXNkXbaVR_XI8boW3XqSoGZ2a0gQsGfXAftxzE9fBBUFOhrusHtgW4P_kylsBWdtylitiVFcNlvPS0/s1600/DSCN5279.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last but not least was the back patio. We replaced the fence, put down pavers, and put in 4 small flower beds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK1Cjv32OQeF5SloPr9MlwFgSqCnmVMeF0_lz_dLKz3ab6wjveLrgsIUz0d6oBvHo5yvRDYFUZhWp5EIc_JKiRlIKDiLr4qNL-zRpOs2-21XRjJXgEdDX_x0abQi4nwMznEFHR_1JfE0/s1600/DSCN5062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK1Cjv32OQeF5SloPr9MlwFgSqCnmVMeF0_lz_dLKz3ab6wjveLrgsIUz0d6oBvHo5yvRDYFUZhWp5EIc_JKiRlIKDiLr4qNL-zRpOs2-21XRjJXgEdDX_x0abQi4nwMznEFHR_1JfE0/s1600/DSCN5062.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiopnzRltKywXEFnTLw4IAV88ad9Gt-VAhkOcClUj2lXdLgtfo1ZhIQL5ZESq28gfjKYTmGJ4csSCgpPz4cXyCBCPWp_CkoUpwBBOmnemZPSnWXfFzwkP8GRoT7fPBln2-KES8XXXcKI0/s1600/DSCN5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiopnzRltKywXEFnTLw4IAV88ad9Gt-VAhkOcClUj2lXdLgtfo1ZhIQL5ZESq28gfjKYTmGJ4csSCgpPz4cXyCBCPWp_CkoUpwBBOmnemZPSnWXfFzwkP8GRoT7fPBln2-KES8XXXcKI0/s1600/DSCN5275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK1Cjv32OQeF5SloPr9MlwFgSqCnmVMeF0_lz_dLKz3ab6wjveLrgsIUz0d6oBvHo5yvRDYFUZhWp5EIc_JKiRlIKDiLr4qNL-zRpOs2-21XRjJXgEdDX_x0abQi4nwMznEFHR_1JfE0/s1600/DSCN5062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we left our beautiful Ashland, which we dearly loved, but we’ve found another oasis and have created another dream home. We enjoy our new home in Albuquerque with family and new friends.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<o:p><br />
<o:p><br />
</o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyioSt6Jhel9w219P7zm1g3bMvv4GWuNI_WYTVWAHZ9dmHv-q9bwOSU5qZlIS6e-ZlBx3Ls5bCH5j91lIUdNWlq5VkX4uPVhxFMZQlO7aAbm1MGSmgcRUZMjvmCnOnRUy05_XoZvmBo1U/s1600/DSCN5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyioSt6Jhel9w219P7zm1g3bMvv4GWuNI_WYTVWAHZ9dmHv-q9bwOSU5qZlIS6e-ZlBx3Ls5bCH5j91lIUdNWlq5VkX4uPVhxFMZQlO7aAbm1MGSmgcRUZMjvmCnOnRUy05_XoZvmBo1U/s1600/DSCN5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
</v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TV-nhLZODQbpa1L5nbtbPrhHEXsl58iMF12rh24TLYzPbHJp7227OvXf9090ScaNliExztJoeb_Arg0Sjv2S6DwJxNAN0FwWO6Jak26hXhwQZsQp1hkwbxMEralb0iCPbph6p5l44RE/s1600/DSCN5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmv0AEWHHCBskGMX6cSygp_q6XNkOvx7Qh7GZzXsIFjIjp0O__yWrq1RAGAN7_QO1hnEhQvr-Qg_-6R3r3lA5dG46wVff-ZQagsH5l18H5Dedc0MwTa0SDu7CzuprNqer2W7gcpUQMGQ/s1600/DSCN5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Ooz_prPiKhyphenhyphen6yD4M-wsEUP4zuhk4EyOAebk3XcAMdaGk0LidWHCPkDLTszo5jm0MIl9GewVe9Uqt6WB2vYAvSIqVH_JFHfgbrK2tImiDZFoQm7e-wvODnYAQJXUCXRNLTyd-muy-m0/s1600/DSCN5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSJgcXscvl-1SdPDQCaGUQ272sm4QCU3NMq3s1xzv6SywFLpJcPPjfr4inMh9ZPF_2DZe937CcHuow_AMazjt9-eSEe4t-13pLDZRzInGqHNUIn8ks-PvWqHRR-yDV064UnfSUy5bXgg/s1600/DSCN5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTTTlgM4qEfP0GEVOKnEjvwt48AlgPnCyUfZ8-www01GffhUwglYdgU1ZIAsqmiHdwa3YPjzCldokBFWuJsfPX811oJiGbYfBso4xO3zWWa3igNNdE6W3izp5NTjC6Zr6cUq4HG49eOY/s1600/DSCN5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLksgRMDTqjHSJObgxisb7dj2j36H-eoXm0_gjnzKW9I0Az40Kev-HXNbyEjXtcMI3p_AF5lqfbNJo6FQNcI2sEwVEBFlQHkCln_tT2Lw-zWlFHi-OIWQpf7UOtMtqgkHUS6TqU-mnxY/s1600/DSCN5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT-pwTOhkdFW5wclDkjCjFcWyFi3wlF1qCHFe_UdRJ3Bx_eczWg6ThKQe3DBBfshP-Qk_z6013Tfq69WTqBmh_CBbcgQwfHPYoyPNwHTprhdrReNlnfyiclMJqi-fKbJkDhQ34xNldaM/s1600/DSCN5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-25429302734694455692013-03-02T15:09:00.003-08:002013-03-02T15:53:54.434-08:00 Maui 2013<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Family/Friend/Letter</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Starring Dick, Patti, Leslie, Marc</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWt8q5HZ2W-rxQeJOAGwPtU1isqbP5WDrJic9LKewNqB9zCzf7LB4kLZ5HDMXkg8q3PoxDW7nOVWfQr21ocp_aq_CKJBxCbkZpbYRUEcyGEJfZFH-YlM9CJKasSujIO0h6wDu5OF0BsE/s1600/Maui-Turtle+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWt8q5HZ2W-rxQeJOAGwPtU1isqbP5WDrJic9LKewNqB9zCzf7LB4kLZ5HDMXkg8q3PoxDW7nOVWfQr21ocp_aq_CKJBxCbkZpbYRUEcyGEJfZFH-YlM9CJKasSujIO0h6wDu5OF0BsE/s400/Maui-Turtle+007.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
It’s February and the Geese are getting cold. Who’s to get the ticket from the old man’s hold?. . .or some such. . .<br />
<br />
February to the Blides means Maui-time; and so it was this year. <br />
We had made our reservations for two weeks at the Sands of Kahama, so we cheerfully packed our bags, planning to run away from cold and/or wet weather here in Ashland.<br />
<br />
Surprise!<br />
<br />
Maui had an unusually wet and cold time this year. It was rainy and barely warm. But this was only the <em>first</em> surprise. <br />
<br />
After a 6 hour flight, Dick and Patti arrived early evening January 31st. . .only to be told that their condo had been changed. Crumb! After wasting time “discussing” we decided that we would move in and finish talking them out of it, tomorrow. First, we assuaged our disappointment by sitting a moment to watch the ever present huge Koi fish. We would simply change condos tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVnSUIkxeaNTfBSq-yYUnQLAlcBVroaZUzpi5ngbRw4_FxXsAmAZk73XXsMOhs6DoRdrbYFkSAU3lBa48howvBw3GQug58qIsDKaTu4G1VtW-FqeEXoqTYTCNejPvmd1e_Hz6-QBsYM/s1600/Maui-Turtle+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVnSUIkxeaNTfBSq-yYUnQLAlcBVroaZUzpi5ngbRw4_FxXsAmAZk73XXsMOhs6DoRdrbYFkSAU3lBa48howvBw3GQug58qIsDKaTu4G1VtW-FqeEXoqTYTCNejPvmd1e_Hz6-QBsYM/s640/Maui-Turtle+009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Surprise! <br />
<br />
The condo had been changed, but to a two story gorgeous two bedroom sky-lighted “palace! “ <br />
So now we had to reverse our complaints to the manager.<br />
And then, what to do with the second bedroom?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu8yI080B-GFWQ4DRzoZHzy6QTLwGsrPXU-lzj3eVkVpT3F0xx6slusFSgBXNUt7e1mZSsIZG5mnBAvXkYRwCBJmyAhShbQmAYHr5Vs0EgX_CTPowlLAIdyOSOfX6kIPJcBsl4raugEA/s1600/Maui+13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu8yI080B-GFWQ4DRzoZHzy6QTLwGsrPXU-lzj3eVkVpT3F0xx6slusFSgBXNUt7e1mZSsIZG5mnBAvXkYRwCBJmyAhShbQmAYHr5Vs0EgX_CTPowlLAIdyOSOfX6kIPJcBsl4raugEA/s400/Maui+13+019.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd2PzHiFwdGUPLahtmZHdJ4X3sAaIgoC1B-VpJ3g2MzIVQ9tW6IFHyEBb0p3O8kTSQ0n-2YkQL0qz_X5iqOWsHrxUupNX5I-L6JQLyrICWxw86ER88W_xOu7dsf9_a0dpvKwl-HhB978/s1600/Maui+13+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd2PzHiFwdGUPLahtmZHdJ4X3sAaIgoC1B-VpJ3g2MzIVQ9tW6IFHyEBb0p3O8kTSQ0n-2YkQL0qz_X5iqOWsHrxUupNX5I-L6JQLyrICWxw86ER88W_xOu7dsf9_a0dpvKwl-HhB978/s400/Maui+13+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Surprise!<br />
<br />
It took just one phone call for daughter Leslie with friend Marc to make plans to arrive the second week to join us. In fact their excitement “filled up” all of us day by day. We all had yummy eating , daily trips to the coffee shops, along with walking daily on the coastal trail. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwLFl3dh7gbXDSdX1glwVd0l4N3EvQjbf8BI6OmvqPh5Wz4JKw35k1445AAL5BRo7Ijd2XutZCXgxlHHaAhFY6nt0w92_SYge-J4SYJ1VnjkgTdJt5k8yNaPEw1RaqrLf38YHYIUIYB4/s1600/Maui+13+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwLFl3dh7gbXDSdX1glwVd0l4N3EvQjbf8BI6OmvqPh5Wz4JKw35k1445AAL5BRo7Ijd2XutZCXgxlHHaAhFY6nt0w92_SYge-J4SYJ1VnjkgTdJt5k8yNaPEw1RaqrLf38YHYIUIYB4/s400/Maui+13+047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rV8sZiA2gXG8nACKEvodhDZRozwKUoLwOQqRSj77WHGK5BWQfI7qoIAChO5DqjNAGtKJNmuHGQAxJdz3iYmV9nMU1PqgXj8z9nw8T8GQaM0j6H51taIJrgTWpFAZWJDILndWy_1KRRo/s1600/Maui+13+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rV8sZiA2gXG8nACKEvodhDZRozwKUoLwOQqRSj77WHGK5BWQfI7qoIAChO5DqjNAGtKJNmuHGQAxJdz3iYmV9nMU1PqgXj8z9nw8T8GQaM0j6H51taIJrgTWpFAZWJDILndWy_1KRRo/s400/Maui+13+084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The unexpected adventure of the trip was “the coconut drop-chop” where Marc ended up with a fresh-from-the- tree “gift” coconut as we all watched in awe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTE4pIkyK2vgOqYmZjhYGK6rcyN_JHAA_1N-VrFxQOgwkXbglk75yOWPBIt8dw20RUpHTHW69W7CrwfqErjiMYSIdJWQzlHGHbBtthN7k9IR-5-cNRvSzFWuYfFzJYCw_1tqnM2Xxwls/s1600/Maui+13+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTE4pIkyK2vgOqYmZjhYGK6rcyN_JHAA_1N-VrFxQOgwkXbglk75yOWPBIt8dw20RUpHTHW69W7CrwfqErjiMYSIdJWQzlHGHbBtthN7k9IR-5-cNRvSzFWuYfFzJYCw_1tqnM2Xxwls/s320/Maui+13+117.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFYn3XpQXGM8hkTvNh_bHddoqm0Gq7ypxq3TGnLwzQCKFPLe0e6UVIReG6Hc69NLFXXrs5n_YsGeo3QyWuwj0dU-N95I3iBqg1A93P4av-3W4Qt92XOaKvvteq6Ek3ettuUanRX3iqzI/s1600/Maui+13+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFYn3XpQXGM8hkTvNh_bHddoqm0Gq7ypxq3TGnLwzQCKFPLe0e6UVIReG6Hc69NLFXXrs5n_YsGeo3QyWuwj0dU-N95I3iBqg1A93P4av-3W4Qt92XOaKvvteq6Ek3ettuUanRX3iqzI/s400/Maui+13+115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQmIOXoz-9-acvnsKGWzdumoB3zzMUnTN7gaEu_YS1rK91nicWbQrSvr-JTQ76DW7Gc1o1uXLP5_NmB9HVYAo3M-6Dshg2cl24YoKVrSoW8I70h38PiJFX03GYNKIqSxYfHJevi3oS4w/s1600/Maui+13+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQmIOXoz-9-acvnsKGWzdumoB3zzMUnTN7gaEu_YS1rK91nicWbQrSvr-JTQ76DW7Gc1o1uXLP5_NmB9HVYAo3M-6Dshg2cl24YoKVrSoW8I70h38PiJFX03GYNKIqSxYfHJevi3oS4w/s400/Maui+13+034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_urZnAGJvXdKdUT9mfdQgoQATCRBgls5e6l9sE_dVWiKF8j6wc1Zm_7OdWgwnpUz7hCZWWjspd0M0-zpqcsCf8W2HpQY6PTYI-EFpMyrcRNSzgVTwAtJmffxQ-1aEWl4tNh7lwMLH3p4/s1600/Maui+13+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_urZnAGJvXdKdUT9mfdQgoQATCRBgls5e6l9sE_dVWiKF8j6wc1Zm_7OdWgwnpUz7hCZWWjspd0M0-zpqcsCf8W2HpQY6PTYI-EFpMyrcRNSzgVTwAtJmffxQ-1aEWl4tNh7lwMLH3p4/s400/Maui+13+066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then there was time for beach sitting where we watched, as huge whales lept 10 to 15 feet out of the water . . . not jumping in ourselves however, due to the cold,cold water. And of course, there were several days full of shops, rocks, and of course, THE MAUI TORTISE who coyingly winked his eye. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXm0Ymz4ldfYrRrZKiw1QRspw0S8F07M0HxryMoKWR3tsKFZhTYSBybgL3k5ukyMkHPxcTwr_taLvqDZ9Z9ZAsT6mxIzKPbCFnu4TBZ0kwhC0zdBR9GZDtFscdetWPt8SzgG6t70sbfA/s1600/Maui+13+139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXm0Ymz4ldfYrRrZKiw1QRspw0S8F07M0HxryMoKWR3tsKFZhTYSBybgL3k5ukyMkHPxcTwr_taLvqDZ9Z9ZAsT6mxIzKPbCFnu4TBZ0kwhC0zdBR9GZDtFscdetWPt8SzgG6t70sbfA/s400/Maui+13+139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cVYN0rxeTuuM2DvcA5j1F0C9L9tj_CO9-SOnuxNr12QRWhC1AnwlsDBs_KX_3-yD1Jxqqe_eoR-Q4Eur27bT8SUSiLMXLiWVE0AHKq9u8J5Mk8h-9plDIVCjAm2CMvH5REhrbW7JPbw/s1600/Maui-Turtle+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cVYN0rxeTuuM2DvcA5j1F0C9L9tj_CO9-SOnuxNr12QRWhC1AnwlsDBs_KX_3-yD1Jxqqe_eoR-Q4Eur27bT8SUSiLMXLiWVE0AHKq9u8J5Mk8h-9plDIVCjAm2CMvH5REhrbW7JPbw/s400/Maui-Turtle+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZmw6s0l53wVGq0wOOH2Zp1FUg6cdqg6vzMHUgndMFBGjWIOkiVPt_g9wy-D_AZdZhOeOG6ld3S7uc1eahP1Rn7k1EWIunbkftjUIh98tn3HFPegBYLMRMRFGv00zZ4028hn7OAxH8Mo/s1600/Maui+13+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPlAbyOJXtS3SCiJ05jp27NGn7Z-6CGN1rgkjfug2DrqzvAYLB7G5vCFuUEJCyjfFtP911QOinsYoZuEYmeObuclHJYUeDhLRlA6V8JSb9J6leF31_VYxP_pbPLTEsAfa2QlzJZ0pESc/s1600/Maui-Turtle+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPlAbyOJXtS3SCiJ05jp27NGn7Z-6CGN1rgkjfug2DrqzvAYLB7G5vCFuUEJCyjfFtP911QOinsYoZuEYmeObuclHJYUeDhLRlA6V8JSb9J6leF31_VYxP_pbPLTEsAfa2QlzJZ0pESc/s400/Maui-Turtle+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our sojurn ended with our annual Hula Pie</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">LIFE IS GOOD!!!</span> </span><br />
<br />Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-42481868663798991812012-10-29T18:00:00.000-07:002012-10-30T13:11:54.663-07:00<br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor rgb(79, 129, 189); border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4pt;">
<div align="center" class="MsoTitleCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">We’re Off to
See the Wizard<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoTitleCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Wonderful
Wizard of FALL!<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And all that
it took was our brave leaders: Wizard, GIDEON Wizansky and Sweeper, TEMPLE
Ashbrook . . . both of whom knew <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">where</i>
was the path<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, how</i> would we get there,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what</i> secret UPSIDE-DOWN surprise
we would find.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a typical
sunny morning at Mountain Meadows <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9
brave members, plus one guest, met at the club house and
boldly boarded the Skylark bus at 8:30 a.m., never really knowing the real Upside-Down surprise
that awaited them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheerful talk and
laughter took place with our private bus joining the traffic on I- 5 carrying
10 hearty hikers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little
over an hour later, our destination, East side of The Rogue River, appeared,
and 10 brave souls, grabbing walking sticks, back packs, and warm coats,
descended the bus for the excitement of the wilds, fast running Rogue River
waters, and . . . <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the upside down surprise.</i>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDK2-uEtOtetruDJiBktlodUwKjCVHLOBcN-vFZXOrvo69gyfs7i5GoNdT1IiWN_704X9erpoynguTMfPkl9819rtA4hDLt6Asb_15J_tjA5RCf1OR7Cq8zdqbewG600aRIz-u9ytCsI/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDK2-uEtOtetruDJiBktlodUwKjCVHLOBcN-vFZXOrvo69gyfs7i5GoNdT1IiWN_704X9erpoynguTMfPkl9819rtA4hDLt6Asb_15J_tjA5RCf1OR7Cq8zdqbewG600aRIz-u9ytCsI/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGxrsND4BdYJIKSAqQ5guTUowGjFiEB6ynTiMg4iiW1MiA2Rwrz8fz23SrUbddqVDNrl_EG08YLAlRtRALrtRe1pcuc1XDwJusJDXF3iFbpXFC1XHhOu-lhk_HNxe-N0fuIlX5PWOZAA/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGxrsND4BdYJIKSAqQ5guTUowGjFiEB6ynTiMg4iiW1MiA2Rwrz8fz23SrUbddqVDNrl_EG08YLAlRtRALrtRe1pcuc1XDwJusJDXF3iFbpXFC1XHhOu-lhk_HNxe-N0fuIlX5PWOZAA/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, The Beauty of this rushing Rogue River!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Sweeper TEMPLE had to stop and view the
beauty as well as to hear the crashing waters .</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ8BRut8vnesghUz_1pueJMtDPOARXuOg8aqp1t7xP9RqQA947wczHIoRpCj6D5kQCIMZZkx849vGPy6PTgu1yCQGo8LRlWOMFQZ2-2K2VDEMl8yHBNGFgVRdWftEuWGIK9m4eW0mYqY/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ8BRut8vnesghUz_1pueJMtDPOARXuOg8aqp1t7xP9RqQA947wczHIoRpCj6D5kQCIMZZkx849vGPy6PTgu1yCQGo8LRlWOMFQZ2-2K2VDEMl8yHBNGFgVRdWftEuWGIK9m4eW0mYqY/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+010.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtu71i3eex_SG-NL3Xw08eXBDgbVMvNNiPr15MaJvJ12oIWsOEdV988xZqOg-V3e599VdByfXS3vVcKku0VbcpyguiOy09IcLd6TW_En09gNJoJdXw5GDSp5aZSl7pOxMzaeODbdNoV0/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtu71i3eex_SG-NL3Xw08eXBDgbVMvNNiPr15MaJvJ12oIWsOEdV988xZqOg-V3e599VdByfXS3vVcKku0VbcpyguiOy09IcLd6TW_En09gNJoJdXw5GDSp5aZSl7pOxMzaeODbdNoV0/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y7fLumctuCYxfA4rQ_H9PjnhZBGwYnwDBiIHRzhzV-xLsYZ89JyMz1xt7GQku2lk3aWr4JMrJ1yiKFDXRWoIx89ooNY09v2AVYb-9ymLm6EXPC5aGFGveWzpwnmVIGezp_muGKwFwzE/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y7fLumctuCYxfA4rQ_H9PjnhZBGwYnwDBiIHRzhzV-xLsYZ89JyMz1xt7GQku2lk3aWr4JMrJ1yiKFDXRWoIx89ooNY09v2AVYb-9ymLm6EXPC5aGFGveWzpwnmVIGezp_muGKwFwzE/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The serenity and beauty brought about laughter, joy, and even
a neighborly sharing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of snacks on the
trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, the “front runners”
fearing for the latter “clickers” and “gawkers” stopped to mark a direction in
the dirt just to make sure no one would lose their way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIqRnTep27RxJYfjLHQ628XIfS4LZJoK_JF72VKLO8HSfPZ5Kdu3vU4_XaWCBkhZOIiX_m9CvzqEXTaX7I6Ka2EqW4dw6hyphenhyphenSFG7viOEeuhH6CMbhL8CMiuclem3IhkHMtGz-BMD6DD5I/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIqRnTep27RxJYfjLHQ628XIfS4LZJoK_JF72VKLO8HSfPZ5Kdu3vU4_XaWCBkhZOIiX_m9CvzqEXTaX7I6Ka2EqW4dw6hyphenhyphenSFG7viOEeuhH6CMbhL8CMiuclem3IhkHMtGz-BMD6DD5I/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlpoielLSuvDOEB0fuajq0GUfVNSlTA5ZcFNZnLA4UF935NfrakaMhGeTnajXsEdybiClfPIv2jRtfFMPv44Kr4aR090b4LMnkaYLmXgBe2Ivhc2QCDPjASxp6TvS-C1KLiMgsbR_X1g/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlpoielLSuvDOEB0fuajq0GUfVNSlTA5ZcFNZnLA4UF935NfrakaMhGeTnajXsEdybiClfPIv2jRtfFMPv44Kr4aR090b4LMnkaYLmXgBe2Ivhc2QCDPjASxp6TvS-C1KLiMgsbR_X1g/s640/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then it all happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One by one, we hit the “place in the sun” where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we could not believe our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Nature’s
beauty was playing a joke on us, we thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of a sudden each and every one of us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saw the beauty TWICE. . . up, and then upside down as reflected in the
water.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRwiPhTLsYdJLGcy1KFC5GZi8DZEorPgDI_wyAs1U-bf5pDv75eMLpgq7cZgbvzvuYfXjhq2OqU-NPHZJg3ymZoIajd23XGTc5rJwcS_vaWn78Aj4p2H6dOuJbV_PdYyZhoBMBRtlrQI/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRwiPhTLsYdJLGcy1KFC5GZi8DZEorPgDI_wyAs1U-bf5pDv75eMLpgq7cZgbvzvuYfXjhq2OqU-NPHZJg3ymZoIajd23XGTc5rJwcS_vaWn78Aj4p2H6dOuJbV_PdYyZhoBMBRtlrQI/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8f0HxcMGGprOxKJuOTeTkZcghIW61NQjJX7szEj_ySYsedcUDx5Ut4Rh2vbgSu8wga6K_qEkHGnpHQ8O74DCkOY-TVCRJ7Nl4iIn2v95DqS01YbOIzJ5gwGGXH0d2t4dyPC7tyynRuY/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8f0HxcMGGprOxKJuOTeTkZcghIW61NQjJX7szEj_ySYsedcUDx5Ut4Rh2vbgSu8wga6K_qEkHGnpHQ8O74DCkOY-TVCRJ7Nl4iIn2v95DqS01YbOIzJ5gwGGXH0d2t4dyPC7tyynRuY/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a trip. What Fall beauty. What more could one want?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Followed by a quick stop on the way home, to
Becky’s Pie Shop where Cindy Earle was heard to say, “Gideon, your hike walked
my sole off!” </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gZtcM8WAgEGP3GC4jG9kAEI98FQut9sR0Su4yi9ofer_giqQLwMeP9zZVnOlGFYMRD0z-ik7buYMNHwrxLMBThJKrAVXS2rqQa_bG6aZcqmlNHcb6Bl_7mG-PjeOfspJI3eBECYo66o/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gZtcM8WAgEGP3GC4jG9kAEI98FQut9sR0Su4yi9ofer_giqQLwMeP9zZVnOlGFYMRD0z-ik7buYMNHwrxLMBThJKrAVXS2rqQa_bG6aZcqmlNHcb6Bl_7mG-PjeOfspJI3eBECYo66o/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi675nOdzYqwTiA7cYblcCgj0zBTDSsHukyyfxR94eAShGcOavOBOEWaA_nCHOLoCLYliNSL2vzoVDLpcMEhvsoE7LLELSJdtsNXKw7xB93SSA6sDsU_KHCk5LAmpRCxf5pGlV5DHSQAQw/s1600/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi675nOdzYqwTiA7cYblcCgj0zBTDSsHukyyfxR94eAShGcOavOBOEWaA_nCHOLoCLYliNSL2vzoVDLpcMEhvsoE7LLELSJdtsNXKw7xB93SSA6sDsU_KHCk5LAmpRCxf5pGlV5DHSQAQw/s400/MMOA+Rogue+River+Hike+101712+054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patti Blide <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MMOA hikers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth
Reiterman, Temple Ashbrook, Gideon Wizansky, Julianne Ashmead, Patti Blide,
Katherine Ross, Donna Swanson, Donna Stuart, Virginia Christensen, Claire
Lindberg, Cindy Earle <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-44263447716049657442012-08-20T14:11:00.028-07:002012-08-20T19:56:56.260-07:00ASHLAND VISIT - MIKE & BONNIE<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Patti & Dick who have a new home</div><div>Not seen by one of the "crew"<br />Welcomed Bro-Mike with Bonita his Bride<br /> To see Blide's new life while it grew . . .<br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778925242062935618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXgudhKgmbSZf_eWy__OlNc-mLJ29_k0Jzy9ssdxgIdaZWWucu51mVUG4fCovaY5ny-95Rd08umRmPGP__tPD-ReNrK9pdibZr48LgSsCqGtmhWSAVx3jmEH8TskRqgc4yM7WKbEM6KY/s400/Crater+Lake+009.JPG" /><div><br />Just ‘cross the street, lies North Mt. Park<br /> With named plants, new buds and deer roaming<br />Where startled Bro-Mike found a fox who was dying<br /> When on pushing back brushes heard moaning!<br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778928853242147058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmdY76yTgP8LfgCl4KzUx_UXEBXlROlF3Jl3pMJ1bd5KyQ_A5KJ7Uhd_D-YT8xDZ_mWTghko_wWTtPTSUqHNmIYZB9cSwio2TNaBv-dgaI2vVyAceMHIKbXar1CIK9ZHOS3j1XGnLQ6k/s400/Crater+Lake+II+005.JPG" /><br />We supped at the Dragonfly later that night<br /> With food offered to be quite unique.<br />Then on to the Bard at Shakespeare’s outside<br /> Where “As you Like it” was the real treat!</div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778923889456659506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDRtFK6BoWMCYgfypMeDGwbQnemgF2KjVTgJ2lPXOblZSFRs35UBrhkMjdyVG9ZejGWHbq1mhn0km45zGE_zfUxypv_syJYDbeaQQBNTJof6AbaDmh_xcNehx323GgzaKeyyOri1kZfM/s400/Crater+Lake+II+011.JPG" /></div><div><br /> </div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778922669110138690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_gp8GUP7b_TCgToPcbrEW-BI-tNORRA_Dscu9iFn2iqfVs34vKp6GI08EyDr5yFsYAiA_4wGylYbEix_wHOvASuob-JFoT2IVDVYvz2xRw5_ka0lbDGq58VwjxFOuBjjkJ1tLd7KkwA/s400/Crater+Lake+II+014.JPG" /><br /> We ate and we talked . . . at home, and some out<br /> Coffee Roasters, the fav of the Blides.<br />Bonita was happy with teas at the best,<br /> While the Mouse picked the buns to be tried . . .</div><div> </div><div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778922009851764402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33s7abywYqmTeTdjHcnIXf4CbH4woQ3a-yL1YTK91q8HQfadScQHxtcV-4TOvfKpmNYdJEjOqY1JeWWOIKTy3A0z7SNowarzlwb2HT50UcPcwBiOUYqyjDlUeRnFpl5nWw69oFYCfEck/s400/Crater+Lake+II+015.JPG" /></div><div><br />Oh Boy! explained Pat on day number two,<br /> We finally can visit the best. . .<br /> It’s Lithia Park of Beauty to grasp</div><div>And values well over the rest</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778921514350153234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XWB2fpQd2-I2MlOcoUU_qPynFqtGwoAwMcW0jMxmTfy51nRXvk7Ls-tmqW5VAW7-592xYfDgLGOtKIVsnQe5FzQbd-ncT78HTcXzzo7L-9Vxlxb5l5SET-Mpjpm-iazWZwhZk3QKMKw/s400/Crater+Lake+II+018.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778920888749650498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KhbswBtwtX-pRzI3Hfd3aDYbPGFhpibKjMC0k4y3y-GUXUwitxWuaMbmlxImT048Pq1AiTT1cNh1qjWXbWDdbDpQxlphxFc4n_KApCx6zPm3dvFKmIufWSnPgDViJTQuBir6ANdi1cA/s400/Crater+Lake+II+028.JPG" /></div><div><br /> </div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778920261706798546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP20zPfoWjetdXeOJIWCyF6g1cJakb51x14c_EwIaOCc0vUWDHmOCeTOrecawIYKM-XPV95Y1Zu4GtVCDdsykaQtZ51cnEsY57oEDcue8jmtPMt5jptT6LlqrVicqk8x7u5cRa5BKrsE/s400/Crater+Lake+II+033.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778919526987866018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz2fIS_p64uhN455eQ2U_g-4MZ-fGHYH0AC5HntTrKEGqNQaB94GgXOeBVakY7K7-oPnjhUImoaR8R5dt0m_qcpYLjZy3eXwSIBwpPprqClXum7Ow_e5V41G9J1a7OwBKQL2698zKCe8/s400/Crater+Lake+II+047.JPG" /><br />Next trip “up the road” off to Grants Pass<br /> And dinner with Cousins Blackledge<br />Made us all know how lucky we are<br /> As if “glued” and never a wedge!<div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778930318202187778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvXFQxjx7o9A7kplZyuIflnkNCVUHxKcak8KINZ4nhLGbE-cC-MN3w8Zk8NC6sFEaZKhpV1o4myZRH6vQHqZRC36xmwgYKt0fOVfbGWAzKkmBJRfaMZ_4RFnr9LzIhGbc7XghAz70Qsc/s400/Crater+Lake+II+064.JPG" /></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778951030562915026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEssfPdINahID2-j_Sy084j1k8HScL3_99QsAZ3l91vICQzZRhUet0bLRmaU4cE8CbBFvVcZEQgBU0KtM-iK4NezeC9z2oWfLnSJa8_3u-tce6jgOYcn897GbHDaTDTY8w13RRoniNKgg/s400/Crater+Lake+II+065.JPG" /></div><div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"> Grants Pass: Dick, Bonnie, Patti, Mike, Mary Ann& John Blackledge</span><br /><br />Then we drive on to see Crater Lake<br /> Mysterious “Blue” hole in the Earth<br />We gasp as we see the 30-mile hole<br /> And can’t help but questionits “birth!”</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778931597485802370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QpHTYtLp9rF2rg-AEQo35RwCg92M4Fn7-P9zl3Z8KW4-EqtLACTuffwYth2aPv6l1p81i8-Cx2U0ZILpImKmlB3wRDAkzw4Se098a10Ki0zDI1R2p3Goi-x9sVWHr4PodghHoUKWAcs/s400/Crater+Lake+021.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div><br />One thousand feet is what we must walk<br /> Down to enter the boat.<br />Two hours later after our views<br /> Sends us topside with sand in our throat!</div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778916354986203778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikofL5H-qsfA-fMbJdTOiNobCU5H5OtVviAZN03a5Yv089d6vIvVjp68LG3cCygLlehNbGc10dAAcClFsbmEYiDO89Twhxth6H_wIge1Xf5EBvESQSK0OHU8hVOdKC1nWvOyXLEOshNK8/s400/Crater+Lake+023.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778915581084194754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1ATA3PTlN9K2FzA2T9Pitu3ZmEJcAeFurwXHdUSRhiC481BwbsGEuGYTSx7-wO3-aijr00UJr1bjHFwMmWBvl_X1D6IgRT3B3LQP2bNqUWkEerKG2akzAjDOCGm8BfU6f64kwpexZuU/s400/Crater+Lake+029.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778932800163370034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XtRMKmy1X6rBbPQjzrcc0aB0L47D4ryXD0axcjIdIQEjVdjztpn0t9eXjv2v04i2bpteKgMG0illEkIZhUhsFsXwZ3t7tStZmFL8fF26JhPvAafVdsou6JKpfz3asTqNa1JXVu96o0k/s400/Crater+Lake+047.JPG" /></div><div><br /> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5778927376280704386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgwSxyXxyJ9HffMP9dH0Hk4COkipFlRDjH6tvHH88EbeOE4vSgPLwViyY5k5g0aYSdSZPlVnKAIU-UTmXChIXzz98f377GxwiWsOMRDWtb8ODRowVPmn7IC5yuunribJSHOcLanfCl-A/s400/Crater+Lake+027.JPG" /></div><br />The very last day we finally shop<br /> With “Bonita” trying on shoes<br />And then came huge ice creams ever so big:<br />With memories to keep out the blues.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-54390806464540460452012-04-22T18:49:00.000-07:002012-04-22T20:18:32.994-07:00NEW JERSEY TRIP<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t was a long hard journey and we needed a respite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After four months of moving into, and
re-doing our new home . . .from Kalama, WA to Ashland, OR, we decided to
jump<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into our little car and
drive-fly-drive far away from hard moving decisions, a plethora of new neighbor names to
learn and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many rules to follow in our
new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah-Ha! we said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
shall escape to the home of Family and Coziness at New Jersey, USA, on the
other side of the world (well, kind of).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after “warning” son Alex with June and encouraging Bro Pete to come,
Thursday, April 12, found Patti and Dick Blide driving up to the Alex-selected
“Home away from Home” for The Blide stay.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS77AdJNxv-gZP4PrE0CLMJSk7ejY48Vz5kDDAuDwfY_3pXXQe7qy1sa28o2inY2PkYK0MQ4avqyV0gD2we812xpzekrgSLvuadWH8SfxmkkaBMvkfOdaegF7f0ej0_Oook-2ZvqgNbU0/s1600/DSCN0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS77AdJNxv-gZP4PrE0CLMJSk7ejY48Vz5kDDAuDwfY_3pXXQe7qy1sa28o2inY2PkYK0MQ4avqyV0gD2we812xpzekrgSLvuadWH8SfxmkkaBMvkfOdaegF7f0ej0_Oook-2ZvqgNbU0/s320/DSCN0484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> Doctor’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inn @ Cape May, NJ</o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44sSFJM6hK6LX9Qp5SGENOJ41MuKm5h__w1GjkEe1VSqdkLBO03IMCj9bxwGcpAGiDVVr9wse5vwot_pDXQsQLPEyABrkvLHhyjU4h6uZtizrOBO9QAc25xCyNmPDgO44KVvDGK67o4Q/s1600/DSCN0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44sSFJM6hK6LX9Qp5SGENOJ41MuKm5h__w1GjkEe1VSqdkLBO03IMCj9bxwGcpAGiDVVr9wse5vwot_pDXQsQLPEyABrkvLHhyjU4h6uZtizrOBO9QAc25xCyNmPDgO44KVvDGK67o4Q/s320/DSCN0473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, this was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">living!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four days of gorgeous B andB with
credentials back to 1854 when this homestead was built, offering early morning
breakfast to start the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo2wMMUMVD3LTCg2p8Pgbuw9aM7RN0i2U3MsPojwVE_uvUea8JrlS-ebOL-OePbID_VPQuOUPMVwet7QpGh2p8pQ0WxjIFBVAuxqPiH-NzPv0Gatm1nWOaj6POr-swC7OCndLkgcbcmo/s1600/DSCN0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo2wMMUMVD3LTCg2p8Pgbuw9aM7RN0i2U3MsPojwVE_uvUea8JrlS-ebOL-OePbID_VPQuOUPMVwet7QpGh2p8pQ0WxjIFBVAuxqPiH-NzPv0Gatm1nWOaj6POr-swC7OCndLkgcbcmo/s320/DSCN0474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more!</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A short seven or eight
miles later, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Prices,</i> led by Alex,
welcomed us over to their home of great beauty (lovely high ceilings. . .all
wood beams) along with beautiful June and Friend-Mike’s daughter, Lexi, meeting us
at the door with a surprise!</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><v:shape alt="Description: C:\Users\Patti\Pictures\NJ 041112032\DSCN0495.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1039" style="height: 105.6pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 141pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:imagedata o:title="DSCN0495" src="file:///C:\Users\Riichard\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg">
</v:imagedata></span></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8V3Zz6K6gsZ8XqprpGRtQqhUJSE87ez9gRPUtA1iVdaHRBGqvm-gHJR9jTDoIENuBlQez3LO0wZYUba4qdtFjbJjuON0VUTes5trJGFTGY35SObNKmEwAJ7BHbguv3t_qN0fsMMJQDY/s1600/DSCN0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8V3Zz6K6gsZ8XqprpGRtQqhUJSE87ez9gRPUtA1iVdaHRBGqvm-gHJR9jTDoIENuBlQez3LO0wZYUba4qdtFjbJjuON0VUTes5trJGFTGY35SObNKmEwAJ7BHbguv3t_qN0fsMMJQDY/s320/DSCN0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A baby had been born,
to June’s daughter, Christie, and Dad, Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The darling home was definitely filled with happy people, love, two
birds and three doggies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shortly
thereafter, we picked up Peter for dinner at The Lobster House and ate and conversed until they closed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, April 13, was a long 2 ½ hr. drive to Rutgers U.,
home of Zachary, Student and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Musician. .
. </i>with musician’s long, curly hair, who met us at his apartment and led us to. .
.yes, you guessed it, more eating! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCGSnEvOxg5p-5o-Jq8pKqng91rHWpPz0wqg0Sj5ybnl-XR1_byZYsOWmJsPwiCvRKJ7xAJL5niL3NW55nYS27jCJFQxXHEQ9zXimFUVLRl_3eTCgSQWUdLnlT4V7OMuxXGSjPVCV3cY/s1600/DSCN0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCGSnEvOxg5p-5o-Jq8pKqng91rHWpPz0wqg0Sj5ybnl-XR1_byZYsOWmJsPwiCvRKJ7xAJL5niL3NW55nYS27jCJFQxXHEQ9zXimFUVLRl_3eTCgSQWUdLnlT4V7OMuxXGSjPVCV3cY/s320/DSCN0493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That evening, with everyone there, June’s friend Mike (former
husband) cooked a fabulous dinner for all, that was, in fact,
chef-quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then to top it all
off, Alex and June presented Patti with a huge, home-made (no box) by June,
76th Birthday Cake!!!!!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cERVJjc0-_lkLTLYTgsrI20QtVsVajAW2pZ6cojRxY4PuwVjYU_TOF0qPd788DDIq-HfWTM-ayJm-mCCwrLaNHIURQ_1cdDlOm-os4yQruB7_YShVtxVw1eBnGGDWIus4_sLcyxl5Qk/s1600/DSCN0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cERVJjc0-_lkLTLYTgsrI20QtVsVajAW2pZ6cojRxY4PuwVjYU_TOF0qPd788DDIq-HfWTM-ayJm-mCCwrLaNHIURQ_1cdDlOm-os4yQruB7_YShVtxVw1eBnGGDWIus4_sLcyxl5Qk/s320/DSCN0500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">And then, came the Pete-Shirt
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unwrapping a huge bag, Pete
handed each of us one of his past sweat-shirts and/or T-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A picture was enjoyed by one and all. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXrWv3geKxkWlPL2wUNNlOVTfpPFWGFhPZKMdWo5SbQKEyz24GEIwdFAS9h5dibUOKu3c8QARV0idijkhm1YwXcdOxXLce7TP14PWs9JGs_1WBtdmX5hlH-dBYvCfxZ-jMiME5V1EC2M/s1600/DSCN0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXrWv3geKxkWlPL2wUNNlOVTfpPFWGFhPZKMdWo5SbQKEyz24GEIwdFAS9h5dibUOKu3c8QARV0idijkhm1YwXcdOxXLce7TP14PWs9JGs_1WBtdmX5hlH-dBYvCfxZ-jMiME5V1EC2M/s320/DSCN0505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday, was Cape May Zoo day with Alex, June and Zachary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were blown away with the depth, beauty,
interests of that Zoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patti and Dick
had never seen better.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3Plkd3jC9pnFZRUc4hiDQceJz6H37ZY6WciHqZmGaxv3nS8vediboVaYR188KDz1WNGUyObb2_R8jYvtrpgO-f0_d6VEY814pGGMFAmrCO2paeoeBYJSJXgMa6rM-8q3QptW1IBTY4/s1600/DSCN0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3Plkd3jC9pnFZRUc4hiDQceJz6H37ZY6WciHqZmGaxv3nS8vediboVaYR188KDz1WNGUyObb2_R8jYvtrpgO-f0_d6VEY814pGGMFAmrCO2paeoeBYJSJXgMa6rM-8q3QptW1IBTY4/s320/DSCN0513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf7Pd9w7269D1qp6jI3O51v9tNK2_VIjnvWCwFmKUX7i0U4ZSg3sMro-qYA0ZGOSHsa2z9d8K_cmwzAJkfWIIJnPUBVcddg1MoqioKP5e8ywoGwRP74-Hqd_T2qrY9p_NHzPOa6RyyF4/s1600/DSCN0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf7Pd9w7269D1qp6jI3O51v9tNK2_VIjnvWCwFmKUX7i0U4ZSg3sMro-qYA0ZGOSHsa2z9d8K_cmwzAJkfWIIJnPUBVcddg1MoqioKP5e8ywoGwRP74-Hqd_T2qrY9p_NHzPOa6RyyF4/s320/DSCN0516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4u0p7GWIlm4XI1SvbYJf7itCS_nmr1NQe_s7qlUVZfbmGPm-9fRZMnPQ7zqHlZOUVI8hUwezN62ecf3m9Ilhy7ckvVyIb2fRD2rVk452Ftt40MgZLoFHe-RxdWpsvJ33XC69OC-Ie1c/s1600/DSCN0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4u0p7GWIlm4XI1SvbYJf7itCS_nmr1NQe_s7qlUVZfbmGPm-9fRZMnPQ7zqHlZOUVI8hUwezN62ecf3m9Ilhy7ckvVyIb2fRD2rVk452Ftt40MgZLoFHe-RxdWpsvJ33XC69OC-Ie1c/s320/DSCN0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOqEKFD37JXOM_NmvBj9QQGyiOzMTYNTpdJ8I9TWhh5aXh5Id_DwW5yPz_Ly5ACO61bTIwP7aVeamNJbpEIeYMFuXhCEaJvFNIkI03SIE1mBqOP5lVWiXUO1pbLUqqiJcRM2xNeXF5oo/s1600/DSCN0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOqEKFD37JXOM_NmvBj9QQGyiOzMTYNTpdJ8I9TWhh5aXh5Id_DwW5yPz_Ly5ACO61bTIwP7aVeamNJbpEIeYMFuXhCEaJvFNIkI03SIE1mBqOP5lVWiXUO1pbLUqqiJcRM2xNeXF5oo/s320/DSCN0541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach fills time-space with beautiful <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>guitar music:<o:p></o:p></span></span></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ92p4LD-n9gMBR3fbcN6hSPaJjhz80OGPWkQZpL7bcy5Hd-sP5c9c6VYjYWI3M5ltseciFomBlRB0J08nAHyyiXA7yWpoq_IiZBX4ET96KhHI16iaUgnR1QeTBOsr8tVUJeWti61REsE/s1600/DSCN0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ92p4LD-n9gMBR3fbcN6hSPaJjhz80OGPWkQZpL7bcy5Hd-sP5c9c6VYjYWI3M5ltseciFomBlRB0J08nAHyyiXA7yWpoq_IiZBX4ET96KhHI16iaUgnR1QeTBOsr8tVUJeWti61REsE/s320/DSCN0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> T</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he evening closes with a seafood dinner with Alex, June and Zachary.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Sunday, 4/14, Alex takes Grandson, Zach back to Rutgers while
Pete, Heather,Patti and Dick drive up to Galloway to see Granddaughter, Ariel
who is rooming with a life-long girlfriend and her boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great “Kids”, who all seem to know what and
where they are going in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ariel
seems happy but admits to being tired at times as she handles two jobs at
once:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starbucks and Pet Smart.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCyDXUQ9deM8sK_BIHPXXWn7Y1f3IOeumC9bHIxUhhe2dta2RSZDZ8Fn6_uE7UEC_WtjX93OnBxH5sOzmTitd8aJ9vA15s8hpJVufe7Ra8lk9q0PE774VZ0BlWPFzEF-0BkFEw_Cva80/s1600/DSCN0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCyDXUQ9deM8sK_BIHPXXWn7Y1f3IOeumC9bHIxUhhe2dta2RSZDZ8Fn6_uE7UEC_WtjX93OnBxH5sOzmTitd8aJ9vA15s8hpJVufe7Ra8lk9q0PE774VZ0BlWPFzEF-0BkFEw_Cva80/s320/DSCN0548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late afternoon, the beautiful beaches at Cape May “beckoned”
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took advantage of the perfect weather,
rode down to the ocean where cousin Heather couldn’t resist dashing into
water’s edge with the loud rushing waves heading for her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGGbm8co4DA1CfyjghorRBSZQb8g-GJv1_fJZ5Qbfqc41WX_kPvs2q3ryQ7XJT9KvTMFVpJScOaeaEreUQyU8WT64SL_oIfOd7p5NtOk1AC1BSqBjf4HDOJCUkS9gIA0ub2jM93Monic/s1600/DSCN0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGGbm8co4DA1CfyjghorRBSZQb8g-GJv1_fJZ5Qbfqc41WX_kPvs2q3ryQ7XJT9KvTMFVpJScOaeaEreUQyU8WT64SL_oIfOd7p5NtOk1AC1BSqBjf4HDOJCUkS9gIA0ub2jM93Monic/s320/DSCN0559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Patti couldn’t help but photograph Pete’s
natural curly, shining hair</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DhDOG37RR_VXGMVE6rshSMP3qwMhFL0k7h-3sQmSDJGeVZf5EPWxYmc7aADRBiyPYYhWZ-1flQ1WZPBsiJZOOBpK30kUgan44btspxrBjyx_HCZcKJxz7DVKfHLwOtIYpJ6V6VkHUPQ/s1600/DSCN0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DhDOG37RR_VXGMVE6rshSMP3qwMhFL0k7h-3sQmSDJGeVZf5EPWxYmc7aADRBiyPYYhWZ-1flQ1WZPBsiJZOOBpK30kUgan44btspxrBjyx_HCZcKJxz7DVKfHLwOtIYpJ6V6VkHUPQ/s320/DSCN0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, back to our favorite Lobster House, welcomed by that
ever-present mermaid beckoning us back to the table.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBwqvdvwAqc8CFonmKq8MEwskCBi9dw1Je1FGDKNBRM_rKX5qGi2CH1VCTBjG7jRIkwNGBoqFk_V8FtpAAjgem368Q1s8LVKVGbXXRo0ruudwwX_1GWDmhfrmVwGfEGBTn6B-1uTVYcc/s1600/DSCN0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBwqvdvwAqc8CFonmKq8MEwskCBi9dw1Je1FGDKNBRM_rKX5qGi2CH1VCTBjG7jRIkwNGBoqFk_V8FtpAAjgem368Q1s8LVKVGbXXRo0ruudwwX_1GWDmhfrmVwGfEGBTn6B-1uTVYcc/s320/DSCN0561.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgRZ5RijrgtdoQijroL_HIMd_dkiRKLGCOo_L9jR_DYba-N6Rt5efof0MwCBoAjgEx7zVA8BpF8SsIK6X1_oOKVgUAsus3DDn6A-hxgox7KVnuC9oJ5eZR5B2KAdaQ4-iozXuM-mWFc/s1600/DSCN0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgRZ5RijrgtdoQijroL_HIMd_dkiRKLGCOo_L9jR_DYba-N6Rt5efof0MwCBoAjgEx7zVA8BpF8SsIK6X1_oOKVgUAsus3DDn6A-hxgox7KVnuC9oJ5eZR5B2KAdaQ4-iozXuM-mWFc/s320/DSCN0563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 27pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ending with
absolutely no question:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br /><span style="color: #d99594; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like blooming
flowers, our family and friends’ Love, blossoms</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldSojptRDVpnYBnTZUCMUOPj59HZh4wI_HOeBYgeR5WcR9jW4aVtxSsVlKvXhmFjxTKh1LHMwsPPS9f-qF_ZtvNXht9JY0K3zMUpZkJzAogSEvS19J14wXIsXXjrL5SHqxtyHvCGrMTU/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldSojptRDVpnYBnTZUCMUOPj59HZh4wI_HOeBYgeR5WcR9jW4aVtxSsVlKvXhmFjxTKh1LHMwsPPS9f-qF_ZtvNXht9JY0K3zMUpZkJzAogSEvS19J14wXIsXXjrL5SHqxtyHvCGrMTU/s320/DSCN0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-51772469915794028582011-04-13T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-14T09:37:35.228-07:00YEA, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center">‘Twas nineteen hundred and thirty six </div><br /><div align="center">When girl twinnies just flat hit the ground </div><br /><div align="center">“My gosh” said the Mom on checking them out, </div><br /><div align="center">“One seems to look up; the other looks down!”</div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595092723013322306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw03kPlKZbkBQqEPn5LLesq6ljEO7OiGSdm8Q-K__C1A7qJ5Z_u5qXzogNVfKZwmbgShVSo2D0c63Q4ZVWjnYJmNUNw4Vm8vuDaWqgt6ZNc7HF-6t5rXs-PooZnU9y8Ug53NuGQ2hy-EU/s400/DSCN2330.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595094643044380786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGNGxM3DgFDvacucXiYI9bY0eSpS9x1lsLFl0sNO2M7aj8REgWsvHsnByiVW4g9RX2zIDMdtEQHMdhgWy_a2Kkq8lZSVFY0T4CoxE9Y80kdRi-_B8_nSNRPwdfNpFZoI0uBnt39Py55I/s400/DSCN2324.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div align="center">But later in life all seemed to be fine, </div><br /><div align="center">As the Twinnies grew up to each call. </div><br /><div align="center">One taught great kids for thirty-six years </div><br /><div align="center">The other: piano; then studied the law! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595115343178515506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrGwRshRc01iuhd7N3JKaA-51Pre6nWCzTLK3M7cuvpcJjhCwBkMR2PaJ4_XMoC1tyyGrNhBe4srCOZ9WdjyhQBIz1jmEJzGZFKwhin9lGue2W-weyPMj-1-0ZonrorqrRwWDUOtcaQA/s400/DSCN2334.JPG" /> <br /><div align="center">Finally time came to admit to themselves</div><br /><div align="center">That AGE was about to begin. . . </div><br /><div align="center">What could they do to handle the shock? </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hope to escape just seemed thin. </span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595116430036265890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xq4Hdyj99sWMaPP4JQ00Qd5Q3Fcx014q8uqanv_Js5SRDcfN6dtHQn16aiwigLo37GuhyphenhyphenXSYCLsZUzW-mW-UJGw8HZxSKXtt5ANfnqhQ5GIXcudSEePi2gz8SB_ueckGVeIvCf94ciE/s400/DSCN2374.JPG" /></span> <br /><div align="center">“I know!” said one twin to the other one’s ear </div><br /><div align="center">We’ll go back to the fore as new twins . . .</div><br /><div align="center">We’ll bask in the youth that we happily had </div><br /><div align="center">With bunnies and brothers and whim!” </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595098397896321458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5MFCvc-y0ixgsJFruQeqxKihidSvAzh9qm0JZPJRtxGKAo6sWz5YVgdWZFmFRfmsy4YN4WyY-P4mHEhq-yQEV5qFroQ0uAyXXrx9EnnGv9lDZQuWnJpykxRf4hena6DCpfvSPg4h1E8/s400/DSCN2339.JPG" /> </span></div><br /><div align="center">When offered a chance to come to the beach,</div><br /><div align="center">With fish and fun food and our kin,</div><br /><div align="center">We realized the glow that memories gave</div><br /><div align="center">And allowed us to start out again</div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595112395786660018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Ef4LQ4jrA3cQBis_yoO_dmFQuNvNj5PNoiWhnPb4wwzy076Bq848HGFevzQCW_hxDS6ciC26ORT3Ff_Mrp8WTUEQI_beZxWYc0tlFb4tB-0G-URGHQhyphenhyphenw8tR7cHPRZOvo8X1QbSOrE/s400/DSCN2342.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595112975788299042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfHmJPGGuJ6WkcVZoTlhZEQkmvruYNnTa5qV8PSnPZQMpOTQ114pnpJpIMiEQgV-ZSV-6GSm7-57IZbv9t4WIoeeihJ3P4zelgetZq5xYzWK42WaYeam-sQNR_4_smpcPY1HfhzH_yM4/s400/DSCN2337.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Dearest Kin:</span></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center">Molly, Bonnie, Michael, Ruthie, Melinda, Hannah, Fred and Dick</div><br /><div align="center">Thank you for making our 150 years joyful, fun, memorable and delicious! </div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Patti and Penny: 150 years old </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">April 9, 2011 </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Written by Patti</span></p>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-64612110225503807172011-01-19T08:58:00.000-08:002011-01-19T11:12:26.188-08:00Unique Mission to NASA's Johnson Space CenterWhoops! Who would have “thunk”. . .our one and only Grandson has gone “spacey”. . .via a NASA space ship, that is. <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563950060462944434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yTepZzFMh9cV8V5VHT1aRHWQQ9CnIpEdgGVKaiEf1jyiW_QuKabFTH0wl6r1-UBfwK1g8LHlK05tuLxRsaMgLjI9k04uFGVKeTjsbmO3vWhr_0B9Br7DFjCK8ILXuVm11X23UBRmKLE/s400/DSCN1881.JPG" /> <em>Zach exiting shuttle</em></div><div><br />This last weekend, at the NASA Johnson Space Center G-Dad Dick Blide, G-Mom Patti, and G-Son Zachary experienced “the real thing.” All it took was Patti’s former student . . .of 30 (as in thirty) years ago, John Sims, Deputy Chief, Mission Operations Facility Division at NASA “where they take the Russian mockups from hollow shells to an important training and engineering resource,” to invite us after Patti’s re-meeting John at an FCP (Fantastic Cinema Productions: Sponsor – Patti Blide) reunion. So Patti & Dick asked John if we could go through the NASA “experience” with our Engineering major grandson, Zachary.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563946732821567698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOogszV44uXHJu5QlBts-ThNsP1XbPWAetPly3BqwrF4RAp3Q9dM5HI0iYkR05ksuXTDZduiUYxsIadL74AH-UeQCrL5-BMIcGRvEGwhUVk0jmtmRovPxFVFkgjx4lWYD3N0MdZkp1XU/s400/DSCN1833.JPG" /></div><div><em>Dick, Zach, Patti & John Sims (2nd from right)</em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563947054048703618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemIt_VnLLaFX-jjCpwvpJy64WP_sq5aNCOE5d9YD0WjPtL7Ver_HxM-5Xvf7VIKIgwFD8wQ1oVVMDx6FFUFRvHNjrpTlJJyVf2e070gBUAA8pzXJE00IrZviB80exBYlgpQerL7AXm8A/s400/DSCN1838.JPG" /></div><div><em>Original Mission Control</em></div><div><br />Thoughtful, kind John Sims gave us the absolute royal treatment starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing at 4:30 p.m. with our having visited building after building and having gasped over and over at the immensity and amazing works of our country along with several other country’s financial, technical and somewhat unbelievable ability to leave our Earth for outer space and the moon.<br /></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563947349681138338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRZYmK16HubGiW_vg3vjOvDoxN-revhvtUrw3opQjJpkOkHhy-c_JEWtcMNrYg4lsGbWvkAi-TuZF4GqwZwo59joqRL5m-v8nkz3aDpy9oV8zs0WyQKJJaVUE7WzvBiIaDIFP-dF3ru0/s400/DSCN1843.JPG" /> <div><em>Mockup of Russian Space Vehicle</em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563948855331627346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDpHOp1ICPiWdi-TNGN1w-fl9eCw7v3quFKFjXEA_rHkrgDJX4Ly4qIuNWO-jGCs-YRNbmWaWS9IutIL8oGjOdq9i5u4EcOBZRFJF41vuXV3zEvMO7d4X5CS4Xp3wr7RDYDa8IeGFx2M/s400/DSCN1846.JPG" /></div><div><em>Space Shuttle Mockup</em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563950449149588354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73VozagjnT_0fa7xOMiOTa0c0MfsfKTRGibn43Un5BxDESK87v4fb5wi_SoX8Ls2QuwcnRJHlbQzZjTJywL4161hRwQSfevSGG7mIqTBXjVGSLMRciPoGxtt0HWpRnAPVNw-PQXDgC3U/s400/DSCN1873.JPG" /> <em>Zach in Shuttle</em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563951335549529026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRRWpI8hnmUKqUd8CpLixEhs6PXkNbG0ryK-BNvZe_5bcN5p-ArnWJVMRq7ZEKevD1h4iKEbJ6vFosIG1E3OfqS6eYvQnRCoe9JK2iuxDzobZlB8NYf44aJELOdKYnofUHwp421We5Gw/s400/DSCN1892.JPG" /><em>Shuttle Simulator where Astronauts are Trained</em></div><div><br />One “stand-out” was sitting down. . .INSIDE A REAL SPACE SHUTTLE simulator that John had used to train 3 groups of astronauts. Zach was chosen to be at the controls with John shouting directions and Patti and Dick sitting behind them. . .wide-eyed. </div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563956746302250754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakf-cN-Ak5KwM6V2s3AU46Vt5-tXZUHkHsjsknRARgfsCC3DnuNxAqwIIeiFjuFgounhulvNHQREkQ5u3GLrUiOC7j0Uy3IxyZB1n54X-8OHVVFrlL6OflphiFBCyPkN2A8ZsEO7INqg/s400/DSCN1885.JPG" /></div><div><em>John Sims Instructing Zach on How to Take off and Land</em></div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563951617706874994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTk64Ke3XZmg0fhUWLft2swEl8Q-3ccF4XgO5KSFkjRf2duwZhZixp6gHB8Bon5yrKiEkeO7R-GX7yJ_yjhWxZB8Mod2pM7iwmFeubC6J7LwwWRLqZAwD8lbDXPjlDhoZm7HiHJ5VHME/s400/DSCN1877.JPG" /> </div><div><em>Zach Made 3 Good Landings (means we didn't crash)</em></div><div><br />As the NASA Q & A reports: It is a very exciting, noisy, shaky ride for the first two minutes (P.B: “I actually felt my body thrust back into the chair as my feet pointed up sky-ward making me feel at a definite angle”). Then the solid rocket boosters drop off and it gets a lot smoother. Those three main engines burn fuel at an incredible rate -- approximately 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons every second. The shuttle goes from standing still on the launch pad to more than 27,359 kilometers per hour (17,000 mph) in just over eight minutes. That means the astronauts accelerate 3,219 kilometers per hour (2,000 mph) faster every minute.<br /></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563957509432973314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVtuBwpN76r15GFMRZl4j_UoVgO3xIJez9nWWK4rA7oTgEBtjP0o4cdfVX0oLWzR6yNzdtSk2aL9uUlCKuyvoJ9fADiPvsx_4K6kiKPGr6WqnYVNYkvV9L1rcUssOztvU3tMX7zbrxHI/s400/DSCN1893.JPG" /> <div><em>Capsule Sitting on Top of 3 Solid Rocket Boosters</em></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563958491752263346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpHeFl_UeaW0xT8gZxiwjH1VqZRPRooMRyd1hz4KXOmecS4xZQ5pYeHrQMLoLwe_JbLgbRysfOrMZ24mf0zEwj08biwhwnr9gWljtvewKE0bo_xolCEvtMYAtOk6zmMW4CTg5_cAU_Yo/s400/DSCN1899.JPG" /><em>Our Heroes </em><br /><br />We could “talk” all day. . .as info was given us. . .but we’ll finish off our little note here to comment on our thoughtful and helpful Hosts, Andy and Anne Woods, who not only “kept us” all three nights and a day, but shared lovely Sarah Woods, great food, walks down and around their winding river, along with family stories sincerely enjoyed by all. </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563960319638064994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwffYKpabmxEobWp_cFrKxTNSCxfREBwbTyzO2aLpUa4DS_CWACcWK-GHQ-FwPbHvUzfR3iFqaxuFGjPi_bn_F4gzJpCFLesBkz2Fd5Vwfx07e4BRwoH8vnlZ7mJ03ZRAMh0hrdvtX58/s400/DSCN1825.JPG" /><em>Anne & Sarah</em></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563960600138588114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93XYyr1gCWhsjUEC_9Xgc4WgGDhGbLm5R7eKvkaDXazfpcoB7_2FsP86xBWMM34E3nv3-iy8_M9CMvYrpeHhmyKTUCERwhLl16gijDEGIKgvGDlO4q2WglPXrQY0IdmK7fgVGDE0WpXY/s400/DSCN1911.JPG" /></div><div><em>Andy & Sarah</em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div>Life is Good, </div><div></div><div></div><div>Patricia and Richard of Kalama </div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-55179654341544685262010-12-28T18:42:00.000-08:002010-12-29T08:27:36.786-08:00Christmas 2010T’was the week before Christmas<br />And all through the place<br />Santa was watching<br />As we worked with some haste.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555930558854993650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIV89VnqsV7d6gO3dKdj3iKh_a8fe2wJsY9MVqB9yXFwWZH1vtznslHPyEBzscqvp27ApjKSLU9VLrDr72V2D349FYnV-Rf6XMj4SowDJelm_uHrbPul2PxT7SYm1lYqb7vwexN2PaWA/s400/DSCN1754.JPG" /> The gardeners said “Yes”<br />When we asked them to help;<br />The tree was cut down<br />And Santa made svelte.<br /><div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555950374530891810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfmt9hYuvUZbpMv5dI7KuR3uH3I-YQsmaXqle3YqH4KB6Sy7gLNgwIetb6-0N-YdrKcA8lAc2qpaif8c1QXPiCAmCXRl55mFf53fxHbnfZUsAfIzA6tNrWGXJe8Qwr0d4G5TS2IW36W0/s400/DSCN1760.JPG" />The Blides were with joy<br />As they saw the tree grow<br />As Santa looked up<br />from the view just below.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555931993805507186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ghdu_WSfDk0KZNPMe4MUsguOmIDafkbQXKMuAFeSJoGNB04-nKkq0S4e0BQ2WnCmVggi4_4CIRYmgQjALSjIMTkViISkRLgqMVEQPP7AOwff25GKgsh2vaTbJXFUrelYO7gSamwylh0/s400/DSCN1766.JPG" /> Next, presents were wrapped<br />And one stocking made big<br />At least for our daughter. . .<br />Why huge? Just go fig! </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555933088526044930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2CxuBgtax5y7Wp99idZaRjFa-A21f1hPOP5BHPb1HwI6Iw8RBzXe7h_c9p2Zq39riinrBihCuPh4GhULYC0xZtiSNn0McfrLJVLz9QBnVk_5VkrZOaz5DZmXNOroRzZPc0UP6Unlnog/s400/DSCN1767.JPG" /> Dick was prepped up<br />When Di cut his hair<br />While Kids at the store<br />Made presents less bare.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555934114672910690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiQzd7FsgdfCG7-UcpLzGUg9f58hXY0J1jn_MM1PKXqDhfwMvAziNCfeSuiO1lmRjOOqB-iITdF8OvZft9pJWyNeOF3maEn95RUZ_LesS7Oi_YXqgLrPG5DCr9jwabSFhzExDlrIrbtA/s400/DSCN1769.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555935374247614578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7nlBr7Ng550GP6pJVTSeNkMmib729Kkm_V5y_dlxu64JQgS3D1O8sa_MZ2qt2uQWoOjT7WzjUIvPVMzoQKxVrakjHF2bAFJGSWTIuyD_uX_66YvHyDsN9T9Cb6Lzq3M1YUPh8qSBybI/s400/DSCN1770.JPG" />Later that day,<br />In the dark of the night. . .<br />Reflections were there. . .<br />Oh Boy! What a sight<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555936869505467490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3YKo-C32uwvDu1XRbMTy57MEP4EsLmiQlxCqEMjmgq9xfYk0nUiLM-7Od_5upezbYIOmTXJcHuEbgk6fa_20o5ma0mRlx_Luv1Cirxj-MSHBQvJiW51lKHTQ-_2QLhfbktRZJxpl-tQ/s400/DSCN1775.JPG" />Two days later<br />When Leslie flew in,<br />We feted her birthday<br />With joy in her grin.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555938440883501538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4ZBCt9wlco3cpx8XdPBeoAWnAY6vmM31C1FEnWxaZP__mrJIQLJUXxSMfN5lYqYsZwMGASXMbcLmDU3RsdoTEJUuzTwkGMeo2vcn5Qh5i7oacDznHdgMkiLM1ckmCLVVMeHiv2g7YtI/s400/DSCN1776.JPG" /></div><div>During her stay<br />we walked in the park<br />And grinned with the Totem;<br />Just for a lark!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555939859080624050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HmiE1M1jwbXz_rQjOresHqlTYe4Yd6WpCt7MM6PtRMfeLAE5u-34Ib4ngfODDOoJQsiauI6FiKF3I-8_zf0nAWpC3oZEEQrWuW7pGWr-qSz4GiCAR9gfGvc5_nZJ-aHBYL2IgmkRe_M/s400/DSCN1780.JPG" /> Next, Christmas Eve<br />Brought Cousins of Dick<br />So, we ate in the glow<br />Of food and St. Nick.<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555941426060202370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cI3hhwv-fq7J5YD71z95vIEjQUfmMmY_YtGafaokDM0QouF0DTv77ns5nxw9U-5c21gWB09vvR_mjWBuAIDuRgmVhf-ohGAF8rzQbNAjOszH09HfukhZw4wKXRuGWxg9jtvE3i_p9H8/s400/DSCN1785.JPG" /> The table set nice<br />With name tags and “plan”<br />Resulted in talk<br />And a little of “ham!”<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555943468657964306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQxawbm-sJXfrVDR8xiCT3Lp9Xr5-WqbdU9HyNvffmgSazpXI-p2NaI2xlOXhgUxLxNSktcjYwvgdcpOaZWrle47UaHgY-8Z0WTLWPsfbB4_Ov2L8HP6VKuy0UGuXrJUE0zCx5SUbo5w/s400/DSCN1787.JPG" /> Next came the day<br />To open our gifts<br />Excitement was high,<br />So our tale is a hit!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzK1pVCV5a-ILB0MYwmkVqUijOH4Do59wYBtg5TafJyfkdSO7H1n7rmFnAa7iniomwbQk9SY9VeNW8LNUYqaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div></div><div>MERRY CHRISTMAS<br />&<br />HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!</div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-90842826051434381202010-08-09T18:30:00.000-07:002010-08-21T06:22:30.743-07:00MAGICDo you remember Shel Silverstein’s MAGIC? . . .<br /><br />“Sandra’s seen a leprechaun,<br />Eddie touched a troll,<br />Laurie danced with witches once,<br />Charlie found some goblins’ gold.<br />Donald heard a mermaid sing,<br />Susy spied an elf,<br /><strong>But all the magic I have known<br />I’ve had to make myself.”<br /></strong><br />Well, that’s the life the 25 or so former Lake Highland High School students from Dallas seem to have been living since I last saw them . . . some thirty years ago.<br /><div><div><div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503600689008857938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDsYZ838TN72dEXzOhy_ARJMxfwZB95Uu6OnQwA9hl1bdF2i_jn9xLAAqPb8Ol2FMsfXt0Dl1DueglXRrNq7eK46OvQALpPP-KgVIZEaZIcXRwj2r1O135DRECsNl26P9tIgl9QHScj0/s400/DSCN1091.JPG" /> <strong>Lake Highlands High School</strong></p><div>In fact, it seems they have been making a lot of magic.<br /><br />It actually was those thirty years ago when a couple of these high school students, at the end of that Spring day, rushed into my Lake Highlands High School classroom, excited and anxious as they blurted out, “Mrs. Blide, will you sponsor us for our club?”<br /><br />“What club? Doing what?” I asked.<br /><br />“We’re starting a film club. The Principal won’t let us have this as a school club unless we have a teacher sponsor. We need you to say, Yes.”<br /><br />“But I know absolutely nothing about film.”<br /><br />“That’s just fine,” they responded. “We know everything.”<br /><br />“But, why me? I am sure there are other teachers here more knowledgeable than I . . .”<br /><br />“Well, you’re more off the wall . . . ” I heard them gush.<br /><br />“Hmmmm,” I responded, daring not to ask for a closer explanation, “I’ll take that as a compliment. OK, just let me know when and what I need to do.”<br /><br />And so Fantastic Cinema Productions (FCP) was born. In 1980 they created their first film, “Friday Night 2112.” Not being too hopeful with their Super 8 mm product vs. a 16 mm film, they took their achievement down to Houston, Texas to enter it in a film festival competition. The judges were literally “blown away” and awarded them first place. This was just the beginning..<br /><br />This July, 2010 became the 30 year reunion of that earlier small band of high school “nerds” some of whom ended up sharing the glow and glory when John Davis, one of their own, was nominated for an Oscar in the category of <em>Best Animated Feature for Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius</em> in 2002.<br /><br />Even those other creative best friends who went on to other occupations (one of whom is with NASA, many others who are continuing to use their creative and technical “fun” beginnings at FCP in other ways) will, it seems, never forget what great friendships developed through FCP that will most probably last a life time. And it all started with a kid in a school who had the gumption to get other kids excited … along with a certain teacher who who didn’t know a thing about film. </div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503599285567216370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ud8c4xlvksEg1bkCgJu9f7_9_HTAhc7Fmq-3T8eVjXmpT2jjEVX1ZKKlW6RiN4LjI54ktt2Sr4YPH3G37SWmqQ6qPBbwk7ATmIQzkR_2l2CX5BvHTpgpd9OXqtyzrGvUAOM9MElkWgo/s400/DSCN1117.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503599936349705186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJPpSom90qlVHTS04hNxOEomB6yoy1zmWeLmtsxk0v_L6kFgkO-LaJoWz6WtgPnZg93ZPyA2vTWxe0vtb6nUcaEUZ8FZ8BxhDRoNHt_wYvd-miUI2_kd6fWL1dpWZy0Y2K7y3CGhhlk8/s320/DSCN1134.JPG" /></p><div>The "Mutants" thirty years older, as Jimmy Neutron looks on.</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503598438020310002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8HMbLiNsabPhvA8xKLNmHDebZJ_5ht8qyy_IkPnvXqDW8a0DOrxAUo06XstfmjeH_ZhU8dKIHGNWyHgcnPkny2hFB4eJcWAC4P14taQ8-vAGMCeZ7bgZ1XpfXiO3S1wCU4_VNyFYb5Y/s400/DSCN1086.JPG" /></p><div>Early morning get together of Mutants with families meeting at Lake Highlands High School waiting for buses to tour the old sites where "2112" was filmed, and to renew memories</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpI8BHlweMrzrI4njVnY-WT25XKUkfWKhaaF1TlH-SBmrVGxKyPWptcp6wdViVj9zlSGrb8ncMFXRLrK1vhrjiW51TQSdL6pawAR_gAprcOTvYlomKYjJ6q9AObyLpQTk-VG_5BNj5XY/s1600/DSCN1094.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 178px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 155px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503597748418105778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpI8BHlweMrzrI4njVnY-WT25XKUkfWKhaaF1TlH-SBmrVGxKyPWptcp6wdViVj9zlSGrb8ncMFXRLrK1vhrjiW51TQSdL6pawAR_gAprcOTvYlomKYjJ6q9AObyLpQTk-VG_5BNj5XY/s200/DSCN1094.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MdVaFYgHTOqE1zmEIUxVjvUD6Ff8QRRa2dusaw-8pu6qIl190TVqn7noBc3F86YSA-BMFIJD4H8YwzOMl5hNpUFWc4CPSr0BzTimcXN3Mwe4dpw2XqBswiFsknxBQDYvseE3IfQamlc/s1600/DSCN1089.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503597032953117874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MdVaFYgHTOqE1zmEIUxVjvUD6Ff8QRRa2dusaw-8pu6qIl190TVqn7noBc3F86YSA-BMFIJD4H8YwzOMl5hNpUFWc4CPSr0BzTimcXN3Mwe4dpw2XqBswiFsknxBQDYvseE3IfQamlc/s200/DSCN1089.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>"2112," starring Lane Wimberly and Greg Jones with the movie's actual house of horror.</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503596233485357522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ98tzVBvUcJBW6fDisvETTXDpyshXDhqoMiLzzXTAyM1hlB4dY_h9Kwn67YBlUqpA7Tsg75sLmdy9X0q5kjQfgZxGwz-8O9knDvogUjPNpse1UCUWcUSSwsXAnGSKS_8sqsiU1rJfyE/s400/DSCN1090.JPG" /> Brad Vanderburg, one of the FCP tour leaders for revisiting "2112." </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593927284822514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOedFyAniTHMBw9smKI3oo8vSMu4w7a9GiIzVTbZhIUG-L6l3DKYPRgODp_lXr9DIJN7reJOMsMDLA1OMLlEZbvUsM8UyHiIWxeZhkQ8A53ijXZausJwkbDsNRSuNvSAYnUwA1N8d2YMo/s400/DSCN1110.JPG" /> Allen Black, Bryan Holloway and John Davis reminisce at Richland College, another site in the movie. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503895933703818370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGUstOCMs92DRScpAdGzCu59CHtup24uxFjm_kgAR7cZm5I9lPCrJdqcdlOqXWe4AZLD5tpNmcRuNLYH4hlDSfnMf4mcOL340bEgMmeERsIYkYzR02nzPMq7NPhHrGin_71dgL2Ows5A/s400/DSCN1125.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503898156664603762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-oLrre364ulWKBEyGLZp5XeOE98AtGBU2TnwSozjAxYIeiZYpSErSKDIdJ4NTPY93cxksFC82nS3eENX40OqEBV1CjE4ojRaOlY2abHXGI3IdKzgfMX4Ajl8AjtArf0oanpjjOF6Khs/s400/DSCN1123.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503899763300299442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sqefRcuKqwxE7ddeIGF17bpeilPlqfCtZUQVWhltHyPlhfF2Fp8nUl_F6zROIJ14TA7S-Okh4N3rB0-UqW9mR-avUmBTqAhwXDyn3jFNg_GFPX4Hg60Iy6ryG0pvKfKyiwTuC39-DcU/s400/DSCN1126.JPG" /><br />As was tradition, next was an Ethiopian dinner at the Queen of Sheba Restaurant followed by a huge party bash at John and Kim Davis' beautiful home including viewing the new DVD of "2112" which brought laughter, tears and fond memories of those times thirty years ago.<br /><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503902354938667314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNizxWtiv8lwLYUvlXOHBXafYtI-4jJ4LmGATas4FSyXZ2wKeRf8PccU-jgRzaW9amClmB2BXaJxvGsLpTydc94lZievDbAATWbIsuE2uLCMCCskDCI9e_9LV2w5UvNnb-V2ZXCCmu9eQ/s400/DSCN1136.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503903616780536002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4rIk4DI0op_hXU2d8W23zBtZVbXlvWxpa62AL0ndzR76Fbsy5Mqu7_ZN8TqGt2cWzPk8UAy5ztPT3q7l35Yf23X4aR1HmV5um8_huT5yJE8BgTCuWcqn12qMmblAFBYlbvzaxYuvmUE/s400/DSCN1140.JPG" /> <strong>JOhn, Mak, Brad, Allen and Lane face the accolades</strong><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div></div><div>But wait. There’s more. This former teacher of 36 years is enjoying what every single teacher’s hope, expectation, dream of addressing that chalk board on day one of their chosen life’s work. There is not one working teacher who does not look over his packed room of riveted eyes (well, at least at first) toward her, who does not believe that some young face will one day write the Pulitzer novel, invent that needed robot or create the solution for World Peace and be a good person who will find hope and growth lasting a lifetime.<br /><br />Life is good.</div><br /><div></div><div>PS: A post reunion momento from John Davis to Patti Blide.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507849940076226498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r99oinQ2ZYWDMrI2fg5KnAQMut7UNSuxjZOP2_EfxXcZcqKryWo9Au3ui70zrUT7FsfU8TJM9oxU9qMR5eYssFUeuPlUNYLM-EsHN4DT4ugmQbpvKLLi56ot4HtsvNF52jeNDRof8lo/s400/Patti's+face.jpg" /></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-21810615685363262312010-08-08T17:50:00.000-07:002010-08-09T08:04:23.842-07:00SARANAC LAKE BLOG(Written by Dick Blide at request of Blogmaster, Patti Blide)<br /><br />Our summer vacation was melded with getting together with our son and family. We flew from Portland; they drove up from Cape May, NJ, to Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. We had rented a cottage on this lovely lake for a weeks get together … Patti and me, son Alex with wife June, grandson Zachary and June's son Josh.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503210388677787170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoxwIlehx30s4O3lChOiGhipNnXPn9CVwt66gNaYGfDaLvMvcCb1sMJUYR3N5V3DyXXFdQ0Rt-kSR3Wp-nz0xmy5vvz7I5vwNPTukZtvAABijdE6GEC2dU5djFQC7ddvRB-S0BeVFSQw/s400/DSCN0037.JPG" /> I had lived and worked in Saranac Lake, NY from ’69-’75 as medical director of the Will Rogers Hospital, a general chest disease facility. This return brought back great memories including those of skiing and hiking in these mountains. </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503210958992337714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1oYz-bXb7BVdmnTihn1z6gfaZLmHc4Gtjcsgf4Iz-YZdZ__Np1ij5SGCt3xiaQhy_2JCu22-HKIAifpENHHGShwLrDtDiK0Wvnjb-7Q_unJwz-nIeDKxOOtxaGVKJElIVDi-b7aPnWY/s400/DSCN0034.JPG" />Our first day was foggy and rainy but, being intrepid adventurers, we scaled Whiteface Mountain (would you believe they have an elevator?). The top was “socked in” so views were of clouds vying with fog. June was ecstatic to find her fear of heights “fogged out.” We had been here many times before so we knew there was a spectacular panoramic 360 degree vista with Montreal visible on a clear day. We recalled that two years ago Alex and Zach had rented mountain bikes and had ridden from top to bottom following the old ski trails.<br /></div><div>Next was our venture to the Olympic Ski Village in Lake Placid to watch the ski jumping on to wetted-down plastic mats. “Wet and Wild” was the most exciting event with Olympians and future Olympians competing, skiing or snowboarding down a ramp, then doing somersaults and twists before landing in a pool of water on a mid-summer day, representing snow. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Q5skb5llSttfMHwPponkP8S1Xo7fq3TD_gZ5yr7VGP1Ci-XuLJkXoR5fdqPirjrKt8ofA3LeAsYOYXXD6FAmvE4w3D4n-xbY0WVBJkoRdsq5wF7B0Mkt4ZcDpuJ3g0KJPonCcoB0sc/s1600/DSCN1047.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503245658636585634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Q5skb5llSttfMHwPponkP8S1Xo7fq3TD_gZ5yr7VGP1Ci-XuLJkXoR5fdqPirjrKt8ofA3LeAsYOYXXD6FAmvE4w3D4n-xbY0WVBJkoRdsq5wF7B0Mkt4ZcDpuJ3g0KJPonCcoB0sc/s320/DSCN1047.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwaiCxmsHhlsTZa-opDVXy7NucMQj_bHuk46zRTZ6Xc9jrStIDjCzhwjrZU_9tXKsaoAOuwJdcgGm0nHHv8GzxbQgH09sSVIJU3DFJq45O_sGxmjOp-55T6j_DW7yGFO70zUPcM-PQ0M/s1600/IMGP1750.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503246682151208658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwaiCxmsHhlsTZa-opDVXy7NucMQj_bHuk46zRTZ6Xc9jrStIDjCzhwjrZU_9tXKsaoAOuwJdcgGm0nHHv8GzxbQgH09sSVIJU3DFJq45O_sGxmjOp-55T6j_DW7yGFO70zUPcM-PQ0M/s320/IMGP1750.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Perhaps our happiest moment was celebrating Zachary’s 20th birthday with cards and an ice cream cake in Ben & Jerry’s in Lake Placid. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503266050286616930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTu6adUPjHaVo3ukW-Ekh09jzxi4FfIVUpX0UMrL23YMJfZ6Xl_vPeCKnA5fTJLtiYYXHqln-YjZVe9upQ1CMSoXQGCfEXRic-w9ZPX77e2oaM7kTBuQ_Q6AgkMLSXuawCdz2Q7dMFIQ/s400/DSCN0986.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503266752113979554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTMgTSob2Y4nnWPMI9wGbbCUIEbMqprUkNg7jw6H7SsnsGoeiFE7BeIRtyQYUlu5O0kVtmurdHM1t4_NqnsklydEPvOLtW-l8clExiMHLZVySE7tVd1ismFjiEPXzrG3rfeFfkZv2t8Q/s400/DSCN0985.JPG" />Smiling and excited, June made dinner fun, picnicking at the cottage most evenings while absorbing the sunsets at lakeside.</div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241591510127122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO0YKZvAe3c6rhjQ5xNmCovDxJGmG60wW2f__wSHf_n4v3zz-jh8IVEyIXb21hTNEVnKvuMcICLfPrD7RRbR8PWueQFJG0iiaxgicnLMfv6oVfktN7uuuh3ApfiumG730HGki1Tbs5kE/s400/DSCN1027.JPG" /> All three boys are guitarists so they entertained us by jamming most evenings. Alex could be faintly heard early each morning softly playing his guitar in the boathouse.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503270988034681794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget7_posidDNGPgQxGnGycaCRPkRImTAGT5Pq6Tr-JKsoIv-TzO_ePIungwbaI8xXCIqJ3lZaWvI8bd-XXTBf6jZJhDnXsvwsy1kgLzGTfkK2UleGYKOxg6vhdSvib6vxo2Q5-1xpdTNE/s400/DSCN0018.JPG" />Between adventures we shopped, now and again, in Lake Placid to the delight of Patti (she has to have her daily Latte) and June (who must have her trinkets). One of my favorite lunchtime restaurants, The Cottage on Mirror Lake, found us enjoying their delicacies. We even stopped in the recently enlarged library in Lake Placid to see if my book, Heartfelt, which I had dropped off two years previously, was still there. It was and had been checked out a few times.<br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503263690799263570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyWoipMj75o5Uox7jDHe1FiVESfPBRDsQ8Pxf7MNrKQPT2S1duR5jvBH0M9BczfGjzNgJq2mUYhbYZJeDpYpk92PAxRlWUd0kjW0J8ZW4RdGiLTSu_Eo2EMd62kxTMtY-qwQ29cjSEOg/s400/DSCN0048.JPG" /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503262631069114754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lus3IXhEyNOt_jQnamRqfXpnd8nXJXyBh8gROMALxkh_LQd70YA1Nll1pNeZDgCjZRe8RhnJHKiruQlixURqdsrxWFI84rYfYpXWvFS8AFrM3w0aYagm5YNjPgnY1JxnNIEafpvTj_U/s400/DSCN1051.JPG" /> We enjoyed walks in the woods around Upper Saranac Lake and we got to use the motor boat and canoe to explore the entire lake.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503253375758489106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9UnJKuc99r3EB71YTyBvj4iPUlFothA53oQzSOLuJLwI7rV47xU98jtdsVXNLjrUB1ABoiws1erb4LjLM8Cxp8xJn0oUk1Q3O_2NkLkI_Qvj7yzPmOfzknHFR_CfnbUlHVqX8rJoNDY/s400/DSCN1056.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503254767792213346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplzgJMPjO24-l8bIJVDEkt2Ch66q594-d-Givabn6G3LY2Mh08e9nbeDk4a0I-f3JV2_QLOhWfeSwePdCw5qQf-qUI5rzu8McwIgXeTVQP8kYOwzWSpZbueU9gcYlH79nCapDXAO-I78/s400/DSCN1015.JPG" /> We discovered a champion in our midst for rock-skipping on the lake water surface. Josh won with eleven skips testing every flat rock available.<br /><div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503212342570200594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTdIrliQy7eq2MGaxqn_CzXP0C24b3PfQ7Xt_E-EpB_OB7pyKkLtYWLSZf2TZfdfH4GA_9bZHDFwF3WNlUuelmWZP4GYCO20EicuE7J_V2gd7nKY_L4HYQBPCGuB61o1cO_PCKGZBRks/s400/DSCN1061.JPG" /> After a week in paradise, Patti and I took off for Dallas, where Patti had been invited to attend the 30th reunion of Fantastic Cinema Productions, a student film club she had sponsored while a teacher at Lake Highlands High School in 1980. How many teachers are even remembered, no less feted, thirty years after their students have graduated? See the accompanying blog for Patti’s description with pictures of this event that brought happy tears to her eyes. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-87126798891056124132010-06-29T15:58:00.000-07:002010-06-29T21:09:32.153-07:00HALF-BAKED REUNION (The Siblings)Well, Folks, you gotta agree, five is better than two, or even zero, when one is planning a reunion. Everyone didn’t show up, so the beauty of sharing, listening, watching, learning from one to another did not fully happen. Tuesday, June 22, 2010 to June 26 was half-baked so to speak. No one’s going to cry over that; moan a little maybe, but finally rejoicing in the realization of all the money we saved. After all, we few did take turns in taking the rest of us out to dinner; sometimes with coupons even! Yep, the rest of you kids who did not come can feel hungry, a little sad, and wistful for next time. Anyway, just know that you were missed!<br /><br />Working backwards, I must say that the last adventure was just about the best with the Woods taking us all to the Long Beach Yacht Club where we watched with delight as glorious ships sailed by while beautiful people strolled the board walk. Then a trumpet blew, the flag was lowered on deck and all stood at attention, hand over heart, in what turned out to be a very emotional event.<br /><br />The next amazing happening was the many white jacketed waiters seeming to out-number us few guests! Not bad. Good. More food to eat! And we took full advantage! Pete, having come from D.C., smiled and ate and ate the whole time, looking slim and trim. Must be some wicked diet!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>The Blides (below, on left), as well as host, Fred, ate scrumptious prime rib surrounded by veggies and special potatoes, carefully saving room for desserts.<br /><br />Nicholas, (two below) burgeoning administrator working on grad school plans, entertained us with his student stories while Penelope, as hostess, made sure that each had his/her time to shine. This is a Talking, Eating family.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488380330239924050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVlq9grSeyHRAIzOKQFywirjeBoVWz2FEAtdaLxG5OppGPlCWVUFrPBfoHEp60cY39Sn_sWpAnYJPzLqCW2H0ijqSAzxAaqMqtPKazTn0xm_hktTNVehNiGFQioKz0SfB6UbfLvSeQ0/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+041.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488356570432109218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_RLjBEPHu259RbFDNRS1p9YCu9i8npgJdYjhJEH_f0JtHx1Lc_pi0poXuc9h8-JPazvZzuyC1TnakQZbPVA1t5oc0nx2ymMnghd_76pd6i1UPkApmuEQN3zmjpq5RE6ByEVo-3a4DTo/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+040.jpg" /> Of course, much more than just eating kept us full of joy at the fun of sharing sibling time, here at Woods home.<br /><br />Almost every day began with Bungee-walking to Peets’ Coffee House with outdoor patio, where Patti guzzled down beloved Coffee Lattes as others ordered their favorites. Then off for more adventures for all but Pete who spent much of his time at his work-out place, feeling the need to “pump iron,” tighten already flat abs, and bathe in the joy of sweat.<br /></div></div><div></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488359354230030994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0kri_TgI-CQYpsRXy99QHjRri6yu4YAQL34JyXcZWEDszD8drqO2XTcpGp7PvSVBwGkixUIi4Mr_UF3aph0YT8HVmXfRAizHHGkvZDnsUcwbX1X6F5qx7gB9vHY2SuTcnCHTkjDYgB4/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+014.jpg" /> One especially enjoyed outing was the Nature Walk where the beauty of a California sunny day of turtles, birds of all kinds, lizards and gorgeous plantings made us happy to be alive!</div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488367253884159122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzgyDi_WLWC5a_ZZAYmBOQALuJIrl2gviX-YPjvD3avbEt04xg9tmG0IVGY3iV4Adf1O931Ec3hXhgnhtlWagQxRqvQ-zVeFArIsQkmm5SxfrmeNL92XCbImmDojz1XE0bRAfPI7myT4/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+036.jpg" /></div><div><br />Even log-sitting in the bright, but cool weather was special for the twins and camera man, Fred. </div><div><br /> </div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488361092467733506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKgvsamqGvBLHP0RzFHuPZJmlBluaCGScr9XfFs55tSH2hrgAJ-c-_Xl_JkfAsICuxkskyyPzgUhRmhbfcXl7J-c4gMUFPkSTXswFbIHBI9Td4i2Mp72khMw9gqS_ZkoxySYpWHR50oA/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+031.jpg" /> Perhaps the most enjoyable time for us five was from 5:00 pm on, when the group was all together for talking, reminiscing and dining.<br /><br />The most amazing event for most, was Pete’s causing each of us to gawk and gasp in awe at the “Pete diet menu” brought by him, prepared by him, and eaten by him for what seemed hours at a time. The man never stopped eating, all the while exhibiting a most long, lean but muscular body. Which is to say Peter Blackledge has the secret to success in dieting in a way to out-do the evil cholesterol death knell and should write a book about it with photos of him working out and eating!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488362999983200370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQninpaaJStijjheThoTmfq6RiLplE3VtDxCi0sebIR8be7KLV3IqaX6eOx5C49_g4wX6jHRee8xi-Ig47x2xe4weo0iqHep3nME7pVi3EzicH_wMIHSslBC37uFqWFUys4xbGvwTLLaA/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+019.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488365419939102578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5sh1UsuPzlevee4y11v2ETlM5Wk1hxU06GiEO3bfiZAr-xGRKs19sxE3ckiZddo3Aj8LMxepFHq8amCKdfd88jMDOv9qfoSnKZanRas_Tm0WhGqr7djxz_Vb6Ee0KM853wkdzhcgd10/s400/pete,laura,woods+2010+half+reunion+039.jpg" /> </div><div>Cute, isn’t he? Guess he can just eat them veggies, drink that water and out live us all.<br /><br />Life is good,<br /><br />patricia of kalama<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-72803184980405194152010-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:002010-02-24T17:42:30.109-08:00HAWAIIAN ESCAPE<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441609632496549618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTYF-OdyMxEIK4LrdnBR-Y6LesvQGoPTTpPs834MoV3QLugRBJE8cLNvZyJPpiU6TdIdeM1-0KQnEuMlkKOW3H967mS3_FJcBomEHB6t9I66iuvxiWPVOzkoSYGpeN0t-DVZE6rkSUhg/s400/IMGP4834.JPG" /> With the promise of being ‘greeted’ by closely hugged coconuts above, froth-led beach waves splashing below, and the lure of new and luscious foods, Patti and Dick escaped the WA wind and rain for a February two weeks at Maui, Hawaii.<br /><br />Following a 5 ½ hr. flight, Dick and Patti, per friend Betty’s suggestion, took a quick trip to Costco (yes, Costco is every where) to fill the rented car with veggies for sauté, steaks to grill, and fruits for breakfast smoothies, leaving of course, plenty of plans for surprises as to the Hawaiian fare.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzOetVx7MTyiSaEOGd0rvZBgANPbE1aEz7L19sqBe3JiUmg8Li3riNyufi4GBuq3xL95_RLQPSSO_WIDNSZbxlgMBlVb7Xwj8Vmz14ySPzvC9PnsxBQN7XCKlQJYmKwXKDg6Kr7PSXC4/s1600-h/IMGP4842.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441610147543479890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzOetVx7MTyiSaEOGd0rvZBgANPbE1aEz7L19sqBe3JiUmg8Li3riNyufi4GBuq3xL95_RLQPSSO_WIDNSZbxlgMBlVb7Xwj8Vmz14ySPzvC9PnsxBQN7XCKlQJYmKwXKDg6Kr7PSXC4/s200/IMGP4842.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9NuZasGwYjmG5-5BTf5T_IrlS-SlBJLsqz6jsDpf49gCHT31ZJokE39nacF6ZHkzihbtR2yL71uVbt8eBrBe9dQ7Tbo5oNWskFxSegHTfszBdJy9UEOBJz59xsVoSrPA2Ce5kHVo0xA/s1600-h/IMGP4843.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441610754891446658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9NuZasGwYjmG5-5BTf5T_IrlS-SlBJLsqz6jsDpf49gCHT31ZJokE39nacF6ZHkzihbtR2yL71uVbt8eBrBe9dQ7Tbo5oNWskFxSegHTfszBdJy9UEOBJz59xsVoSrPA2Ce5kHVo0xA/s200/IMGP4843.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were happy to find that our ocean view bedroom condo actually had two full bathrooms with all amenities including washer/dryer, as well as a well-appointed kitchen. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441612193027931970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmZxyDMg4QQWDy0imOo85hpfjf-RrwOfPag7Srdo_BjQNNfzHRvkaXAM1yEdvk741Rtv-1SgWFKJdH_gH1jQ2n-s8DHQlAVkUlxS1VEHlocQ0B0l_AESZeRQ-FpzmdIHmQD7wfNW_Krw/s400/IMGP4776.JPG" /><br />Bright sunshine greeted us daily with only a couple of light rain hours; it was the unexpected that we still talk about.<br /><br />We knew that February was the best time for whale breaching, but seeing so many so often was pure delight. We had opted not to go out in the boats this year, but watched from beaches where many other watchers gasped and pointed with us. It was interesting on conversing with others how many of them had selected visiting Hawaii at this time of year just for the whales.<br /><br />Another unexpected experience was Patti’s initial snorkel adventure. Worrying somewhat on her first foray in some time, she carefully lowered her snorkel-hugged head. . .and then laughed out loud. . . under water. . .as three six-inch round but flat lavender-edged, purple fish rushed straight toward her goggles to check her out! From then on Patti joyfully remained face down several hours at three different beaches counting the differently shaped and brightly colored big and little fish. The huge brown lumpy fish (some with eye brows!) were hard to see among the rocks and corals as they were almost invisible via Nature’s disguise. Ain’t nature grand?<br /><br />And then there was the Red Flag experience. Patti soon realized that there was a good reason for those red flags, some stuck in the beach sand three at a time. One very cool and windy day, Patti just couldn’t wait any longer and decided to give the flag warning a test, thinking that a strong swimmer need not worry. NOT! Those red flags mean what they indicate: UNDER TOW, UNDER TOW. Patti is now a swimmer with bowed head for more reasons than one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisXC3SYYfPGg8P-e7Fsj899-13JSUqdNjGt7oBITy91PchlnAMBnQtQQosTi4ZCfIOT_b3c44T61p2XJmNRPXG0BkuLlVT0j7XZb32h5InpjbTuDtIO0kAXiIzgbg4gC_FEpGkCmSfy0/s1600-h/IMGP4867.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 168px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441615856342619826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisXC3SYYfPGg8P-e7Fsj899-13JSUqdNjGt7oBITy91PchlnAMBnQtQQosTi4ZCfIOT_b3c44T61p2XJmNRPXG0BkuLlVT0j7XZb32h5InpjbTuDtIO0kAXiIzgbg4gC_FEpGkCmSfy0/s320/IMGP4867.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tnM7MWQQzB7OcuhczUpxg_2L-hc1Sw9JVHxS4ct3r9Ip7AKs325X-U5Ath3afZEjV-RsPchQviU76RXulW1kxDla8Lxqo1Uv5-_dWHUeH-9fTYD7GZ_uRyU6B2l8Hfg9gDl91x4q93E/s1600-h/IMGP4864.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441645219370038594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tnM7MWQQzB7OcuhczUpxg_2L-hc1Sw9JVHxS4ct3r9Ip7AKs325X-U5Ath3afZEjV-RsPchQviU76RXulW1kxDla8Lxqo1Uv5-_dWHUeH-9fTYD7GZ_uRyU6B2l8Hfg9gDl91x4q93E/s320/IMGP4864.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And so, what does one do, instead? Ahhhh, sitting in a provided beach chair. . .on the edge of the ocean, high enough to watch without sitting/swimming/snorkeling in rough water is the answer.<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441617367186290466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqf_Q4a-eVaCpsrWbSwEDFBCt86vDjtpHS8z-3XOlcrE9nis9ztz8duCxiJUa__YzznJYqT4_fmn6yuWwaEyCKbhyh8W0qSi0ZHQuiCOVmgSH17-pLiNvrqnsd7omMHDZxjMS_nFkWZE/s400/IMGP4793.JPG" /> And/or reading one of those great books brought for “just in case.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDbu9lznjazKaxpacmXGMsAzC5pY9axfTS3mSEr4Toks5W5_PozxzjBhwd4rc3H3uCLJfOJeS4GLu-AhhWLIgBVqyKsvlBlnHrmbLKZdYSMaCGdc-74zTwf2FFqoQRAuY67CUMReo378/s1600-h/IMGP4828.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 187px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441618603043928274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDbu9lznjazKaxpacmXGMsAzC5pY9axfTS3mSEr4Toks5W5_PozxzjBhwd4rc3H3uCLJfOJeS4GLu-AhhWLIgBVqyKsvlBlnHrmbLKZdYSMaCGdc-74zTwf2FFqoQRAuY67CUMReo378/s320/IMGP4828.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdppZ1Ij3H6ix0pk1XMcOw0cl-ftemj7hfyoRs5M_l3-PcWJW8jyJPkLyHmsiAgLumTd2rNQi7lRo8U7Wa5MPW9bXbHgeb3ngbu8d3RuauyZ5-qWXznYhZgdc6sxGEYa3HMuYEeuJlds/s1600-h/IMGP4807.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 167px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441619415674732594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdppZ1Ij3H6ix0pk1XMcOw0cl-ftemj7hfyoRs5M_l3-PcWJW8jyJPkLyHmsiAgLumTd2rNQi7lRo8U7Wa5MPW9bXbHgeb3ngbu8d3RuauyZ5-qWXznYhZgdc6sxGEYa3HMuYEeuJlds/s320/IMGP4807.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Or one could simply spend “rough water” time, eating! And eating with beautiful birds visiting at these outdoor/indoor restaurants, such as Napili Bay, were a further treat! </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjdyX7hoFU998ddoe99pZTuoBmp7F7R88B1XSjablkSVfrKF4I2nlwcQgEUWNRQ94bBMdPN0Qb9GNWmz-5OUjKIlYf6KgYttagdRf2yZ1UhjdFO0JG-p6k1IZWj8tY_48aC3uv6kONuw/s1600-h/IMGP4808.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 114px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441620403763927394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjdyX7hoFU998ddoe99pZTuoBmp7F7R88B1XSjablkSVfrKF4I2nlwcQgEUWNRQ94bBMdPN0Qb9GNWmz-5OUjKIlYf6KgYttagdRf2yZ1UhjdFO0JG-p6k1IZWj8tY_48aC3uv6kONuw/s320/IMGP4808.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAmY_s5RC30fA1vsdD8tLld0KScwX9zPwI-_6psZbgtvCLLojIBEgVFGl49Tk1_Yz-v2OwxrLyHSNF_hdoBBHpFc2RUKGQXe5oqWYCeydjKfyOfcO3agukRHIi4_e7Ibor58SEqCYxA/s1600-h/IMGP4812.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 179px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621533751327970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAmY_s5RC30fA1vsdD8tLld0KScwX9zPwI-_6psZbgtvCLLojIBEgVFGl49Tk1_Yz-v2OwxrLyHSNF_hdoBBHpFc2RUKGQXe5oqWYCeydjKfyOfcO3agukRHIi4_e7Ibor58SEqCYxA/s320/IMGP4812.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>And, oh yes! There’s eating, such as at Longhi’s, or in town meeting ‘solid’ citizens:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2kYdSMgMhF3XIJjZjRUnKtYi92yqfWKO-cxEiMBSSe3g5e7vgHj2RP-adm8enrLcU0cC5KyXhEKp9cS8aXiee5mOQr09m-9xJZkCU-BrCFfb11lc_7tA2ZU3vgzN14UREWlmi_nZCc8/s1600-h/IMGP4851.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622872072250370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2kYdSMgMhF3XIJjZjRUnKtYi92yqfWKO-cxEiMBSSe3g5e7vgHj2RP-adm8enrLcU0cC5KyXhEKp9cS8aXiee5mOQr09m-9xJZkCU-BrCFfb11lc_7tA2ZU3vgzN14UREWlmi_nZCc8/s320/IMGP4851.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyMYaYSZL4NPftXdSoCvUdRecTpxh25-ITbsnkSMZcgnaG2xhjW9avmtoWrRUK9iMUL-XdWofrU2leidAgtpyF99NmpOojHFKD1RXeukA3urkI0qB1sw8G3VgUZaYhfkhyphenhyphen81hX5f3hII/s1600-h/IMGP4904+(Medium).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 153px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441646394479983298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyMYaYSZL4NPftXdSoCvUdRecTpxh25-ITbsnkSMZcgnaG2xhjW9avmtoWrRUK9iMUL-XdWofrU2leidAgtpyF99NmpOojHFKD1RXeukA3urkI0qB1sw8G3VgUZaYhfkhyphenhyphen81hX5f3hII/s320/IMGP4904+(Medium).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iKYvgc_nx20aWGQFK4Ku7LwxpoObweP4O_QnbvBH9MebaMWyw6hwQRp1C2z18Q82YVaTzANuMEHZjbq4RabLvm8j7WXdnq8p_PyBuaJC3hCrH5mTboAcIcDJta0lLUQYMOVO8bevwOw/s1600-h/IMGP4863.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 119px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441625284221054802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iKYvgc_nx20aWGQFK4Ku7LwxpoObweP4O_QnbvBH9MebaMWyw6hwQRp1C2z18Q82YVaTzANuMEHZjbq4RabLvm8j7WXdnq8p_PyBuaJC3hCrH5mTboAcIcDJta0lLUQYMOVO8bevwOw/s320/IMGP4863.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RIohUWffV9bw7Jgcgu4sD9Gl-DJrSy9dmQEZGCxrMuCJPm5-sKtebEyy05NNConhGs1SM3zZI-w-vmbvSJNDvwZ45072eqvjeO26jVJ1PF9_S4CqfO_9Qim8-agQPh5a1q_77tRSWKM/s1600-h/IMGP4862.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441624242981067090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RIohUWffV9bw7Jgcgu4sD9Gl-DJrSy9dmQEZGCxrMuCJPm5-sKtebEyy05NNConhGs1SM3zZI-w-vmbvSJNDvwZ45072eqvjeO26jVJ1PF9_S4CqfO_9Qim8-agQPh5a1q_77tRSWKM/s320/IMGP4862.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>But the best of all was wonderful WALKING on the most beautiful of winding trails along roiling ocean waves at Kapalua Bay on the Coastal Trail which, when discovered by us, found us there almost daily, visiting our favorite coffee shop on the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8SGJF_h-PQ4WpMDJopbEmsWQxXrf9WWsOL3SfiKGUZl5UZ09WFYq6ROlzOKItTG0Lr9JXrMevG47rxYX5WH56uHStsvoUpLXlxMaiwvttbYRWrpwiu0vG6sIINmAdH8qsbsxUVfxamk/s1600-h/IMGP4884.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441628126151221202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8SGJF_h-PQ4WpMDJopbEmsWQxXrf9WWsOL3SfiKGUZl5UZ09WFYq6ROlzOKItTG0Lr9JXrMevG47rxYX5WH56uHStsvoUpLXlxMaiwvttbYRWrpwiu0vG6sIINmAdH8qsbsxUVfxamk/s320/IMGP4884.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GO7gG4nR_EUy7d7vOf8c8bcHKFURG5ZuM1CSg7NsJeqjiLrEdY3gNsfeLG0gqasKNfowdIN-qN73opPhIDDPxZULTkZDM4saujl16gW4MJLN9DwWd-QH3eHmDwrJg4OZA3f2dM1aOs/s1600-h/IMGP4883.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441659174059733314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GO7gG4nR_EUy7d7vOf8c8bcHKFURG5ZuM1CSg7NsJeqjiLrEdY3gNsfeLG0gqasKNfowdIN-qN73opPhIDDPxZULTkZDM4saujl16gW4MJLN9DwWd-QH3eHmDwrJg4OZA3f2dM1aOs/s320/IMGP4883.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441837876005593154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u7JJFkOv0c5yB5_3WGX5xA6MO_cO9aRmfRKsbgmkxZ6TcMVY-DkDg2Hp4tnwB2JsVQpRKEZOpIjVFbfdKC6wDIU-791Q0ENBDDC8_gIwHDIvAmPG1I_ZR1XiTs5okCAqp7yvRXylDqc/s400/IMGP4836.JPG" /><br />Which leaves us with forever memories of the wonders of: Nature’s beauty, Nature’s caring for the living, and for Nature’s gentleness of powers. Which is to say,<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>LIFE IS GOOD</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441641530940706722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjGKN-2HjrpXMiRzNWSx1pk0dUVjPshgOYfioNNGCHp-rSKb_7FtvwYnENH8UjPPQrOa6JfelffGyT1Y5FPpDK0hl-t9mpiR4XuQ8pgFZp6GA5c58KRnpVv78VnSkvOdzVECgZQ15oGg/s320/IMGP4799.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-26644276356328705042009-12-01T16:47:00.000-08:002009-12-01T17:47:06.396-08:00What Would We Do Without Cousins?Thanksgiving (2009) was coming with no Siblings, Saplings (married to the Sibs, of course), nor Spores (children of said siblings, of course) nearby to share it. What to do? However, could we celebrate this family-oriented celebration without Family?<br /><br /><div>Enter the phone call. “We’re having (wife) Marilyn’s family over for Thanksgiving. Can you both come . . . with a dish?” Cousin Neil saved the day for us, and with extended family that we had wanted to get to know better. Relief! We were no longer orphans. </div><br /><div>Yea! We found a family to take us in! We’ll just cook our latest Epicurious.com recipe of Key Lime Cake, and add on top of that, Emeril’s famous Cranberry Sauce. This will be fun!<br /><br />And then the phone rang again.<br /><br />“Hi, Blackledges. We Blackledges are coming up from Grants Pass to share Thanksgiving with daughter Tomi and family and we would love to stop by the next day to enjoy being with you and seeing your new home in Washington.” </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410438824092656834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLcXpxCExCtVnN31UanIzIp_ac8QpU1dLIpm_gusUIjFe2laFrE1ijfrVcUqWsNyIZorC-_6lBOAtR06v8_HjeYeuKjp7CHFRnOZ9IeljEhNyn-QTYezRQPSV9wDLS5zbQHdKeXixwbo/s400/Blackledge+clan+005+(Medium).jpg" /><br />“Wow,” I heard myself say. “Are you kidding? We would LOVE to have you visit the day after Thanksgiving. We’ll just have a light dinner to celebrate family after Thanksgiving.”<br />And so it was. </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410440628000240002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDIjRfu59KtaeCvdtqgmtDesdnThlfscvHai6gsWyN1zp3oALMNVr5f8DLtZK0HaRkeRH5jDa6HPF1Uyy6wHRH0-UYbKjYKR-6t3SSjtiVHWIbc12-w8Ea5rBVwWBwTb3miDlaWeGmOg/s400/Blackledge+clan+011.jpg" /> <em>Patti with Mary Anne and John Blackledge</em><br /><br /><div></div><div>What would we do without Cousins? </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410441738771837730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7jeHcKRNwdPYjk0318FTR-FEFCPuz8vYpBfKDvU-wXRZCp6B-vKB9GyLBBkFoHmDdMjJLGShfW6FpuQEDj9CLYx0jrDuOfjFoSg2MhJmdB3QJ6deMkjuX4XZ-jYpbzmEJb6jCljGzeE/s400/Blackledge+clan+006.jpg" /> <em>Dick with Tomi and son Nick </em><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>We’re the richer for our two Thanksgivings. Mind you, the word works: Thanks . . . giving. And we are thankful. </div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-77636930985293099152009-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:002009-11-10T09:25:26.697-08:00Pagosa Revisited . . .in Kalama<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Ah, it’s been many a moon since the “Dairy Queen Team” left Pagosa Springs, CO to visit, now in Kalama WA. That is to say two heroes of the Blide book, Heartfelt, reunited to enjoy reminiscing and remaking memories, many of them planned at the Pagosa Dairy Queen. . .which did not exist. But that’s another story. . .<br /><br />When Ingrid and Doc Jim Knoll found their way following Jim’s “Locum Tenins” stint in California. . .up the coast to Patti and Doc Dick Blide’s “new” WA home of 4 years, they were reminded that it was Hallowe’en night. . .and so, were appropriately “knighted.” </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402517367414758610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsBMCjRLkeAR1eGNPi-a13polukdZ5tL_2nbYzCAoy-23H_rI-79MlKs4sAsHtexQktIkDrL5ny_GVFiNFEc97KLmZhe2uH55cYFXYHngzmVnvnIAkmo4LlkzuId97VvAwUedpv5aLcI/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+002.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>The famous “Pagosa Stew” was served, followed by the charming “Posey Pot” (Oreos crushed to make “dirt” on vanilla ice cream, carefully “potted.”) <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402519283713763266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2lLZOVOvsuNJifmlzBPYanYMXA7mJj5IkcERCXuF6ggNNIfXu9vQ4kHNzELnV8loP2RZa9aOlKZgtiX_6fkyr9I7NXomeN7-LQZ-iURPLtktU1uv87hWZhQszc3-NIpJJpChg3lNZy8/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+008+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /><br />The ricochet-like memory talk was finally interrupted by yawns and reminders of tomorrow’s plan to visit the famous Multnomah Falls where we would Look, Climb, Eat, and Photograph: </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402520202873028290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wLi4hPrvRxSZ6Cw5jEc4IhyphenhyphenT4VLNPGqnPGuiu5oUq9eL3TaUz06SmJ78gBiq1HJwiHCqZiGuaayhWPofoa9vs5FeWmIsyWsggUWHiKbzWiIL8AuBzEZ4BvhMvYtmr1Yj3-V2IuOxUyI/s400/VerizonPhotos2+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402520876320970962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OBGqlIReKcMCBS6u2FsSXvKMsSaK15IjhR74-egUMe2bdYt-D026_m9OpOwFwNA9b8RmGrZ4TkJrf6il28MhxU8HQ5g2HN9BxldqKQrsaqgkQzip14ZIrQGCf3PhNTUFEtiYj6WnpBM/s400/VerizonPhotos2+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />And where these two photos were taken by Dick’s tiny Blackberry, saving the day due to Patti’s camera having been left at home! That’s we three up on the bridge, also!<br />If only we had photographed the yummy Sunday Brunch at the adjoining stone church-like-looking edifice. We four, I fear, ate for six.<br /><br />The next day we went from the roar of cascading Falls to the roar of Mt. St. Helen’s eruption. But first we were gifted with Dick Blide’s famous Crab Cake dinner, seven layer salad and Key Lime Cake at home.<br />Luckily the Blide’s copy of “the real thing” of Mt. St. Helen’s eruption via DVD allowed us to stay at home that night by a cozy fire to watch the famous 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s in all its beauty and “horror.” This film of before, during, and after, was riveting. We decided further, even though actual mountain visits were closed for the winter, we would visit that part of the mountain always open: The surrounding forestation terribly affected by previous lava flow: </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402521850307883554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_SLZ0yG03qTOx5KYOG_dH1uCGX8n3YE3WSJqV73VzukgcTl-rHPNPj3g2VRLHaBc6fZExzLEV8ROSxOxsZ2GrSEJstEiX2PDtJFZFyaLV6lDzoS_MAn1dgQqknDXl6qjjJkWBNKr4sQ/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+024+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402522388849163266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBZFE11R42xHlnENTXw2C3mQKjBh3ZRFSdt6pQMp_Y2zhX6yaWZUbwGek_gEBv5MKFjVd_ihy9kHWhJq9JEEOoQ8z1E7DnX79lfPXnVjx0WPIFSOp7yE2FT08Ql_oDRO5Sq0xTX9f6E4/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+029.jpg" border="0" /> Only Ingrid was brave enough to get down into the “hole” left by rushing lava many years ago, which flowed around trees, that later died, leaving these gaping holes and tunnels under ground.<br /><br />Thank goodness for the meandering man-made wooden trail for us to use without danger of falling.<br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402523393893550722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ74v0uDKLKpwb4W_Q4g5v2d7VM4KtkPCS7MMP6XG4FsDUnrJNc3R-7oBCUSyiqn8iLw-Yn456ibJ2GeQLlvi2Y7mFd0tIqVUT7kEUri_692nHClHzZjt_6xc1ChW8kc8yCf2nSkQrAo/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+026.jpg" border="0" /> Our final day was, by comparison, “A Walk in the Park” at lovely Kalama Park on the Columbia River, recognized by its 4 “tiered” Totem Pole which is at least 150 feet high. The art work on wood reminds viewers that Kalama was “discovered” and built up by John Kalama of Hawaii.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402523987998151506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckYicG90Zftt1EzFd_jhBMb5x4lp-QYFOSzvJUOlpgISAWjY5qqWURWz2YBNTUqtyY86hlSfI1Xpkk2jEjCcWWRT6aWDaBFH5uNVAqGVRKVcej0WZfvdjw_OsRsV1jb6Ufwy5N7yVC6w/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+013+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /> Our evening visit was Dick’s favorite down town Portland spot, Portland City Bar and Grill sitting high atop the enchanting vista of busy and beautiful Portland right on the meandering Willamette River.<br /><br />This photo of our chosen evening courses is as serene and lovely as the entire remembered visit.<br />Life is Good </p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402524740285181154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2DPpUCgF0UI1wkUTqgC1l0GvYKEbt52VK1Ime9rWLX2GCdL4bqbsqPZatR4Aqx5iAOFYOGj0xvz200C97LiClgu9q4MIlcIyEPO20RJpWceuZux212-v4G2KVIhySW0f4-aBFSGDu7Y/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+040+(Small).jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402525581114935634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCo88aCmC3ToG1RNgw8wMVkN929hnM9qAlq0_wyN6ytomTqVc1aZiXahem2G3XtPFJYxT4OROVx2zyG1rjQ9kCNuLo5xAzOQyz6xt9uTx40gnYWibESOlX_F5Ys8VvZVTBD17-UKWcUQ/s400/Knoll+Visit110109+042.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-91966540778018019452009-07-04T09:16:00.000-07:002009-11-10T08:39:58.910-08:00WHEN YOU BUY THIS HOME ...<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Custom Home For Sale: WA (Call- 800 435 6184 ext. 2045)</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"> </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Note: We have now taken our home off the market due to: 1. Better health, 2. Poor real estate market</span>.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"> </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354710073012860738" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCegatqd_9qF1MnW0lcdXB32ruj6oA-BQhJt7Fh5SLtrsgM9zJmLxaJQsVZ7A4uwrinTjPRHwqbDXmL5iLZTSuJ69ysRCusm_Xk9bXpxLqek7MDP6B9j_RRHW1DvvftwsOJN_O02IHkA/s400/rogue+valley,+hse+here+photos+042.jpg" border="0" /></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Front View </div><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354643075011946930" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLhBFS6BXwoGGEkvunIojfa6Mzj24yfDepEfDM-kHQSpYbpTORwt2Vh2ntKRUL9Yd_DSPyfpYzYQzLXsDpJ5akRpJr54y0Gw7iYjUGhYD6_naT2Ch5wlm-O0hr1c-lApslEt6emao5CQ/s400/hse+bk+goodpics,parasail+09+008.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Rear View </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">You will wake up in the morning and wonder what you’ll pick from your garden today. </div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357722542814208738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK6hAmsFvjZnQFzOcDAt7C6DIgjoaAGre67v3_w0FfdMY8O86CVQESoXflCyWA_yaqNHMfSE_llBxqjh3oOZdvUiUdilEWi5sCFXC2VUqnam-G6pi6uVphCa33RVYONpLi7DOntv-qeY/s400/alex,june+7+09+052.jpg" border="0" /> • You will look out across the expansive Green Mountain vistas and wonder if the deer from yesterday will come to visit today. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354686432945602642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJJNC4ZLgAiTyWrua5iwFlI5XHeGiufuK7p_hATTtwlj15yDzZaK_7krYAkTQMGidBJdKWeml35ciGF3sPqm4Ao2mmqFU42I7dnvqAQJ1H9tWlzP5Z4z5oUwSN_JWXJRb6GOBoPuHDXE/s400/Pics+when+you+buy+this+house+003.jpg" border="0" /> • You will love going out on your back deck to see what new flora has blossomed, and then up the rock steps leading to wooded paths.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360250192944888114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41W7dGtBeRtbFTaD7U_aL13ZIK89_vtApn-wvwSbgadAUQ8XBcSPlJWvUxa_VXJAajaLRHrK2ep_iq3R3eLky_n9WzTRm2v33F57vlkqB1v34NIlZ-IqqB3MLAltYsJSFUoQrdrQvoH8/s400/w+fall,boat+09+002.jpg" border="0" /> • You will drive 10 minutes to beautiful Kalama Park on the Columbia River to walk and watch the ships go by, realizing that many have just crossed the Pacific Ocean.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354687279381190914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd1qhF0yPnU5HfEOFV9S34awbes0HzQ-eu0fjzGlA36WWIZTQwOaDdGVbY7THRZvjsV_MCNnIHrvTOiUPhWz1QP5yuoDtHm10FE3ixxn-dbQQZnO9Q8lb_g3t5RIHcbrsHwPtTNb9v7o/s400/ceiling,+boat+for+flyer+09+019.jpg" border="0" /> • You will love discovering little “pets” in the pond under your backyard waterfall where a school of goldfish dash out to great you, expecting to be fed!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360249665718180930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdyZKphtLavPDlko71NCcgNI9wI9Y46MLGwJELO5GyiC5zTfgOPYXKks8Ba2RKN8A-tjXEaKZY3hW44506ktKzl53XbC2W32nAizCIF_qgTLRXNSh7GkJsr-xBHF2cmRot37rv-julgA/s400/w+fall,boat+09+006.jpg" border="0" /> • You will wonder where the sounds of day have gone. These sounds are not cars rushing, horns honking, voices digressing. They are birds chirping, water trickling over rocks, wind whistling in the trees. And at the end of the day ...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354712625535441442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiQCmjw3KWOw36G6OzkTRRbyVPmZiUF_AlUHOcINSxxyYopWb0N_Fn0tc-QHOTXE6UhYUeLwImgxBotNhu0zlz1yRx9BaFJRL8Sa2iMizT-fGKwbVN9cj_rm70DwZoIyyHmofuuE2yIk/s400/06+Varsity+home+pics+050.jpg" border="0" /> • You will even lie on your back, once in awhile, simply admiring your lovely beams and ceilings. You will see them everywhere throughout your new home.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354689968714518002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUzpr6nlm9ahDOEKocChdFQPxoToM93pDjMo4kRILOuqGayO8PVpm5A3yShmkZERTycZM2J90vsa4g7iWp6_yLBvRJItr4uzWZijHyL9FO8JqDO4QFw4lnEfNPpVFgwzCVeBkv4zbkdQ/s400/ceiling,+boat+for+flyer+09+005.jpg" border="0" /> • You will know that you made the right choice to live “free!” on the “edge” of Vancouver, WA,<br />devoid of traffic yet full of nature’s beauty, and the knowledge that you are a mere 25 minutes from Legacy Hospital and 40 minutes from flights out of PDX Airport. LIFE IS GOOD!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360263210449609650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgkw0ckWWIpB8CZC3d6gbu4G_LOrCfSbA6gTZXAwFdvtkoaJUZJwLBVwuRQ7ROh_DzKovgYiipPkZvqWYxZlzAjL8x2xD62FAzSdlAazW4M_ET5FQiCAQphzH5eWN3Ishz0gli0voQzA/s400/06+Varsity+home+pics+018.jpg" border="0" />Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-19839606382508626752009-06-28T17:31:00.000-07:002009-06-28T21:10:10.605-07:00THE GIFTThis week (late June, ‘09) Dick and Patti received The Gift of adventure, beauty, and solace at Lake Tahoe, second home of Bob and Diana Nehls, including beautiful Molly who offered us her gifts as well.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352585590340066850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIrDnyg90jrU3Vw8CqxCPQLheolUwaAyTWTD40OCX7kk9CrtzZmjEYthQOBRLJvsB59wUuhjfznHNm40P3bYjC5yyZXBLgwzlfxeTBtWYlGRWB11Y9TP2hunZFvXMlS1-TV53TDScYMs/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+007.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJoTi4K9xDfHF_aMZSAoRvF1i1IM-COZIpW-XqNOAw0i2Yjb_5OlGqAd3RgAktzKelyQZmg-e_keZMUMeNXGgfS8TyuDo_ooytcgZ7cvGFRUn4j7g6fkWIiL9lMo3cuuV3QODNjjck5k/s1600-h/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+007.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352585869485743538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9QJTIN-JuoCGblTs89ntAJAqFv-lPifsG8UARP8qrHXLMCS_U-oJhQA7Sz7WaW0Vfsyrv5IlCi86DMSFxYMaZOMYdIknY48c2m1Vh3QO-1XgX_2EdNXmN8xI-EmVgYzTMlMHp6M4j5c/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Our adventure started with (ya gotta love it) food. And lots of it at the famous Harrah’s Casino where we first wowed ‘em with our combined “luck of the coin.” Which is to say we were amazed at how carefully and simply we “ca-chinged” our eight quarters, provided by Diana, to oblivion. We succeeded much better at eating.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352542534717861026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqVy5TSy36os-VrVVAvK2GcoMbWujfqMvr1aVM7zq8k5OOgHRf80nQPgtWJhR2PN7UVaXvil3uVTiDIWHmvVfAE0b3GPV23wGdYP5KDZ5pvrGxdgIEKfbaPSrHr0u3-7TDMf52Sm5k4o/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+005.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKtBDX9eBC6k_tccct129WJIiryYYGtCPjxIwC0fL-q_-0dtbZu5V_X-2MBB4dS95cRfMk1VVtHM6kXMjMcRg4Dfe3sHMiMRftjkQclMepDF3ubG-AICBosJeycJLDpRXn0RKxs49FSk/s1600-h/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352543337765997858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKtBDX9eBC6k_tccct129WJIiryYYGtCPjxIwC0fL-q_-0dtbZu5V_X-2MBB4dS95cRfMk1VVtHM6kXMjMcRg4Dfe3sHMiMRftjkQclMepDF3ubG-AICBosJeycJLDpRXn0RKxs49FSk/s320/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+083.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then, the next morning Diana and Patti lept up at an early hour to beat the “run on lanes.” Patti swam back stroke the whole time and was mesmerized by the huge, beautiful trees looking down on her in the perfectly warmed outdoor pool. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1jDsDOS9DjW_qD98bV7vTrUc58YtmuNkaSIF3jJlnGL1f6H8OsAXoOHLNih93fmhGxdVR3yuEGWpQ_QLGlDtFHQQSugCn2gqnLTAbtnxRZqxNq1xyUOEAFOwOk0KnFZuiksZ0y8fYZY/s1600-h/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352544661822256338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1jDsDOS9DjW_qD98bV7vTrUc58YtmuNkaSIF3jJlnGL1f6H8OsAXoOHLNih93fmhGxdVR3yuEGWpQ_QLGlDtFHQQSugCn2gqnLTAbtnxRZqxNq1xyUOEAFOwOk0KnFZuiksZ0y8fYZY/s320/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+013.jpg" border="0" /></a>The afternoon found us picnicking and enjoying more beauty during our walk down on Lake Tahoe. The pristine water showed it’s three signature colors, starting with emerald green and ending with dark blue, according to the water’s depth.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The afternoon was prime with fascinating information about beautiful Estates built at Lake Tahoe during the eighteen hundreds and well taken care of for visitors to see today. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352586891102384738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZVDi8O6c2qmkegzveSSJvq9QOOPCD_xPIR_VXcSnnvJ6dniqXzyA-wXtCmrcL4daadKpcvKm8s5loItNk2Osaf2D5pR2rMsTRqv73qOv2abfmTAjeZzwwR7T5LOHH8g0QhjgsZxQpHM/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>It was the HoneyMoon Cottage that was most “jaw dropping.” </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546468456968850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1WTZ59kzsQOT6wNfTlx2C7P398UFYPW37GMfy2GPTzS7697azRY8zK2Fijx69ARaGW-lWPqZWCoq3DvxmilXRPgHHgF5BLi6rBwezDYnliJygw0p09tVMsMXDdjUuyCj0ODiBJ_tBGk/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+024.jpg" border="0" />Wednesday was “Drive Around the Lake” day. . .and boy, what a day it was with sumptuous eating, seeking and sun setting: The Sunny Side Restaurant, Dick seeking out a hoped-for cousin, Mike Blide, and our watching the sun set from the Nehls’ long-known friend at her private home on the beach:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352547108269399010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x69QoVK9x8MIJ-Utd2mTTfYZkJ1jlj0ru-VU3GPNEeIrjnTagaIEjlKJOCWwnTwo1qxyBRhTYN9AEIRDoKZ7qS4Su51gwgZEC0PJHs0DKLSwPhgiuROOe46GQBIqB7cZIqB6z4Fu4mg/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+043.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352589402887931554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh42xUpgK8asZ5-u7FaMGsKOUXs91KZ0YAsyppfEmdxhIyJ2Rdzv4mPDUzKFlHjCzuQwRyzAQpnhtBbMCz2Nd2lekD4-dlv6O9K01kj7gSjRySJiiZ12VQIMyPUXOykcnwM9EbCuSXLM0/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+077.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />But wait! There’s more, here at “the bottom” so to speak: Yes, it’s the famous Butt Bridge where people are always found bending over to witness the feeding battle between the ducks and the trout.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352590164108316146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qqBOGIlINEJB8KAhBuonMHcsT9LI0aSODede6wBDZhKHNG8Fs6RaZRPuzscV1OG2npUmJ9aIDfa2gIYYCtD-xjNdUlzynlfOrF2JhLpf5ZK7kVOH9Z7ppU7B0bJ4intH4KqR8o05_Xo/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+044.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352551250011167362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVMu974a-LZQU3KZNeF2E7Pl1Celb9WhIDZcgb9jR6CwhZeP4_N_-eSJXYqS9_S9LqstijtlU3aICAGYg1_SkjqLf36MyONwyC-dkGmj2xzh5m411DJIEyDB7DHA5fMVUiGWcZGBBwQQ/s320/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+047.jpg" border="0" />Perhaps the most interesting was driving through Truckee, California the occupational home for Superintendent of Schools, Bob Nehls and for School Nurse, Diana Nehls with their long-worked, high energy jobs in an area they knew and loved. It was here that Bob had met and told Dick about, Mike Blide, who wasn’t there when we were, but all was not in vain as Mike’s wife was there and cards were exchanged. Truckee turned out to be a lovely homey town with delightful memories for Diana and Bob.<br /><br />Thursday became “ship day” with Diana’s making reservations for our 2½ hour-long fascinating sail on “The Tahoe Queen.”<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352551916826660242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXcJZxvHoAAiiLa5e9hqBQsofDEmCfc84gp3Qai44YlvFdxfNwHRONHpR5pnbO3JRcfZsn97YHDxLV7xoqOS0FeVBiu92MYTMTELgZ9c10uyivgd6acQDiYKnpybKoLUMo-po71OyhQo/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+097.jpg" border="0" /> The beauty of the area, especially Emerald Bay, along with an on-going “story” being told of the old days with the story-tellers dressed in old-timer’s garb, including fake mustaches and long dresses, made for excellent learning and beauty-loving. This was Dick’s favorite.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352591384215315234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjEK6Qu3BjAfVXNjVPpJbO4dPjcJBPKrZTlO-teXCXzv_1i1mjW6_ZriDSmDGUFx40Q1Q_vM6YQ8W2v2xnCW3ZZiT4AZnzTGEQ-j5_VIs5k695VAJ7XFiNDCm5z6k5InsmlSJUML7Qsc/s400/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+103.jpg" border="0" />The evening took us away to another country! Mexican food at the Nehls’ favorite restaurant was the plan for our last evening at Tahoe. The Margaritas were of many colors and flavors and Patti’s Taco Salad was declared the best yet enjoyed. Could it get any better?<br /><br />Yes, our last morning before leaving was the Nature Walk with one of the paths leading back to the lake. And yes, it was Patti’s favorite.<br /><br />Maybe it was because she got to smell a tree, a Jeffery Pine, known for it’s unusual, yet delightful aroma; Butterscotch!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkJsLcSUNZM6JLJoV02GQm2NnzfiVvLyf8GqoXQHbJ-2yX9IOGXRFZdGhP7IfBT6aWxZSUfN_vVa98iz4RYeIYy4VFgBjIur2PVIT5Z1b2G-M5HS3d_FEiZX3IwcRyjimI3P4PLNMY8g/s1600-h/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352554737793837746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkJsLcSUNZM6JLJoV02GQm2NnzfiVvLyf8GqoXQHbJ-2yX9IOGXRFZdGhP7IfBT6aWxZSUfN_vVa98iz4RYeIYy4VFgBjIur2PVIT5Z1b2G-M5HS3d_FEiZX3IwcRyjimI3P4PLNMY8g/s320/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTXarKgjaOEbjbF1hFT7P0uelmeX02cPizCjAs9B0AeBTM-NELQYtRZ9hp8DhtvP5V6w5pr2vcnBos8bQoCpouRL7wvGtcgED36a8Edx5-F4sLZYqxnOUNMMO6KSxLahxA_SLm9QK0MA/s1600-h/Tahoe,+Nehls+09+112.jpg"></a> This tree has a history known to most that “Jeff” as I shall call him, was too huge and impossible to cut down when all trees around him were taken out for “progress.” “Jeff,” therefore will never be cut. He lives! Forever! As will our memories. Thanks, to the Nehls. 6/27/09Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-32401390666475332082009-05-22T17:41:00.000-07:002009-05-23T17:53:35.657-07:00To Become a Rogue & Claim a Valley in One AfternoonFollow-up of “Medford Adventure”<br /><br />Now let’s see. What does the dictionary say about “rogue” . . .as in ROGUE VALLEY?<br /><br />“Rogue”. . “a rascal; a scamp. . .” Hmmmmm: “an elephant or other animal of savage disposition and solitary life. . .” Hmmmmmmmmm.<br /><br />All right, I might be a little bit of each, but is there more?<br /><br />Wait! There’s more! “a playfully mischievous person.” I like it; I’ll take it. I shall become it. . . and more so as Dick and I make our final decision to sell our beloved and beautiful home in Kalama, Washington to join the Senior Citizens of the world, whom we really hadn’t realized that we had become.<br /><br />This very week we ventured down to the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon, once again, to make a final decision about retiring to the Rogue Valley Manor Continuing Care Retirement Center (<a href="http://www.retirement.org/rvm">http://www.retirement.org/rvm</a>). Yes, that place, where I had worried and grumbled and tried to avoid on our previous visit (see “Medford Adventure” below). Howsoever, today I am a changed person and a happy camper for my number one ‘IF’ wish has happened and come true.<br /><br />To wit: This lovely “Village” of condos, apartments and cottages is “home” to almost 1,000 senior citizens who have chosen to live in this particular retirement community in Medford, Oregon, up high on a hill, while looking over to a mountain range and down on lovely green valleys accompanied by shockingly bright colors of trees and flowers. Howsoever, for Patti, the move had to be for one of the 23 Lake Cottages built only four years ago in 2005. What were the odds? Most hopeful seniors wait from 2 to 5 years for any housing at Rogue Valley, let alone one of the 23 Lake Cottages.<br /><br />Ah, but this year 2009, a surprise! A unique sale was to take place due to a new and third building, The Terrace, being built, as we speak, allowing for residents to move to the 26 new condos that will become available in September. Though we were “on the list” for a Lake Cottage from our last trip in March, we were cautioned that only ONE lake cottage was up for sale and that two couples were above us on the list for this one special cottage (it’s 2100 sq. ft. making it the largest). We gave up.<br /><br />And then Cindy Hail, with Marketing, called with a most unexpected message: “Both couples ahead of you on the list have dropped out of competition for #1706 due to neither one being able to buy the cottage until having sold their current homes.”<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338816439895595218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynAd6-kXg6c27nkGp_baMmOVb3CNoEmIwhhsymFoX-I_RHKgvN-X26IiAY6SdDBnN_IIdbzSeVkxrKE3Hbp2iiZSdPPprGAM6BaLDu-jfSyrOon4qC4XkahNqSain9PmFw-_yHIXZEBQ/s400/rogue+valley,+hse+here+photos+097.jpg" border="0" /><br />Woe. That sounded like us. However, Dick Blide got out paper and pencil and with furrowed brow worked out a feasible plan for us that would allow our buying cottage #1706 now.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338823346287730018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu-swANrn7BxUU_15fZi9ecMnvUJG-Q-tM9a541Sz_KjsTAWECu73dfam98QOAabwhdwr_BwGUjDy_hWk-wyYe7YI5cvu5Zrwzx70oTqZlNqGkaQV2Tdw5JVLSsW6NAil2nuDHJSHQbU/s400/rogue+valley,+hse+here+photos+087.jpg" border="0" /> Third cottage on the right<br /><p></p><p>Yea! Rah! We are thankful and ready to work like crazy to get our Kalama Home on the market and sold. . .in this horrible economy.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338817917078012594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg541kNZpPAU6Sauw1brSK6HI-zrdbYPjiSMGEe9lK4IZBemxdbv34-EDBwh3g6Edq3PLFsdXKfRZMI8X12XU54qlPcOf5J9Wn-XXbFhM2o3qhaplvqfoxNidHTdRtU1bO_yOnNgaaB2a0/s400/Copy+of+rogue+valley,+hse+here+photos+079.jpg" border="0" /><br />Side note: On the way down to Medford, a huge brightly colored rainbow lay arched and bowed end to end across the sky. #1706 might be our pot of gold . . . in the best possible way: Health-wise.<br /><br />Life is good!<br /></p>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-16774958367849627072009-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:002009-05-09T18:02:58.220-07:00Friendship FestivitiesAh, many years and several emails ago the writing, working, winning team of French and Blide promised to stay in touch by wire, by phone, or person and this week was the “person.”<br /><br />Alfre, né Alice, arrived by plane with a huge smile and a C-Pap attached to baggage. Which is to say that the Dick of “family-Blide” seems to have as much in common with Alice as does Patti. Both, as well being loved and admired by Patti, share talents in such as writing, computer “geekness” and game-playing . Alice used that darn I-Phone for everything but eating. It played music, took pictures, and Googled, to mention a few.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331773785811162434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOQNJ95Uo5V-eY9BmF60Ds85L39HUOHe_rIdfdiSWy0-5GV3LHn7YbvZk4yRCxEe85urbzuy2dTuRuVNYXjd64MkTKAviCAfzZg2cXwi3_Y2UjKxUWpmhBeObHbmuMW_TqSFgJyVMvH0/s400/IMGP3076.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Arrival was followed by lunch at McMinimins on the Columbia River with its sailing boats and fishing for Salmon. Later, eating birthday cake with “potted ice cream” was on the agenda in celebration of Alice’s April birthday.<br /><br />Day Two found we three off on a trip to Kalama’s Antique & Barista shop for Kelley’s famous home-made Chicken Noodle Soup with Curry Chicken Salad. It was Heaven! </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331774306107967202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKMwDf-G6YbZFq8Rex1tEOjrUbN-WNJjc8eb0jAZgfP5tninAitUP6gifZ3O1HjJuzU0fjTL1OV8gQUInC5fMKG4O3iu7Q0tx3srdloIzKYXPF4rykxOqMwcDzRPaU3O0oaHoUxxCzzw/s400/IMGP3097.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Our artistic friend loves beauty and nature, so off we went to Longview about 15 miles North of Kalama. Longview is known for its huge lake right in the middle of town (about ten blocks long, 3 blocks wide) of lovely gardens, water fountains, bridges, and rolling green hills rimmed in yellow water flowers every where. Even with the season being a little early we managed to surround ourselves with Rhododendrons: </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331775202657748098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNPRiiVFprrg16u0ywNz2snqhwvqIBqmhl2XekzP6VYEJgXouRm-stqbrVigIlHcFgcfS6FyVMxkujJ64VWioQmUNy0py0x7aq8HqxMtZF15pUD6sG1LqcYZUF_LYFjpB3ddkVnpUlZY/s400/IMGP3100.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331774799301422418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucvXOtxLA1w5KBom18PIPWkWBfdCHmGwMKlxLF13mYcp6Qg2vat_lKLSc-ANi7qDjLEADMFpBUf2Hwxc3PDH7dwbJUKpVJ394qPL3vehIkIIVnu9lV3rCEXZZ2ehzf3Lr2kZFSU1jfzo/s400/IMGP3102.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>And finally one shot in the famous Buddha Garden:<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331776200921265954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKoalEACTxyWWkDpJerUaZVoB1l90XYBpoaulvZi6DDewgp5YVf05qqJziboT_ng1ijqX3_HnBiXOvRoNE1H-_Bgg-Xc2i1VNlmz5O_-4kEexatNoir6G-80DjTpIASZBk1butniIjF4/s400/IMGP3106.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Back home Chef Richard’s famous Crab Cakes and Patti’s new recipe for Chocolate-Orange Torte, led right into our entertainment of the evening: Dancing with the Stars!<br /><br />At last! Day Three and what guest Alice was most waiting for: the camera trip of the Woodlands Tulip Festival: </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331778112322908818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sHB3OlqcZx_cAs6Ef40Shtoc7PjQk77wXfZHKwIunYtG05dMMPHPMP9yxSrS5VIIYizIkN2DeJ0vne8sCu744GNTBM5PhtJdBhQlGXExmo5Kf6SIzFQyBZn4w2GsIalXzz1jfwj94B4/s400/IMGP3112.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331778296172843234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb3JXlCNGS8_YzgGbUJZ9jCAJiCpIFfFbcPred4DRVMbN40Zp402xmKONIyxQz0UyrxjvZ55cxVZCNCNkIE_qxDdUGVtmYAMop_SAnfNhXzTTLvIy0RVffcAmRi4EZTffTbXse3BW3HI/s400/IMGP3107.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>On Day Four we enjoyed still more beauty of The Pacific NW with our car trip to the lovely Multnomah Falls coupled with a fabulous breakfast in their famous Falls Room.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331778937534789186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8Vvh7xH5KvTtUl3aBGF3nz1fraqusW9k_OhzCKw_-6LTQDl5KJCE3FcdNLjx0b9b_AFRtWj3B7vJwM0QHxyg20Cmor3H3O__RnVFNMkCNUXVJHREDiDwa79EbyRdOAZOKMYKseXPN-w/s400/IMGP3127.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331779176367641858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImXgeGCeWAuih5MBQHb2K0bbs54lKZJ66ogwEROZbdQtgHR7-JVlwW6ggV41eesXkXv6VSAabtrcjMysyvPNEEIQve33LdRYwQztZlVRXuITI4F1wrV_Y5CssyMkCRyvQZ45YisIptus/s400/IMGP3123.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Chef Richard rounded out the day with our trip to the Pacific NW Fish House for guest Alice to select a salmon to send back home and for Chef Richard to select our evening dinner. Guest Alice and wife Patti both ohhhhed and ahhhhed over our fresh Salmon dinner cooked to perfection by our personal chef. This was truly a beautiful finale to a beautiful visit of forever friends. </div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-16745072377283920482009-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:002009-04-13T21:48:51.041-07:00What I Did On My Easter VacationDear family & friends,<br /><br />Somewhat in my teacher mode, I decided to report on: What I did on my Easter Vacation<br /><br />Our Easter was cool, somewhat cloudy, and full of new experiences for Dick and Patti.<br /><br />Full of appreciation for the beauty and serenity of our life here, this early morning we jumped into our car and shot off for a new and unplanned adventure, in a near-by very small town.<br /><br />That town would be Rainier, Oregon just up I-5 and over the Columbia River via the Lewis and Clark (fairly new) bridge where we started with breakfast in a real live "bar" that had boasted a sign, "Family Breakfast," which fact we fell for. However, very few people were eating, but a few more were enjoying the Las Vegas type slot machines with pictures and arrows and "no banana" in terms of making money. But wait! It was all worth it: we got a Happy Birthday phone call from brother Pete whom we shocked with the news that we were in a bar!<br /><br />The other best part, was discovering the unusual "buggy" outside the bar making one wonder which local in that bar owned and had "decorated" such a "delight.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324348991185508722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQOqFUIrcP6zXh7gbX8rbJ_QNGAhxksi2IukDuqRRPJBlkP4llilUs_R0QTI4nJ6CWorfhuww19QXFgEFPgt_pgsYiQYC1pZkY39pqznDH1K8XbwcycR94m98896WU0k9RokjpS9c4Cw/s320/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />Later, just looking around and across the freeway, we discovered what looked like huge wood carvings. We abruptly turned off the freeway and found the right little road to drive into the Wood Carving place where we met "Robert" who proudly showed us his album of all types of carvings many of which had won awards. We especially fell in love with Robert's constant companion, Danny the Chocolate Lab, as well as with Robert's life-like carvings of dogs, which brings us to the reason for mentioning all this! As silly as this may sound, Dick and I actually started talking about having a Sibling-Sapling Totem Pole carved. Now, don't faint; it's just a thought. Bob's prices are very reasonable due to the fact that Washington is full of huge cedar trees so he gets them at low prices. The carvings would be caricatures of the siblings and saplings, the latter being, of course, the sibs mates.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4llve9S15iGoevVOvuRd8Awh3R4uDYx4iqaPKNXmuNiXU7U6wA56qu0JqlRdYJkcrm6pJj2brrhlelG228AM7AU14SXcoAe7LSAlAPtD9DJnEl8A2ccrsopQYsk6bjExkO9nzvU4sak/s1600-h/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+004.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdMqlx8r0qcesfYqcrSqUfEakDIA52lkja7ZBk7XJkpAoY54b_RRfi_bRzPgA641n9CCMq0hQG6Qxo9yA2ZHvTTZodie9-zCOA6g8w4Ad1_nDClnoZ2pBMRpqV7dJC28YteWQNb8gmQU/s1600-h/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324355717900721506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdMqlx8r0qcesfYqcrSqUfEakDIA52lkja7ZBk7XJkpAoY54b_RRfi_bRzPgA641n9CCMq0hQG6Qxo9yA2ZHvTTZodie9-zCOA6g8w4Ad1_nDClnoZ2pBMRpqV7dJC28YteWQNb8gmQU/s200/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86oy5IzEaZMlFyYBeD3nxAd4MzQ2vHktDuHcMjL9ORebqm7bTJzcqksKowM6QPlErRKfuwgJgcRYLr_kIBKnchm8DCiCcfGnmqHGm37Opp0eql-PrOMzzwNxyqEmJslj9MZ6s_Emm0ic/s1600-h/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324355994659238914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86oy5IzEaZMlFyYBeD3nxAd4MzQ2vHktDuHcMjL9ORebqm7bTJzcqksKowM6QPlErRKfuwgJgcRYLr_kIBKnchm8DCiCcfGnmqHGm37Opp0eql-PrOMzzwNxyqEmJslj9MZ6s_Emm0ic/s200/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMvd1Jxoc4goHE1KlMUyo1rtRx-ycukdpYa2VZlBa7K1EKhafrpF3wxt6uuQ_gWotX007miTYSOsfFTyZSJg9AykAdgfrfJV9TvYVeiLg6_Y4b5yTBdAl4Lb8SCmJxGos_SguGAXBjD4/s1600-h/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+005.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Oh, well, just a thought. Feel free to reply in any sense. After all, Life is short. Yes?<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>At any rate our "exciting" Easter dinner planned, using the Woods b-day gift (wonderful, beautiful, just perfect cooking tool) was a hit! We bought fresh Oregon salmon, simply added greens/tomato salad and specially sliced, then baked the potato slices with chopped onions on top. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324352107317963634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjbmHZUXWM2Zkl5nYiqpurYmKwpE1rqtelrIDeqRdjbhKmtr0Ea5X6icBoLxhB6UuQxW-CmF6KvGsBE2AnAW-YOU6kFkakkQu1TsHEXmRVN0VnG2x8U9P6a0qGSEsHdIeOCH74lO3VYM/s400/Reinier+visit,+wood+carver+015.jpg" border="0" /><br />So there you are. It's the little things in life that we cherish.<br /><br />Finally, there was also a worrisome Easter event. Dick had a call from his Heart Doctor's Nurse with info about Dick's needing another heart catheterization to ablate extra heart beats (equals less blood being pumped into his body) that have kept him so weak and tired. That surgery is planned for mid May; we'll keep you posted. Dick has full confidence in his cardiologist who did an earlier ablation (burning of the heart) for him.<br /><br />So, it is not too late to say, HAPPY EASTER each and every one. Life is good.<br /><br />patti with dickKnow & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-42835369385542547592009-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:002009-04-03T13:19:52.093-07:00Medford Adventure“Oh, to be fifty again!” That ode heard often from the grinning face of our dad, never left me. When fifty years hit me, I rejoiced; my friends wondered why.<br /><br />Now, at seventy-something, I have still been wondering where “old age” is/was/or shall be. “Wake up!” I heard myself say recently. “Dick Blide, (husband of great looking legs) is going to be eighty next year and our Dad died in his early eighties. E-Gad.”<br /><br />And so that is why Dick and I took off this week to see what “old age” really is and what we “should” do about it. Dick has been stressing over and over his need to slow down and plan for the future, health-wise. I have politely listened; but didn’t hear.<br /><br />However, it is true. Dick, in the last decade, has earned that concern, especially considering “going down hill” as he says, regarding his vision, his heart, and his nervous system. All of this leading to his open heart surgery for valve repair (two of the four valves), a pace-maker surgically placed in his chest (I have coyly called it his third boob), the lessening of balance in his feet and strength resulting in the need of Retuxin, a med inserted by needle over a period of several “sittings” to stop the progression of neuropathy (nerve damage), and maybe the scariest of all, “wet” macular degeneration, or blindness in his left eye (except for his peripheral vision) with shots needed monthly now with efforts to save his right eye from loss of vision. Dick Blide has always been energetic with running marathons (9 of them), climbing and skiing down mountains, and enjoying the outdoors, generally, with gusto. I finally faced reality and am now wanting to do anything to make life easier for both of us, but mainly, being honest to myself regarding the health of this good man and wonderful husband. Off we went this last week to Medford Oregon, seeming to us both to be the best of the several places we have visited, heard about, or read about: Rogue Valley Manor.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320540861237527458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUaSakj9bmL3JDIlFeu9_t-9M4htErGsk-T2A1eBKFPiGZucdJlzcjS0wIRAMFEFJEyWnmyiZhS0a4Sh8Af-zGjIXNlT7CZqzC6l3Y3V5wbvoIOPhrevh6Fb7CxGfPSiqOsRm6xaKTWE/s400/medford,+blackledges+065.jpg" border="0" /><br />We were met by Cindy Hail of Marketing, with whom we had gone through most of what there was to see and do, back in January. With this huge Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) we just couldn’t remember it all and were invited to stay for a few days in one of their cottages. We did pay $65.00/day which included all three meals of unbelievable gourmet dining (three dining areas to pick from). Cindy gave us the keys to an adorable one bedroom cottage within walking distance to everything. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320541527915336306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-addcO48MQJgi08jL_GRqVYeOaHIQwaFKAAUb5T3l2Nvm9k5kxNL9074oTgf3PhF2XRuc85aa6jVRP7_h_WvIm3H3zWf_IJJtvno34Nd826EJTu3zUw4i90bZFOyZ9eOmyJhitzQpr4/s400/medford,+blackledges+019.jpg" border="0" /> All amenities were there including a completely appointed kitchen, clothes washer and drier, huge TV, king-size bed, sitting room, etc. Even the views from the back deck were wonderful. Cottages are sized up to about 1,800 sq. ft. </p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320542028254294946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19BqidoN6yEIK37PJKbjJQOobX1uQ0neMGB7ah1IKly7RdxE-24G-HIL4jo2jBqeKHq4mT_u4A6XQREenuDZ4Dbkg3T8njS2nnuGCpM7oXEHRuWzzg4ZtzwKFSDch6VV-w94rm1YGcsM/s400/medford,+blackledges+002.jpg" border="0" /> Residents stay in a choice of three lovely places: in addition to The Cottages, is The Manor where the “needy” residents stay for medical assistance available, as well as the doctor on the premises in the clinic right next door.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320542432937327522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DvINEbdf_NRjjrr8mo-LZ8kok8iXPrTX5_DYUqthmRjsJEzuZyOF-j_9QrJus2l50RMcfblIfY7g-VfgWslzpCxUtMzhyphenhypheniV4Ef5FeOSrYKDyyySmEH50_-LOqmUSf6AQ5cLwN-oYJr4/s400/medford,+blackledges+016.jpg" border="0" /> Next is the The Plaza, with different sized condos, as well as, lovely accommodations in the unusual attached dining area (on left of picture below).<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320542912900532354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvKroQ3WVyzYbmGOL0gMj5ELpRcAX69x6OV7EsC8vZNa-FBtvKHeJGnrbefbUGY2caHE8zwvb-hkLp55ClrESTHJ19X2drEZdgN-IrvyGt_Rpqm4lIOqaquO0FPAb-vuUyLPRoN3wzKk/s400/medford,+blackledges+050.jpg" border="0" /> We had lots of free time and enjoyed the outdoors. First, we traipsed the treed and flowered Bear Creek path that stretches for miles just below the Manor.<br /><br />The best of the best, however, was twelve miles to the south in Ashland, where we enjoyed the 93 acre Lithia Park, beautifully landscaped for walking, jogging and enjoying nature at its best, as well as housing the lovely building (below) built for the famous Shakespeare Festival occurring in Ashland in the Spring to Fall months.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320543533566941922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUeh_g5s8FnD_9MHbwbxpXu3NFdHOxLv9whQb8qKtmvCmNaNcvzUqykV5DcC2Tjbn7QRbyntwJSyGOmRzBB9piJR2D5s0roZvedvCAcaGOawu-v6VOmjfqAgL1cioJYiXPMJ_sC9fXJQ/s400/medford,+blackledges+005.jpg" border="0" /> Finally, were the kind evening hosts, both sets of whom picked us up in their cars and transported us (about ½ mile) to dinner. From them we learned many positive reasons for coming here, especially after hearing about their lists of possible retirement places they had visited that did not match up to The Rogue Valley Manor.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320544073310975010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIqiISj6409ZPUp1QJmdBFmxnrkcTysWnMgF6aTp6Kj-1t9S3txUpdvAl1wulw6SPRTsUhuMxTNZqELLeIkX8QeLrDFMGqOBRdKssmxwZHKMPJzyuHSjC1jepZMmejSOSE87iX4y3DvU/s400/medford,+blackledges+034.jpg" border="0" /> Here we see the unbelievable Lisa (center), who plays five instruments and heads up (as volunteer) the planning of all musical events for the Manor. Her friend, “August,” a civil engineer (ret.) volunteers to help residents with their income tax needs. Hmmmm. Maybe I’ll be a swimming teacher volunteer!<br /><br />A final thought before we leave Cindy, here, in thinking back regarding this interesting “adventure for the future.” There are some helpful and special “perks” that accompany the joining of this beautiful and caring place when one retires to this active and cheerful adventure.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320544562265500146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvz-4lCzAdp3zCxlXJT4W523LIJHgwT8FpQjmAFqJVyFB_GVjOvCWcVSS2EABzgTzLAvtlgFJnHwk2MwmtNEcZWQId7ipzULcFHPSqqkUyCHHQYjZM6azJHhW6rDZRWKuI5A43BfIcT4/s400/medford,+blackledges+048.jpg" border="0" />Other stuff that we really like:<br /> - Rogue Valley is non-profit<br /> - Three meals/day including some snack areas are available to all as noted<br /> - House cleaning services automatic every third week, including windows!<br /> - All grounds taken care of including plantings, mowing, “cutting back,” all buildings and common areas.<br /> - All work out facilities (swim pool, gym equipment, pool volley-ball,<br /> bridge club, book club, wood-working club, Wii gaming club, sewing club,<br /> music club, “pool shooting,” motorized sail boat races, art club, etc.) are free except for a small fee for golf.<br /> The pool (20 yards long) is open 7 days/ week 24 hours/day.<br /> - Scheduled bus service to shopping areas, churches, downtown Medford, nearby medical facilities and other destinations are available at no cost. Continuous on-grounds bus service available daily.<br /> - Health and medical services available; some fees as noted.<br /> - And finally, the sun shines in Medford 75% of the time --- yea.Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-32175309470557474992009-02-23T14:00:00.000-08:002009-02-23T15:24:20.740-08:00Maui_09<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJJhzyZdS4ELsUYXF78Vf0I1xcOp3Cg2cKC82IngUtbApskyT7fb-_OouFFuunaDFqFtF_DUZAi_SKJ5aQrjIlVu23cY35aL42OZClE6oPqe9ecZ3v8mRIOKKBxNTsApBcPkIJOFTJ3s/s1600-h/IMGP2509.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306116733397506866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJJhzyZdS4ELsUYXF78Vf0I1xcOp3Cg2cKC82IngUtbApskyT7fb-_OouFFuunaDFqFtF_DUZAi_SKJ5aQrjIlVu23cY35aL42OZClE6oPqe9ecZ3v8mRIOKKBxNTsApBcPkIJOFTJ3s/s400/IMGP2509.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We’re back!<br />We’re browned!<br />We’re saying Aloha to each other when we wake up in the morning.<br /><br />Hawaii has happily left its mark on us assuring Dick and Patti that they did the right thing last year when they bought the two week timeshare condo at the Sands of Kahana in Maui, Hawaii. Our morning (7:00 am – 8:00 am) walk of 70 minutes to the Java Jazz Coffee Shop, also called Good Ass Coffee, started off each day with cheery “Good Mornings” offered over and over again as we passed/met other walkers, joggers, bikers of all ages on this same street running alongside the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean.<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40HJRoR8Yn3n20KdlMJZ_oZ11tctYH11FlvpaUexfCjBngBl5ZWu_oo3owC-ZT92XeIzvvYSpoT3O993I75AnHhGcRJj96FZfM4vi0GQxoMX8w0sqnmKRgNBBdIewn7DmklOi_oE2htE/s1600-h/IMGP2523.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306117466939026658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40HJRoR8Yn3n20KdlMJZ_oZ11tctYH11FlvpaUexfCjBngBl5ZWu_oo3owC-ZT92XeIzvvYSpoT3O993I75AnHhGcRJj96FZfM4vi0GQxoMX8w0sqnmKRgNBBdIewn7DmklOi_oE2htE/s200/IMGP2523.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3H3ZfpiTjIHtBR9WFShMIs_lkb09mVEVJoebzTslfNGt-_Lo_p6dR-SB9PTR67kCG9e_-UJZmwsE2Ct2GSgtVOztTAFodC-igtpjlvTWNeVTfXo5wA3EQ0lO3RvlKJ1OtIaj2_4OhRI/s1600-h/IMGP2522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306117812634462930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3H3ZfpiTjIHtBR9WFShMIs_lkb09mVEVJoebzTslfNGt-_Lo_p6dR-SB9PTR67kCG9e_-UJZmwsE2Ct2GSgtVOztTAFodC-igtpjlvTWNeVTfXo5wA3EQ0lO3RvlKJ1OtIaj2_4OhRI/s200/IMGP2522.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yes, we were in that surf peering down, left and right for more and more brightly colored fish of all sizes and shapes. Boy, does The Lord have artistic talents or what! Our two favorite places were Black Rock, where turtles also lay in wait to “smile” up at one, and the place we named “Shady Beach” for all the trees reaching out to serve as shade, and/or hammock-holders.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzCz-v8jpH37NwOCC03n5gMnzVJXOZEKPB-c05apwJntzt-Q7jUwzmdLx65vNIPCvJBoxelgIbbgZ27Sn1zIqgg2-dCHyM-3qtSy8RCYgUlZ_7YXuDXUrTzoLCTjqHtnP8Rv2P2JXSxE/s1600-h/IMGP2535.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306118189842162994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzCz-v8jpH37NwOCC03n5gMnzVJXOZEKPB-c05apwJntzt-Q7jUwzmdLx65vNIPCvJBoxelgIbbgZ27Sn1zIqgg2-dCHyM-3qtSy8RCYgUlZ_7YXuDXUrTzoLCTjqHtnP8Rv2P2JXSxE/s200/IMGP2535.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQDa1TagtOn2N2PP2WYa9vpjbsNmu7_mcCrZLJhJ36SJPgcoFOqCIBoD2R8zknQ1kAiM4K0Nd_VXEaBkf6layxIqGBbm1mU-L3LOHN_dabaf9JvAqDc5nyobXhosvsYxkAmtPRtAwQgI/s1600-h/IMGP2533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306118497318639858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQDa1TagtOn2N2PP2WYa9vpjbsNmu7_mcCrZLJhJ36SJPgcoFOqCIBoD2R8zknQ1kAiM4K0Nd_VXEaBkf6layxIqGBbm1mU-L3LOHN_dabaf9JvAqDc5nyobXhosvsYxkAmtPRtAwQgI/s200/IMGP2533.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306119458786027122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEY06CarhM1t8fpoL1lDpVq8mZsl3pM3h8M0UVDnHNV8BqYmblOLUGxnxJJpgp8VYnhJ5w1w2vX5yuEZVjCj1nsKfZw17mTOlRy5NCa-_ewLfzTF-qgzVWpZYGOl3FZCpCJT4cMzTe0Y/s400/IMGP2573.JPG" border="0" /> And then there was the food. Having a Fresh Fish Market and Outdoor Food Market on our walking street didn’t hurt. Our first “fancy” food outing (this means wear a “nice” shirt, at least) was a luxurious dining experience (one we went on last year w/ Mike & Bonnie, and suggested to us by neighbors The Nehls and The Bates) was Canoes where one wondered if the surf would slap up on the windows! That food could NOT be beat, and of course, it was fish with gorgeous presentation; unless it was the famous Hula Pie at Leilanies in Whaler’s Village.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306121238257506242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UAfl0GMAJVIElWivb1_C-yVt7-PXzFBcSA3XkDPU9Nmwl4pz_-4WJXnVUSGLTVtWQ3VgP_GaG2RJQ7c-Hl4DlnddhYvGxbdD-WTVcgbEw39WeI6nxJfWF3i3UN-yjwJnThUQoV1jElk/s400/IMGP2540.JPG" border="0" /> Other food was what we fixed ourselves in our cozy condo kitchen where we invented our first “Smoothie” filled with fresh Hawaiian fruit (mainly bananas – did you know they grow upside down? – as well as Hawaiian pineapple, strawberries and blue berries along with soy milk which gave us “creamy” w/o much soy taste or calories. We also practiced with veggie frittatas. Then there was Valentine’s Day at The Plantation House where Mike’s friend, Bonnie’s friend took us last year. Wow! Yum! Dick had the expected freshly caught Pompano and I ventured out for rack of lamb that blew me away with it’s delicacy and flavor. With all that, I must admit that the GREATEST and BEST were the views while eating. There is no “green” any greener than Hawaii’s (how do they do it?). At Canoes it was the moored sail boats wafting to and fro in the breezes and the white surf against the blue, blue ocean. At The Plantation it was the rolling golf greens ending at the blue ocean shore. Gasp.<br /><br />We did little shopping but did love wandering through Lahaina where Bonnie had taken us last year, and the Wyland Gallery, where we asked about the most beautiful coffee table ever made by sculptor, Wyland, who only wanted $20,000 for these three bronze turtles supporting an oval glass top. I bantered with the salesman telling him that once I asked my husband if I could sell our son (I hope you’re not reading this, Alex) to pay for a fabulous statue that I do have now in picture only. The salesman laughed and said he had one client who actually sold his house to pay for a Wyland. Hmmmmm. And then he told me (after saying I could not photograph it) I could find it on line. And so I shall.<br /><br />The ice cream in Lahaina was yummy, and the artists’ efforts for sale under a huge Banyan tree canopy were spectacular.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306122019357832658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhru7Rd2eISSVOwPGFn-U_pHaQ1Umv8ZbLpTiit3TAnom1_1AXvSkGPxH9LHTZPUajCmk5ncv80gJxNf50qdmm4z4_Hv50EDv5c9fS0DfLgK8gHlXXmuK-N_9GBMM3aF9WioTcNhyK_gsg/s400/IMGP2606.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306122272112513954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdRlCI3t7JIl_y6tArNOo5TKk4PiHr-22Asbf1pOgwfzPvjJ-Q7zOW_PpHrXm3xgHN-FT3UUnoVRJw6q10r5XA8Ea3bbNHuqwDGzxeRjXipZZixlYzaJKNEZMYOqJcXgRzZFa1mpyzKg/s400/IMGP2612.JPG" border="0" /> Finally, before we left, Patti rushed outside where we had been taken on a nature walk by “Bill” of The Kahana Sands, to photograph (especially for Penny) some of the Flora beautifying Hawaii everywhere. No, I did not know that bananas grew upside down.. And I did not know the chunks and holes in the bark of the soaring palm trees was NOT due to bugs, but to the spiked shoes worn by the men who climbed these tall, tall trees to take down the coconuts before they fell down and bonged someone on the head possibly ending in death. Gad. And I did not know that these beautifully leafed, huge bushes became “sliced looking” leaves due only to the wind, not naturally! And I did not realize that the Croton shrubs developed their bright array of colors leaf by leaf over time, all having been green, originally.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSLE0pI05CtUvxmQNIIynn8Uu4oD73921rhwg2wuUq4AWW_srE8jWMeKW4Al26inqSzRtnY5UL9qx-veKZWpmU0jYjPmbvbHqtFaczO_mIx5MFA1dEMXBqWzgnzlajruD5-xCMjVaDBE/s1600-h/IMGP2625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306123128561766786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSLE0pI05CtUvxmQNIIynn8Uu4oD73921rhwg2wuUq4AWW_srE8jWMeKW4Al26inqSzRtnY5UL9qx-veKZWpmU0jYjPmbvbHqtFaczO_mIx5MFA1dEMXBqWzgnzlajruD5-xCMjVaDBE/s200/IMGP2625.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqOrwTTltB6npt3CcF4B9zWmJb7okqB3T3-far69XbwsVILPjPwyztU-_wCc4ex569xIoemMTHM_GxNFMeauOEEmDKR2g432pWyFeCfJvn8vzr-zN1vfUszTPfrW4bWJs_2FrR_KChZ8/s1600-h/IMGP2619.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306123382586350114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqOrwTTltB6npt3CcF4B9zWmJb7okqB3T3-far69XbwsVILPjPwyztU-_wCc4ex569xIoemMTHM_GxNFMeauOEEmDKR2g432pWyFeCfJvn8vzr-zN1vfUszTPfrW4bWJs_2FrR_KChZ8/s200/IMGP2619.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQg1zDhXq3YEl1LZnDsGz5v1zY81vn8H3fkpdDA43HTQwcWcmmJDdoWnp-7sWKEO48NR_ARuYvdH0prDXOLgnqQ432AsMQgoEwWMceWPCdUgEe6vYpJwjhMETQ_OhTmy0Nwr0cLB0VlI/s1600-h/IMGP2626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306123707485980994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQg1zDhXq3YEl1LZnDsGz5v1zY81vn8H3fkpdDA43HTQwcWcmmJDdoWnp-7sWKEO48NR_ARuYvdH0prDXOLgnqQ432AsMQgoEwWMceWPCdUgEe6vYpJwjhMETQ_OhTmy0Nwr0cLB0VlI/s200/IMGP2626.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk9wKiVmO5EVgI_aPg1ZI12_BNx3d_3FaNNZv3fbGf9T4KrT3ufHL1TkV0_Qohl3OolH3GWYSFPMoyl_buY6jfp3Yij-qIuBk1mgeLlKSrQQ9FN3UY9AFNIuabTdvfdZJYVL37OBJEms/s1600-h/IMGP2634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306124070211761666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk9wKiVmO5EVgI_aPg1ZI12_BNx3d_3FaNNZv3fbGf9T4KrT3ufHL1TkV0_Qohl3OolH3GWYSFPMoyl_buY6jfp3Yij-qIuBk1mgeLlKSrQQ9FN3UY9AFNIuabTdvfdZJYVL37OBJEms/s200/IMGP2634.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>And yes, after all that beauty, it was O.K. to leave, for we will return next year. We got back into the swing of things with our five hour plane flight which flew us right back into reality. Patti escaped into her Christopher Reeves bio, “Still Me,” leaving her in tears all the way home, while Dick Blide continued to enjoy his latest addiction, Sudoku,<br /><br />Mahalo! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ramIQz19OgLaVsWyWYcMqo47202gQ3z2BT4ffasx6VT0vVktn8MGvoGfoOf6Eow3oLc-uYvxU-c_4o7lOvQxNGOvDmDGgcyzjbeNA0CwpPs5vU7Tua5fZ7QCzT85JsJTkUFbkddGmR8/s1600-h/IMGP2486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306125325145592354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ramIQz19OgLaVsWyWYcMqo47202gQ3z2BT4ffasx6VT0vVktn8MGvoGfoOf6Eow3oLc-uYvxU-c_4o7lOvQxNGOvDmDGgcyzjbeNA0CwpPs5vU7Tua5fZ7QCzT85JsJTkUFbkddGmR8/s200/IMGP2486.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Life is Good,<br /><br />patricia and richard </div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-32061601156062822312009-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:002009-01-03T10:50:44.514-08:00<span style="color:#ff0000;">Merry Christmas, 2008, at The Woods’ Home and Catalina Island</span><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287106880652452930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmtLCCEgv9Ywle7__APwz1cw0OyUEEW16ysJZMdjUdzIIZCgQpsiMZTP6VBcfzOhiu0DLO6EEgjAhHQslMykN_hcZ8dWkk_lWmcQmsijk_Ll1FhuEtEQR46CJ1EtAOqSbtBlfG7Ubkkc/s320/Xmas08+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />Many, happy days ago, five Christmas “Bunnies” met at Chez Woods, and later at Catalina Island to share a lot of feasting and enjoying family with two sibs, two husbands, and one Handsome Giant Son.<br /><br />The six days of joy were “headed up” by the Christmas Head Gear (above) brought to somewhat mirror the “noses” of yester-year which, in fact, also, brought smiles and comments from all who saw us.<br /><br />Our first big adventure opened up for us at the Long Beach Yacht Club when the two Woods and one Handsome Giant Son set up a grand celebration for the 79th year of Dick Blide happily being here on Earth. Penelope must have presented one cookie per year! </p><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287107283105636786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQwr1KhkIw42ZTejK7m9p7kksaO_BOStMEq2aPOiI-3BuPjUTmrKxUtnGlAL5_gg_bgVP_iZQPeiYXVjr8jxs4s0Dh9p1HYZNVgK17KW3c9pJujN7Wc8nmRm-WFcm4yZbRw6_NW0bGjQ/s400/Xmas08+006.jpg" border="0" /><br />Then, Christmas Eve Day found us accompanying son, Nicholas to his favorite church, and favorite pastor since high school days. The music gifted us this evening was professional in its beauty and fed our souls most of the one-hour delightful service. We guess over 500 appreciative people attended.<br /><br />The next day, beautiful walks took place, ending in a brightly decorated mall-type place where we tried to “fit in” with our (twins’) head gear.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287107921686401154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0WNc8gmVxBIVIcSbqxSV6i-xVxKM6uHUnm9MHJui1eiY4LtCBqItieB_AQhxz4PaqRqslI4JZ8iTjBBN7KXf_N2GXCAg7YbZK_l0BcSlrmHrE9SfCuBirOlx7WpCsHXdElr24D82bxo/s400/Xmas08+013.jpg" border="0" /><br />Christmas Day Brunch hosted by the Woods, found us in beautiful surroundings with many cheered people sharing the fabulous (too much) food and sparkling environs.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287111959224916690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNX9s9DpmIsM6duQH7QQVaUgthg3dvkjY0t88xah3C0xpehyphenhyphend6bx0iflUK56_i5Bof2jg6KRqaK_GvKOVrJ4pu29qlMXzHQUMcX9wZ2V8ZPfTWWTGo4-Vd2c4DSgVYyfc75ehAKUuRgOs/s400/Xmas08+016.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287112806952846386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89WZ9o1-s2PGV2rYO9Y06Kby0ZU7jSHgOhyphenhyphenp7TihTKdk5PzNfl3KQrUN95eDrUZ8zfid-QMDUEz3rt3D-T6MWXVAeOwYb9q_d48QmpPXdRSwUy7V_4T6_bbHuDEp6STGelXg-GkFGvrs/s400/Xmas08+014.jpg" border="0" /><br />And finally, gifts were exchanged with the first being the announcement of three days at a darling condo at Catalina Island for the Blides from and with the Woods! Wow! Further gifts for the Woods were opened, including one from Michael Mouse who didn’t even know it (Fred discovered many friends in the Rice U. book of years ago).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287113347481479042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pdbjlNuZcihtap2A4rQyQ0mINwSjjjcu36U2Ky7I1h-4OSsGex4aGMfnmJRcTLsFabwhb2i3AWBmlA1-FVMXpZogq3KIZHJkGKxC8S_xFNa3XMfAAYbPIPnX2XPCGqsaAEMdVeF9-cE/s400/Xmas08+021.jpg" border="0" /><br />But wait! There’s more!<br /><br />An adorable and cozy condo awaited our arrival by Ferry (below). . .accompanied by a darling gas-run scooter-type open air vehicle able to seat all five of us at a time! Nicholas and Frederick did most of the enjoying of said scooter; Patti and Penny feared the open air part and jumped right off as soon as possible. They walked.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287113985344651906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtbcYO0uH5k4hQ-Hj15sAkpqOF6TPmCQdjCAPWSb8XSDGUiDPcv7A2Kmr9iwD5a2xLMagizD9euWkwbJ4AP4ET6dcxBbDt0zIgaIrrxuLdVRPHhrL67rb-D-jeTDdStwhHZIo0O56gWA/s400/Xmas08+023.jpg" border="0" /><br />The following three days were stuffed almost as much as we, with great eating, hiking, and watching all the beauty of Catalina Island. . .especially the sunshine, (almost new to the Blides) fun eating places (one of them insisted we throw all peanut shells on the floor) and gorgeous buildings with surprises of wild buffalo almost close enough to touch.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287137864701622114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdjfk5IqALPMaGGM0G6ozLhGrh6o0RPLipJAP42ECPMqajLp-LrvUh4kRlkEq5l-y6RhK5eDTXhRfLkqJSMjvIsZxERP2mbTbi-tIBnef0zWabuJuRgtmOencZdiACaB2mvKv6EvOkGQ/s400/Xmas08+046.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287115236290280882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTq46hLTJUIrqKUHbF9qhT1FFRJwUhGPLugFm7ba6wLxIj1c4Dn5-hDld3A1QTxqHg1Esa8_g4E8vMqDJN-tnhaXi1RNkjnjSz-O6EzEMDjyHf9PhgD6SdO275k5ZU2oOTe3F7QnW2Mw/s400/Xmas08+038.jpg" border="0" /><br />Finally, it must be reported that Big Woody almost walked our buns off, and Dick found a hat big enough. Finally,<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287115859378465346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSW3IjdvSZxf1GE8-sx5ZJyXRuWoqKj6-kh7VMBKCGMBWujpp-O9gj1nxAbOkkk48tNldNqDOgAFnyqnPdElMoI2fBgLoFNkGy40j6BJdtEK-IoxRT8BmZBaGQxZ5ulKNmgXH-hvrHIyY/s400/Xmas08+026.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287116588783211106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRc30OQN11YtYkM96Gb7KkoSIUo1Z7nvbZfTf7Sx8wGgaNxgacRGiDnYEX8fc8i2oIrqFXajWCQaceXXh0oBxyA1a1BlXApxQpKuvAy33nKN9e2KvBlCKPj3xrnddyBYFKNVHGuc6kTw/s400/Xmas08+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287117121365660866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVtfhnjlyFE3UWnqPce7AcbVh0tyADarAf4DjUt0X0NfWmAKXMyItMUpHcP05_oV4N-8xzIUS06UD50Gi_Csg-iHHYpCk9iGZ7ANTIOA-5u906Ess-_j6oaJfLDPeDrYsAirrgEr1FJc/s400/Xmas08+051.jpg" border="0" /><br />the giant Pelican, made it clear, he hated to see us leave. . . </div><div></div></div></div></div>Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-11299163114710272332008-11-18T10:49:00.000-08:002009-01-09T07:49:17.926-08:00Philosophy of Teaching<br /><br />Ariel, we move on to actual “Teaching.” See if you like these ideas. I wrote these thoughts as one of eight essays submitted toward my selection as RISD Teacher of the Year, 1990-1991 and then as Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year (1990 – 1991).<br /><br />Teaching is one of the Passion Professions. Teaching is a calling, a mission, a gift, an addiction, a “high.” Writers write from need; musicians play, sing, or compose to bring out what lives inside their souls; philosophers cannot keep from thinking, musing, sharing. The teacher is each of these. S/he does not decide to be; s/he just is.<br /><br />All teachers do not live in the classroom. Some teachers seem to teach by example, as do leaders. Some teachers teach looking back over their shoulders, as do philosophers. Some teachers teach with a wide angle lens on the now; as do pragmatists. Some teachers teach looking up over the horizon, as do visionaries. The classroom teacher is each of these: a leader, a philosopher, a pragmatist, a visionary.<br /><br />An outstanding teacher knows s/he is outstanding. S/he does not worry about formal evaluations; s/he self-evaluates constantly. S/he looks into the eyes, hearts, and minds of her students watching for pluses to be expanded and for minuses to be improved. S/he exudes self-confidence, good health, energy and joy. S/he loves learning and her students know it. S/he gets excited about new ideas, and her students want to be the ones to present them. S/he is happy when s/he is in the classroom (literally or figuratively) and misses it when s/he is not. S/he does not bring heavy baggage into her teaching space. S/he leaves it at home. . .or on the jogging track.<br /><br />An outstanding teacher models but does not preach. She stands tall but not from a pedestal. She facilitates more than she dictates. She listens as much as she talks. She knows that inside each student lies a little pearl of truth and beauty itching to know and to understand more. She knows some pearls are deeper and harder to find while others seem to shine and gleam from the surface. The important fact is that the pearl is there in each and every student. The outstanding teacher does not seek out only the easy students with pearls of great luster and great beauty. The outstanding teacher finds a special privilege and satisfaction in seeking out and finding those deepest, darkest pearls of little luster and little beauty. It is the outstanding teacher who discovers that the greatest effort can produce the greatest reward.<br /><br />The outstanding teacher does not go beyond her teaching space simply because s/he seeks reward. S/he goes beyond to extend her gift. S/he seeks out a chance to support students outside of the classroom. S/he seeks out new avenues to learn more so that s/he can enrich her gift.<br /><br />The outstanding teacher is, to a great degree, a visionary. But s/he is also a realist and a pragmatist. S/he knows that all students can learn. But sometimes s/he realizes that there will be failures despite her efforts. S/he knows that it is acceptable to grieve these failures, and s/he does not blame or dismiss them easily.<br /><br />My greatest reward in teaching has been in the learning. Through teaching, not only am I learning deeper and broader content information, but I have learned that because of the seriousness of the teacher’s responsibility, s/he is dealing with conscience more than many other people. As a new teacher, I did not know that teaching would hone such outcome, let alone reward. As a new teacher, I reveled in the rewards of student discovery, of teacher/student caring and loving, of saved failures, of the excitement of creating. But now, I realize that with each year, with each effort, I have become a better person; a kinder, more adaptive teacher; an intellectually more interested student. And so now I know that the outstanding teacher is, in fact, an outstanding student. I am proud to continue to be both. . .teacher and student; the one enhancing the other.Know & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253152536372947632.post-71357319989016670452008-10-20T15:34:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:50:22.648-08:00Patti’s Blog: Education: Facts & Facets<br /><br />I. Operation Ariel: The Treasures of Teaching And Why I Know You Want To Teach But May Not Realize It Yet<br /><br />Author, Patti Blide, is a retired 36-year public school teacher who has taught all grades, Third through Twelfth, completing her career as high school Principal for Instruction<br /><br />Dear Ariel, <br /><br />This is your Grand Mom speaking. . . specifically to you. Knowing that you are a whiz at the computer, I choose to “talk” to you via these monthly blogs. I believe so strongly in the purpose of this blog that the writing of it will be pure fun and joy for me. You, at the age of seventeen, and my only Grand Girl, are my absolute joy, as you are to others who know you. Isn’t Life great?<br /><br />We will cover Two Points of Interest in this Blog<br />- Why, Ariel as Teacher- My Story as Teacher<br /><br /><br />Why Ariel As Teacher<br /><br />Ariel is a happy personwho loves life.<br />Ariel is thoughtful and kind to others<br />Ariel is talented intellectually, artistically, creatively<br />Ariel loves to learn, try new ideas, share ideas<br /><br />Therefore, Dear Ariel, it seems that you are a “natural” for the profession that awaits you: Teaching.<br /><br />My Story As Teacher<br /><br />I, somehow just knew that I would be a teacher one day as explained in this little “biography” following below. This biography is part of my write-up that aided my being chosen as Teacher of the Year in 1990 in Dallas Texas.<br /><br />Biography<br /><br />On April 9, 1936, a teacher was born, most likely, teaching even in the womb. That day in Washington, D.C. found Patti and twin Penny Blackledge entering this world as placenta partners destined to continue being roommates for the next 20 years.<br /><br />* * * * * * * *<br />As to early “learnings,” I learned that “indefatigable” and “tenacious” were<br />apt descriptors of “teacher.” My mother was my model for each of these words. Not until she was the mother of five, did she begin college where she tenaciously hung on to her dream of graduating when her twins did. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston, the year 1958, twin Penny and I graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas. She then earned her master’s degree in languages (she spoke five fluently), and was working on her Ph.D. when she sadly died of a heart attack.<br /> My father’s pride in his girls’ accomplishments was always a driving force in my life. I had lived tenacity, cradled with love, through my parents and again at school, as my elementary school teachers, working with my visual-learning problems (two eye surgeries), modeled the qualities that I would one day see as my own contribution to education. Tenacity served me daily as a reading teacher knowing that every student can learn and can improve; from the learning disabled student, to the English as a second language student, to the college-bound reading student. This assurance laid the ground work for the student’s positive self-image so vital in all walks of life.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * *<br />My secondary school life at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas gave me a master mentor teacher whom I think of frequently, especially, when I am “emoting.” This science teacher had obvious joy in being with us. Likewise, we had so much fun being with him. . .and learning. We did not just read about atoms smashing; we acted it out! Yes, this man actually had us running into each other and then, verbalizing the resulting fission. It was here that I learned the word, “joy” as it applies to teaching and to learning.<br /> As a teacher, I impart “joy.” As a reading teacher I have seen joy in the third grader’s eyes as a new effort brings “ah ha” understanding in the printed word. I have heard joy in the whispered confessional of the secondary student who has rediscovered reading as peaceful retreat. Further joy for me was to feel, give, and then watch students’ infusion of joy as a lifetime gift for us all.<br />It was at Rice University that several master mentors modeled my most valued lesson that was to serve me later as a valuable contribution to education. It was modeled by my French professor who chose to eat lunch with us frequently, gently encouraging our practicing our French with him. It was modeled by my creative writing professor who invited us to his home monthly where we sat on the floor in his living room around the fireplace hearing the critique of each other’s essay. Here was where I learned the true meaning of the phrase, “reciprocal respect.” We as students, were respected intellectually as equals. And we did our best to live up to that respect. Later, every student with whom I came in contact knew that he was respected as a person and as a fellow intellect. We, as teachers do our best to live up to that respect as well as giving it to our students.<br /><br />Next month’s Blog, Ariel, will give you my Philosophy of TeachingKnow & Dohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346917098693036076noreply@blogger.com0