It's been a long time coming but I'm finally feeling almost normal! The coughing is almost gone and energy is returning!

I've had lots of time to dwell on our recent cruise with Diane and Keith. Even though I was in my stateroom for the last part of the trip we managed to pack as much in the first three days as some folks do in seven so it was a good vacation. I certainly got a lot of rest during the second half of it!

The first day ran into the second one for Jack and I. We were up at 6 am Friday, flying out of Klamath Falls to Portland at 4 pm. During our 5 hour layover in Portland we ran in to a Klamath Falls neighbor and Caleb joined us for dinner so time went quick. Sleeping on the plane during the all night flight was the plan. It didn't work out. There was turbulance the whole way and everytime the warning sound went off I jumped a foot- waking both Jack and the other passenger sitting with us.

The warm, soft air in Orlando felt wonderful after the weeks of cold we've had in Klamath! Diane and Keith picked us up and we were looking for breakfast at 7:30 am Saturday! They do not feed you on airplanes anymore. Our food was a warm cookie around 3 am!

When we got to Port Canaveral we got sidelined to a dirt parking lot. Sis mentioned that was 'different' . With my belly full I wasn't able to stay awake any longer so I laid back the seat in Diane's van and took a nap. Sis got out and chatted with the flagger to get the scoop on why we weren't allowed to enter the regular passenger parking lot. Keith, Diane and Jack getting back in the van woke me up and they shared the news as we made our way to the passenger unloading area. A piece of luggage had been left unattended and the bomb squad was called. No one was allowed to leave the ship for seveal hours after the normal departure time which set everything back a bit. Sis seemed to think that might freak me out but it didn't phase me. After a night of turbulance on the airplane what's a bomb scare?

I was amazed with the organization of the cruise terminal. The porters were really hustling to get the tons of luggage for the delayed boarders sorted and loaded when it started pouring down rain! It wasn't cold but it was getting everything wet! Those guys kicked it up another gear and got the huge carts under cover! It wasn't long before the rain was over and 2,000 cruisers had been checked, stamped, photographed and boarded!

Can you tell who came from snow country?

Sis knew just where we wanted to be. Off to Deck #9! The Lido Deck - where we wasted no time getting food and drink as it was now 2 pm. The ragge music was going, the food was great, we were on the ship - Jack could finally relax! Keith and Diane explained the Carnival Capers activity sheet and showed us how to kick back.

Jack and I explored the outside decks before we started moving just in case I wasn't able to once we were underway!

The ship was big and bueatiful! It was everything that the brochures said it would be. Diane and I left the guys on the Lido Deck and took the Spa tour. That tour included a trip though the men's locker room which brought on a lot of remarks about the "guaranteed satisfaction" slogan! Everyone was in a party mood! After scheduling an 8 pm Hot Rock massage and ginger body rub we returned to the Lido deck just in time for the required life boat drill.

Then we got to go to our staterooms. Jack and I quickly unpacked and I was already in my nightgown when our portress came to introduce herself! Our dinner time was at 5:45 pm and I needed some real sleep before then! We got about an hour of sleep and then headed one deck up to the Platinuim Dinning Room. Diane and Keith had been checking out what the ship had to offer while we slept! We wished Diane a happy birthday and gave her a package to unwrap. It was a bunch of "dust collectors" for her dresser. As I'd expected Jack was ready to call it a day as soon as dinner was over so after tucking him in Diane and I headed off for our girls night out 2 1/2 hour spa treatment. It was decadent!

After that I slept like a baby! And so ended our first day on the ship!

That was our first day Fun Day at Sea. A day in the warm sun with nothing to do all day but lay around, eat, swim, test out the water slide and watch the activities on the Lido Deck!

The sea bands worked... mostly. Walking through the casino Sunday afternoon I got a sudden view of the ocean and it rocked me for a bit so I avoided the windows for a while. Other than that I seemed to get my sea legs and was able to enjoy the day.

Sunday was "Formal Night" and Jack rented a tuxedo! I have to scan the picture of us taken by the ships photographer.

We got back to Klamath Falls last Sunday evening but it wasn't until today that I spent any time sorting pictures out or really doing anything besides sleeping!

Seasickness wasn't a problem but by Tuesday evening -the third day of the cruise -I had a terrible headache and a very sore throat. Wednesday morning I was in the infirmary with a temperature of 103. Ampicillian, lots of fluids, and bed rest were all the Dr. could be do for the virus I'd come down with. So the best part of the cruise, for me, were the first few days. We have some great pictures and some stories that I'll share when I'm well. For now I just wanted to let everyone know we are back in the USA.

This past Monday the only thing I did was go to the doctor and get another round of antibiotics and a cough surup that did stop the coughing - and knocks me out. I made it through Wednesday and Thursday at work but Friday I was laid low again with coughing, fever and general hurting. Saturday and today I've remained inside and resting. I'm hoping tomorrow to be able to start out the work week right.

This is the whole post for now - goood night!

This is the same patio. I thought we had some snow right after Christmas but it has kept snowing and none of it is melting! This is the patio a few days ago!

I went out and finally got the snapshot of my snowbirds when they were knee deep in the real snow!But it has continued to snow and now they are almost buried!

Jack has been vigilant about keeping our driveway and sidewalks cleared (it's a law here that homeowneres have to have them cleared by 8 am). The mound of snow in our front yard won't be gone until JUNE!

When I got home from work today the three feet of snow that was on the roof now surrounds the house. Jack and his friend Steve got up there and knocked it all off.

Todays newpaper headlines were of three large buildings in downtown Klamath Falls that had their roofs cave in due to the weight of the snow on them. The Pine Street Safeway was evacuated and remains so tonight. The employees noticed the back loading doors bowing and strange noises were being heard. Nobody is taking chances right now!

Is there any doubt that we are ready for the Carribean?

It was wonderful to participate in a women's sweat this past Sunday. The snow was deep enough I wore my snowshoes to get there! It was very special to come out of the sweat lodge and be standing bare foot in the snow - steaming!

Life is so full of good experiences! I hope you are all enjoying what life has to offer you! One of my favorite sayings is "What I do today is important because I am choosing one day of my life to do it."

It's been a fruitful weekend. We brought home the last of what we wanted from Dad's house. The estate sales people are getting everything ready for a sale next weekend - if the weather permits!

I wrapped my fruit trees. We haven't seen the deer again but I want to be prepared ahead of time. It's a good thing I did that Saturday during a warm spell (40 degrees) because we had snow coming down sideways this afternoon and tonight. There is 5 inches of fresh snow on the ground right now. No telling what it'll be by tomorrow morning!

We've filled all the bird feeders for the hungry winged. We are seeing flickers, chicadee's, all kinds of finches, and sparrows at the feeders. Licorice loves watching the action from the various windows.

Jack and I got his clothes picked out and set aside for the cruise. I now have sea bands and meclizine tablets to combat sea sickness! Our dive logs have been located and put in the carry on...we're getting excited!

I've cooked twice this weekend! Dinner Saturday night and breakfast today! I didn't leave the house all day today. It was nice to just stay home!

About 1 am last night Jack woke me up - no riske story here!- to tell me there were 5 deer in our back yard AND they were snacking on our shrubs. The moon was bright so when the young forked horn streached his neck up to see what was in the birdfeeder outside out bedroom window I got a wonderful view of his profile. Sitting up in bed I could see a couple of other deer standing at the arborvida planted at the end of our patio. They are the first deer we've seen in our yard. They must be pretty hungry to brave the heavy dog scent around our house!

Jack asked if I minded if we just let the deer eat the shrubs...he didn't want to chase them off. I don't mind at all - I'm glad they have found them. Everything should have a purpose and seems like that is their's. Jack pulled down the blind in our room...so they could eat in privacy... and we went back to sleep.

When Jack got up at 5 am...his ususal get up time... he was surprized to find them all still here! He flipped the patio light on and stepped out and they still didn't leave. The little buck just looked at him.

Little Shilo stuck her head out the door and looked at the deer and then ducked back into the house!! She's only 1 1/2 and has never seen deer so we'll not snicker at her too much. She gets her feelings hurt really easy! I can just hear her saying "It's hard to be brave when you are small!" Since it was 2 degrees Jack didn't commune outside with the buck long.

From the livingroom window (ours faces into our backyard) Jack watched as one of the doe's pawed at the snow beneath the large apple tree at the far end of our yard. We didn't pick up the apples that had dropped this fall and now I'm glad we didn't. I'm sure they taste better than the evergreens!

They were gone when I got up at 6. The arborvida have been nicely trimmed down but the fruit trees we planted this summer seem to be untouched. I will be getting tree wrap and some fencing tomorrow. The trees will do fine as long as the deer don't de-bark them. If winter continues to keep snow on the ground they may be back to do that!

The three fruit trees were purchased with wedding gift certificates so they are doublely special! An apple, pear, and a plum!

It's Friday night so I stayed up late to post. Off to bed now! Tomorrow I'm off to Rite Aide to scope out the sea sickness remedies, then to the vet's for Mike to get his atheritis shot, and then to the gym! Getting ready for the cruise! 15 days away!

Oh,Oh meant to tell you all that Brett is safely back from his rock climbing vacation in Thailand. Evidently he took some falls but only left "alittle skin" behind. He also posted some pictures on flickr of his trip. You can find him under People 'evillordbrett'. Tisk tisk - as if he were!

He's doing some pretty awesome stuff from the looks of it! He went with his friend Marcus and spent about 10 days traveling around Thailand, climbing rock walls and celebrating New Years on the beach with a bucket of vodka.

He is planning the move from Japan to Thailand for this April. I hope to visit him there!

So many places to go and so little "vacation" to do it in!!!!

Love to you all!

HI! I've been busy and haven't posted for sometime, as was pointed out to me recently. This was my first end of the year/new year in payroll and it was intense - for me - since many things occurred that I had no reference point for. Many long days.

Squeezed in some holiday time though. Dinner with Caleb and Mike in Corvallis at a Japanese Steak house. Thinking of you Brett!

And a more traditional gathering at the Comacho's with friends in Klamath Falls.

We are really fortunate to have so many good friends. We also had a Christmas Dinner with Rocky and Caron at their house in Roseburg the week before Christmas!

Christmas Eve Signe and Leo joined us at our house. I used Mom's good china for the occasion. Jack has filled the set back in for me and I can now serve dinner for 8 with matching place settings! The table was prettier than the food was good. The dishes I made were just not quite right. I've always said I'm best at setting a mean table than filling one! They are good friends so it didn't really matter. We spent the evening looking through books I've brought from Dad's and discussing Ghost Towns we'd like to visit before we all retire to Mexico.

New Years Day we spent at Susie's playing Buzz Word, and War of the Sexes while snacking on all the different "New Years Day" traditional foods that everyone brought. I overheard Jack telling someone in the livingroom that "You can always tell when my wife is having fun!" I don't know how he meant that but I was deffinately having fun.

This is one of the coldest winters many can remember and we have a lot of snow on the ground. If it warms up enough to melt alittle in the day it freezes to an ice slick by early evening. We've not been out of town since before Christmas! It's been dark when I leave for work and dark when I got home until just recently. We are now on the count down for our Carribean Cruise. We expect completely different surroundings!

I've got my clothes laid out in the guest bedroom because it's still alittle to soon to put them in the suitcase...

Our little family is getting comfortable with each other. Licorice, the newest edition, is now ok with sleeping on my lap with the dogs sleeping at my feet. Shiloh still watches her and she watches Shiloh but we haven't had any chases through the house. Jack grouses about all the hair in the vaccumn but I am sure he is happy with our little troup.

Did the Christmas decorating this evening! We've decide to keep it simple this year with a small tree and just a few lights in the livingroom window. Jack is not feeling particularly Christmasee and I am ok with minimal decorating.

The Santa's and Nutcrackers are out of course. I enjoy unwrapping them each year and remmembering when I received each one. Most of them have been given to me by the boys over the years, a few have come from friends and some I've bought myself - each one has a memory attached! Tonight I shared some of them with Jack as we decorated. I have several skiing Santa's and Nutcracker's which were received when I was enjoying cross country skiing as often as possible.

I came across a Santa in a canoe tree ornament in Jack's Christmas decorations! How neat is that! It's as close as I've seen to a Santa in a Inflatable Kayak yet! Our friends Caron and Rocky have outfitted themselves with Class 4 capable IK's so we'll be able to do a wide range of rivers in 2008! Mike told me he really wants to do some whitewater with us this coming summer and I'm looking forward to that. We'll have quite a floatilla!

I hope everyone is enjoying the season with friends and family! We are planning on having a big Christmas Dinner with Caron and Rocky in Roseburg, then traveling on up I5 to Mike's place in Corvallis to exchange gifts with Caleb and Mike and have a Christmas "lunch" with them and be back home on Christmas Eve. Brett called and let us know he received his Christmas package in Japan and opened everything immediately. According to Jack, Brett was using his new electric shaver as he talked to him! Brett is leaving on the 22nd of December for two weeks in Thailand! He'll be mixing work with pleasure. He is looking for a teaching position there and he plans on doing some "solo deep water diving" - which is rock climbing a cliff over deep water - if you fall you go diving (dropping!) into the water and if you make it to the top you have to dive in to get back to the boat! Brett will be doing the most dangerous thing of us all I'm willing to bet!

This morning was spent at Dad's house. Gary and Jack spent several days earlier this week clearing things out, taking pictures so the grandkids can let us know what they'd like to have and taking care of legal matters. Today Jack and I brought home some things. The neatest being a unique ceramic yellow pitcher that Jack remembers always held Koolaide when he was about 6 years old. It's in perfect condition and we look forward to serving our grandkids (when we get some) fruit juice from it. Do they allow you to feed kids Koolaide anymore??? Hmmm.

We have a thin coating of snow on the ground and a lot of ice from snow melting and then the temperatures dropping below freezing again. At 4 pm it was only 29 degrees althought the skies were blue and the sun shining! It is looking and feeling like winter here!

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving took on a new meaning for me this weekend.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving day with many friends at Nancy and Ed's house. The dinner was wonderful and was followed by a lively game of domino's! Jack broke his record for staying at any ones house - 5 hours! I thoroughly enjoyed the day despite my initial disappointment that neither of my son's were going to make it down to Klamath Falls for the day.

We popped up at 4 am Friday to make the 5 am Fred Meyer Sock sale and were amazed at the light turn out this year. It wasn't crowded at all! Makes a worrisome statement on the economy around here. Leaving there we discovered that anyone that was shopping that early was at Big R! We couldn't find the items we want for Christmas presents so we weren't there long. The rest of the day passed with us realizing that there isn't anything that we need or even want to buy! Man, is that something to be Thankful for!

Saturday morning, at Dad's request, we went and looked at the model studio to make sure there would be a window Jake could look out of at the assisted living facility. Dad was visibly pleased when we'd told him his dog could be with him at the assisted living places we were considering and he seemed eager to make the move. We gave Dad the strongest reading glasses we could find in hopes it would allow him to read during the long hospital days (he'd said when he got moved he'd need to see an optometrist again as his prescription glasses weren't working). Reading has been Dad's primary activity for a couple years now and with his inability to hear there wasn't anything to replace it!

Jack and I spent 1 1/2 hours with Dad to make sure we would be there when the doctor made his rounds Saturday morning and discussed the possible time line with him. The fluid retention had to be resolved before the Dr would make any further decisions. He said Monday would be the soonest he thought we'd know.

During my day Christmas shopping that afternoon I came across a large print book and bought it with the idea that between the reading glasses and large print Dad had a good chance of being able to read. It was about 7:30 pm when I took the book up to the hospital and gave it to Dad. The nurse said he'd been sitting in his chair earlier in the afternoon reading so the glasses seemed to make a difference. During my visit Dad told me not to wear the tires off the scooter we were going to get him before he got a chance to use it and told me about setting a breaststroke record at OSU when he was younger - speculating that maybe he could do some water therapy in a pool to get more mobile again. His feet and legs were still very swollen although the nurse said they were actually going down. Nancy had shared Thursday how massaging her mothers feet and ankles helped her swelling so I massaged Dad's feet for a few minutes before wishing him a good nights sleep. Dad smiled and gave me a wink as I left.

At 6:15 am Sunday morning our phone rang. Dad died during the night.

I am thankful I didn't wait until morning to take Dad the book. I am thankful I know that he was cheerful and at peace Saturday evening. Dad had told Jack a few days before that he wished he could just have a heart attack and be done. I am glad that his last wish came true. I'm thankful I KNOW his last day was full of family contact, efforts to make his life as good as possible and an optimistic outlook for the future.

Yesterday and today have been full of taking care of final details but we are not overly sad. We are thankful that Dad got to skip nursing homes and/or assisted living. Friends have called, come by with cards, food and sympathetic words. We feel loved and important because they take the time to do so. We are thankful for their caring actions.

Thanksgiving....Thankful I've given, Thanks for others giving.

Thanksgiving Eve 2007 - So much to be thankful for in just one year! Tomorrow is Jack and I's 1st Wedding Anniversary! This evening Jack came home with a dozen long stem roses of a unique greenish/white color. He is forever impressing me with his thoughtfulness towards me! Even when he has a great deal on his mind concerning his father.

Dad went back in to the hospital on Monday. Fluid is building up in his lungs again. He has not recovered any of his strength since his last hospitalization. The doctor is assessing Dad's level of care needs while he is in the hospital and will advise what kind of assisted living housing he will go to when he leaves the hospital. Jack has been meeting with the local homes and Gary has collected information on the VA options. It is very distressing for Jack to see Dad using a walker to get from his bed to the livingroom, to see him unshaven and disheveld. The only thing he can do is his best to get all the arrangements made for a smooth transition for Dad. So he is working deligently at that.

I have many, many things to be thankful for but most of all I am thankful for our good health! It makes it possible for us to throughly enjoy our new home, traveling, family, friends, scuba diving, and rafting! We've done all that this past year and have more such plans for 2008.

Life continues to unfold in wonderful ways and I am grateful to be here to experience it!

As the truck made it's way up the hill I jogged as fast as I could until the truck's headlights swung around the corner. Calling Shilo to me I put her on the leash and we moved to the shoulder of the road to let the truck go by. The windows were tinted so I couldn't tell if it was one or more people inside. As it made it's way along the ridge ahead of me I started walking again. There was nothing to do but get back to the car ASAP.

Then the truck stopped and turned and backed into a spur - it's headlight (only one was working) shining out across the field. I was going to have to walk past them again. I stuck my chin out determined to look confident and unafraid. That fell away when the engine started up again and the truck started slowly back towards me. As they passed this time the window was rolled down and a man leaned out to ask me how I was doing. I responded with "Fine, just walking my dog." and kept walking the other way. Once they were a ways away I called Signe again. I was scared. Another set of headlights were moving along the upper road - the fork was close and I didn't know if they were going to come down this road too!

The one headlight truck was turning around again behind me. I asked Signe just to stay on the phone with me so they'd see me talking to someone - and I kept walking. The truck ahead of me went back down the paved section and left the area. This time the truck passed me rather quickly and went down the paved road also! I hustled even faster, eager to be done with this walk! Signe said the one eye truck came to the barricades at the start of the road, turned around and was heading back to towards the dirt roads. Thats when I knew Signe was waiting at the head of the road! We continued to talk as I reached the pavement and then realized she was walking to meet me and we had passed each other in the dark! I switched on my flashlight and we found each other! I was almost hysterical. It was not a relaxing walk under the stars!

Tonight we went to the YMCA and worked out for an hour!

And that was the rest of the story!

I've been catching up on Sea-Ami and The Money Pit sites this evening but none of my comments will post! Just want to let you guys know I appreciate the news. S'te, my niece, has a great spread of pictures on their outdoor fence project and TT's kitchen biscuts project!

I loved the sentiment for Veteran's Day that Diane posted on her site. Veteran's Day passed very quietly here. Klamath Falls is constructing a veteran's memorial wall in Veteran's Park and we are purchasing two bricks...one for Jack's father - who received a purple heart and made the Army his career and one for Jack who served in the 101st Airborne Division. We felt it was a neat thing to do on veterans day.

Last night I posted a bunch of pictures to flickr if anyone is interested in seeing the pictures of what we've been doing. Just click on the flickr badge to the left and it'll take you to the site.

During tonight's walk I got a little rattled and will be re-thinking walking for an hour every day. It's dark when I leave for work at 7 am and gets dark very soon after I get home around 5 pm, so I have been walking in the dark for the last couple of weeks. Often my friend Signe joins me but tonight she couldn't so it was just Shilo and I. I walked up what we call "The Road to Nowhere" - a wonderfully landscaped, paved two lane entrance to a housing development that never materialized. The pavement ends within a quarter of a mile but the dirt road continues on - branching in several directions through the sage covered hills. It was 6 pm and I envisioned a stress free walk under the stars along the dirt road where Shilo could run free without fear of traffic or disturbing anyone.

Walking "briskly", as the doctor ordered, I can cover some distance in 30 minutes! I decided to take a left fork in the dirt road that Signe and I had never gone down but had speculated that it would connect with the upper right fork at some point. This streach of road dipped down into a wash then up a small hill and around a couple others by the time I reached my turn around time. As I was walking out I noticed headlights moving along the upper dirt road fork and congradulated myself in picking the "unused" fork. I wondered what they might be doing out here on a Tuesday evening which lead me to thinking of all the weird stuff we see on CSI. If they were out poaching deer a stray bullet could hit me and they wouldn't even know it! The other reasons for being out there in the dark would be drinking, drugging, or seeking mischief.

And then I heard a truck on the road behind me. With the ideas that had just gone through my head I choose to call Shilo and walked in to the sage before they saw us and watch them passby. I still needed to walk "out" 5 more minutes so I returned to the road and marched on. I watched the headlights of the truck as they moved along half a mile ahead of me and felt all was well until the the truck turned around and stopped. My 5 minutes were up.

I turned around and started back the way I'd come a little more briskly than I'd gone out. I walk about 11 minute miles- 30 minutes- I figured I was a little under 3 miles from my car. If I walked very quickly I might be back to the pavement before the truck returned down the road. I was suddenly aware of how dark, quiet, and remote the area was. I flipped open my cell phone to call Signe. She knew the area I was in and would best know where I was. Headlights lit up the sky above me as another truck bounced alongthe rutted road on the ridge above me. I stepped off the road again and stood behind a juniper until they'd passed and gone around the hill I'd just come around. Now there were 2 trucks behind me. Back on the road I dialed Signe. She wasn't home but I gave Leo a rundown of where I was and my concerns - asking him to have Signe call me when she got home.

As soon as I hung up my cell rang and it was Signe! Just checking in as she left work! Speaking somewhat breathlessly, as I was covering ground as quickly as I could in the darkness,and was making my way up a hill, I told her my fears and that I just wanted someone to know where I was just in case something occurred - which at this point was most likely going to be a sprained ankle. The road was cut into the side of the hill at this point and fell away into the wash I'd just come up from on the far side so when I heard the third truck moving along the ridge just above me I felt trapped in plain sight. As soon as they came around the switchback I would be in thier headlights. Then it dawned on me if they came around the corner quickly they could hit me or Shilo - no one would expect that someone would be walking out here in the dark! Still talking to Signe I switched on my flashlight and flashed it around in the air so the driver would see it. We were coming to the turn at very nearly the same time. The driver stopped and waited until I'd made my way past then continued in the other direction.

Now I really wanted to get back to the car and figured I still had 1.5 to go so I told Signe I'd call her as soon as I got the car but wanted to hang up and really cover some ground while the vehicles were all still behind me. Signe offered to come and walk towards me so we could meet up and then there would be two of us out in the dark! She is the best of friends! I told her "No", and that this was all just imagined stuff so far and to go on home, if I didn't call in 40 minutes send the guys out for me. We hung up.

I broke into a semi-jog. Shilo romped in the road ahead of me... thoroughly enjoying the outing!
Behind me I heard the truck that I'd just passed turn around and start up the hill again!

Jack just came out and pointed out that it is 11:40 pm. I've got to go to bed. I'll continue the story tomorrow night...

I've been very, very negligent of the blog - I was surprized though to see Sept 20th as the last post! We have be extremely busy and are glad we did everything when we did... winter is closing in with wet, dark days!

The shed is completed!From cement pad to finished product! We brought everything from the storage unit and have unpacked the last box - as of this weekend! We are moved in!

The south side yard is planted and the sod is in around the patio and forms a path to the south side gate. Everything will get rooted with the rains and snow and be ready really grow come spring!

In addition to that we celebrated Mom Judy's birthday here in September and Signe and Jack's birthdays last weekend. It was a wonderful sunny fall Sunday afternoon for the party and we made good use of our patio and barbaque. The party had a "Octoberfest" feel due to the menu of a variety of sausages and sauerquart. When the temperature dropped we lit our first fire in the the brass patio fire pit that Caleb gave us as a wedding present!

Jack's Dad has had a rough fall. He was in and out of the hospital several times in three weeks. After a week in ICU the doctors did a procedure to stop the leaks in his lungs and he was able to go home. The fluid seems to be staying out of his lungs now. It's a slow road to getting his strength back but he is very happy to be home.

Last month we adopted Shilo - an 11 month old lab/austrailian shepard mix. She is very bright and loves to fetch... anything...but she is esspecially fond of balls. Mr. Mike still rules as the #1 best dog in the world but he can't walk very far without having really stiff joints. I don't run anymore but do try to walk an hour three or four times a week and like to have a dog with me so Shilo gets the chore. She seems to like it. We call her our Camo Lab - she is a sweet girl! She is smaller than Mike but she has the same calm nature - except when a ball is involved... then she is a pest!

Finally Jack and I felt we had a "free" weekend and we took a Saturday to go to Lake of the Woods and try out our new scuba gear. Shilo enjoyed the water. My computer registered the water temperature at 47 degrees. We were in the water for 25 minutes. We found the kinks in our systems - my hood is too big and I got a smashing "ice cream headache". Jack found that with his wetsuit being new he needs more weight to sink...he couldn't get off the surface! We were freezing and ready to give it up after 25 minutes. The packing the gear from the dock back up to the truck finished us off for Saturday. It's 50 stairs plus the path to the foot of the stairs! I think I prefer shore dives! And I don't want to dive again this winter in a high mountain lake!

Our next dive will be in Monterey over Thanksgiving weekend! The ocean is warmer! The house/dog sitter is set up, time off arranged, and reservations made. We'll work on getting me a different hood and Jack additional wieghts this coming weekend.

Caleb and Mike have said they'll come for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday so Jack is happily gathering reciepes for the event. He is really looking forward to making his first company T-day dinner. It will be small - the boys, Jack's Dad, and us - but that will be nice, for a change! Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

It's been a busy month since my last post! I can't be sure I can even remember everything but here is a run down!

For my birthday Jack and I went to Reno for the weekend and stayed at the Grand Seirra Resort in Sparks. The main draw was the Sierra Nevada Roundup but the Annual Rib Cookoff was in full swing too! That is one of my favorite foods! We sampled four or five different styles and had to quit. There were dozen's! I came home with a new flute and a pair of great shoes! I'd made the mistate of taking non-walking shoes so had to get a pair while I was there. The Grand Seirra very plush! I quized Jack on how much he'd spent for the room when we first went in... it was very elegant and I feared he'd "treated" me to a $500 room! Turns out they had "upgraded" us to one of the condo units they are marketing... sly aren't they? No bite from us though. I had a nice time but casino's and all that jazz just don't really do much for me. I'd rather be on a river or in the mountians camping!

We came home on Sunday to miss the Labor Day returning home traffic. While Jack and Steve worked on the shed I gathered up all our remaining nursery wedding gift certificates and went shopping. Man did I score! Horizon Nursery was having a "garage sale" and I got rhody's, a magnolia, honeysuckle, moonlight hydrangia, iris, roses, rosemary.... with the gift certificate from Gary and Susie for Horizon. Not in the garage sale but still on sale was a butterfly bush and a Rose of Sharon that came home with me too! Then off to Liskey's with the gift certificate for them. They were having a 50% off Labor Day sale. Hosta's, sedeum, asters, lavendar, mallow, statice, and several ground covers came home with me from there!

The driveway on the side of the house looked like I was starting my own nursery! So for about a week I planted every night after work. Getting hundreds of dollars of plants for next to nothing is wonderful but I should have worked in some kind of labor arrangement!

After a week of working in the yard until dark, after work, everything was in the ground and getting settled in before serious fall begins. And the nights are getting colder! Frost is threatening to happen any day now.

Jack went to a Men's Retreat on the coast the following weekend. He got to visit with Joel, who he hasn't seen since June and came home full of energy and ideas. He put the raised bed timbers in place and mowed all the lawns!

Scuba classes for me started September 8th and have taken each weekend since. I have passed my written scuba test and leave this weekend to make the 5 dives required to get certified. We're doing them in the Smith River outside of Hiouche, California. I've all the gear in my garage and wil head out immediately after work tomorrow to get there by 10 pm. It's about a five hour drive and we start out pretty early Saturday.

Jack's dad had surgury today and that went well. He is in the hospital tonight but it's looking like he will be released in the morning. The doctor was very pleased by the outcome of the surgury. We're all hoping Dad will be able to get back to normal soon. He hasn't been well enough in the last four months to even come to dinner at our new house!

I've got pictures but haven't loaded them on the computer and won't until next week. I'll try to post the shed progress pictures and my newly created flowerbeds along the south side of the property and house. I'm pleased with the shady grove garden I created!

This book is long enough! I'll post again and tell you about diving in the Smith River!

Deschuttes River trip was a float not a white water adventure! Caron and I were the only ones that really seemed to mind because it was a wonderful day to float the river. The eight mile streach we did from Pringle Falls Campground to LaPine State Park boat ramp had a couple of interesting things but was mostlya relaxing float. We saw a couple osprey, blue heron, a redtailed hawk, kingfishers, an unidentified low flying black duck (a stealth model?) along the way and Cameron caught the littlest frog I've ever seen at the boat ramp!

As for whitewater action, we had to portage on river right above the Tethrow Log Jam at river mile 4 to catch the only white water on the whole streach, which is directly below the log jam. Jack, Leo, Caron and I shot the rapid but Signe and Rocky, who had Cameron riding in his kayak with him opted to take the standard portage on river left and bypass the log jam and rapid.

Getting out of the kayaks upriver of the log jam was the most difficult part of doing the rapid. The river is deep right up to the bank and the first person has to get on to the bank without aid. The current carried Caron a little closer to the log jam than any of us wanted her to be before she got to the bank. There were a few tense moments when Leo had one foot on the bank, one on a log that had begun moving with the current, was holding Caron's IK (inflatable kayak) and encouraging Caron to jump on to the bank quickly! After a slight hesitation Caron jumped, Leo pulled himself and the IK onto the bank and let the log go on it's way. I was watching from a spot upstream and waited for Jack and Leo to help me up the bank from there! The rapid is a roller with one larger wave breaking back on the far right. We picked a route river center and avoiding the potentially difficult wave. I went first and got positioned to take a couple shots of the others as they came through the rapid. Here are the shots.

Other than that the rope swing at mile 8 was the only other distraction from visiting as we manuvered around the many logs that reached out into the river from the banks. A wild fire had gone through this area some time ago and young trees are just coming up in many places. A good example of natural forest rejuvenation.

A white water rafting trip was supposed to be part of Cameron's 9th birthday present but he got a campout, river float, and trying out a river swing instead. He told us Sunday that he had a great time so I guess it wasn't to bad that there wasn't any white water action for him.

We had lots of great food all weekend and more shared memories with friends so I feel kind of bad that I was bummed that there wasn't any "action" on the river. Caron and I are the white water junkies and wanted more! Signe kept saying she had a wonderful time floating the river.

Caron's Dad, Sam, camped with us and acted as the camp cook, which we all appreciated! Arriving late Friday night there was a hot dinner ready and both breakfasts included my personal favorites, pancakes! "Ranger" Rod stopped by Saturday night after he got off work and again Sunday morning. He is working at the Newberry Monument this summer which is at LaPine. As always his presence produced a lot of laughter. Kay and Ernie looked us up too! Kay is also a ranger at the Monument and the jobs keep Kay and Rod from seeing friends most of the summer.

When we got home I cleaned the rafts throughly, dried them and put them away, more than likely until next spring. Our weekends are full now with other activities until the end of September!

When we got home we and a new project! One of the main branches of the willow tree broke off at the trunk. It didn't fall completely because the arching branch hit the ground and held the rest against the tree. Jack and chain saw went to work! It was a BIG branch!

I've been working out in the back yard and the gym so it made moving the sections of the branch pretty easy. There was a lot to move too!

The willow needs more trimming but we'll wait until fall. This windfall opened up the south side of the tree to sunlight so my "shady spot" isn't going to be as shady. I think Jack trimmed it up very nicely. He spent some time working in the woods as a choker setter! He knew what to do with the chain saw! In Oregon in the 60's and 70's I guess it was a rite of passage for a young man to work in the woods. Atleast long enough to know they didn't want to do it their whole life! Jack went on to be a lineman for PP&L instead... a WHOLE lot less dangerous?

With the work done we kicked back and relaxed on our fully equiped patio! It is sooooo nice. Caleb did a great thing for us putting the patio and driveway in!

The family picnic was great! Seems like everyone had a good time on Saturday. There were babies from 2 mos old to Uncle Homer who is in the 80 year category! Jack was surprized at the number of people I'm related to but that comes from Uncle Homer and Aunt Peggy having six children by themselves! Tammy, her husband David, Malia, and her three little ones were there from Uncle GL's branch of the family, and Jack and I from Mom's. There were atleast 30 people in the 3 camping spots!

McKaley, Candy and Kerry did a great job cooking for the crew and we ate like royality. Robin and Rick's fresh tuna on the grill was excellent! Hamburgers and three different kinds of hot dogs as well as chicken was rounded out with all kinds of sidedishes.

After eating we spent hours just sitting around the central fire and visiting. Malia is all grown up (26 yrs old) and has three great little ones. Her daughter is the spitting image of Tammy when she was little! She even has her quiet demenor.

Aunt Peggy is slowly recovering from being ill earlier this summer but she and Uncle Homer were there enjoying being surrounded by their family.

Sunday did not go as planned by any means. It had started sprinkling about 10 pm so we covered the tables with tarps. It poured down rain all night and continued into the morning. This picture was taken about 8 am. Everyone agreed breakfast was off and the main focus was on how to get all the soaking wet gear packed up. I felt almost guilty in my nice dry little trailer. Jack and I gathered all the coffee pots and got hot coffee ready in the trailer so there was coffee for those of us that can't cope until atleast one cup is consumed.

Kerry and Brian were the first two up (Jack and I were up at 5 am) and they joined us in the trailer for a cup of coffee while we waited for the rest of the camp to stir. It was nice way to start the morning. If our camper were bigger I would have been tempted to try and get others in too but 4 is definately the limit! Brian and Jack were antsy to get going so as soon as others crawled out of their tents, packing up began in earnst.

By leaving we made room for everyone to pull up close to their gear and load up. By the time we made it out of the camping area and passed the campsite going back down Fairview Road all the cars were backed up, trunks open and items were being tossed in. Camp was disappearing quick.

Jack and I ate in Myrtle Point at what used to be Tubby's... now called the Cosy Kitchen. I worked as a waitress there when I was 18 years old... for two weeks on graveyard. The place looks about the same...I don't think I do. Time passes on. As for the rest of town - it's mostly empty buildings on Main Street. All the places I hung out and shopped in are gone except Safeway and McKays grocery stores - and the former Tubby's.

It took 4 hours to get home and it rained most of the way. Here in K-falls the skies were blue and the sun was shining - as usual! It's good to be home!

It's Wednesday and that is over the half way mark of the work week! This weekend's adventure is the family picnic at Laverne Park. I talked to Cousin Robin last night and several of the family are camping at Laverne so we'll have more than just a picnic time to sit around and get caught up. Aunt Peggy is steadily getting better according to Robin and the sleep study she just did may get her a "machine" so she'll rest better and recover quicker. Uncle Homer and Aunt Peggy will be there for the day but will return home.... camping isn't very comfortable for them.

Caron and Rocky loved the kayak trip so much they went and bought two of their own! We are going to have a fleet! Yeah!

I have to get the info together for the Deschuttes trip in two weeks but Caron and Rocky are going to do the Amacher Park to Hestness Landing on the North Umpqua this weekend. I am so jazzed that they enjoy it so much...boating alone is a big NO-NO. And it's more fun with more people.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying what they are doing! It's the only way to go.

Just a quick post to let everyone know we had a great time this weekend at the Trees of Heaven Campground and rafting that section of the Klamath River. It was Jack, Caron and Rocky's first outing on whitewater in inflatable kayaks! They all did great! I was the only one that went over! It's SO imbarrassing when you are the one with the most experience! Oh, well. We all had a great time! Here's a few pictures... one of Jack and I's new camping abode!

And a few to give you and idea of the trip! Hope everyone is out there enjoying life as much as we did this weekend!

We've got our next rafting trip planned for two weeks from now on the Deschuttes River outside of LaPine, Oregon. No better testiment that everyone had a good time! Hoping Leo and Signe will join the 4 of us for that trip!

Got to get to bed.... work tomorrow!

I've stayed up to late but I finally have the pictures loaded of all the changes we've made since we moved in on June 16th! As I've said before it's thanks to hard working family and friends that these things have happened!

Caleb and Leo where the "foremen" for the two huge projects - putting in 30 yards of concrete for driveway, patio and workshop - and putting in an inground sprinkler system for the 1/3 acre we have!

I am happily doing the landscaping! It's a work in progress but there is progress. The fruit trees I mentioned in an earlier post can be seen and the Arborvita that were in our wedding ceremony are doing great at the edge of the patio. We even got one of the bird feeders hung!

And the very first flower bed is installed at the edge of the patio! It may have to be moved or raised but atleast I have something kinda finished! Since these pictures were taken we've put river rock around the arborvita and I've rototilled the entire area and made the first stab at leveling it out and getting it ready for the sod we'll put in this fall.

We are happy homeowners! :-) This weekend we are off to raft the Klamath River with Rocky and Caron! Our 1st real campout in our new travel trailer! Yeppee!