AND WE FLEW

We were in luck in getting a flight out of McChord last Wednesday on an empty C-17 with about 20 passengers. We were able to make reservations at the Dover guest lodge so after about a 15 minute hike schlepping our luggage we got to bed about 2 am. Keith picked us up on Thursday about 1:30 to take us to Columbia.

I still love this mode of travel, even though ground transpiration is non-existent in the middle of the night. Since 9/11 most bases do not allow commercial cabs on base. But that’s okay, the walk did us good. And the $3 box lunches with their lunchmeat sandwiches on white bread leave a little to be desired, but that is just part of the adventure.

Janet has a garage sale going today, otherwise it is quiet. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and it is about 70 degrees outside. Perfect. Unlike yesterday………..

when it was about 50 outside, with rain and the wind sometimes driving it sideways. It did quiet down a bit toward evening, but stayed cool. But we ignored the weather as we were invited to a an outdoor wine tasting function on the front lawn of Mount Vernon. Keith and Janet’s friends had tickets for one of the VIP tables, so we were able to sit at a table and listen to some music while nibbling on meats and cheeses and sipping wine. Plus we toured the house.

There was a tent with about 12 Virginia wineries represented, but we are convinced that our fair state of Washington has nothing to worry about. Ken and Keith decided the only wine to even gamble on would be a blend. The climate doesn’t not lend itself to being able to produce a single reliable varietal.

Of course it is always fun to see the grandchildren. I can’t believe our Sarah will graduate from high school in 10 days. She will probably start her ‘college’ job in August. Keith and Janet’s neighbor is the golf pro at the University of Maryland and he has her scheduled to work in the pro shop. Once she turns 18 on August 23 she will be able to drive the beer cart where the tips happen!

Ken and I will probably rent a car tomorrow and take off for a few days next week, either north or south, we’re not sure. We have friends throughout Virginia, but I am rather taken with driving to New England. We’ll let you know.

Ciao

We are planning on trying for a flight tomorrow from McChord to Dover, DE. Of course we won't know if we have seats until just a few hours prior to take off. But that is just part of the adventure. If we don't get on, we'll come home and wait for something else that is going to the east coast. It is a great way to travel.

There really is no other news from here. The weather continues to be cloudy and rainy with a few sun breaks. Perhaps Maryland will have more sunshine.

Ciao

The duck dinner was a great success.

I filled in the menu with baked rice, Mediterranean-style sauteed green beans, crusty bread, and a first course of avocado, shrimp, and cherry tomatoes. All of it washed down with some good wine and a good time was had by all.

Then Colleen put the Barefoot Contessa to the test again yesterday with a menu for grilled lamb in pita bread with various condiments such as cucumber, tomato and onion. VERY GOOD. She purchased everything at Costco and the tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus and pita bread were all excellent. All washed down with some very good wine. Craig brought a 2002 Shafer cabernet that was superb. A couple who live down the street, friends of Craig's, were here to share.

We have had one or two tiny sun breaks, but the rest of the time has been cloudy and/or showering. Ken has been able to spend some time working outside in the yard.

Colleen and I prepared for the summer sandal season and got pedicures yesterday. A luxury yes, but fun anyway.

We have no plans for the weekend. I see that Sideways is on pay-per-view this weekend so that will probably be tonight's entertainment.

Ciao

And the clouds and showers

continue to come. I think that is pretty much the weather outlook for the rest of this week. There are a few sun breaks, but they are few and far between.

I either heard from or saw all four of our children on Mother's Day. Actually, Brian called on Saturday, but what with a 17 hour time difference and its either being today or tomorrow, the Saturday call made sense. He said all is going well. He and his Ops Officer are sharing a house, the rest of the guys are 4 to a house. Now the big project is for someone to get up and running with the internet so everybody else can jump on too.

Keith and Janet and the girls sent lovely flowers and called yesterday. They are feeling a bit more optimistic about the Army. If the exemption fails, apparently one can request to fill a position one is qualified for stateside. In fact Keith is aware of one at Ft. Meade that would fill the bill. So that is a glimmer of hope as well. They are busy getting ready for all the 'relations' to arrive later this month for Sarah's graduation. In addition to Ken and me, Janet's parents, her sister and husband and 2 kids will also be arriving toward the end of the month. But they have a huge house with 5 bdrms and 3 full baths. I guess Ken and I will be downstairs in the bedroom/bath that Keith built when finishing off the basement and family room.

Craig spent Sunday afternoon here along with Ken, Colleen and me. he arrived with an awesome bottle of cabernet that probably should have been left to repose in his wine cellar for a few years. It was a superb bottle of wine. My usual request for Mother's Day is that I do nothing, and someone makes a run to KFC for our dinner - which Craig did.

I went to the commissary today which is about a half day endeavor by the time I get home and get the groceries put away. While there, I saw our friends and neighbors, Jerry and Mary Ellen McKain, so invited them for dinner tomorrow night. I recently watched the Barefoot Contessa prepare a menu that included roast ducklings, and I've been dying to try it, so Jerry and Mary Ellen are the guinea pigs. I haven't figured out the rest of the meal yet, but I they are easy to please - just as long as we have the bourbon and whiskey at hand before dinner.

Mary Ellen's brother, Dick Quinn, lives in Spokane and was a mountain of support during Pat's illness. His wife, Patty, is a sweet as she can be, and Dick's family call her St. Patty. When Dick and Patty first met at a party, he was planning to become a priest and she a nun. Instead they married, had several children and adopted three.

I need to get back to the kitchen and take care of all the sacks that are waiting for me in the pantry. Keep on bloggin'.

Ciao

Back home

after the Liberty lake fishing trip. Bob and Ken did OK, but not as well as in previous years. They fished Waitts Lake, Liberty Lake, and the Lake Roosevelt. The last outing, Lake Roosevelt, ended up being an unfortunate experience in that they hit a rock that was just under the surface and put two huge gashes in the hull of Bob's boat. All 3 guys (Daryl Ziemer was with them) agreed that had it been any other kind of a boat with a lesser hull, it would have sunk. As it turned out, the boat stayed sound with no leakage and they were able to get it back to the launch area. We are waiting to hear what it is going to take to repair it. The situation was serious enough that all three were checking their life jackets and moving the boat closer to shore.

The water has been so low, and now is in the process of rising. This rock was probably visible a few days prior, and it will be far enough below the surface in a few more days that it will not be a threat to other boaters.

I spent most of Saturday with Lois. I took her out to lunch to celebrate her birthday which was on the 26th. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch, some wine, and a chance to just sit and visit. Sharon invited Daryl and Jan Ziemer for dinner on Sunday evening, and then Sharon and I did some shopping and lunching on Monday. The drive home on Tuesday was uneventful. I think the Jetta could just about make its way home by itself considering all the trips it has made across I-90 in the past few months.

Keith has submitted his paperwork to request an exemption from the Army, but we have no idea how long it takes to get a response. Simply submitting the request provides an additional 30 days for a reporting date which would put it out to the 22nd of June.

We are going to start looking at flights out of McChord about the 15th of this month to give us plenty of time to get to the east coast by May 31 for Sarah's graduation. There appear to be several flights headed that direction so I have confidence we will be okay.

Brian and other crews from his squadron are all settled in for their deployment. Sheila said it sounds like they are doing well and enjoying themselves along with working. Good combination.

We are having some spring showers which are actually quite refreshing, and we are surrounded by blooming trees and shrubs. I think this is the prettiest time of year for this area.

Ciao

A Little Culture

I am attending a cello concert tonight with my friend Elisabeth. It sounds wounderful. The musician is a 33 year old woman who defected from the Soviet Union and for lack of money to continue her musical studies, became a very successful model - which allowed her to return to her music. She also composes. The concert will feature her own compositions, plus Vivaldi's Four Seasons, scenes from Tuscany projected for all to see, as well as readings by Frances Mayes who wrote "Under the Tuscan Sun".

We have been home since Sunday, and still playing catch-up. I seem to keep running across mail, magazines, and catalogs to contend with. Ken has washed the MH and the car and mowed most of the lawn. The lawn was so high we could have used a herd of buffalo for an afternoon.

But tomorrow starts playtime again when we go to Liberty Lake for the fishing week end. We will come home on Tuesday since the MH goes in to the shop on Wednesday for another punch list before the warranty expires in June.

Ciao

We are home

We arrived home yesterday about 3:30 and have been catching up on almost a month's worth of mail, bills, news, etc. Everything has sprung into leaf and bloom since we left. Our dogwoods are spectacular.

Our time in the wine country was okay, but Washington doesn't quite do it's spring barrel tasting like the Sonoma Valley. Here, the wineries that were providing barrel tasting couldn't tell us what they were going to do with the wine when they bottled it, but in most cases were likely to blend it. So that removes the possibility of purchasing any futures. There is no charge for the tastings, but you are asked to purchase your own glass to use throughout the week end. Since there was no food offered with any of the tastings, I guess that is why there is basically no charge for the week end.

There were lots and lots of people out on Saturday, with many groups using a limousine service. It became so crowded that I decided I would come home and return on a regular week end when I don't have to fight the crowds.

This coming week end is the opening of fishing season so we will make our annual journey to Liberty Lake so Ken and Bob can spend about 3 full days of fishing. Since I only fished one day last year, I'm going to save my money and not purchase a license. Sharon has a workshop on Saturday, so I plan to meet up with some friends for part of the day while everybody else is busy.

I'll try to be more faithful about blogging from now on. Ciao
Now we are looking at airfares to Baltimore. Sarah's graduation is May 31, and we will probably go out the week before. We have a number of military friends in the general area so will try to see some of them. I would really like to visit Maine, and even Nova Scotia, if time allows. Janet's parents and her sister and family are also attending, so I'm sure we won't be missed if we skip out for a few days.

April 21, 2005

We are just now leaving Mt. Home AFB after having spent the past 10 days preparing for and then enjoying Brian's change of command last Thursday. Brian's pilot from Desert Storm, now retired, was here as well as Sheila's mother, Betty, cousin Curt Johnson and Colleen and Craig. Our friends, Bob and Sharon Jayne drove down from Spokane, and the wife of one of Brian's fraternity brothers also attended.

The change of command was held in a hanger with the guests facing the door to the outside where an F-15E was front and center. Seated on thep odium at the front were the wing commander, the outgoing CO, and Brian. It was a short but very patriotic and military ceremony. Afterwards, Brian and Sheila hosted a reception at the club and then we moved on to their house for the rest of the evening.

We usually see Sheila's mom, Betty, on a regular basis for some family affair, but it has been several years since we have been together, so it was wonderful to see her. She lives in Virginia, and we will see her again in June when we are in Maryland for Sarah's graduation.

And this week we were hit with the bombshell that Keith has been recalled by the Army. The letter was waiting for him when he returned from Spokane after Pat's service, but he did not tell any of us until after Brian's change of command. I consider ours to be a pretty military and patriotic family, but right now I only feel ill will toward George Bush, his cabinet, and every other individual responsible for our being in Iraq. I didn't believe we should have been there in the first place.

Keith was passed over for major almost ten years ago and was paid to leave the army. Then he was subsequently declared 30% disaabled (hearing and knees) due to his years in a tank. But there was to be no disability monies paid to him until all of the severance money was repaid. And now comes the final blow. He hasn't even been in a tank for over twelve years as he left armor and worked in acquisition. He is scheduled to be back in the army for 18 months to go to Iraq and take almost a 50% pay cut.

We just have to keep reminding ourselves that there are lots of families who have been affected similarly, but who have other major issues such as single parents, aging parents and severe financial hardships. Every one of Keith and Janet's friends and family will be available to them for whatever they might need.

We are enroute to the Washington wine country for at least one day since we have one prepaid night at the Wine Country RV Park in Prosser. This is the spring barrel tasting week end so there should be lots to see and do and taste. I imagine we will be making our way home by the end of the week end.

Our next trip will be to fly to Maryland mid-May for Sarah's graduation.

Ciao

As you might have suspected since there have been no blogs, my brother, Pat, passed away on April 2 and his graveside service was last Wednesday, April 6. I was not with him with he died, but his son, Steven, daughter, Sandy, and Mike and Mary were. We had just arrived in Mt. Home with Nolan and Warren whom we had had with us in Steilacoom for the week, so we parked and locked the motor home and drove to Spokane on Sunday.

We will all miss him, but we have had time to share our special memories, and even a few laughs, and none of us wanted him to continue to be so ill. My greatest solace is in the fact that Pat returned to his Catholic faith within the hour of his death and a priest heard his confession and administered the last rites. Ironically, Pat died within hours of when Pope John Paul II died and I have to believe Pat’s entrance into heaven was special.

Craig and Colleen (and Cooper) drove to Spokane for the graveside service and Keith came from Baltimore. Brian could not leave the course he was attending in Virginia, but Sheila made a supreme effort to fly from Boise to Spokane and back in one day. Needless to say, our family was a great comfort to me.

While in Spokane this past week, since Jerry and Lois and Mike and Mary had full houses with relatives, we stayed with Rod and Karen Sprague who live just a few miles from Mike and Mary. Karen and I grew up together, but as often happens, we saw little of each other over the past 40 years. We have recently reconnected, and she and Rod provided a haven for Ken and me during this difficult week. In fact, they just purchased a new fifth wheel trailer, and we plan to meet up next week somewhere in the Walla Walla/Wallowa area.

At the moment, we are enroute back to Mt. Home where we will stay for the coming week to be present at Brian’s change of command next Thursday. We trust the motor home is still parked at the Mt. Home Famcamp. I prepaid for 2 weeks and Sheila said she drove by to be sure it was still there.

It is now Sunday, and we are back in Mt. Home having arrived about eleven last night. After a good night's sleep, we are ready for the week. I'll try to blog with greater frequency. Ciao

Everthing has transpired pretty much as outlined earlier this month. I have been to Spokane twice to see Pat who is not doing well. His son from Indiana is visiting this week. I was in Spokane the last time this past week, and just about didn't get home.

I left Spokane at 7:15 am on Saturday morning and made great time until the snow started at Cle Elum. I made it over the pass, but by then the eastbound lanes were closed, and the westbound were closed later in the day. Other than having to skirt around some previous accidents and jack-knifed trucks, the traffic was orderly. No one was going wild with four-wheel drive and everyone kept good distance. I arrived at SeaTac by 12:30 to pick up Brian and the boys.

Brian is in Virginia this week, Sheila is in Las Vegas and Nolan and Warren are here with us, much to our delight. Today is the first day with some promising weather so we are going to try an outing to a museum or zoo.

We will leave Friday in the motor home to trek back to Mt. Home so the boys can get back to school on Monday. We will see Sheila sometime next week when she is finished with work in Las Vegas, and Brian will be home in about 10 days.

Since I last blogged, we spent a week with Gary and Carolyn Ousey on the Oregon coast. It is always enjoyable to spend time with them. They are the most easy-going folks I know, and they are up for anything. We did some shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Plus we ate and drank well for the entire week. They have since returned to Vancouver Island, but are still in their motor home as they await the departure of the couple who are staying in their house. Probably within the next few days.

We are excited about Brian's upcoming change of command on April 14. He will take command of his fighter squadron at Mt. Home AFB. Craig and Colleen will be there, but Keith has too many commitments during that week to get away. Both the Schulers and the Jaynes are planning to attend. Brian says it is much less formal than his dad's Navy change of command, but of course we are extremely proud and it is no less exciting for us.

Brian's good friend at Mt. Home will have his change of command the week prior when he takes command of his F16 squadron. Phil and Pam Hoover were Brian and Sheila's sponsors when they moved to Ramstein and it has resulted in an enduring friendship. We are looking forward to attending Phil's change of command as well.

Time to get on with the day. Ciao

No, we haven't left for parts unknown, just a blogging lull.

We just spent the past 2 days with Karen and Rod Sprague from Spokane. Karen and I have known each other since we were grade school age and she was my matron of honor. They are in the market for a 5th wheel or motor home so we trooped around yesterday looking at all that Ken and Rod had previewed the day before. No decision yet.

Karen is an avid, and very talented, quilter, so I accompanied her to the huge sewing expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds last Thursday. It was all very interesting, but quite overwhelming for me whose sewing abilities is limited to big flat things like curtains or tablecloths.

I have been attacked by a sore throat-almost cold malady so I don't feel like doing much of anything. Tapping computer keys is about the extent of my ambition.

We are hoping to meet up with Gary and Carolyn on the Oregon coast, perhaps as early as the latter part of next week. I need to go to Spokane to see Pat this week and then we will head for Oregon. Pat has not felt well the past few days so I need to get back over to see him.

Unless the Air Force has other ideas, we are hoping Brian and the boys will be here with us for Easter. Unfortunately, Sheila won't be with them as she will be on active duty in Arizona. Then we get to keep the boys with us the week after Easter which is their spring break, and then we will take them back to Mt. Home in time for school the following Monday.

Keep on blogging.

Ciao

I see I have two weeks of catching up since I last blogged.

We loved our time with Sarah, and she left here with a love affair for the UW. No doubt she would like to attend, but it will all depend on what kind of a financial package is offered to her to see if it offsets what it would cost at the University of Maryland, where she has also been accepted.

With thanks to her cousin, Cinda, Sarah was exposed to much more than most incoming freshman could expect. Cinda had her connected to some great people both at the UW andt Seattle University. And Linea spent an entire day with Sarah between the two campuses. Many thanks to the Johnson family.

I went to Spokane last week to spend some time with my brothers. And a cousin from Florida visited Spokane last week as well. Pat is maintaining and has days that are better than others. He is still able to consume soft and liquid foods which are supplemented with tube feedings. He remains interested in the stock market, and has had a little exposure to the computer which he enjoys. I will probably go back over within the month to see him. He loves to play cribbage and rummy. I barely play cribbage, but I tried to hold my own in rummy, but without much success.

We are looking forward to having some time with Nolan and Warren next month. Due to work commitments for their dad and mom, we will probably be with them at least for the week of spring break. We learned last night that Nolan has been selected for the second year to work on the Mars Rover program - a project to build a Mars Rover out of Legos and then go to Boise to compete with other schools. He is the lone team member with prior experience. If anyone can make Legos sing and dance it would be Warren and Nolan. I'm sure they hold some kind of record for the quantity and variety of Legos they own.

Ken and I are looking at another short trip out in the motor home in the near future. The problem is to find the warmest place possible without having to drive 1000 miles. To be continued.

Gary and Carolyn Ousey sound like they are continuing to enjoy the southern sunshine. They just spent two weeks on BLM land near Yuma and are now at Picacho Peak between Tucson and Phoenix. Picacho Peak was one of the highlights for us when we were in Arizona last year. We regret that we were not able to make the trip south with them this year, but maybe next time.

Colleen has changed property managers and now has her townhouse available for lease again. She thought about selling it since she has no plans to return to Colorado, but it is difficult to give up an asset that took a lot of effort to acquire in the first place. If I had any desire to live in Colorado Springs (which I don't), I would love to live in it. It is quite small but very comfy and cozy.

I'm off to Curves. Ciao

Monday and the beginning of a busy week. Sarah arrives late tomorrow night (10:00), and then she will be in Seattle and Bellevue for Wednesday and Thursday.

Our drive home on Saturday was uneventful. It takes 5 hours from Lincoln City to Steilacoom with just two short stops.

I have talked to Mike and Pat in this last week The decision for Pat for treatment is to do nothing. It is felt that the treatment would do little and would not be pleasant. His daughter, Sandy, spent the last week with him, and she kept him busy. In addition to a doctor's appointment, she drove him out to Mike and Mary's for a few hours, and on another day they drove to St. John and he visited his old haunts: the tavern for coffee and cards, the grocery store and the bank. Sandy also showed him how to play solitaire on the computer so that is another diversion for him.

I plan to go to Spokane next week to spend a few days. The week end of 2/18 is the annual chocolate and wine week end in the Yakima Valley so that might prove to be a diversion.

Our two weeks on the Oregon Coast were very enjoyable, and we had a great time with Bob and Sharon. We have spent little time together since the Las Vegas trip last year so we just relaxed, ate well, and played cards.

Colleen is working on a decision about her townhouse in Colorado Springs. It is now vacant so the dilemma is whether to sell or rent again. To be continued.

Brian and Sheila are moving toward closing on their ski retreat condo in McCall which is supposed to occur this month. They are in the process of shopping for all the goodies needed to outfit it with an eye toward keeping it simple and easy to maintain. Sheila is thinking about beige with red accents in a Scandanavian motif which sounds perfect.

Blog on. Ciao

Greetings from the Sea and Sand RV Park near Lincoln City. I am sitting in the passenger seat looking out at an unobstructed expanse of the Pacific Ocean. We are perched on a ledge that is about 20 feet directly above the beach, and It is awesome. We just happened on this location as we were looking at the Woodalls Guide for our options for the area. There are about 10 sites on this terrace, and there is one other site occupied besides the Jaynes and us. Our neighbors, who are from Coeur d’Alene, are in a pickup and camper with a full-sized German Shepherd.

Our entertainment has consisted of a few rounds of pinochle and wandering through the shops in the area. We are going in to Depoe Bay and Newport today. Yesterday, I stayed put and read and looked at the view!

We will leave Saturday to drive home with every intention of being home by Saturday night, unless some whim should befall us while enroute.

Sarah will arrive on Tuesday, and Cinda has arranged for her son-in-law’s sister to give Sarah the grand tour of the UW campus either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. And Uncle Craig said he would take ½ day off to show her where she shouldn’t go at the UW!

I haven’t spoken to Pat for 2 days. I tried to call yesterday but there was no answer, so I suspect he might have gone someplace with Sandy. He has an appointment today with the oncologist to make his final decision with regard to treatment, if any. I hope to talk to him this afternoon.

The coffee is ready! Ciao.

Thursday afternoon

We drove in to Lincoln City to check email and post the above blog. We spent some time in Newport yesterday and had lunch at Mo's. Tomorrow is our last day of leisure and then home on Saturday.

We did have some entertainment at the beach yesterday. The Coast Guard had two boats conducting some training right out in front of our campsite.

Ciao

I have a Blog ready to post and can't figure out how to upload it to this site. So here is a quick recap:

We have been at Cannon Beach for the past week with Bob and Sharon Jayne. We are going to head south tomorrow to the Lincoln City area for another 5 or 6 days and then head for home. Sarah arrives on 2/8 for her visit to the UofW so we need to be there.

We have had some quite nice weather up until today, and it has turned rainy and cold. The temps in the past week have been fairly mild, and not much rain. If any, it was usually at night.
Yesterday's walk on the beach was blue sky and sunshine.

We have eaten lunch out twice, and both were very good. Mo's for clam chowder and Doogers for a seafood dinner, at lunch time, at half price for seniors. How about that?

I talk to Pat at least every other day, and he is looking forward to daughter Sandy's visit. She arrives this evening and will be in Spokane for a week.

I'll try to blog again soon. Maybe we will luck out and find WiFi tomorrow. Ciao

Now that we are poised to leave for a while, I am wondering if our friends the Ouseys are out there!!!! No blog since last Friday. Hmmmm.

We have no specific plans as to how long we will be away, but I have convinced myself that I can get to Spokane as fast on Alaska Air from anyplace in the west as I can in the car from Steilacoom. We are hoping to leave on Saturday. To be continued. Ken installed the 2004 Turbo Tax program to try and get that out of the way before we leave.

Colleen and I went to the base exchanges at Ft. Lewis and McChord today, and found so many great buys we could hardly contain ourselves. We didn't even get out of the clothing department.

I don't think we have had any rain to speak of in the last 24 hours, but we have had temps in the low 60's for the last 2 days.

Ciao

Rain, rain, rain, and more rain. That is pretty much how the forecast reads for the coming week. Perhaps we will get a chance to find out how the new sump pump in the basement works!

I whiled away the day doing some organizing in the motor home and making lists. Even if I don't get everything accomplished, I always feel like I am making progress if I make lists. We have been out so few times recently that I have forgotten what I have in it and what I don't.

Ken called Workhorse to check on the instrument cluster that we have been waiting for (one month and counting) and he was told it could be another month. Methinks we will travel without a temperature gauge for a while.

Brian and Sheila and the boys spent the long week end at McCall....skiing. And while there put an offer in on a condo. They want a place of their own to retreat to when escaping Mt. Home. It will be perfect for their winter skiing, and all other pursuits the rest of the year. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with one bedroom and bath being in the loft area which will be the boys' domain. This will also allow them to take the dog and cat with them and not have to use the local kennel. We are excited for them.

The other exciting news is that Sarah has been accepted at the University of Washington. She is still waiting to hear from the University of Maryland. Now comes the number-crunching and scholarship work to see if UW can compete financially with Maryland (since they have a neighbor who is the golf pro at the University of Maryland and he has been tracking her application, it looks like a pretty sure bet she will be accepted there too). Would we like to have her here going to school or what?

I must go online to see if I can find some plans for an ark. Ciao

We did a 24 hour turn around in Spokane and are back home. The consultation with the radiologist was informative, but not enough for Pat to make a final decision with regard to treatment. However, that needs to happen soon. I continue to be impressed with the Washington State Veterans Home where he is staying, but I can't say the same for the Veteran's Administration Hospital where his treatment is being coordinated.

We are cautiously and tentatively making some plans for some travel and should be able to solidify some plans within the next few days. We are not positive we are ready to make a beeline for Arizona, but it is a distinct possibility. The Jaynes are spending about a month on the Oregon coast beginning next week, so we might meet up with them at some point for a few days. To be continued.

Colleen and I are going to Bellevue today; she to meet with a financial planner and me to keep her company and check out the shopping scene at Bell Square.

I have been pretty good about going to Curves these past two weeks. I can't say I can see the difference, but I know I have made the effort.

I will post as soon as we make some travel plans, if not before.

Ciao

We are back in Spokane to be a part of a consultation for Pat with a radiologist to determine if he can withstand any radiation treatment. We drove over today and enjoyed clear and dry roads, but there is more winter coming, so we will probably have to wait for a window to return home. We are staying on the north side of Spokane and there is a lot of snow piled up in the parking lots......and there is more to come along with temps down near zero!!

We managed to retire the Christmas tree and stow away the decorations before coming back to Spokane. I think this has been our longest Christmas season.

We are off to seek some dinner - there is a Mexican restaurant nearby so we won't have to drive.

Ciao,

Helen

Finally, last night we had our Christmas. Craig was here and the four of us opened gifts after dinner. Our Christmas tree seemed to know it had to last for us. We put it up about the 17th and it stll looks and smells fresh!

Ken is watching the Seahawks game which is in the 3rd quarter. Very nerve-wracking!!

We are having some differences with our cell phone provider, Sprint, so I suspect we will be looking for a new service. Our contract expires the end of January so no problem to change. Sprint is the only cell service we have ever had, so we are open to suggestions.

So I will be home until Tuesday, and if the roads are okay, I'll return to Spokane for a consultation with a radiologist to determine if Pat's heart can withstand any chemo or radiation. With a heart functioning at only 20%, I suspect the answer will be no. This should be a short trip, and I hope to return home by the week end.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I'll blog when I can.

Ciao