Fun with Rodney & Lauren

It was nice to spend a few days with Rodney and Lauren this last weekend. Our hope and plan was initially to go to the beach, however we decided to go to Lake Merwin instead, and spend it with the Dover bunch. Before leaving town however Lauren was hungry for dinner at Cruisers, so that was our first stop. It has been years since we have stopped there since it was always the place to go after a concert, ball game, swim meet, or any other reason with the kids. Fond memories. Hopefully it helped Rodney to reflect on some positive memories since he seems to not remember much of what I thought were good times.
By the time we arrived through the traffic to Lake Merwin Cathy had just arrived herself. She planned to go early in the day, but many things got in her way. I can't say that the weather was sunny and beautiful. In fact it was a bit chilly at times, but still very beautiful, and fun to spend with the group.
Cathy and Michael were terrific hosts and very generous to share there haven with us. Casey, Roy'l and Javen camped out with us the first night, then Caven, Sarah, & Kaylynn came the following morning for a day of play, and through camp fire that night.
Lauren was surprised to see the many deer, and how tame they were to eat out of our hands. In fact one deer was quite determined to join us at the picnic table for our breakfast.
We enjoyed going out on there boat. We went out the first time and watched Caven, Sarah, and Roy'l ski, or go on the inter-tube. The rest of us were content to go for the ride and watch. There were occasional glimpses of the sun, and when it showed through we relished in the warmth. The next time we went out was for a sight seeing excursion. They shared some of there favorite peaceful water spots, and land sights which included their dream cabin on the Lake.
Saturday evening Lauren's parents and brother came to visit us for some fresh peach, and blackberry cobbler, as well as visit awhile around the campfire.
We enjoyed watching Rodney and Lauren interact, and see the love that they share.

Happy Anniversary!

When I was 14 years old I met my sweetheart for the first time in high school, and once we graduated we decided to spend our lives together. 35 years ago today we were married in Oakland California. So many moves ago, much adventure, and many ups and downs. That is of course what makes life interesting.
Now with our 5 children grown, married and three with children of there own, we are learning to focus on one another once again. Serving and strengthening one another. As well as recognize the differences.
Thank you sweetheart for putting up with me for so many years, and hopefully many more to come. Now and Forever my Love.

Weekend at Klickatat Washington

Last weekend we took mom with us to the Roley's home in Klickatat, Washington

to help them out by picking the blackberries and a few peaches.














It was the easiest pick I have ever experienced since they were thorn-less bushes, and wow were they beautiful to look at, as well as eat.









Most of the peaches were not quite ready this time, but I'm sure this weekend will be busy for their family with all the produce ripe and ready.


It was a very early morning to get up and out of here by 5:00am so we could be there by 7:00. It reminded me of my berry picking days as a child, but with a much better attitude now. What a beautiful morning it was, as well as the entire day.









Their home is right on the Klickatat river, and this serene spot both Tony and I enjoyed was also a favorite of dad DeRoest when he would visit.



In fact, he was content to sit in a drift boat tied to the tree or sit on this bench and fish all day.

























At one point when mom was resting in the house, Tony was out visiting with the neighbors,



and I enjoyed taking pictures of the scenery around me, which included several hummingbirds flying around the feeders.


What a wonderful time we all had, but I most enjoyed the time we had together.

A Visit From The Donkins

We got a wonderful surprise visit from JoAnna and Zack this past week. School was over for them both and they were hustling to find jobs in Rexburg for the fall so as to pay for School in the Winter and beyond. Not to mention rent. As it turned out they both landed jobs at a restaurant that were to start the following week, so they decided to come to Portland to visit and for Zack to work for his Uncle Hal at PCC (Portland Community College). His dad Russ was here in town from Arizona also working, so we had a fun evening visiting, and allowing the two of them a little rest before they returned to work.
All these hours paid off, since it not only paid for the trip, but they were able to make enough for their rent.
Zack worked pretty long hours each day and we saw very little of him, but of course that was the main purpose for their trip.


JoAnna was very helpful around here cleaning, picking berries, picking apples, helping her dad and Uncle Mike to build the shed out back.


It brought back some great memories,
and we were sad to see them go.





























After a full day of cleaning out the remainder of things at Mother and Pops house Cathy enjoyed relaxing with her feet up reading a good book.