Hot tub for all!!

Carol and I fell in love with hot tubs at a winter resort called Three Rivers many years ago. The enchantment came with snow on the ground and peaceful soaking right on the spot. So, what better than to have that option in our own back yard. Aaron and his four oldest on Thanksgiving Friday with 10 inches on the ground. I'll wait for more peaceful times (and less climbers--if you see what I mean).

Stehekin Bound

If you are ever looking for a getaway, the Kennewick McCains have always recommended Stehekin. It is a 2 1/2 boat ride up Lake Chelan from civilization to remoteness

This is our group of friends known by ourselves as the Empty Nesters. I am retiring for the night, but will add more later.

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Orlando or bust!

Another spring break, another jaunt to exotic places.

This time we went with Laurel and Tom and their kids.

To Disney World and with side trips to Daytona Beach!

I really don't know how to compose these blogs, in terms of pictures and text. I really enjoyed the parade that invited folks to hit the streets and dance. I did my part from the bench and really enjoyed good ol' Rock and Roll.

You and me, you and me, oh how happy we'll be

Okay, I have no idea how to edit this webpage, so I'll just start talking. This is our last weekend's hegira to the coast, including Seaside and Astoria. Of course, we had to have a sunset shot from our hotel balcony. Then there's the source of heaven's ambrosia--Josephson's Smoked Fish in Astoria where I dropped $16 for 8 oz of honey smoked salmon and another $8 for 4 oz of smoked tuna. Oh my. Oh my. The Victorian masterpiece home is the Flavell Mansion, now a museum in Astoria. We didn't go in, just marvelled at the ornamentation and the Sequoia tree planted outside. You see my smug pose with my Aaron-made custom walking stick at Cannon Beach with Haystack rock right behind me and then Carol with her Dennis-found-on-the-beach walking stick posing with Sacajewea and Jean Baptiste outside Fort Clatsop. We find it fun to enjoy the local wonders as easily as those of Hawaii and Disneyland. As long as it is "you and me" "you and me".

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea

Went to Astoria and Seaside for a long weekend and really enjoyed it. If you click on this photo you'll notice the mists that come up from the waves as they crest. Had Mom totally fascinated most of the trip. Of course, Dad had to have the historical element--here we are inspecting a recreated copy of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805. We both liked it and had it pretty well to ourselves. Mom had to buy a hoodie and we found it in a trinket shop. Downtown Seaside has fun shops, rides and restaurants.

This is the sight early Christmas morn. David has camped in the living room with the HD screen and portable heater going, and the Christmas lights on. Yes, a high amp evening for him. But, hey, he is without his right arm here, away in Kooskia Idaho with her family. We love this kid

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Here, our boy checks out his new iPhone, which with accessories, constituted his main gift. So many cool applications, but too complicated for his dad to figure out.

At long last, love arrives, looking different yet again from any photos we have of her. She is the lovely Kymberlee Smith who, along with her sister Samantha lit up the house until their departure flight to Phoenix on New Year's Eve. The visit was so low impact, we're hoping they return often.