Great Anniversary Celebration

Ron & I had a perfect Anniversary Celebration – from the moment we got up – and looked outside to see a gift placed nicely on Ron's outdoor kitchen counter!

This gift promises a great water fight will shortly ensue. We will try to keep it out of the kitchen (inside) this time!



After I took Ron for a walk at Orchard Heights Park where I was hoping to spot the fledgling birds of prey I had seen the day before (they were gone) we went to the Saturday Market where Ron bought me a beautiful bouquet!

Next we went to the Capitol Grounds for a walk to see the State Flags and beautiful landscape. We haven't been there for a long time. I love the fascinating "umbrella trees".



Then we went home with beautiful fresh garden greens from the Saturday Market and made a perfect salad for lunch. We only had an hour though and we were on schedule to go to the movie – X-Men – The Beginning! Wow what fun!



Ron kept his promise to cook steak, lobster and salad for our dinner. It was great! I learned after the dinner was over that my Sweetie had a very sore throat and had been faking a happy face all day. How Brave! I had a wonderful time and Ron was pampered over the next few days.

July is here Already

So much has happened since I last wrote. Father's day was so special with a big crowd honoring Fathers at a brunch in a lovely banquet place new to West Salem. Jesse and Alyssa had just arrived so they joined the rest of our children and friends Mike and Cynthia in a wonderful meal.

Jesse and his cousin Alyssa We were hoping Ernie could join us but he was delayed. He came to Salem for a few days to help my daughter and son-in-law with new flooring in their home. He is our expert. It was so much fun having Ernie, Jesse, and Alyssa stay with us for a few days. They took care of everything they could for Grandpa Ron. Jesse helped with upholstery, fixed Grandpa's truck's electrical problem, and helped Ernie go on the roof and plug a leak by the chimney. They are great kids.

Jesse, Alyssa, Ron and Ruth at the Farm to pick cherries

Alyssa said she had never been in such a big field of beans - "Take my picture"

Jesse has no problem telling us how much he loves us! How Special!

Alyssa Loves her Daddy - Can you Believe she is 22 now? Diana wasn't well enough to come along – but I am happy to report she is doing much better now. Her next Chemo treatment is July 8th and we hope it is much easier for her this time. This is a picture from their short visit in March for a relative's funeral.

Ernie and Dee Dee March 2009 On Saturday the 25th Ron & I took a day off and went to the beach! First he won $65 at the casino (lunch money) and then we went to our favorite place near Boiler Bay – lunch at the Surf rider. When I was a wealthy consultant we used to go there every Thanksgiving and include our whole family. What fond memories we have of those days!

Lincoln City had a Kite Festival going on!

Next we made our way to the Yaquina Head where we saw tens of thousands of seabirds gathering for their nesting season. The sound alone of that many birds talking at the same time is breath-taking. The sight of so many on the top of rocks makes this one of my favorite places to go. The Ocean was aqua blue, the wind was strong, but the views were spectacular!

Now we are looking forward to a quiet celebration of our 34th wedding anniversary on July 4th. I asked Ron to cook steaks and lobster for me – like he did when we were dating! What a Love He IS and boy can he cook! Life just gets better and better. Happy Fourth of July to our American friends – and Greetings and Love to those of you who reside else where in the World.