Ocean Beaches January 2011

When the weather forecast said 60 degrees on the Oregon Coast Ron & I picked the two best days and made our hotel reservations on the South Beach of Newport, Oregon – close to the long wharf where Ron hoped to find some Dungeness Crab.

Click on this picture to see a very patient Dad returning with a run-away 2 year old boy.  Much to my amusement he finally had to tie him to the dock to finish baiting his nets and getting his fishing pole ready!  I don't think he enjoyed my delight - but I remember the situation well, Joshua!  Enlarge next picture to see his short rope!  It's a good Daddy protecting his child.

It was a grand get-away as you can see from a few photos. We were able to take a break from winter here in Oregon while the rest of the Country was up to their ears in snow. What a place we live!

We noticed the work NOAA is doing in the Newport Bay.  They have dredged a lot of sand to allow for the big ships they will be bringing into their new facility.  It looks like they are making roads to the top of the sand hill in order to load it up and haul it out.  At the Hatfield Marine Center we were told that the locals hope they get rid of it before the winds start blowing.  You see the new building at the right side of the picture.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090804_newport.html

On the way to Newport we stopped in Depot Bay to arrange reservations for a family gathering to take place in October of this year to celebrate my 70th birthday, joining with our daughter Vicki who will be celebrating 50, and or course Jesse who is too young to mention!

We are delighted we were able to secure a 15% discount for all family members reserving rooms for the event as well. When our children were young parents in their early 20's we used to spend Thanksgivings at this beach resort with the first of our grandchildren present. What good memories we have.

                                                       1988 Thanksgiving - Alyssa Grandpa and Diana

This trip we stayed at the La Quinta Inn on Newport South Beach. The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub so I enjoyed swimming while Ron cast crab nets – ah to no avail. The catch was too small by a quarter inch or so and we went home empty handed – but so filled up with the beauty of our earth.

Hope you are all well and having join in the moment!
Love

Ron and Betty

2011

One year to the dreaded – or anticipated 2012 changes to the 5th dimension and the Golden Age – or not. It sounds like fun. I am having fun all the time anyway. I am happy in the now – now – moment and that is the only place I can live.

I have had a few unpleasant moments to move through this year – because I scheduled them right in a row beginning in January. The medical tests are all done and I am in good health. The bad tooth with no bone support left is out and the "flipper" is in.

Goodbye Beautiful!!

The temporary appliance is difficult to talk with – difficult to eat with – which leads me to hope that I will become skinny and Ron can stop complaining about never getting a word in edgeways! Probably won't happen though! What the heck – I am happy. My Son wants to call me "flipper" and has been informed he may be flipped back if he does.

I'm looking forward to the next week or so when I will be all well and ready to go back to my water aerobics. My daughter is going to join me. What fun.

I have been telephoning "old" friends this week and am happy to report they are all doing well. The woman who introduced Ron & I and hired me in my Salem Dental job is now 80 and young at heart as ever. No matter how long between conversations – as soon as we talk it's like we have never been apart. What a grand experience to have Auntie Jan in my life. Dr. David – a long time dentist friend is also near 80. He lost his wife last fall and misses her so much. And he is fine – a really fine man and friend. My best sister is in the same age group and feeling wonderful. I love her so much. My brother is 10 years ahead of me so we will both celebrate milestone birthdays this year. He sounds great and I am going to try to find a way to get somebody to drive him and his wife to Oregon so we can get together again this year.

We had fun on Christmas Day – with our celebrations all over – we spent a quiet day with Eli and took a drive to the Basket Slew where we saw deer, 2 bald eagles, 1 great Egret, thousands of ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers. We often take a trip there and find it to be just as new and renewing every time.

Next week the weather forecast says it will be nice – like 60 degrees on the Oregon Coast. We are planning to play hooky again and Ron will go crabbing in Newport. I will join him part of the time and perhaps we'll stay overnight if all goes well.

I like to update the blog from time to time so you can check in. I know most of you are too busy for such stuff – what with Face book to keep up with and all. My blog is mostly for me – to keep testing my ability to write and create a picture with words. Many of you know I am in the process of writing my second book "The House". I can't finish it too soon because I would be too embarrassed to release it while I'm alive. But I am considering telling some of those "stories" that one remembers most clearly as we become older. I won't have pictures – but maybe I can convey a picture with words – and that will please me. If you have time to read it and enjoy the story – that will please me too. Stay tuned for my grand "Spelunking" (cave exploration story), My adventures with an Indian Shaman, A trip to the nudist event, and others.

Love to all, and thanks for checking in.

Christmas Eve Greetings

What a grand Season it has been for us. Sharing with a sweet family has given us joy beyond measure.

As I told you in the last blog Ron & I requested of our guests for the December 11th,

"In the Spirit" Christmas Family Gathering that the money that would have been spent for us and from us be donated to a charity. It turned out that our kids and their Dad made similar agreements to exchange with gifts to charities of their choice.

By the time our party came around Ron & I had already selected a little family in recovery who could benefit with a little help. We took the 27 year old single mom and her 3 yr old and 5 year old to the Oak Knoll Christmas Tree farm where they got to ride the train to the trees and select their own tree. They got to have hot cider, or hot co-co and play with the gentle big dogs in the Farm's guest room filled with decorated trees.

What a thrill it was for Ron & I to see the Joy reflected in their eyes.

                                                             Timber!!!

They were all tickled that Ron would join them in skipping happily down the road to follow the tree's picked up ty the wagon.  He is a pretty good Grandpa!
Ron bought a Christmas tree stand for them – and put the tree in it. Then we proceeded to be sure there were presents under the tree for all. With the money we would have spent on family members – the Mommy got $50 cash to shop for the children while I stayed with them. While Mommy was gone shopping I helped the kids wrap some simple gifts for Mom and put them under the tree. When Mommy got home beaming
with her success – she got a cash gift of $45 dedicated to spend on herself for make up and the basic necessities she has been doing without. What a thrill to see their beautiful Christmas tree all decorated with lots of presents underneath. Thank you to my family for agreeing to share in this remarkable way. It has been the most joyful season I can remember.

Other Charities receiving gifts were the Humane Society, Multnomah Women's Crisis Center, Ronald McDonald House, and Building Blocks (a place dedicated to helping families at risk. Boy did we spread the joy all around!!

Our family gathering was spent playing games, singing Christmas Carols together with Marilyn playing along on her acoustic guitar. We snacked on all the finger foods and treats anyone could want. It was Grand!  We were entertained by our youngest family members - Sophie and Winston - the Grand-dogs!

On December 17th Ron & I enjoyed taking a ride with Tim & Marilyn to see all the beautiful Christmas lights. Afterward Tim treated us to Ice Cream at Dairy Queen. What fun!

On December 19th Eli invited Ron & I to his lovely apartment for a Prime Rib Dinner.

                                                 What a wonderful evening that was!

On December 22 Ron & I took a drive to Lebanon Oregon where our former neighbor and friend Rilletta lives in a Elder Care Center. We took her out to lunch at Sheri's and the Lottery was friendly to Ron there at Sheri's – and bought our lunch for us! Rilletta was happy with the visit and for those of you who know her – she is doing great. She enjoys the other 3 residents in the small facility and remains quite independent. She was happy with the big can of cookies we took along for her. She will share them with her family on Christmas Day. She had to hide them from the "boy's in residence"!

Our daughter and son-in-law are spending Christmas with his family in Bend Oregon enjoying the snow. Our little Grand-dogs don't know what to make of it!

Our son and daughter-in-law will spend Christmas with her family here.

Eli will join Ron & I for this evening – and Christmas will have all to ourselves to do whatever we decide to do!

(opps sorry about the miss spelling - you know what I mean!  Lots of FRESH coffee)
On December 27th we will celebrate our Son's birthday with a day at the 3-D Tron opening!

We are well and happy. Sending our Love your way. Enjoy Everyday!

Planning a Caring Christmas

As people rush about buying things and wrapping their gifts or choosing gift cards or heaven forbid Cash I suppose they are seeking that wonderful feeling that we have when we can give something to a loved one that makes them smile, and feel loved, and feel understood, and feel cared about.

I love that feeling – and make it a practice all year long to be looking for some way to affirm others, to understand who they are, and to do what I can to contribute to them in a way that touches the spirit as it meets physical needs.

Sometimes I really fail at this and let my ego run the little program of blaming, labeling, condemning, and judging others. I find I fail most often with those who are closest to me – who love me so much that I know they will not turn away, in spite of the abuse.

I am engaged in the process of letting go of these material attachments so that the ego state will be noticed and stop thinking we are separate or different, or better, or worse than someone else. If I can notice the thoughts of separation and smile – I can return to the Love Center that is really me – that I am a part of – that brings joy and opportunity to spread the Love Energy to everyone I meet. This is a moment by moment process that teaches Presence in the moment – which is where we all live.

Ron and I are hosting a family gathering in the middle of December and have requested that our guests not bring us a gift and not expect a gift from us, but instead for each couple who is able to do so, bring a maximum cash gift of $25.00. We have selected the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service to receive a donation of the cash we receive.

My Son called this morning to say he and his wife have chosen the Humane Society to receive their donations – and reported that other family members have joined the cause to make this Christmas an example of Caring for Each Other. Instead of spending our time together opening gifts – we will spend our time together playing games – singing songs we love – sharing finger foods – and our heart felt Love for one another – no matter how different we think, no matter how different our life styles, and Celebrating the fact that in this Wonderful Life – We are all One – in the Spirit of Love.

Wishing you all a Joyous Christmas Season!

Thankful

The Viking Celebrates 70!

It seems like a good time to reflect on all the good things in life – since it feel like my cup overflows! What a great year Ron & I have experienced.


Ron is so much more healthy now – his heart is working very well – allowing him to have diabetic meds that make his average blood sugar within the good range!

I am feeling really good and back to water aerobics 3 to 4 times a week. I feel so much better when I can do that. I will be loosing one of my precious front teeth because of a bone disease – but hopefully not until next year! I want another Christmas with my TWO Front Teeth!

                                         Celebrating Valentines Day - with Gift Dinner from Cynthia & Mike

We had such a really great vacation – 3 weeks – in Idaho with my brother and family – in Yellowstone – and at my 50 year class reunion. I have kept in e-mail contact with several of my good girl friends since the reunion and it is great!

                           Alyce was and is a best friend.  She sends the best articles and e-mails.  Thanks Alyce.

                                   Ann - Elizabeth and I had lunch together every day during my Junior Year.

                            The house Tim came home to from the hospital - he was born when Debbie was 3

My wonderful daughter calls every evening, and my son Tim calls often in the mornings when he has a moment free. Grandson Jesse calls at least once a week and keeps us informed about things in Moses Lake. Eli shows up now and then just to see what needs to be done – like cleaning the roof and gutters or watering the garden.

Our home is so beautiful. It has kept us safe and warm since August of 1975. Ron & I both love it like a family member and plan to always be here – for as long as we all survive – us and our house.

                                           Hydranges dried, spray painted and sparkled add to my fall mantel.
The fall color has piled up knee deep all over our property. Ron & I spent the morning playing in the leaves – sending them flying over the hill so we can start again in the spring.

We are thankful for 3 loyal tenants who take care of us as well as we take care of them.

New friends show up – with love in their hearts and together we find ways to "pay it forward" for the less fortunate – who are also a gift in our lives – because they show us courage and strength and determination that lifts our spirits to another challenge.

We are thankful for you, friends, who send us e-mails – jokes – funny articles and inspiring stories. We are grateful to have you in our lives.

We are Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Ron and Betty

Playing Hooky

Back to Life in Salem. It has been raining a lot – so when we saw a forecast of two rain free days – and warm weather Ron & I conspired to play hooky and head for the coast!

You must understand – for us – playing hooky is such a far out venture that the decision in itself made us giddy. Ron cancelled appointments and we took off – for a day off!



First through the Basket Refuge where we saw deer feeding on a hillside, a mature eagle sitting in a tree, two swans among thousands of geese and other water foul.



Then on to the Spirit Mountain Casino – where I read for an hour while Ron made an investment of $10.00 and returned with $94.00! That will pay for a nice lunch and gas!



The further South we went the more fog we saw on the Ocean – but we saw it – the Pacific Ocean! I love to visit the Ocean in the fall and I missed it this year due to our trip to Idaho.



South of Lincoln City we stopped for a wonderful sea food lunch at the famous "Mo's".



Then on to Newport to the Yaquina Head with lots of fog – pelicans and other sea creatures. Harbor Seals at the Head – and then once on the water front of Newport – California Sea Lions barking away.



Ron took a stroll onto the dock and bought two live crabs to take home with us.



Then it was home through Kings Valley with the beautiful fall colors – and a feast of Crab Louie!



Yesterday I painted my dried hydrangeas for Christmas decorations. Red and White with gold and silver sparkles promise a creative swag for my fire-place mantel.
Wish I had pictures to share but it appears I erased them!! Computers and Operators - Oh Well.



Happy Thanks Giving to all of our American friends and Love to all.

50 Year High School Reunion

All  summer long I worked on the "slide-show" DVD Video to present at the reunion.

I had such fun doing it. I received a small amount of current pictures of classmates and I used the Web to find scenes from the 50's – 60's to incorporate. Since each picture is shown for only 4 seconds it takes a lot of pictures to make a 10 or 20 minute presentation.

 
I managed to put together a 20 minute presentation and then from different sources I found the music to accompany the pictures. I was delighted with the finished product and I had 32 DVD's to give to class mates to take home as souvenirs of our gathering.

Arvon Arave provided CD's of 1950's music for everyone to take home. Of the Three Buddies shown here only Arvon on the far left is still living.

Ron & I left a little early to get the equipment all ready for the presentation.

There were about 60 people present at the dinner which was really good. A photographer took group pictures that are probably better than the shot Ron took with my camera of the graduating class members.

                                                About 38 class members were present.  Click on pictures to enlarge.

Saturday was the Spud Day Parade in Shelley Idaho. We joined my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and niece along with other family members to watch the parade. Then Ron & I went to Ann Durbin's place to share a picnic of baked "Idaho Russet's". As a part of the event held at the Shelley Park after the parade 5,000 baked potatoes are given away!

This gathering was much smaller – but gave me a chance to visit with best friends.

Thank you to my son Tim who helped me so much with the DVD. Thank you to my husband Ron who worked so hard to see to it that I got to do every part of my Idaho Trip Dream!

Now I am in touch with very special class friends on the internet and it is delightful!

I have celebrated my 69th birthday with family – fall is coming with the beautiful colors and the first of our winter storms. I love this time of year!

Love to all.