The View From Here

Christmas 2008 (Continued)

2008-12-28T20:13:00.001-08:00

Will, mom and dad playing Cranium.

Dad and his beloved fruitcake. Yuck!

Diana at Christmas dinner.

Dad at Christmas dinner.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

Mom peeking out from behind her presents.

Diana and Will

Mom and dad in their new matching jackets!

Diana and mom

December 15-20 - The Great Winter Storm of 2008

2008-12-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

The view from my living room window.

The icy and forbidding road that could not be conquered
unless you had four wheel drive and chains.

Sadie

Oso (the neighbor dog), Sadie and the rear end of Zoe.

Mama and Dakota - FYI: Goats don't like snow.

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It appears that the great winter storm of 2008 is over. I was stuck in my house for 4 days and was suffering from cabin fever. On the 5th day I braved the elements and ventured out. I put the chains on my 4 wheel drive pickup and when I saw a break in the weather I drove it to the bottom of the hill. In the morning, I bundled up and started the mile trek down the hill. Just as my truck came into view, I thought to myself, "hooray, it's still there and it doesn't look like anybody's crashed into it!" In that momentary lapse of concentration, I lost my footing and the ice took me down. It didn't hurt all that much, but I quickly looked around to see if anyone had seen me fall. It didn't appear that anyone had. Once I got to my snow and ice covered truck I attempted to put the key in the lock. It was frozen over and I had to warm it up with my hands. Once I finally got the key in, the inside of the lock wasn't budging. I had to spit on the key and then insert it into the lock to try to loosen it up. After a couple of minutes, I was finally able to get it to turn over. Then I tried to open the door. No such luck, it was completely frozen shut. I had brought a broom-like tool with me and I started to brush the crevices of the door. After about ten minutes of trying to get the door open, a woman walked up to me. I had been so busy with the door that I didn't even see or hear her approaching. She had apparently also walked down the hill. Her vehicles weren't able to navigate the icy roads so she had walked down the hill the last four days and has been able to hitchhike to town. After about 15 minutes working together, we were finally able to pry open the door. Success! I got in and turned the defroster on then we both scraped the ice off of the truck. One hour after leaving my house, I was finally ready to go. I dropped off the hitchhiker in town and was on my way. I arrived at my final destination (40 miles away) one and a half hours later safe and sound and grateful that I don't have to go through this very often.

December 8, 2008 - Decorating Gingerbread Houses.....Again

2008-12-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, I decorated gingerbread houses again. This time I did it with

two foster kids that I represent. They were so creative!

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Isn't this great?

It took this kiddo awhile to get started, but it turned out beautifully!

December 12, 2008 - A Blustery Friday

2008-12-21T16:09:00.001-08:00

The view at Cape Foulweather.

The cute little visitor's center perched on the edge of a cliff.

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I had court over in Lincoln County this morning. It was a storm watcher's dream because it was so rainy and blustery. I decided to take 10 minutes and stop at Cape Foulweather in order to feel the power of mother nature. Ever since Barb's passing I have been trying to take the time to see the beauty that surrounds me. It was awesome! The wind was gusting to 70 miles per hour and I felt like I was going to blow over the cliff. If you've never been I highly recommend it.

December 5, 2008 - Kids' Christmas Party

2008-12-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came to my first annual Christmas party!

From the left: Sam being held by Amy, John, Jay, Dylan, Brooke being held by Anika, Bailey with Molly B., and Brett with Molly L.

From the left: Jay, John, Charlie, Sam (laying on the carpet), Dylan, Bailey, Brooke and Brett.

From the left: Charlie, Jay, John, Dylan, Brooke, Bailey and Brett.

Anika and her mini-me Brooke.

Amy showing us all her Christmas spirit.

November 27-30 - Thanksgiving Weekend at the Beach Continued

2008-12-06T21:10:00.001-08:00

Waves crashing and drenching everything and everyone (including me) - Depot Bay.
A tired sea lion leans against a pole for support - Newport.

A sea lion sunning himself - Newport.

The view from my grandparents old home. You can see "our" beach from here (it's that piece of land sticking out into the bay).

A happy Sadie at the beach - Waldport.

November 27-30 - Thanksgiving Weekend at the Beach

2008-12-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

Zoe at the beach
Dad walking at "our" beach in Bayshore (Waldport).

Sadie retrieving yet another ball.

Will, Diana, dad and mom at Nye Beach in Newport.

The view from the hotel in Newport.

November 14, 2008 - The Zonta Auction

2008-12-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

I took my parents to the annual Zonta auction. I almost gave my mom several heart attacks because I kept bidding on items. At one point she kept my hand down so I couldn't bid any more. I ended up being outbid on everything, but I'd like to think that I earned Zonta a few extra hundred dollars by upping the ante.

I am on the board of directors for the Zonta Service Foundation of Corvallis. The purpose of the service foundation is to work for the improvement of the legal, economic, educational, and professional status of women, and the legal, economic, and educational status of children.

November 7, 2008 - Mom and Dad's Birthday Party

2008-12-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

"I'm stinking rich!"

Mom making fun of dad for not blowing out all of the candles on his side of the cake.

Mom and Dad laughing at Diana dancing.

Sadie's Day - October 4, 2008

2008-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sadie retrieving a ball

Sadie with a bunch of other happy dogs

Sadie waiting for a ball to be thrown.

I've been meaning to post these photos of Sadie for quite some time now. The Aquatic Center allows dogs in the outdoor pools for one day each year. It signifies the end of the summer season. This is the third year that we have attended. Zoe came too, but didn't swim.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Jay, Matt, Molly and Brett

Good heavens they were cute!!!!

Jay, Brett and Annie (my parent's dog - dressed as a ladybug)

Molly and her conductor and chicken

Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. - Ray A. Kroc

Since my sister's passing, I have found it difficult to "press on." Now that the holiday season is fast approaching I am doing my best to perservere. For Halloween, I celebrated the evening with Molly, Matt, Jay and Brett. Nothing warms the heart more than watching pure excitement and joy. Before trick or treating, we went to my parent's house so they could see how cute the boys were. They were absolutely adorable and I thank Molly for letting me share in their special night.

My Sister Barbara

2008-11-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

You toiled so hard for those you loved.
You said goodbye to none,

Your spirit flew before we knew,

Your work on earth was done.

We miss you now,

our hearts are sore,

As time goes by we miss you more.

Your loving smile, your gentle face;

No one can fill your vacant place.

Your life was love and labor.

Your love for your family true.

You did the best for all of us.

We will always remember you.