Computer Hugs

I was instant messaging with Sam and Lyndee last night and told them I needed a Percy (puppy) hug and they told me hang on for 2 minutes... and then sent me this! Isn't technology wonderful!

What's Wrong with this Photo?

This was taken on 4/30... the snow is pretty low... It rained all night.

This is looking south, no snow looking at the mountains to the east.

It's the end of April, not January, for Pete's sake!

Boo~hoo from the frozen fish.

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From Mom's Cactus Garden to You....

Thanks Paul for sharing this lovely cactus flower photo!

It is like a whole bouquet of roses!

Happy 24th Birthday, Dane!

What a nice couple of days we have had! Yesterday we played a very cool round of golf in John Day, had an extravagant dinner (by our standards) and then played Texas Hold 'Em poker.



This morning, after cleaning the Inn rooms, we drove up Frank's Creek and hiked to "China Hat"... the four of us and the four dogs! Dane, as always, was the first one to the top and the first one down!

Instead of going back the same way, we drove over the mountain and came down Dick Creek, which enabled us to see the red hills portion of the JD Fossil Beds area.

A mish-mash of snap shots...

Here is a variety of photos from our day... Dane and Mike moved our hot tub from down at the old house to up on the hill... Charly and I helped (a little) .... Mike and I just could not have done it by ourselves. It was sweet to see how well father and son worked together and how handy Dane is. He is such a logical thinker... doesn't get that from his mom! It wasn't an easy task and they had to put in a new electrical outlet and wire it into the power box. It is now full of water and warming up! Job well done and we were all rewarded with a steak dinner. Anyway, fun and productive, day!

Same "Ol View... Wish I Could Share the Peace

New Fence!

I didn't get a full "before" photo, but this is once we started adding boards to the field fence so we would have something to attach the bamboo to. A local friend who has a small mill gave us all the long flexible boards and we spent less that $100 on 64' of rolled bamboo fencing on our way home from Hood River last week.
I hated waking up in the morning and looking into the neighbor's yard! This obviously won't last too long, but if I get some trees and vines planted, maybe they will be a mature screen by the time the bamboo rots.

The steep hillside on our side is such sandy soil, I am concerned what we can get to grow on it... but I am going to do my best. I love sitting on this side of the house! Mike is my hero for doing this for me, he really didn't want to, the view didn't bother him at all :)

Which One are You?... Horse, Cow, Mule?

Julie Smith organized a "Cow Paddy" golf scramble yesterday at the South Fork Golf Course. It was a fund raiser for the Spray Rodeo. I am guessing there were 10-12 three-person teams... one "horse", one "cow" and one "mule" on each team. I only brought my camera out once when we were making the turn to play the last 3 holes. Julie's grandson was a kick with his own set of clubs and he offered to give lessons, 'cuz he's really good. Just ask him! The two guys with the clubs over their shoulders are Chet Hettinga and Ralph Metcalf. The last photo is Julie chatting with Jerry Kimball. Notice the Wrangler jeans... now, that is appropriate golf attire for Cow Paddy golf!

There's Buns in Them There Hills!

As Mike and I were sitting eating dinner last night, looking at the view out our window, we both noticed these cute little buns in the hills in the distance. So, I got my camera and zoomed in on them. Below is the full view, double click on it and see if you can find them!

Mini Vacation

We feel fortunate to have Steve and Mary Sue as friends, to have been invited to share Easter at their home in Hood River, and meet their families. They have a lovely home and were great hosts.

This springtime Oregon weather has sure been something. We dealt with mud and rain all day yesterday, and woke up to fresh powder in the surrounding hills this morning. The photo above shows some of what we encountered on our way home... and it's snowing here now.. I guess since I spent the winter in Arizona I am going to get a little extra appreciation test in April.

Easter Sunrise !

We had a 6:30 sunrise service this morning. I bundled up and was glad I made the effort to get moving so early.

It was a small group and a short, sweet service. The sun did indeed rise as we were singing. We are loading up the camper and heading to Hood River for lunch and to visit the Bentons.

They rolled the stone away from in front of the tomb, not so Jesus could get out, but so man could get in.

Amen and Have a Blesssed Easter!

Holiday Humor

Happy Easter!

Fruitless Plum
Plum (Plum Crazy Tree)

Succulent on hillside

Apricot.. or Peach..?

Bulbs in front of Main House... always the first ones to bloom.

Sunsets and Full Moons... Ya Gotta Love 'Em!

Spring Golf

It was 76' today in Grant County! Here is a photo from the 18th tee.
Deb was hesitant to pose for me, but I assured her if it was terrible I wouldn't post it... ! We are both anxious for a long summer filled with lots of golf! She drove the ball SO good today! Do we dare think winter is really over?

Remembering a Really Terrific Dad on His Birthday!

That's baby Dane on Pop's lap!

Mellow Party !

I took a few photos from our hilltop down at the wedding reception we hosted today. Tony Hand roasted a pig to feed a group of nearly 100. We left and played golf when most guests were here. (It was sunny and so nice for a welcome change!) It was such an easy group to have and Apryl and Mike, were very good to work with. I am going to make the photo of the pig nice and small, they say it tasted great, but it is yucky to look at!

My View of Spring in EO

The sun plays peek a boo.