Long time no post!

So sorry to the extremely small number of loyal readers. Hi Mom. Wow so much has happened. Let me recap as much as I can

September! School started with two kids in middle school and one in elementary. Both schools are an art focus school with great teachers. They are all enjoying school and doing well according to the Parent Teacher conferences this week.
My parents came for a visit. We took a few side trips to Astoria (Dad wanted clam chowder!) and Hood River. Make sure you check out the Duel Calvin and Grandpa had in the street on our YouTube page. There are photos on line too.
No business travel for me! Yeah. One side benefit of the economy!

October! Busy Busy with kids in dance programs, birthday parties, and the like. The food highlight was Five Guys opened in the Portland area. Five Guys was a favorite of ours when we lived in the DC area. Holly consumed these little things in great quantities while she was pregnant.

November! Its almost over! Wow - how the time flies. Thanksgiving was delicious. Brining the turkey is the only way to go. Sadly Holly's Dad spent the time in the Intensive Care Unit. Holly and her family were able to spend a fair amount of time with him over the Holiday.
Holly will be very busy this weekend with several jewelry shows. The kids and I will be bowling (Jack's idea).

I finally joined the social networking era and created a Facebook page this week. I am happy that I have "friends" online. How sad would it have been to create an account and no one accept me as a friend.

Okay - enough for now. Stay in touch!

Walking to the grocery store

What a wonderful day! Finally, years after Nature's closed its Hillsdale store, we have a neighborhood store again! (Of course Nature's sold out to Wild Oats first, but I would rather forget that awful chapter) Food Front Cooperative Grocery store opened this weekend. Holly and I just walked over there and picked up some groceries! I am so happy to have an organic focused, co-op, grocery store so close. Our cashier said it has been fairly busy all weekend. I hope it is more than just curiosity.

I finally broke down and bought some hedge trimmers. I whacked and whacked and whacked the bushes, ferns, and trees in the front yard. What a great feeling to cross that off my list. I left the bushes near our nasty neighbors high and ugly. Maybe I will get around to them, maybe not.

On the food front this weekend, we enjoyed some easy but delicious dishes. Saturday was a simple pasta with chicken sausage, feta, yellow peppers and a light but luscious cream sauce. Sunday I picked up some natural pork chops and dropped them in a nice apple cider vinegar brine. Around dinner time, I introduced some farmers market ears of corn to some hot coals. They seem to get along together well, so I added a the pork chops to the party. Things we heating up outside, so we moved the party inside where some oven baked brown rice was waiting for them. In the end, everyone had a good time. Tonight, spinach salad with bacon and fried leeks. Can't wait....

School starts Wednesday. The new shoes, new clothes, new pencils, new notebooks, new glue sticks, and new crayons are ready to go. Jack decided to cut his hair. Photo to follow.

San Juan Islands

Summer is almost over! As usual, we are saying goodbye in style! We are in the San Juan Islands visiting our good friends Brian, Amy, Elliott, and Owen. We are very lucky to have friends who live in such a great place. While we would probably visit them in an awful place, Friday Harbor is just icing on the cake.

We arrived on Friday. The ferry ride was gorgeous. It is about an hour of sailing from Anacortes, WA to Friday Harbor. One of my favorite memories of living in Seattle was standing in the bow (front) of the ferry. As I stood in that same place on Friday, I couldn't help but reflect on where my life has been in those 15 years. Having a my own family by my side certainly added to the moment.

Saturday, the Boys took the Aeolus out to Stuart Island for night. Stuart is the northwestern most island in the United States. (Trust me, thoughts of escaping to Canada in the rowboat danced through my head.) We did a short dry hike (some foreshadowing here) on Saturday after getting tied up. One of the best dinners of the year was prepared by Chef/Captain Brian. Our Mac n cheese with Chicken sitting on the boat in Reid Harbor was beyond compare. Okay maybe it was just the moment, but dang that was good.

Overnight, the rain decided Stuart Island was nice place to visit too. At first, a steady drizzle so we went head with our planned hike to the Turn Point lighthouse. The little over 2 miles hike was pleasant. On the return trip the steady drizzle decided to bring his friend steady downpour out for a visit. Despite being soaked, the boys happily marched on looking for huge banana slugs and found a Pacific Tree Frog. Through rain and fog, Aeolus and Brian got us home!

Today, we hiked up in Lime Kiln State Park. We leave in the morning but these memories will last a long time...

Connected camping: Day 2

What a great day! Jack is officially the Newt Hunter. We stopped counting the number of newts he caught today. Little Elise is completely in awe of him. To further is iconic stature, Jack purchased Otter Pops for several kids when walking back from the swimming beach. They all think he is the coolest guy in the world!

Calvin got to fish, go for a paddle in the boat, swim, catch newts, make smores, take a walk with Dad, and hear the famous minnow bucket story again. (If you don't know the story, lets just say not one of my more in control/aware moments.) He played with "cousin" Adam.

Lauren and Bridget are nearly inseparable. I am glad she found someone to pal around with.

Lucy got a lot of swimming in. She was so tired that she found here way into the tent long before anyone else thought of going to bed. A very happy dog.

Holly and I paddled around in an uncoordinated display to embarrass all the kids.

Tomorrow we head home. Calvin was a little sad just now as I told him. He is telling me now, that I should leave my laptop at home next camping trip.

The jury is in: I am a geek

Greetings from Lake Sylvia State Park campground! I am camping and computing. If my battery never died, I would call this heaven. I guess when it is all said and done I am a geek at heart.

I really just brought the laptop to check the digital photos I might take. Since it is here, I might as well use it....

I am sitting by the campfire, Lucy by my side, listening to the kids play cards over the whispering crackle of the burning logs. It is a great feeling and I am a lucky man to be able to do this. I am glad the kids like camping. Holly too. She has become quite the pro at packing.

This is a perfect ending to a crazy week. I drove to Yakima, WA then to Richland, WA on Wednesday and Thursday. Should be home all week but gone again next weekend - Supper Club goes to the Beach!!! Then looking forward to hiking the Narrows in Zion Natl Park the weekend after that. When it is all said and done, I will have not slept in my own bed on a Saturday night the whole month of July. For those of you keeping score, we spent the 4th of July weekend in Florence OR. What a great time with our friend Jim, Jane, and Simon. Photos to follow eventually!

Hope you are having a great weekend. Perhaps photos and more blog tomorrow night. OHHHHH - welcome to the world Grace! We are so glad you are here. I am sure you are keeping your parents busy. They are great people who I am sure will be great parents!

5 out of 5!

As of today, all 5 of us have tested positive for strep. I am hoping we get a group rate for antibiotics.

Father's Day - etc

Where did June go? I swear it was just last week that we were thinking about the end of school. But here we are. It is near the end of the month. And barely a blog entry from me. Thanks Mom the for email reminder today.

Let me catch you up: Kids are out of school. Jack is in his second week of dance camp. Lauren finished up her camp last week. Holly has had Calvin in the fields picking strawberries - I think just for us but she says he was quite productive. His fingers are turning red but the money is good. (Just kidding of course -we don't pay him - he does it for strawberry milkshakes.)

Travels: I made a road trip to Klamath Falls and Medford a couple of weeks ago. I may have wandered into Del Rio Vineyards on the way home. Oddly it snowed on my way over on June 10th. I thought it was Spring. I also did a day trip to Salt Lake this month too. Those are getting to be killers...

Fathers Day: A pseudo-Father's Day tradition for us is camping. This year I got a double treat. We camped at Camp Creek on Mt Hood. We had great weather Then on Sunday, we met up with about 20 other families for a big picnic and hike. It was a wonderful day for everyone.

Its all about community!

Well another week closer to the end of school, warmer weather, and more options at the market! This seemed to be the week of being a part of the community.

Lauren's big spring dance program was this weekend. Two shows on Friday and two on Saturday. They were all pretty jazzed up - punned intended. Holly volunteered Friday for the second show on Friday and both of us on Saturday. Wow- the hormones were like a thick fog surrounding the school. Lauren's number was excellent. See the YouTube postings for the amateur video by Jack.

Speaking of videos, you will also find Calvin's "informance" from Thursday there too. The 1st graders perform and inform at the same time. I learned that insects have "six legs apiece" (sung to "Eight days a week" by the Beatles). Three videos for your viewing pleasure.

Jack (and Holly) are leaving for Opal Creek tomorrow. They will spend two nights in the ancient forest learning/playing/saying good bye. This is the last major event for the 5th graders before they disperse and go to middle school. I was lucky enough to be able to go with Lauren's class. I am happy that Holly can go with Jack's class. Okay - I am more jealous than happy, but that is just between us. Jack and I got to spend some "Dude Time" on Friday night. We had a late dinner and watched the Shining. The tough guy slept with Holly and I.

We walked to the Farmers Market this weekend. More things are arriving but spring is a little late. I seemed to have missed the rhubarb season. I will check the new Thursday market this week. However, we picked up some great snapper, zucchini, dill, shallots, and butter. Hmmm what do we do with that. Add some parchment paper and you have have dinner in a pouch! By the way the snapper was caught on Friday afternoon at sea. On my table Sunday night! (photo credit:Holly). While at the market, we joined the Food Front Co-Op at the market - furthering our connection to all things local!

For me, I had a great lunch with my great friend Eric on Friday. I am so glad we both stopped and connected for that time. One of the joyous things about being human is the human interaction. Those moments don't happen enough. I am so thankful for my friends and family. While the overall purpose of this blog is to stay connected, there is NOTHING like a conversation with those close to you.

Happy Birthday to my Dad on Friday and Lauren (Tuesday)! (For $5.00 Dad, I won't tell anyone how old you are!)

Hey, Where have you been?

Sorry to have not posted in so long! Since I last posted I have been to Boise, Pomona, and San Diego. Mother's Day was celebrated (twice!) and we had a very odd heat wave. This weekend I think will give you a good example of what things have been like.

Friday: Holly purchases ton a flowers at the market in the AM. Bob returns from a week in San Diego. Holly then arranges the flowers until the wee hours of Saturday. They are gorgeous.
Saturday: Bob and Holly deliver the flowers to Bergstrom winery. A couple of sips of wine may have occurred here. We then race off to pick up Jack at a friends house. After we all reconvene at home, Bob replaces a kitchen faucet. Faucet in place, we head off to dinner and the new Indiana Jones movie (hollow is my review).
Sunday: Bob returns to the winery to pour for the Memorial Day event.
Monday: Day trip to Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge, and Hood River. (A short nap may have been taken by Bob upon return.) Laundry and blog time!

Jack has finished his 5th grade play. His class has to write and direct it. With all my manly pride, I will admit to a tear or two. They focused on taking what they have learned up to now, and building upon it for the future. I can't believe he will be leaving elementary school. Next week is their 5th grade trip to Opal Creek. Holly will be going with them.

In the "where did the time go" department: Lauren turns 13 tomorrow. Still coming to grips with that.

Calvin's school play is this week. Only a few more days of school left. They are getting squirrelly already.

Hope all is well with you and yours!

I was trolling YouTube a moment ago when I came across the video below. I have loved that commercial for years but it wasn't till recently we figured out that the crazy guy is our friend Robert. His kids and our kids go to school together. Now I laugh even harder! To the right, Robert on the way to Opal Creek. What a crazy guy...

Discovery Channel Ad

While we are not big TV watchers, we love the Discovery Channel. Have you seen their new ad? The boys and I were singing along tonight. Fun stuff. Check it out.




More blogging this weekend....

Busy Rewarding Weekend

Greetings dear blog readers!

I am pleasantly encouraged with how many of you are actually reading this! Thanks for tuning in.

As I write, things are being readied for the week and the weekend is wrapping up. Friday was a no school day for kids but their school had its annual "Art Show and Sell". Holly had a booth to sell her wonderful creative handiwork. Jack performed in the Boys Dance group and the Chorus during the show. I am so proud of both of them.

Holly and I had a couple of mini-vacations this weekend. On Friday we ran to Seattle and back to the see Dalai Lama in a panel discussion of parenting. On Saturday night we drove out to Hood River and joined up with Jeff and Cindi for a dinner at a Pheasant Valley Winery. I forgot how much I love traveling with her!

The Dalai Lama was awesome and inspiring. He has such a presence that radiates a peaceful inner calm. While the Key Arena in not the most intimate of venues, just being there was all I needed! Holly and I left the arena and made a beeline for Pikes Market. Adding to my spiritual bliss was a couple of Quilcene Oysters shooters and Dungeness Crab cocktail. I call that Nirvana on a Plate.

Jeff and Cindi were so kind to invite us to a dinner they purchased at an auction. Six couples enjoyed a wonderful dinner paired with the host's wines. Holly loved the blackberry wine with dessert. I really enjoyed the 2004 Cab. Of course the best pairing of the night was the company. Jeff and Cindi have great friends and we were lucky enough to be included in the evening. To top that, we spent the night at their place in Hood River. I woke this morning to hear the River babbling close by.

After a tasty breakfast with the gang, we made our drive home - remarking how lucky we are to have great friends and great location to live - the weather has been outstanding the last few days

As our dinner (all things grilled - hamburger, zucchini, pineapple for those of you keeping score) is being cleaned up, I can't help but reflect on the weekend and think all is not so bad in the world. Sure, things will get chaotic again - probably about time to leave for school tomorrow - but those are brief moments. I often think of a disaster assignment many years ago, where I met a group of people who were camped in the middle of their street a few days after a hurricane. They told me that after the winds had stopped they had made sure their neighbors were safe and all gathered in the street just as they were then. One by one, they lifted their eyes above the destruction to see the moon and stars as beautiful as ever. It was then they knew this was temporary and everything was going to be alright. Hurricanes, work projects, crazy schedules will blow over. When those things are gone, we are left with what is real. I need to remember to lift my eyes to see it.

Must See Video

Greetings on a cold wet Saturday. I received the following video link from my friend Jay yesterday. Take the 11 minutes and watch this. Ignore the Oprah intro but listen to lessons on life. You will be glad you did.

Click here to watch the 11 min video.

If you have 76 minutes, see the YouTube version

Is it really Spring????

Well, what a wacky first week of Spring. It snowed, rained, hailed, snowed, rained, snow. I can't believe it is going to be April tomorrow. The kids went back to school this morning and it was snowing. They just finished SPRING Break not Winter Break.

On a geeky tech cool note. The main text of this blog entry was dictated You too can get a free Jott account. It allowed me to speak my message and it types it into a blog for me. Yes Mom that means I might post more often.

Okay I must comment on our Sunday dinner. One of the benefits of the move back to a house is that I can bring out my smoker. I bought a pork shoulder (commonly called a Boston Butt, why?) and knew exactly what to do with it. A couple hours with some apple wood smoke and it was ready for a wet rub of mustard, garlic, coriander, salt, and pepper. While that was finishing in the oven, I rounded up the greens and bacon we scored at the Hillsdale Farmers Market (while it hailed on us). Finally some sun dried tomatoes orzo with pine nuts rounded out our dinner. It must have been good, Calvin wanted it for his lunch today.

Spring is finally here.

Lewis and Clark were excited to see spring arrive in the winter of 1806. It had rained for all but 6 days of their 100 day stay in Oregon. I was beginning to know what they felt like. Today however the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and flowers are popping up all over the place.

It is our first spring in this house. We have no idea where a daffodil will poke its head out. I noticed some tulips coming up in the middle of the front lawn. Hmmm, what is that all about. I think they will be relocated to a secure undisclosed location very soon. If you are a weed, however Holly has you in her sights and your days are numbered.

My trip to Chicago and Indianapolis was great. Chicago was intense. My ITIL training was very interesting. I really enjoyed the material and delivery. The concepts make complete sense to me, which is scary in some ways. The certification test at the end was another story. When the class was finished the instructor had to leave the facility when the proctor arrived. After clearing our desks of any and all objects, we carefully proceed to the front of the room one by one with a photo ID in hand. The proctor, who I am sure is the head of her church's ladies auxiliary, then hands us a sealed envelope, pencil, and form. We had to sit in carefully selected seats in full view of her watchful eye. I think this process immediately reduces your score by 10 points. Upon turning in your test, she seals the envelope again then we both sign the seal. I am happy to report I passed.

I gathered my stuff from the back of the room left the facility myself. As I exited the front doors, I realized that I hadn't been outside the facility since I arrived from the airport on Monday night. Very unlike me! On the very bright side, I was greeted outside by my Parents. They had drove up from Indianapolis to pick me up. As we fled the city, we made the ceremonial stop at White Castle.

I really enjoyed spending a few days with my family. Andrew and Caitlin (my nephew and niece) are growing up. Andrew is driving! Very disturbing. I am happy to see Andrew is surrounded by good friends. Caitlin is in 4th grade but is wise beyond her years.

One highlight I am still smiling about is lunch with my immediate family. Mom and Dad, my sister Angel, and I went out for lunch on Saturday. I cannot recall the last time the four of us actually ate together. No grandkids or spouse, just parents and children. I will treasure that moment for a long time.

Okay I have rambled on for to long - thanks for reading along.

Its a crazy world!

Greeting dear readers. Yes I used the plural form of reader. Mom has noted I didn't update the blog last week - so thats one! Rose sent me an email - thats two. MJ and JV commented - thats 4! Wow - I am humbled.

This week has been full of ups and downs. Great basketballs games, some personal revelations with positive attitude adjustments, and the start of my pre-work for my upcoming program at the Center for Creative Leadership (very excited about that!)

On the down side, we started staff reductions at work with all its emotional baggage. It is budget season as well. Here is how that goes - do more than you did last year, but spend 20% less. Have a nice day.

Last night, was a good news/bad news moment. A dear friend, Lary fought the good fight with pancreatic cancer but alas it finally won. Lary lived longer than his doctors originally predicted. And a good thing too. In the end he only wanted to see his new and only grandson. His son traveled all night to bring the beautiful week-old boy to see Grandpa. After spending what must have been a glorious day together, Lary silently slipped away. Rumor has it, the newest family member slumbered in his arms at the time. Lary was one of those people you meet in life that you felt you have known forever. His knowledge, style, and presence will be missed. I wish him well in his new journey beyond here. Lary's website kept everyone informed in his usual factual, summary style.

Speaking of family - my next blog post will be from the Great State of Indiana! I have to be in Chicago next week so I am sneaking home for the weekend to see my parents and family. More then.

Friends, Markets, and Dancing!

Greetings to the three people who actually read this on a regular basis. (Hi Mom!)

We have been very busy but in a good way the last two weeks. Our great friends Brian & Amy came for a visit. It is always good to see them. Owen is becoming quite the young man! With our boys farmed out to friends, Lauren babysat Owen while the adults had a real adult dinner conversation at Higgins.

Amy and Brian seemed to bring some sunny weather with them too. Since their arrival on the 16th it has been pretty much sunny ever since. We have enjoyed some nice walks, including a trip to the Hillsdale Farmers Market. The sun certainly brought out the crowds. Nothing like fresh produce in February.

Basketball is continuing to occupy our Saturdays. Both Lauren and Jack are continuing to improve their skills greatly.

Jack and some other boys from his school's "Boys Dance"group were asked to perform for a fund raiser this weekend. Watching Jack perform, I sometimes can't believe that he is my son. He really takes to the stage like nothing else. We are looking at middle schools right now and I think we need to consider some place with a performing arts program.

In the "Bob's gone off the deep-end" theme, I recently started worm composting. Yes, that's right, I am a worm farmer. I basically got tired of putting food scraps in the trash. Now the worms will eat the scraps and give us great dirt for a garden, where we'll grow more food that produces more food scraps for the worms which will give us more dirt to grow -- well you get the idea. More details on this later.

Hope all is well with you. Write if you can!

Spring! Oh wait, false alarm

Saturday was the perfect end to a great week.

Lauren's school put on their annual dance concert. 350 kids out of 450 are in the dance program. While I am a not a big fan of dance, the kids blew me away. Each class had a different style and personality. They did 4 public performances this week. While exhausted, they seemed to bond as a class, school, and community. Lauren was excellent in her tap routine. She is excited about doing more in the dance program. I am a very proud Dad. I tried to video Lauren's performance. I will post it on the YouTube sight later today.

Jack's basketball team didn't win, but played very well against a hardcore team. They are really maturing and finding their groove. His chorus group got to work with an esteemed choir director and professor on Saturday. All the kids were very attentive and were very engaged. Again, proud Dad here.

Holly is off selling her jewelry at a craft fair. I am proud of her too. I could never be as creative as she is. She does the most amazing things with beads and silver.

Well it seems I am full of pride today. Despite being sick this week, all seems right in the world for this one moment. Jack and I just got back from the Farmers Market. It could be a little warmer but still a good walk for some produce and other farm fresh goodness. Yesterday, was a teaser day. It was sunny and nearly 60 here. I certainly enjoyed all the time outside I could.

Now what to do with all these leeks I just bought.....

Home Sweet Home

There is snow outside! The kids (and, well, Holly and I too) were happy to see some white stuff on the ground this morning. Sadly it meant that the Saturday basketball games were canceled but that gave the kids plenty of snow play. I even managed a few trips down the hill myself. Snow or no snow it was good to wake up in my own bed.

In the last 19 days I have been on an airport runway 26 times, spent 9 nights in hotel rooms, and visited 11 facilities. Who ever says business travel is fun, hasn't done it. I am glad to be home with no trips booked (as of today).

This week, for all those who are are keeping track, I did a day trip to Boise on Monday then jetted to DC for the rest of the week. A very busy, very packed, very intense week. Of course I did manage to squeeze in some good food too. You will find my new dining guide at WhereToEat. I hope you will add to it as you enjoying dining out!

As I dashed for the airport this week, I grabbed a book from the shelf. I read most of it on the trip home yesterday, finishing this morning. If you haven't read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom- do it right now. You have waited to long as I did. Morrie is truly one of the most enlightened people of our age if you ask me. I will be re-reading this to focus more on the lessons and less on the emotional.

Rainy Days and Winning Games

A rainy but not gloomy day here!

I am happy to report that both Lauren and Jack had winning basketball games today! Both of their teams seemed to improve this week. I am really proud of both of them. As time consuming and challenging as multiple games in different venues around town can be, I really enjoy watching them play.

In all, this was a great week. Friday night Holly and I got together with some friends to kick off a Supper Club. With Mardi Gras fast approaching, we enjoyed some spicy jambalaya, greens, and corn bread. Holly contributed with a new twist on a King Cake - a Creole classic bread pudding drowning in a Bourbon sauce. Everyone had fun looking for the baby! For the record Scott makes a mean Cajun Martini!

Another highlight of the my week was getting to attend a screening at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie, The Women of Brukman, was just okay but the experience was exciting. Before the feature film, they screened a touching 11 min short entitled The Breadmakers. I would encourage you to watch it online.

On the food front, I revisited Trio in Salt Lake this week. This is a great spot with some wonderful standard menu items. I had the Carbonara this time. While I think it seemed a little flat, maybe wanting a hint of garlic or pepper, it was simple and warming on a cold night. Joan had the cheese pizza breaking the "don't eat anything larger than your head" rule. It was enormous and delicious. Their wood fired oven and balsamic drizzled on top really elevated the classic pizza. The Castle Rock Pinot Noir '06 paired quite well. More the next time I go and I am sure I will.

This trip I also checked off another brew pub, Squatters. Ahi Tacos and a black and tan beer really hit the spot. The tacos were just spicy enough. With Matt's help, I managed to get a kitchen tour there too. I am enjoying these impromptu restaurant kitchen tours.

Well the blog is about a month old. Happy Birthday! I will keep writing and refining the style. Who knows what the December posts will look like....

Wilderness, Wii, and Wallpaper

Welcome back dear Blog reader!

The year is off to a great start! I have just returned from a great week in Montana. I just love that state - well the western half at least. I did manage to check off a life goal of visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter. I held a planning meeting inside the park for my department (really we did a great deal of work and it was cheap!). After business was finished we got to enjoy the last two hours of daylight and drive out to the Lamar Valley. As the photo here shows, it was a clear day but trust me it was very cold. Yellowstone is a very different place in the winter. While I am glad I visited, I would like to spend some more time hiking or snowshoeing next trip! I am home for a few days then off again.

As some of you may now I have some rules about food while traveling. First, eat as local as possible whenever possible. Second, avoid eating at something I have within 50 miles of home. My Montana trip I think supplied my red meat supply for the year. All great food and interesting local flavor. Eddie's Supper Club in Great Falls was full of flavor for the eyes and mouth!

The Wii is still a big hit! Holly added some more games this week. Mario Galaxy and Big Brain Academy are both fun games. I watched the kids take the test in the Academy. I have avoided it since then. I get enough embarrassment on that thing playing tennis.

Holly has been busy ripping wallpaper from the kitchen. It all started with a small tug. While it isn't ready to paint yet, it looks a million times better.

More photos to be published later today maybe. I am considering a "dining out" blog too. What do you think? I appreciate all the comments both public and private I have received so far. The Blog Year is turning into stay connected with friend and family year. That cannot be a bad thing.

Return from Vacation

Well, I returned to work today after two weeks of vacation. Holly said I could not retire just yet.

I am very fortunate to be able to take time off. Many people only get two weeks a year. How do they do it and stay sane? What I have realized in my life is that one day does nothing for me. I spend most of the day off worrying about what I am missing or what I have to do tomorrow. Two weeks allows me to really disconnect. During this vacation I would go a day or two without checking email. Now a couple of things have to happen to make that possible.

Calvin was very clear that my vacation meant "no electronic devices and enjoy the time you have." So I am back to work and happy to have a great team who held down the fort so well.

Happy New Year!

We just got home from a great trip to the Oregon coast! Building on our New Year's trip last year with Jim, Jane and Simon to Bend, we went to their lake house in Florence, OR this year. It was quiet, relaxing and full of good food!

We arrived on Saturday andquickly settled in. Jim and I raided the local Fred Meyer for some quick bargain shopping for supplies and dinner. We quickly learned that no one in the Florence Fred Meyer store has a clue what saffron is. Despite a short culinary lesson in Aisle 6, I am sure we will be the subject of a "weird customer" tale at a New Year's Eve Party in Florence somewhere.

Sunday morning brought a hint of snow on the coast! As with most snow in the lowlands of Oregon, it quickly faded. The group decided to head to Washburn beach for a quick stroll at low tide. I think the kids highlight of Sunday was sandboarding on the dunes! Check out the YouTube videos for more fun! Jim topped the night off with the Best Meatloaf Ever - while we all gave it our thumbs up, Lucy was quickly Jim's best friend after her portion.

New Years Eve brought more canoeing, sandboarding and a killer Paella! Earlier in the day, Jim and I headed to the Krab Kettle for some great local seafood. The saffron quest was well worth it!

As nice as it is to see other places, home is always best! So tonight we are all snug in our own beds, a bit tired, a bit sandy, and a thinking of the next trip! Wait - I am still on vacation till Monday...... Where is that San Juan ferry schedule?