Summertime

There's nothing like a great bluegrass band.  Alison Krauss and Union Station. Mmm mmm good. 

High School La Crosse...Wow!

A new sport for me...fun to watch...I'm thinking it's even more fun to play.   

For some people, life's all about the next game, the next competition, the next challenge. 

What a great skill to have in today's world.  Go get 'em #4!

Happy 8x10 Birthday!

Wow, how great to be 80 and going so strong.  We celebrated our Dad's recent 80th birthday with a sweet afternoon party a few weeks ago.  As I think back on the event, I am struck by what seems to stick in my mind from those few short hours.  Perhaps it was the chance to reconnect with family and friends, to reconnect with people who were integral to my family and home life so many years ago and remain so even today.  How fun it was to reconnect with family and friends to celebrate health, happiness and one more year of being together in this life.  The chance for a pleasant pause to remember the things life brings us that are worthy of celebration and joy.  And also a bittersweet reminder of those who are no longer with us and yet how our lives continue to be touched by them, even in their physical absence.  We remember childhood treasures, family dinners, leaving home, life's major transitional periods that lead us to our current day concerns and affairs.  I remain thankful that we can gather together to celebrate Dad's life that continues to be characterized by good fortune, humor, happiness and apparent well-being.  Maybe that's what life is really all about. 

Outdoor Idaho

I've lived in southwestern Idaho, central Idaho and eastern Idaho throughout the last 25 years.  Idaho and its tremendous beauty grew on me after a while.  Having been raised in the beautiful Willamette Valley of western Oregon, it took awhile for me to convince myself that areas outside of the Willamette Valley might be worthy of habitation and therefore mention.  Several years ago I became a faithful fan of the local public television program, Outdoor Idaho.  Outdoor Idaho is one of the best outdoor programs I know of.  The videography coupled with the thoughtful and insightful story selection and narration of Bruce Reichert are second to none.  Outdoor Idaho helps me realize how lucky I am to live and work in such a wonderful place known as Idaho.  And I still love Oregon.  http://idahoptv.org/outdoors/

The Power of Friendship

I went to a crab feed in Halfway, Oregon over the weekend.  What an event it was!  It's an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Halfway, Oregon Lyons club.  It's all-you-can each fresh crab from the Oregon coast and for a mere $35 a ticket, it's an all-you-can event feasting frenzy!  It's fun but if you ever go, prepare yourself for a wild time.  The crab itself was delicious but the company was what made the event so worth the effort.  I didn't take any pictures, nor did I encourage my comrades to take pictures, for fear they'd all end up on Facebook a few moments later.  At some point over the weekend, in the midst of flying crab legs and overflowing pitchers of Miller Lite sprinkled with spoonfuls of homemade potato salad and cole slaw, I realized what incredible friends I've been blessed with and I thank my lucky stars for all of them.  What would life be like without friends?  Shoulders to cry on, shared moments of laughter interspersed with trickles of gossip concerning life's injustices to a genuine warm smile and a helping hand.  Life is about connections and what better way to seal this connection than through a weekend spent in scenic Halfway, Oregon with some really great people?

The Wigwam Resort

If you live in a northern climate this time of year, you might be starting to think about warm weather, blooming flowers, green grass, sunshine and longer days.  This week I had the pleasure of visiting the Wigwam resort just outside Phoenix, Arizona.  From the moment I drove up to the adobe-style lodge and buildings, I had a feeling inside the experience would be memorable.  From crystal blue pools to a spectacular golf course, a relaxing spa and cozy desert southwest room accomodations, the Wigwam is a top choice on my list of places to visit again.  The food was delicious, the staff helpful and friendly and the resort's overall ambiance is one of a truly authentic Arizona experience.  I was in business meetings while there but for a few short hours between events, I took the chance to lounge poolside with my book and listen to the joyful sounds of Arizona March springtime.  Here's the link:  http://www.wigwamresort.com/.  So if the cloud cover, snow, rain, mud, etc...is wearing on you, even a visit to the Wigwam's website will lift your spirits and bring a sense of lightness to your mood.  Spring is coming, stay tuned! 

Holiday Blessing

I received an early holiday blessing today - an email from a dear high school friend that warmed my heart in a way I find difficult to put into words.  My friend and I lost touch in the years following high school but recently reconnected and what a joy it's been to get to know her again.  When I read her email it felt as though no time had ever passed between us.  Like time had just stood still.  Her words and the tone of her message spoke volumes of sincerity and warmth; I was transported back in time to the early days of our friendship.  I've never had another friend as dear as she was and continues to be.  What a gift.  The gift of friendship is the most wonderful and fulfilling gift one can be given.  What a wonderful prelude to this holiday season and a gentle reminder of all I have to be thankful for.  Thank you my friend for the reminder of how wonderful life is in spite of all the sorrows and darkness that surround us.