Random fun stuff

A look back to reminisce 

Recently our niece, Maila, posted this picture of Harlan's dad on Facebook.  This is  how most of the grandkids remember him.

I was sitting with Hayden out in the Cedar Mill area of Portland when across the field I saw a man driving a tractor. It reminded me so much of Grampa Ray. I zoomed my camera as much a I could to see if I could get a good picture. It turned out well. Doesn't it look like it is out in the country? Just beyond this field is a medical facility. Not too far in front of this tractor is Hwy 26 running to the coast heading west and back into the city heading east.  But on this day I was treated to an oasis of rural loveliness and a gentleman out mowing his field. 

Another Ride Like a Girl day

This ride on May 12th was along the Spring Water Trail. We started in Gresham and rode east to Boring. It was a bit over 11 miles of riding that day.

It was a really warm day and I rode pretty sluggishly. But the Ride Like a Girl group is pretty awesome in that they have gals assigned to be sweepers, one mid pack and another at the end.  No one gets left behind. Though you can drop out and head back if you want to. I was tempted but hung in there.  I think one of my problems was I hadn't eaten enough. So before I left Gresham I made sure that I did get something to eat. I can't tell you the last time I ate alone. It was a unique experience.

Next time I go to Red Lobster I'd like Har to be with me.

I got a nice glimpse of Mt Hood in the mirror of the truck on my way home.

Pedaling to the pool

I'm trying to get to the pool to exercise a few times a week. Since I'm also trying to get more comfortable with riding my bike I thought I'd attempt to ride it to the pool. I strapped my pool bag under the seat and took off. I got there and back along quiet back streets and was able to cross the busy street at a light. So it turned out well and I anticipate doing it more often from now through fall and if I get rain gear, into winter!

One more splurge on flowers

I picked up a gigantic geranium for the sunny side of the house. I'm sure the neighbors would appreciate us beautifying our house by painting it but the flowers will have to do for the time being.

From this day forward: a repeat

Love After Marriage

Jess and Joylynn attended a weekly marriage class at their church over the past few months. On Sunday, May 18th, the couples that completed the course had the opportunity to renew their wedding vows before the congregation.

Harlan and I attended the celebration along with Hayden, Krystle, Courtney and Charles.

I had Hayden take a few pictures of Har and me before we went into the building. It's just two short months before we will be celebrating our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. It was time for a photo of us since we got spiffed up for the occasion.

We took selfies and played around before church

I tracked Wyatt down by FaceTiming with him. He was listening to his iPod and I had my iPhone. Technology is pretty fun!

Time to settle down and pay attention

Jess and his mini-me :)

See all of those  blank chairs in the sanctuary. All of the kids and "support people" were asked to stand up with the couples for the vow renewal. It practically emptied the place.  It was wonderful to be there and to be witnesses to this ceremony. There were tons of people recording or taking pictures. I snapped a few myself. I didn't get a picture of J&J when they said "you may kiss your spouse" because I was more taken with Wyatt's reaction to that proclamation. 

Yup, he's ten years old.

There was cake

I guess a wedding isn't complete without cake. The kids appreciated it. Genevieve wisely packed hers to go to eat after lunch. Danika and Garrett did not.

Joylynn wanted me to take a few pictures of her and Jess. They looked so fancy!

Afterward we went out to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory at Tanasborne. It was nice since Jess and Charlie missed out on our big family dinner at the waterfront one back in April.

Garrett was dancing in the fireplace opening while we waited for our table to be ready. That boy has got to be headed for the stage. He never misses an opportunity to perform and call out for me to "take a picture". 

He's this mommarazzi's dream child :0)

Mother's Day 2014

So happy with our homemaking daughters

The girls have done well in the baking department without any help from me. I cook…but don't bake so much. Courtney and Cherise are my baker girls.

Cherise has been making bread! Her dad is so pleased :0) as he grew up eating homemade bread all the time.

My mother's day was awesome!

I got a bunch of flowers for my front porch and yard.

On Mother's Day I picked Joylynn and the kids up from the Max station at Lloyd Center.

I had a great time with the gang that was able to be here for lunch. Five our our kids and four grandkids   ate here and Courtney and Charles stopped by later in the afternoon.

Har, Hayden and I drove out and dropped Joylynn and the kids off at their place.

The day ended with a strawberry shortcake run to Burgerville :0)

Couldn't have asked for a better or more perfect day.

TIMBER! goodbye to part of our tree

One of my two favorite times of year

 In the spring and in the fall our maples have red leaves. As I've written before, one of the trees is dying. It was time to trim the dead wood out.

Charles to the rescue

 Courtney got up on the roof to scope things out with Charlie.  Harlan got out his extension ladder and did a bit of trimming so the main felling wouldn't take out the neighbor's vehicle or window.

Anytime anyone is outside, the kids want to be out there digging up stuff. And picking stuff. I sure don't mind those dandelions not going to seed. But alas there are many many more that are out there for the "wish" blowing.

A couple of the big limbs were down when Charlie and Har teamed up with chainsaw and rope to get the big one down.

Har got up and took down the last of the Christmas lights and the work was done for the day. Then we got to have our first picnic on the porch of the season.Getting rid of a third of the tree has opened up our view of the street but I have a couple of fuchsias hanging on the porch to give me the illusion of privacy in that corner. 

I'm  happy that we didn't take the whole thing out. Next year is soon enough for that. 

Time to dig into those landscaping magazines!