Thanksgiving 2007

I'm late in posting this but am back dating it to put it in proper sequence. For Thanksgiving this year J.R. and his grandson (Calvin) came up from Yakima and Jeff came over from Renton.

I cooked a full meal deal with turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, yam casserole, 2-berry salad, rolls, etc. There were plenty of left overs for several meals... including a big batch of soup and lots of sandwiches.

J.R. is always handy to have around because he's the mechanic of the family and Max loves having him work on the cars. Jeff is our carpenter handyman and we can always find odd jobs for him. They're both good workers and happy to help, which we appreciate!

My brother and his wife (Clair and Beverly) will be here for Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road And... Dr. Death?

Tonight Shelley and her family were off to a Halloween costume party. Shelley has spent the last few days working on her "Dorothy" dress (between working with me, volunteering at the school, and being a full time Mom). Whew. I don't know how she does it all.

Anyway, here is the pic I took of them as they were getting ready to leave for the party. Click on the image to enlarge.

You can't really see Shelley's dress, but it is sooo cute on her. She even had some cute little Dorothy slippers. Keith is the scarecrow and Olivia is Glenda the good witch. Eli broke from the Wizard of Oz theme and went with some gorry costume. Boys!

Fabulous Fall Foliage

This time of year I just can't stop saying " I love Fall in Wenatchee". The Fall foliage is soooo fabulous and I revel in the changing colors. I'm constantly stopping at every possible photo op. Here are some of my favorites from this Fall... and these have NOT been color enhanced!

The first at left was taken in the Wenatchee cemetary last Sunday.

From left to right (at the bottom) :
Along Western Avenue in front of the labs for the USDA (from where Max retired) and Washington State University.

The next photo was taken at the State Park along the south shore of Lake Chelan a couple weeks ago.

The next picture is of Max during a trek up Tumwater Canyon (west of Leavenworth along the Wenatchee River) a couple weeks ago.

Next is Fall foliage near Lake Wenatchee in the Pine River Ranch subdivision of cabins.

Remember: You can click on any photo to enlarge

Baby Shelby Lee

Our friends Amy and Troy's new baby finally arrived Thursday (two weeks late). I got to hold the baby and she did a big dump right there in my arms. The rule is whoever is holding the baby when the pooping happens is the one who does the diaper changing. But, Troy took pity on me and did the deed for me. Thanks Troy!

Take a close look at the baby. Click on the image to enlarge. That is one substantial head of black hair! This baby is only 2 1/2 days old and she already needs a haircut.

Mommy had a tough delivery but she and the baby are doing fine now and will probably be allowed to go home tomorow. Then I'll get some more pictures of the WHOLE family together.

Cousin Shirley & Richard

It was so nice have my cousin Shirley come visit, if even for a short time. They arrived on Monday afternoon and headed back home early Wednesday. But, we did have time to celebrate our 24th anniversary together and do some other stuff.

On Tuesday night we all went to the Oakwood Bar and Grill to watch Florence do Karaoke. Florence is really into (and good at) Karaoke, but I maintain there aren't enough drugs or alcohol in the world to get me to get up in public and sing!

Max & Carol Williams - 24 Years Of Love

I'm way behind on my posting, but this was our anniversary week... 24 years! Guess I'd better catch up.

My cousin Shirley, from Eugene, and her friend Richard arrived in time to help us celebrate. Actually one of Shirley's very best childhood friends lives in Wenatchee now too and we ALL went out to dinner to celebrate.

Here is the tribe after dinner at Applebee's in Wenatchee. From left to right: Florence, John, Carol, Max, Shirley, Richard.

Click on images to enlarge

Quck Trip To Montana

We took a quick trip to Missoula, Montana to spend a couple of days with Connie & Bill. They've been motor homing since May, were spending some time in Idaha, and we all decided to meet up in Missoula for a couple of days.

We hadn't really been anywhere all summer, so thought it was time to get out of town for a few days. We drove over Tuesday and had a nice dinner at a local steak place. To the upper left is Max, me and Connie hamming it up with the big bear protecting the entrance to the restaurant.

On Wednesday we took a short road trip south from Missoula to Hamilton and Darby. We were all amazed at how many log home building companies there were centered in this particular area.



Here is a picture of Max, Connie and Bill in front of the St. Mary's Mission in Hamilton, Montana... and also enjoying some seriously good (and generous portioned) ice cream cones in Darby, Montana.




Here I am just strolling down the sidewalk in Hamilton.

On the way home Thursday we stopped at the famous Lincoln 10,000 Silver Dollar gift shop, restaurant and casino. Mostly we stopped to pick up some memorabalia from our trip.

You can click on any image to enlarge

Contact Max & Carol

Double Trouble at 77 and 55

Whew!

It's been a long time since I posted to the blog... probably the longest gap ever. Anyway, we've been busy but not doing much of anything exciting enough to post about. Mostly day-to-day life stuff going on. These pictures were taken today at the NCW (North Central Washington) District Fair in Waterville.

It's pretty much a tradition to go to the rodeo on Sunday, the last day of the fair each year. We usually go with our friends, Carl & DiAnn, but they left town today for a week long cruise to Alaska. While they were enjoying the ocean breezes, we were braving the dust stirring Waterville winds.

The fair always comes during Max's birthday week. We celebrated his 77th birthday on Friday. He's the double 7 (77). I am the double 5 (55). Guess that makes us double trouble.

Click on any image to enlarge.

Four Generations

Here is (from left to right) Max Jr., Max Sr. and Jeremiah. Jeremiah is Max Jr's son.

Today Max Jr. drove his Clampetmobile motor home up from Selah so they could spend the rest of the week in the sun and let the kids play in the water. I inserted a small picture of the motor home so it wouldn't be so "scary". If you're brave, you can click on the image to enlarge it... but don't say I didn't warn you!

They parked down at Confluence Park and set up their blanket and chairs smack dab across from where the fireworks will be set off tonight about 9:30.

Here is the rest of the clan. Back row, of course is Max Jr (JR), Max Sr., and Jeremiah. the kids are from left to right: Calvin who is JR's daughter's son (our great grandson). MacKenzie is Jeremiah's step-daughter, and Jeremiah is holding his daughter Allison. Allison wasn't at all happy about being made to get out of the water for this picture. Anyway, we have 4 generations here.

They plan to spend tonight at the park then move on to Lincoln Rock Park or head up to Chelan tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day

It was a quiet Father's Day here, but we got calls from two of the boys and one daughter (so far).

After going out to breakfast, we made a couple of stops on our way home to find some artificial tree type plants for the courtyard. Now that we have the furniture we need to decorate the space and set the mood. Here's Max enjoying the sunshine beside the Black Bamboo.



We ended up picking out two Black Bamboos for the courtyard and one Flowering Clematis. We're watching for some wall hangings to add to the decor.










Here are some other pictures of the flowers Max and his kids planted earlier in the Spring.

* Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge

A Rare Game of Golf

I finally got out for a rare day of golf with the Three Lakes Ladies Club on Thursday. I must stop letting work interfere with golf. Now, I remember how much fun it is.

From left to right are the ladies I played with: Cheryl, Mary, June.

- Carol

Quick Trip To Wapato Point

Here is Max at the marina in Manson. On Monday, May 21st, we were able to sneak away to Wapato Point for a couple of days. One of my clients had a time share they were unable to use for the week so kindly they offered it to us.

Unfortunately, I had a golf event in Yakima early Thursday morning so we had to get back home Wednesday. We didn't get to take advantage of the full week.

But, we did have two nights at a nice condo at Wapato Point Resort on Lake Chelan at Manson. Being the week before the Memorial Day holiday, we beat the rush of the crowds and had a leisurely time just hanging out and taking it easy. We found a nice little Mom & Pop type restaurant in downtown Manson called Bison Bistro. We ate a light lunch there Monday and a hearty breakfast both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. I like supporting these family owned restaurants. They give friendly service and provide good food.

We went into Chelan and had dinner at MacDonalds pub the first night. We didn't try any of their ales, but we did have a great steak dinner. We figured since our accommodations were free, we could spring for a nice dinner together. Not being the gambling types, we never did get to the Mill Bay Casino.

Sometimes these short spur-of-the-moment get-a-ways, not far from home, are just as good (or better) than straying too far from home. This particular trip reminded us of our many trips, in days gone by, traveling up the lake and camping on our Bayliner.

The picture to the right is a blast from the past... a photo taken sometime in the late 80's of son Jeff with his now ex-wife Lena (don't know how he let her get away) and Max on the dock at the Lake.

Click on the image to enlarge if you want to see what they all looked like 20 years ago!

Thanks Wayne & Susan!

Happy Mother's Day

.Today was a Happy Mother's Day. About 12:30 this afternoon my assistant, Shelley, and her husband and two kids pulled up with a surprise for me.

Shelley had found a patio set at Home Depot I really liked and it was our plan for her to come over with their pick-up truck so we could go pick up a set. Little did I know they went shopping before coming over. Not only did they deliver it but they stuck around and we put it all together. Keith did the hard work of putting the chairs together. Shelley and I did the side table and most of the big table. Keith came along afterwards with his ratchet wrench to tighten the bolts up.

While Keith & Shelley worked on the project (in the background of top picture), the kids, Eli and Olivia, entertained themselves playing in the box the chairs came in.

Oh... if only WE were so easily entertained these days!

Thanks Shelly & Keith. That was an awesome surprise!

Apple Blossom Activities: Pancake Breakfast

It's Apple Blossom Festival time again in Wenatchee. It's an annual tradition for Max & I to meet our friends Carl & DiAnn and Tom & Jane at Triangle Park for the Kiwanis' pancake breakfast prior to the Grand Parade (the first Saturday in May).

Today was no exception. Triangle Park is also where the floats are staged prior to the beginning to the parade. After breakfast we like to walk around, look at the floats and talk to some of the participants.

In some ways it's better than the actual parade because you can get up close and look at your leisure... and even talk with delegates from the various cities. This year, according to the Wenatchee World newspaper, there are 119 floats scheduled for the Grand parade today.

Elvis Ate Here

Here are a few more pictures from our trip to Graceland. I am standing in Elvis' kitchen and Shelley is standing in the dining room.

Elvis has left the building and is out laying by the memorial fountain.

Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge.

Training in Memphis

My assistant, Shelley, and I went to Memphis earlier this week for some training with a large (make that HUGE) investment group we work with out of southern California. There wasn't much time for "fun", but we did sneak out of the last days session about 30 minutes early to get to Graceland just before closing Wednesday afternoon.

We had a lot of fun on the trip and learned a lot too. In the upper left is Shelley and me at Elvis' front door. The lower right is the beautiful Cascade mountains as we were flying into Seattle on the way home yesterday.

You can click on the images to enlarge them more.

McMural in Toppenish

I just love all the beautiful murals in downtown Toppenish but was surprised to find a McDonald's had also gotten into the spirit.

Toppenish is a good rest stop location, so we generally stop her to get Max a chocolate milk shake and me a coke.

Anyway, there was a beautiful mural of Ronald McDonald giving balloons to some Indian children. I made a post with some of the other beautiful murals in downtown Toppenish in May of last year. Click here to access them. Be sure to click on the various images to enlarge them.

These pictures hardly do the real one justice, but I had to try. The upper left is most of the full mural, and lower right is a close-up to "try" to give you an indication to the detail. I guess, an a non-artist type person I am just blown away by such talent.

Sunset in Corbett, Oregon

The sun was setting on our wonderful winter vacation, after over 6 weeks away from home. One more night and less than 6 hours of driving and we'd be back in the comfort of our own home in Wenatchee. Trips are always fun, but getting home is always oh so sweet.

After two long days on the road, we arrived at Clair & Beverly's house in Corbett on Saturday night. We arrived just as the sun was setting and I was compelled to take a few pictures from the deck before I even announced our arrival. It was almost too late. Clair & Beverly have a fabulous view west toward Portland and they get lots of wonderful sunsets. This is just example.

We had a nice visit during the evening then Max & I enjoyed a trip to the hot tub... then Clair gave each of us a nice massage so we could sleep good. That was a nice treat.

-Carol

Weather Delay

Whenever we travel we watch the weather channel for the storm patterns that might affect our journey. Our scheduled departure from Palm Springs on March 1st didn't look too good because of storms coming through the Siskiyou Mountains where we would be traveling on March 2nd. We spoke to our condo landlord and they gave us permission to stay a few extra days (at no charge) if we wanted to. We did decide to stay one extra day which was all we needed for the weather pattern to clear for smooth sailing home.

With the bonus day, Dorothy McIntire, invited me to join her at one final ladies day event at Cathedral Canyon Country Club. At the upper left are Dorothy, right, and another member named Marge. Not sure of her last name. Anyway, we had a great time and it was a perfect day for one last game.

After golf, I went back to the condo and packed up for an early morning departure the next day. Here is Max standing in the flower bed in front of the condo we'd be saying goodbye to early the next morning.

We've learned that it's best to get out early in order to get over to I-5 before the morning rush hour traffic hits. We were out of our driveway in Palm Springs by 4:00 a/m. and in stop-n-go rush hour traffic by 5:59 am. Once we hit I-5 at 7:00 a/m....it was smooth sailing from there on. I am sooooo glad I don't have to deal with that traffic everyday. Wenatchee here we come!

Today Shirley, Max & I went up the aerial Tram to the top of the world. From the top of the mountain, at about 8200 feet above sea level, you can see the valley floor and (to the left) the windmill farm, generating clean, renewable, power for the valley.

We had lunch at the cafeteria, perused the gift shop then took the ride back down to tram central.

After a short nap back at the condo, we went looking for hors' deourves at Babe's Restaurant (at The River complex) but discovered they no longer serve them for happy hour. We were told this is an inexpensive dinner... but it has been discontinued. Strike One.

While at The River, we took this pictures of Max and me.

So, we went to the Fresh Grille at Rancho Las Palmas where we were told they serve Krispy Creme Bread Pudding. But, they no longer have it on their menu. Strike two.

We ended up at the In-N-Out Burger joint which seemed to make everyone happy. In-N-Out is actually a cool place to eat because they have a very simple menu. Hamburgers, Fries, and drinks. Nothing fancy... no complex choices. Just burgers, fries, and drinks.

On the way home from the In-N-Out, we stopped at Stater Bros. and bought some Krispy Kreme doughnuts as a substitute for the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding we didn't get to have.

Life is full of alternatives.