Bob and Lottie Walk Across the Columbia River

On October 14 Bob and I walked a 10K across the Columbia River with three other couples. The walk started in Washington state. Then we walked on the Astoria Bridge, across the Columbia River, and into the town of Astoria (pop. 10,000). We stayed the weekend just outside of town in a cabin owned by one of the couples who walked with us.
This was the first time I had visited Astoria since the 1970s. The town has always had a lot of history, lovely scenery and riverside character. Now, the mild climate (as compared to Seattle) and beautiful views attract wealthy retirees from Seattle who have infused the place with $$$ and growth. The growth has been responsible (no strip malls or Wal-Marts), so the place retains its historic, riverside charm, yet with a better maintained appearance.
(Rather than coming with us to Astoria, LJ stayed home in Springfield, attending the Springfield High School Homecoming dance; unfortunately, we received no photos from his dance.)


Visit with Nic & Christi Poe
We had such a great time getting reacquainted with Nic and Christi when they visited us in early September. We really enjoyed catching up on their education, careers and future plans. Also, Nic shared his findings about the Poe family history. He gave me contact information for Charlie Poe, who is my father's cousin. I plan to contact Charlie by email, and then in person on my next visit to NC, this coming summer of 2008. Nic also shared his web site about his hike to the top of Mt. St. Helens, see photos of this brave adventure at www.lovethenw.com. The photo here is of Christi and Nic at their home with their kitties, Drake and Dinah.

Oregon Coast & Crater Lake trip in August 2007




In late August the three of us spent a few days at Crater Lake and then headed over to the coast for a couple of days.

Oleesia on Penny

Over Labor Day, nephew Derek Poe and his 4 children came to visit. It is so enjoyable watching his two boys (both ages 13) and girls (ages 4 and 18 mos.) growing up. We’re also looking forward to an October visit with our youngest nephew Nic and and his wife Kristi.

Bob & Lottie's visit to Portland

While LJ was at the coast, Bob and I spent a few days up in Portland. We took in the Dutch Masters exhibit at the Portland Art Museum (the only West Coast appearance of this tour from Holland’s Rijkmuseum). As it happened, an international sports photograph show was on display outside our hotel room in downtown Portland at the same time. So we went from 17th century to 21st century art in only a few short blocks. The outside photos were displayed in 4’ x 4’ illuminated cubes and only viewable at night.

LJ is driving.

The summer went by so fast. As you can see--LJ is driving the Prius, he has his permit, took drivers ed this summer, and will get his license next spring. He and his friends spent lots of summer days riding bikes down to the local creek, playing in the nearby river and jumping from the rope swing. During July, LJ camped out for 5 days at Lake Shasta (southern Oregon) wih three of his friends and the dad of one of the boys. In early August, LJ stayed with friends for several days at the Oregon coast.