Merry Christmas to All in 2007

Left Bob shows our poodle Harry a present from his stocking, as a sleepy, quilt-wrapped LJ looks on, with his newly opened present of U/O Duck pajama bottoms. We weren’t up quite as early for presents this year, (LJ sleeps in a little later now).
We attended Christmas Eve candlelight church services and didn’t get home until 1 a.m. Christmas morning. It was a beautiful service at Resurrection Episcopal church in Eugene, where my dearest friend Lucy sings in the choir. The church’s Brombaugh organ was made locally and has a beautiful sound, and their choir, including Lucy’s perfect pitch, is well known locally.
On the way to church, we reminisced about LJ being baptized at Resurrection at age 7, by his choice. Bob and I were so proud of him then, and we still are, which I’m sure you’ve all noticed in our blogs here.
One of LJ’s friends, Ryan, whose family was out of town today, joined us for Christmas dinner, which Bob cooked, with my only contributions being mashed sweet potatoes, dessert, and clean up duty.
Bob baked a succulent ham, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, and served all this with French bread from a local bakery. We are grateful for our surfeit of blessings and had a truly wonderful Christmas 2007.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2008.
Much love to you all,

Lily

Meet Lily, the newest addition to our family. She is a mixed breed, but mostly Labrador Retriever, approximately 2 years old, who found us about 10 weeks ago. After several weeks of posting “Found Dog” notices throughout our neighborhood and in town, having her scanned for a microchip ID, and calling the animal shelter and several veterinarian offices to see if such a dog had been reported missing, we decided to keep her.
We fell in love with her from the first day she showed up hungry in our driveway. Lily is very good natured, knows a few basic commands and minds fairly well. She is exuberantly enthusiastic, and especially loves to play fetch with her bell ball, running full speed across the pasture. We had her vaccinated last week and the Vet determined she is spayed. We feel bad that someone lost such a good dog. But we are glad Lily found us.
For now Lily is an outside dog, to give Harry time to adjust to this usurper in his kingdom. Harry still reigns solo inside, while he shares the outside with Lily, two cats, Rex the Rabbit, a horse and a pony.

Bob, aka Gandalf the Wizard

Every Halloween Bob’s office has a costume contest. This year his department won first prize. They all dressed up as book or movie characters. Bob went as Gandalf the Wizard from the LORD OF THE RINGS.

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.