The Pacific Northwest according to Jeff Foxworthy

1. You know the state flower (Mildew).
2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
3. Use the statement "sun break" and know what it means.4. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
5 You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant or to church.
7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "WALK" signal.
8. You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it's not a real mountain.
9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks & Seattle Best.
10. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.
11. You know how to pronounce Sequim,
Haceta, Yaquina, Yachats, Oregon,
Yakima & Willamette.
12. You consider swimming an indoor sport.
13. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food.
14. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.
15. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
16. You are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."
17 You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
18. You know that Boring is a town
and not just a state of mind.
19. You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see them through the cloud cover.
20. You notice, "The mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
21. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
22. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
23. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
24. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
25. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.
26. You measure distance in hours.
27. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day.
28. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
29. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still
Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer), Deer & Elk season (Fall).
30. You understood these jokes and will probably forward them.

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Sometimes when you are angry with someone,
it helps to sit down and think about the problem. ILLA

Boys and Girls Differences - (feel free to add other observations)

I can't help but notice most the girls have dropped off the blog. There's probably several reasons for this. First, women never stop working, so they usually don't have as much time. As for my wife, she doesn't even know how to turn the computer on.

Another reason might be that boys play a little rougher than girls. Girls like soft, pretty and phu phu type material - even on the net; while boys like guns, motorcycles, and beating up on each other. Generally girls seem to always need reassurance, and can't seem to tolerate any type of communication which, right or wrong, could possibly be construed as personal. For instance, I'll be looking at my wife thinking , "man am I a lucky dog to be married to such a wonderful wife". She'll notice me looking at her, and she'll say, "you think I'm fat".

Besides, average boy/girl differences. I think we still have to learn to trust one another. What we don't want to happen until we are all in geriatric wards, is the old syndrome of feeling of having to walk on eggshells when communicating. Unfortunately that is easier said than done. Trust is a hard thing to learn; but just because you've been burnt doesn't mean you should never start a fire. Life can be very cold that way.

In the meantime, I'll try to be a little softer. PS, Lueria is an exception for motorcycles.

Did someone say we should have a winter time reunion?

I didn't think so.
Jim

I can hardly wait.............

Our heart and home to all of you !!

Merry Christmas !!

While it is only a date to all unite and think of the birth, it is good to have a specific date we can all use, no matter the name of God. I think. It is up to God the events and destination,between just Him and the one individual but still, I pray for each one of you as well as myself. I thank Him for the blessings He gives each of us. I guess that is why I like some of the "older" songs. Like now, I sit here alone ,but not alone, and look at the moon and think of, The Wonder of it All !! I thank God for each of you and yours and for Him letting me learn more each day !! Ben Illa, I will love you always !!

Merry Christmas Eve..............MistleTOE

In all seriousness, and I'm deadly serious about this. On this eve of the birth of Christ (not that I question the birth, but rather the date), I wish all a very happy, healthy, and happy Christmas to be enjoyed with family. Sandi and I send our love to you and yours. We'll be thinking of all of you.
Jim

I love mistletoe.........

'Ya gotta wonder, if one sprig gets you a kiss, what an entire branch gets you.

Andrew and I took a short trip over to the Klamath River. It was like old times...real old times, he caught 8 fish and I didn't catch any. It was great, but we didn't camp as I was coming down with a cold. Besides at this time of the year it's 14 hours of darkness.
You can see a slide show on my blog. http://jnshoop.blogspot.com/
Jim

Who birthday was it any way

i forgot until Jim said something. I believe it was this past week.
YOU ALMOST GOT AWAY WITH IT PETER!!!!!

At times like these I feel like a 'Jon' looking for a cheap tramp.

But tonight I only feel like someone who walked the docks this evening looking for crabs and came back without any crabs or tricks. The ocean has been rough and the boats haven't gone out in a few days. Some people would say, that's a good thing. Me, I'd say that means it's a pizza night.
Jim

tis the season

if you were a food, what would you be...

Id be a fruitcake.

what kind of music do you listen to.

Ive been listening to Blues alot lately.heres a sample of a artist that i have just recently been enjoying
http://72.167.28.71/
copy and paste the above link
Joe Bonamassa
I also enjoy contemporary christian music
southern rock
and 60 - 70s rock

BENITA SAID, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH

I did something to my computor and can't retrieve my mail so if anyone writes don't think I'm snubbing you. I'm trying to get my stepson over here to help me.
I'm so excited, Rick will be home this time next week. Wish I knew how to share some of the cards he draws for me, I got 3 today, they are so funny. LOVE YA ALL

FOOD FIGHT !!!!!!

You might not hear from Karen and I for a while. We're leaving for the airport in a couple of hours, flying off to Colorado till after the 1st of the year. Actually, we'll be staying the night at a hotel, park our car there and head out in the morning.

But, if our flight is shot down, or we die of altitude sickness (our kids live at 10000ft.) Or we get kidnapped, or something else that might render us incommunicado, KNOW that we love you all; especially my really odd sibling (you know who you are).

And just remember, you all have a right to your erroneous opinions! May there always be sausage! Love Peter and Karen

Bonnies post makes me wonder....

If God didn't intend for us to eat meat.
Why does it taste so good?
Dick

CHICKEN TOO

IF YOU SAW THE CHICKEN PLANTS WE PICKED UP AT YOU'D THINK TWICE ABOUT THE CHICKEN YOU EAT, I ALLOWS ROOT FOR THE CHICKENS THAT GOT LOOSE, PROBLEM IS THEY ARE TO DUMB TO RUN AWAY AND YOU SEE THEM WALKING AROUND LOOSE AT THE PLANT. THESE PLACES ARE PRETTY AWEFUL SMELLING AND YOU CAN SIT IN YOUR TRUCK AND WATCH THE CONTAINERS OF LIVE CHICKEN GO IN AND THEN THE FEATHERS AND BONES AND THINGS YOU DON'T CARE TO SEE DUMPED INTO CONTAINERS. STRAY CATS LOVE THESE PLACES.

Never watch how sausage is made, as you'll never eat sausage again.

You've all heard that, but probably not followed through and have fallen victim to eating it....again. If not, more power to you. I've another one to add to that. Never, let your wife watch you change the rollers on the bottom of a patio door, especially if you've not done it before. In particular, if, your first comment is, "I wonder how this door comes off?" (Lift, grunt, lift, grunt.....)

Her: "Do you think that it would be better to buy a new door."

Me: (lift, grunt, lift, grunt, "%$#@$%^," lift, grunt, lift, grunnnnttt, "^%$#@^%".

Her: "Are you sure you want to do this while it's raining?" (wondering how many days we'll feel the wind blowing through the house.)

Me: "Ah, ha! UHHHHHHHH...., WOW!!!!, this thing is HEAVVVVVY!!!!!.

Her: "I think that this may be a good time for me to go downtown."

Me: " Have fun."

Don't worry, everything turned out fine. The door works great.

Have a great week,
Jim

Dinner!!!!!!!!!

No, Peter, it's not Photoshop, it's dinner. The guys and girls came over tonight and we had a great visit. For those that aren't seafood aficionados, well, I'm sorry for your loss. Don't look. In fact, don't read any farther. In fact, skip quickly down to the last post.





Quickly...........





QUICKER!!!!!!!.................




Cover 'yer eyes!!!!!!!!




We had dungeness. One that didn't get away. Bought off a boat two hours before dinner.


There are creepy, crawly crabs that live just past the surf line, just below the beautiful horizon, waiting to be caught. Ultimately, part of the web of life, part of the food chain.

Bonnie's going to supply all the bacon for the next reunion

Andrew's stress reduction technique

benita said

Thanks Illa, I had also given Peter Suzy's address, guess it was a dumb thing to do. Sorry.

Benita

OK Sandi, How do I delete the last 2 address from the blog?

How many jobs have you had? hmmm

truck driver, hobby shop sales, machinist, assembly, parts inspector, back office support, janitor, tree service support, produce sales, well driller, cellophane bag machine operator, horse barn caretaker, christmas tree pruner, warehouse worker, apartment maintance, aircraft landing observer, flight deck attendant, paint stripper, dishwasher, candle maker, mill worker.
i think that about covers it. some of these jobs ive had more than once. kind of depressing when you think about it.
Dick
Oh and Cupid :)

Andrew and I went fishing this afternoon...

I did say fishing, not catching. It was a great afternoon to be out on the river, but come to think of it, what day isn't a good day to be out on the river fishing? There was even a bear looking for a aged salmon dinner. We didn't see him, just the print. The sunset tonight was stellar, so I had to share it with all of you. Have a great week.
Carpe weekend,
Jim

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do the outside 'decorations' and Sandi does the inside decorations. These are a couple of the Christmas Yard Cards that I painted last year. Really, the inside decorations are much more festive than the outside decorations. But, I do need to, at least, try to do my part. I'm not really the 'slacker' that you may think I am.

(Actually, I am). Sandi is the real 'mover and shaker' in our now smaller family unit. If it weren't for her, like Peter said, I'd be living in a cave with a large screen TV nailed to the wall, or maybe balanced on a rock. No, really, that's an 'untruth.' I am to cheap to do that, I would probably be staring at a fire trying to come to grips with the 'meaning of life.'


YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Our quasi-Christmas tree. Actually it's a 4-1 cherry tree that I bought today. Sandi quickly moved it outside.

New address

In case some don't have our new address, Jim has it.
Hey Dick, I love doing target practice, I have always wanted to get a rifle, Vegas has a fun target practice in the Pro Bass Store. I also like to shoot hunters with my imaginary gun, I did that a lot to hunters when I drove truck and saw the poor dear in their trucks. Sorry you hunter people, don't want to know who you are although I can guess.
Ben I never said I wasn't on your side for that new bike, infact if I lived back there I would be very tempted to buy yours. I really wish our plans hadn't changed, Zack and Chasity have never liked me and with Rick never here it is really lonesome. I'm just doing my thing and trying to support him. Nothing we do seems to make any difference to the kids. I feel like our life together has always been centered around his kids and his X. I want to at least go to our own church. Oh well, sorry just venting.


REMOVED BONNIES ADDRESS. ILLA

OK, I TINKERED AGAIN

WE DIDN'T PUT THE WINDOW IN THIS WAY. THE MANUFACTURER DID.

master bedroom

This is a dusky Rose called midsummer dusk. All that is left is the edging and putting on the wall paper border. Roses. The master bath is done the same way but still have to do the border. This leaves only the Office yet. can hardly get in there so that will take some time.

this is whats happening around in the n.w.

click on the title

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I AM ON A MISSION, AND MAKING MYSELF ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL OF YOU:
I AM SO TIRED OF BEING FAT AND NOT HAVING ENERGY, THAT IS ONE REASON ALTHOUGH NOT THE ONLY REASON WE ARE ON THIS PH PROGRAM. I have lost 12 lbs since the reunion, another 35 to go. I am so excited. It's really fun to do this with Rick gone and then to see what I can accomplish by the time I see him again. He's lost about the same. It's one way to make the time go by faster when he's gone. I am going to be one sexy looking sister when you see me again.
I have tried to send two emails to Suzy and they haven't gone through, is anyone else having any problems getting through.
I MISS ALL MY CRAZY SLIBLING (NOT A TYPE ERROR) AND FAMILY

I'm starting a marriage counseling string, feel free to add other helpful hints: 1st., 'Resolve the issue before leaving the car'

TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) - A hospital nursing supervisor says a man will survive his injuries after his girlfriend allegedly ran him over in her car.

Troutdale Police say the woman, 33-year-old Denise Moline, fled the scene on Tuesday but was caught using witness accounts.

Several witnesses told police that they noticed the couple arguing inside the car until the man got out. Then, they said the woman ran him over, possibly several times.

Police say 23-year-old Tyson Akre, of Troutdale, was able to get help at a nearby gas station, where an employee called 9-1-1.

Police say Moline was arrested and held in the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Akre is at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
From Peter

Bonnie

Just wanted to say I was thinking about you and Rick today.
Love ya SIS

Peter?

So how did you fair the flood. I tried to call but got no answer. thought that you either are in colorado or you lost electricity. Hope you didnt get flooded out.

Bonnie

Guess I better let every know that Rick and I will not be making the move to Oregon, Rick oldeest is having a lot of personal issues and we just dont think it would be the right thing to leave now. Maybe some time down the road, who knows. Zack needs a lot of prayers. LOL and happy holidays

GRANDKIDS ROOM

I THINK THIS IS ALL THE DAMAGE I CAN DO TO THEIR ROOM. THERE MIGHT BE SOME OTHER LITTLE THINGS TO DO AS I THINK OF THEM BUT THIS IS IT. MY FIRST SHOT AT PAINTING SOMETHING OTHER THAN ONE COLOR. ILLA

Game room, Hall and Teresa's room

can't get a good pic. of Bj's room so it is not here. His is painted moss green. Teresa's is still in progress. It is something caled Wild Orchid. A nice lavender. Only have a bit done in the master bath and bedroom. It and the Office will be last.

Kitchen and Dining room

this is the kitchen and dining room. it is all painted but still have to finish the baseboards. it will look really nice when all that flat contractors white paint is gone. you can tell we like bright colors. Illa

grand kids room

This is what i am trying to do in the grandkids room. See if you can recognise any of it. I am not an artist but this is my stab at it. Remember this is a work in progress. Illa

Our living room

this is what we have done to the living room. Illa

Say 'hello' to Poof

This is Sandi's cat, 'Poof.' At least, this is what I call her. Sandi calls her Clarice. She's a saucy one, isn't she? Luscious lips, long nails, sultry look, and long lashes. A bane to any unwary suitors.

I don't know about anyone else (except, maybe Peter, who says that he is old), but I think these 5-day work weeks are looonnnng, especially when I went into it thinking that Friday was a 'training day,' that was canceled. It seems like the kids' momentum builds throughout the week, while mine wanes. Their energy level reaches its apex on Friday while mine is well on its way south on its downward slide.

I'm convinced, whoever came up with these 5-day work-weeks was not a teacher, in fact, I don't think they really existed in the real work world. The concept probably emanated in a drug-induced stupor because they wanted to get more production from their workers with minimal effort from themselves. But, I think that teaching keeps a person young(er) from the simple reason that you must match the energy level of the kids. Tonight, Friday night, the kids won. I'm tired. Besides, my favorite character on Survivor just got booted. Good night.
Jim

treatment

well after alot of reading, talking to people and prayer. I have decided not to do the Interferon and the ribivin. To many negative side effects, and a very low percentage of actually killing the virus. something like at best 45%. patients doing combination therapy have actually have killed the virus under treatment. and very expensive.
I have decided to go at it with alternative treatment. right now im using milk thistle and will soon start using collidol silver. I have been doing some research on these alternatives and people that have used them have had great results at killing the virus and at regenerating liver cells and also helping the healthy cells get stronger resisting the virus. Plus very little side effects. Im also being a little more selective in my diet. But i still have starbucks. which is actually a no-no.
I have had the virus for maybe 30 yrs. I figure that i dont see my blood counts come down in 18-24 months and i have problems i may opt to go with the combination therapy.
this decision has given me alot of peace and my stress level has actually reduced alot.
Dick

Old family picture??

Did I remember seeing this image somewhere in our old family photos? It appears as if this child is testing the temperature of a frozen pole. Some people just won't believe that bare skin will stick to a frozen surface. Anyway, let's try to figure out who this is.
Jim

Is anyone missing any clothes?

I was going through some of my clothes and found, well, a T-shirt that I don't remember buying, trading for, or finding. So, that leaves just one option; stealing. Don't call me Sherlock Holmes, but by the looks of it, it belongs to someone in the family that worked around helicopters, possibly fueling them. Know anything about this, Dick? It must have ended up in the car after the reunion last summer. Anyway, I'll try to not wear it out by the time we see each other again. We'll keep the cat.

Jim

Hey Jim you need one of these!!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.......

By the way, I nominate Peter (since he's the patriarch of the family) to re-invite all in-laws, outlaws, siblings, and all interested parties to participate in a meeting of the minds on our family blog. What say ye'?
Jim

What I am thankful for II

This five-day break was a stellar experience!! So much has changed in my life, but so much of it feels right. I do not relish the fact that our boys have grown and are are now making their own way, sans any direction from us, but rather the peace that I feel from it. They are no longer boys, but the young men that we have groomed them to be. Hopefully, they will remember the good of their upbringing and forget the negative. I say this because of what Sandi and I have experienced this break. This is the first Thanksgiving that we have spent together, just the two of us. It was GREAT, but in a different way than what has gone on before. Before has always been centered around the 'guys.' Now, it has been centered around us, just the two of us. A surreal experience to say the least.

First, on Thanksgiving day we found ourselves at the beach grilling prawns wrapped in foil and seasoned with Old Bay, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and white wine over a beach fire. Not bad..........(actually, Damn Good).

Friday, we all went fishing together on the Smith..... in three different cars. The fishing was full of luck, it was the catching that was lacking. The Smith was its usual summertime self, devoid of fish, but full of memories. For me, the older that I get, it's not so much the success or failure of an experience, but rather, the feeling of the experience. Then, later in the afternoon Sandi and I took a walk down South Beach and came back with a crab pot on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Saturday we took a hike to a place that I've wanted to take her for quite a few years. High Dome is a meadow in an otherwise forested area that is a magical place because it is so out-of-place. Andrew and I had gone there about 2 years ago and I've wanted to go back ever since. The harbingers of winter are in the air and visible as snow on the distant mountains, but a distant memory as it was clear and warm. We even re-found a Geocaching cache that Andrew and I have found before at High Dome.

Just so you know, my inspiration, motivation, aspiration, and every other -tion, I can or can't think of, comes from my wife. Do avail yourself to her blog at: http://sandihooper.blogspot.com/

Jim

My Favorite Gizmo

Hi; I just purchased this little item. Some say it's the Vonage killer. You just plug it into your USB port and you get free, unlimited local, long distance calls throughout US and Canada. I use it at work for a second line, then I bring it home to make long distance. Two things - you have to have high speed internet (no dialup). Also, it will be a while before it works with Mac, they are working on that. You can take it with you when you travel, if you have a hotel with high speed, it will again allow free calls. Voice quality is excellent. 1st year cost $40. Second year $20. Works with any standard phone. No Dick, I don't get a commission! Click on 'My favorite Gizmo' to go to their site. Peter

What I am thankful for.

For me, all too often, I am willing to complain about something much sooner than I am willing to be thankful for what I have. Human nature you say, I’m REAL human then. But, I’m really glad I’m not a turkey, but some people have called me one before. Unless, of course my name is ‘May’ or ‘Flower.’ But even those turkeys to will have a very short moment in the sun of Disney World before their names fade into the gravy of the past. Come now, have you ever seen a turkey from years’ past? Unless, of course, it’s me.

Anyway, thanks, that’s what started out here. For all of us, things could have been much worse than what they ended up to be. Life is good, too good at times. Not that I want anything to change. All I wish for, is for me to take the time to appreciate what I have more often. But, it seems in the everyday frenzy of life I can’t or don’t slow down enough to live in the now and appreciate the present. I too often try to change things of the past and worry about the future. The present is all I really have.

So, let me just say, I love our family…all branches of it. Even the leaves that feel that they are left out. I think I can learn something from everyone, if given a chance. This blog for me allows me to see inside of whom you are and you into me.

So, just know that I’ll be thinking of you all as we sit down with our own respective families. I’ll lift a drumstick in your honor and give you and yours a hearty cheer.



Something that always helps to ground me is to reread the poem, Desiderata, that I believe helped shape me into who I am. Go to my blog to read it. http://jnshoop.blogspot.com/

Jim

What I'm thankful for:

Chardo and I have been writing back and forth for some time now. In one of my letters I asked him if it were ok to share some things about him. He said it would be fine. He told me that his life after the age of thirteen "was full of bad choices". Through this he contracted Hepatitis C. He's been through the same treatment Dick has decided to go through and it looks as if he'll be going through it again before he leaves prison. Besides all the issues he faces now, he understands he will face many more, even after he leaves prison.

But what I am thankful for, is what he says about it all:
"I know I have a lot to go through, and the consequences of my past are not just going to disappear. But God will work it all out and good will come of it, and it has in one very important way, it's drawn me to Him"

This are not just religious talk coming from Chardo, this is the testimony of a person who has been renewed in his mind; one who truly believes God is worth everything it cost to come to this new life.

We've all experienced it in some measure; the wonderful mystery, how God can take a lost life, like the Father in the story of the prodigal son, God embraces us, he treats us just as if we had never strayed from his ways. He never holds against us that we mistreated his love. He just loves us like it never happened! Yes, like Chardo said, there are "consequences", but they are only related to this short term life; but praise be to God, from God's point of view, all is forgiven and forgotten (Jer.31.34) Now tell me, isn't that something to be thankful for? Peter

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FAMILY

I just want you all to know I will be thinking of you. My Rick will be home tomorrow I think. Can't wait. Looks like we are going to go to Pams, (Rick's X) although I don't like calling her that so from now on you know who Pam is so I wont. She is precious friend and sister in The Lord. She is going to have some others from our church over also. Hopefully the kids will come later. They will be busy doing things with their wives families.
Sandi and Jim, I enjoyed your thoughts on your family, Sorry, I forgot to sign my name when I sent in the blog titled FAMILY,
Glenda, that is so great about Rich and Lueria coming to be with you, please give them my love.

I am looking for to heaven when we can all be together more often and the kids will have more time for us. I love you all more than words could ever express.

This Thanksgiving I'm especially thankful for the healing God has done in our lives to bring us together, I think closer than we have ever been. It just shows you God can do anything and all the bad stuff we go through in life can work out for His Glory if we keep focused on Him and not the problems we deal with daily. In all we go through, is a opportunity to allow God to build our character and to depend on His strength and unconditional love.

'Shroom expert???

In a way I kind of hate to ask this question, but do we have a resident mushroom identification expert in the family? Now, I don't want someone who is only well-versed in identifying only one particular kind. I want someone who I can take out into the woods and basically tell me which ones I can eat, but more important, which ones will kill me. As I understand it, most mushrooms won't hurt you even if they don't taste good. Many will make you wish you died, but only a few will actually kill you. It's the latter two types that I'd just as soon avoid.

I went up to the river today to go fishing, but it was too high, so I just took a walk looking at, and, for mushrooms. Around here, it's mushroom season, but I don't feel comfortable bringing some home that would, well, kill me. I do like cooked mushrooms. For that matter, I like the white ones that you buy in the stores just fresh and uncooked with just a little garlic pepper and salt. Excuse me, I have to go raid the 'fridge and see if we have any...............................nope, but I did add it to the shopping list.

In our household I don't go shopping. Sandi says I bring home too many things with names that I can't pronounce, or her either. That's kind of a rule around here, if it can't be pronounced or it's written in an alphabet that is not familiar, it isn't eaten. But, since I'm more of a visual person, I all too often just look at the pictures and say to myself, "hmmm... I don't know what it is, but I'm sure Sandi can make something really good out of this." I can only buy three things, and that suits me just fine. Sandi is a GREAT cook. I can only buy steaks when I grill, dog food, and beer. So, as you can see my shopping lists are generally pretty short. Anyway, I'm waiting to hear.......

Jim

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where does the time go? It hardly seems possible that we are nearing the end of another year. I have been back home in the City for a year now and it hardly seems possible. In a way, it seems like I hadn't left...it only took a while for me to get back into the groove of city living. I really love the hustle and bustle of city life. I also love being in an area that I can get to anything my heart desires with just a short drive.

The oil spill is still big news down here, but it is coming to an end. They are finding fewer and fewer dead birds and even fewer live birds that can be saved, although there are a few here and there. I don't watch TV so I don't know much of what is going on, but I do know that the contamination affected a lot of us with head aches and sore throats the week after the accident. I plan to go down to the Ferry Building when we have Thanksgiving and see what I can see.

This year Teisha and I will have Thanksgiving with Lueria and Rich down here in our new home. They will leave Portland on Wednesday afternoon and drive straight through. It will be nice to have them here since this is my first year without Lydia. She is still hanging in there in Tucson, but there have been some hard times for her. Hopefully I will see her after Christmas since she is working retail and can't take time off for the holidays.

Whitney and Michelle have survived their first year of coaching Zach's football team. I got to see them in action once and see them win. Now they start ballet season with the girls so like all of your kids, they are busy, busy, busy.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm thinking of each and every one of you and want you to know that I am praying for you and your families. Love you all, Gi

Family

Face it we are older than dirt, did we want to connect with out parents. They complained about the same thing. We never appreciate what we have until it is gone. After all we are just starting to get to know eachother. I can't believe my sister inlaws have accepted me after all the years I have kept away. These kids have no idea what they mean to us, they are the extention of all of us They have a opportunity of closeness we never appreciated. I only hope when we are all gone they never forget the lesson we have learned. Family means everything.

The time you spend with family means everything:


Lueria sent a, "I LOVE YOU," on my email, she has no idea what those three words means to me.

Some collective 'Reasons Young People are Too Busy to Post ' (please add to this list)

"Hey, how about those Yankee", or, "You ought to see my new pedicure", or, "Vonda said that Sheila said that Evon said she was going steady with a Rock star, I said she should be really careful" Peter

Twins

Actually got a call from the twins thurs. the 15th.. Illa and I got to talk to them, both sounded upbeat !! Nice to have gotten the call. Lisi said she is walking more and feels good. Illa talked to Lili and has a new e-mail address and regular address for them. I would put it down here but Illa has it and she is sleeping.I will post it soon, or is that something that should not be posted?
P.S. Why do we hardly EVER get anything from the younger ones ??!!! As in posts !! Seems they should have input to place here or are their lives duller that ours !! lol

Pictures scanned

I finally got Bonnie n Rick's photos scanned. Right now would be a good time to update Jim's address document, if yours has changed.

Also, Are there any of us who 'was not born in Frisco'?

To tell you the truth

To tell you the truth, I completely forgot about it until about 10:00 this morning when my supervisor told me he had a card on his desk for me.
Oh well.
Thanks all

Dick's old but Jess is REALLY old

Happy birthday Dick! I didn't know you shared the same Bday as Jess! Happy birthday Jess. Congrats. The reason I remembered Dick's birthday is cause it was such a big deal when we lived together in Los Angeles. Mom liked him best so he got the biggest parties and the best gifts. Peter

Birthday Day !!

Hey !! I just wanted to get in line and say happy birthday too !! I was going to go in with Bonnie and send you that doll but figured you didn't want one anyway !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, YOU LOOK LIKE AN ANGEL AND YOU ACT LIKE ONE TOO.
HEY, that's better than some of the songs we use to make up for eachother.
I thought of sending you a blow up women since a real one would have been hard to send in the mail, but I was afraid you might take it the wrong way. You could get a really big teddy bear and call her Sally or Jane or Honey even. LOL

Lili, Lisi, Jess address?

Hey, does anyone have their current address? And perhaps an update on what's happening with them. Thanks

FORGOT TO TELL YOU WHICH ONE

DUMB DUMB ME, ITS THE ONE IN JONESBOROUGH FOR $130.000. SORRY
(or just click on FORGOT TO......words above, Peter)

VIEW OUR HOME ON THE INTERNET

Hey, if anyone is interested in viewing some pictures our realtor put up of our home, check out: www.cindyedwards.com click on VIEW MY LISTINGS go to 2nd page and click on the picture. She didn't get a picture of our back deck with the gazebo and hot tub or our living room but it will give you an idea why this is a hard place to move away from.
bj

update --click here after you read

well, after procrastinating and not sure what im going to do ive made my decision.
for those that havnt hear I got the results for my biopsy.
I have chronic Hepatitis C. geno type 1, stage 2-3, level 2-3. the highest is 4 which indicates croisis.
I had the liver biopsy and they found "mild to moderate interface hepatitis grade 2-3 of 4. and periportal fibrosis and focal architectural distortion stage 2-3 of 4" The 4 represents chirosis of the liver and then the next stage is cancer. The Dr. wants me to go on interferon and ribavirin treatment. its suppose to be pretty nasty treatment for about 48 weeks. the interferon is a natural body producing antibody that fights off. infections. I would just be upping the amount that my body produces. The side effects are not real pleasant http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/chronichepc/#g . this websight will probably tell you more that you care to know.
My emotion have been going up and down with this. I have an tendency to over analyze things sometimes. and i get a little neurotic. I had a meeting with my supervisor today and He is really supportive of my needs. they are going to work with me on my schedule. Im starting this on the week before christmas, as that is when my anniversary is and then i will take the following week off as a personal week.
Then I will take it Day by Day.

Get a shorter leash

I disagreed when Dick told me "Illa should have Ben on a shorter leash"

THIS IS DEDICATED AGATE HUNTING

THIS IS BEN SITTING FOR 5 HOURS ON AGATE BEACH LOOKING FOR AGATES. VERY DEDICATED!!!!!

REMODELING THE HOUSE

THIS IS SOME STUFF WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON. WE BUILT THE STOVE PAD AND PUTTING IN BRICK WORK ON THE WALL. WE ARE ALSO PAINTING ORANGE IN THE KIDTCHEN. WILL POST OTHER PICTURES.

MOONS COMING UP!

Dang, where 'ave I seen those hairy legs before?

Nov. 3...Takin' a dip

Someone has to teach these young whippersnappers how to fetch!

To see the full day of spending a day with Rachael, Andrew, and Gunner go to:
http://jnshoop.blogspot.com/

I caught 2 small steelhead, and Andrew caught 3, but it was a GREAT day, something I NEEDED to do after a LOOOOOONNNNNNG week. Thanks Rach, Andrew, and Gunner! THIS is what I work for!!!!!!!!!!!