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