First date

It was 40 years ago today, September 12, 1969, that Mark and I went on our first date. We were both 17 years old and had just begun our senior year at Mt. Rainier High School in the Seattle area. His dad was the principal of our large high school, but Mark and I did not know each other. We met that fall in our German class, where Mark sat behind me. The teacher would have us turn to the person behind us to practice our dialogue, so I turned around to practice my German with Mark. So, literally, the first words we ever spoke to each other were in German! It apparently didn't take long, however, for the conversation to switch to English, and Mark soon asked me to accompany him to a welcoming party for the foreign exchange students who would be attending our school that year. It was held at the home of one of the host families, and was a fun time. After a while, Mark asked me if I would like to take a walk around the block with him, and so we did. It was just a short walk, but he held my hand, my heart did flip flops, and the rest is history. (The picture above was taken just a few months later, in December of 1969, at a school dance.) Who could have predicted on that evening 40 years ago today, that we would fall deeply in love, marry, raise five amazing children together, and remain very best friends? God knew, for He is the One who orchestrated it all. Thanks, honey, for being mine. I love you so much. And by the way, my heart still does flip flops when you hold my hand.

More summer fun, Part 3

Our drive next took us to the lovely state of Colorado. We took a detour off I-70 for a few hours to tour Colorado National Monument, another one of the grand landscapes of the American West. We drove the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, where we saw breathtaking views of deep canyons and cliffs. The pictures do not begin to do it justice, although if you click on them to see them in a larger format, you'll have a better idea of the loveliness we saw.
You can see how the road twists and turns as it climbs to the top of the mountains. SO beautiful.
Of course it helps to be in the company of my sweetie!
I love cactus of all kinds (sort of goes back to the 12 years I lived in Nevada while growing up), and this area abounded with them.
Independence Monument, shown above, is 450 feet tall.
Finally we arrived in Basalt. Nikki greeted us, and Dave soon showed up after he got off work. Here he grills our dinner - very yummy! You can see their dog Moose off to the right.
Ben was able to come for the feast, too. Nothing better for Mark than to be with his boys!
Next day found us heading up valley a few miles to Aspen, where my brother John showed us a project his company (for which Ben and David both work) recently completed. It's a restaurant at the base of the ski lift at Aspen Mountain, and here John and I stand on the restaurant's outdoor plaza.
That afternoon, Nikki took us on a tour of her school and first-grade classroom. She was busy getting ready for the arrival of her students the next week.
Below is the sign on the window at the entrance to her classroom, which David made for her.
David took us for a drive around town, showing us various building projects he has been involved with lately, including Lance Armstrong's home remodel, shown below. And yes, he has spent time with Lance as they worked out the details for the project. Funny.
That night, Ben and Christine took us out to dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant. It was so good to spend time with them. It was Christine's birthday weekend, so we were able to celebrate with her.
Happy Birthday, Christine!
The next day it was time to say good-bye to our kids and to Colorado, and head to our next destination: California. But we had a few more adventures along the way. Stay tuned!

More summer fun, Part 2

Next stop on our trip was my cousin Adalaide's cabin on Cascade Reservoir, near Donnelly, Idaho. Over the years, Adalaide and her husband Steve have repeatedly invited us to visit them at the cabin, and this year we made it happen. The "cabin" is in reality a very nice home on the lakefront, where Mark and I had our own luxurious quarters upstairs, with a private balcony overlooking the water. Steve and Adalaide are such kind and generous people, and they treated us to a lovely time. There is a sign hanging in their garage that says "Camp Never Rest," a nickname the family has fondly given their lake home. The reason is that there is so much to do, so many things to try, that one hardly has time to catch one's breath! All in the name of good fun and fellowship, of course! The picture above shows just the cabin, while the one below shows the garage as well.
The morning after our arrival, Steve suggested that we go golfing. Fun, you say? Well, while Mark has been golfing many times, I have never even attempted the sport. But did that stop us? No - after all, we were staying at Camp Never Rest, so they all talked me into trying golfing for the first time. Was I any good at it? Not hardly, but I must admit that I had a lot of fun making a fool out of myself.
Above, Mark takes a nice smooth swing, and below you see me botching my swing, while Adalaide watches with amusement. Steve kept encouraging me to "hit the little ball, not the big ball" (the little ball being the golf ball, and the big ball being the earth, of course).
Later, we went around the lake on a big boat. Lots of fun - and gorgeous scenery.
The next morning, Mark enjoyed a lesson in rowing a scull. There is a couple that live across the lake from Steve and Adalaide, and the woman has coached scull teams at several colleges and for the U.S. Olympic team. She graciously taught Mark the basics, and he picked it up like a pro. Very fun for him. He also got to kayak during our time at Cascade Reservoir.
Below, Steve drives the boat on our last day there.
Then, in the name of trying yet another thing I had heretofore never done, Steve had me take the helm of the craft. I was freaked out, but reluctantly got behind the wheel. Then he told me to push down on the lever that makes the boat practically fly over the water. I gulped, did as I was told, and found that I didn't die after all. In fact, it was a blast. Thanks, Steve, for pushing me out of my comfort zone several times while we were with you. I gained some confidence that hopefully will translate to other areas of my life where I need to conquer my fears!
Finally it was time to leave. Thanks, dear cousin Adalaide, for hosting us at your lovely cabin. It was such a blessing to be with you guys! We love you so much.
And don't worry - we'll be back!
Time to head on to our next destination - Colorado!
On our way, we stopped in Boise to take a peek at Steve and Adalaide's new home. It is a beautiful Tuscan-style house on a hill overlooking the city. Lovely!
We then stopped by Guerdon Homes, the company that is building my mom's new home (which will be shipped to Santa Barbara when completed). We had hoped to take some pictures of the work in progress, but unfortunately they were not allowing visitors. At least we tried, Mom!
Then, I stopped to do a workout at Curves in Boise before we headed east. I actually visited six different Curves on our two-week journey. It was fun to meet and visit with many different women along our way. Everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Next - Colorado!!!

We interrupt this travelogue to share two special bits of news...

Many of you know that Jake and Beka have long been in the process of adopting a baby from Ethopia. Well, three days ago they received their referral of a sweet ten-week-old little guy. He is so precious - wish I could show you his picture, but we must wait a bit for that. Trust me when I say that we have seen his pictures, and that he is utterly perfect in every way. If all goes as expected, Baby Dorr should be home by Christmas (and hopefully sooner)! So - obviously Mark and I have been rejoicing ever since Monday's big news, as we contemplate the arrival of our dear grandson. And then, last night, things on the "grandbaby front" became yet more exciting. David called Mark from Colorado and asked him to check our e-mail while he waited on the line. There was an e-mail from Nikki, with a picture attached that just sent a tingling sensation through both of us. The picture? It was of the ultrasound of Dave and Nikki's little one. Yes, they announced that they, too, are expecting, and are due mid-April. Talk about emotional overload! Mark and I are overwhelmed, humbled, thrilled, and SO thankful to God for the miracles He is working in the lives of our kids. So... LOVE YOU, BABY DORR! AND LOVE YOU, TOO, BABY DORR!!!!!!

More summer fun, Part 1

A week before we left on our long trip, we were able to spend several days in southern Oregon at Diamond Lake, at the cabin of our daughter-in-law Nikki's parents. Mark and Nikki's dad Artie fished in vain for two days before Mark finally snagged this 16-incher. He was a very chubby fellow (the fish, not Mark!), and, once baked, easily fed the four of us. VERY yummy!
Nikki's mom Radwyn is snapping a picture of the fish before we devoured it, while Artie looks on in anticipation of the great meal. Their cabin is so cute, and we had such a nice time with Artie and Radwyn. Thanks, guys!
There is not much that is better than fresh-caught fish for dinner.
Diamond Lake is so very beautiful.

A week later, we hit the road for our long journey that would take us almost 4,000 miles. First stop was Fort Vancouver, Washington, where we toured the fort and learned about its history. I didn't take any pictures there for some reason. Suffice it to say that it was fascinating, and you should go there if you haven't already had the opportunity.
Next stop was Dayton, Washington, just north of Walla Walla. Above are some wild turkeys that descended into Mark's aunt's and uncle's front yard. They were fun to watch, but Uncle Bud soon unleashed his dog to scare them away, as they will eat everything in the garden if allowed to roam.
The next morning was Mark's birthday, which he enjoyed celebrating in the city of his birth! Here he has just opened a gift from Sarah, which consisted of two great books and all the supplies needed for dipping bread - the olive oil, the spices, and the dipping bowls. We have used them since arriving back home, and it is sure yummy!
We lived in Dayton for five years early in our marriage, and Sarah and Jake were born there. While we lived there, Mark worked for the City of Dayton as Park Superintendent. He made several signs at that time, and it is funny that this sign that he made still adorns the entrance to the City Park all these years later.
At church that morning, Uncle Bud led the signing (while Aunt Marilyn played the piano), and then called to the front all those celebrating birthdays that week. Of course, it being Mark's birthday, he had to go up front so they could sing their version of the birthday song to him.
Next they sang another birthday-related song.
And finally, they brought out a birthday bank, and Mark deposited coins equal to his age - 57 in his case - to be sent to missionaries. Have fun with your 57 cents, missionaries!
Aunt Marilyn baked Mark an angel food cake for his big day.
Dear Uncle Bud and Aunt Marilyn - we love you both sooooo much!
We spied this barbeque outside a hardware store in a neighboring town.
"Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain." The wheat was ready to harvest, and looks so golden and beautiful, especially when the wind gently blows the crop -it truly does look like waves.
Mark stands on a street corner in downtown Dayton.
The city was dedicating a memorial to all war veterans the last night we were in town, and we attended the festivities. There were speakers, singers, and refreshments. Great small-town American patriotism. We loved it.
Above is the new memorial. And below is a quartet that bravely sang their hearts out!

The next morning, Aunt Marilyn cooked us a huge farm breakfast before we hit the road to our next destination. I did the eggs. Very fun times in Dayton.

3,874.7

We are home. We traveled 3,874.7 miles through eight states over the past two weeks. Pictures to come soon. I need a nap.

Catch ya on the flip side.......

Mark and I are off to Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and California. We will return in two weeks. One last hurrah before school resumes. See ya later, alligators....