September 29,2011

Who would have thought that we would move a 3rd time in 10 years since coming to Portland!! Well we'v done it and it feels right. We hear people talk all the time about "downsizing", but it takes "guts" to actually do it. Doug and I like the idea of setting ourselves up for our retirement, and this is one step towards that. "More" is not always better.

We love our new condo. Two bedroom, with office, double car garage (yes gotta have room for those Mustangs) and an outside patio. Love it, one level and a pool to boot. What is not to like. We have many friends that have said they would love to do it, but can't get the "guts". All I can say....is GO FOR IT.

Loving our family, as we watch the kids grow. I am going to 4 day work weeks, so I hope to spend more time in their lives. My sisters and brothers mean the world to me now since the loss of our Mom. There is just no substitute for family.

It seems the "social media" world is here to stay, so I plan to keep this blog alive for a while again and hope my family joins me.

Life is good, we have so many blessings. Let's stay connected.......

10th Anniversary in Portland

This is the time of year we celebrate two big dates on the calendar...
December 6th 35th Wedding Anniversary!!
January 2011 10 years living in Portland
Where has all the time gone?

Time to just Ramble....

Hard to believe Christmas is almost here, then it will be New Years...then it will be time to start all over again. I suppose the high light of the past year has been any family time, of course. However, as we spend more time alone it makes you realize that life is moving pretty darn quick and everyone is also trying to keep up with "stuff". I enjoy watching our kids experience each turn in their lives, wishing I could prevent any pain (knowing that I can't). My time now with my hubby is very special, after all, we really count on each other day in and day out. The kids have their lives, and need to be independent of us. I know they want us to be a big part of their lives, but we also must make a life of our own. We have done that in our friendships we have made here in Portland. We have found people of similar backgrounds, age, interest who we really enjoy spending time with. No new pictures of the kids, I'm sure we'll get new ones during the holidays...so I post this one picture of a wonderful time with friends.....

Sisters Weekend

21 years we've been getting together!! We missed you Nancy....

Family Time

Seems the summer slipped away....to where I'm not sure....love the fall..but not the rains we know are headed our way. The longer evenings are enjoyable without having to be outside working hard. Made the trip to Yakima this past weekend for the Dufault's 60th wedding anniversary. Quite the milestone...hope I can make it there, too. Having all Doug's sibblings together is rare and it was great to be together. We made an unexpected detour home to see Jason and Jenny and all their families in Pasco. Jenny was visiting Jason and even though it was a short visit, worth the extra miles. My grandchildren are just the sweetest in the world! Love them all.

Visit from Anna and Drew

Had a wonderful visit with Jenny, Dane, Anna and Drew....just gotta love those grandkids. Thank you for the many (6) blessings of Grandchildren

God Bless America!

and the new flag pole in our front yard......Doug always does things in a BIG way!