Greetings from Ilene in Vernonia

This Week

2010-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening we drove to Banks to eat Chinese food. Yummy!
On Monday I played bridge. I had some good cards, and some not so good cards. It is always a delight to play bridge with Eleanor, Sally, and Nancy. I ended up in second play this day. It is not really high stakes we play for. We each put a quarter in the pot and the winner gets the quarters. We also put a penny in the pot for each trick that we go set on, or when we don't make our bid. I got the pennies, and there were 36 pennies in the pot. That is quite a lot of overbidding. We don't play for the money, we play for the challenge, and enjoy each other's company.
On Tuesday I fulfilled my duty and took the tests required of me in order to sub.
Today is a fun day on the computer, and I will try to get some housework done.
Tomorrow is Mike's 76th birthday. When I asked him what he wanted to do, he said, "Nothing, It's just another day." We WILL do something.
I don't know what is in store for Friday, we'll see.

Getting Ready to Sub

2010-08-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

I was informed via e-mail that I had 6 (six) online courses to complete by September 1st. They are Federal, State, and local requirements in order to substitute teach. Since I really like subbing, the kids, the staff, and the money, I thought I'd better get busy and take on this challenge.
The first class that I took was called Bloodborne Pathogens. It took me about an hour to complete the course and I got 100% on the test, not too bad. I decided, "I can do this!"
I then took a course called Bullying Prevention. That took a little less time. I then decided I might as well take them all and get it over with. The other courses were Child Abuse Identification & Prevention in Oregon, Sexual Harassment - Employees, Sexual Misconduct - Staff to Student, and finally Student Privacy Rights. I finished up at about 9:00 last evening. WHEW!!! Really, it wasn't too difficult. All you need is COMMON SENSE!

2010-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

I graduated from high school 50 years ago. That is so hard for me to believe. Where did the time go?

Last night we celebrated that 50 years at Arrowhead Gold Course in Molalla. I was afraid I wouldn't know anyone. Mom still lives in Molalla, but I only go there to see her, and I never see any of my old classmates. I really haven't kept in touch with anyone, except exchanging Christmas cards with Barb Rich.

They gave us name tags with our high school pictures on it, boy, did that help, except I forgot to wear my reading glasses, so I still had to ask who they were. We had a fun time, and it was very good to see everyone there.

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50 years ago and NOW
Remembering the ones that we lost.

Thanks to all those that did the work of putting on our reunion and making it a success.

Hofstetter / Mohr Reunion

2010-08-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

My mother's maiden name was Hofstetter, and her mother's birth name was Mohr. My grandmother was born a Mohr, but was adopted by the Starks when she was one year old. She didn't know that she had a brother, Henry, until he came to see her before he entered World War I. My grandmother married Otto Hofstetter and came to live on a farm in Meadowbrook.

During the depression when things were really bad in Nebraska, with insects, dust bowls, and just no money, Henry Mohr brought his family west to Oregon and stayed with Meta and Otto. My aunt Alma said, "When we came home from picking hops, there was seven more people living with us."

The Mohrs have prospered in Oregon, and they have stayed in touch with the Hofstetter family. Every summer we have a family reunion to visit with our kin. I have been to several, and had the privilege of attending yesterday.

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A favorite thing about family get togethers is the potluck.

Myron, Mike, and Tom

Uncle Don Hofstetter, Aunt Alma. Bill Mohr, no relation to the other Mohrs, but married to my cousin Susan, Don, and Mom

The Mohrs

It was fun to visit with everyone and learn some fascinating family history.

Thank you Myron and Nancy for hosting.

Busy weekend with family and friends, and old high school alumni

2010-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I we drove the Vernonia ladies to Hillsboro to play bunco. There are 12 of us and we take turns playing at each other's homes. This time it was Marilyn's turn. We had a great time and I ended up with the last bunco and $3.00.

Last night we were invited to a potluck barbecue at Bill and Mary's. Mary cooked the hamburgers and the rest of us brought salads and desserts. YUMMY!!

Today we are going to the Mohr / Hofstetter reunion. My mother was a Hofstetter and her mother was a Mohr. It will be nice to see the family.

AND this evening I am going to my 50 year class reunion from High school. I can't believe it has been 50 years. Where has the time gone. I wonder if I'll recognize anyone. I had planned on loosing weight for over a year in preparation for this day, but I guess i just sabotaged myself, and I'm sure that I gained weight, instead. Oh, well!! That's life.

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Mary and Bill

Darlene, Jeanette, Marilyn, Steve, and Jerry

Jerry, Dolly, Sharon, and Randy through the fire

Susan and Karl
Mike and Roxy

Don, Bill, and Nancy

Red Hat Picnic

2010-08-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our July Red Hat activity was planned by Betty, Pauline, and Pat. It was supposed to be my turn, but with Mike in the hospital, thankfully these gals stepped up and helped me out. It was a nice evening for a picnic, and a very nice picnic. Thanks gals.

Bridge

2010-08-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Monday is bridge day. The four of us, Eleanor, Nancy, Sally, and I look forward to each bridge game. It really is a highlight to my week. I am happy to say that I won. My score was 53 plus, and I was a winning part of every rubber, except one.

Picnic in the Park

2010-08-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

Scott hosted a picnic in the park to say our farewells to Logan, who was headed to San Diego, and to Dustin, Jennifer, and Dawson who were headed to Alaska where Dustin is working. I joined them for awhile and then headed into the hospital.

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Jamie is saying goodby to Dawson. The host, Scott

Jennifer and Dawson

Logan went to the hospital to visit his grandpa and to say his goodbys.

4th of July Party at Scott's house

2010-08-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Although Mike was in the hospital and really ill, I joined the rest of the family for a little while when I got back from the hospital. I kept my cell phone with me at all times.

This was Dawson's first 4th of July, and he could care less. It was past his bedtime.

Kendall and her Kitty

Nicole

Kathy is holding Dawson

Scott and his children

Dawson and his grandpa

It was a chilly evening, but everyone found a way to stay warm

Our granddaughter, jennifer, and her son, Dawson

Christmas in July

2010-08-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

I finaly got to see our grandchildren Nicole and Daniel. We haven't seen them since November when we went to Eugene for Nicole's birthday. We celebrated Christmas one day and 4th of July the next.

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I love you, Nicole!

I love you, Daniel!

Danile, Nicole with their Daddy. Roxie had to get in the picture, too.

Kendall graduates from 8th grade

2010-08-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

She received the Art Award. YEAH!!

Memorial Day

2010-08-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

My sister's grave

My father's grave

Mike is tending to his parent's and his aunts' and uncles' graves.

Steve and Rick's graves

Memorial was a sad day. We picked up Mom and went to see my father's grave. Then we took her to lunch. We stopped in Portland to put flowers on Mike's parents graves, then flowers on my baby sister's grave. We visited our sons graves in Vernonia several times during the weekend. Loss is hard!

Red Hat for May

2010-08-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Fran celebrated her 60th birthday with a party, and invited the Red Hat Ladies for our May activity. Myrhinna, Pat, Louise, and Faith

Dee, Pat, and Caroline

Tobie, Sunny, and Sharon

Mother's Day at Laurie's

2010-08-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was very special for me this year. My three sons and Kendall went to church with me , and then we all went to my sister's house for dinner. It was a wonderful day.

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Seeing my Mom on Mother's Day was very important.

Sister, Laurie, with Ericka and Mia
Mike and I with the boys and Kendall.

Most of the girls.

WOW!!! I haven't posted anything since Apr. 7th.

2010-08-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

I'm looking at my calendar to see what has happened since then. I see that I subbed 14 days in April. That kept me pretty busy.
Logan, our grandson went into the Navy. He graduated from boot camp with honors, and got his choice of assignments. He is training to be a mechanic on helicopters, and is currently in San Diego.
I continue to play bridge every Monday that is at all possible. I am still winning my share of the games. We had our June P.E.O. meeting at Lois Nelson's house in Hillsboro. We take a break for the summer. Our pinochle group also takes a summer break. I hope that I don't forget how to play. Couple's bunco also takes a summer break. Our last potluck and party was at he Koch's in June. I still attend a Red Hat activity every month. We had a picnic in July.
Our granddaughter, Kendall, graduated from the 8th grade in June. I can't believe she will be in high school, already.
I suppose the biggest news of all the missing time, is that Mike was really ill. He woke me the morning of June 28th bleeding from the rectum. The toilet was filled with blood. I never drove so fast in all my life to get him to the hospital. He had colon surgery and they had to take out another third of his colon. He developed complications, pneumonia, and other complications, and ended up being in the hospital for three weeks, and then another week and a half in a rehab facility to recover. It was a close call. We almost lost him. He is now home and doing great!
We had a family reunion in Vernonia on August 1st. What a fun time. My brother and sister-in-law, Don and Sherrie, came from Boston to join us. Because Mike was still recovering, our sons, Stewart, Scott, and Tim stepped in to help up with the reunion. Thanks, guys, I couldn't have done it without you.
I celebrated my 68th birthday on the third of August. We went to the beach for a couple of days.
Our local town celebration was the first full weekend in August. There were a lot of people in town. The parade lasted over an hour. There were concerts, fireworks, a horse show and competition, lawn mower races, fishing derbies, vendors, and ELEPHANT EARS.
This weekend we are having a huge alumni reunion for everyone who every went to school in Vernonia, whoever worked in the schools, and friends. We are trying to raise money to help the schools get built. The schools have been flooded in the past, and are really old, so new schools are happening. The high school and middle school kids are currently going to school in portables.
Next weekend is my 50th class reunion in Molalla, Oregon. I can't believe it has been 50 years. Where has the time gone?
Hopefully now I will keep up with my blog better. I will try to get pictures posted. That's what I love most about blogging.

Roxie

2010-04-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

Roxie has always been such a sweet, loving, little dog, but after the last two nights, we are about ready to give her away. She has always slept with us since she was a puppy and never has had an accident until Monday night AND Tuesday night. She peed the bed and in the middle of the night we had to remove all the bedding and the mattress pad and remake the bed. The mattress pad is so big that Mike had to take it down to the laundromat to wash and dry it (both days). Today we took her to the vet and she may have a bladder infection. The vet gave her some pills, in hopes that they would help, but let me tell you, tonight she is sleeping in a dog crate.

Poor Roxie

but I did get a pedicure while we were in the valley, so all is not bad.

Another Monday

2010-04-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Two calls to work today, but I choose to play bridge instead. I play bridge with the nicest ladies. I didn't win today, but a bad day at bridge is just about better than a good day at anything else, except family. I had a Cabin in the Park meeting tonight.
I work tomorrow for a fifth grade teacher, and then pinochle tomorrow night.

2010-04-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

We had a very nice Easter day today. Scott and I went to church breakfast and then to church. Dinner was planned for 2:30, because Kathy had to work until two. Between church and dinner I hid the Easter eggs and got dinner ready. We had ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus with white sauce, corn, salad, and hot cross buns.

We ate at 2:30 and then we were ready for the Easter egg hunt. Kendall was the youngest one here, but my boys really get into the hunt. There were 200 eggs filled with candy and money. It had started raining, but that didn't dampen any one's spirits.

After everyone left I went upstairs to my computer room and found an Easter egg by my computer. "How did that get there," I asked myself. I opened it up and there was a $10 bill inside. I looked around for more, and I found 6 egg total with $50 bucks total. WOW!!! What a nice Easter surprise.

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Along with the Easter eggs I have little goodies hidden. I got everything ready on Saturday. I'm ready to load the eggs.
Here is our granddaughter, Jennifer, and Dawson.

Tim is on the hunt.

Scott and Tim take a minute out to pose.

Kendall, Scott, and Stewart are on the hunt.

More hunting.

Checking out their loot.

Kathy is wet, but happy.

Stewart is having fun.

Tim's family mopped up.

Kendall is showing off her bunny lips

Dawson likes the chicken

Roxie likes to get in the act.

Dawson with his great gramdma

He is teething, but I got a couple of smiles

Bunny cake for dessert.

Kendall

Dawson and his daddy.

2010-04-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

I worked three days this week. On Wednesday I subbed for the high school special education teacher. On Tuesday, I subbed for the high school science teacher in the morning, and the history teacher in the afternoon. On Friday I subbed for the fifth grade teacher. It was a good week.

After work on Friday we headed to town to do the Easter dinner and Easter egg hunting shopping. We have a huge Easter egg hunt, so I have to be ready. The big kids get a kick out of it, even more that the little kids do. We won't have any little kids here, except for our great grandchild. Kendall is the next youngest and she is 14.

We are certainly NOT having Easter weather. I hope the snow goes away and the sun comes out for a little while tomorrow.

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Friday's weather as I headed off to work Today's snow, even more than yesterday
The poor bunny is trying to get under cover

The new growth is trying to make an appearance.

Happy Easter to you all

Cold and Wet March

2010-03-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

We had some snow this morning, just a light dusting, but it is cold and rainy now. March has sure been a mixture of weather, but it is going out like a lion.

Spring Break at Rockaway Beach

2010-03-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

We spent four days of Spring vacation at Rockaway Beach at the family cabin. We had a couple of wonderful sunny days, and 1 day of pouring down rain. It is so relaxing to go to the little red cabin, but no computer.

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Twin Rocks, the view from the cabin.

The little red cabin

Mom and my sister, Linda

Me, sister Laurie, Mom, and sister Linda

Leaving on Saturday. Saying goodbyes to brother Henry, his wife, Cindy, Hannah, the dog, and sister Laurie.

The view from Neakahnie Mountain on the way home.

Couples Bunco

2010-03-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

We hosted the couples bunco party. St Patrick's Day was the theme.

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Dolly and Susan Susan and Carl
Jerry is tickled

Steve

Bill

Marilyn, Dolly, and Mary are figuring out who are the winners.

March Birthdays

2010-03-30T16:51:00.001-07:00

Kathy, Logan , and Stephanie have birthdays in early March. Kathy's is on March 4th, Logan's birthday is March 5th and he turned 19, and Stephanie's is on March 12and she is now 20 years old, no longer a teenager. We hosted the birthday dinner and dessert.

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Mike is enjoying his great grandson Dawson Hunter. He is growing so fast.

Catching Up again & again

2010-03-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Stewart came up the other day and told me that he had visited my blog and had gone back to pictures of the fire. I was excited that a family member had actually visited, so I decided that I had better keep blogging. I haven't done much blogging for quite awhile, and what I have done just seems to be catch-up. So today I'm catching up again, and hopefully I'll keep up.
I worked 14 1/2 days in February and I have worked 9 1/2 days so far in March. I like subbing and seeing the kids and teachers.
Kendall, our granddaughter is raising money for her trip to Washington DC. We enjoyed the spaghetti feed and bingo night that they put on.
In March we celebrated March birthdays. Logan, our grandson, Stephanie, our granddaughter, and Kathy, our daughter-in-law have March birthdays. It was also a farewell party for Stephanie. She left for South Africa just a couple of days after the party, and she will be there for 6 months. Logan is also leaving soon for the Navy.
We hosted a St. Patrick's Day couples bunco party. We always start with a potluck and again there was wonderful food.
On St. Patrick's day we went to the casino to play in a slot tournament. We didn't win, though. It is fun to go, but not fun to lose.
We headed for the beach for Spring vacation. We really had a nice couple of day. We ended the vacation on Saturday with a get together with my sisters and their husbands, Mom, and my brother, Henry and his wife. Mom treated us all to lunch at Pirate's Cove near Garibaldi.
Of course, along with these activities there is also bridge every Monday with Sally, Eleanor, and Nancy. This is one of my favorite things to do. I also played pinochle with the pinochle group, went to Forest Grove to play bunco, had a couple of Red Hat activities, attended P.E.O meetings, did the year end report as treasurer for P.E.O., and went to see the tax man, a visit I don't enjoy.

Founder's Day Luncheon

2010-03-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

P.E.O. Chapter BS hosted our Founder's day Luncheon. Our guests were the Chapters from St. Helens and Clatskanie. We had a lovely lunch of quiche and fresh fruit followed with a Valentine cream cheese cake. Clatskanie Chapter CT provided the progam. A fun time was had by all. Mary and President Janet

Tobie and Pat

The program committee

2010-03-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Each year this crazy bird visits us. He flies into the window, pecks on the window, and makes a mess of the window. I don't know what the attraction is, but he has appeared each Spring for about 4 years. He looks like a robin. Is he a robin? What is the lifespan of these birds?

He seems to be giving me the evil eye. Why? What have I done?

When he isn't at the window, he just hangs around.

The kitty get annoyed with him , also, but so far the bird has outsmarted kitty.

2010-02-01T22:30:00.001-08:00

January is over and most of winter is gone, it seems. The first day of February was rainy, but not cold.

Last week was another eventful week. I worked on Monday and Tuesday for one of the fifth grade teachers, I didn't get to play bridge. Tuesday evening I hosted our local P.E.O. chapter with guests from Chapter T, Clatskanie. There were 15 women here. It made me nervous to have that many women in my home, but it turned out fine.

On Wednesday we went to Hillsboro for grocery shopping.

On Thursday I worked for a fourth grade teacher. The classroom was a blended classroom of 3rd and 4th graders. What a handful they were! On Thursday evening we had our January Red Hat event. We had snacks, our annual business meeting, and then we played games. They chose me to be queen again.

On Friday I treated myself to a pedicure and a day in Hillboro to myself.

On Saturday I rested and got caught up on facebook.

We hosted the family January birthday dinner on Sunday. It was a nice family gathering. We were hoping Scott's family could join us, but no such luck. They may get their Christmas presents some time this year, but if not then I won't have to shop for next year. I do miss seeing the grand kids, though. The birthday people for January were Daniel, John Michael, Stacey's son, Jamie, Stacey, and Timothy. Two out of the five came, but we had a good time, anyway.

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One of our favorite activities, eating.

Playing games

Betty, Tobie, Pat, and myself

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Happy Birthday Daniel, John Michael, Jamie, Stacey, and Timothy

Tim is visiting with Logan and Stacey

The birthday girls

Dawson Hunter is getting to be a real big boy

2010-01-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

This last week I played bridge on Monday. I finished in second place. Bridge is always fun, win or lose.

On Tuesday, I subbed in high school Art. What fun! I did all the projects right along with the students. I even had my granddaughter, Kendall in class.

On Wednesday I subbed in high school Special Ed. in the morning. This was fun, also. I had a meeting in the afternoon with some P.E.O. sisters. We are hosting a Founder's Day luncheon on February 13th, and we were making plans.

No work on Thursday. I drove a carload of ladies to Hillsboro in the evening for bunco at Michelle's house. I had the most buncos and the last bunco, so I went home $28 richer.

On Friday we went to Hillsboro and then decided we would go to Spirit Mountain, an Indian Casino. I had a good time, and came home with more money than I went with.

On Saturday we went to Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course for a Founder's Day luncheon. What a lovely time we had. One of our members, Lois, had transferred to the Hillsboro chapter, and they invited us as guests. Lois had been a member of our Chapter for 59 years, and has now been a member one year in Hillsboro. They honored her for 60 years in P.E.O.

Saturday night we played couples bunco at Dolly and Jerry's house. We always have a good time, but we didn't win.

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK!!!

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The Clubhouse at Pumpkin Ridge A lovely room
Coni and me

Tobie, Myrhinna, Patricia, and Lois, a 60 year P.E.O. sister

Carol, Allison, and Claudine

A Busy Week

2010-01-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

This past week was eventful. On Monday morning I worked for the High School Special Ed. teacher while she was training another teacher. I played bridge in the afternoon and won. I went to a Cabin in the Woods Board meeting in the evening.
On Tuesday I worked for the Middle School Special Ed teacher. Tuesday evening I went to my P.E.O. Chapter meeting.
On Wednesday afternoon I worked for the High School Health and PE. teacher. He had plans that the 7th & 8th grade P.E. classes would play dodge ball. I got over to the High School gymnasium and found out that they were using the gym for a town hall meeting. Now, what to do? I took the kids to his classroom, but we had nothing to do, so we played games. Same with the 8th grade class. 7th period was a High School Health class and I had plans for that. It was a good thing.
On Thursday and Friday I subbed for the Band teacher. I chose students to direct. They liked that and they played well. I got lucky that it went so well. The only thing is when they come into the room, they practice loud and each one playing a different tune. I just grin and bear it.
Friday after school we went to Costco, Kohls, and then we played some cards.
On Saturday I rested.

January 10th

2010-01-10T20:06:00.001-08:00

Here it is January 10th, 2010 already. We celebrated the New Year by playing couples bunco with 7 other couple. We even stayed up past midnight. New Year's weekend was uneventful. I undecorated, read, and played on the computer. I made a New Year's resolution to walk every day, and so far I have. I only walk about a mile, but it is getting some exercise and fresh air. So far I have been able to dodge the rain clouds, and so far, no snow this year.

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Last week would have been Steve's 47th birthday. We continue to miss him and Rick.

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I worked 1 1/2 days last week and will work 3 1/2 days this coming week. Tomorrow I work in the morning, so I still get to play bridge in the afternoon. I have a scout cabin meeting tomorrow evening, and P.E.O. on Tuesday.

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Last week I drove Mike to his doctor's appointments on Tuesday, and he has more appointments this week on Monday and Wednesday. He fainted during the holidays, and they are trying to figure out why.

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Yesterday was our grandson's 13th birthday. I called him and he said he was having a good birthday. I asked him when they were coming to Vernonia. They still don't have their Christmas presents yet.

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It feels good to be caught up on the blogging. I think I will make a new resolution to keep up better.

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Happy New Year to all of you.

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Pictures from the walk around the lake.

The Christmas presents are still waiting for Scott, Marie, Daniel, and Nicole.
Come and get them.

Mom's 88th birthday

2010-01-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Thirty eight of us gathered at my brother's home in Chehalis, Washington for our mother's 88th birthday. Henry and Cindy were the most gracious host and hostess. We had a sit down dinner of prime rib, scalloped potatoes, and all the trimmings. Each sibling and their families were responsible for a portion of the dinner. It was wonderful. Mom's sight is failing so we all went together to get her a large photo viewer. My nephew, Jason, loaded pictures on it, so that she could see her family in her home, as we go about our busy lives. We took up a collection and the money went to the Gideons this year. My grandfather, my mother's father, was a Gideon.
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Cindy, Henry, and Laurie get dinner on, while Troy looks on.

My gang from Oregon came, along with Dustin, Jennifer, & Dawson. Dawson got to meet the family for the first time.

Mom is opening her photo viewer while the great grandchildren look on.

Tim is tired of my camera.

Jill made the birthday cake

It is the beach cabin. What a nice job she did. Oh, so cute. There were the logs, creek, and trees along the creek bank, and even little people looking out the upstairs window.

My goofy nephews.

Mike, Kathy, Tim, and Sister, Laurie.

FIVE GENERATIONS

Tables and chairs were put out in the heated garage to accommodate all of us.

I gave everyone a copy of the family calendar that I make each year. Jessica is happy to receive it.

A nice day was had by all.

Christmas Day

2010-01-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

After Christmas last year, I purchased some "bargains" for 75% off. I got Christmas socks, Christmas towels, and some elf costumes for the boys. They were elf shorts and an elf hat. I gave everyone their pre Christmas presents before Christmas. The boys got quite a kick out of it. I think they decided to surprise me and really wear them. So they got long johns to wear under them, then Stacey found comic underwear. But the real gag turned out to be on Tim. Stewart had decided that they would wear their outfits on Christmas Day, and Tim got mixed up and wore them to our house on Christmas Eve. He took it well, and wore them again on Christmas Day.

Stewart and Stacey served Prime Rib and King Crab on Christmas Day. What a Treat! What a nice day we had.

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Kathy and Kendall This is Tim on Christmas Eve In his new hat and his "outfit".
Dustin took care of Dawson, and Dawson thinks it is alright.

Almost a smile for Great Grandma Dawson wonders, What is so funny, Kendall.

The Boys

I don't think that Tim believes Dawson is NAUGHTY.

How cute they all are.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Cristmas Eve

2010-01-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas at our house on Christmas Eve day, because that is when everyone could come, except Scott and his family. We had Christmas Brunch with cold cuts to make sandwiches, yummy salads, vegetables, and dessert. We served on paper plates, What was so neat about it was that everything was done ahead of time (less stress) and the clean up was a breeze. Everyone enjoyed each other's company and the gifts. I love my family and wish that Christmas came more often, or at least the get togethers.

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Mother and Child What a good boy Dawson is!
Kendall likes her second cousin.
So does Great Grandma

What a pretty girl Kendall is!

Stephanie got to meet her second cousin.

Stephanie, Timothy, Tim, John Michael, and Logan await the gifts.

They enjoyed the gifts.

Rick's children, Stephanie and Logan.

Stewart, Stacey's son, John Michael, and Stacey.

2010-01-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

During December I managed to stay busy with all my activities. I worked 10 days in December, even the last 2 days before Christmas break. I continued to play bridge on Mondays. This is one of my favorite activities. I played pinochle with the ladies, plus Mike and I play quite a bit of 2 handed pinochle. I love to beat him. I had to go Christmas shopping several times. I went to church on Sundays, and I loved seeing the family. I spent quite a bit of time on Facebook, keeping up with family and friends, plus I got hooked on playing several games. I especially like Farmville, Farmtown, and Bejeweled Blitz. We had out Christmas Red Hat Party. Everyone brought a white elephant gift to exchange. It was a fun time.

Sunny and Rose hosted. Rose has a lovely home.

Notice the Red Hat bra hat.

Our newest members. Welcome Caroline and Dee.

One of the games we played was unwrapping a package with potholders on your hands, and of course it was wrapped several times with lots of tape.

Another new member is Sue. Welcome

December 2009

2010-01-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful P.E.O. diner and ornament exchange. Darlene was a superb hostess. We also filled 6 gift baskets for the young ladies and women that we have given educational scholarships to. We gave canned goods and money to the Vernonia Cares Food Bank. We gave school supplies and personal item to the children of Afghanistan. What a special evening it was.

Vernonia had a sesson of really cold weather.

Even the ducks were cold.

The Dethlefs family came for dinner and pre Christmas gifts.

Dawson is an excellant baby.

I woorked at getting the house decorated and the gifts ready for the big day.

Thanksgiving

2010-01-07T22:18:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day we went to my sister's home near Vader, Washington. We had a lovely dinner, wonderful conversation, and just enjoyed each others company.

This is sister, Laurie, and her husband, Arnold.

After dinner we made wreaths.

Mom looked on as I finished my wreath.

The boys were hunting during Thanksgiving, but hunting season ended on Friday, so we had another Thanksgiving dinner at Tim's house on Saturday. Because we like turkey and all the left overs, we cooked a turkey and had everyone come up on Sunday. We did get our fill of turkey.

More of November

2010-01-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hunting season is over. The boys got skunked - No deer or elk, so now the deer feel safe enough to come visit us again.

What a fine looking Great Grandson!

Stewart, our oldest son, is FIFTY. WOW!

The Red Hatters got together to give toys to the children of Vernonia for the Toys for Joy program. We had fun buying and giving the toys, and we alwways have fun getting together.

Eleanor, our 92 year old star bridge player, fell and broke her shoulder, but she is back playing bridge.

Catching Up AGAIN

2010-01-07T21:24:00.001-08:00

November started out with a trip to Eugene for our youngest granddaughter's birthday. Nicole is 9 years old. She and her brother, Daniel, came back with us to Vernonua to stay a couple of days.

One of my dear friends that I haven't seen for years came to Vernonia for a visit. It was wonderful to see her again. Kathy taught in Vernonia and now lives in Minnesota.

We had another Red Hat outing, this time in Vernonia.

Dawson is a very precious little boy.

Halloween

2009-11-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

October means Halloween. We had a couples bunco party. Some of us wore costumes. I taught some the week of Halloween so I took treats to school with me. No tricks for me. Vernonia celebrates Halloween with a parade through town.

Birthdays and a "Birth"day

2009-11-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

October means birthdays. Jennifer's birthday is the 25th and Dustin and Tim share the 28th. Our Great Grandson arrived on October 22nd. Dawson Hunter Dethlefs weighed 6lbs and 13 oz. Jennifer and Dustin (the AxMan) are very happy.
so are Grandpa and Stacey.

and Great Grandpa.

and Great Grandma

What a cute little guy!

Fall Colors

2009-11-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

October means fall colors in Vernonia.

Volleyball

2009-11-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

October means volleyball.

Kendall, our grandaughter, is in 8th grade this year and enjoyed her volleyball season.

Cider Making

2009-11-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

October means cider making, a family activity at my brother's house.

Mike went to Molalla and picked up Mom on Friday, while I was working. She spent the evening with us and we went to Chehalis the next day.

The little boys like to help out, too.

We all like the picnic after.

More Salmon Festival Pictures

2009-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here a few more pictures of the day.

Face painting
Pumpkin carving

Family time

Fishing

Salmon information

Salmon Festival

2009-11-10T15:10:00.001-08:00

The Salmon Festival is held each October in Vernonia. It is the time of the salmon returning to spawn. We celebrate thee return of this mighty fish. This year local "actors" put on a melodrama. I'm sorry that I got the pictures in reverse order, but you'll see what fun they had and what fun we had watching them.

The town was decorated.

County dignataries were here.

Scarecrow making

Local arts and crafts

and pumpkin carving

Catching Up

2009-11-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

It has been over a month since I've blogged. I guess my excuse is that it takes so long to upload pictures. I like my blog to be a photo journal of what's going on in Vernonia and with me. I seem to be so busy that I really don't have an entire day to blog.
I am still subbing. I even took the kindergarten class for a day. I sat in their little chairs to be eye level with them. I couldn't walk two days later. I really like subbing in the high school. I like to see the kids that I taught in fifth grade. My last class are juniors now. I like subbing in fifth grade. It feels like going home. They still use some of the programs that I designed.
I love playing bridge on Monday afternoons. Eleanor, our 92 year old bridge buddy, fell and broke her shoulder. She was in the hospital and recovering for awhile, but I'm happy to say, she is back.
We have a red hat activity every month. We had a Halloween party in October and dinner at the Black Bear and a variety Show in November.
P.E.O. has started up again in October. We are busy planning for the bazaar and a Founder's Day luncheon in February.
I play pinochle with the pinochle group and bunco with the ladies and couples bunco with 8 couples. I took in some Junior High and High School volleyball games.
Vernonia held the Salmon Festival in October. They but on a Melodrama, what fun!
As far as family things, we've had a family cider making day, birthday parties, school events, and we have a new Great Grandchild. Dawson Hunter Dethlefs was born on October 22.
I will be uploading pictures of some of these events. Enjoy!

Baby Shower and End of the Summer Picnic

2009-09-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hi again from Vernonia.

We had a lot of things left from our garage sale last week, so we decided to carry it over again this week and join the community garage sales. There were 75 people having yard and garage sales, and people came form all over to take advantage. We didn't sell very much, so we decided we were not having them any more and we are boxing everything up and taking it to the Senior Center.

Yesterday afternoon was Jennifer's baby shower. Kathy Grady, Jennifer's aunt and my daughter-in-law, hosted it. Jennifer received a lot of wonderful things for the baby. They have chosen a name for their new little baby boy. It is Dawson Hunter. I will be a great grandmother in three weeks. It doesn't seem possible.

Kathy and Jennifer
Kendall, Kathy's daughter and our beautiful little granddaughter

Jennifer's Mom and Grandmother

Dustin's Mom and Jennifer's Mom

Jennifer was thrilled with all the very nice things she received.

Dustin came in for a minute and surprised Jennifer.

Dustin's Mom made this blanket that spells Dawson in the squares.

Dustin's Mom, Dustin's niece, and Stacey, Jennifer's future Mother-in-law

Because we had so much stuff left from the garage sale, we decided to have an end of the summer party for the Vernonia part of the family. They took away some of the remaining treasures, we had a great picnic, and then sat around talking and looking at old pictures.

Kendall, above, and Stacey, Stewart, and Jennifer below.

Scott

Jennifer and Dustin

Tim and Kathy

August birthdays at the beach

2009-09-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Marie was with us for a couple of days during out beach trip at the little red cabin.
The patting zoo and the cheese factory are always fun.

The girls and Scott enjoyed the beach. We are so fortunate that Mom has this cabin and that it is right on the beach.

Once again, it's been awhile since I've been blogging. I like my blog to be a picture blog, mostly, and it take soooo long to upload pictures, that I put off doing it.

We had a great time at the beach in the little red cabin with Scott and two of our granddaughters. Kendall and Scott went with us on Monday after bridge and Marie and Nicole joined us that evening. On the way down we stocked up on groceries at Winco. We took several drives, saw some of Oregon's beautiful coastline, and of course we went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. We took Nicole school clothes shopping and Kendall birthday shopping. The girls and Scott played on the beach and in the evenings we played games. Our favorite game was Uno. We packed a week's worth of fun into 5 days.

We took Nicole back to Eugene on Monday morning and headed to the coast again. I had won a jackpot when we were at the Mill Casino during out trip the first of August, so we were invited back to the Winner's Party, and they gave us a free room. This trip wasn't profitable, but it was fun. Tuesday we drove to see another light house, then we headed north up the coast.

Since then we have had a garage sale, played cards, read several books, been to church, been to Hillsboro to the doctor and shopping, and I substituted for the first time this year for Mr. Shockey, the high school math teacher. I work again at the high school tomorrow. It was great to be back in the classroom. I miss the kids during the summer.

Scott was a good citizen and picked up litter on the beach.
The girls had a good time playing in the ocean.

We went to Flamingo Jims, of course.

There were some nice sunsets.

Game time

Grandpa's birthday was the 26th of August and Kendall's birthday was the 29th, so we had a birthday party. We don't get to see Nicole very often, so we included her in the party, also.

Smile Nicole

finally, a smile

Both girls are very pretty girls, and very nice girls, too.

Twin Rocks

Pelicans

This is the beach near Coos Bay

Breakfast time in Florence

You don't have to stop at Sea Lion Caves to see the sea lions

Catching Up

2009-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything on my blog. I've been absorbed with facebook. I don't know why, except it is a pretty mindless activity, but a little bit interesting.

I've been doing the usual things. I play bridge every Monday. Eleanor, our 92 year old bridge buddy has been winning. Tomorrow is another day. I also played pinochle several times this month. Jeanette had 1000 aces on Wednesday. We went to Hillsboro to Marilyn's house for bunco. Our August Red Hat activity was at Stub Stewart State Park. We had a picnic. There were only six of us that could make it this time, but we had a good time, with great food and good company.

The other things that have happened this month were a death and a fifty year anniversary, each one day after the other. A friend died of a brain hemorrhage. It was very sudden. She had just turned 70 in July. I have played pinochle with her, and I've known her for a long time. She was a camera nut, like me. It was very sad.

The next day after the funeral was Larry and Jan's fifty year anniversary party. They had a big party with lots of family and friends.

Logan and Stephanie came to see us. Logan is starting school this fall at a community college and Stephanie is working in nursing home. She plans on going back to South Africa for another time of volunteering and touring the country. She then will go back to school. Logan is selling cutlery, but it is very expensive, and I'm afraid Grandma and Grandpa didn't help him very much.

Last weekend was the old timer's picnic. People that used to live, or still live in Vernonia got together at Anderson Park.

We are leaving tomorrow for the beach with Scott, our son, and three of our grandchildren, Kendall, Daniel, and Nicole. We will be gone for a week, but I promise to return with pictures from the little red cabin in Rockaway.

Stephanie and Logan
There were many people at the old timer's picnic including some of Mike's relatives.

Bob New, the local historian, was presented with a plaque.
A sixty year reunion

Even the old timer, Eleanor, came to the Old Timer's picnic. I think it is legal to call her an old timer, at 92.

I still have some beautiful flowers.

and Mike's tomatoes are growing al over.

Our Red Hat picnic

Larry and Jan's family

The Fish That Didn't Get Away.

2009-08-11T23:14:00.001-07:00

Stewart and Scott went fishing on Saturday with John Budge. They all got their limits.

The Vernonia Friendship Jamboree

2009-08-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree. The population of Vernonia probably multiplied by ten over the three days. There were the local food booth provided by the lions, there were a lot of vendors selling food to jewelry, a free logging show, the characters in AXEMAN, a free horse show, there was a local art show, music, dances, fishing, car show, motocyle show, and a parade. It is fun to see all the excitement in a small town.

Randy Aultman is one of the Lions selling barbecued beef sandwiches. There were a lot of vendors.
Roxy got to watch the parade.
The local scouts lead the parade.
The grand marshal was a local businessman.

A winning baseball team

Mayor Sally Harrison, one of my bridge buddies.

Pretty girls on horses

Old time cars and trucks.

Citizen of the year, Josette Mitchell

More pretty girls on horses, part of the Ridge Rider Group

My Fair Lady Princess, Pat Ray

Local teachers, aides, cooks, custodians, coaches, and students showing support for building badly needed new schools.

The Astoria Clowns

Lots of logging trucks

Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. The local volunteer fireman handed out stuffed animals to the children.

There was a chain saw wood carver.

Art on display in the Learning center.

The Axeman of the T V show.

and Deloris Webb, one of the many volunteers that make it all happen.

2009-08-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was my 67th birthday and we headed for the Oregon Coast. We spent two nights at the Mill Casino in North Bend / Coos Bay. On the way over to the coast we stopped at Spirit Mountain Casino and I played in a slot tournament. I was sure that I would win because it was my birthday, but no such luck. We gambled in the evening. The next morning we headed farther south and spent the day in Bandon. It was overcast, but a perfect temperature after the heat we have been experiencing. We gambled again in the evening, and both of us did pretty good. I hit a jackpot, and came home with winnings. On Wednesday we took our time going home and stopped to enjoy the ocean. It was a wonderful sunny day. We saw lighthouses, sea lions, very unusual birds, and some beautiful ocean beaches.

The light house a t Bandon

Table Rock

Sea Lions

The light house at Yaquina bay was open and restored to look as it had when in use.

At the Yaquina Light House there was an very interesting information center that told about sea life, birds an animals of the coastal area, and light houses.

Happy Birthay to Me

2009-08-02T23:02:00.001-07:00

Stewart, Stacey, Jennifer, and Scott fixed birthday dinner for me this evening. Fresh caught barbecued salmon, deep fried oysters and scallops, barbecued zuchini, baked beans, and pasta

salad. It was delicious. Thank You!

Mike enjoyed it, also!

Jennifer is coming right along.

Family Picnic

2009-08-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

Every year Mike and I host the family picnic/reunion in Vernonia, but because of conflicts, my sister Laurie and her husband Arnold agreed to host at their new home in Winlock. There were over 50 of us. There were aunts and uncles on my mother's side, and cousins on my fathers side. I don't get to see these cousins very often, so it was great for them to come, and wonderful that Laurie agree to be hostess. Mike and I brought the chicken and table service, and everyone brought salads and desserts. What a great picnic!

I took many photos and included a few for you all to see.

Stewart and Stacey came and Stacey got to meet the family for the first time.

The Norquist Cousins

Marshall, Lila Lee, Me, Henry, Sister Laurie, the hostess, Linda, Kristen, Kathy, and Mike

Heidi, Sister, Laurie, Kathy, & Linda are looking at old pictures

MIke and Roxy

Talking about old times

Cousin Mike

Heidi

Kendall, Jill, and Mom

Sister Linda of Linda Letters

Cousin Kathy & Niece Jill

Brother Henry and his wife, Cindy.

Irene

Hannah

Cousin Kristen

Ben and Ericka

Jordan, Cindy, and Jessica

Aunt Alma and her friend, Don

Cousin Lila Lee

Jody

My nephew, Jake

My nephew, Aaron and his family from Wisconsin

Mom, Aunt Jean and Uncle Don

Our granddaugher, Kendall

Larson Suhrbier

Irene and Hannah Ilene

The Slip and Slide was great fun for the kids

Isaac

Katie

It started getting hot, so I cooled off in the Slip and Slide

A fun time was had by ALL!

WAY TOO HOT!!!

2009-08-02T16:01:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday last week when it was way too hot, we went to the beach. Mom owns a little red cabin in Rockaway, so we decided to drive down for the day. We took Roxy and Kitty and headed out. We haven't been to the cabin since last August. I don't know why we don't go more often. I walked on the beach and it felt wonderful. We ate dinner out, and then threw a sheet on the bed and stayed the night. The next morning we headed out for a drive along the Northern coast. We stopped in Nehalem, ate breakfast in Manzanita, and joined the crawling traffic through Seaside, and headed for Astoria. We spent the day there in the glorious coolness. We walked along the pier, rode the trolley car for $1.00, and had a late lunch on the pier. We then drove across the Astoria Bridge and headed inland on the Washington side of the Columbia River. We went to Winco in Longview and headed home trough Clatskanie. We got home about 11:00, and the house was boiling hot. I love the seasons that we have in Oregon, but this summer is too hot for me. The escape fo two days was wonderful, but it's still HOT!

The Little Red Cabin

Twin Rocks

The hole in the rocks appears to close as you walk along the beach.

Along the Columbia River in Astoria

Sea Lions

Businesses along the old Cannery Row

The Trolley Car

Astoria Bridge

TOO HOT!!!

2009-07-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

We reached 101 degrees today. It is supposed to be 102 tomorrow and 103 on Wednesday. That is just entirely too hot for the Pacific Northwest.
I played bridge today, and had a meeting this evening. Now I'm sitting in front of a fan. I hope I can sleep tonight.

Happy Birthday Laurie & Don

2009-07-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Sister, Laurie, and brother, Don.

I love You.

A Special Birthday Tribute to my Sister, Linda

2009-07-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

On July 17th, 1944, Linda Irene Norquist was born, two years after me. She is now my blogging sister, Linda Reeder of Linda Letters. She is a wonderful sister and I wish her the happiest 65th birthday.

Have a wonderful birthday!

2009-07-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the Columbia County Fair today. The first thing I did was to go to the photography display to see if I had won a blue ribbon. I searched every display,

and no blue ribbon, not even a red , or white ribbon.

Nothing

Oh, well, there were plenty of things to see and do.

There was the opening ceremony,

Happy 150th birthday to Oregon,

raising the flag,

friends,

good things to eat, ( I was very naughty, I ate curly fries, and elephant ear, and a Marian berry milkshake, over the period of the whole day)

There was entertainment, Johnny Cash's son,

a barbershop quartet,

The My Fair lady pageant, Vernonia's entry was Pat Ray, one of my Red Hat friends.

flowers,

craft displays,

the baking competition,

the winners,

and more,

quilts,

and the amusement park

Of course, there were animals,

rabbit judging,

funny looking chickens,

livestock,

and more chickens.

more rabbits,

turkeys,

sheep,

goats,

kids from Vernonia,

and more kids,

and even a little bull.

Patio Flowers

2009-07-10T13:29:00.001-07:00

Each Spring I like to fill my own baskets with flowers and plant my own planters. They are beginning to look very nice. If only I could keep the deer away from them. I have a few miniature roses in the pots, and haven't been able to see a bloom yet. The deer especially like roses. It is fun to see the deer. They will almost eat from our hands. What a dilemma - FLOWERS OR DEER!

Backyard Visitors July 09

2009-07-08T20:26:00.001-07:00

Mother deer brought her new baby to the yard for an apple treat. I wish they would just eat apples, grass, weeds, and NOT MY FLOWERS!

4th of July - Vernonia Style

2009-07-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

The weekend started out with fireworks last night. On of the local residents puts on a very nice show. This evening started out with a barbecue put on by the Booster Club. I had on of the yummy cheese burgers with grilled onions. Mike had a hot dog.

After the barbecue it was time for the parade. We sat on Main Street and visited with all the passers by until the parade started. There were bicycles, horses, a fire truck, police cars, ambulances, politicians, old cars, new cars and trucks, and only one logging truck. After the parade we walked around and visited some more.

We then set up our chairs to watch the fireworks. What a show! I didn't exactly hold the cameras still, but the pictures are still okay.

The only logging truck.

They are loaded to explore.

Visiting with Tim after the parade.

Mike is ready for the fire works to begin.

Great Grandparents!!!

2009-07-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! We are going to be Great Grandparents. Jennifer and Dustin are due in October. I can't be that old! That means my sisters and brothers are going to be great Great Aunts and Uncles, and Mom will be a Great, Great Grandmother. WOW!!!

Another Red Hat Story

2009-07-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Senior Center in Vernonia serves lunches 5 days a week. The cost is $3.00. Most days there are anywhere from 9 to 15 that come for lunch, but on Wednesdays there is a full house. You don't even have to be a senior to eat, but most are. There is an oldies band that plays before and after lunch. They are very good.

Our Red Hat group had the privilege of serving the lunches. Serving involves getting the tables ready, pouring the beverages, and serving the meals. After lunch we pick up the trays, put things away, and clean off the tables, but we get lunch. It is a good community service, as well as a fun time.

Ms. Liz

Betty

We get to eat after everyone is served.

Pat is a Red Hatter and a vocal in the band.

The Oldies Band

Pat is a member of Red Hat as well as a member of the band. Eleanor, one of my bridge partners, is 92 and plays the drums.

A Fish Story

2009-07-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Stacey had the day off yesterday so she was able to get a lot of the unpacking done. Stewart and Scott have the week off, so they have been doing a lot of moving. Scott has been a big help. They are moved now, and the other house is clean, so Stewart and Scott got to go fishing yesterday, Wednesday. It was an early tide, so they were back in Vernonia at 11:00 with 2 fish.

Moving Day

2009-06-30T15:42:00.001-07:00

Six months ago a fire destroyed Stewart and Stacey's home. They stayed with us for awhile, then moved into a rental house. Their house has been rebuilt and today is moving day.

The Fire

The rental house

Rebuilt

Mike and Stacey try out the new recliners

Thanks to all of you that had warm wishes for them and your donations of money and items that replaced all their losses. It is a good day!

June

2009-06-29T23:37:00.001-07:00

June was a busy month. I attendad two graduations, Logan's and Vernonia's, two red hat activities, fishing a couple of times, clam digging, a P.E.O. Convention in Eugene for three days, a P.E.O. meeting in Hillsboro, Logan and Danielle's graduation party, mueum sitting, pinochle, my annual physical, shopping, serving at the Senior Center, working in the yard and flowers, and of course, playing bridge every Monday. Today was a bridge day, and I was high again. Sally and I bid seven no trump and made it. What an exciting hand!

P.E.O. Convention in Corvallis at Oregon State University. Carol was our delegate and Tobie and I went with her.

Logaan and Danielle are looking at the scrap book that I made for Logan. He liked it very much. There are pictures of his whole life in it.

Fishing on the Columbia River is fun, except you don't catch any fish. You cast your pole into the river, put it in a pole holder, put a bell on the pole, and wait for the bell to ring. In the meantime you visit with family, read a book, play cribbage, and eat. It's a nice way to try to catch a fish, but the fish are few and far between. No one in our family has caught one yet. We fished on father's Day and again on last Sunday.

We celebrated Betty'd 73rd birthday with lunch at Black bear.

We went to our P.E.O. meeting at Lois's house in Hillsboro. She has been a member of our Chapter for 59 years, but recently demitted to Chapter CT in Hillsboro. We presented her with a pin and a certificate.

Museum Sitting

2009-06-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Vernonia Museum is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the Spring and Summer months. It is managed and operated by volunteers. I am a member of the museum, so once in awhile I take a turn at sitting. This means that I open the museum for visitors and sit there and answer questions if I can. I had a turn one Sunday in June. I also spend some time looking around, you can never see it all. There are some very old things, and some not so old things, some very interesting things, and some not so interesting, at least to me. If you are ever in Vernonia, I recommend that you stop and take a look.

Vernona

Vernonia was named for one of the first school teacher's daughter, Vernona.

Others settlers were the Parkers, the Woods, the Van Blaricans, and others I don't remember.

Vernonia once had the largest mill in the world. Logging has always been the major industry in this area.

The Oregon American Lumber Company

My husband, Mike, even worked there during the summers when he was in high school, and after high school for awhile. His father, uncle, and cousins also worked there.

The movie, "Ring of Fire", was filmed in Vernonia.

There are some really old things, like a calendar showing the month and year that I was born.

DJ's bicycle

2009-06-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

DJ, Nicole, and Scott

I've always thought that we live in a safe little town, and that things were also safe, but I have been very disappointed. DJ, Daniel, is our grandson. He has been living in Vernonia with his father, sometimes with us, and lately they have been living in Scott's trailer in Anderson Park. DJ is in Eugene for a couple of weeks, staying with his Mom. Before he left, he had his bicycle fixed up with brand new red sprocket, chain, handle bar grips, a new seat, new white pedals, and new tires, to the tune of $290.00. The bike was a Redline that he paid quite a bit for 11 months ago. While he is gone, his Dad chained up his bike to the trailer with a heavy duty chain. Over the weekend, the chain was cut and the bike was stolen. Scott is afraid to tell DJ. We put the word out and have offered a reward. I have searched the trail around the park. I put a letter to the editor in the papers, but so far nothing. I am really disappointed that someone would do something like that to a 12 year old boy. Shame on them.

P.E.O. Scholarship Winners

2009-06-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

It was my privilege and honor to help choose our local P.E.O. Scholarship winners. Our P.E.O. group contributes to National and State Scholarship programs, but our favorite is helping local girls go on to college. This year we chose two girls that are very nice young ladies, and by the way, they were in my class as fifth graders.

Rebekah, Audeen, our education chairman, and Tara

Vernonia's Graduation

2009-06-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

I taught 5th grade for about 10 years, after being an aide for 15 years, then going back to school and getting my degree at age 50. Another class of my kids went through graduation last week. Fourteen of my fifth graders graduated from Vernonia. I give them each a card with a picture of their fifth grade class.

Vernonia had a very nice graduation. There was laughter and tears and proud graduates. I wish them all much success and happiness in their life's journey.

Both Tricia and Tim were in my fifth grade class.

Rebekah was one of my top fifth graders.

Congratulations Cody

Tyler is still having fun.

Way to go, Tara.

Katelyn

Caleb

Samantha was always a good student, now valedictorian

and she won the Senior Cup.

Joe, how did you get so tall?

Tara and Jillian

A Red Hat Affair

2009-06-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

The new courtyard has its grand opening.

We had another red hat outing, this time it was dinner at the Blue House, a Greek restaurant in Vernonia, and then we browsed through First Friday. First Friday is a open market, art show, music, and more held the first Friday of the month Spring through Fall. First Friday was held in the new courtyard between the Blue House and the Learning Center. The courtyard was a mostly volunteer project that was a Ford family Foundation project. The Ford family Foundation provides grant money to small communities to provide leadership and fund projects.

Logan Graduates

2009-06-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Logan turned 18 in March. He was not getting along with his Mom and Step dad, so he moved out. Since then he has been living with his friends and girlfriend. We lost touch with him and didn't know if he was still in school or not, or how he was doing. He did get his Mom to sign over his social security money to him, so I knew that he wasn't starving. I saw a Logan Grady on Facebook, so I typed in, "Are you my grandson?" About a week later, he answered, "Yes, Grandma, it's me. I'm doing ok." I asked him if he was in school, and if he would graduate. He said that he was on track to graduate. The night before graduation we got a call from him inviting us to come. We went and were really happy to see him and his class graduate. Congratulations Logan.

His Mom, Stephanie, and his two step brothers came, but left half-way through the ceremony.

Logan receiving his diploma.

Blogging

2009-06-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging for awhile. My life has been busy, and my brain has been full, so it has been hard to concentrate. I hope you all didn't give up on me.

We still have deer that come visit. Roxy is not too sure about whether to be friends, or not. I like the deer visiting, but they are eating my flowers!!!

The rhododendrons in my yard were very beautiful. They are starting to wilt and drop off now, I wish that the flowers lasted longer.

School is out now, but I worked 12 1/2 days this pay period. I even worked the next to the last day of school. It was third grade and we were to work in the morning, and then my job was to have them clean out their desks and get their desks clean. I sprayed shaving cream on their desks, let them play in it for awhile, and them have them clean the desks off. (teacher's instructions) After the desks were clean they were supposed to silent read for the rest of the day. It was a long day.

I'm back to playing bridge on Monday, and I had the high score again last Monday.

Logan graduated from high school, but that's another story.

I went to the Vernonia graduation, and that, also, is another story.

We had a retirement party for two of the teachers yesterday. Nayan was there, but Cathy wasn't. Her new grand baby was born that morning and she was at the hospital. Another boy for Justin, also a teacher.

We had our last pinochle group on the 2nd of June. We take the summer off. We had a Red Hat activity during First Friday.

Just busy, busy, busy.

7th Grade Play

2009-05-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

For years Mrs. Ward has written and directed a Jr. High play. Some years it was the 6th grade that put it on. This year the 7th graders are the stars. Mrs. Ward retired this year, so this is the last of her productions. The students charge a small admission and the money goes for an overnight trip to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). Thank You Mrs. Ward and the rest of the Jr. High Staff.

Our Granddaughter, Kendall

Iris

2009-05-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

I love to see the flowers on my walks. This morning I noticed how beautiful the iris were. I thought I would share.

Our yard

The rest of the pictures are flowers that I noticed on my walk through town.

Wild iris

I couldn't resist taking pictures of other beautiful flowers.

A hawthorn tree. I remember how we used to decorate everything, including pet graves, when we were little with flowers from the hawthorn tree.

We are so fortunite to have Rock Creek running through town.

Peony

Snowball trees

A Memorial Saturday

2009-05-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Adam's Cemetery

A very steep walk to Betty Jo's grave

Vernonia

Another Busy Week

2009-05-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

I finished my 6 1/2 week job in Title 1 a week ago. I really enjoyed that job. I liked working with the people that I got to work with, I liked working with the small reading groups, and I liked the high school class, but most of all, I liked seeing the progress the students were making.

I did get to play bridge on Monday. Playing bridge is one of my favorite things to do. I was 35 plus and the other ladies were all minus.

I worked 1/2 day on Tuesday for Mr. Shockey, high school math. On Tuesday afternoon, we went to Spirit Mountain Casino. We met the Daileys and the Wilcoxins there and had the buffet dinner. WOW! What good food. We played the machines for a while, but didn't win.

Wednesday, we went out in the valley for plants. Then in the afternoon, we planted them. My patio looks great now. On Thursday I worked for Mrs. Murphy. All this week was Spirit week in the Elementary school, and Thursday was hippie day. Thursday evening we played bunco. There are 12 of us ladies. We have a great time.

Friday I subbed for Robin Murphy again. This was pajama day, so I went to school in my pajamas and slippers. Friday evening we took Scott and Daniel out to birthday dinner. Happy 43rd birthday, Scott.

On Saturday we went to Molalla to Mom's house. We met Laurie and Arnold there and headed for Adam's Cemetery. We put flowers on my father's grave, and reflected on the happy times with Dad. Laurie and Arnold headed for Canby and then the coast, while we took Mom to lunch in Oregon City. Another good meal. We then went back to Molalla through Meadowbrook and Clarks, and stopped at the old family plot at the Clark's Cemetery. George Washington Hofstetter, my great-grandfather, and my mother's grandfather, and his family are buried there. We took Mom back home and headed to Mt. Calvery Cemetery. My sister, Betty Jo, and Mike's father and mother, and his aunts and uncles are there. We then went back home to Vernonia, and stopped at the Vernonia Cemetery to spend a few moments at Steve's and Rick's final resting place.

On Sunday, I went to church, and then I went to Senator Wyden's open house.

On this Memorial Day, we went to the service at the cemetery.

I walked to Sally's house to play bridge. I always enjoy the flowers along the way.

Hippie Day

The Timber Wolf was there, too

The adults really liked hippie day, but the kids liked it, too.

The flowers are bought and planted.

Mike puts tomatoes in the porch box. The pansies are in the flower bed.

Some of the bunco winners.

Pajama Day

Adams Cemetary

Vernonia Cemetary

Ron Wyden

Mike is enjoying a nice sunny day.

So is Roxy

Memorial day Services

Timber Wolves

2009-05-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

For years Washington Grade School was known as the Toppers. Washington Grade School always included the grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. Several years ago we build a Middle School, and the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade took the Topper Mascot with them when they moved, so the grade school shared the logo. Recently it was suggested that Washington Elementary have its own mascot. The students voted, and from this day forward, Washington Elementary is now the Timber Wolves. There was an assembly today to kick off the logo. 99.5 the Wolf sent their wolf to judge the howling contest. There was other games and plenty of fun. There were prizes and lots of cheering. Marsha brought her pet wolf, Kodiack. There was a gym full of red and black, the new colors. What a way to kick off spirit week.

Tamara made the design for the shirts and helped with the prizes, along with Mr. Spackman.

Mrs. Murphy's fifth grade had 100% red and black.

It's hard to choose a prize.

Mr. Miller, our principal.

CiCi, in her red and black.

Sunday Evening Walk

2009-05-17T22:12:00.001-07:00

I went for a walk this evening. I left my house, walked through town to Anderson Park, crossed the trail bridge, walked along the Nehalem River, to Vernonia Lake. What a pleasant evening. Many were fishing, boating, riding bikes, and walking.

The neighbor's house

Elderberry bushes

An eagle

Blackbird

The male blackbird

The rabbits are enjoying the warm evening.

Lake Vernonia

2009-05-17T18:53:00.000-07:00