Off to Portland (PDX) for another Christmas with Steve's Family

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Woke up this morning only to see our front yard green. There was not enough snow left to make even one snowball. We were off to PDX around 0930. Stopped just outside of Tacoma to meet up with Stephs bo Tony. He handed us some goodies to take south. There were signs of snow the entire drive down. And not even a flake in the air or on the wet pavement. All in all it was the usual suckkie drive down with lots of traffic and rained all the way. We first stopped off at grandmas to say hi. Then proceeded to Steve and Liz's. They had gone bowling so it gave Anita and I a chance to sit and relax.
DayII  The morning started out as usual. Tommy and Steve up early for coffee and solving some of the worlds problems. Then Tommy got lucky with a little help from Denis Fig in solving the " What the hell happened to the power from the wall sockets in our bedroom". Everyone other than Tommy, Laura, & I think Michael are here at home while the grown ups are off to church. I am comfey here with the big screen tv watching football. Whops every just came home from the chapel.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just hanging. Anita picked up grandma around 5 for dinner/our Christmas/Laura's birthday.

DayIII Heading home. Raining like hell here. Planing on getting out of here fairly early and possibly dropping off Bill's new laptop that Anita picked up for him here in PDX. Made it home. Met Bill in Tacoma and dropped off his New laptop. After a very rainy drive we arived home around 1230 to a warm dry house and lots of wind.

Christmas Day 2008

 

The snow is almost gone. Although we got some big wet flakes this morning. Now we are packing up to go to Bill and Robin’s for the day with all the DeLeo family less “Much missed Jane & Larry”. The drive to bills was uneventful. Billy had breakfast waiting for us. Then after some serious munching we started opening gifts. Lots of stuff and lots of laughs. Tommy took a little nap "I think others did at the same time but I will never know" The kids and Robin played monopoly and Billy put the hurker prime rib roast in the oven. Around 6 it was time to have that long anticipated Christmas dinner. It was a success! Soon after dinner Anita and I headed home. I won a little bet with Bill, That I could drive up his road. Sort of surprised myself and I would not have done it. Other than going down a steep snow covered road really scares me. Want to go in snow? get a Rav4

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night.

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First Real Snow (Home Adventure)

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Finally after waiting years. We got our snow storm. After retiring almost 6 years ago I have been waiting for some major snowfall here on the lake. Now that I do NOT have to be anywhere. No flights to take. In fact NO obligations “Let It Snow” Got up as normal just before 5am, made coffee, started the fireplace fire, & went out to bring in the paper for Anita. There was no sign of snow. Just dark and dry pavement in the driveway. I thought to myself “Oh Damn No predicted snow” Shortly after I got settled in for my morning computer reading I got up to refill my coffee cup and notice a thin dusting on the porch railing. I sort of chuckled to myself thinking” Ya here is our big snow of the year”. Well as you can see from the picture my snow dreams have come true. It’s now 11am and it’s still coming down and I am just waiting for Anita to get suited up so we can go explore the neighbor hood.
Day II: The skies have cleared and now the snow is in full bright. We did get out today to run some errands. No problem with the streets that were still totally white with compact snow and ice. The Rav4 preformed beyond my expiations. Now the news is predicting the storm from hell starting sometime tomorrow. They are saying the possibilities of 4 to 12 in of snow along with possibly 70mph winds. I had better get out and get some gas for the BBQ incase we loose power and I got to have my coffee. All is fuzzy and cozy at the moment.
DayIII: It’s around 9am and we are getting ready to go out and get the provisions just incase the storm does happen. It’s bright, sunny, & 21 degrees her.
The cat and flamingo are settled in and ready for anything.
Day IV: Helped Dave Oliver help get the paper boy(man) get his car back on the road and on his way. So we were the ONLY ones in the neighborhood that got our sunday paper as the Seattle Times instructed him to give up on the deliveries down here. Watched the Seahawks WIN their final home game under coach Holgrem. Then went to a impromptu gathering at Dave and Liz Olivers. Started snowing again noon.
Day V: Lots of now somewhat wet snow fell last night and made some more beautiful sights. We are now getting ready to attempt getting Ginny out the airport for her trip to NC to spend the holiday with her nephew Bill and family

Once Again LET IT SNOW

 

Spokane Pre Christmas Visit

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Day I: Got out early this morning 0830. Headed east stopped in Ellensburg for some $1.63 gas and then headed west south to Sleah do drop of Christmas goodies for Jane and Larry. Jane had some yummy sandwiches and beans to tide us over for the rest of our journey. Adian was there visiting and Rich picked him up and we were back on the road for Spokane. Arrived here around 2:45. It's now almost 10 so I think I will hit the sack.
Day II: Good morning. Woke up to NO snow, But the ground was a sheet of ice. I stepped onto the driveway to retrieve something from the car and immediately started sliding towards the street. Looking aout now all the trees behind the house are covered with thick frost.It's a little later now and yes the snow has begun to fall. As usal I wait for the snow to come with great anticipation and now that it is here I start wondering how this is going to impact the drive home. Anyway It sure is beautiful and I am planning on a morning surrounded in a winter wonderland.

Day III: No winter wonder land this morning. It did snow for a bit but only about an inch. As the day progressed it has been getting colder. It was 32 when I came up at 0530 Now it's 4:30p and its 19 degrees. Took some Christmas pictures for Mary and helped her get her Christmas letter going including some pictures. Now Isabel is getting ready to head out for an overnight and we will be getting ready to go out to dinner at the Downriver Grill.
Day IV: Seems fitting its day 5, 5am, and 5 degrees. We are thinking about heading home later this morning. Depending on road conditions. It,s a Go! got out around 10am after filling the tank we were on our way to a beautiful yet uneventful drive. The roads were good all the way with spots of ice from Marys to our house. GREAT trip