Lake Living

Another perfect morning. It is suppose to be the start of a hot spell. So I am taking advantage of my favorite time of day. The sun has yet to clear the horizon but the temp is just right, I am sitting here on the deck doing my morning computer reading. In this case watching a techie podcast. I know the picture is small but if you look carefully you can see a pre dawn skier just above my toe. and as always I have my trusty Parker Store coffee cup full of hot coffee. So far I have seen blue herons doing their morning fly by, also a flock of Canadian honkers going by, A couple of eagles. One of which is now hanging about 60 feet away in the top of the tree. There is no wind so I don’t have to worry about being whitewashed by mr eagle. I really don’t have much to say other than the only thing that would make this any better would be having someone to share this experience with. Most people just are not willing to haul themselves out of the sack. Which I have always found so hard to fathom as fore me this is my favorite time of the day.
GOOD MORNING !!
PS. Finishing this post up Just in time. The sun has cleared the the hills to the east and my screen is disappearing before my eyes.

Playing with Photos

I was introduced to some new cool tricks in photography the other day by a neighbor. The ones in the above slide show are my first attempt messing with HDR (High Dynamic Range)pIt is a process where you take three shots one underexposed one overexposed and one properly exposed. Then these three shots (layers) are merged together enabling you to see detail in the shadows and the highlights. From there you can start using artistic license. The fun part

Steph turns 28

Went to Steph's for dinner with Liz, Laura, and Mike

Had a BBQ and a few laughs.
Happy Birthday Steph

Spokane July 4th 2009

Day I: Thur It’s morning, I was waken by a couple of noisy eagles outside my window and I am ready to roll as not to be driving across eastern Wa. in the heat of the day. We got on the road around 0830 The drive was nice, A little heaver traffic than usual but all in all a good drive. Made it to GEG around 130pm. Anita and I did a little shopping for the lake tomorrow. I have a few more chores to do for Mary and I think I will pack it in early this evening. This evening we had a special supprise. There were two fawns (baby deer) in Mary’s yard having some problem trying to figure out how to get back on the other side of the fence where their mother was sort of freeked trying to figure out the same thing. My pictures were pretty poor due to the light conditions. Anyway it was very cool

 

Day II: Fri Driving up to the lake. It’s now Fri morning and I am doing my Starbucks rat thing. I headed out of Mary’s around 0500 as not to disturb the sleeping beauties. As of now the plan is to meet up with Fran and Barb Burkhard around 1030 and head north to Diamond Lake.
Made it to the lake for a great afternoon and evening. Now 930pm and the lake is starting to light up with pre 4th fireworks, Full moon no wind and just the chirps of little people around the lake filled with excitement of fireworks and the 4th of july. It does not get much better than this. I just spotted my first killer mosquito so I had better post up and get off the dock. Nite nite tommy

Day III: Sat The 4th. GOOD MORNING!! It’s the 4th and I got started @ 4 this morning. I am on the dock awaiting sunrise. It has been just beautiful and peacefull this morning well at least until now as there is a groupe of crows disturbing the morning silence. Looks  like a killer day for the holiday as there is not a sign of a cloud in the morning sky. I am sure the day will get long with the pending heat (94) and the cahos of lake activity but the rest of the world has to have their time. I think that’s why the early morning seems so precious to me.  “It’s ALL mine and I only have to share it with Mother Nature’s Beauty and Harmony” Oops a kayaker just paddled by the dock. What is this person doing in my space?? Oh well my first cup of coffee is somewear between cold and empty so its back up to the cabin for this happy camper.
  People started arriving around 1030 to enjoy the lakes activities. The annual boat parade followed by a BBQ. (Beckey,Lisa,Mary,Isabel)(,Lindsey,Ashley,Caden), (Larry,Karen,Trejan)
Anita Mary and Tommy headed out just before the fireworks. We had a good dose of the show the night before.

Day IV: Sun After a good nights sleep We boarded the westbound Rav 4 around0710 and had a good drive home. Thanks Mary for the weekend !

Adams 24th

A great gathering for Adams 24th birthday. We had a lunch. Virginia Lacy's great Halibut. Barbara and her mother attende but Everett missed it as he was on his way to SYD. Had Great weather Great food and Great Friends.

Next Adventure 4th of July 2009 in Spokane (GEG)

At this time we are planning on spending the 4th at Mary’s Cabin on Diamond Lake

Virginia Lacy Celebrates another Birthday

Went to Mike and Vicki's to help celebrate Virginias (__) Birthday

You can click on the above slide show and view or download the above pictures

We Picked up Robin and headed to Shelton to celebrate. As ALWAYS it was a killer party put on by Mike and Vicki. The day was perfect and what more can I say but
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Virginia Your the BEST!!!!!!!!!!

Spokane (time to open the lake cabin)

Once again headed of to Spokane. Our mission this trip is to head up to Diamond lake and open up the cabin for the summer.

Here is an ongoing slideshow of this adventure. Stay Tuned

Day I: Headed out. It’s 5am or so and I am relaxing on the deck enjoying the birds flitting around and the ocasional fish going after a bug or something. It sure does not get much better than this. It’s 65degrees and no wind. Shortly I will be driven off the deck as the sun breaks the horizon and I will no longer be able to view my laptop screen. Until then this is the best! This almost makes me think we are heading east this morning. But I am sure it is going to be uncomfortably hot and the lake will loose it’s peacefulness as the day wares on.
Had a great ride over. We could not believe the level of lake Kachees and how high and swift the Yakima river was flowing along the way.

Day II:
Opening the cabin. It’s now 8:30 and we are driving up to the lake. I am reporting live from the back seat of the car with my computer connected to the internet via the cell phone. Life is so good now.

Back from the Lake. They now have hot and cold running water. That climbing under the cabin is not my idea of a walk in the park. So far on my Mary list I have

Hooked up the new TV boxes.
Taken off the glass screen to the fireplace.
Turned on the water at the lake cabin.
To DO:
   Install a curtain rod in her bedroom
   Take down the entry way chandelear
   Transplant a Rodie
The weather is perfect around 85 the Lake was a little chilly still but managed to go for a junk chillin wade

Day III:
Mission Accomplished!!
All the chores have been completed with minimal distress. The day was topped off by a visit from Karen and Trejaen. and some playing in the yard

Day IV:
Looks like today we will be headed west. As it stands now we will pay a visit to Sowder Farms B&B. Again it is once again a killer day! Sun is out and all is quiet here at Chez Frey. More to come
Made it to Sowder Farms in time for a GREAT burger BBQ by chef Larry and some of Jane’s outrageous tater salad.

Day V: It’s Sunday morning and Jane and I are messing with our computers. Everyone else is stiill sacked out including the dogs. Rosy did get up to join me for my first cup of the day and a stroll in the pasture.
  We should be headed home this morning. Had a  great leisurely drive home thru the canyon then took a side trip to Roslyn (location for Northern Exposure ) along with a couple other stops. Another great adventure and looking forward to the next!!

Embeded Slide show

This is an embedded sideshow from Picasa Web Albums. The show is about Baby Ducks and Geese this year 2009
To See how to do this CLICK HERE

Brook and Jason’s Wedding Adventure

Click Here for Brooke and Jason the early years

Day I: Getting There. (Thur)

It’s now around 0500. We are pretty much packed. Planning on getting out of here about 0800. Then meeting Barbara and Everett at the Summit Lodge for breakfast. Then the journey begins. Only 454 mi – about 6 hours 57 mins to go.
After a good breakfast we were once again on our way to BOI nice sunny drive all the way. Arrived at the Grove hotel around 7pm mst (one hr time change) Went out for pizza and laughs, See ya all in the morning.

Day II: Hanging in Boise

Good Morning, Today Friday started out with a trip to Starbucks with Everett. After one BIG cup of coffee Billy and then Anita joined us for a great breakfast at Goldies. Afterwards Anita and I went over to Jason’s to drop off some gifts and meet Cesar the wonder dog (he makes you wonder is this really a dog or what) Sure makes you see why Brooke and Jason fell in love with this dog. Around 5 people started showing up in the bar at the hotel for a little gathering. And then off to a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner put on by Jason’s parents.

Day III: The Big Day (the wedding)

It’s now 0430 and I am wondering if I am the only fool in this group of wedding travelers awake. Sure is a bummer trying to be quiet as not to wake Anita. Sort of reminds me of my old working days getting up in odd places at odd times and waiting for the day to begin for the rest of humanity. I do totally enjoy the quiet time and should appreciate it as a time to gather my thoughts. Actually it is a wonderful time to reflect back on the life of Brooke starting with our first meeting in the hospital. Now thinking of the Pride Joy and Love this little lady has brought us thru these years and the hopes for all of our futures. I totally can not imagine what is racing thru Robin and Bill’s mind. Probably the only thing that keeps them grounded is the chaos of pulling off this event. The emotions must be way out there. Where did the time go? And being filled with excitement of passing the torch on to their little girl with wonderful thoughts of what the great ride of life has for their little girl. Let the adventure begin! “Where has the time gone?”

Day IV: We are outta here

Got up got rolling and had a great drive home. We did try to take a senic rout but were truned back at Sumpter Oregon as we were told the pass was closed. Made it home around 6pm

Pond Progress 2009

The ongoing development of Adam’s Pond.

Picture taken 05/09/2009

Spokane Anniversary Visit

Day I: We are in Spokane for a visit. Jim and Karen Z. are coming to Spokane and suggested we also come over and we could celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Yet again another great drive with everything including snow. We arrived around 1:30. This afternoon I took a hike across the street to search for rocks for Adams waterfall. I found great rocks that I can even drive the car up to and be off the road. So hopefully I snag a few good rocks for the candy man (Adam).

Day II: Headed out for coffee and the net at Starbucks this morning. Where I sit at the moment enjoying a BIG Hot cup of coffee. Being I got up at my normal time I thought I had better get out of the house as not to disturb the rest of people that get up at more normal times. I certainly do not want to hear about how I woke everyone up sipping my coffee. Rob came over for a visit, Then later Jim and Karen showed up for a visit.
Other than running out of gas due to a poor nights sleep it was a good Day:)

DayIII: Ahh a good nights sleep. I think I will go out and see if I can get Mary’s car started.
  No luck with the car. It’s time to call the car doctor to replace the starter.
Had a fine celebration and dinner at Mary’s.
Day IV: Went to the Davenport hotel for brunch with the gang. The set out for SEA around 2pm. Great ride home and GREAT weekend. Thanks to Mary, Jim and Karen.

First Baby Ducks 2009

April 21st Anita had the first annual baby duck sighting!

She counted 13. I was very surprised as I expected that the first babies would show late due to the nasty weather we have been experiencing for what seems like to be forever this year. Actually the babies normally show on the 20th to the 22nd of April every year just like clockwork. I make it a ritual of keeping my eye on the water at this time every year and other than one or two years in the last 10 or 15 years. They always show.
   Sounds funny but it’s a big deal too me and the ducks I am sure. This year has been especially active with the loons and mergansers. The annual group of Canada geese have been doing their thing around here for about the last week so hopefully we will spot goslings soon followed by merganser babies..
Love the spring. To me it is the real start to a new year..

Alien Attack

Very cool cloud formations around Mt. Rainer. The views from our little piece of paradise never cease to amaze me.

Happy Birthday Anita

April 10th 2009. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anita!!!

Love Tommy

Visit to Grandma’s House PDX

Day 1: Headed down to Portland Wed morning(04/08) Had a good drive stopping in Centralia for some great Mexican food at La Tarasca and a cup of Starbucks coffee for the other half of the journey. Headed straight to grandma’s then off to Penny’s and Safeway. After that we headed to our digs at Steve and Liz’s (they are off to Maui) so we are hanging here alone. Took a drive down the Willamette looking for dinner and ended

up back in Lake Oswego.

Day 2: I did the Fry’s visit this morning and now Anita is back off to grandma’s to spend the afternoon with her. Not sure at this time if we will be headed home this afternoon or in the morning.
Made it Home around 9pm

  

Spokane Late March

March 26th. Headed off to Spokane for a short visit with Mary. Driving thru the pass this morning was quite spectacular. Here it is almost April and the pass got a major snow dump yesterday. This morning the sun was out the roads were bare and dry and there was major fresh snow on the mountains. It sure does not get much better for traveling thru the pass. In fact the entire drive was beautiful. Sure seems funny to me as I enjoy this drive no matter what the conditions. There are always subtle changes. The funny part is that years ago 1965 to be exact. I use to hate the drive and hope and pray for any excuse not to make the looooong boring drive.
Arrived at Marys around 1pm. Installed her new 24in monitor and set up a wireless router for myself. Which I am using at the moment.
I can smell the steaks on the BBQ so I had better get ready for some munchies.
DAY II. Not much happening today. Just hung around the house. And watched the road to the final four. Gonzaga (Spokane’s sports team) got trounced by North Carolina. A sad evening here in GEG.

DAY III. Like the snow in GEG. We are outta here. Just lazed around in the morning. And got off to a 1:30 or so departure. The ride home was interesting especially shortly after leaving Ellensburg (after a quick bite to eat at Taco Del Mar) we hit snow. By the time we crossed the pass it was coming down like it was winter. The roads remained clear other than a little slush from just east of the pas til we hit the flat lands around North Bend. (The picture. The last of the snow across the street from Mary’s)

All in all it was yet another good trip to GEG.

 

Spring is here

   Spot is now back every morning looking for a little lovin. Although he has been hanging around for a long time. Spot who got his name from the spot on the top of his head has been hanging around our bird house now for the third year. Every morning come rain or shine he can be seen and heard outside the window either trying to keep the lookie lues out or fill it with this years new bunch of wee chirpers. Normally this household is filled three times a year. Sure is great to see the familiar face (spot) returning every year. 

The Party Continues

The forth has come and gone. Anita and I met out friend Susan for lunch. I received many phone calls wishing me a Happy Birthday.Now I know who my real friends are And the evening was topped off with a wonderful dinner at Jim and Bet Schuler's The only disappointment for the day was not getting out on the lake for my annual birthday ski ride. I guess I just rationalized too much. First it was Too damn cold and by the time the air warmed to my over 50 degree air temp rule it was windy. I WILL get out soon and it's really about being able to say "Yes I still love to play on the water. And plan to do so until I can't." Hopefully years away! Thank you All for helping make this yet another memorable birthday.

2 days and counting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surprise Birthday at Bill and Robin’s for tommy boy. What can I say I was surprised !! I thought I was the only one that had a clue that full social security was just 2days away. THANKs All for remembering