Looking forward...

This is my oldest son's birthday.  It doesn't seem possible 27 years have passed since the day I first held him in my arms and looked at his sweet little face.  He was a blessing to us then and still is!  He brings so much joy and laughter into our lives!

I'm surprised it's been two months since my last post.  What a fun, busy summer it's been.  When I last posted, my family was on our way to the Oregon Coast.  It was amazing!  We were fortunate to grab the last room in Cannon Beach, with an ocean view.  Even with a very rainy first day, it was wonderful to sit with the sliding doors open and just enjoy the sight, and the sound, of the Pacific Ocean.

My list of goals for the summer didn't diminish as much as I'd hoped, but some were accomplished.  I continued to work on scanning photos and documents for my family tree.  I did quite a bit of summer reading, but did not make it through my entire list.  That's ok though.  I just moved them to my autumn/winter reading list!  I also did a bit of writing, though I could use more discipline in that area.

My husband and I finished the dining table we were working on, and I love the way it turned out.  We also repainted our main bathroom, though we still need to update the fixtures in there.  

The summer weight loss goals got sidelined due to a couple health "hiccups" and medication changes.  I continue to work with my doctors to find new ways to keep the MS at bay.  One day at a time.

I plan to get back to regular blogging since summer is winding down, sons are back at their studies, and I've missed the writing.  I'm looking forward to cooler, autumn days, and all they bring... holidays, family gatherings, change... 

© 12Sep2013 ajjahner

Summer Vacation

I've been very remiss about posting, but I've been having a wonderful summer.  Both sons are on break from college, I've been able to spend some time with both of them.  Right now, I'm posting from Harbick's Country Inn in Blue River, Oregon.  We arrived yesterday, and have had the most wonderful time!

The inn is located in a mountain setting of tall pines... cedars, lodgepole, and ponderosa  as well as birch trees and gorgeous greenery.  It's managed by my cousin and his wife, Kent and Robin Roberts, so it's been more than enjoying a beautiful inn and the surrounding area, it's been a time of reconnecting with family.  We've had fun sharing old memories and getting updated on what's going on in each others lives more recently.

My husband and my cousin were able to go on a white water rafting trip today, due to a last minute cancellation. They went with the T and T Rafting company, and it was an all afternoon event.  Even with the unusually high temperature of 100, they said the 42 degree river really took your breath away!  They had several stops along the river to swim, and were even provided with snacks at one of them.

My sons explored a bit of the area, including a walk down to the river, and they enjoyed their afternoon as well.  This is the first family vacation we'd been on in many years, and it's been wonderful!

I spent the day with Robin.  We visited several interesting places, including the school and the community food pantry where she works.  She not only oversees the provision of food to needy families, but provides backpacks and books to needy students, and aids families in many areas, including counseling.  We went to a walking trail and memorial she and Kent helped to create along the river.  Later, we sat in her lovely home, relaxing and sharing a lot of laughs!

Tomorrow we head for the coast for a couple of days.  I'm looking forward to cool ocean breezes, but I will be a little sad to say my goodbyes in the morning. It's been a blessing to be here!

I'll be back after we return home, until then...

Vacation...

I don't think I'm meant to go on vacation.  Just like last year, everything is conspiring against us.  Last year a tree fell, air conditioner had to be replaced, car window shattered.... etc....

This past week, we had a funeral to attend, the fan for our central air failed, the Ford had to have more repair work done...  Yep... we stayed home.  The next segment of our vacation time begins this Saturday. Already there are things cropping up, threatening to absorb all of the time and/or money allotted.  There must be a very good reason... right?  Oh well, whatever the outcome, I've already made my back up plans.  I have a list of great books I've been wanting to read, movies I haven't yet watched, some new decorating ideas I've been longing to try.  Who needs a vacation anyway?!

One funny side note... our paper arrived late this morning.  Very late.  And, right on the top was this coming Sunday's comics!  That's right!  Dated July 15th!  I phoned the paper as it was a little bewildering.  They'd had a massive power outage, so didn't get all of the printing done.  The comics are done in advance, so they decided to add them to the tiny paper they were delivering today.  That made me laugh.  Then I hung up and went to read my bonus Sunday comics.  I definitely needed a bit of laughter today, but never imagined it would come "compliments" of a power cut!