2008 Goal met!

Tour de Visalia Winner!

Paul and I made a goal to ride 1000 miles this year on our bikes. That seemed like a nearly impossible plan but little by little we did it! Paul finished before I did but he rode with me today to get my last 17.89 mile ride in so I could finish by the end of the year. There was no sportscaster reeling off my stats, no team members slapping me on the behind, no ceremonial glass of champagne on the Champs Elysses and no victory lap. But I can tell you that on a quiet neighborhood street this afternoon there was no happier cyclist than I, as I met the huge goal I had set for myself. Another reminder that with determination and small steps you can complete something bigger than you ever have before.

As a side note, I never thought I would buy bicycling pants, certainly never intended to stand still wearing them and couldn't in my wildest dreams ever imagine that I would let myself be photographed in them. It must have been the euphoria because I feel very proud of the moment and the personal victory. Enjoy. You won't see this again....for at least a year!

Our day started with a beautiful sunrise, reflecting on the clouds. Bob was pleased with the hand drawn card he received from T's family telling him of the renewal of his "Model Railroader" magazine subscription. Just in the last half hour it's started to rain. There's some rumbles off in the distance so it might pick up. Doesn't compare to the pictures of snow in Oregon but this is what we have. In a little while, we'll head across the street for turkey dinner with John and Donna and Brad and Dee. I made pecan pie, cranberry sauce and, of course, sauerkraut. Merry Christmas!

Shnow!

Kinda crazy up here! Enjoy more of Hillary's photography. Temp went up to 37 today and lots of snow is falling from trees, roofs, cars, etc. Phoebe pretty much LOVES the snow! Merry Christmas everyone! We love you all!

Just more pictures

John sr. and William chained up and thawed the truck so John jr. could get to work in it. You can see the ice layer well on Hillary's Subaru. I'm excited to get to stay home from work today. This happened last Mon. too!

Ice Covered Snow

We suited up and braved the cold for a little while. It wasn't so bad until my gloved fingers got wet from playing with the ice and snow :>) These are pics that Hillary took. There is about a half inch layer of ice over the snow. All the car windows look like bathroom glass, you know the sort of wavy frosted kind you can't see through. I think we have 9 or 10 inches of the white stuff!

Farewell to Fred

Just a short sad note. Fred's been sick for about 2 weeks and today she sat curled up in my lap as she breathed her last. All six of us are letting the tears fall. Phil and I will especially miss her since she and Gene were our first "babies" when we couldn't have babies. She did good lasting 19 years!!

The second parade, at night, was a lot of fun. Then, it was off to the rides. The girls decided to try the scary rides, Space Mountain, Thunder Mtn. Railroad, and such. They're hooked. One funny note, we found out that the day we were there is an internationally recognized "Goth Day" and that those folks like to visit Dland on that day. Seeing all those people in those crazy all-black outfits and makeup was like a whole 'nother attraction. Sorry, no pictures of them, we were so shocked every time we saw one (of the hundreds of them), we forgot to take pictures. If you want to see some, go to mymomisashamed ofmefordressinglikeanidiot.com

Emily on Main Street, pausing for Corbin Bleu to sing on the float ahead.

Hailey on Main Street in Disneyland.

T here again. Wow, Alexis, those snow pictures look amazing. Very, very cool, literally.

I thought you might all enjoy seeing more Dland pics. This one is of the parade float that Emily and Hailey followed in the morning parade. Ryan Seacrest is with the High School Musical group telling everyone what "a great brisk Christmas day it is here in Disneyland". Cindy and I are standing in front of him with sunscreen on and absolutely cooking in 98 degree heat. I think "chestnuts roasting" took on a whole new meaning for Mr. Seacrest who was working hard in a holiday-correct sweater vest that hot day.

6-10" Of Snow

The weather man was right and we did get between 6 and 10 inches of snow yesterday in and around the Portland metro area. The freezing rain started this morning and is supposed to last all day. It is exactly what it sounds like. The snow is completely frozen over. You don't go out unless you absolutely must. Driving is done only if you have chains or studded tires. Ah, Paul and Julia have so much to look forward to :>) Just kidding. This really only happens every few years. We've just hunkered down for the weekend and watched movies, watched the weather reports (the local channels stay on for hours it seems), played cards and knitted. William was able to get to work yesterday and the girls babysat last night and made it home just fine. Yesterday it was still possible to drive but I'm afraid today is another story. The first 3 pics are of the freeze this early a.m. That is ice on the trees, not snow. I was trying to show the glistening ice and how it broke into huge chunks when Phoebe walked on it. She's such a nut! She loves this cold weather and keeps ringing the bell to go outside. She's been out for about 20 min. this morning!

It Snowed!

It began snowing yesterday about 6 a.m. and continued for a few hrs. I'd say we got about inches. I didn't venture out in it so you get the views from the dining room and front doors :>) John replenished the bird feeder. Yesterday chains were required on all freeways in the PDX metro area, lots of churches were closed, most activities were canceled or postponed. This Monday morning everything is now ice which makes traveling exciting. Fortunately, I don't have to go in to work as they're expecting most offices to be closed. John is working in town so he doesn't have to brave the freeways. Most schools are closed and may be through the week as we anticipate more snow. It's very windy with the temp at our house a breathtaking 20 degrees.

The Jonas Brothers were part of the big day. Yeah, that's a Jonas Brother waving right at us. If you're a 12-year old girl, I know you are jealous.

On November 7, we went to Disneyland to be in the ABC Christmas parade, showing Christmas morning. Consult local listings for channels and times in your local area. It was a longday with a lot of excitement, stars, and the girls were asked to be in two parades. Pretty cool stuff.

Rick and Franny joined us too. Rick makes a great Cleopatra, don't you think?

The highlight of the Halloween party was pumpkin bowling down the driveway. This is the aftermath. We used water filled soda bottles for pins and learned not to stand behind the pins when a 15-year old boy has a bowling-ball-sized pumpkin in his hands and a glint in his eye.

After all the kids had finished trick or treating, we invited the neighbors in for a Halloween party.

This is Emily and Hailey's new puppy Rascal, back in June.

Rick and Franny in Disneyland in December

We went to Disneyland and California Adventure for three days with Sarah, Ray, Michael, Brandon and Princess Belle. We got a lot of attention as the court of the Princess and had a lot of fun. The weather was great! We had a view of many palm trees and Birds of Paradise out our window. We stayed at Paradise Pier and were very close to Downtown Disney. We were really impressed with the cyclamen- all different colors and absolutely beautiful.

Rick and Franny at Disneyland in December

Here are some more Disneyland pictures.