Bittersweet

Jeff, Julie, JoLynn and Gary

Jeff and Julie drove to our house, Wednesday evening. Three hundred miles across the state, uneventful, but long drive for them. Thursday (Thanksgiving), started the day with coffee and hanging out. Julie and I went for a 5 mile walk in my neighborhood, went to beach via the public access. Photos of the beach with Nicole, Jeff, Gary and myself sitting on the cement step (posted "More Photos" 10/5/08) The weather for the walk was dry, cloudy, a bit of a nip in the breeze at times, great walking conditions for Julie and I with Meggen, our dog. We were enjoying the scenery on the beach, I saw another dog coming down the trail. Julie, myself and Meggen move down the beach to give the dog and it's people room to come down the stairs. So, here comes, 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 goats down the trail, they walked the other way on the beach. At the same time, Julie and I say "Nicole would have liked to see the goats for a walk on the beach". A bit more time, enjoying the view, then we head up the stairs and walk back home.

For Thanksgiving dinner, we had an evening meal with prime rib cooked by Jeff. Green salad by Julie, garlic mashed potatoes by me, fruit salad by Jeff. Gary was in charge of setting the table. We had our fill of dinner, then lounged all evening.

On Friday, my treat for Jeff and Julie was a massage by my friend and massage therapist, Gina.

Both Jeff and Julie loved their massages. I loved the time, just hanging out, waiting and knitting.

After the massages, we drove through part of the valley saw snow geese and trumpeter swans, both spend the winter, here. A short stop in LaConner, was kind of rainy, so we didn't linger. Then, the rain stopped for a brief visit at Bayview State Park, one of Nicole's favorite beach (photos in October, Bayview State Park). We lingered until the rain started up, again.

Friday evening, we went to the Chuckanut Manor for the seafood buffet, (photo at the beginning of this post). Lots of good food.

Jeff and Julie drove back home, today. Again, a long, safe return to their home. I went to Anacortes for a sock knitting class. The weather is rainy and gray, today.

So, this is my 50th post, wow, 50 and long, chatty post, today. I called today's post "Bittersweet", as it is good to get together, but also, Nicole and Jeff came here for Thanksgiving in 2004 and 2006. Jeff came in 2003, too. So, some memories for Jeff rolling around in his mind over the days, with visits to Bayview State Park. All part of the road of healing a tiny bit at a time.

A walk with Eagles

close up of a immature eagle on this morning's walk

same tree with the eagle flying out of the photo

Gary, Meggen and I went for a walk, this morning. I decided to take my camera. We saw two eagles, which is very common, here. I took two photos with an eagle sitting in two different trees. Then both eagles took flight, and I didn't get a good photo. The photo is of a young eagle, as his head feathers have not changed to white feathers, known as a bald eagle.

One of Nicole's visits, we did spot some eagles.

Happy Gary

I knitted the above sock for Gary. He is so very happy, with new socks on his happy feet.

Reading

One of our traditions for spring break, Nicole and I would go to Borders at Columbia Center. Nicole was great reader, liked books. She would take her time to make her selection. Spring break '07, she choose a 4 book series, "The English Roses" by Madonna. The book were about young girls, their lives and friends. The first book of the series was a journal, Nicole had written in her answers. I enjoyed watching make her thoughtful selections at Borders, and then reading during our time, together.

Spring break '08, Nicole read in the car, traveling to and from Jeff's house. She was a good rider, even for 300 miles. We did get delayed on the pass, due to a snow slide. It was sunny and warm enough to sit in the car without the engine running. We chatted during that time. On the return trip, Gary, Meggen and I drove Nicole back home. Nicole was watching her DVD and had her arm around Meggen. It looked like Meggen was watching the DVD with Nicole. I was knitting a scarf for the bear, that I knit during spring break. Got it finished on the drive. Stitched the eyes and nose on the bear at Jeff's house. So, the bear was finished and stayed with Nicole.

"The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young seems to be reading material for our family, now. It has been on the bestsellers list. A couple of friends mentioned the book to me. Jeff heard an radio interview about the book. Julie and I each bought the book at Costco, last month. Jeff had finished it. Julie started reading it, last night. I am a little way into the book.

Bike ride

We went for a walk, Meggen and I.

Gary rode his bike.

Nice, fresh air, a little crisp.

Exploring the backyard

Nicole wanting to explore in the backyard.
I am guessing age 2.

Bayview Park, today

It was a nice, sunny day. Gary, Meggen and I went to Bayview State Park with some yellow flowers.
We sat on a piece of drift wood for a bit.
In the fall, the beach is covered in eel grass, Nicole and Gary would have had to clear the eel grass to find the rocks hiding the little crabs.

We sent the flowers out to sea.

Meggen did try to retrieve them for us.

Giggles

The sound of giggles can be seen in this photo.

Nicole's Blog

I clicked over to Nicole's blog, yesterday. Sharon has found out her password and is continuing Nicole's blog. So, here, today is a photo of Nicole and Sharon. Nicole with such a cute smile. Sure do miss Nicole.

In my sidebar, you can click on Nicole's blog for a visit.

A Visit to the Alpaca Farm

It is a beautiful, sunny day, here. We went to visit the alpacas and took a few pictures. The alpaca, named Nicole has been sold and is moving to a farm in Lynden, WA. Lynden is about 45 minutes north of here. The farm is Chuckanut Alpacas, near the town of Bow, WA.

40th post

Some holiday shopping ideas include a charitable contribution. I am thinking Make a Wish foundation. I am open to other ideas, that Nicole would have appreciated. Ideas????

Tickle

Planning the next run and tickle for Dad or Grandpa.
The run to tickle plan in action.
Let's see who is tickle proof.

Adorable

I am guessing about age 4.

Too Cute

Nicole, Feb. 2000

More scanning

This photo also sits on the top of my computer desk.

Have a great Saturday.

Cute Photo

Nicole, December 2000

This photo sits on the top of my computer desk.

I scanned it into the system.

Sharon had dated the back of the photo.

Take photos and date the back.

I do love her facial expression in this photo.

Unlimited Hydroplane

boat races 2004 001
Originally uploaded by jlwboo

Here is a summer photo of Nicole. Nicole is sitting on the unlimited hydroplane of Mitch Evans, the U3 Coopers Express unlimited hydroplane at the Columbia Cup 2003.

We are into the rainy season, here is western WA. good to look at a summer photo.

Time

It is my birthday for 25 hours, today. I am 56 or as I say around 50.

In my mind, I have a plan for a memorial garden for Nicole. There is an area, that has been cleared in our yard. My ideas, so far, include an arbor (probably metal) with a wisteria, clematis, climbing honeysuckle. Lace leaf maple, something evergreen, yet delicate. daffodils, forget-me-nots. softer colors, delicate flowers. maybe a frog stepping stone. Really lot of ideas in my head, but confident, it will come together in the spring.

I have been rather chatty in October postings. I just write, when it feels right. so, might not be as chatty, this month. Time will tell.