Rough Seas

It was a tough launch. The ship was ready to go out across the sea, but was being held back and rough seas were pounding on her hull. The crash of the disease on her shell took its toll. With her eyes facing toward the heavenly shore, my aunt finished her fight with ALS and yesterday peacefully set sail. Although we on this shore are sad to see her go, we are also confident that she was greeted with great joy and the open arms of Jesus and family and friends on heaven’s shore.

Steelhead

"It's a hatchery fish."
"It is fin clipped."
"It's good to get it out of the gene pool, so say the guides."
"I guess it doesn't hurt to keep one once in a while."

These are all comments that my husband muttered as he cleaned this gorgeous catch. He doesn't like to eat fish, but this steelhead made a fabulous dinner tonight!

Beautiful Gig Harbor

One week ago today we were looking out over this view! I grew up spending a week or two each summer visiting my grandparents and my aunt and uncle who lived in this area. Thirty-five years ago there were not as many boats floating on the water and not as many marinas. The mountain looks about the same!

Here is a sunset on Mt. Rainer, as we viewed from my aunt's front deck on Saturday evening.

My Aunt Wilma hosted us for our weekend trip to Washington and we sure enjoyed our time with her!

Joel and Melinda

We celebrated this weekend with Melinda and Joel as they married in Sequim, Washington.

This young lady and I had many fun, growing days as she spent her ninth grade and part of her junior year living at my home.

What do four young boys talk about in the middle of a wedding ceremony?

Four of these five young ladies were teenagers, struggling with life issues, about ten years ago in my middle school classroom.

Let the fun begin!

Lukas Todd joins the family

Hey who's the new guy? Big Brother Shane has welcomed his little brother Lukas Todd into the family. Lukas was born in India on Sunday, August 31, 2008! 8 lbs, 4 oz., 20 and ¼ inches long.

Visit

Bob's son came to Oregon for a two week visit and his girlfriend joined him for the second week. We went to the coast for a few days. They helped pick up the food bank donations from the Farmer's Market, they visited with friends, they hiked and they cooked for us. We think Nate may have hiked close to 80 miles during this visit to Oregon. Yes, he did have some blisters, but he didn't seem to complain.

After I had a tough day at my new job and a difficult time juggling my schedule (somehow I had to be in two places at the same time, or was it three?), they came home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to cheer me up. Thanks guys!

August

means peaches, cobblers and canning.
The best part is the pop when the jars seal! Ten for 10 on these two batches!