JudynMac

Grandkids

2011-08-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

Haven't put any new pics of the grandkids in here for quite a while. So...here they are. Gracie's 2nd Birthday Party in June, 2011 at a local Burgerville with a birthday/special events room. Big brother Ethen looking on with friend Dave and neighbor Margaret. Middle pic is Ethen with little brother Judah on their way to cousin Ray's wedding. That was in June 2011 also. Bottom pic is Gracie, Judah & mom Robin. Aren't they all just cute as a bug! Lucky Grandpa! ;-))

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here's our girl...grandaughter Gracie. The first favorite present was her own "Pillow Pet" from Mom & Dad. (Her brothers got theirs earlier this year on their Birthdays.) Her next favorite was her own kitchen from Gramma & Grandpa. Of course she had to have a whole tray of utinsels & food. (All plastic of course) And with the boys playing with their own new presents, Gracie took advantage of the fact that they were "absent" & sneaked into their playroom to re-arrange their leggo table. Evidently she's not allowed to "Leggo" when the boys are near! At the end of the day, when all is just about cleaned up & put away, there remained another favorite. Her own dolly stroller to push around with a full popcorn tin as her precious cargo. A fun time was had by all. Thanks to the Webberleys for hosting again. Don't know what we'd do without 'em!

UGH!! Winter Again!

2010-11-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yup! A repeat of 2 years ago. It's 19 stinkin' degrees again! Sure glad I got those extra groceries the other day. These are the days that used to raise my electric bill to over $200 a month. Now, thankfully, we have a gas fireplace installed & it heats this little house just fine. About 65% less than electricity so that's great! We have a 4 bedroom with 1 1/2 baths but they're small rooms. Probably around 1300 sq ft total. That little fireplace heats everything but the back 2 bedrooms. And even on the lowest fan setting, we still have to turn it off because it heats so efficiently. Gotta luv gas heat!

Pass the Tartar Sauce Please!

2010-10-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Our latest Senior Trip. Trout fishing at a private lake about 10 miles south & east of Oregon City, Oregon. The trout were all in the 12"-14" range & every one who wanted to could keep one. All the rest were catch & release. A good time was had by all...and...we went home with a full cooler (12 pack size) of rainbow. Yum!

Grandpa's Little Girl

2010-10-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here's Grandpa's little girl upstairs at her home getting ready for Church today. How do I know she's getting ready for church? Doesn't every girl wear a binky, a granny shawl, a denim outfit & pink Go-Go boots? Sounds logical to me! ;-))

Gracie At The Park

2010-10-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

The grandkids come to the park by grandpa's house every once in a while. Gracie has started to climb to the top of the slide & take the plunge...all by herself! Oh yeah! She loves to swing too...and doesn't care who's her pusher. What a cutie! ;-))

Punkin Time...October 13, 2010

2010-10-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Went to Fiala Farms today...in the countryside west of West Linn. Had a gift certificate I won in a raffle at an earlier Festival. We took all 3 grandkids & roamed around the semi muddy corn patch/punkin fields for about half an hour before they picked out which ones they wanted. They had to be able to carry their own so I figured they'd get some small ones. WRONG! They came up with some that were pretty good sized. I'll let Robin blog pics of them after they get carved & decorated. Gracie got a small one & wanted to wash it herself. Gramma helped.

We stopped at that Scottish restaurant for lunch on the way home. You know...Scottish! (McDonald's) Gracie looks like she's telling her older brothers to "Keep yer Punkin Pickin Paws off my French Fries!" She's sure a cutie! We couldn't have better grandkids. They were really good today...and the boys went right to work fast...picking out punkins for their whole family. Great day! Thank you sunshine angels! ;-))

September Trail Walking

2010-09-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Some of the scenery along the trails in the hills above Round Lake in Camas, WA. These shots were taken on Labor Day, 2010, with the camera in my cell phone. Leaves turning already & a view of the types of trails we walk. We being the "Osprey Walkers." Monday thru Friday at 8am we meet & walk, talk, hike & marvel at the world God has made. Doesn't get much better!

Ramblings...August 2010

2010-09-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Looks like a great green tomato crop this year! LOL Actually we're now getting nice red "sweet 100's" & these "yellow pear" tomatoes. Been eating them for over a week now. 'Bout time, huh! Our red & green bell peppers are almost big enough to pick too. And it looks like a little birdie "deposited" a corn kernel right beside the blue spruce in the front yard. It's about 15" tall...but I don't hold much hope for any crop from it! ;-)) Last but not least a view of our booth at the Washougal Farmer's Market on Labor Day Weekend. There's our Frida modeling her apron right out front. Last weekend for the market is Sept. 25th. All remaining festivals & bazaars this year will be indoors. No hauling & setting up the canopy any more! Hooray! ;-))

Gramma & Gracie

2010-09-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's Gracie at the Camas Days Festival of July 2010 with Gramma Judy. Isn't she getting big! She was introducing herself to our lifesized Barbie we call Frida. Frida models a kids apron & goes to all our sales. She works cheap & never asks for a coffee break. LOL! (We call her Frida because her red hair reminds me of the redhead from my favorite singing group "ABBA")

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Gracie's first Christmas. She had some presents to open too...but sometimes I think she was too interested in what her big brothers were doing. She got some new outfits plus a big loud pink bath hoodie from Gramma Judy. Isn't she a sweetie!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

Some scenes from this Christmas at daughter Robin's house. The calm tree scene just before the storm of opening. The leftover ham & cheese & rolls & deviled eggs & other munchies too numerous to get in the picture were the breakfast fare. (As if anyone wanted to eat during present opening!) Judy with one of her new outfits...with the obligatory "The Christmas Story" playing on the big screen in the background. And below...Judah had to try on each garment as soon as it was opened. I think the "Transformer Jammies" was the reason for this disrobing! ;-))

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

I'm Captain America! And don't you forget it!!

Arctander Reunion

2009-07-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

More pics from the Reunion. Top pic is (L-R) Terry, Judy's sister... Shirley, Judy's Aunt... Sheila, Judy's sister & the back of an unknown head! ;-)) Center is Judy (red hat) talking with Colby, a nephew, with the backs of Lorraine & Brian from Calgary, Canada. Bottom (L-R) is Uncle Eric from Calgary & Cousin Kyle & his girlfriend Devlin from British Columbia. All the kids grow so fast when you don't see them except for every 3-4 years!

Family Reunion

2009-07-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Arctander side of the family got together again this weekend. (Judy's side) Had a great time despite the 90+ degree heat. The cake was decorated by 2 of the Arctander's that are taking decorating classes. (Pretty good aren't they) The middle picture is of some of the hardy souls that braved the heat for afternoon volleyball games. The bottom photo is Judy's Mother with her sister & 3 brothers behind her. We were at Ron & Sheila's house (Judy's sister) on their property between Gresham & Sandy. Big air conditioned house that served as a nice, cool oasis if you needed it. Ron & Sheila did the cooking & we ate like Kings...and Arctanders...LOL A good time was had by all...Judy has a great family! ;-))

Scott Nilsson

2009-06-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is the only picture I had of Scott...standing in the striped shirt talking to Jason Swan, with Judy King in the blue top & our own Kevy Evy in the red shirt. (Not looking at all like the trimmed down Kevy we have now.) If Scott has indeed passed away...we will all miss him!

Messy! Messy! Messy!

2009-06-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

The front of the house was feeling a little neglected lately. Well, maybe a lot neglected! So we got rid of a lot of "garage sale stuff that we couldn't do without" and found a place in the garage for the rest of what we were keeping. We leveled up both sides of the front step & laid down a thin layer of sand. 16" square stepping stones and regular red brick for the main surface. Another bag of sand swept into the cracks locked it all in place. Now to find more shade plants & flowers to dress it up a little. Not quite done yet...but at least the heavy lifting stuff is over! ;-))

The Patio Mostly done

2009-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the "after" pictures of what Judy & I did in front. The right side has a little hump in the middle but the soil underneath is softer so it will settle. (I hope) The left side went much better because I didn't have to call Chris & the neighbor to dig out a rock the size of a shopping cart...LOL. The flag will be moved as soon as I find the new holder...it's around here somewhere! The garden hose will have it's own decorative box so it will be hidden. Maybe a small bench seat. (I guess I should have moved the cat's food can from behind the hose...but oh well...amatuers don't think of that stuff!) We're thinking of putting a little bistro set on the right side...but I don't know...the last set we had out there lasted 2 nights & it grew legs.

An Antique Cruise-in

2009-06-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

We had a tractor cruise in last weekend...in the parking lot across from Jett Burger. Some brought back old memories. All kinds...from old lawn tractors to the big farm rigs, with some dating from around 1915. The top picture is of a green Ferrari. Yes, that Ferrari. They not only made fast cars I guess. The small orange one in the middle was quite an oddity with it's wide front tires and elongated frame. The bottom Farmall had rear tires that were at least 7 ft high & dated from 1942, which makes it one year older than me. Hurrumph! I wish I could look that good! LOL

She's Heeeeere!!

2009-06-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here's our first grand-daughter (after 2 grandsons)...Grace McKenzie Webberley. The three generations of King/Webberley women: Judy, Robin & Gracie. They just keep getting sweeter don't they! ;-))

Bonneville Dam, April 1st

2009-04-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Drove the bus on another Senior Trip last week. Went to Bonneville Dam up river by Cascade Locks. These views are of the powerhouse on the Washington side of the river. I only got a very few shots as my camera decided it needed new batteries...which of course I didn't have with me. So there's no pictures of the fish swimming by the viewing windows or of the Locks. We were headed over to the fish hatchery to see "Herman the Sturgeon" when the barriers came down & the roadway disappeared. The road actually is part of the top of the Lock's doors. So when the Lock's open to let any vessels through...the road swings away. Big tug with 2 barges...and it only took about 15 mins for the doors to open & close. The top scene is of the many turbines in each powerhouse. We got to actually walk on top of 2 of them. The vibration gives you a foot massage. But it isn't the turbines spinning...it's the 640,000 gallons of water passing under your feet "every second"...how about that. Couple of shots of a few of the people & our Ranger Guide for the tour. Fun Stuff!!

Ethen's 4th Birthday Weekend

2009-04-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Ethen's 4th Birthday weekend. Presents galore & he couldn't wait to get started. Even his own wall mounted TV in his bedroom with a DVD player. No cable TV...he just wants to watch his movies in private. Of course, after the presents are all opened...there's the usual team of technicians that have to read some foreigner's translaton of the instructions into English. Sure glad I graduated off that team! ;-)) In one picture it almost looks like the Star Wars Monster is about to get mouth to mouth resuscitation! Gee...he really takes care of his toys doesn't he! ;-))

2009-03-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I had anything to blog so Judy & I decided to make another trip to Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. Took my Uncle Jack & Aunt Cookie out to his Birthday lunch again & they rewarded us with some of her famous starter plants. We got cherry tomato & kohlrabi starts. Just our luck we had a couple days where it was 45 degrees & the rain blowing sideways. But 2 days were just the opposite. Almost 60 deg, blue sky days with beautiful sunsets. An equitable trade all around. Of course the crab louis salads & the clam chowder cannonballs were spot on. A good time was had by all! ;-))

Tree? Meet Fence!

2009-01-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

I guess I spoke too soon when I said that we had no storm damage from the winter's snow or the heavy rains & flooding that followed. The neighbor's tree was sort of a delayed reaction. (It's actually several trees coming out of the same common trunk.) It came down last night & took out a few sections of our back fence. Brand new fence too...my son in law & a friend put it up just a year or so ago. I think it only took out 1 support post though...I'll have to inspect it a little closer when the rains finally stop in the next day or two. Sigh! It's always something isn't it! ;-))

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Heading home after gift opening & a great turkey dinner & all the trimmings. Thanks Robin for another great meal. Roast turkey, mashed taters, dressing (in the bird & a cassarole), sweet taters, veggies, potato rolls, pickles, olives, marinated mushrooms and much much more. Pies, cakes, ice cream and a special tray of fudges & peanut brittle brought by long time family friend Anthony. The top photo we tried to capture the ice cicles, some of which were almost 8' long...and the other is looking back down the street towards Chris & Robin's house. (Their house is the next one past the van right in the center of the photo)

A great time was had by all. Thank you again Chris & Robin for hosting the festivities. You all did a great job!

More Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

Judy discovering her bling. (Diamond earings) And trying on her new coat. (We actually bought the coat at JCPenney's and she had tried it on there to make sure it fit...LOL) And the bottom photo is of some unknown Storm Trooper trying out someone's razor scooter...doing circuits around the house. I didn't get his name but i think he's married to Robin. Ethen finally had to reclaim his toys & make the Storm Trooper sit in a chair in the corner for a while. ;-))

More Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T22:54:00.000-08:00

The bottom photo is looking out Chris & Robin's front door right in the middle of the present opening...about 10 am. The snow was coming down like crazy even though it's hard to see. The other two are of the back yard. See the pond & waterfall feature in the far corner of the top photo? Oh that's right...it's under more than a foot of snow. Just have to use your imagination I guess. ;-)) The middle photo shows that the snow is above the back deck...and the deck is almost a foot off the ground. Cool huh! ;-))

More Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T22:48:00.000-08:00

Judah hollaring at Mom to hurry up. This looks like a lawn mower that makes a lot of noise...especially in the wee hours of the morning when little ones are supposed to be letting the big kids sleep in...LOL. And when it wasn't being opened quick enough...Judah decided to take it out on the snowman by the front door. I think that's a Hulk body slam he just laid on him!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

A few scenes of present opening time. Ethen is saying:"Gramma...are all these mine?" Gramma says yes...but he doesn't know where to start. Judah looking at his new Superman Jammies!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

On the way to Chris & Robin's house for Christmas Morning 2008. The top photo is the main street just a few blocks around the corner from our house. At least 6" of packed snow on the road with plowed snow over 3' deep tossed on the sidewalks. The other two photos are of Lake road near the Moose lodge (on Lacamas Lake) & the boat launch. Well over a foot of snow in the launch parking lot...easily a record for the most snow on the ground on Christmas day in this area since records have been kept. The county was through this area just a few weeks ago trimming branches away from the power lines. Looks like they didn't count on a foot & a half of the white stuff all at one time. No-one in our area lost their power yet that I know of because of the weather & the sub 20 deg. F. temps...(knock on wood). Happy Holidays!

Arctic Blast 2008

2008-12-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrrrrrrr!! Believe me...this is downright cold for this part of the country. With all the snow & ice & wind (30-45 mph...60+ in the gorge)...many highways are closed down. Chains are required on the greater Portland/Vancouver area streets. I-84, the main east/west freeway is closed for a 50 mile stretch on the Oregon side...and the same distance on the Washington side for Hwy. 14. The Portland International Airport is shut down as is the train (Amtrak) & bus (Greyhound) stations. The airport has facilities for overnighters...but the Amtrak station is the pits. Their concession stand was shut down last summer, so there's no food whatsoever for stranded passengers. There's no grocery stores near there also. Their plight was aired on one of the local TV stations & the viewing public came through with several boxes of food. Good on them! Let's hope the weathermen are wrong when they say this is going to be a problem for over a week. YUCK!!

More Arctic Blast 2008

2008-12-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the homestead on Sunday morning. We have an average of 8" of snow. A little less where the wind blows...a little more in the sheltered areas. Our snowman blew over so I went out to fix it & old dog wanted to come out and play for a bit. A short bit as it turns out. At 7 am the temp was 18 deg. (-8 c.) Judy's van looks like it has eyes in the windshield. I just noticed that. Cool huh! The lights around the frame of the house are courtesy of our son-in-law Chris. Isn't he good? Nice straight lines! My additions were all at ground level. No ladder work for me. The lighted fir garland around the front door, a lighted wreath in the window, the snowman & the deer were the extent of my contributions. They're hard to make out but 2 double golden bells are hung on either side of the garage door. It's the same as at Chris & Robin's house so you might see a better picture on their blog. The ice is about a half inch thick on top of everything so we're staying home & keeping close to the gas fireplace. Cozy & warm. Happy Holidays!

Arctic Blast 2008

2008-12-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Arctic Blast 2008. Well that's what the TV stations are calling it. Not all that impressive so far. But just wait till the weekend they say. We're supposed to get 6-10 inches of the white stuff with a layer of freezing rain on top of it...all starting Sunday morning. The temps have hovered around 25 F. (-4 c.) during the daytime and 18 F. (-8 C.) at night. This poor hummingbird in the bottom picture is getting the last of the nectar out of the feeder. I bring it in the house to thaw it out but it's frozen again within an hour of hanging it outside. And no...the birds are not invited inside. The cats wanted to extend an invitation...but I think their motives were for a different kind of feeding. Know what I mean, Vern? ;-))

Thanksgiving Dinner/2008

2008-11-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

From the first carving to the last morsel, our family dinner was especially good this year. Chris put his all into his work as usual...and a little piece of the end of his carving finger too...LOL. But he was just fine. He super-glued it back together & ate a hearty meal. Oh...the oven mitt on the floor? Ethen wanted to prove to Grandpa that he was a budding photographer too...and here is the proof. Well..it's in focus isn't it?...;-))

Robin's Birthday

2008-11-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Well, my goodness...has another year rolled around already? Robin celebrated the 14th anniversary of her 18th birthday (Tuesday Nov. 18th) with a nice dinner at her favorite haunt: "The Olive Garden!" She loves their "soup & salad all you can eat" selection. (I had it too...it's yummy!) She can even have the taste of the salad at home because Judy got her a bottle of their dressing before she got there. Along with some clothing & gift certificates...she received a few "media" gifts. The first 3 seasons of "Lost" and enough chocolate for at least the first 2. Also an ipod docking station...I think that's what it is...(I'm not very wired you know). Attending were all the Webberley's including Donna, Mac & Judy, neighbor Rob, friend Dave, and Robin's long time friend Danae who's attending Oregon State University but drove up for the party. Lots of soup & salad & breadsticks galore. The table favorite seemed to be the seafood primavera as several had that selection. We topped it off with a birthday song from the Olive Garden employees, and a yummy "Pumpkin Cheesecake" and a "French Silk Chocolate Mousse" that made it around the table several times. YUMMY!! Happy Birthday Robin! We Love You!!

Washougal HS Bazaar

2008-11-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

While the "kids" were home sleeping it all off...Judy & I went to Washougal High School Annual Holiday Bazaar. Not really all that successful by financial standards...but it's good to spend time together outside the home once in a while. One thankful thought I had was that there were plenty of kids (you know...young strong backs) to carry those heavy grid units that we hang a lot of the items on. Judy & I usually have to make 5 trips into the sale area & 5 trips out at the close. This time we only made one trip in & the kids took care of all the rest. A big thanks to the Washougal HS student crew. Good job gals and guys! ;-))

Lincoln City: cont.

2008-11-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

All getaways must come to an end...but we managed to make the best of the trip home by stopping at the Evergreen Air Museum near McMinnville. Home of Howard Hughes' "The Spruce Goose." I think it was the first time for the Webberley clan so they took in both Museums...The Air Museum (with the Spruce Goose) and the Space & Rocket Museum across the parking lot. I've been there several times...so I did the first museum with them but then I took in an Imax film at the theater they have there. The boys really liked it. The "Pilots In Training" area was right up their alley.

"Roger Base...Jet One & The Red Baron ready for take-off!"

Lincoln City: cont.

2008-11-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Of course we had to make the obligatory side trip to Newport. It wasn't until we got down there that we found out the attractions were on winter schedule. That means they were closed. No Undersea Gardens...no Ripley's Believe It Or Not!...no Wax Museum. Even the gift shop was closed. So we did the next best thing. Ate lunch at Mo's..."Cheesy Bread" all around please! "Shrimp salads" & "Sourdough Cannon-bowls filled with Clam Chowder!" A Yummy time was had by all. Outside the restaurant we took a couple pictures of the boys standing atop some decorative pilings. One of the few times we actually saw our shadows...LOL

Lincoln City: cont.

2008-11-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

This is the view the boys could see out the back door. The back yard was only about 15-20 feet in depth & then it was a 100 ft drop straight down to the seashore. Quite a view. There was a fence & heavy shrubery so there was no chance of wandering off into mid air! ;-))

Lincoln City Getaway

2008-11-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Chris & Robin with the boys in the family room of the house we rented at Lincoln City. Great house! A bedroom for everyone...and a bathroom for every bedroom! We all got a little hug time before the boys discovered they could see the ocean by standing on the cooler & looking out the back door leading to the upper deck.

More Tomatoes & The Festival @ Scappoose

2008-09-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well our tomatoes have taken on a life of their own. Every bush (we have 5) has been producing like gangbusters. Those that you see in the top photo have already ripened and have gone to their last reward. The cherry tomatoes are ripening by the dozens, but that's OK with us...we eat em like candy. They're so good.

Judy and her Mother had a booth at the Saurkraut Festival in Scappoose, Oregon last weekend. It was a one day fair but it was great. A little cool so most everyone was wearing jackets or sweatshirts. And...it must have been "Newfoundland" day. There were "Newfies" (big dogs) everywhere. They all weighed in at well over 150 lbs...each one of them, so they took turns pulling a small sulky with passengers. Just short trips...and I think the gals & girls walking along side took most of the weight off the dog's shoulders so all they had to do was pull. It was a fun day...plus Judy & her Mom put a little craft money in their pockets...so that made the cool temperatures a little more bearable.

Summertime!

2008-08-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd add a couple shots from in front of our house. Judy's Lillies are in full bloom & this year they are bigger than my hand. They're just huge. And the prettiest pink & purple imaginable. If you look real close...just to the left of the flowers in the second picture...you can see our second crop (this year) of everbearing strawberries starting to take shape. They're super sweet this year too. You might have to click on the picture to enlarge it to see them better. They're "Quinnalts" (I think) and very tasty.

In the lower 2 pictures are my tomatoes. Late as usual...but I was late putting them in the pots. Judy ate the first (and only) red one the other day. Said it was a bit thick skinned but very tasty. I have 4 different varieties this year. Two large & 2 of the cherry tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes are red & yellow pear. Love the yellow ones. All the plants are in pots & sitting just off the top of the grass...but they're all about 5 ft tall already. Looks like a bumper crop. Hope you guys like tomatoes!!! ;-))

Camas Days In The Sun

2008-07-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

A fun time was had by all...and even a little spending money to boot. These are the 2 booths that Judy & her Mother (Alice...duh) had during Camas Days just this last weekend, July 25-26. The weather was almost perfect both days with cool mornings & temps topping out at around 81 degrees each afternoon. Judy's "wares" are on the right side & her Mother's on the left. You can see them a little better in the bottom 2 photos. And if you click on each photo, they will get big enough to see it in better detail. This is the first of many Bazaars & Festivals they both attend throughout the year. Starting now there's at least 2 events every month till almost Christmas. And this is supposed to be retirement! ;-))

Getting Some Air

2008-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, July 24th, Robin & I went to Judy's Mother's raspberry farm to do a little picking for snacks, etc. Judy's sister (Sheila) has the 5 acres right next door so we went there to pick a little on their field too. Ethen, of course, had other exploits in mind. Ron & Sheila have a trampoline in their back yard. He'd been jumping on the tramp on previous visits so why should this one be any different. But this time...he had a couple sips of diet coke from Grandpa's cup & was convinced that every time he took a sip...he could jump higher. I got my camera & told him to show me some higher jumps. And you know...I think it works! ;-))

Crown Point & Multnomah Falls

2008-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Some of the Ladies on our trip this last weekend. Top picture was at Crown Point (Vista House) looking east down the gorge. And of course Multnomah Falls in the lower picture. I've been volunteering as a driver for the Senior Center in Vancouver for 9 years...and having as good a time as all the "paying customers!" (Free lunches aren't bad either...LOL)

The Viewpoint Inn

2008-07-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

If you want to splurge a little, visit the Viewpoint Inn just east of downtown Corbett. Our Vancouver Senior Center went there for Sunday Brunch and found the food just as good as the view. I volunteer with the Center as the bus driver for the day trips. This day we went to brunch at the Inn, then short side trips to Crown Point & Multnomah Falls. Weather was cool & dry. Because as you know, there's a saying at the Senior Center: "It never rains when Freddie drives!" (If you enlarge the first picture a bit, you can just make out the mill at Camas in the upper left side.)

MAMMA MIA! It's That ABBA Nut Again!

2008-07-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I'm a rather large fan (no fat jokes) of the Swedish Pop Group ABBA. A stage musical (MammaMia!) based on their songs has been playing world wide for almost 10 years. There is now a movie coming soon based on this stage show...and it's being handled by the company owned by Tom Hanks. It stars Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and several very good international stars. The soundtrack CD came out today in our area so I went to the store & picked up several copies. The movie starts it's engagement on July 18th...and I can hardly wait. Sorry about the flash reflections...I didn't take time to do any touchups. The booklet with it contains a short story about how the musical came into being...and how it went from the stage to the screen. It also contains the words to all the songs. Yup...I can hardly wait!!

Trip To West Richland

2008-06-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

A couple shots from my Brother-In-Law's (Jim's) Memorial Service on June 21st. He was 4 months shy of his 60th birthday. Much too young.

Anyway, the grandsons were having fun playing with the flora & fauna in Judy's sister's (Terry's) back yard. We managed to get Judy's mother & all her sister's in one place at the same time. Not an easy feat as we're hundreds of miles apart half the time. They were standing in front of Jim & Terry's pride & joy: their completely restored '71 Chevelle SS 396! Ahhhhhhh...those were the good old days! ;-))

On the way home I snapped this shot of Mt. Hood from the rest stop near the Washington side of the Hood River Bridge. A very pretty day.

A Happening In Los Angeles

2008-05-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I went to a wedding in Los Angeles in April. The theme of the affair was "Pop Stars of the 70's"...so I donned my best straw hat, star shaped sparkly pink glasses & went as Elton John. As you can see the bride & groom were the spitting image of Benny & Agnetha of "ABBA"...naturally. We had a leisurely dinner the night before with the wedding party & the groom's relatives. That's me in the orange shirt at the end of the table. On my left is the maid of honor & right next to Barbara on my right is the best man. The bride & groom are next to the maid of honor. I got to stand with the bride as part of her family because I'm her adopted "Uncle Fred!" And one of the party goers was this 70's icon, complete with fake chest hair patch & afro wig, that I just had to have a picture with. (He looked more like Wolfman Jack to me!) But a fun time was had by all...even with the 95+ heat we had for the several days we were there.

Spring Has Left The Building!!

2008-03-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Spring has been here...what...9 or 10 days? Will someone please tell Winter to cease & desist! Like a good driver I took our studded tires off well before the deadline. It's almost like Winter said: "Look, the King's have their street tires back on. Let's throw them a curve!" In the top photo you can see the irises already poking through the soil...except you can't see the soil...because there's an inch of that frozen stuff on it. Oh well...soon...it will be warmer soon...just keep repeating...it will be warmer soon...it will be warmer soon...it will be warmmmmmm.....!

Lincoln City Days, cont.

2008-03-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here's my Uncle Jack & Aunt Cookie. He worked for the Gas Company for over 40 years. When Lincoln City decided to start installing gas lines...he was the first NW Natural Gas Employee to move there. It must have been a good job...he's been there ever since.

Lincoln City Days

2008-03-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Judy & I went to Lincoln City again to help celebrate my Uncle Jack's 85th Birthday. The weather was rainy/sunny/warm/ cold/damp/dry...well you know what I mean. A typical several days at the beach. I didn't take hardly any pictures but I did manage to get a little video of the surf. Believe it or not, these waves are in the 20-25 foot category. We stayed at a motel called The Ester Lee. It's located right next to the Inn At Spanish Head. We had a 1 bedroom suite I thought was pretty nice until I saw Chris & Robin's (who snuck down & spent 2 days with us). They had a 1 bedroom suite that had 2 bathrooms & even more luxurious...2 TV's. Sigh! Must be nice. Anyway, I didn't get any pictures of Uncle Jack or Aunt Cookie so I'll go back & try to pull one out of my archives. They haven't changed much...Uncle Jack's wrinkles are pretty much the same as they were for his 83rd...LOL

Judy & I had a ball. Got some quality time together, and when the kids came down...some good times with them too. Went to the Oregon Aquarium in Newport & did the tourist stuff down at Newport Bay. On a side note, I made myself a promise that I would have seafood for every meal...except breakfast...and I held to that. I had one or more seafood dishes every time. Even when I just had the cannonball chowder at Mo's...I still had added shrimp on my tossed salad.

Yup...I think I could get used to this seafood type of vacation every time! ;-))

ABBA Clogs (1970's)

2008-03-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I bought these clogs on ebay last year for what seemed to be the outrageous amount of $98 plus $15 shipping. Some of my friends gave me a pretty hard time about spending that much. If you want to look up the latest sale of another pair of these on ebay, the number is 190203301694. The only difference is that my shoebox is a little more worn...but the shoes themselves are exactly the same...almost new. If you don't want to look them up...I'll tell you what they sold for. Well over $900!! And that doesn't include the shipping. I don't think I'd ever part with mine...but for almost a thousand dollars?!? I might have to at least give it a passing thought! ;-))

More Super Bowl Fun at the Lewis's

2008-02-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd mention...when Black Spiderman takes off his hood he becomes mortal again...and succumbs to the temptations of daily life...like eating Super Bowl treats & playing a swift game of two-handed air hockey. Here's a picture of some of the goodies I was talking about. And if you ever get up to the Lewis's...ask for the "smoked turkey pate." It's to die for.

Again, thanks to the Lewis's for hosting the party...and to the Webb's for the fun trip up there & back.

Thay can adopt me anytime!

Either one of em! ;-))

Super Bowl Snow Day

2008-02-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Mac & the Webberley 4 went up on the mountain to Dave & Cheryl Lewis' house for the big game. Dave just happened to have a 65" HDTV that fit the bill just right. There also just happened to be a foot of snow up in them thar hills...the house is above 900 ft elev. It also snowed some while we were there. See above pictures. We took Chris & Robin's Honda Pilot with the new studded tires & had a ball going up & down the roads. We met a couple cars going up & down the hill & had to pull off into some very deep white stuff. But got going again with ease. What a great snow cat that Pilot is!

If you check back a couple years in the Webb's blog, you'll see pictures of Chris introducing a 5 month old Ethen to ice cream. Fast forward to Super Bowl Sunday, 2008, and you'll see the next Webberley getting his introduction from Robin. Just for the record...both boys are definitely Chris's...they love ice cream. Ethen had his fun too...helping build a snowman...and later popping out of the furniture as "Black Spiderman!" Cheryl outdid herself with the traditional Super Bowl snacks & goodies. I told them I'd BBQ hamburgers at half time (which I did) but we sure didn't need them. There was enough food for both the Giants & the Pats. A good time was had by all...especially Grandpa Mac...because he got to be the passenger instead of the driver this time. (Thanks Chris) Now if that Pilot could just float...we might try to talk Chris into driving to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl!

Ya think???

Antiques Roadshow...Camas Style

2008-01-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

We took our old Maxfield Parrish print to the Antique store in downtown Camas on Saturday, Jan. 26th. They were having an "Antiques Roadshow" type of session. We had it appraised many, many years ago & I wanted to see if it had grown in value at all. Sadly, it hadn't. The appraiser said it had faded just a little so that took away from the overall value. But at auction, it still would be worth $800-$1000. The picture is entitled "Garden of Allah" and depicts 3 maidens reclining by a garden pool. The frame is original & he said it dated from the 20's. We had it refurbished many years ago & he said not to do anything else to it except keep it out of the sunlight. He said the 3 biggest things that ruin artwork is sunlight, moisture & critters. Critters as in children! (Breakage etc.) So...like I say...it was good to know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA KING!

2008-01-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

We went to our (and her) favorite restaurant, The Chinese Cafe, in Washougal to celebrate her 85th birthday on Sunday, January 20, 2008. We managed to fill 2 tables of relatives. They included 3 of her children Mac, Maggie & Joel). Their better halfs, Judy, Bruce & Laura. Grandkids Karen, Robin & Desirae...and great grandkids Ethen & Judah. I think that's all of 'em. Plenty of shrimp, sweet n sour chicken, rice & BBQ'd pork went round & round till everyone was full. A great day all around!

More Christmas 2007

2007-12-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

2007-12-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

Robin & Ethen & a BIG box of goldfish...Judy with her new TV & Robin with the cookbook she wanted.

This year's Christmas (2007)

2007-12-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

Some scenes from this year's Christmas. Our tree, the new gas fireplace we put in, (and...it heats the whole house. We haven't had to turn on the furnace since we got it) And as you can see...that kitty found a place right in front that she dearly loves. We spent Christmas day at the Webberley's house again this year. Here & above are a few scenes from the present opening ceremony. I was so jealous...Chris got the biggest chocolate bar I've ever seen: 3 WHOLE POUNDS!!! Karen with her first digital camera, Judy with her flat screen hdtv with dvd player. (That just happens to be in my room until her sewing room is ready...lol)

Punkin' Patch

2007-10-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's Punkin Man...getting ready to soar at least a foot & a half...right into mom's arms. And later, I see someone crawling through the Hay tunnels. Looks like maybe the older kid is having the most fun! And finally at the punkin catapult...I think Ethen is wondering if this is how Superman gets off the ground. Hmmmmmm...if that sling is big enough for a punkin...isn't a diapered bottom about the same size......

Wow!...did it come down yet??

Farmer's Work

2007-10-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

A farmer's work is never done. "Did you want me to plow the back 40 now Ma"

More Punkin' Patch

2007-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey! What's going on in that there Punkin' Patch? Even wonder how easily "makin' fun for the kids" can turn into "makin' work for the Moms?" Funny how that works...LOL!

Found It

2007-10-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

Judy & Mom at Lincoln City in March, 2006. Spent the whole day there...had a great time.

From the old Blog (2006)

2007-10-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

My Mom (yellow sweatshirt) with her "younger" brother (Jack) and his wife (Cookie) at their house in Lincoln City. We went there to celebrate birthdays...Mom's 83rd & Jack's 82nd. I think I have another picture of Mom & Judy at the beach with the sand blowing through their hair. I'll find & post it right away.

Sneaking a Picture

2007-10-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pictures. Robin with a younger Ethen with their feet in their waterfall on a hot day. I was trying different features & came across this fadeout around the edges. Don't I have great kids!

The 3 Chairs

2007-10-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

Papa chair, Mama chair & Grandma chair. The new look to our room.

Loveseat/Fireplace

2007-10-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our new loveseat. We took our old couch out to Karen's house (Chris & his pickup helped a little! ;-)) & brought in a new loveseat bought right here in Camas. It just works out better against the other wall & all 3 of our lazyboys on the old couch wall.
Our new gas fireplace is amazing. It's one of the smallest they have (because our old fireplace box was so small) but very efficient. It warms the whole house. Today is Sunday, Oct, 7th, and since we had it installed in early September, we haven't had to turn the furnace on at all! It will be interesting to see the difference in my electric bill next month. I only hope the difference in the gas bill & electric bill is interesting...and not shocking! We'll see.
And no we didn't get a new TV. That's still the 42" Sony the kids gave us a few years ago. My next one is going to be a plasma...I think. Have to build up the TV savings acct quite a bit more for that one.

Seaworld/2007

2007-10-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

The whole right side of the audience is about to get wet. Shamu is about to see to that. Judah looks like he's saying; "I don't know which is my right! Am I going to get wet?" Well, Judah, that hat looks big enough to protect you from anything!~

New Blog

2007-10-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Let's try this new blog. I tried to download a few pictures from Chris & Robin's recent trip to So. Cal. but so far no luck. I have deleted my old blog (MacnJudy)...I think. The new one is just a reversal of the old one...JudynMac.blogspot.com. Let's hope I can get this one up & running.