Merry Christmas 2021

🎄Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

We now know why you need to be retired at 65.  Scheduling doctor appointments, attending doctor appointments, ordering prescriptions, picking up prescriptions, putting pills for the day in little boxes, going to cardiac rehab, getting your eyes checked, ordering glasses, picking up glasses and on and on.  There isn't time for going to a job.  😉

Amazingly enough, we did have a very full year, even though COVID did a number on our socializing.  We got our Mederna shots in March and the booster six months later.  

🎂Tony turned 80 this year.  For his celebration, we took the small motorhome to spend the night (in Moscow) at a friend's home, and Tony proceeded to try to drink an $80 bottle of whiskey that had been commissioned by friends in Colorado as we sat around a fire outside in the cold.

As soon as we got our second COVID shot, brother Bill and Janet, and Tony and I took off in our small motorhomes for a road trip.  Our first stop was at our niece's home in southern Idaho.  We found the World Center for Birds of Prey to be very interesting.  Other tourist stops that we enjoyed were the Mountain Meadow Wool Shop , the Historic Laramie Railroad Depot, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, the Wyoming State Capitol. and the Museum of the Fur Trade, all while visiting relatives in Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Our small motorhome was useful quite a lot this year.  What we now call the Moscow Six-Pack (Tony and I and four other like-minded, similar in age friends from Moscow) took a couple of overnight trips...one to Grand Coulee Dam in Washington and another to Elk River, Idaho.  Along with socials at our homes, eating out at least once a week, we have also visited the Wendt Pottery, attended a livestock auction and looked for graves at a graveyard (because one of us is connected with "find a grave") with these crazy people.  We partied and bet locally on horses during the Triple Crown races (complete with fancy hats and mint juleps).

My second great grandchild was born in late February.  Casey & Lindsay bought a house this year in Moscow to provide a home for their two children (Landon, age 4, and Nora Kobe).  Dennis' other kids ~ Cally graduated and is employed now as an RN in Seattle, Caily is going to college in Tucson, but will transfer back to WSU next semester, and Cody continues to entertain me with sporting events ~ baseball, football, and currently basketball.  

Kenny remains in Seattle near his daughter Kierra and son Phillip. All three of them make it over here at least three times a year for card playing and eating cinnamon cake.  Abby is still in Manila.

We continue to enjoy the senior center in Moscow.  I am still the Vice President of the board and have so far escaped becoming the President.  Tony talks with his brother in UK once a month at least to keep up with his family.

Unfortunately, one of our cousins, Steve Phillip, passed away this year.  See his memorial page on the Phillip Blog here.  Brother Bill and I left Friday morning and were back home by Sunday night after attending Steve's memorial in Nebraska.  We were pretty proud of ourselves to drive 2200 miles round trip in such a short time.  Great to see all the cousins and brothers and for me to get to ride on the back of Steve's motorcycle to the dinner afterward.

Our next adventure was to the Oregon coast for a get together with most of the people we camped with in Arizona for so many years.  Nearly 20 of us rented motorhome spots on the coast and had a great time watching the crabbing, hiking, clamming, sunset on the ocean, a tour of a the still working Umpqua Lighthouse, photography gallery, the Myrtlewood Gallery, chain saw carving, and one of the best museums I have ever seen in Reedsport, Oregon.  A day trip to Coos Bay, led us to the museum which housed a memorial to Steve Prefontaine, a famous runner, eating fish and ships on a boat on the water, and seeing the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum.

We made one more motorhome trip to Nebraska for my 60th class reunion, with a stop off at brother Jim's (where we saw the balloon festival and night glow), and cousin Judy's for the regular steak dinner on the ranch.  Cousin Janice and I arranged for our classmates to meet for Saturday morning coffee and cream filled bismarks (what we all remembered as kids growing up in Alliance).  A visit to the Knight Museum was included with the 60th reunion. 

And now....Tony decided he didn't want to travel long distances anymore, so...I went to the Oregon coast to a condo with friends for a few days, and a short week-end trip to Seattle.  We have joined Roadrunners of Moscow (a group that takes bus trips near and far).  To date we have gone on the Lewiston Ghost Tour and "A Christmas Carol" in Spokane (with Bradley Whitford as Ebenezer...formerly Josh Lyman on "The West Wing").  Next week we are scheduled for a bus trip to a quilt museum, locomotive park for Christmas display, dinner, and a musical.  We feel like kids on the bus because we text a lot (none of the men can hear)...and I think flasks are going to come out for this next trip!! 

Tony's home made elevator continues to aid his stair climbing as he goes back and forth to work in his shop many times a day.  One of his "shop" productions was a wishing well that sits proudly on our deck.  Our "at home" activities include jigsaw puzzles, binge watching "Netflix", and doing a lot for the Friendly Neighbors Senior Center.

Now...for my dilemma...Tony's green card runs out in May.  The cost to renew is $540.00.  I am tempted to set up two "go fund me" pages to see who wants him to stay here.  I wonder which one will get to the $540.00 first (UK relatives and friends to keep him over here or USA friends and relatives).  😀

The year is almost over...the popcorn balls, candy, and cookies are made...presents bought and wrapped...and now it's time to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Thanks to all of you for the cards, pictures, texts, phone calls, emails and personal visits to our home throughout the year and during the holiday season.  "Keeping in Touch" is so important.

~~Sharon and Tony

 

2012 ~ UK visitors

Becky and Neil arrive in Cody WY in late September from London, UK

Before Becky and Neil (Tony's son and wife from UK) arrived we spent the day in Cody WY visiting the downtown and a couple of museums (the Miniature Museum) (the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum).

Also caught this picture of a decorated motorcycle on the downtown street.

Becky and Neil arrived in Cody WY after 24 hours of travel (a little delay in Denver because they had to call in a new crew for the plane).  We spent the night in the Cody WY Walmart parking lot (a new experience for the Londoners!)  

The next day was spent in Yellowstone ~ one of the first amazing shots was of the buffalo along the side of the road.

Another first for us and Becky and Neil was getting told by the police to move the motor home ~ at midnight....we moved down the road about 40 miles and woke up to this view (Neil in picture with his camera ~ Becky must be the most photographed woman in the world ~ Neil was constantly taking pictures).

We stopped in Wallace on the way back home ~ very interesting town for Becky and Neil ~ think their favorite stop was an antique store ~ I would never have scheduled an antique store for them since all of UK has older things than USA!  We did see these chairs in one of the stores ~ sadly it wasn't open at the time (tourist season just about over, I guess)...but the chairs are so similar to what Jonathan makes in Spain that we snapped this picture.

Another picture ~ Neil sitting on running board of huge truck at a gas station ~ Becky and Neil were amazed at the size and number of American trucks on the road.




Neil and Becky were shocked at the amount of guns and knives for sale at our stop at the $50,000 bar.  See the video of Neil practicing driving the motor home around the parking lot of the bar here.  The Coeur d'Alene Casino was the last stop of our road trip ~ I donated $10.00 so we could see how an electronic blackjack table worked ~ not recommended!!

Our stay in Moscow caught quite a few more pictures ~ one of Becky and Neil on the huge rocking chair in front of a furniture store.

A trip to Pullman to see the grizzly bears

A shopping spree in Tri-State (Idaho's most interesting store) with Neil trying on his purchase before buying.










Hope some of you got some of the Cowgirl Chocolates they bought here to take home ~ unless they ate all of them before they got home.

We ate lunch at Dennis and Jeanna's Pizza Perfection store with Casey showing them how pizza was made.  And later had dinner at Dennis and Jeanna's "D. Wiley's Blues, Brew, and BBQ".  Grandson Casey and Tanasha showed up late in the evening with frosties for all of us....just what we needed to give us our second wind and stay up later ~ it was a very busy week for all of us.

The next morning we had breakfast with Dennis and Jeanna before Neil and Becky left town.  I believe my family and Tony's family enjoyed connecting with each other for the first time.  Thanks to all of you for making Neil and Becky feel so welcome. Thank you, Becky and Neil for coming to visit.  You know you are welcome back anytime!!

2012 ~ The rest of the year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ~ 2012

Since returning from our winter trip many events have occurred. 

We had visitors in June ~ brother Dick and Cindy and brother Jim and Kathie, Cody and Brittany, and brother Bill and Janet (picture is of Cody, Kathie, Janet, and Dick at Pizza Perfection).

Dennis and Jeanna buy D Willy's Blues, Brew and BBQ
One of the most fun things that have happened in Moscow is when Dennis and Jeanna bought a restaurant/bar at 9 am and opened it at 11 am the same day.  Tony and I have had a lot of fun helping Dennis and Jeanna fix it up and help with the menu which includes "Grandma Sharon's" banana pudding.  Check them out on Facebook.  

Pictures are of Cally and Jeanna with customers and Tony and Cody which shows some of the decoration in the bar.  Cally moved to the Phoenix area shortly after this picture to take a job with Wells Fargo.



August ~ We loaded up all of Paul's belongings and took our motor home and trailer via Green River to Denver for Paul's move.  We then went to Nebraska for more visiting of relatives and fun on my cousin's ranch/farm.

Mom's husband of five years, Bob, became ill in late June and died August 10.  A memorial service was held in Moscow.





September ~ Click here for Becky and Neil's trip here via Yellowstone 

October ~ Click here for Sharon's trip to Maui with five other women

Jerry Wilson (Dennis and Kenny's dad) passed away suddenly on October 25th at the age of 72.  Dennis, Kenny, Cally, Cody and I all went to Tennessee for the funeral.

November ~ Tony and I took Mom for a week long trip to Wyoming ~ Riverton for Thanksgiving, and then on to Green River for the week-end.  We were able to spend time with all the brothers.  Brother Jim is still using my competitive spirit against me ~ can you put your arms on two counters and raise both legs up (counters are far apart, I might add ~ see picture)?  I couldn't do it, so Jim and Brittany helped me!  

December ~ Moscow Christmas parade in early December.  Now we are waiting for Christmas and Cally's visit...her first trip back since moving to Arizona.


Visit our Smilebox for a few more pictures.

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and an even greater New Year.

Tony and Sharon  

2012 ~ Maui

Maui ~ (they say it is paradise in Hawaii ~ I believe it!!)

**Now I can cross these off the bucket list ~ 

• visit Hawaii

• paddle board

• snorkel

• zipline

• attend luau

• drive the road to Hana

Tuesday, 10/2 ~ We arrived in Maui ~ after flying from SEATAC in Seattle (photo of Mt. Ranier ~ above the clouds).  Unfortunately, after 2-1/2 hours flying, the pilot announced a hydraulic problem forcing us to return to SEATAC.  We waited in the airport for three hours ~ then restarted our six hour flight.  Darlene and I picked up the rental car at Advantage, drove to Safeway for a few groceries, and arrived at the condo very late.  Tammy and Patti had picked up the other rental car.  Jeanne and Gaye arrived from California on a different flight and were already in bed.

Wednesday, 10/3 ~ We began our first full day with another trip to Safeway for more groceries, to the ABC store (there is an ABC store on every corner in Maui), and then to Boss Frog’s to rent snorkel and fins.  The rest of the day was spent relaxing around one of the three condo pools, and making Kahlua for all of us.  Plus a short walk from the condo down to the ocean to see a huge turtle, common in these waters.

Thursday, 10/4 ~ We went snorkeling (my first experience at this)(I also found out how easy it is to get sunburned while snorkeling!!), swam in the condo pool, walked around Lahaina (definitely a tourist town).  We went into Lahaina Galleries, saw Red Skeleton's painting “Red painting Red painting Red" ~ or "Red's triple self portrait"...shown on line for $2400.  

Another gallery that was interesting was Higgins Harte International which housed paintings by Anthony Hopkins. 

For dinner we ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise (originally thought it was owned by Jimmy Buffet, but he evidently owns same name restaurants elsewhere). 

We went to the Cannery Shopping Mall to watch Polynesian dancers.

One of the young dancers gave me a lei after the event ~ a picture of me in the condo with the lei.

Friday, 10/5 ~ We took a boat tour on the Reef Dancer (glass bottom boat).   Pictured are Patti, Sharon, Jeanne, and Gaye after the tour.

Divers went in the ocean to find shell treasures to show all the tourists on the boat.

Next activity for the day was snorkeling on Black Rock Beach in Kaanapali ~ I had bought an underwater throwaway camera for this snorkeling trip and I was determined to get some good pictures.  The best one I got was of a huge turtle ~ this video (not one I took) shows how big they are ~ unfortunately I got caught up in a whirlpool with the turtle and it took me awhile to get out of his way ~ after I got a bruised knee from hitting his shell.

Friday night we drove into Wailuku for their street festival.  One of the most different thing I saw were these "potatoes on stick".

Saturday, 10/6 ~ We fixed breakfast for Gaye's birthday, spent a lot of time at the pool and playing cards.  In the evening we went to Outback Steakhouse.

Sunday, 10/7 ~ We went to the local craft fair (saw local flowers by No Ka Oi Protea Farm).  Then we took a drive/ride north beyond Kapalua, stopping at the Honolua store for lunch, then back to the condo pool and card playing.  Our rental car is on the left.

Mon, 10/8 ~ A slow down day for us ~ Jeanne and Gaye went on a helicopter ride while Darlene and I went to a fabric store and to Walmart for more supplies.

Tuesday, 10/9 ~ We went back to the Kahekili beach for snorkeling and later to the condo pool.

Wednesday, 10/10 ~ I drove the Road to Hana (with Jeanne, Gaye, and Patti ) (we bought the CD for the trip so we wouldn't miss any interesting spots).  Picture is of me beside the three bears waterfalls (one you can't see) .

This guy was beside the road selling huli huli chicken ~ very popular in Hawaii as noted here on the web. 

Black beach was incredibly different ~ black sand, black pebbles, and black rocks.  We walked through this cave to get to the water.  We drove into the  Haleakala National Park, and Patti and I swam in one of the Seven Pools.  

The scenery was fantastic ~ particularly the waterfalls and getting rained on in the rain forest seemed very appropriate.  Road to Hana is 52 miles, 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges (that makes our day 104 miles 1240 curves and 118 one-lane bridges!!).  One of our first stops had this sign ~ "Warning ~ high surf ~ can cause serious injuries or drowning ~ If in doubt, don't go out".

 Patti and I were standing on dry sand and then ~ all of a sudden...







...I was missing a shoe and we had been slammed up against the retaining wall (well, maybe, not slammed ~ but gently pushed).  Two more waves later, I managed to get my shoe back, but in hindsight, I would never go near a beach with the "warning ~ high surf" sign again!!



This is Patti's take on high surf.

Thursday, 10/11 ~ I took one of a few early morning walks with Patti and Tammy to get coffee at the Maui Barista Coffee stand at the Whalers Village.  

Then Patti and I went ziplining (side-by-side ziplining, over two miles on four different ziplines, last one was one-half mile long ~ this is the largest zipline course and suspension bridge in the state). I took a short video and put it on YouTube of the half-mile zip.

Friday, 10/12 ~ We rented a paddle board (that was a fun experience ~ this site shows how to get started ~ something we didn't take advantage of, I'm afraid).  Picture shows Patti, Sharon, and Tammy carrying the board ~ that alone was no small feat ~ those things are heavy ~ but the three of us gave it our best shot.  Now I can say "I've done that".

In the afternoon and evening we spent more time in Laheina at Hilo Hatties store, the Laheina Town Party, and ate at Captain Jack’s Island Grill, then on to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream to top off the day.  I took this picture of an artist doing amazing paintings.

Saturday, 10/13 ~ We began the day with three of us walking to get coffee at Whalers Village.  Then we all went to the Maui Grown Coffee Store and then to the coffee plantation (this site has great pictures of the plantation, complete with music ~ interesting how they are selling acreage for building a home and running that portion of the plantation).  

Saturday evening we attended a luau (pictured are Jeanne, Gaye, and me) ~ how would a trip to Hawaii be complete without attending a luau ~ Old Lahaina Luau (the photos on the link are better than any that I could take ~ very realistic of the evening's entertaining which included free flowing liquor ~ my favorite was the Lava Flow).  They even have a live webcam ~ too bad Tony didn't know about this when I was there ~ he could have watched the same show we were watching!  The webcam should show the luau entertainment (beginning 5:15 HAST, 8:15 PST).

Sunday, 10/14 ~ We all went to the Maui Tropical Plantation on the Tropical Express (narrated tram tour, coconut husking demonstration), and then on to the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, with lunch at the Beach Bum Bar and Grill (great video at the site).  We went back to Whaler's village in the evening to visit the whale museum, the IPU Craft Store, and Yogurtland.  

Several times we made use of the "free" the trolley back and forth from the village to the condo.

Monday, 10/15 ~ (Picture is one of the many panoramic shots I toke while in Maui.)  For our last day in paradise, we took a drive to Napili beach, spent time in the condo pool, and in the evening...

...we went to Lahaina for one last time and another ice cream cone at the Lahaina Ice Cream Parlour.  Our evening was spent playing cards, packing and getting rid of all the food and drinks we had left over.  (Pictured left to right ~ Jeanne, Darlene, Sharon, Gaye, Tammy, and Patti.)  

Tuesday, 10/16 ~ Darlene and I took Gaye and Jeanne to the airport.  We stopped along the way at the Japanese cemetery (can't find out why the cemeteries are so dull looking, and each stone has a plastic bottle with some liquid in it), Hilo Hatties and the Scenic View pullout we had never had time to stop at before.  Darlene and I went on to a shopping center for lunch and then returned the rental car.  We arrived in Seattle at 10:45 pm, and didn't get to the motel until 12:30 am (after gathering up luggage and locating the motel transportation).

Wednesday, 10/17 ~ We were up at 5:30 am, had breakfast at 6:00 in the motel; and on the road by 6:30.  I picked up my car at Bill's in the Tri-Cities (Thank you for storage space, Bill) and arrived home by by 1:30 pm ~ ready for a lot of catch up sleep.

We had a fantastic time ~ thanks to six women being very compatible and a special thanks to Darlene for making all the condo and car rental arrangements!!

A few more pictures caught of various birds on the island including this parrot tethered at the beach.

This guy on the Road to Hana, letting people get their pictures taken with the parrots all over, on, and around their head ~ $20.00 a shot.

...and a resident duck ~ but rather odd looking.









Pictures of trees on Maui ~ the fan trees were my favorite...






....these islanders must have a gardener to shape this tree...










...the rainbow tree...

....unusual root system on this tree...

...this palm tree blowing in the wind...

....and this tree taken high on the mountain while ziplining...

....and the famous Banyon tree that was planted in 1873, stands 60 feet high, has 12 major trunks, stretches over a 200 foot area and shades 2/3 of an acre.






And finally, a few shots of some of the flowers on the island.  The only time I saw orchids were at the Luau.  Not sure where all these are grown on the island.