Follow Up on Graduation

Taken outside of Carver Gymnasium... it was the gathering of techies. Rick with his I-phone and Grandma with her blue tooth on her ear. The girls had just been sending texts... What happened to simple communication?
We shared a lovely meal together after graduation at "On Rice" in Fairhaven. It happens to be a favorite restaurant of Angie's but the rest of us enjoyed our first time.
Big little brother with a congratulatory hug.
Back to On Rice. It's a Thai rest. that had very good service, good tasting food and plenty of it.
The "thai sisters" here share a Thai Iced Tea made with coconut milk. I was content to share Chai tea, in a teapot. They actually brewed it in a french press. No sediment seeped out and it was very clear tasting. Mom and Dad enjoyed it.

Why so Glum Chum?

Can't you tell that there is Sun Shining after the cold wet morning? Oh, it must be you two just hit your landmark birthdays.... 40 & 50 meet.

We actually had just finished a rousing worship team practice and it left us all feeling wide awake and younger (Thanks for the drums Steve)

First Home Golf Match: Orcas vs Lopez

I wasn't the only one out there watching the putting on hole #1. Mr & Mrs Mallard were not that interested, just happily playing in the water.(there's a little creek there)
Coach Bobby was briefing the golfers on regulations and mapping out water hazards for all.
Coach Tetu from Lopez and some of his golfers before play.


Joe is putting for Birdie on hole 6. It is a prime example of close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes.
He shot a nice score of 43 the second lowest score of the day. It is just the beginning of season and we look forward to many a nice day walking the course and watching golf (Joe play).

GRADUATION DAY

Would you believe the blog queen was busy taking pictures for everyone else or posing in them to take good ones for myself! But to wet your whistle a little I will post part of the ceremony of graduation.
The students were welcomed in by the Bellingham Pipe Band. I found them excellent both in sound and performance. I would love to hear them again.


It seemed as if there was a competition when your student's name was announced, it was your chance to cheer them on, or simply for them to know they had a rooting section somewhere in the audience. We were way up in the nosebleed section and Angie had no idea where we were seated. So I am not a high paid videographer. Oh well. The moment is captured for us to remember and for you to peek at. It was such a happy day. I will follow with more pictures when I get them.

His Special Gals and kids

I hear tell that Grant's Mum tossed him a stuffed animal to have him glance in the direction of who had thrown it, revealing his sweet mother. She flew in from Scotland to be here for this most special day. Ronna had a wonderful plan and some wonderful elves that did their specialty and pulled things off smooth as silk. It brings tears to my eyes.

Anatomy of a Surprise

We gathered together in the Episcopal parish hall and waited for the signal that Ronna had arrived with the birthday boy. Ian was at the ready with bagpipes and the lights were turned out. In a short while we began hearing the music and seeing Ronna leading Grant to his chair of honor. There were so many people present that most of us did not really see what was going on. Rick tried to move with the crowd and capture a little on film. It was the most special time of surprise as Grant removed his blindfold and saw so many happy, well wishing friends with Joy and Love on their faces. I wonder if Grant could really take it all in. We had been gearing up for the surprise for weeks. It was really hard work keeping everything secret, but after a long winter, it is really cool to have something like this to look forward to. Gee, I hope we can do it again when he turns 50!

Catch of the Day

So I am laying in bed just before 7:00 having a good sleep in and I hear the cat enter through the cat door. There seems to be a little commotion and then a scream. What?? I get up and tell Rick that the cat's brought something in that screams. I close off the room and get a flash light and gloves. It could be a rat. Meanwhile Midnight is running behind Rick's bookcase, around, middle shelf, papers are flying, another scream and then we see the little eye peeking out between two books. It's a bunny, a baby bunny! We've never seen baby bunnies around our house let alone inside! Somehow Rick gets to it before Midnight. Oh it's so cute and it's little heart is doing pitter patter. Notice in the picture above Rick's new Geek Clock that only he can read! Thanks Barb and Robb!
Of course we had to wake up the girls. How often can you say you caught a baby bunny in your bedroom (say that fast 5 times) Jenny took a movie of it and I will post it when she forwards it to me. Oh so cute. We then had to get Nugget inside for Rick to go let the bunny loose. Nugget would love a new squeaky toy. All is well. Meanwhile, Midnight is still looking around in the bedroom for his prize.

Birthday Weekend

One of our dearest friends had a landmark "40" birthday. Grant Myles-Era was surprised in a gathering of over 150 people wishing him a happy birthday and delighting him with a combined gift of his dream guitar. Grant is loved by many because of his Servant heart and his Humble nature. Always giving, loving and praying for others. It was our opportunity to delight and surprise him collectively. Cheers!
It was fun to see all the people from all walks, come together for this fun gathering.
Blurry, but you get the idea that Rick had the breakfast of his dreams for his 50th Bday.
Jenny brought home a little pink friend full of candy to help celebrate her Daddy's big 5-OH!
We had fun playing Settlers... Look closely at Jenny's blue dividing line of roads. She won! I was orange otherwise known as the dummy hand. It was a whirlwind weekend enjoyed by all.

Jenny is Visiting

So, We had an early birthday for Jenny and a on the money birthday celebration for Daddio. Joe took care of "candle placement". Two big ones and one match for "21". We were in the middle of playing Settlers of Catan and took a cake break.

Cat, Jenny and Megan. Three Amigos who live together, all nursing students and play together over Spring Break.
Sunday afternoon on the beach was pretty chilly. No, on second thought it was cold as all get out. Finding treasure has it's costs.

I thought today's date was MARCH 9th???

It was snowing when I left for work, just a little. After about an hour I took a look outside and this is the view looking to Island Market from the front door of the church.
This is the side yard to get a look at how it was blowing and snowing.
Yes, I was driving home, but honestly... driving on Orcas is not like driving in Seattle. It looks like it is starting to clear up.
And the final view of the homestead as I was pulling in. What date is it??? I am so confused!

Catch Up Day

Meet Katie Ray, the long awaited Grand Niece, born to Kristi and Adam. She is a sweetie who has us all craving more pictures!
We had the rare treat of enjoying a high school Mariachi band from Wenatchee, WA. They were so very good that after a small show at the High School we decided to see them perform at the Orcas Center. It was over a week ago and I still find myself humming their songs.
The difficult angles and unplumb walls have slowed progress, but Rick has renewed interest and the end is in sight.
Angie joined us this weekend and we enjoyed shopping, playing, knitting hearts, yard detail, she finished a paper to turn in, and last but not least a joint birthday party since she will not be here for Rick's bday on this coming Saturday. Angie's graduation is in two very short weeks, so we addressed announcements and talked details.

Jenny is coming in on Friday with some friends. We are trying to get enough sleeping situations set up for them. We will have a joint party for Jenny and Rick next weekend. Did anyone else notice Rick is getting two cakes this year? Chocolate/chocolate and probably yellow/?? Maybe coconut? My mom used to make the prettiest coconut cakes. White on white on white.

We just helped Angie out to the car and said our good byes. There were flurries in the air. I am soooooo ready for spring.