Verne and Lori May

Posting to our blog

2012-01-07T12:47:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve in bed By 9

2011-12-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

It was a quite night, Two movies, a great dinner of huge shrimp, olive Ciabatta bread,fresh gouda, blue cheese and a great strawberry smoothie. And we must not forget, the best company ever,Us.

It’s Christmas in Killarney with all of the kids at Home

2011-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is my Christmas double yoker……..

Every May down in Vancouver, the tall and the small

liked Christmas a lot . . .

But the kids in Roy, Utah thought Christmas was HOT . . .

Since Ryan and Heidi took all of their wee little Who's

to Disneyland and Lego Land, they didn't even need shoes.

Avin and Cohen rode all the thrill rides, while

True Who asked for a Princesses by her side.

All the rest of the May's were hanging stockings so dear,

Tomorrow is Christmas, it's practically here.

Casey and Lindsi and the Who's in there home

were dreaming about characters they felt were their own.

Brooklyn was singing a Taylor Swift song,

Olivia was dancing, her steps were so strong.

Nathan became a T.V. Game Star,

playing Mario inside, he really went far.

Cody was Spider man, his favorite of all,

spinning webs, jumping high, and climbing a wall.

MaryLeigh and Evelyn were angels, who sang about Jesus,

While Porter, my lone shepherd, gathered his sheep all around us.

Cute Wesley Who was our sheep at the stable,

Baylor and Cody the Wise Men so able.

Brooklyn a “Wise girl” was the third on the scene,

reciting Luke 2 and it made us all beam.

So, the May's, young and old, had a wonderful night,

the family together is a humbling sight.

Thanksgiving Heidi and Ryan’s

2011-11-29T08:29:00.001-08:00

We arrived in Utah on Tues. night, and Weds. morning we started the food preparation for our Thanksgiving meal. We made pies, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rolls, and cranberry sauce. On Thanksgiving day Verne, Heidi, and Ryan went running and it looks like they stopped long enough to take a picture of the sunrise. When they came back it was the Turkeys time. The turkey had been sitting in a brine over night and Verne loves to put all kinds of herbs and spices to keep it tender!!! YUM Cohen never took off his Pilgrim hat, he even bowled in it on Thanksgiving day. The weather was so dry and sunny Heidi wanted to take pictures of her family so we went for a drive to an old warehouse by their house on Friday morning. The food was beautiful right down to the rainbow jello. Even the chickens had a plate of our Thanksgiving meal. Here we are at the bowling ally. I know we look really good and seems like we are even celebrating some good rolls, but when we only bowl once a year what do you expect? Sat. afternoon the Baldwin’s came to Roy after being with Casey’s family for Thanksgiving. They wanted to get down the road a little bit so we got together and rode the Frontrunner (train) into temple square to see the famous Christmas lights. Here we are waiting for the train. It was so fun for everyone.

Before the lights, while it was still daytime, we went and watch the movie about Joseph Smith and took a picture at the family research room in the Joseph Smith building. We got a bite to eat in a cute little café, on the tenth floor, called the GARDEN. The view of the Salt Lake Temple was fabulous. We could really see forever. And the light did not disappoint!!! We had seen a documentary about how long they take to plan and get ready for the lights at Temple Square. They start in April and they figure about 15 thousand strands of lights are on some of the bigger trees. They place a white floating nativity in the pool on the East side of the temple and little votive lights are floating all around the nativity. The night was magical.

Verne must have taken this picture of Heidi. This is a James family look when we are having the time of our lives!!!

Northwest lake above Condit Dam, and Dog Creek

2011-11-05T18:42:00.001-07:00

Today we went with the Dyers up to Condit Dam, on the White salmon river, to observe the aftermath of the breaching of the dam. This dam was finished in 1913, and generated enough energy to supply 7000 homes with electricity. The cost of building a fish ladder to allow salmon to go around the dam was too expensive, so PGE decided to decommission the dam and remove it. They bored a hole through the bottom of the dam and then dynamited it the rest of the way to release the water from the lake. It was expected to take 6 hrs. for the lake to drain, it only took one hour and 10 minutes.It was an awesome sight. I watched it as it happened, last week. From these pictures you can see how much silt had built up the last 100 years behind the dam The engineers hope that the fall and spring rains will wash most of it out to the Columbia by next summer.There are many dead Thule salmon on the high river banks. They did not make it.

This is Dog Creek, a very small creek that ends with a beautiful waterfall. It is maybe 3 blocks from the Columbia with no access to the river. Some how these fish have found a tunnel under highway 14 from the Columbia and spawn in this little stream. Rick and his Dad stopped here years ago and said the stream was chuck full of salmon. I have seen it and it is true. There were 3 big salmon in the small waterfall pond. it is only a couple of feet deep. You can wade out and pick them up. Here are some fish that have spawned and died. Next year I am going up and try netting some at the beginning of the run, when they will be good to eat. it was a great, fun day in the most beautiful place on earth, the Northwest.

Pumpkin carving

2011-10-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

It’s time to have a pumpkin party in the barn.Apple Cider from Joe’s Place and Krispie Kreme donuts. Of course dinner in the pumpkin and vegies for the healthy part. This is a fun tradition we have done for the last few years and it started in the shop when the kids were younger. One year Tyler Clark came and carved his pumpkin with us along with cutting himself with a knife. (Memorable) We later moved to the garage and finally to the barn (duh the best)This is our resident Martha Stewart demonstrating how to look fabulous while getting slimy and messy. This year was the scary cat and the

Grim Reaper. Casey helped with the traditional Jack-O-lanterns.Time for a cousin pose and back to carving. Brooklyn’s spider web was awesome, especially when she put her candle in it. Great Job Brooky B. You can’t tell very well but I see Edward Scissor Hands. Logan should have been a surgeon. He wields the knife like he is doing intricate cuts. They later went home and carved another pumpkin who looked like a Gremlin.

We ended the week with a ward trunk or treat night. It’s always fun to wear your costume!!! Happy Halloween.

Pumpkins, it’s time

2011-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, BOY!!! It’s time to pick the pumpkins and Logan and Baylor came over just in time. Baylor was so excited and is so strong. Some of those pumpkins are really heavy. The best part is driving the tractor from the garden to the barn. So, which is the biggest pumpkin????? BEND OVER AND I’LL SHOW YOU!!

Battle road, Boston to Concord

2011-09-27T07:31:00.001-07:00

Today is Sept. 24 and we are flying home to Vancouver, oh but wait, we have a few hours before the plane leaves. We have time to visit some historic sites of the revolutionary war. From the main road into Concord, MA you can see the

“battle road” during the 1775 war this is the road the settlers and the British used and homes and taverns are along its side. This road stretched all the way from Boston to Lake Champlain. Reenactments of the first battle are performed to show tourist the life and events of that first day. We went to a national visitor center and watched a very informative movie.

Then on the road we went. The Meriam house was close to the road for the British and an historical home that they broke in to to see if any rebels were hold up in there. Our last stop was the house that Nathaniel Hawthorn lived in while he lived in Concord,MA. He bought the home from another author family “the Alcott’s” The Alcott family called this home their “Hillside” home. When the Hawthorn’s lived in the house they called it the “Wayside” We had a fantastic time on our trip, and now it’s a memory. When we returned to Vancouver,WA Verne was set apart as the Bishop of the Fairway Village Ward.

Thanksgiving for FALL

2011-09-24T04:42:00.001-07:00

Friday Sept. 23, 2011, the first day of Fall. What a perfect day to visit a Pilgrim village so we drove to Plymouth, MA to “Plimoth Plantation” This was a really nice recreation of the life in 1620’s when the Puritan’s of England came to America. Of course the Puritan’s had chickens and Verne followed a rooster to get a good view. We saw the assembly hall/fort with cannons. We drove a little farther to the ocean area where the “rock” is. Of course it is the rock where their ship “Mayflower” landed. We went on board and talked with the crew. Well here is our last Lobster meal. What, “2”? I think Verne over did it by “1”. Can you have too much lobster? YES, says Verne. Back on the road to Salem, MA to “The house of the Seven Gables” This was the house Nathaniel Hawthorn wrote about. He authored the book even though he did not live in this house his cousin did and she told him the history of the house which was built in 1668. I guess he liked the story and he wrote this beloved book in 1851.

We had a fabulous tour of the house and also the house he was born in which was moved to this property from another location down the street. Laurie and I had another …

“literary moment”.

Listen My Children………

2011-09-23T19:54:00.001-07:00

We’re in Boston. We drove to a transit center and got on the subway to get to down town Boston. (FUN) We started our tour at the museum of science to board an amphibious army vehicle. Our driver gave us a great look at the city and the “history” of the area. We saw the state house, but Verne needed a haircut first. The tour also took us into the Charles River. What a fun look at the skyline of the city.

After the tour we took our own tour following the “freedom trail” marked in red along the sidewalks and roads. (2 1/2 miles) During the walk we found ourselves at a delicious pastry store where we treated ourselves to a “cannoli” Boston boast of very good Italian food and next to the pastry store was our Italian lunch.YUM Back on the trail we came to the Paul Revere home. The next stop was the famous Old North Church, where the two lanterns were placed in the belfry tower. Revere and 2 friends road to Concord,MA from Lexington,MA when Revere was captured, one went back to Lexington, and the third (Prescott) continued to Concord.

“The 18th of April in 75” Walking back to the subway Verne shared a bench with a famous coach of the basket ball team “Boston Celtics”

Casey, I hope you now who he is???? This is Bunker hill where the bloodiest battle of the revolutionary war took place. The American soldiers of 500, held off 4000 British soldiers for 3 days. The Americans finally had to quit and run because they ran out of ammunition. We lost only 2 soldiers. They had heavy casulties. The last stop of the day was a real highlight. We toured the U.S.S. Constitution. Built in 1894 under the direction of Pres. George Washington. The ship was beautiful and is the oldest commissioned war ship in the world. We were so tired and hot when we got back to the motel we showered and went to bed. We had a very full day.

Magical HISTORY Tour

2011-09-21T19:44:00.001-07:00

We woke up on Wednesday morning in Barre,VT. Not a very significant little town until we drove south to Sharon, VT and we read the plaques at the Joseph Smith’s birthplace. The impressive monument that was cut from a granite quarry came from Barre, VT. Pres. Joseph F. Smith had a general authority, Wells, oversee the monument, commemorating 100th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s Dec. 5th birthday.

We couldn’t help but notice all the devastation from the Hurricane Irene. VT was hit very hard which was very unusual for this area. We continued our drive to Boston,MA for lunch. We shared a Yankee pot roast sandwich and of course, a Boston cream individual pie. After lunch we toured historic Concord, MA. Sleepy Hollow Cemetary, Minute Men Monument, Louisa May Alcott’s Home, Walden’s Pond, Lexington, MA where the minute men headquarters were in the Buckman Tavern (build in 1709) Laurie and I really enjoyed our tour at Louisa May Alcott’s home where 80 percent of the house is original and built in 1750. Her family moved to this house in 1858. We could not believe the home was over 100 years old when they moved in.

From church history to American history, it was magical.

History, Barns, and the SUGAR SHACK

2011-09-20T19:44:00.001-07:00

Tuesday we woke up and headed to “Fort Ticonderoga” in New York. We crossed from VT to NY on a ferry across the Lake Champlain, it took about 6 minutes. One house at the crossing was made from rocks scavenged at the fort after about 1900. In the fort we learned about the history of the fort and the revolutionary war. We saw a reenactment of the soldiers how they loaded the muskets, how they stood in lock position as they shot. That means three soldiers stood together one behind the other, one would be down to shoot, the next would stand behind with his foot touching the back foot of the first one, the third also was standing and leaning out away from the second and touching his shoulder with his raise elbow. All the men were locked together so they would know exactly were everyone was. After a couple of hours we got a burger and headed EAST. We couldn’t resist an apple farm and a maple (pure maple) ice cream cone called a CREAMY. Back on the road we past a house we thought was the scary house from the show PHYCO (in the 1960’s) Through the middle of the state of VT to see some maple SUGAR SHACKS. Verne, again, couldn’t resist climbing on a tractor and noticing the rural beauty of old barns and just imagining the possibilities of the things that could be stored in them. We are really looking forward to our ride to Sharon,VT tomorrow. The birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith. His family couldn’t have lived in a more beautiful area. We will have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

“FA” a long, long way to go. . .

2011-09-19T18:59:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning we had a local breakfast and ferried back to the mainland. We got in the car and began our 9 hour road trip from Rockland, ME to Stowe, VT. As we passed through New Hampshire we took some pictures in Conway, NH at some covered bridges. We also passed Mt. Washington (in New Hampshire) and the beautiful hotel. Because New England is know for its beautiful granite, we stopped by the wayside and took pictures of water falling down the granite mountains. A few miles from Stowe we stopped and had pizza We arrived at 10:00 p.m. and planned our Monday in Stowe, VT.

We had to start on the gondola that went up Mansfield Mt. ski resort. When we got to the top the view below was breathtaking. The only thing that would have made it better was if the view below was with the leaves in their fall colors. Not far from the gondola we drove to the famous “Von Trapp” Lodge. The family settled in Stowe, VT after they were driven out of Austria in 1938. This family was made famous to American’s afterthe movie “The Sound of Music” told their story. We went to the bakery on the property and ate a “STRUDEL” We got back into the car and sang “The Hill’s are Alive with the Sound of Music” We all enjoyed a European moment. We visited an apple juice farm (Verne couldn’t resist the tractor.) We also visited Cabot Creamery and sampled lots of cheese . We ended the tour with the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory. Verne was not happy that of all the hundreds of flavors they have our free sample was “mint chocolate chip” He made it up to himself and ordered a yummy ice cream cone of his choice. We filled the day with everything we wanted to do so we headed to Burlington, VT (our next stay) We ate at a very nice restaurant and had fabulous “clam chowder” and “lobster”. Tomorrow we will be in New York for a short while.

Windows Live Writer for Windows XP

Saturday in New England

2011-09-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

Waking up in Portland, ME we headed to Cape Elisabeth and visited the lighthouses. What a unexpected surprises, this weekend the lighthouses of Maine were all open and free!! We started at "Portland Head Lighthouse" then "Bug Light" and then "Spring Point". On our ferry ride to Vinalhaven, ME we passed another lighthouse along with some lobster boats. While we waited for the ferry we had a delicious lobster sandwich at the Brass Compass Cafe (know for winning the Bobby Flay throwdown) OH YEAH ! You can see we really enjoyed it. Vinalhaven was a special stop for the Dyer's since Rick's family history has its roots here and today happens to be his dad's B-day. It's amazing how we are drawn to our roots to feel a bond with our ancestors. We are really having a beautiful start to our trip. While in Freeport,ME we indulged our taste buds on some yummy crepes. (rick and laurie had a European moment) What is a trip to New England without visiting "L. L. Bean" and a picture by the original boot? Maine and especially, Vinalhaven, is know for the granite. Everything is made from granite instead of cement. Even the picnic tables are granite. (no one will take that out of your yard!) We are looking forward to a long drive tomarrow through New Hampshire and Vermont.

From Portland to Portland

2011-09-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

We left the Portland Oregon airport at 7am and landed in Boston at 7 pm. Very long flight. We had a lay over in Chicago for about 2 hours. We had a huge rice crispy treat. It reminded us of Rosco's at the family reunion. We met our friends daughter, Christina, who lives in Boston and she loaned us her pass through card. The card gets us through all the tolls on the roads without stopping. We will have to reimburse her when we are done.
We got a rental car and left Boston, drove for 2 more hours and arrived in Portland Maine. We ate Lobster rolls at Sebago's. Very good.

The Merry Go Round went around for the last time, ready for an overhaul

2011-09-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

Jake Bitton and the family are taking down the merry go round for some needed maintenance. This merry go round was in the park in Camas Washington. Lori and I would take the kids to play on it when they were just babies. We are talking 1982 and on. They loved it because it would spin so fast. They would hold on and I would push as hard as I could , until they were holding on with all their might. Their bodies would be horizontal because they were going so fast. We went back to the park in 185 and found that they had bought a new one. It would hardly spin. The kids were heart broken. I called the city of Camas to find out why they had replaced it. they said it was to dangerous because of the speed that it could turn. I asked what they had done with it, They said they had it in their crap heap. I asked if I could but it. They said for 10 dollars it is yours. I paid the man his 10$. rented a trailer and brought it home. When they poured the foundation for the basement I had them pour the extra cement on the spindle of the merry go round. When the well was put in I had them use the crane they had brought to lift and place the platform of the merry go round. It has had many paint jobs courtesy of Logan. The turkeys loved to roost on it and many years of youth from our ward and neighbors have enjoyed this little piece of history.The merry go round is in the upper right hand corner of the picture. Summer of 1985. We have had many years of pleasure from this old metal piece of nostalgia. When it is rebuilt we will have many more decades of fun.

It’s Swan Island Dahlia Time and Porter’s Baptism

2011-08-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mom out working on her flowers.Porter was baptised on the 21st of August at the Vancouver East Stake Center, by his Dad. The flowers were as spectacular as ever.

Fresh out of the garden. Except for the salmon.

Manship Reunion at Bear lake Utah, Chesterfield Idaho (A Pioneer Story), and the James

2011-08-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

I went to Roy,UT to see Heidi who found out the Dr.s could not find a heartbeat at her last Appointment. Her little baby girl (Ila) was stillborn and was delivered on Aug. 4th. Heidi and Ryan are so sad but so strong. I guess we have to be. On Thurs. Aug. 11 Verne flew into town and we prepared for the Manship Reunion. Mom and Dad were at the last reunion in McCall, ID in 2009. We have our reunions every other year so 2011 we planned to go to Bear Lake, between Idaho and Utah. In the two years since McCall both Mom and Dad have passed away. It was sad they weren’t here but I’m sure they would be happy we got together and had a wonderful reunion. On our way to Bear Lake we went through Brigham City, UT and saw the new Temple being built and took pictures at the tabernacle. The lake was almost to the lake house which made it so nice for boating and swimming right off the grassy lawn. The last evening (sat. night) the moon was so beautiful we stopped and took pictures. Jeff, Kurt, and Brian and their families left Sat. after dinner. Alan and Kristin and family and our family had a campfire and roasted marshmellows. We took a little day trip to Paris, ID just down the street and took some pictures of their tabernacle and took a tour inside. When we left Bear Lake we headed to Chesterfield, ID (the pioneer settlement where Verne’s ancestors settled) We were met by Verne’s sister, Penni Lee and Jack who made a wonderful Sunday lunch for us. Rosco and Rinda came and met us there also. They gave a us a fantastic tour of this restored community and told stories of the people who settled here. Verne was touched by the heritage he has. We headed back to Utah and got to Heidi’s about midnight Sunday. The next morning we had time to visit Farr’s Ice Cream and take a ride on the frontrunner. We also went to the Ogden Temple and watch the reconstruction of it. We went to the Airport about 5:00 p.m. We really filled a few days with some very wonderful memories. It was so fun to do all this with Heidi’s kids and we really want to thank Ryan’s parents for letting us stay in their Lake house. What a memorable trip!!!

Mt. Adams…….Killer

2011-08-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Paul Richards asked if I wanted to climb Mt. Adams with his son Chad. Why not, if a 13 year old can I can. We started out at 4200’. It took us 3.5 hours to climb to 9000’. We stopped at lunch counter for lunch. It is a level area at the base of the glacier. We started our ascent. It was slow going, 5-10 steps at a time. Then you had to stop and try and catch your breath. It got colder as we climbed. We reached the false summit 4.5 hrs. later and gone 1.3 miles, and gained 1185 more feet in elevation. I was frozen and out of energy so I did not go with Paul and Chad the last 3/4 of a mile to the very top, 12236’.
There are ruts in the snow that have been made by people sliding sown the mountain. You ride them down. It is called glassading. What had taken me 4.5 hours to climb, took me 12 minutes to slide down to lunch counter. It was a once in a lifetime experience to slide down that mountain.
WE left the house at 5 am Friday and got home at 12:30 am on Saturday. We climbed 8000 vertical feet, went 12.6 miles, climbed for 13 hours with no real break.

Grandma Manship

2011-08-01T22:03:00.001-07:00

Mom passed away on July 20th. Five years ago her brother Marvin passed away the same day. We will miss her and Dad so much, but the memories are such a treasure. Their wedding day, their 40th anniversary, our family trip to Mexico, their last address on Acheron Ave., LuJean’s funeral, a family reunion to Wallawa Lake (2005),a trip to Chicago with them, True’s blessing in Roy, UT, Mom and Dad’s birthdays (80th and 82nd), pictures of her at “You’re at Home” care center (April 2011)

Avin gets the egg

2011-07-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Heidi and Ryan are at the beach for a few days. We are watching avin. Just got back from Grandma Manships funeral. Heeeeeeeeres Avin...................

Logan’s Fence, Indian Heaven, Heidi and Ryan are here

2011-07-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Heidi and Ryan came to Vancouver for their annual visit. Verne and Ryan helped Logan build his fence on Thursday. On Friday, the Dad’s promised the boys they would take them to Thomas Lake in Indian Heaven Wilderness area. They were going to spend Friday night and Saturday night. Friday night went well even though some of their hiking- in to camp was across fields of snow. Dinner looked good and everyone was happy then night fell and so did the RAIN. By morning they were ready to pack up and come home. A camping trip wouldn’t be compete without a stop at I-HOP for breakfast. Boys like to eat, RAIN or SHINE!

mmm good

Devils Tongue and the 4th of July

2011-07-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Years ago Perry gave us a plant that he called “Devil’s Tongue” we have had years of fun watching it grow and amazing everyone how much it STINKS. It even attracts flies it stinks so much. Oh well, it really is an interesting plant. The forth of July was great. The weather cooperated and it was sunny and warm. We made homemade ice cream, and ate hamburgers with the Dyer family. We joined the Foltz family later that night for the most amazing firework display ever. It really does get better. Thank to our pyroclastic engineers, Larry, Doug, Brandon,and Rick. We are glad that Brandon didn’t get hurt too bad. (He had a firework explode too soon and really scared us.)

Strawberry Jelly Time

2011-06-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Grandma decided to make strawberry jam for all of the kids this year. They went to Joe’s Place for the berries and then to Lindsi’s to make the jam. The kids all helped and had fun learning how to make jam. (Everybody loves peanut butter jelly time!) They are exceptionally good this year.

Verne May reunion 2011 Sunriver

2011-06-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

June was very fun, Callie had the idea to go to Sunriver, OR and the theme was “SURVIVOR” We rode our bikes to “GOODIES” We played SURVIVOR games. We went fishing and the kids had a blast!!! We looked in a Sunriver magazine and there was a picture of MaryLeigh fishing from last year. TOO CUTE. Each of the families took a night or morning for preparing food that was better than any restaurant we could have gone to. YUM!! On the last night we had a talent show and all the kids loved showing their dancing and singing and juggling skills. We were so excited that Heidi and Ryan could meet us there, to make the weekend complete!!! We had lots of fun playing Survivor games.

The pool goes in.

2011-06-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

After 15 years the pool liner is being replaced! This Spring was so wet and cold we were hoping for a few dry days to put the new liner in. YAY!!! Looks easy doesn’t it? Thanks to Verne, Logan, Casey, and Bob the liner went in beautifully. THANKS! During the installation the kids couldn’t resist the slippery slide even though the water was sooooo cold. I guess the funny part of the whole project was Casey and Verne both slipped unexpectedly into the water (BURRR, but funny)

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T14:19:00.001-07:00

Spent the day mowing, emptying the sand out of the sand filter on the pool. Put up a bunch of flags…………………looks good. Mom gets home tomorrow at 3 pm. I am going to Lindsi’s tonight for a BBQ. Callie and Logan with families will be there. Should be fun……….was fun……..strawberry-rhubarb ice-cream…………….mmmmmmmm.

Ketchup Day in May

2011-05-28T14:20:00.001-07:00

I have been a slacker and not kept up. We went to Boise to clean out Grandma Manships house 3weeks ago, had my birthday and Mothers day in the pool house, and now it is Memorial Day weekend. Mom is in Roy with Heidi after a stay with Grandma. I am left alone again. The pool is torn apart waiting for a warm day to put a new liner, and the hot tub sprung a leak , and I am waiting for parts to fix it. It has been raining like mad for the last week and I can’t even get in the hot tub to relax. I planted the yard yesterday, spread 3 yards of 3-way soil on it first. That was a workout. I just finished planting and the heavens opened and dumped on me. I was going to mow but the belt on the mower brake so I had to fix that.. I will be happy when I get everything working again. We have four new additions to our hen house.Two buff Orpingtons, one golden Wyndotte, one blue laced red wyndotte. I am freezing some chocolate Macadamia nut ice cream right now. I will have to put a picture on the blog of it.

Maui 2011

2011-04-10T16:57:00.001-07:00

In Like a Lion, Out like a Lion

2011-03-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

What’s with the snow in Spring 2011????? We had to take pictures of the yard in another white blanket of snow. I visited my mother in Boise in Feb. and we took her out for dinner with Kay and Brian. Mom has always enjoyed dinners out and she felt well enough to go a couple of times while I was in Boise. When I got home for Boise, the girls wanted to have a “sleep over” at grandma and grandpa’s house. I know this doesn’t look like a “sleep over” but we took them to Chucks Market for geloto and Verne had to take a picture of the girls in front of these old cars in the produce section. Evelyn and Baylor came over for a dip in the hot tub, and I had them pose in their floaties. All the grandkids love to go in the hot tub. FUN, FUN, FUN.

Munson Creek Falls Spontaneous Road Trip and More

2011-02-20T14:01:00.001-08:00

Eggs come in many different sizes.

It snowed on the 16th of Feb. Brrrrrrrrrrrr.

So…. Sat. Feb. 19th Verne came up with an idea to go see a waterfall we hadn’t seen before. He said it was the largest fall in the Coastal Range Mt. and the 2nd largest in Oregon. The Munson Falls were just about 6 miles from Tillamook, Oregon and we went to see them. Of coarse in Tillamook we had to stop at the cheese factory, which we hadn’t done since the kids were little. We got a bowl of ice cream and some “designer” cheese. The falls were very impressive and we started heading North on Hwy. 101 on our way home. Each town we came to we had not seen for some time and didn’t remember even being in some of the towns. It was a beautiful day and the ice cream was not enough to take the place of a meal. The closer we got to Cannon Beach our mouths were watering for the halibut fish and chips from Ecola Fish Market. Well it just so happens that Callie and Brandon and the kids were at the beach house so we gave them a call. Callie was so funny when we told her we were about 20 min. away and would stop and say “hi” on our way back to Vancouver. We found her and the kids on the beach and when she said to the kids, “Look who’s here!!!” They all looked up and said,…”BONZI” Oh, well. We played in the sand for a while and gave the the babes a hug good-bye. We really had a most enjoyable day.

Car show 2011

2011-01-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

Mom and I went with the Hills to the Auto Show.

We saw the old and the new. It was a fun evening. The old black car is from 1909, a Detroit Electric. Would go 90 miles at 30 mph. We have come full circle.

It’s A New year, Let’s Roll

2011-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

The Dyers went with us to the coast to use the Christmas present the girls gave us, which was a weekend at the beach. We had a wonderful weekend. The Hills beach house is so nice, quiet and close to the beach.

The chickens have been busy too. They are really gearing up for some production.

Mom has been busy making a new quilt for Brookee B. It is for her 9th. birthday. Very Nice!!!

The Baldwin's were over yesterday, as were the Hills. Callie, Porter, Brooklyn, and Mary Leigh moved and stacked a big pile of wood that was in the pasture. While the Baldwin's were here Nathan fell and split his head open. Needless to say he needed stitches. So here he is.

I came home from Mount Norway ward conference and this is what was waiting for me mmmmmmm…………… This is for Ashley.

2010 A YEAR TO REMEMBER

2010-12-31T14:46:00.000-08:00

And the rest of the story....................................

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T15:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve 2010 and all of the May’s, had been planning the nativity and practiced for days.

It’s always so fun to decide who will be who, but we’re missing our Cohen, Avin, and True.

So this year the stable will be filled with a cast of 9 other grandkids it will be quite a blast.

We have two perfect angels looking over the scene Olivia and Evelyn with white costumes so clean,

and MaryLeigh is our Mary, and Nathan is Joe, we just need baby Jesus then we’re ready to go.

Well, aren’t we lucky we’ve got a babe of our own, With Wesley in the manger he’ll feel right at home.

Our family loves animals so it’s only fitting to show 4 little shepherds with lambs they can tow.

Porter, Cody, and Baylor too, watch over the flock they know just what to do.

Brooklyn’s the shepherd who saw the great light, and read us the account on that heavenly night.

The wisemen were there in costumes so bold, bearing gifts for the Christ child of myrrh, frankincense , and gold.

We ate, and played games, and had lots of fun, but we will always remember that Jesus Christ is the one.

He taught us to care and to “come follow me”, He walked on the water and parted the sea.

He forgave every person who tried to choose right, and this is the reason we follow the light.

So, we need to keep His commandments and remember His birth, and pray for a time when there is Peace on Earth.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill

2010-11-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

Mom and I went to Woodland WA. and visited the Cedar Creek Grist Mill. It is run by a water powered turbine that was placed in the creek in 1876. We watched them mill corn and wheat. Learned that the Indians ground grain with rocks. Milling is when the stones turn and mill the grain. The original stones are still being used, and came from France around 1875. They have not got one crack in them. The Mill was a wreck until 1980 when someone decided to save it. The building was pretty much gone. They were not going to rebuild until they noticed a shaft coming out of a cement silo. They pulled the one ton turbine out and found that it was still in good condition. After some research they found that the company who had built it was still in business. They replaced the worn parts with stainless steel and put it back in the hole. It worked like a charm.

Thanksgiving Default

2010-11-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

Callie and Lindsi were all planning to head to Utah for Thanksgiving, which left us home alone

. The weather changed their minds. So we had them over for the day. Logan and Ashley were at her folks for the day. Before dinner we all went To Big Al,s for our bowling activity.

The dinner was superb. Lots of pie………………….

Brandon paints the Family room

2010-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Brandon painted the family walls and crown molding. I replaced all the baseboard before he started and it looks great.