Week 51 - Oregon City - December 18 - December 24, 2023

MONDAY - we took Logan to Clackamas Town Center for his Christmas Activity - he chose "going to the mall, looking at things, and eating something".  Our first stop was the store, Game Stop< which was closed because the employee hadn't shown up.  So, we wandered our way in and amongst stores and ended up at the food court where got smoothies from Jamba Juice, and a triple Orange Chicken from Panda Express.  

We went back to Game Stop, which was finally open, and Logan looked and drooled at everything.  We ended our mall trip with a visit to a bulk candy shop(next time I will take him to WinCo for a candy stop.

We got home just in time to head over to Marylhurst to do a short afternoon concert/recital for sister Jeanette and her fellow sisters at the convent.  Actually, it turned out pretty nice.

TUESDAY - we went to OMSI.  Looked at everything.  Kids loved it.  Three was a great exhibit about Orcas.  And, we went on the submarine tour.

FRIDAY - we took Gretchen and Clara, Eric and Jude on their Christmas adventure to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.  Travis went with us too.  I actually had a mental picture of going to the Marine Science Center which is in the very same area, but everyone else was thinking of this place.   It was very interesting and I liked it.  The otter and sea lions were most interesting.

The kids like the penny squishing machine....so unique to this aquarium....not.

I even knew what a megalodon was.

There was a bird talk and this kestrel was the star.  I'd like to get a bird house for a kestrel.

I'd taken and the fixens for sub sandwiches.  We just quietly went to an inconspicuous spot in the cafeteria and ate lunch.

FRIDAY - I joined the remodeling crew at the Cottage and helped paint the color "Dolphin Fin" in the eating nook, kitchen, and bathroom.

The crib installation team put together Jamie's bed

SATURDAY - found us in downtown Portland for our annual Christmas visit.  We did the usual - lunch at Pine Street Market  - - and birthday brownies for Jessica

SUNDAY - we  had the traditional Christmas Eve Mexican food.  I made sopapillas - or doughboys.  I made two whole batches which was way too much.  But-- Warren repurposed the leftovers into cinnamon rolls.

Warren cam prepared with games and prizes.  They were fun for the kids (and a few adults) but there were also some tears.

 Marshmallows and straws

And tomorrow is another Christmas Day.

 Week 50 - Oregon city - December 11 - December 17, 2023

I took a walk in the woods - first in several weeks.  After weeks of heavy rain there were a bunch of snags that had toppled.  Sighhhhhh...a lot of work

I started staining the windows in the kitchen.  Luckily, I found the perfect gel stain, Ipswich Pine, which matches the existing wood perfectly.

Jessica, our first baby girl, turns 50 this week.  Really hard to believe.  All the local siblings and spouses went to the Hive Social restaurant to celebrate.  We had a great time....and a fried chicken sandwich and fries which I strongly recommend.

On Saturday Warren, Copeland, and I went to Corvallis for the opening of the women's gymnastics season.  It was fun to see all the new gymnasts and of course, Jade Carey.

We had lunch at a Japanese restaurant....but the employees all seemed to be Chinese.

On Sunday, Jessica, Bev, Travis, and Warren played O Holy Night.  They were nearly divine.

And...for this week's cat photos

 Week 49 - Oregon City - December 4- December 10 1023

MONDAY - the beginning of our new windows.  The Hurd windows we installed (Dave Maginnis Installed) back in 1991-92 were failing.  They would no longer close properly; the plastic thingy's that held the window in place were cracking; the exterior window sills were rotting....it was a time re up grade to Marvin windows.  Mike Corbin (who is married to Sareah Head to whom we are renting two greenhouses) was our contractor.

Here are the old ones in the kitchen

They're out

New ones are in

Bedroom windows ready to come out

Bedroom windows in  -

Then I had to paint the exterior trim with two coats of brown.   That took a couple of days.

I took Abby to the mall for her Christmas Activity.   We went to Forever 21 (trendy, young style clothing) and Claire's (fashion and jewelry), and to Macy's (clothing department).  She had so much fun.  In Forever 21 there was peppy music playing. and Abby was uninhibitedly dancing in the aisles. She is such a fun and exuberant kid!!!!!

AT the food court we got a Jamba juice, orange chicken from Panda Express, and a Cinnabon - what could be better???

One day this week, after using hand clippers in the woods for a couple of hours, I said to Dad, "I wish I could have a battery powered pair of clippers!"  He said, "they exist!"  My dream had come true...so, with  a bit of online research and a trip to Home Depot, I got as an anniversary gift from both of us to both of us, a Milwaukie cordless brushless pruning shear.  So happy....both of us

Saturday was the Ward Christmas party.  The food was really good!!!!!  Guess who was Santa Claus?

Waiting for his sleigh to arrive.