TODAY, (a day) (at a time, only)

Today, my Wife and I will go back to just being the two of us. Our youngest Son and His Wife, and Delightful Daughter will spend the day in our home. They have been here over a week, now.

Then tonight, they will leave via Air, and travel to Chicago to visit their other Grandmother in Illinos.

They will leave a hole in our wall of air.

SO, we will now turn to packing for our Alaska visit. We will leave on my 75th Birthday, and leave from the pier 71 in Seattle Harbor. sign in is about noon. If you have not traveled by boat, it is great.... just get up and eat, look around, and walk around, then eat. then dress for dinner and eat. Sometimes there is a card game at the game room. Sometimes a photographer pops up and takes your picture. Sometimes you meet others that you like, and want to see again. The big thing is that a boat tro[ os s;ee[omg and eating, and walking. This is an activity that costs, and costs..... but is so .... SO relaxing.

The boat is the Golden Princess, and is about 1-tenth of a Mile long. If you walk around the boat five times, you have walked a mile. Of course there is a jogging track, and a weight room, and an observation area. A restaurant, mambe three, and several bars, and small food prep areas. There is the ice cream vender. There is the never ending entertainmnet.. plays, movies, and paticipation events. The first thing is putting on the life saving gear.- then the lecture explaining how to survive. then taking off the gear, and going back to the cabin. There is a TV in each room. /and Air conditioned interior of the entire vessel. The 2nd day, we will be in port, and there are many things to go and see, that are free. Side events are organized, but they cost.

Yep, - we will have leasure for one week, where we can indulge our whim.

The boat has a library, and other interesting places... and, of course, the Casino. That is the room where the smoke is heavy, and no one looks at you as you pass through to get to the forward assembly theater in the bow. We will be on the Starboard side, about 1/4 of the way from the anchor. That means that it is 3/4 of the ship to the vista lounge on the 4th deck, or Deck D. the ship has about 14 decks.

Our daughter (really, an in law) told us last week that a ship of the Princess line had to go into port and get a dead Whale extracted from the stabilizer equipment near the front of the hull.

Apparently, it had been breaching, and had been hit, and held under the vessel, until it died,and then just hung wedged under the front of the ship. I wonder what the line did for the passengers?

When we get back, we intend to spend some time at Pike Place Market. Look at the shops,check out what there is in fresh fish, other foods, and the inevitable assortment of things to buy, that one has no use, and no reason to have.

It will no doubt be hot. As it has been for the past two weeks. And our home, not air conditoned, will seem unfriendly, and wonderful at the same time.

One thing, we will install some type of air cooler for the house. We have fans, but do not agree on their placement or thier best use. Ah, well!

One thing though, having our youngest granddaughter here has been the greatest event for this year, surpassing going to the doctors and seeing the hospital 911 in action in the Doctor's office treating a person whom had passed out.

And, my activity in the Genealogy Library will be resumed.... not that it will be a happy experience, no - the custodial staff is resurfacing the combination room, and the chemicals,even mild, will waife throughout the building, and offend anyone's nose- especially those whom have allergies.
The Director will probably close the library for a period, and, the odor may havedisapated = don't count on it! there is some talk that the library will be closed for a few weeks. If you beleave that, don't hold your breath.

Then before you know, the school kids will be in their favorite classrooms, and we will be on the allert to watch for them. (as if we did not already, all the time)

THEN, before we know it, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmass. And early next year, we do it all over, except for the boat trip.

Thank GOD that he is there, and loves each of us.

bye for now.

Hello.
Yesterday we had a wonderful day. It was the 20th of July. It has been 4 months
since Kaitlyn was born. She, and our other young girls were here. that is because
both our youngest son and youngest daughter were here with the grandchildren.

Paige with Chick and Babe came. Carrie was already here with Kaitlyn. So we
were blessed with the three youngest grandgirls. The only other babies are our
great grandsons, "the next generation."

Althought the day was not as planned as some are,we had a pleasant time. The
ladies also went on a walk, which could be taken, as we have a stroller. The two
younger gal's were inthe stroller... Chick walked. Ofcourse the two mothers,and
Grandmother walked also.... we have a path for walking very close to our home.

As it was a hot day, yesterday, the ladies didn't walk too far.

High point was watching the girls play... especially the 2 year old. Some folks
say that at 2, a child is terrible... no so. Our 2 year old is a hand full, but she is
very inquisitive, and wants to learn all she can. For example, she got a bit dirty
so into the tub she went. Before we go on, I have been around bath tubs all my
life, and Ann calls me the "oldguy." Well, Chick taaught me that the drain plate
for the override, is not a part of the tub. It is a last minute add on.

Chick not only took it off, but had it buried under the bubbles. Grandma thought
it was gone. Then as the water went down the drain, there it was. We had a small
chuckle over that one. So even oldguys can learn something from a two year old.

Before we knew it, the day was over. I had stayed in my computer room, so didn't
get my full share of watching or interacting with the family women. My loss.

I did get to clean the barbeque - and it is dirty again, and needs cleaning. The gal
I live with was a bit frazelled byday's end, but that is the result of getting older
and our bodies do not restore themselves to the earlier condition.... parts are all
wearing out. We have three cane's now. One of us is a two fisted cane walker.
you can guess which one.

No when the grandboys (there are 5) get here, we can have a real rough time.
One is from our grandson Micah. Two are from our grandgal, Shannon. One
is from our grandgal, Megan. And, the last is from our grandson, Matthew.

Before anyone is left out, the significant other parents are, Evelyn, Matt,
James and Maren.

Just a note for this time period.... on the 23rd we celebrate our 49th year of
being together.... and start our 50th year on the pioneer day holiday which
is the day after.

We get to celebrate our 49th by going to Alaska by water. So, you guys, just
hang in there. Sometimes good things happen to those whom have to wait.

Well, it's late, and time for shut eye... talk to you later, as Ann notes when she
i ending her phone calls. Bye

15 July 2009

Hi:

Wow, what a blast we got today.... On Facebook, we connected with some of the
Scouts I had the pleasure to lead. And recently, have reconnected with the old
friends, whom joined the Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints, in the 1960/70's.

This is turning out to be the best year. Even with the Government going through ...you
add your feelings, and I will pray for divine Guidiance that God may bless each with
righeous desires. (right!)

Back to the topic... it is good to revisit the past, when it was good. and learn tht the good
is still there.

Add to this, the fact that my young son, and his family will be here in a few days. What
a special blessing. And, they get to have my Bedroom, walk in Closet, and extra large
Bath/shower ( large enough for two people to use as a dance hall)

The bonus is that I get to hold and spoil, Kaitlyn, so she can keep up with the rest of our progeny. Don't get the wrong idea.... all my children are spoiling my grandchildren.

Imade many mistakes, and each of my children are going to make their mistakes.... And,
that is a good thing. We learn in this life to be better, and then we get to see what the mistakes were, when we get older, and see how our teaching turned out.

Yes,I did teach. even to those whom think I didn't. Just asl ,y best part,..my wife. She calls me the "Old guy". A term of endearment? (Ya think?)

Gosh, when I awake, I have to think where I put my glasses, and what I'm gooing to do for the day.. No, I'm not senile. No, I'm not indigent, and No, I'm not around the bend already.

But I do need help. Some of my kids, and their significant others, seem to me to think I'm
with one foot in the grave already. Others dismiss my words as if what I say and do have no meaning. Really, all I need is a bit of a clue as to where to go and what to do..

All kiding, aside.... Ann and i will become this fall, or early next year, home missionaries in
the new.familysearch support program. We can stay at home, and help others. What we will do, is man the telephone line for 15 hours each week - thats two days a week. Oour job will be to help others overcome their mistakes, and help them get back onto the program as they wish. We won't do it for them, but will help them get back ontrack and do it themselves.

And with all that, they will never know that we have done or have not done, our own
family history. This is pay back for all the help others have given in the past.

If someone does something good for you, the best thank you, is to pass it along.

And if any of you need help, remember that we are training to be your resource in doing
your family search. Whenyou are on track, you can get the stories and other facts about
your past ancesters.

It's midnight now, so, goodnight, and GOD bless you.

Happy 4th of July -

Hi: Today, my thoughts went out to those whom are
not home, but away serving or protecting our right
to be free.

I am a veteran, having served in the U.S.Army in
time of a Peace Keeping (WAR) event, winding
down in Korea.

Interestingly, when China built the Wall around
it's self, the first part of the great wall was that
between Korea and China. Why, because the
men and women of Korea would not knuckle
down to serve the "foriegn government" of china.

And, when the WW2 was over, China had the
infulence of Communism, and was associated
strongly with the Russians. It was easy to
accumulate a standing army and put it near the
North Korean's border.

Then too, McAruthur was looking to save his
face, when many thought him wrong in leaving
in the face of the Jap force comming at him,

Personally I believe he was wrong. And events
show that our presence could have prevented
the Batann Death March.... Those that were
left behind, did a great job of defenning themselves
and were a force to be reconned with, and were
still there, when our forces returned to the island.

So,,,, McAruthur went into Korea, with bad advisors,
little understanding of the situation, and the wrong
belief that he would be a hero, and a contender to
the office of President, which is what he wanted.

I diverge..... I think of those whom served with a
respect and admiration. And think of those whom
have never sacraficed, nor spent time in the service
of our brothers and sisters.... How can they think
to understand the love of Chirst? If they do not
love one another? If they do not serve one another?

Yes, the 4th of July is special. May we always have
the pride, the love, and the willingness to do the right
act, or say the right thing, at the right time, all from
our heart and without having to think about it.

For those whom think the holiday is just for fireworks,
and nothing else, pray for them that they might learn
what it's all about.

Also, I pray for our leaders, especially the Congressmen
whom are honest and righteous - not selfish and pridefull,
and uncarring. And for the leadership that is without
mental problems, and are striving to make life better for
us all. God Bless the Pure in Heart. GdadN

July the last half of 2009

Well, here it is another Month.



Last Month when I was feelling a bit

melancholy, and a bit frustrated, the

temtation to use a few words that

are uncommon in every day use, was

to great - so I did.



The reaction swift and critical.



At least, I knew whom was reading

what I put there, and it was refreshing

to know that at least two of my

loved ones read what I put on the

web.



I will not promise to discontinue future

promptings - but let me say this, "I

will think about what I put on here, in

future."



Having said this, it is now July 1st, and

nex month- exactly one month from today,

my love and I will be getting on a boat

and leaving the conuntry. Actually we

will go to another State, but to do so, will

involve going to Canada, before getting to

Alaska.





what's fun is, the 1st of August is when

I get to be one year older.



And our anniversary is on the 23rd of

this month... which doubles the fun. We

will celebrate beginning our 50th year

together, and my birthday by taking

the sea voyage, and seeing the inside

passage. We will visit three ports in

Alaska. One of them will be Skagway.



Skagway has some meaning for us, as

we met two young ladies, whom work

in Skagway. One is a Tour Guide

clerk, and the other is a driver of the

vehicle. Both were with us in our last

visit to the State of Hawaii.



As a further blessing, our youngest

son and his family will be in our home

while we are gone. The youngest

member of the family was born in

March on the same day as our oldest

granddaughter....AND.. this youngest

is also our youngest granddaughter.

(at least she is the youngest at this time.)



Two of our progeny (kids) are still

of child bearing age.... soooo...?



As to our great grandkids, all are boys.

Perhaps in due time, we will have our

greatgranddaughters also.... We can't

hold our breath... anxious? - yes!



Life is great.... two of our gdaughters are

here. Chick and Babe. Babe can crawl,

but she wants to walk. So, she crab crawls

to anyone, and pulls herself up to stand.

Then she forgets she can not walk, and

begins to step out, and falls back to a

crawlling posture. Whom would have

thought a three month old would be so

selp possessed, and also so forgetfull.



Soon, I can get my eyes on my youngest

gdaughter. that'll be about 2 weeks.. then

they will gobackeast so the other grand-

paremts can see our newest family

member... what a great joy, and blessing.