PATTY'S LAST DAY IN ASHLAND

Luckily I didn't have to go in for jury duty on Patty's last day here. So we ran some errands, had her car serviced, gave it a nice washing and filled it with gas.

We also went to lunch at Lela's. Rachel Ray had lunch there when she visited Ashland. From there we took a walk through Lithia Park. We took some pictures of nature--- the deer were the most amazing.

GREAT PORTLAND WEEKEND SATURDAY/SUNDAY

Once again Scott, Pat, Ron and I did a Starbuck's stop followed by more looking at more Portland areas. This time we wandered further south and somewhat more rural. We then met May and Ronnie in Lake Oswego for lunch at a French deli.

In the evening Scott and Patty did a delicious barbeque at Ron and Amy's house. Mother Tessie and Ron's cousin, Sybil came into town. We picked Mother up at the airport. It was a delightful evening.

The following morning we said goodbye to Ron and May and Scott flew home. Mother, Ron, Patty and I drove back to Ashland.

GREAT PORTLAND WEEKEND FRIDAY

On Friday Scott, Patty, Ron and I got up early, went to Starbuck's and then started looking at houses. We did this all day, seeing many beautiful areas around Portland. I believe the favorites were houseboats on the Columbia river. (See photo)

At 3:30 we headed to the Portland City Grill for happy hour. This amazing place is on the top of the tallest building in downtown Portland. The views are absolutely breathtaking. (another photo)

We went from there to a place called PIX. It has incredibly delicious desserts. Scott had a latte that looked like a heart. We did have a delightful time.

PATTY VISITS

How exciting! Last Monday Patty came to Ashland to visit us! We had a nice dinner on the deck the night of her arrival. On Tuesday our friendsj, Sue and Dick, joined us for a barbarque. On Wednesday we were invited to Leslie's for pizza. Leslie taught with Ron at North Medford High School for years. Leslie is seen with her little daughter, Addie.

GREAT PORTLAND WEEKEND THURSDAY

Last Thursday Ron, Patty and I drove north to Portland to pick up Scott who was flying in in the afternoon. Patty and Scott planned to check out the Portland area for possible future reference.

We showed them a little of Portland and had dinner at Gustav's, a German restaurant on the corner from Ron and Amy's house.

Rick was in New York for an art convention. After dinner we all walked around the kids' neighborhood and May joined us. The beautiful little ones are my "grandkitties", Boo and Farley.

FATHER'S DAY 2007

Today I celebrated Father's Day with the man I have loved for 47 years. We've only been married for 39 of those 47 years and each one has been precious. What a blessing to have the first love of your life be the one who stands by you through all of life's experiences, the most heartbreaking and the most triumphant!

Ron has always been so very good to me. He has put up with all my weird personalty traits and continues to love me. As a father he is not only excellent, but super fun. Many of our children's friends have felt he was "super cool". He joins the kids in most of their interests and hobbies. He loves ipods, karaoke, playstation etc. I appreciate him so and I hope he knows this.

So today when Ron got up I gave him a haircut followed by a trip to Starbucks. Then he came home and read the paper. From there we went to the Talent Cafe for a delicious breakfast. After that we visited two different and beautiful golf courses where he putted, chipped and drove a bucket of balls. After a brief stop at Costco's we came home and had his favorite drink of vodka and pomegranate juice. I made pasta with pork, tomato and basil at Ron's request. This evening we are watching a DVD of the sixth season of the Sopranos (Ron's number one TV series). The day was totally planned by him and he says it went perfectly. All three children called to honor him. Lisa from Italy, Rick from New York and May, Amy, and Ron from their homes in Portland. This made him quite happy.


I am including a snapshot of his latest fun purchase---a new TV. We even a special spot built into the bookshelf for it. Isn't that nice?

Here's to you my love, Ron. May you continue to enjoy life to its fullest.

FINAL VOWS

This past weekend was a very special one in my spiritual life. On Saturday morning at Mass I took my final vows as a Dominican. It is something I have spent the last eight years preparing for formally. However, ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to become a part of the Dominican family in this way. It used to be called the Third Order of St. Dominic. Now we are called the Dominican Laity. It is an organization of lay people devoted to following the Rule of St. Dominic which basically means doing our best to serve justice, truth and peace. And, best of all, this is all done through love. I hope to increase my love for God through prayer, study, community, and ministry. Wish me luck!

The photo is one of me with the prioress, Lucy Jovanelly, the formation director, Connie Hendrycks, and John Hendrycks and Jennifer Swanson, who took their vows at the same as I did. I am so blessed. I am so happy.