PALM SPRINGS WITH THE MCCOMBS

The McCombs joined Patty here with us in Palm Springs. Actually they drove her here. We love seeing them. They will be here until tomorrow. We hung out and went for shrimp tacos. Angela used my brush to make up her mom.

EXTRA PICS OF SNOWY PORTLAND AND OUR VISIT

Wouldn't want you to miss these marvelous shots. Top to bottom: Alice in her princess gown, purchased by Grandpa Pearson. Ronnie trying to interest Anthony in his new nerf football. Beautiful Ali. Rick, May and Nico's house buried in snow. A downtown Portland home and cars socked under. Night view from our condo. Daytime view of snowy streets from our condo. Me walking the streets of Portland and Ron too.

SNOWY PORTLAND--CHRISTMAS DAY 2008

Christmas morning I was blessed to be able to share in Anthony and Alice's first Christmas. It did seem that they were more interested in playing on the stairs than opening presents. But we all had a delightful time.

Once again it snowed a lot. By this time it may be only Lisa, Amy, and I that are truly loving the snow. Lisa took Anthony out for a great view of truly wondrous snowflakes. Poppi preferred to share indoor lights with him. We loved celebraing this precious memorial of our Lord's birth with these little children.

SNOWY PORTLAND--CHRISTMAS EVE

On Christmas Eve we were invited to Aaron and Cristina's for dinner. Cristina made a traditional Mexican meal of soup and green chicken with rice. It was so delicious. Their house was so warm and cozy. They are a magnificent host and hostess.

So many of my pictures came out of focus. It is so disappointing. I have put in some of the clear ones. Shame on me for my lack of focus. I do love being with Alice and Anthony. The pic of Amy and Anthony is precious. How about Daddy kissing his little girl? Lisa read some books to Alice, the proper teacher thing to do. The last shot is of Anthony with his Uncle Aaron (although it is difficult to see Aaron on this one). This is the family member that Anthony most resembles. At least that is the current consensus. Babies do constantly change and these two are such a beautiful combination of so many loved ones.

A SNOWY CHRISTMAS IN PORTLAND--PART ONE

We left a record snow in Ashland to spend Christmas in Portland. The snow in our backyard nearly covered the grandkids swing. The front yard seemed nearly completely buried in my favorite white stuff.

However, we did make it safely to our condo in Portland with Mother. You might note the lack of furniture. We have a sofa bed and a regular bed, but that is about it. No chairs, no table, no rugs, etc. etc. As you can see once Mother and I got comfortable, Ron had to sit on the floor. I did get some small bit of Christmas decorations though. I couldn't survive without those.

OUR LAST FEW DAYS IN ASHLAND FOR 2008

Well here we are preparing to head north for Christmas with Ron, Amy, Alice and Anthony. (Rick and May left for England yesterday). From Portland we will fly to sunny Southern California.
However, in the meantime Lisa and I are really enjoying the snowy weather. Check out the "snow angel"(I might say "angels".) In the thirty years we have lived here we have never had snow that stuck around for so long and more is predicted. I feel almost guilty loving it so much. It could be a hangup if it keeps us from traveling tomorrow. But it is such fun and so very beautiful.
We also had fun decorating Christmas cookies. Lisa's friend, Natalie, came over to help us. This is her eleventh year to do so. We only missed the one Christmas Lisa was in Europe. It is wonderful with Lisa home. She likes to do all the family traditions. What would I do without her?

MOTHER IN THE SNOW

Today more snow. So we decided to get Mother outside for a few snapshots.

Lisa and I spent the day baking cookies.

LISA, SNOW AND LIGHTS

Yesterday morning we awoke to a bit of snow. It wasn't a huge amount, but enough to get the "holiday" feeling. Lisa and I were pretty happy about it. We took a walk and enjoyed the snowflakes, even though they didn't stick once they hit the ground during the day.

Last night Lisa invited me to join her downtown for a hot drink and a chance to see all the lights. Ashland is like a fairyland at Christmas time. It was such fun. There was a great band playing music from the past as well as the present. (Many surfer tunes from the 60's) There were some jazz tunes that reminded me of Acoustic Alchemy. That's a group I especially like.

We invited Ron, but he said he was happy cozying up by the fire at home. To each his own and I mean that sincerely.

I am so grateful to have Lisa around and that she enjoys my company. That is a special blessing.

FRUITBREAD

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making fruitbread. Just look at Ron kneading away.

RICK'S BIRTHDAY

Last Saturday, November 29th, was Rick's birthday. We feel so blessed that he was here in Ashland with us to celebrate. Much of the day was spent playing "Rock Band". He also watched some college football. I think it was the OSU/U of O civil game. His alumni won. In the evening we had pizza and Rick's favorite apple pie. Then Rick and May went downtown for a little date. Hopefully he had a nice day. We sure did.

CHRISTMAS TREE DAY

On Friday morning we all went to cut down our Christmas tree. Mother actually picked it out from hundreds and hundreds of trees. It is so beautiful. We all agreed that this was the best tree.

Nico found one just his size.