MELISSA VISITS PORTLAND

Melissa came to Portland. It was her first visit to the Rose City. We had planned months ago to attend a New Kids on the Block concert here. I purchased great tickets with twelfth row seating. Then a couple of weeks ago the concert was canceled. Melissa flew up anyway. I believe she had a good time. I know all the rest of us loved having her. She stayed the first three nights in our new condo with Lisa and me. The last night she spent with Ron and Amy.

NICO'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

I flew to Portland for Nico's first birthday. I arrived the night before. I was able to see Nico early in the morning. We went to the park then. In the afternoon Nico had his party at our new condo in the common room. I hadn't even slept there yet. It was a great celebration. Many friends attended. Little Alice and Anthony came with Aunt Amy and Uncle Ron and Nana (that's me) was able to have all her sweet grandchildren together at one time.

MY HEART IS HOPEFUL

What can I say? We are at the dawning of a new age. I am thrilled. America truly is the greatest country in the world. I always knew this, but now when more people than ever have voted it has been proven. By the way John McCain gave a very gracious concession speech. For that we are all grateful. He is a special man.

BACK IN THE DESERT AGAIN

We arrived back in the desert last Friday. The first few days were unseasonably hot---90 plus degrees. However the last few days have been perfect weather by most people's standards. I really prefer fall to be fall with brisk temperatures and changing leaves. Everyone who knows me knows that. In fact, if I weren't returning to Oregon in ten days I might even have the nerve to complain.

These photos show us back here. Ron spent a couple of days building a handrail for our steps. This will make it a lot safer for Mother and everyone else for that matter. Ron did a great job. They look just like the original one which has always been on the wrong side.