Indian Summer!

This term may now be deemed 'politically incorrect', but it is the only way I know of describing the wonderful, blue-sky, warm weather that we have been so fortunate as to enjoy this summer into fall.

My friend Joanne and I headed to Frenchman Coulee (aka 'Vantage') for climbing four weekends in October. We basked in 70 degree sun, in tee-shirts and flip-flops, smiling smugly at the thought of the Seattleites walking through rain puddles back home. Here are a couple of pics from our Indian Summer fun...we hope to get at least one more warm -at least not wet- day out climbing before winter sets in.

Another gorgeous day in the desert!

JoJo going up...

...JoJo coming down

Me going up...

...and the clouds roll in at dusk.

Extra Brain Power

Just a quick note to say that my health is a-okay. After reviewing a recent MRI, it appears that the tumor on my brain stem has not grown, despite the initial scans that appeared to show growth. They will continue to monitor this tumor with annual MRIs, but it seems we can rest easy now knowing it is benign since the last two scans have shown no growth. I'm glad to know that I will continue to have this small marble-size bit of extra brain power...I think I need it with my memory as bad as it is! Thanks for all the prayers along the way.

Good Book

Shopping For Porcupines by Seth Kantner
For anyone who wonders or daydreams about a simpler life, a life more connected to nature and the animals and people around us. The author of this book grew up following traditional Eskimo ways in a sod igloo in the Arctic...what a wonderful way for a little kid to grow up! The story continues as he grapples with the disappearance of the subsistence lifestyle in which he was raised, dramatically impacted by the emergence of modern technology and money into the Arctic land and its people.