Thanksgiving

Thanks to Dad & Jane for hosting a fun turkey day! It was great to have everyone (most) together for a holiday. And Happy 30th Bday to Jonathan!!!

Dinner is almost ready...

Some after-dinner game time for Brandon & Wade

Carly, Jane, Heather

Happy 30th Jon!

Brandi Carlile & the Seattle Symphony

Last Saturday, November 29th, I was very fortunate to see Brandi Carlile play with the Seattle Symphony. I saw her show at the Paramount last year and it was amazing...but this, this was absolutely incredible. Brandi & her twin band members were fantastic, and I was also very impressed with the Symphony's ability to mix with Rock-n-Roll.

If you haven't heard of Brandi Carlile yet (and no, this isn't 'Belinda Carlisle' from the 80's), check her out. She is a wonderfully talented musician but, more captivating is her passion for music. When she plays and sings, it is obvious that she loves music and the expression of her genuine self through her lyrics and voice.

Here is a link to a Seattle PI article about the show: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/390074_carlile01q.html

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.