December Moon

Well, we didn't stay up to see the eclipse; but I did go out last night on our snow-covered driveway and take a couple pictures of the full moon. I am always so in awe of what our Creator gave us. We can see the craters with our naked eyes, and a photo pales in comparison. Just a couple hours after this picture was taken, an eclipse began. A complete eclipse like the one last night has not been seen in the United States since 1638, long before the United States existed. Wow!

Our weather here has been wintery with lots of snow, which is appropriate since today is officially the first day of winter. Cheer up; spring is right around the corner. I also included a picture of our favorite friend during this time of the year.

Thanksgiving 2010

Even better than Maui in November is Thanksgiving with all our kids and grandkids. It was a snowy ride over the river and through the woods, but to Maryanne's house did we go. Then on Thanksgiving morning we headed for Andy and Ruth's house. What a wonderful day of game playing, talking, and eating. While together we planned Friday after a short shopping time--except for Christy who had to wait for over and hour to get her material cut at Joanne's.

Well, in the afternoon we took all the grandkids, except Kate, to climb a rock climbing wall. We all took part, and smiles were abundant after the fears were overcome. Andy took a family portrait for all of us. These are the times memories are made of.

On Saturday night we all drove to Tobin and Christy's house in Corvallis for a salmon dinner. We all got to enjoy the Rummels' new furniture. All too soon our Thanksgiving time was over.

Warm November in Maui

Well, try as I may, I don't seem to be able to keep up with the blogging. Glenda and I flew to Seattle to catch our plane to Maui. Tobin and Christy would beat us to Hawaii by about 3 hours. We finally arrived at 7:30 p.m., joined Tobin and Christy, grabbed our rental car, and headed for Kihei on the west side of the island. We arrived to rain; but by the time we headed west, the rain was left behind us. Once we got to Kehei, we stopped for dinner, where we had dinner again before we flew home.

Our condo was very nice and only a block from the beach. Everyday was filled with sun, exploring, and snorkeling. We drove all the way around the north end of the island which highlighted about a two mile stretch of one-lane road (and I mean one lane)! Tobin did a wonderful job of driving, and we ended up buying two pineapples and a loaf of banana bread. While on the east side of the island, the wind was howling and skies were threatening; but our time there was marvelous.

While snorkeling we saw an eagle ray and turtles plus so many colorful fish. The sunsets were stunning, the sunrises peaceful with the twittering of many birds, and a new surprise with each passing moment. We ate fresh pineapple (the best) and plenty of mahi-mahi in fish tacos. We visited a golden beach where the sand looked like golden brown sugar when kicked.

These early days of November in Maui will long be remembered as the winter snows and cold settle on Central Oregon.