Winter Wonderland--a Vacation for Glenda

Well, this is the last vacation for Glenda for 2008. She won't be going to work until next year! We have been busy buying warm!!! winter clothes for me since I will be attending the Inauguration this year. We must prepare for the coldest weather. On Inauguration Day my day will begin at about 4 a.m. I will pick up my group at 5:30 a.m. at a Metro stop; then we will travel to the National Mall--no, not a shopping center. After we pass through security, we will be outside for the next 8 or 9 hours. Pray for warmth and no rain or snow. Anyway, one of the purchases online was a snow rake to help prevent ice dams on the roof. You will see a couple action shots taking by a rookie reporter for the Backyard Review, a widely read magazine for outdoor enthusiasts.

B-u-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!

Well, our unseasonably warm Fall came to a crashing halt. In a matter of two days we went from upper 40's to stuggling to reach 20. The new wood stove got a true workout. It did really well. One day Glenda and I both went to work, and I got home around 2:30 p.m. The house was around 58 degrees inside, and it took a while to get our temperature up. Our wonderful bed was gloriously warm for us even though the weather outside was rather frightful, inside it was quite delightful. We even had some snow.

Oh, Let Us Give Thanks!

Another wonderful Thanksgiving rolled around. This year we were blessed with all our children, their spouses, and the grandchildren making it over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house. Rather than "Hoof and Mouth," "Hand and Foot" abounded in our house. Alas, Ruth and Jim were beaten all too often. On Thanksgiving afternoon, we all made our way to Uncle Dan's house and a feast set out for a king. The warmth of family and friendship encouraged all of us. The cold Fall weather had stayed away, and so everyone was able to enjoy the day. Grandma and Grandpa Ward came to dinner with us, which was a true delight. On Friday, the Miller tradition continued of early wake-ups and trips to the malls. We all did our best for the economy. Then we went for a walk up Pilot Butte with the family--what a treat!!! On Saturday Christy and Glenda hosted a baby shower for Maryanne while the boys went a hikin' again to Tumalo Falls. Benjamin enjoyed the trip and especially the Cold Stone ice cream afterwards.

A few More Pictures of Disneyland

We stayed for the parade and then shopped.

Disneyland

We rode the submarine which is now about Finding Nemo. The Matterhorn was cool. The monorail has brand new vehicles. We even captured a picture with Capt'n Jack Sparrow, matey.

California Adventure

Well, California wouldn't be complete without a trip to Disneyland. We only went on a few rides, but I did beat Glenda when we went on the Toy Story ride in California Adventure. It was 3-D laser. We had our picture taken with Goofy--I know Glenda gets her picture taken with him all the time. We didn't ride the Hotel Hollywood--the EMTs were having lunch and didn't want to be disturbed. We went to a Bug's Life theater and did some shopping. Then we traveled to Disneyland and enjoyed our afternoon and evening. Hope you are enjoying our travels.

More from Mexico

Hope you enjoy the pictures. The water was 86 degrees!!!!!