Well, yesterday morning, Ashley and we were up at 4:30 am to await Sally's arrival to fly with Ashley and the boys to Salt Lake City. Before 5, the boys were in their car seats, hugs were had all around, and Ezra waved as they headed off. Ashley was good enough to tweet and/or call to let us know all had gone well (even though Ezra was a bit squirmy) and they were all reunited with Bryce and Francis.
But for us, and Carolyn in particular, being in our once again quiet home, absent of the cries of Ezra's "Mimi!" or those of Porter wanting to be transfered back into mom's arms, little 'tokens' reminded us of the fun (and challenges) of having the Hales living with us for a month. A binkie in the back seat of the car, a bib draped over the high chair, the miscellaneous Cheerio, our cat seeminly searching for his newest friend, a bedtime story book that won't be re-read for awhile.
Carolyn will be heading to SLC later this month while Bryce is off at a conference, so she will be able to seem them soon, but the daily bath, or request for "up, up", or the walk down to the lake to see the geese through a toddler's eyes - all will be missed. The house is pretty quiet.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Orcas?
On the calm trip over, we saw a small pod with these taller, floppier dorsal fins. Were they orcas or a larger form of dolphin?
Stowaways
About 17 miles out, we had first one of these stoways land on our lines who was soon joined by three of his friends. The seemed to need a place to rest and were totally fearless as can be seen here. They checked out the cabin and the cockpit before leaving after twenty minutes or so.
Dolphin Escort
Dennis, Stephen and I motor-sailed to Catalina this weekend under overcast skies and very calm seas. We again enjoyed being greeted by a huge pod of dolphins who effortlessly kept up with us and played off the bow as we made our way toward the island. I have plenty more photos on my flickr page.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Collector
Ezra enjoyed his first Easter egg hunt with grandparents and parents pointing out the plastic eggs (no chocolate) and Ezra added to the hunt by picking up a few extra items.
Greatgrandson
Wanda joined us in a visit to Ashley and Bryce's for Easter dinner and an opportunity to meet her newest grandson, Anderson Porter Hales. Bryce cooked a great tri-tip, Carolyn provided roasted vegetables and fresh fruit, and Ashley started it with appetizers and finished it with a great homemade cheesecake. All of it was great!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ezra Welcomes Porter
A sweet kiss from Ezra, Sunday morning in the hospital welcomes him to the family.
Anderson Porter Hales
Carolyn holds and welcomes our second grandson, Anderson Porter Hales, with love and kindness. He came quickly into this world on Sunday morning, March 22, after about 3 hours of labor for Ashley and 5 minutes in the hospital!
Anderson comes from Carolyn's grandmother's side of the family (and Ashley's middle name) while Porter is Bryce's grandfather's middle name and which will be what their number two will be called.
Carolyn is staying overnight to help with Ezra and we expect Ashley and Ezra to return to their home tomorrow, Monday.
UPDATE: Corrected Porter's birthday - Ashley is right, March was previously reserved for her.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hail Hail
Carolyn called me around 8:15 Tuesday morning to let me know our home had just been pummeled with hail! It covered our backyard, the street and the common area with a blanket of faux snow. You can check my flickr site for more pictures.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentine Weekend
Well, I had to share my bride this Valentine's weekend with another male in her life, our grandson, Ezra. Ashley and Bryce had requested our babysitting "talents" last autumn for a two day marriage seminar put on by their church. Carolyn drove down there mid-afternoon Friday, and I drove down from Upland through rain slowed traffic after work which took a mere 2:45!
We had a good time with Ezra except he didn't really want to keep to his schedule for sleeping and was definitely missing his mom. So instead of first going down at 7:30 it was more like 10:00, and his wakings during the night probably lasted longer than normal because mom and dad weren't there. We enjoyed playing with blocks, reading books, eating, and taking a long walk around the neighborhood. We even stopped in for lunch at Fuddruckers and Ezra had his own sliders.
He went down for a nap around 2:00 and so did we! Ashley and Bryce returned around 5 and Ezra was sure glad to see them. Bryce and I picked up Valentine's dinner at a good pizza place; we just should have asked for the olives to be shaped like a heart. Then it was off to home and a good night's rest.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Winter Hibernation
Well, Carolyn has been bugging me to blog again which sent me to blogger to find that it has been nearly 3 months! I guess I've been in a blogger hibernation since the election and the subsequent holidays. I can only blame my laziness or lack of inspiration for my failures.
This weekend was once again a beautiful one in Southern California and after a few chores - washing both cars, doing a couple loads of laundry, taking the vacuum cleaner to get repaired, etc. - Carolyn and I made a picnic lunch and took it down to our lake. We'd thought about going to Irvine park, but the day had sorta of gotten away from us so we stayed very local.
I spread a blanket on the grass and we ate tuna fish sandwiches and ate navel orange slices while watching the three resident swans slowly paddle by. One had its wings slightly open like the images you see of the "Tunnel of Love" boats. Then, the largest decided to come ashore and slowly waddled towards us, followed quickly by the two others. Carolyn, having experienced their aggressiveness before on a paddle boat ride with Darla, grabbed her sandwich and drink and moved away while I rescued her shoes, my sandwich and the brownies. (I might consider laying down my life for good chocolate!) I retreated a bit as the big fella nipped at me, and then I reached in and grabbed our blanket. Carolyn commented that she was glad Ezra wasn't with us as he might have really been afraid.
Anyway, we gathered ourselves together and finished our meal on the front porch while watching the local game re-take the grassy knoll at the end of our street.
This weekend was once again a beautiful one in Southern California and after a few chores - washing both cars, doing a couple loads of laundry, taking the vacuum cleaner to get repaired, etc. - Carolyn and I made a picnic lunch and took it down to our lake. We'd thought about going to Irvine park, but the day had sorta of gotten away from us so we stayed very local.
I spread a blanket on the grass and we ate tuna fish sandwiches and ate navel orange slices while watching the three resident swans slowly paddle by. One had its wings slightly open like the images you see of the "Tunnel of Love" boats. Then, the largest decided to come ashore and slowly waddled towards us, followed quickly by the two others. Carolyn, having experienced their aggressiveness before on a paddle boat ride with Darla, grabbed her sandwich and drink and moved away while I rescued her shoes, my sandwich and the brownies. (I might consider laying down my life for good chocolate!) I retreated a bit as the big fella nipped at me, and then I reached in and grabbed our blanket. Carolyn commented that she was glad Ezra wasn't with us as he might have really been afraid.
Anyway, we gathered ourselves together and finished our meal on the front porch while watching the local game re-take the grassy knoll at the end of our street.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Thanks, David
So, how much do you think Barack owes David Palmer, the calm, competent, African-American President on 24, for his success?
Although, I didn't vote for him, it was pretty amazing watching the unbridled joy exhibited by his supporters of all races, genders, and ages. I wish him well and hope that he rules from the center. We can only hope.
Although, I didn't vote for him, it was pretty amazing watching the unbridled joy exhibited by his supporters of all races, genders, and ages. I wish him well and hope that he rules from the center. We can only hope.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Hilton Grand Vacations Club
I'm quite late in posting about the eight days we spent on the Big Island in early September with Ashley, Bryce and Ezra who had just turned one!
The three Hales drove up Saturday morning, August 30, and John and Sally met at our house to say goodbye and take charge of Francis for the week. PrimeTime shuttle was waiting to take the five of us to LAX for the 1:00 pm flight on Delta. Conversations en route were limited as the driver kept the front windows open during the hour drive even though I asked about the a/c. Oh, well.
Thankfully, the flight wasn't full, so Ezra was able to sit between Ashley and Bryce in his car seat rather than having to be held the entire five hours. We arrived around 3:30 in the afternoon, and while Bryce and Ashley grabbed our bags, I headed off to grab our rental SUV (big enought for the five of us and our bags and stroller). It was then about a 45 minute drive to the Waikoloa area to get to our condo; a two bedroom, two bath, second floor unit with a full kitchen and a nice covered deck.
Here is view of the pool area at the condo.
This is the view from our deck.
On Sunday, we made it to church (Lutheran) where we practically doubled the congregation and Ezra (with Ashley) was the only child to go forward for the children story. Afterwards we headed home and before long we headed out to explore some of the beaches within an easy drive from the condo. This was a pattern that was typical except the necessary times for naps - Ezra and me.
We often ate at home with steaks grilled by Bryce, or pizzas ordered in, but we made it out to several dinners including one at the Hilton on the patio while the sun set and the staff lit tiki torches. And Carolyn and I had one romantic dinner on our own as did Ashley and Bryce while Ezra kept us company.
About mid-week, we traded the beach for the Hilton's huge pool complete with wading area, waterfall and water slide. The pool was uncrowded as most people with school age kids were at home for back to school events. We all enjoyed the water slide and convenience of lunch and drinks delivered to our lounge chairs or wandering over to view the dolphins that you could swim with for a fee.
Late in the week we took a long drive over to Hilo and enjoyed the greenery of the eastern side, a picnic and several waterfalls.
It was a great week and I got to really interact with Ezra. He even called my "Papa"!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ezra turns One (almost)
Saturday, we enjoyed a birthday celebration for Ezra who turns one on August 29, but since we'll be flying to Hawaii on the 30th, Ashley and Bryce hosted family, friends and neighbors for a great BBQ a week early.
Both of Ezra's great-grandparents attended along with grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins and a backyard full of kids. Ezra enjoyed a special cupcake frosted with tofu which you can see he enjoyed while the joys of sugar will await an older age. Bryce BBQd hamburger, hot dogs and brauts that were delicious alongside potato, pasta and green salads, fruit, chips, soft drinks and beer.
Ezra cleaned up in the gift department with art from Mimi and some of the kids, a new outfit, beach and bath toys, trucks, drum and flute, and, of course, books. A beautiful and great day.
Happy Birthday Ezra!
Follow this picture to others from the party on my flickr page.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday in Newport
On Sunday, after church we drove to Balboa Island to pick up a painting Carolyn had done from last year which had been held by a fellow artist after a show. After finding a parking spot just large enough for the Mini, we walked around the island enjoying the views of the bay, the boats, and the homes with their gorgeous flowers.
We then took the Mini across the Balboa Island ferry to the Balboa Peninsula. I always enjoy that ride with the breeze, views of the bay, the Pavillion and the tourists taking their first rides.
Besides enjoying a sunny day, our purpose was to scope out views that might be good artistic vantages for Carolyn when she paints in the "Paint the Peninsula" immediately after we return from Hawaii in early September. We found interesting spots near the Cannery and on Lido Isle looking over to the Peninsula that Carolyn noted and will probably use. Then we enjoyed quite a late lunch around 4 pm in the Lido Village area and watched as wedding parties returned from bay cruises and couples left on romatic gondola rides.
We then took the Mini across the Balboa Island ferry to the Balboa Peninsula. I always enjoy that ride with the breeze, views of the bay, the Pavillion and the tourists taking their first rides.
Besides enjoying a sunny day, our purpose was to scope out views that might be good artistic vantages for Carolyn when she paints in the "Paint the Peninsula" immediately after we return from Hawaii in early September. We found interesting spots near the Cannery and on Lido Isle looking over to the Peninsula that Carolyn noted and will probably use. Then we enjoyed quite a late lunch around 4 pm in the Lido Village area and watched as wedding parties returned from bay cruises and couples left on romatic gondola rides.
Balboa Park
We drove down to San Diego on Saturday in heavy traffic caused by several accidents that added an hour and a half to the normal drive. I hadn't seen little Ezra in about a month and I had to remind him of Papa!
After he awoke from his nap and we had eaten our Subway sandwiches, we loaded up the car and Bryce drove us down to Balboa Park. Not disuaded by the usual full parking lots, Bryce found a spot that was just being vacated within a short distance of the fountain. We strolled down past the Arboretum, watched wedding parties come and go, took pictures of the flora and then had a mid-afternoon beverage under umbrellas by an open grassy area with large modern sculptures. Ever time Ezra got down on the ground, he made a bee-line for the adjoining water feature. Whether crawling on all fours or with his knees off the ground, he moves quickly which required a quick grab to move him back to our table.
Bryce got Ezra laughing as he tossed him in the air or swung backwards. Follow these pictures to my Flickr account.
Monday, July 07, 2008
4th Water Battles
Here are Dennis and Steve taking on a numerically superior force in the harbor of Dana Point on the 4th of July as swarms of zodiaks, jet skis and kayaks held an afternoon long water battle. Steve and Sharon were out first but when Sharon was thoroughly soaked, Dennis took the point and doused with the best of the younger set. Steve Kanda and I declined the offer to follow in his footsteps deciding that drier was better.
Steve, Sharon, Gloria and Dennis Hughes left the harbor in the late afternoon and the Kandas, Carolyn and I took a ride around the harbor in the inflatable loudly proclaiming our neutrality so as not to be soaked by those still patroling the harbor looking for willing victims. We motored past yachts decorated with bunting and flags while barbecues were being used for burgers and steaks.
We followed suit when we got back to our boat. We cooked bison burgers accompanied by potato salad, 7 layer bean dip, fruit salad, brownies and red wine. The wind had tempted us earlier to think about sailing but it had faltered and the humidity was only partially relieved by a slight breeze. We enjoyed our food, wine and conversation, and then at 9, the fireworks began at the harbor entrance which we enjoyed from the boat.
As the fireworks ended, low lying fog began to creep into the harbor and the bridge leaving the island was clogged with cars attempting to leave. We just stayed put until around 11 when the traffic finally cleared and then it was home after a long but very enjoyable day.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Beep Beep
We've all seen the shoe polish signs on SUVs on the freeway signifying support for some child's soccer or softball team. "Yay AYSO All-Stars - Britney, Brittany, Brittknee and Sallee". Today I followed one with similar printing on the rear window - "Honk to Free Tibet".
Do they really think that will help? Will the Tibetans, Chinese or the UN hear? Or will the slow moving SUVer just be confused when I honk at him because he's driving too slowly in the fast lane?
Just thinkin' like George Carlin.
Do they really think that will help? Will the Tibetans, Chinese or the UN hear? Or will the slow moving SUVer just be confused when I honk at him because he's driving too slowly in the fast lane?
Just thinkin' like George Carlin.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Yosemite
A week ago Wednesday (June 4), Carolyn and I awoke quite early and left our home by 4:40 a.m. with a fully packed Altima on our way to Yosemite for Carolyn's art group and a little R and R for me. It's amazing how much stuff you end up taking for a mere five days!
We were at the tunnel view parking lot at 10:50, so we made great time and after breaking out my new Nikon for a series of photos we continued on to Upper Pines campground where we checked in and began the setup process. The new tent went up quickly and the battery powered air pump work very well on the queen sized air mattress. Food, cooking utensils and anything with a scent went into the metal bear box with a padlock for extra security.
The art group got together in the late afternoon over at Lyndelle's and Rod's campsite in North Pines where we all enjoyed a BBQ of buffalo burgers and numerous side dishes brought by everyone. The weather was nice and warm and the water was pouring from the waterfalls and down the Merced.
Thursday the artists set up in the meadow across from Yosemite falls and I walked all over the meadows taking photos. Then I headed over to Lower Yosemite Falls for more photos including my shots of a young buck which was foraging in the stream created by the falls. I "snuck" up on him like a Native American, but he was probably immune to fear of humans so it was no great feat. Rod was in the area later and caught a video of a Lynx with a squirrel in it's mouth! In the afternoon, I walked from our campsite up to Mirror Lake and back. That evening, since the Lakers were playing game one in Boston, Bob, Charlene, Fred, Carolyn and I went over to the Village lounge and enjoyed beer, wine and dinner while suffering through the Lakers loss.
Friday, Carolyn joined the others as they painted from the tunnel view of the valley while Bob and I drove up to Glacier Point for a few photos of Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal falls. When we got back to the artists, they weren't finished so Bob and I visited Bridalveil followed by lunch and a short film at the Visitor Center before connecting again with them near Swinging Bridge.
Saturday, I hit the trails by myself up to Happy Isle and on to the bridge view of Vernal Falls. Then it was up the Mist Trail with way too many stone steps. As I got nearer the spray produced by the falls, I pulled out a plastic garbage bag and covered my camera case and then threw in my Oakley sunglasses to protect them. With people going up and down the narrow steps, I'd often have to wait for traffic to clear before heading up. Within about 200 feet of the top, I stopped to reposition the bag covering the camera and I couldn't find my sunglasses! Hoping that they had dropped out within a few dozen yards, I headed back down. Down as far as when I had put the glasses under wraps. No luck!! I was really pissed at myself and discouraged at losing a costly pair of sunglasses so I mellowed out a bit on huge boulder with a good view of the falls and then headed back to camp. I made a lunch and had a beer before finding the painters over on the Merced river in North Pine campground.
Sunday we managed to pack up and cram everything back into the car after enjoying a BIG breakfast over at Curry Village with everyone else. Heading out of the valley around 11 am, we stopped at the historic area adjacent to the Wawona for beverages and ate our lunch under the trees. Then it was off towards Fresno and down the 99 sucking up gas at $4.59 per gallon. Ashley called on our way down and invited us for dinner! Bryce cooked both hamburgers and romaine lettuce on the BBQ (that was a new treat) with cookie dough baked into bowls and topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert! A great way station on our trip home.
We were at the tunnel view parking lot at 10:50, so we made great time and after breaking out my new Nikon for a series of photos we continued on to Upper Pines campground where we checked in and began the setup process. The new tent went up quickly and the battery powered air pump work very well on the queen sized air mattress. Food, cooking utensils and anything with a scent went into the metal bear box with a padlock for extra security.
The art group got together in the late afternoon over at Lyndelle's and Rod's campsite in North Pines where we all enjoyed a BBQ of buffalo burgers and numerous side dishes brought by everyone. The weather was nice and warm and the water was pouring from the waterfalls and down the Merced.
Thursday the artists set up in the meadow across from Yosemite falls and I walked all over the meadows taking photos. Then I headed over to Lower Yosemite Falls for more photos including my shots of a young buck which was foraging in the stream created by the falls. I "snuck" up on him like a Native American, but he was probably immune to fear of humans so it was no great feat. Rod was in the area later and caught a video of a Lynx with a squirrel in it's mouth! In the afternoon, I walked from our campsite up to Mirror Lake and back. That evening, since the Lakers were playing game one in Boston, Bob, Charlene, Fred, Carolyn and I went over to the Village lounge and enjoyed beer, wine and dinner while suffering through the Lakers loss.
Friday, Carolyn joined the others as they painted from the tunnel view of the valley while Bob and I drove up to Glacier Point for a few photos of Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal falls. When we got back to the artists, they weren't finished so Bob and I visited Bridalveil followed by lunch and a short film at the Visitor Center before connecting again with them near Swinging Bridge.
Saturday, I hit the trails by myself up to Happy Isle and on to the bridge view of Vernal Falls. Then it was up the Mist Trail with way too many stone steps. As I got nearer the spray produced by the falls, I pulled out a plastic garbage bag and covered my camera case and then threw in my Oakley sunglasses to protect them. With people going up and down the narrow steps, I'd often have to wait for traffic to clear before heading up. Within about 200 feet of the top, I stopped to reposition the bag covering the camera and I couldn't find my sunglasses! Hoping that they had dropped out within a few dozen yards, I headed back down. Down as far as when I had put the glasses under wraps. No luck!! I was really pissed at myself and discouraged at losing a costly pair of sunglasses so I mellowed out a bit on huge boulder with a good view of the falls and then headed back to camp. I made a lunch and had a beer before finding the painters over on the Merced river in North Pine campground.
Sunday we managed to pack up and cram everything back into the car after enjoying a BIG breakfast over at Curry Village with everyone else. Heading out of the valley around 11 am, we stopped at the historic area adjacent to the Wawona for beverages and ate our lunch under the trees. Then it was off towards Fresno and down the 99 sucking up gas at $4.59 per gallon. Ashley called on our way down and invited us for dinner! Bryce cooked both hamburgers and romaine lettuce on the BBQ (that was a new treat) with cookie dough baked into bowls and topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert! A great way station on our trip home.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
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