A sweet kiss from Ezra, Sunday morning in the hospital welcomes him to the family.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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
Tandem flight
This was a shot I took using the sports mode. Great shutter release and focus for something moving relatively fast.
Blogger Awakened
Perhaps it's been just that time or more likely that I just passed my 60th birthday and the trauma of that event has been weighing heavily on my heart and the obvious fact that I have significantly fewer days left on planet earth than those I've already enjoyed. Morbid, huh?
But with a five day camping trip planned to Yosemite this coming week, and after conversations with Bryce, I splurged on myself and purchased a belated birthday present - a new Nikon D60 with an 18-55 mm lens and an included 55-200 mm telephoto. So yesterday, I viewed the video and scanned the manual and was out this morning taking a variety of shots. This one is of Carolyn's roses blooming beside our home.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Victoria Gardens
Here is Ezra enjoying his first train ride with Mimi at Victoria Gardens on Friday, April 11, when we cared for Ezra while Bryce and Ashley attended a dinner gathering for Providence Christian College.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Easter
Easter Sunday was a glorious and quite warm day here in Southern California; John and Sally said the temperature guage on their car showed 90 degrees when they arrived with Margaret for Easter brunch. Joined by Lisa, Katie, Wanda, Ashley, Bryce, and Ezra we enjoyed appetizers and champagne, wine or beer before sitting down to a great mid-day brunch prepared by Carolyn (quiches of spinach/bacon and crab) and accompanied by Sally's salad.
Ezra enjoys his appetizer of avocado. All he needs are the chips!
Ezra enjoys his appetizer of avocado. All he needs are the chips!
After brunch, an egg hunt was conducted where only John, Bryce and I searched after the ladies found the most obscure outdoor places to hide the eggs. Luckily we found them all. Then it was off to the grassy common area overlooking the lake for a rousing game of croquet. John took my title as the master of disaster when he became "poison" and knocked off most of us, practically putting me into the lake! Ashley had Ezra as her personal caddy.
Ezra became the understandable center of attention a good deal of the time and willingly allowed everyone to get some time with him.
The day ended with a birthday celebration for Ashley and Bryce whose birthdays were coming up in a week, but who will be in Portland on their actual anniversary. Sally made a dynamite chocolate cake that we all enjoyed. It was a great day with our extended family!
Monday, March 24, 2008
R.I.P. Gracie
This is how we'd like to remember Gracie, our cat of over four years. She enjoyed the sunlit spots in our master bedroom for her frequent cat naps.
Over the last few days, we'd notice that Gracie was not just taking naps, but was listless, lethargic, with raspy breathing and was seeking out dark, cold places to lie. She wasn't hopping onto our laps or onto our bed during the night. When she was petted, she didn't raise her head very high, nor was she purring. I took her over to the vets on Saturday and waited in line for about two hours to see the doctor. Gracie just lay on the laminate examining table and didn't react much to the palpitating and prodding.
The vet wasn't hopeful, but suggested a blood test and Xrays which I authorized. About an hour later, the vet called with bad results. Gracie's white blood count was quite high and red count was very low. She had severe abnormalities with her liver and kidney functions as well. With her prognosis so poor and intensive care costing over $2000 just for the weekend (with no likelihood of a better outcome), we chose to put Gracie to sleep.
Carolyn came back to the vet's with me and we said our goodbye's to Gracie who looked at us with vacant eyes. It was hard to see her in such a state. It will take some time for us not to round a corner in our home with the expectation that she'll be lying in that little bit of sunshine over there.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Next Time - Hand Wash
This last weekend seemed like it might provide the opportunity to finally wash my car, but late Sunday dark clouds rolled in along with booming thunder and a quick downpour which left my car even dirtier than before. I could barely see out of the rain and dirt spotted side windows.
So, Tuesday I thought "what the heck, I need gas anyway, so I'll take the Altima to the car wash." I filled up (after getting a new bank loan for the gas charge) and paid my money, and they even gave me a $2 discount. Then I waited for what seemed like a pretty long time for the car to come out of the wash area. It finally appeared and the guys began drying and washing windows. The horn beeped, I tipped the guy, got in and drove across the street.
Almost immediately, I heard something dragging and thought I'd caught a mat in the undercarriage. Another motorist honked to get my attention and I stopped in the center turning lane to check on the problem. MY BUMPER WAS HANGING BY A SINGLE BOLT!! I was mad! How could they have let me drive off after having the bumper ripped off in the car wash?
I jury rigged a way to support the bumper with bungee cords and drove slowly back to the car wash. The manager told me he had been looking for me! Right. The wheel faring had been slightly askew and unbolted which provided enough for those major brushes to just take the whole bumper off. I couldn't believe that there was so little holding it on. With a few zip ties and another bolt, we secured it a little bit further so I could make it to the Nissan dealer right after work.
The required fastners (plastic) only cost about $12 and there was enough light when I got home that I was able to re-affix the bumper securely, thankfully. The next time the car needs it, I'll do as I normally have by hand washing it, saving both some cash and some damage.
So, Tuesday I thought "what the heck, I need gas anyway, so I'll take the Altima to the car wash." I filled up (after getting a new bank loan for the gas charge) and paid my money, and they even gave me a $2 discount. Then I waited for what seemed like a pretty long time for the car to come out of the wash area. It finally appeared and the guys began drying and washing windows. The horn beeped, I tipped the guy, got in and drove across the street.
Almost immediately, I heard something dragging and thought I'd caught a mat in the undercarriage. Another motorist honked to get my attention and I stopped in the center turning lane to check on the problem. MY BUMPER WAS HANGING BY A SINGLE BOLT!! I was mad! How could they have let me drive off after having the bumper ripped off in the car wash?
I jury rigged a way to support the bumper with bungee cords and drove slowly back to the car wash. The manager told me he had been looking for me! Right. The wheel faring had been slightly askew and unbolted which provided enough for those major brushes to just take the whole bumper off. I couldn't believe that there was so little holding it on. With a few zip ties and another bolt, we secured it a little bit further so I could make it to the Nissan dealer right after work.
The required fastners (plastic) only cost about $12 and there was enough light when I got home that I was able to re-affix the bumper securely, thankfully. The next time the car needs it, I'll do as I normally have by hand washing it, saving both some cash and some damage.
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