9-2-2013 Golfing Again

We were back over at Bear Mountain golf course today.  Amber had asked if she could ride with us and we were delighted that she would spend the day watching us showing her the true spirit of golfing.  Golf is one of the most HUMBLING games to be played.  Most people think that hitting a little white (except for Scott any color but white) golf ball is a piece of cake.  To be a manly man and whack that ball down the fairway or drop a 10 ft putt is easy. 

Well, we did hit a few fairways and sink a few lengthy putts but, for the fair part of the day we were in the bushes, water, dessert and on the mountain side.  It was a fun day and we had many laughs and will have memories that will last a life time.

Playing golf and spending 5 hours with people you love to be around is a great experience.  You learn a lot about a person when you play golf.  Their values of honesty, integrity and demeanor to mention a few.

I believe that this is why so much business is conducted on the golf course.  At the end of the round you will have good idea if you want to do business with this individual.  If they go ballistic over missing a putt can you imagine how they would react in a business deal that isn’t working the way it was predicted?  If they are not honest enough with themselves to count all of THEIR strokes how do you think they will assess your participation in the deal?

So when someone asks you to be a partner in a business deal or maybe even being your friend or getting married , take them out for a game of golf.  You will know exactly what you are getting into.

Golf will reveal your true character.

Sometimes you even have a gallery.

You need to practice, even barefoot and in the dark.

Sharon and Pam had gone for lunch and a tasting at Tsillan winery, but the way.  When we had been here 5 years ago for one of Pam’s “significant” birthdays the owner had given her a signed bottle.  He was gracious enough to do it again, and, carried our purchases out to the car! 

9-1-2013 A day at the Columbia River

 

The boys were off to the golf course that is on property for a 9:30 tee time. The ladies were planning a day in the water. The condo is adjacent to the 3rd hole on the course so the girls made lunches for the guys which they stopped by to pick up and a few pictures as well.

Once the guys turned the corner and were out of sight the girls were off. It was like they threw off their robes, donned their heels, grabbed their sun glasses and were gone. I think that we have a new TV series in the making "Condo Wives of Desert Canyon."

I’m not sure what they did at the river but they were sure in great spirits when they made their way back to the condo that evening.

We'll never tell!!

Kaylynn's the only one doing close ups at the lake!! 

That evening we had a variety of appetizers of shrimp, creamy crab dip, smoked salmon and a fine selection of cheeses. The lasagna took a little longer to cook then expected, so while waiting several engaged in a friendly game of chicken foot (dominos).  I say friendly-- there was some wining and a few contentious moments but fun was had by all.

8-31-2013 A day at Bear Mountain and picking berries.

Scott & Dan

The boys had an early departure for Bear Mountain golf course.  This is where Dan has been working this summer.  He really has enjoyed marshalling and working as a starter.  The vistas are spectacular and the course a real challenge.

Son & Father

While the boys were at the golf course the gals headed off to a couple of wineries and a few orchards to pick some berries and steal some apples.  Lunch was at Blueberry Hill, yummy!  And, since Sharon & Amber had never picked berries, all went out in their “you pick’em” fields for blueberries and blackberries.  We really had fun, but being a fulltime picker would be a hard job. 

When you buy hard cheese, it takes several to cut it!!

Picking blueberries

Christine Leiderman & Amber picking blackberries.

I think that Amber was the one who picked the apples.  She drew the short straw but I the think the sticks were stacked against her because she was the tallest.  Her new nick name is EVE.  Not only did she take the apples, she took a bite before she got back to the car.

Pam & Amber having fun at the Hard Row to Hoe winery.

We all stopped at one of the local family owned wineries, Benson Vineyard Estate Winery, and enjoyed some good music and some select wines that they offer.

When everyone gathered back at the condo we decided to enjoy some more of the fine wine that is available and then cooked hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.  By the time the food was cooked we were on to drinking beer.  Don’t want you to think that we would ruin a fine wine on a redneck dinner.

It was great fun and the kids are having a wonderful time.

Blog catching up!! 8-30-2013 Over the Mountain Seattle to Orondo, WA

We began our hop over the mountain to our destination at Desert Canyon Golf Resort. We came across Highway 2 which took us over Stevens Pass at a elevation of 4300 ft.  The highway follows the river most of the way. There were not many turnouts to view the rapids, and falls are plentiful along the way.

There is always construction.  Stabilizing falling rocks.

The kids will be staying with some friends, Dan and Pam Johnson. There are RV sites adjacent to the golf course so it really workouts great.  Dan retired from Boeing Aircraft last year and really enjoys a good game of golf.  We arrived in early afternoon just in time to get in 9 holes of golf before dinner.

Dinner at the Oasis of the Desert Canyon Golf Resort

Amber & Kaylynn Leiderman

Pam & Dan Johnson, our hosts.

After finishing golf we had a nice dinner at the club. Then back to the condo for some fellowship and an early night’s sleep. 

9-13-2013 Floating South

We are working are way south. We are in the Rockies south of Denver. There are storms between us and Texas. Trying to find a safe route south. The rains will continue all day. Hoping to work are way to Santa Fe. We will catch up with you when we reach high ground and clear skies.   

9-7-2013 Been Busy

We've been busy. Will be posting last 5 days sometime this weekend. Hope all is well with all of you. Got lots to tell about. We are in White Bird Idaho. Going on a Jet Boat excursion down Hell's Canyon today

8-29-2013 Sleepless in Seattle

Scott and Amber arrived in Seattle the evening of the 28^th and we were excited to see them the next morning.  We have been communicating with them over the past 3 month by phone and emails but there is nothing like a good HUG.  A hug is special; you can feel the warmth and love transferring from one soul to another.  Hugging Amber was really special knowing that the next generation of Relyeas will be with us soon.

There were several things that the kids wanted to see while in the Seattle area. They would be there only a day before we head over the Cascades Mountains to the high deserts of Washington so we had to make the best of it.

Our first stop was Pike Place Market. What a crazy place, people everywhere, shops galore, fresh flowers, vegetables as well as fresh seafood.   We thoroughly enjoyed walking around checking out everything.  While there, we had lunch and bought flowers. 

  

Across the street is the original Starbucks.  Line was way out the door, but we got pictures.  There are 135 Starbucks within a 5 mile area of the first shop!

Next on the list was the Ferris wheel. It’s a new attraction within the last year to the Seattle skyline out on the waterfront. 

Finally, we went on a harbor cruise around Elliott Bay.  Not as much wildlife as we had seen in Alaska, but Sharon and Amber did see a sea lion with a fish.  Weren’t expecting it so we missed the picture.

It was time to put up feet for a while.  There were a lot of stairs from the market to the harbor and back.  We headed for the motorhome and then had a great BBQ dinner at a local place.