It's getting there

It looks like construction is moving along nicely. My dad found one thing he does not like though. There is a bit of rotted wood (not new stuff) that needs replacing, but was covered up by the new wood without actually replacing it. That will be fixed, and it looks like everything is proceeding on schedule.

Citizenship

Today Sherri took her oath and officially became a US citizen. She is somewhere in this crowd shot (I know, but I'm not telling).

Gutting and Framing

My parents just swung by my house and had their camera. So, here are some shots from today's contruction:

My Dad standing at the wall of the old kitchen. The add on is ten feet.

My mom looking out her new kitchen window.

Ripping out the kitchen

I didn't get a chance to go over today to see my parents' kitchen progress. Obviously I find the whole process facinating. The bay window depicted below is supposively gone at this point. They are also starting the framing for the new kitchen. Looking forward to maybe seeing progress tomorrow.

Bike Ride

I went for a bike ride with my folks today. We parked the car at the Green River Golf Course and road down stream until we hit the RV camp lot about 3 miles away. Unfortunately, my mom panicked and crashed there, so my dad and I rode back to the car and picked her up. So just a 6 mile bike ride for my dad and me. My mom hurt her leg a bit, but she was already a bit better after lunch.

My mom liked this sign at the exit of the RV camp grounds: "GOT WIFE?"
Here's the current pictures of the kitchen remodel at my folks' house:

Scrapbooking / Poker Night

Last night we had a scrapbooking/poker night at our house.

Some of the scrapbookers

Some of the poker playersAnd then there were some people that took part of neither activity

The Fly: The Opera

Last night I went out with my mom to see The Fly. It's a brand new opera by Howard Shore (music) and David Henry Hwang (libretto). It is also directed by David Cronenberg who directed and wrote the screenplay of the 1986 movie. I liked Shore's orchestral music, but the lyrics by Hwang I didn't care fore, and I did not like how Shore incorporated those lyrics into the music. I'm glad I went, but I would rather see, Les Mis, Porgy and Bess, or Sweeney Todd again before ever seeing this one again. Of course those are the operas I'm most familiar with, and I'm sure familiarity makes a big difference in opera enjoyment.

Commitment Ceremony Day

Yesterday was the big day. My cousin Sandy was SO happy, it was great to see. The ceremony was so personal; it was one of the nicest we’ve been to. What was really great about the ceremony, it was officiated by Sandy’s best friend and Chama’s best friend. Sandy and Chama gave some guidelines of what they wanted, but their friends developed and implemented a ceremony which was funny and touching, and it was fun to watch Sandy and Chama’s reaction to the events.

In the morning we went to my uncle’s again, and Sherri and I got to ride in the rumble seat of his ’36 Ford. He rebuilds cars, and his Model A and ’36 are in pristine condition. Now he is working on a “muscle” car. Can’t remember the model, but you can see the end of it in this picture. He has already replaced the rusted sections, and did the ground paint.

Sherri and Me in the Rumble seat My brother did violin for the ceremony

The happy couple

And then dancing through the night:

More of Yesterday

Here's some more pictures from yesterday, around Camp Angelos.

Sherri and Me Chama and Sandy

Bad hoola-hooping

My first cousin once removed and Zeke, one of Sandy's best friends, around the bonfire...mmm....s'mores

Portland, Damascus, Camp Angelos

Yesterday we got up WAY to early (3:30 for me, 4:00 for Sherri) and got ready to leave for Oregon. We flew, but the flight left at 7:00 and we had to check in and all that jazz. Today is my cousin Sandy's commitment ceremony. I couldn't be happier for her. Chama is wonderful and I love having her part of the family.
We are staying at Camp Angelos, which is a beautiful campground. It really reminds me of summer camp from when I was a kid. Don't have any pictures from it uploaded yet, since I only uploaded one SD card, but I'll do another blog later today with more stuff from yesterday.
Anway, here is my dad getting the treatment at the security gate in Orange County. Ever since he shattered his leg and had a metal rod installed many many years ago, he has become a huge security threat at the airport, or any place with a metal detector. We first went from Portland airport to Damascus where my dad's brother and his wife live. He has an amazing house. Dave, if you ever can visit, you guys would love to talk shop. He has a forest in his yard and can tell you about every plant in there in great detail. He gave a great tour.

Here's my nephew Sawyer. I really like his expression here.

Camp Angelos pictures later today.

More Destruction and Mayhem

My parents kitchen and patio destruction has extended a bit farther with the addition of a Bobcat going through their yard. They just had grass put in the very back not too long ago, and most of it is shot from the back and forth of the Bobcat.

This picture was taken inside the kitchen cabinet:And here's the outside view:

Optometrist Open for Business

My sister-in-law is open for business. Unfortunately she has to process her website through VSP (the insurance she takes), and they haven't set up the site yet. But other than that snafu, the business is up and running. Like I mentioned before she is moving offices in March, but at the moment she is entrenched in her current place.
Again, if you know anyone that needs an exam, give Jan a try. She really is very good at what she does. She also specializes in Orthokeratotomy.

Picture Page

Here's some pictures I took from yesterday's festivities.

Shawn and Yadira are mixing their dirt (something like that)Newlyweds

Mmm...Cake

Groom and Best man

Of course Cam made the rounds. She started with Mom:

Then Sherri

Sean

Finally the bride took her

Congratulations Shawn and Yadira!