More Eastman...

We certainly don't take moments like this for granted. We are blessed with life, good health and each other. What a bonus to share quietness, beauty and warm spring sunshine with your honey bunny! To watch the video, click on the title above "More Eastman."

Eastman in April

Despite the circumstances and business of the month, Cliff and I managed a weekend camp trip to Eastman Lake (one of our favorite weekend spots in the foothills only an hour away). It couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was fabulous and the wildlife put on a show for us. We did manage a couple of small hikes, but pretty much just napped and sat in our camp chairs enjoying nature. (photo by Clifford Yokley)

Today...Hope...it's a wonderful thing!!!

Since we left Eastern Oregon in April, Mom and Dad have moved to Meadowbrook into an apartment where they have assisted care if needed and a brand new life and adventure ahead of them. What looked very dim, has transformed into a brighter light of hopefulness. Dad's health has not been completely restored, but his outlook perhaps has. With only 3 weeks since their move, they have participated in almost all the activities on the calendar (per the director of Meadowbrook, who happens to be named Gayle also and we call each other, "the other") and Dad has picked up his horn again. It makes my heart full!!! (photo by Gayle Gazley of Meadowbrook)

Why We Go...

Our parents are why we go to Eastern Oregon. For this particular journey, it was because of sickness. My dad was not well, and it didn't look very hopeful at first. Even though it wasn't the best of circumstance, it was the best of relationships. What a blessing to have long life and being able to spend it with family! (photos by Clifford Yokley)

Eastern Oregon Country

Much of Eastern Oregon looks like this with foothills, mountains and valleys enough to have small ranches and farms. I could never get tired of this. I count myself blessed everytime we visit!!

APRIL...TO BAKER CITY WE GO!

God did work things out so we could get on the road before we thought we could, but then we ran into some questionable weather...okay, no question about it, it was bad weather and we had to change routes. Our original plan was to travel I-80 over Donner Pass, but chains were required and we were in a rental car and the business we rented from told us that we wouldn't be covered if the car was damaged by the chains. So, we turned around and headed northwest to I-5. The new plan added an extra day to our travels because of slow careful driving through snowy conditions. This photo was taken between Klamath Falls, Oregon and Bend, Oregon. To see the video, click on the Title "APRIL...TO BAKER CITY WE GO!"

April is a BLUR!

This is the town of Baker City, Oregon...where my folks live...where we were in the month of April. But before we were in Baker City, we were in Arizona! And...when we returned from Arizona we came home to a phone message telling us that there was suspected credit card fraud on our card...there was! Then the garage door broke, our daughter's boyfriend's dog needed a temporary home (yep she stayed with us the month of April) and then my dad became very ill and we needed to go to "Baker City!" But, then our car broke down before we could go, and we knew that would be another delay. Also, because we had fraudulent charges on our card we needed to close the account and open another. The interesting thing about that is that it takes 14 business days to get a new card. Traveling without a credit card is next to impossible, so we were stuck until we got it (that is another story in itself). So, the stress and urgency I was feeling, when we returned from Arizona, was truly a mountain before me. I came to a place in my heart, that it all was out of MY control, and my trust had to be in God to work all things for good....And He did! Now looking at this photo, I can remember the remarkable story God traveled us through, to get to "Baker City," and April isn't a blur anymore.

Places we Visted - Video

Just click on the title above (Places we Visted - Video) for the video!

Botanical Garden...Montezuma's Castle...Sedona

On our trip we visited the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden, Montezuma's Castle and Sedona. All were amazing, but I was most impressed with Sedona. Just too beautiful for words! Be sure to click on the last 3 photos to enlarge them so you can see the people on top of Bell Rock. Some people are totally crazy as you will see in that last photo!!!

Montezuma's Castle National Monument

Bell Rock

Arizona Visit

Our Arizona visit with Gilbert, Ashlee, Maycin and Margo was wonderful!! It was too short, but we made the most of it. To see more (video) click on the title above "Arizona Visit".

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010

After battling with what was a long start of a cold (I most assuredly caught from Cliff) this past week, turned it's ugly head into a miserable tickly cough, and continued head congestion. UGH!! I needed my morning decaf!!!!

And...I needed my comfy sick socks. My comfy sick socks always make me feel better.

Although I did enjoy my coffee and my comfy sick socks that comforted me enormously, I wasn't able to stay too comfortable for long. I had an engagement photo shoot with my friend, Cherie (it was her niece and future nephew), in almond and peach orchards. I really didn't want to miss this opportunity, and boy am I glad I toughed it out!!! Meet Amanda and Craig...

They had just clipped the peach orchard trees and hadn't picked up the trimmings before we got there. It was a beautiful carpet of pink!

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010