Night at the Lake Cabin

Wren and I stayed the night at my families lake cabin.

We settled in and watched a movie, then upon trying to sleep, all of the night critters had a party. There were mice or squirrels cannon-balling onto the roof, and I'm pretty sure there were multiple bears and big foots outside the sliding door. It was a loud, wild, ruckus night. But in the morning, my folks,

Duane,

and Squeek came out.

Eventually even Darcy! We ate about 3 lunches each, and paddled on the blow-up boat, and peddled on the peddle boat.

Dad made Squeek and I race. I won, but I think Squeek let me. She's in waaay better shape than I am. Later that afternoon, Wren and I juggled for the fam. Then my cousin Melissa (the third from right) and her boyfriend came out.

This picture is from when her boyfriend (second from right) and some of his friends helped dad rebuild the bridge.

 Here's a bonus photo of dad on the peddle boat.

 And dad on the dock.

I was reminded how nice it is to be at the lake cabin... even if at night, I have to share it with Bigfoot.

Christmas in Port Townsend

This year my cousin Squeek came to our family Christmas... (it was so awesome having her there...she played Santa)

along with Wren,

my brother Duane,

sister Darcy,

Mom,

and Dad,

(Dad practicing selfies),

(and Louie, the almost 20-year old cat).

Christmas with my family is typically centered around food. For dinner, Dad cooked a ham, made mashed potatoes, served creamed corn and green beans, and dinner rolls. Breakfast the next morning was biscuits and bacon-gravy. Wren and I gave all homemade gifts... homemade jam, dog biscuits,

yarn (that Wren sheered, carded and spun), our 2015 calendar,

and dried fruit (all from dad's trees).

I got moustache swag,

an awesome old video of me playing racquetball, cash, and a tazer.

Wren got crossword swag, finger-less gloves (me too, and matching!),

and a remote-controlled car. Plus we both got candy, socks,

and other goodies. Squeek gave everyone a sourdough pancake mix starter (which we made into fun christmas-inspired shapes like this reindeer, obviously).

We drove around to see the Christmas lights, watched the movie Paul,

and helped/watched dad with his wood chopper. We went for a walk, saw Darcy's dog Maryah, and made a breakfast scramble for Mom and Dad. We took our Christmas photo (sweet, with a space for Thaddeus, and with sexy angry faces),

and our yearly Sibling Face Stack (with young version of 15yr old Thaddeus in the background).

Merry Christmas family! And special thanks to Mom and Dad!

I love you guys!

Housesittin' for the Folks

I spent the week in Port Townsend house-sitting for my folks while they were on an Alaskan cruise! Yay! The dates coincided with Joannie and Daniels wedding, which was quaint, charming, and delightful. Isabella was there, along with a handful of other beloved Chautauquins.

Katie and I got to decorate Joannies Poe steed!

I took the ferry over from the Sh'Bang with Chloe, Annie and Rod. One of my (not) guilty pleasures is I love doing the jigsaw puzzles on the ferry!!!

Here is one of the loathed (but so cute!) deer in dad's orchard.

I met up with Squeek and her dog Pam at the lake. They swam around a bit, and I paddled around in the new boat dad bought... it was a blast!

I made a bunch of things while I was there, like dried fruit, zucchini bread, and finished a costume, but my favorite was this 3-d welcome home card for mom and dad!

 I thought they turned out soooo cute!

It was so fun to hear about their adventures when they returned. I laughed so much. I love these people. I surely do.

Moms surgery

My mom's a trooper. This year she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and so far, she has had chemo, surgery, and now more chemo. When told that the chemo will most likely make her hair fall out she said, "Just the grey ones, right?" Then asked my dad to knit her a "Whoopie Goldburg hair hat". Here it is with my dad modeling his second blond version.

When told they would remove 3/4 of her stomach she excitedly noted how she's been trying to have that surgery (bypass) for years! Here she is with her male nurses...notice where her hands are? She is a notorious bum pintcher and typically has the staff in "stitches". Also in this photo, my mom is sporting her newly died fucia/red hair color! "You only live once!" She proclaimed proudly.

When she had her surgery and was showing off her scar, or "zipper", she bragged about how tough it made her look. I love this woman and her enduring sense of humor and optimism. 

Mom's currently in a great recovery center in Port Townsend where she does physical and occupational therapy, has a great "room" mate, and is exceeding her therapists goals. She loves a challenge, and loves to win... and she sure has been wining the hearts of everyone involved in her recovery process.