Big Check Photo

Part of my new duties... press photos. We received a BIG CHECK from the credit union in Seaside. The day of the photo and ceremony it rained (of course). This is taken at THE COVE in Seaside. It is where people surf- and Lewis & Clark had their SALT WORKS there.

Spring Day in Astoria

On my way to a meeting in Astoria. A pretty shot of spring.

Bill Clinton visits Astoria

My week started off by helping get bodies to the Clinton rally. (yes, I am GOP- but I am networked and know many people) A former President coming to visit is a really big deal. I understand the last time that happened was Eisenhower. What goes around- comes around. People call me for help... I am glad to help and do not restrict myself to partisan activities. This is a really big thing for our community. These photos were in the Astoria paper.

Preview of Spokane convention

Earlier this month, I was in Roberts Rules of Order Purgatory. The State Convention for GOP is coming up soon. The State Central Committee met in Seattle to handle pre-convention business. We will all be meeting in Spokane at the end of the month.

Busy with meetings, new job, girls....

so many things to catch up on... and so- here is a cheat blog entry. Go to Paris' new blog - for a quick update on my new job. More on that later. By the way, you will have to scroll down a few photos...she has them entered... top photo is the most recent...so start at the bottom. (of that day)

Paris is home for 3 weeks. Aura leaves for Quantico- the day after Paris returns to Michigan.
I will be updating about Aura's new adventure soon. Look out Marine Officer School!

If you want to check out some of the family blogs: see on the left.
Aura, Paris and Ryan's family.

Cheers!

Loyalty Day Parade

The Coast Guard Helicopter flies the parade route... over 120 entries. Beautiful weather. Enjoy!

Astoria Crab & Seafood Festival

This BIG event began with a shuttle bus ride from Cruise Ship Pier parking lot. Just look at that line!

The crowds were--- well, they were CROWDED.

I immediately started with wine, wine and more wine tasting. It shouldn't surprise you that my 2nd taste was the Best of Show- which I didn't know at the time...but had singled it out and went back for some full glasses. It was a nice Syrah by Zerba Vineyards.

I headed for oyster shooters, grilled oysters and crab melts. Brett started with a tangy limeaide and gyro. He did move on to a microbrew and some Presbyterian pie alamode.





Included in these photos is a VIRGIN crab eater... a guy from Ohio....smiling for the camera. We saw many friends, including Bruce Smith of Bruce Smith Autos- who is the AV sound guy for all the bands during the 3 day event.











That little girl's elephant ear treat is bigger than her head!

Now we know SPRING has arrived- finally!

We have the 3 major events of spring this weekend. First is the Beach Cleanup on the Long Beach Peninsula. Volunteers from all over the region and many locals who help organize and do most of the hauling work have arrived in town. They meet at the beach approach roads and scour the beach/dunes for debris clean up. Tons of trash are hauled away.

Beach cleanup is a good activity for young kids- but an even better activity today is the annual Black Lake Derby. The lake has been stocked and the derby is for ages 0-14. I can't wait to bring a grandchild to this! It starts with a pancake breakfast... launch your (non-motorized boat) and catch a big fish. Usually a 5 or 6 year old wins with a fish that weighs about as much as they do. Prizes and tshirts are given out.

We will catch up on some yard work too this weekend. The sun is out for a brief appearance and I have the mosquito spray at the ready. Aura mowed the large lawn and Brett is still working on moving tree stumps and logs from the storm debris. The hot tub needs repairing. I am weeding the flower beds. I have a fantasy Mothers Day planned. My fantasy involves my kids coming to visit every Mothers Day- and doing all sorts of labor around the (mostly outside) house. Preparing it for summer. I make favorite foods and we enjoy being a family together. I am fantasizing this event as a regular happening- even as I reach old age.

Reality- the adult children live across the country. I have grandchildren that I never see and one I have not met. When my kids come to visit- they are exhausted and want to sleep. They work hard and after traveling 'to see Mom'... are even more tired. And did I mention the RAIN and weather the 2nd weekend of May? Expensive travel to enjoy the beach makes more sense in August when we have beach activities and good weather. Brett has a different 'family fantasy'. His involves the end of July Sand Castle contest. He wants to put together a family team and spend the day constructing a huge sand castle.

Back to this weekend. Hooray... the Astoria Crab & Seafood Festival is on. This much anticipated event involves crab, seafood, wine, beer and art & crafts in more than 200 booths. We will take a shuttle bus from just over the Astoria bridge. This is also a must attend event that draws many tourists and locals. We hope to get there in time to see some of the fun bands.... often retired musicians who have moved to the area and found a new life with a new group of other retired muscians. The 'Floating Glass Balls' perform at 1pm this afternoon.

The photos should be credited. From the Garbage Gang website, Damian's Chinook Observer photo of girl in boat...and Don Nisbett's watercolor art.

Long Beach Coffee

Aura and I enjoyed a french press with frothed cream at the coffee shop. To our surprise- the Larry & Norm band guys (and gal) showed up to play. (or maybe practice)

Earth Day

For my Earth Day celebration- I went to the awesome Whole Foods in The Pearl- for some arugula. (hehe) They gave out those green bags for free. I scored 2 of them!

I can't wait to shop at Sid's with my fancy bag. Our vege section at the store looks pretty sad compared to this pretty picture. I am seriously designing a new compost bin and planning a garden... to get some decent vegetables.

What did I buy? Considering I was alone at Mad's loft for the evening- a nice split of Ravenswood Old Growth Zin...and some gourmet pizza slices. Oh! and some sparkling H2O. I confess that I like to just look around and remember civilization in a food market.

Restaurant Changes

2008 has brought some changes to the dining scene here at the beach. The much acclaimed The Ark Restaurant in Nahcotta had changed hands a few years prior- but this year- the new owners closed the doors. They put up a sign 'closed for winter'- but the locals knew better. We understand the new owners are enjoying the climate in Texas now. The December storm damaged the roof- and when you peer into the windows- you see the water damage among the old appliances and furniture.

If you close your eyes- you might imagine Jimella and Nanci moving about with busy (and full) tables. You can smell the garlic- and just taste the fresh entrees from the Willapa Bay. Today the scene is a desolate place.

Just a few blocks from our house- at The Shelburne Inn- Tony & Ann Kischner closed up their famous Shoalwater Restaurant (and Heron & Beaver Pub) after 28 years.

Even 'Nicks', the Tavern in Long Beach has boards on their windows.

But as spring will FINALLY arrive (soon we hope!).... there is new life coming.
1. Jimella has sandwiches and deli food at her Klipsan Beach- Jimella's Seafood Market and Community Store. You can still smell garlic! 2. Owners of The Shelburne Inn are taking back the Shoalwater Restaurant space and word has it- creating a lovely dining experience. You can find Tony & Ann over the Astoria Bridge at their new Bridgewater Bistro in the Red Loft Building. 3. Nick's has new owners- a couple (with one of them from Australia). They will call it 'The Other Roo'... or something like that. I met her at a meeting and we were all charmed by her energy. 4. Down at the Port of Ilwaco- Jeff (most recently at Moby Dick) has opened Pelicanos in the Shoalwater Art Gallery space overlooking the docks.

When the weather clears up- I will go on a photo safari to highlight the new restaurants. Stay tuned- this rain and snow can't last into May!

Snow

No one can believe this weather! Here is the scene from our bedroom window this morning. It has continued to hail, snow, rain- then more snow- for the past few days.

Now I do not feel badly that I haven't planted any spring flowers yet.

More snow at the Beach- in APRIL!

This weekend- we have a clam tide. Burrr.... but the hearty will dig their razor clams in snow, hail and sleet!

Can you believe this weather? They cancelled the Astoria Opening Opening Boat Day Parade and Blessing of the Fleet (and bar-b-que) due to the weather conditions.

Creative Kid

While cleaning out some old files.... I found a card that Madison made for my 40th Birthday. It is so funny that I am crying tears - look at the details. (like me on the ground under a big 40 brick) He was 10 yrs old when he made this. I remember 1994. That was a hard year. My birthday was also during the Flower & Garden show set-up... super stressful. hhmm my Garden theme was the Noah's Ark. That was really fun to put together (and stressful- but my idea of fun= stress). If memory serves me- Doug (my brother) and his wife came to help build the ARK. They played scrabble one of the evenings...and had all these 'baby' tiles come up. I was flustered...cause I knew Gail was sensitive about teasing re: the biological clock. I shut my mouth. Finally they blurted out the news that Saren was in the hopper. YEAH! that was fun!

and no wonder Madison makes a living doing big shows/tours. Hey, his handwriting is still the same! I wonder where the photos of that Noah's Ark display garden are.

Lincoln Day Dinner frenzy

Our county dinner is this Saturday. We are dashing about... pulling together all the final arrangements and work. Our county does not have a large restaurant to cater... We hold it up in South Bend at the Willapa Harbor Community Building... which is a beautiful restored historical building.

Aura is making the cutest decor for the tables. I am getting all things into the vehicles. We have to drive over one hour. The caterer did this as a volunteer (out of retirement)... and we have to help her bring in all the items. She is getting the food from Olympia... (she lives in South Bend) and I am driving up from the beach today and tomorrow to decorate and set things set up. Tomorrow is the big day. 150 people. Speakers, food, drinks and a silent auction.

Should have some fun photos.. but no time to post until after the event.
Will return on Sunday...

If it's Wednesday, it must be Burgers.

Wednesday Night is Burger Night at The Depot. During the off-tourist season- The Depot holds their fabulous and yummy Burger Night. They added Buffalo Burgers (low fat) and Sweet Potato Fries (justified by ordering Buffalo Burgers)

The usual elegant and very nice menu is set aside (but you can still order oysters, chowder and salad)- for Burgers with anything you want on top. I usually have a Portabello Mushroom instead of a burger- but the Buffalo Burgers are great. Brett and I share an order of fries.


We arrive later in the evening. Around 8pm- so we can chat late into the night with the owners (Michael & Nancy) and other locals. The weekly newspaper comes out that day and current local events are a lively topic. Especially Brett's letters to the editor.

Michael added the Sweet Potato Fries a few weeks ago. Since we are the last ones to arrive- for our standing table reservation.... he was sold out! WHAT?! I had to take a photo and Michael promises to never let that happen again! You should come join us!

Shaking the house

We live a very quiet existence... quiet in terms of - no background noise. No traffic, none of those everyday sounds that happen in the city or suburbs. We do have some expected sounds and vibrations.

1. High wind- will shake the house and we hear the roar of the ocean.
2. Rain, rain, rain. Dripping down the gutters, beating on the windows. Hammering on the roof top.
3. Ocean waves- of course, especially at night- we hear the ocean.
4. Frogs- they don't shake the house- but are so loud that you want to scream at them to just quiet down a few minutes.
5. Birds. crows, blue jays, sea gulls, herons, robins, wood peckers, the list goes on forever. (to the delight of our cat)

6. Occasional police/fire siren. Very few- and usually when tourists are driving around.
7. Sometimes, the test of the Tsunami signal. We were out of town during the last test...but my cell phone rang with inquiries from neighbors or weekenders who missed the warning notice.

8. Traffic is LOUD during Rod Run (2nd weekend of Sept). Thousands of Hot Rods cruising up the highway and racing their engines.

9. The tinkling of glassware on the shelves and vibration- of the spin cycle on the washing machine. Since our house has no foundation... just post and beam...three floors of 103 yr old timbers shaking. I don't need a washing machine cycle signal... it is built in. If you were visiting from another state- you might think we were having an earthquake. We recognize the shaking as- hhmmm. 'go to the washer in a few minutes and put the clothes into the dryer.'

10. Which brings me to the topic of today's post. Coast Guard Helicopters. This is a pretty common event here. The Coast Guard station is a few miles away- and rescues happen with regularity. The mouth of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean continue to claim ships, boats and lives. When the helicopter takes off- you can almost reach into the sky and touch them (it seems)... the sound and vibrations fill our world. We say quiet prayers that the victims will be rescued in time.

Historical Tea Theater

AAUW (American Assoc of University Women) held a Historical Tea Theater. Four of the women played the historical figures. Ameila Earhart, Grace Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Annie Oakley. The proceeds went to our scholarship fund.

Jessie's Fish Co

I pulled on my rubber boots yesterday- and went to do a little Hatchery business down at the Port of Ilwaco- at Jessie's. Such a pretty view.

I love meeting in an old cannery office, with a big black dog running up to greet you- seagulls, fishing boats and freshly hosed docks.

The smell of the Columbia River- meets Pacific Ocean -I wish they could bottle it up! I love it!

Snow at the beach in March!

Snow is a rare thing here at the beach... at any time of the year. Today we have SNOW! It is SPRING!

I have mentioned before that I need to figure out the pixels on the video part of my camera... still haven't done that. I am going to attempt to upload some videos of this unique weather event.