Medford to Fresno (note to self: Pick an alternate route next time!)

This morning we got an early start in Medford with some thick fog all the way to Ashland. As soon as we headed into the Siskyou Mountains the bright sunshine peeked out. Ms. Garmin tried to take us to places we weren't planning on and she ended up in time-out in the glove box. Little Red is doing great on gas mileage - today she actually was over 25 miles per gallon of diesel. Highway 99 between Sacramento and Fresno was horrible - huge traffic with lots of slamming on the breaks (not us but the folks traveling at 85) Tonight's motel is a Homewood Suite. Darn, this place is nice!! We were greeted with an invitation to a social. The social included dinner, wine and beer. All free! Bruce's favorite price. Tomorrow we should hit Kingman, Arizona. Happy New Year!

 Little Red is doing us proud with the diesel mileage - it actually hit 25.6.

 Lots of snow out of Ashland, Oregon.

 Two years ago Mt. Shasta was bare - so glad to see the snow.

This is my picture from two years ago - pretty bare mountain!

 Mt. Shasta

 Lake Shasta looks better too.

 Lake Shasta Marina

 Snow Geese hanging with the ducks in the rice fields.

 Sacramento

 Cool old barn

4:35 and Bruce is done. I mean DONE! 500 miles with the last 100 on lousy roads and heavy traffic. Of course, 5 minutes later he was ready for his free beer and dinner! Happy New Year!

Ellensburg to Medford - 500 miles

Just under 500 miles today! The roads were perfect and once we hit Oregon the sunglasses were on. 

My new travel mug - Let's go on a adventure!

Yakima looked gray and icy!

 Snow blowing off of the car ahead of us - not cool! Ice chunks and snow were hitting the road making it hard to see.

 It's been quite a while since we've seen a three log load!

Winter snow in Washington

 Pretty winter scene near Goldendale.

 Windmills near Goldendale.

 Crossing the Columbia river at Biggs Junction the sun came out. This barge was anchored in the middle of the channel.

 Columbia River Gorge

Rob and Nancy brought me a delightful cinnamon roll from this restaurant last summer. Bruce wouldn't stop..

Another cool over pass near Hood River, Oregon.   Tomorrow night we should be in Fresno, California.

Snowbirds taking the long road south.....

After months of planning, many long days looking at the maps, and hours searching for good deals on motels, our plans have changed. Last years harrowing trip south has helped us to see the benefit of caution. The snow here in Ellensburg has grown to about 18 inches and the drive through Idaho appears to be just as treacherous as it was last year. We are now taking the safer route down I-5. Our first stop will be Medford, Oregon. We are sad not to have the time to spend with our family in Wilder, Idaho but we promise to stop by on the way home in April. 

It is still very cold in Ellensburg.

 Icicles are everywhere!

This icicle is almost five feet long!

Looking South where the warm sun is waiting for us!

 We headed into town this evening for dinner at the Palace. The streets of Ellensburg are pretty decent but the back roads are ugly!

 Pretty snowflakes on the lamp post.

This is a photo of our neighbors lights - not sure how I got the letters but kind of cool anyway. The lights are a single strain of multiple colors hanging from their gate entrance. No cursive writing!

Super cool Christmas present from Kim and Colby! Can't wait to head down the road and listen to the Longmire books!!

We plan to leave Wednesday morning at 6:15 a.m. Wish us luck!

The final craft of 2015

Earlier Bruce and I covered this old rocking chair with a Pendleton Fabric remnant.  I held on the scraps with the intention of making pillows.

One day in November my very treasured purse broke a zipper.  I shopped and shopped without success looking for a new traveling purse.  Upstairs I found a pattern I bought in LaPine in 2014 for a purse.  I used the wool and the strap from the old purse and made myself a travel bag.  I love it!  

Boxing Day 2015

Happy Boxing Day! As usual the best part of the present is the box it came in. I love the imaginations of children!!

The Box Trolls from left to right - Olivia, Sophie, Emma, Gia, Marcus, Ceci ..... at least that is my best guess!  I love the Minion Graphics on Marcus's box.  Quite the Artists!!  

Happy New Year

So I put my camera on the tripod and headed outside without saying anything.  Colby quickly volunteered to be my target.  It wasn't long and Bruce headed over -

 Next Marc and Wes arrived.  Marc said "just so you know I will be wearing my hat"  No Problem!

We had to switch locations because of too much sunshine - Tracie was our runner for these shots - didn't quite make the snap!

Here we are with dangerous icicles hanging over our heads.

The best of the best - Back row; Tracie, Marc, Wes, Tracy, Kimmie, Colby, Me, Bruce
From row; Olivia, Marcus, Emma, Sophie, Ceci, Gia, Baylor and Elle.

We are so blessed to have such a loving family.  I am thankful every day for our good fortune.

Happy New Year 2016

PS:  This is not Snoqualmie Pass!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve the Cousins all took showers and dressed in their new pj's.

They prepared a snack plate for Santa and tiptoed to bed.

Marc got a new hat for Christmas - this is a really truly beaver skin hat made by an native in Alaska.  The hat is beautiful - I don't think Marc will take it off for a very long time.  Marc and Tracie also fixed the Christmas Eve dinner of salmon and shrimp.  The salmon was perfect, caught on Marc's Alaskan fishing trip this year.  I made fishwiches with crescent rolls and fish sticks - very tasty!  

Lots of snuggles!

I teased the kids into a picture before they hit their presents.

I bought Bruce and Ipad with a cool Cabela's leather cover.  The Sisters took some pictures for their Dad's screen saver.  Pretty funny, they pressed their noses against the window so it looks like they are trying to get out of the Ipad.

One last sleigh ride and Kimmie and Colby headed back over Snoqualmie Pass for the Sheets Family Christmas.  Lucky kids!