For those of you interested Only in TRAVEL, I (Jack) wrote the blog between MARCH 2010 and October 2010 during our travels west. We saw the most beautiful places and had the best time in our big truck and little trailer. See Blog Archive below.

Aug 8, 2013

Jack's Birthday! and A Call From a Dear Friend!

Today was Jack's 11th birthday. Just wanted to mark it as a special occasion. Love this pup with all my heart!
So where's my cake?
My whole post except for pictures disappeared! Let me tell you about Frannie. She was married to Billy and when I was a little girl, before they had children of their own, they lavished attention upon me. I loved her and thought she was like a movie star and I had a secret crush on Billy at the same time (little girls are funny, aren't they?).

When I was growing up I used to think, "When I get married, I'm going to be just like Fran and treat my husband like she treats Billy because that's why he loves her so much." Their marriage was an incredible and wonderful love story. They were like a Prince and Princess.  He always called Fran his bride. She lost him sixteen years ago. Rich was broken hearted and he knew how broken-hearted I was. He surprised me with a beautifully framed newspaper article that told the story about how Billy had earned so many medals, but had never received them. Billy being Billy, never asked for them or wanted the lime light. He was a WWII hero, very seriously injured in Italy. Weeks before he left us, he was presented with them.


They had two children of their own, Gretchen and John. They adored them, and when they became grand parents they adored their grand children.


Billy and Fran were crazy about Rich. That was very important to me when I first introduced them.


Fran's daughter, Gretchen, takes wonderful care of her Mom, bringing joy into every moment of her life. Fran is failing a bit, so I'm hoping to get down to see her--maybe this winter. I'm very happy to have spoken to her. Fran lost her sight, but I wish she could see how beautiful she is and why she was Billy's Princess. I suspect she knows, though. 

Still Glamorous in her 90s!
I've always loved her.

Aug 3, 2013

Reminiscing About Depoe Bay and Getting Stuck on You Tube (Red=Video)

Every now and then I go on the You Tube site just for entertainment. This morning I was thinking of Oregon and reminiscing about our trip in 2010, and especially about our whale watching adventure with Captain Carrie Newell out of Depoe Bay in 2010. Unfortunately, we got socked in very quickly by fog and didn't see a whale, but here's what we could have seen and what I *hope* to see *if* I get back there. 

Carrie offered to take us back out, again, for free because we didn't "score". We had to move on, but felt we got our full $40. worth of fun and education. Jack enjoyed the trip, too! We didn't bring cameras for obvious reasons, but after seeing this, I'll take the chance if I get to go, again.

One video led to another, as it always does. I was amazed that I wasn't aware of how hard the Japan tsunami in 2011 hit the Oregon Coast though I did read about the dock in Newport. There are a number of good videos showing its effects. I can get stuck for hours on You Tube. :) I'm going back for more.

I have some of my favorites listed on the side bar, but of course I can't post them all.

Holy Cow!

Pay attention to the signs!


Oregon Coast Winter Storm


How could I forget:
I miss Bogey, but I sure get more napping in!