Fall in the Seattle Area

(Jan) The last three weeks have found us in the Seattle area. Our son and family live north of Seattle and Chuck’s mom and sister and family live south east of the city. We spent several days with Josh, Sarah and family and are now staying with Joanne, at Jackie & Butch’s place while they are away. Joanne has had some health issues and we are happy to be spending this time with her. We’ve been going through photos, baking cookies, putting together jigsaw puzzles and having long talks. We also got to help Joanne celebrate her 86th Birthday. Sarah & kids were able to come down & join us for lunch and birthday cake.

Home Sweet HomeMt Rainier in our front yard.

Looking out into the backyard.   Watching the numerous birds and squirrels

Joanne opening BD cardsWalking on the Soos Trail

We were able to spend our first 3 days in Seattle land at Josh and Sarah’s. It was great joining the family in all of their activities including soccer practice for Ali & Isaac, home schooling classes, piano, walks around the neighborhood and dinners & family games. That Sunday Sarah’s Dad, Stepmom and Brother arrived for a visit and we all went to lunch at Anthony’s in Edmonds together. Alison’s Birthday was in October, also, and I was able to join the family for her dinner and birthday cake. Here’s Ali and family; Ali, Lexi, Lexi’s boyfriend Bryan, Josh, Isaac, Sarah & JJ.

Alison, Isaac and Julianna came and stayed with Grampa and Gramma one morning. The kids did their school works and read and played until it warmed up a little outside and then we went out to play in the falling leaves. Such a fun time!

A stop on our way West

(Jan)The Motor Home was packed, Jeep was hooked up and we were on our way west. After an overnight stop in Wall, South Dakota, we stayed at Hart Ranch, southwest of Rapid City for 3 nights. It is a lovely place with lots to do in a beautiful area near the Black Hills and Custer State Park. 

Our 3 days there were for rest, relaxation and reconnecting with Boomer friends Mark & Judie and Betty and Duane. The six of us took lots of long walks, had Happy Hours and Dinners together and played a few games of Pegs and Jokers. A good time with good friends.

On Sunday we headed over to Devils Tower National Monument. We once again stayed at the pretty campground there among the stately cottonwood trees and enjoyed the hiking trails. Our 7+ mile hike that day took us from the CG up to Devils Tower, around the base and then back down through Prairie Dog town. While we were up near the tower three Osprey Aircraft did several fly overs and hovering maneuvers. That was quite interesting to watch. We also got to see two groups of climbers that day.

The next three nights of our way west were spend boondocking at Cabela’s in Billings, Montana, Silver Dollar Bar CG in Haugan, Montana and the Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, Washington. Each afforded us good places to walk plus the Cabela’s was next door to a Sam’s Club and we sure enjoyed the omelets at Snoqaulmie.