At 2:30pm, May 20, Miss Sienna Breckenridge, our granddaughter,
preformed before a crowd of friends and family two of her favorite
selections. Her piano performance was magnificent. Bravo, Sienna, Bravo!

Early that morning Sandy and I began preparations for the drive back to civilization. We were leaving Mazama by 9:30am to make certain we would be back to Mount Vernon in time for the piano concert. We drove highway 20 westward through the Cascade Mountains, witnessing, once again, the splendid beauty God created for mankind to enjoy. This winding drive took us out of the valley to snow covered heights at 7000 feet. The roads were cleared of snow but their was plenty of snow to see at driving elevations and mountain tops far above. Along the way I continued to think, we should stop to take some pictures. But, unfortunately, we didn’t stop at all of these higher elevations.

We finally pulled over at the Diablo Lake overlook to take one quick picture before jumping back in the car to continue traveling on time.  It’s a beautiful place but I believe we passed far more beautiful picture opportunities at less staged places earlier in the trip.

Monday afternoon we picked up Rumi and Teo from school at 3:30pm to go shopping for Teo’s birthday present and to use the gift certificate that Rumi received from Aunt Judy. This is why Sandy wanted to come to the Northwest for a few months. This is what real grandma’s do. Buying present’s for Teo’s birthday and watching his enthusiasm is far better than ordering via Amazon and getting a Skype thank you call.

In fact, this whole week is filled with such opportunities. Sunday was Sienna’s piano concert. Monday was the Rumi and Teo shopping trip. Tuesday and Thursday were Ravens games with our favorite players, i.e.; Teo and Sebastian. Wednesday was a school play where Sienna had a major role. Friday night was Teo’s birthday party with Pizza, cake and ice cream. And, we have been with Amaya several days this week.

Sienna is the lead actor in a school play called the “The Golden Apple Thief.” She delivered her multiple lines loudly and distinctly. She showed poise and confidence and lots of animation in her performance. She was terrific! Awesome job Sienna, you deserved the standing “O.”

When we returned to Guemes Island tonight I had time to weed-wack around the house and yard at the cabin where we are staying. It looks much better if I do say so myself. Then we had dinner and still enough time for an outdoor hot-tub, The hot-tub sets on a deck facing west looking across the sound to Cypress Island. The view is spectacular. The sun is setting. Far to the south I can see a large car/passenger Ferry headed through the San Juan Islands presumably headed for Canada. Once again, this quiet time provides moments of reflection. We are counting are blessings and thinking about our friends who live in all parts of the country and our loved ones back home.  We miss you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m glad to report that while we miss you, we are still having FUN in La La Land.

Thursday was golf day at Avalon followed by another Ravens game. I joined three great guys–Tim, Jerry, and Michael for an enjoyable 18-hole round on a tough course. Despite hitting sand traps, two balls out of bounds with penalty strokes, lousy drives most of the day, shooting a nine on one hole and an eight on another, my over all score was 97. Which means I had some very good holes as well as the bad. The highlight of the day was my third shot on a par five from 160 yards out. It ended up 12 inches from the cup. I tapped in for a birdie. Best shot of my golf year! And, I won some money on that shot too.

The Ravens played one of our best games of the year. We had more hits and made more good plays in the field than our opponent. We scored three while they scored zero. But, who’s keeping score? This is a non-score training league.

Friday night is Teo’s birthday party and pizza party. Its also Fisher’s 14th birthday. He is celebrating with his mom in Portland, Oregon.

Our friends, Scott and Emily with their children, Colson and Teddy, are coming up from Seattle for the Memorial Day weekend. We are looking forward to spending time with them. So, I will save all of those pictures and stories from the birthday party’s and their visit for next week’s blog. Week #15 was full of great activities….that’s a rap for now.