Dutch Tulips

On a beautiful Spring day, there were lots of tulips outside, and it was a nice chance to get to see some of the beauty of one of the world's most famous urban areas.  From the throng of bicycles to the limited traffic, to the easy ways to use public transportation to much, much more, it was refreshing to get to spend a day in Amsterdam.

Visiting the Rijksmuseum

What a treat to get to visit the Rijksmuseum and have the privilege of seeing some of the greatest artwork of all time.   Wow.  They had a special van Gogh exhibit with a lot of his work - and with three Vermeer's, it is a pretty amazing place.

Amsterdam Layover

With a long layover in Amsterdam, Doug had the chance to go in and visit the city.  So beautiful to enjoy Holland in the Spring and get to see the city.  Some of the highlights of seeing the Rijksmuseum - what a treat, as well as the beginning of tulip season.  

These are some of the general views from outside in the Museum area. 

An Oregon Goodbye

It was quite sad and emotional saying goodbye and not knowing what the future brings.  We certainly hope and pray that things will continue to be positive and plateau for a good reunion for the 50th wedding anniversary in July!  

Love you, dad - and look forward to the next chance we'll get to be together.

Dad in His Room

A view of getting to enjoy dad and this wonderful gift of a week with family.  Here is his room at Friendsview and the chance to be with him.  With Opening Day, the Red Sox, walks around and getting to spend time with friends (including Keith Harcourt), we are grateful for each day.   Hospice has been great in helping and supporting, including putting in a platform and the bar to make it easier for dad to get in and out of his chair, since he really only has one good arm.

The Route to Shangri-La Lake?

As part of the break, it was fun to get out dad's old Sierra maps and go through some of the possibilities, including how we might get to Shangri-la lake.  With Starr's Guide as a resource and dad's expertise, the shortest route (via Mineral Pass), might be the most daunting - and a bit crazy to start that high and that difficult in the first couple of days. 

We'll continue to explore in the hopes we can get there before we are too old!

Dad continues to do well, getting some short walks in the neighborhood, though he doesn't think he is up for a Sierra backpacking trip this summer :) 

Spring in Oregon

Doug and his mom and a number of wonderful walks around the neighborhood, around the golf course and enjoying some of the spectacular beauty that is Oregon in the springtime.

Enjoying Mo's

Of course, a visit to the Oregon Coast wouldn't quite be complete without getting to go to Mo's.  With Spring Break, it was typically busy - but not too bad, and we were able to get in for a delightful lunch.

The Beach Life - Oregon View

The view from the Oregon beach is a little bit different - and a great chance to head to Mo's, get some clam chowder, and enjoy a nice long walk on the beach.  Dad sat with some blankets getting to watch the beach while mom and Doug walked toward land's end. 

The Beach Life - SE Asia View

As the short vacation comes to an end for those in SE Asia, it is hard to be disappointed by some of the beautiful views!

Sunburn - Ouch!

Of course, one of the challenges of the tropical sun is the fierceness of being outside too long.  Looks like the sunscreen wasn't quite applied evenly enough.  Thankfully, there is time to heal - and a good reminder about why swimshirts are so needed in this region.

Spring in Oregon

It is truly beautiful to get to be outside and see some of the beautiful sights, including the bright blue skies. 

Beautiful to see the view from Friendsview as we he head home after the concert. 

Oregon Symphony Orchestra

While the family was on the beach, Doug and his parents got to go to the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and enjoy a visit with the Friendsview Oregon Symphony Concert series.  Nice to get a Sunday afternoon or tracking some exciting NCAA basketball tournament games while also heading to hear some beautiful music.   Who knows when the last time (elementary school?) that I was at Schnitzer Hall?

Phuket

 While Doug was in Oregon visiting his dad, the rest of the family went to Phuket and enjoyed a few days at the Beach.  What a delightful view - sure cannot get too tired of such wonderful sunset views, with fresh juices and delicious food. Plus, the accommodations aren't too bad either!

Handels!

What!  A Handel's Ice Cream in Oregon?  On the way home from the airport, mom took me to Handels, where we purchased a couple of pints of ice cream for our enjoyment.  It is one of our favorite hard ice cream places in the Toledo area. 

Nice to be able to visit my dad over Spring Break, who went on hospice care in January.  Enjoying every moment and getting to spend time with family are opportunities that are deeply appreciated.

A Tie a Day - Day #71

Here is Wednesday.  Got the Denver Broncos tie when Peyton Manning went to the Broncos.  Now I can show appreciation to Dr. Norma Hudson, who loves Denver.

A Tie a Day - Day #70

Here we are on a short week before Spring Break. Some cartoon football fun.

KL Band Festival

Thanks to the impressive work of our Middle School Band Teachers, ISKL again hosted the KL Band Festival, which had some great opportunities for music with many from around the city. 

(Also, Happy Birthday to Mark!)

Vijay's Wedding

Many from the middle school office were invited to the science technician's wedding.   It was a very Indian wedding - and some new sights for this westerner.  Among the rather embarrassing tidbits, was being asked to sit at the front table, as though we were more dignitaries, which was a great honor, quite appreciated and certainly unnecessary given how many others know the bride and groom so much better.

A Tie a Day - Day #69

It is the Ides of March - and a Friday. . .so how about a pink look? Always good for some drive-through Julius Caesar.

View to Downtown

Enjoying the KL Skyline from the middle school wing is a view I don't think I will get too tired of.  Such a picturesque skyline view. 

A Tie a Day - Day #68

Well, good to have a tie for the eve of the Ides of March (and Lisa Ford's birthday). How about some tiny computers on a blue tie with a blue shirt?

Reeve Class Photo

It's the Juniors chance for a class photo.  Can you find Reeve in the class of 2020?