Swinging, Hiking, Exploring

I went to Oregon to visit Dad and Diane for Thanksgiving. They have a gorgeous property just outside of Salem. Dad built a super-high, super-fast, super-duper tree swing - just like the one I had in Minnesota. He is (rightfully) very proud of it and all kids and grandkids get to test it out.

My youngest stepsister, Cheryl, was there too, so we took some time to catch up. She has a heart of gold and being around her is fun. We went shopping, exploring (code for getting very lost driving around) and just had a great little vacation.

We returned to a place I fell in love on my last visit - Silver Falls. We went to a new lovely place - Portland's Japanese Gardens. Thanksgiving holiday? Two thumbs up.

Jazzy Monday

A very nice vendor of mine invited me (plus one) to join her tickets to a Jazz game. My trusty stand-in date, Lori, attended with me. We watched (and cheered in vain) as an injured line up of Jazz players worked very hard against the Bulls - to no avail. We ate junk, traded boy stories and enjoyed the evening completely. We even got to watch some seriously coordinated and limber jump-ropers at half time. All in all, not a bad for a Monday night.

Lori's "F" Word

According to Stephanie, the "F" word is what happens on the birthday following your 39th year. Considering that Miss Lori had just such an event coming up, we planned a snappy party for the occasion. A group of Lori fans gathered for a lovely meal at the Melting Pot (decor by Melissa) and then a girls-only slumber party in a grand little hotel downtown. If you ask me, the "F" word(s) event was fabulous and fantastic fun.

Event-a-rama

For now, I have a break in what I have been referring to as "Event-a-rama". The photo above is from my latest round which included two long events back-to-back...urgh. A phone to one ear, a radio clipped to my hip and a tin of Altoids became the "must-haves" for me this season. Don't worry - I always manage to have some fun. I can prove it; see below.

Mexico
Xel Ha

Grand Cayman

Formal night
Delray Beach