Brochure time again

We were all together at one time this past Saturday so Dick and I took advantage of this rare occasion and we took pictures of Dick with all the grand kids so he could have an updated photo for his campaign brochure. Last time it took about 40 pictures to make sure we had one with all 4 kids looking at the camera, not crying, all sitting still and with Dick looking good. But we set a new record this year with only 26 pictures to get the perfect photo.

Dena decided halfway through that she was done. At 3, she is showing her independence, of course. So, trying to take just a few more photos, her mom, Allison, hid behind Dick while down on all fours and tried to convince Dena it was okay to get back into the photos. Not too much success there. Finally, I had to step into the group so she would give it another try. I don't like being in pictures but anything for the campaign and for my grand kids. I will share a couple with you to give you the idea.

It was just another Spring day for the Anderson clan!

A Whale's Tail

Brett, Liz and St. John were visiting us here on the coast this weekend. We had a great visit with the one-man wrecking crew (SJ) and he discovered all sorts of new adventures at Grandma and Papa's house. There is a window seat that his cousin Dena told him about that can be closed off with curtains for a great escape and hiding place. The rocks on the beach are great for climbing and contain lots of critters. Small rocks on the beach are just right for throwing into the ocean. And, letting Mom and Dad go out by themselves can be a lot of fun when you are at the beach house, too.

The grown up people made one discovery, too. As the whales are migrating North, they decided this was the weekend to come close to shore and romp a little. The sunshine seemed to make us all pretty happy. But this was our first time seeing the whales so close to shore. They were right behind the breakers! One was huge and you could see it's dark shadow/shape in the water as it would swim along and then whoosh, it would break the surface and flip it's tail up or roll it's back out of the water. The most spectacular event was when the whale was swimming right in the breaker as it curled up and broke. At one point with the sun out, you could see the whole whale through the breaker. It was almost like looking at the whole body through a window. What a spectacular view!

I didn't get any perfect pictures because I was glued to watching it, but later on another one was close in and I did try to catch him/her on film. Above is my attempt but you can just barely see the back breaking the surface of the water. I am also posting a picture of the rocks outside our place and the first whale was just past the rocks and breakers in view. It was just another whale of a day.

Garage Sale Anyone?

Have you ever shopped a garage sale? Have you ever held one? This weekend Lincoln City is holding a huge garage sale...all over town. Addresses of the sales were published in the newspaper with maps, times and an idea of what each garage sale might have. Some were individuals, some were churches where members all gathered together for a big garage sale and I even saw one where someone or a group of people are actually using a vacant storefront for their garages sale. A warehouse just up our street and across from the Catholic Church is open as a garage sale selling flowers for the garden. The Connie Hansen Garden is also having their plant sale this weekend. WOW!

This is an annual event and is even extending into Newport this year. We even have a group of women staying in the vacation rental next door who came down last night so they wouldn't miss any bargains. They hit the sales early. Dick and I had a heck of a time downsizing to move here so I don't think I will venture out. I don't really need anything but would probably drag something home anyway. So I think it will be just another flowery day...I might hit that sale up the street!