Bucket List

On January 7, 2008 I posted my 'bucket list'. I know there are things I want to add, but I need to give it some more thought. It was Bob's suggestion that we start the list. I don't even think we knew about the new movie coming out called 'The Bucket List'. If you haven't seen it, you should go. It's about two guys (Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) who both have terminal cancer and wind up sharing a room in the hospital. Because the character portrayed by Jack Nicholson has lots of money they set off to experience their bucket list. It makes you think about what you want to do before you kick the bucket, has some pretty entertaining moments, along with some sad things.

My cooking class on Wednesday didn't happen - they canceled it. And they didn't notify me, so I drove there to find out it was a no-go. I guess there are some more classes in March.

We held a baby shower for Brian and Toddi on Saturday. They are pretty well set for this new addition to the family. Toddi has about 4 to 5 weeks to go. Brian is still working at his new job at Milgard in Marysville. He leaves Monday mornings at about 4 or 4:30 to head there, stays with his in-laws during the week, and comes home on Friday evenings.

Bob leaves for Florida on Wednesday. He will be staying with his sister and going on a 5 day cruise. He will also have an opportunity to see his daughter, Amy, and some of the grandkids and great-grandson.

Diaper cake

One of the gifts brought to the shower. It is a cake made of diapers - very cute! 

Sports theme

Toddi and Brian requested a sports theme for the baby shower 

Baby shower cake

We hosted a baby shower on Saturday for Brian and Toddi. They are expecting a boy (to be named Hudson) on February 28th 

Giant Sequoia

Taken May 2007 - looks like giant toes 

Yosemite

I took this picture in May 2007. Today I was cleaning up the computer and came across the picture and thought it was so beautiful it needed to be posted to the blog. 

Saddlerock- looking south

The mighty Columbia river 

View from Saddlerock

Looking north up the Columbia River 

I almost fit

Buddy thinks he is small enough to fit in the bin 

Cooking Class

For Christmas Bob gave me (Connie) a gift certificate to a cooking class. Last Wednesday I attended a Tapas class. Tapas are small plates - appetizers. The class was held at a local winery. We sat at chairs in their small kitchen and were instructed in the making of swedish meatballs, caprese, bruschetta, steak on crostini with gorgonzola sauce, and a salmon mixture on crostini. And of course, we got to sample everything they made. So far, I've made the caprese (crostini with pesto, sliced tomatoes, topped with fresh mozzarella cheese) at home.

Today, I'm attending my second cooking class - this one on soups. I know they are making a tomato basil, which sounds yummy. Not sure what else is on the menu, but I'm sure it will be fun.

The weather here has been cold - in the teens at night, but very sunny during the day. We took a walk on a new trail today. It was beautiful. We did about 500 feet of elevation gain (according to our altimiter). About 3/4 of the way up I had to open my jacket and take off my hat. I forgot to bring the camera, so will bring it the next time we do this hike.

Last Saturday we attended a baby shower for Brian and Toddi on the west side of the mountains. We're hosting one for their friends on this side (east) of the mountains this Saturday.

Another view of Castlerock

 

Castlerock

This rock outcropping is up the hill from us. It is called 'castlerock' - which is our street address 

View from walk we took today

Columbia River in the distance 

Our new Honda Element

 

New car

 

Near Leavenworth

 

River near Leavenworth

 

River near Leavenworth

 

Connie

Taken while snowshoeing near Leavenworth on January 14th 

Bob, snowshoeing near Leavenworth

 

Celebrating 23 years of marriage

Saturday, the 12th we celebrated our 23rd anniversary. We went shopping for a new car with Brian and Toddi and then out to lunch with them. We went to lunch at the Roaster here in Wenatchee. The restaurant has a nice lunch menu and a beautiful view of the river. We came home and watched the pre-recorded Seahawks game.

Brian and Toddi were thinking of buying a 2008 Honda Element. They test drove the car and then we test drove it. Today (Sunday) we bought the car. They decided to hold off for now on a new vehicle.

Bob is going on a cruise with his sister on February 4th leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. He will be flying to Orlando. This trip will also give him a chance to see his daughter, Amy, her two girls, and his granddaughters, Amanda and Kayla, and his great-grandson, Logan. Connie will be staying home and taking car of the master cat, Buddy.

Happy New Year

It's hard to believe that we're already almost a week into 2008. As one of our thoughts for the future, Bob suggested that we should start making a list of the things we want to do and places we want to go. So, here is a start on the list.

Connie's list:
1. Visit Banff and/or Lake Louise, Canada in the winter
2. Visit Yellowstone in the winter
3. Visit Australia and New Zealand
4. Visit Switzerland (we were there for two days last year!)
5. Go snowmobiling
6. Go on a dog sled trip
7. Raft the Grand Canyon
8. Take a mule trip down the Grand Canyon
9. Mt. Rushmore
10. Tour the Canadian Maritimes in our RV
11. Drive through Napa Valley wine country
12. Visit Arches National Park (and other nearby National parks) in Utah

Right now item Number 12 is our next trip. We're headed there this spring.