A few more pictures from Victoria

Here we are on the Clipper - playing cards.

Marsha, Valerie, Karen and Trish:

Janie and Gloria:
Janie, Gloria, Tamara and Diane:
In the cottage at Heathergate House, playing Carcassonne (very fun game):
Sandra, Valerie, Tamara, Janie, Gloria

Another photographer! Marsha and Karen watch while Gloria and Sandra play:
Here I am, down by the waterfront:

Here's the whole group in front of Heathergate House:

Marsha, Kathy, Gloria, Sandra, Janie, Diane, Tamara, Valerie, Trish, Karen

Victoria BC

I spent three days in Victoria BC last week with my Crazy Ladies Book Club from Kirkland. We were celebrating our 10th anniversary as a book club, and ten of us were able to go. Trish and I came in from Salt Lake, and Sandra came in from southern California.

This was our fourth time to Victoria. We got up at the crack of dawn on Wednesday and drove to Seattle. We parked our cars, and walked onto the Victoria Clipper. The party really started once we were on the Clipper. We had a two and a half hour ride to get to Victoria. We broke out the games, and started playing before the boat even left the dock. Hand and Foot, Five Crowns - the shuffling, dealing, and playing didn't end until we docked in Victoria.

We gathered our luggage. We learned the first time we went to Victoria to bring wheeled luggage as we walk everywhere, including to our lodgings. There we were - a line of 10 (dare I say it?) almost middle-aged women - all towing our bags behind us. We stopped for lunch near where the Clipper docks. Then we took off for Heathergate House which is our preferred lodgings in Victoria. Heathergate House is a Bed & Breakfast that Marsha discovered. It's owned by Ned and Anne, and we go there every time. There is a cottage that sleeps five, and the rest of us sleep in the main house. Except for sleep we spend our time all together in the cottage - you guessed it - playing games, talking, and eating.

Wednesday it was pretty rainy, so we stuck close to the B&B. We did venture out for dinner. Marsha, Valerie, Gloria, and I went to a superb place called the Superior. It is a bistro-like place, with live music every night, and the food really was superior. It's actually called the Superior because it is on Superior St. Janie and Kathy walked all the way over to Chinatown for Thai food (Thailand is on the same continent as China, right?) Trish, Karen, Tamara and Sandra had pizza delivered.

Thursday we walked over to Victoria where the Empress, shops, and waterfront are. We walked, and walked, and walked. We also browsed the shops and I got a couple of things. We ate an early dinner at the Wharfside, and it was a gross disappointment. Last time we were in Victoria (2004) we ate there and it was very good. Not any more. Oh well. Home to the B&B and more of the usual.

Friday was our last day. We stuffed ourselves with Ned's wonderful breakfast, packed our bags, and headed over to the waterfront again. We dropped our bags at the Clipper office. We caught the bus for Oak Bay and browsed through a few shops there. I found a used book store and picked up a couple of books that I've been looking for. After that, we went to tea! We've never done that before, and it was so fun! We got there, and asked if they had herbal teas. They did (they pronounce the H in herbal - English influence). First they brought out pots of tea for us. Then our server brought out a tray with all kinds of food - sandwiches, tarts, scones, crumpets, fruit, and cake. We thought one tray would be for half our group. No. One tray was for only two people. They brought out five trays like that. Ooh, it was so good. We couldn't even eat it all. Then they brought out dessert! Trifle. I couldn't even take one bite. I was so full. we took the bus back to Victoria, and dashed over to the Clipper office to get in line so that we could get a good seat.

Another two and a half hour ride on the Clipper back to Seattle and the trip was over.

In a nutshell, here's what I got in Victoria: five pounds- thanks to Janie and Marsha (and I'm not talking British money here), my good soap, a fun game, one very cute hat, and one flying monkey (the hit of Sunday dinner - Matthew can't decide if he's terrified of it, or it's the most fun he's had since Christmas).

I had so much fun! I needed that time with my friends. Talk, walk, games, food, talk, walk, games, food - what more did I need? Now I don't want to face the reality of home. But it will be easier because I had time to refill my bucket. Thank you all.

Here are also the first round of my pictures. I've still got to download off my camera. These are the ones from my phone.

Sandra

Tamara
Trish
Valerie

Gloria

Janie
Karen
Kathy
Marsha
A good time was had by all.

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot

What's a vacation without at least one mystery novel? Someone, somewhere gave me this book and I took it along on my trip.

It was a good book to read when surrounded by friends, talking, and laughter - it was easy to follow, and didn't require much intellect to follow the story. Let's just say this: it was okay; don't look for it to become a classic.

Another fun day

Today I lazed around some in the morning, then decided to take a walk again. Back I went to Kamiakin. It was a glorious day, and Mt. Rainier even showed itself for awhile.

I met Betty Olcott, Cindy Woodward, and Trish for lunch (at Pizza Bank again - a long story, but we unexpectedly ended up there). The server laughed when she saw me and said, "I already wrote down your order - beef gyro, salad with creamy feta." I told her I was addicted to the meat. What a great time getting together with old friends. We talked and talked and talked. Betty, Trish, Jaimee Hansen Weitzeil and I started doing lunch about 15 years ago, and I don't think we missed a month until Trish and I moved away. That's how my Kirkland lunch group in Sandy got started. We just moved it from Kirkland to Sandy.

Then Trish and I ran up to Marsha's, and saw Karen, Tamara and Marsha. What a fun reunion! I miss my friends! We laughed and laughed, and talked and talked. Good thing we still have Victoria together, because we didn't get near enough time together.

After too short a time we came back to Mom and Dad's, and had dinner and watched TV. Sandra came in late, and we are all off to bed, to be ready for an unearthly early departure tomorrow morning.

Party on!

Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear

The fourth book in the Maisie Dobbs series. I finished it on the plane today. I started the fifth, and currently last book in the series while traveling today.

She has a new book due out in February - Among the Mad

Love to Water My Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick

This book was so much better than the first in the series. They are a series, but only in the sense that this book was an in depth portrayal of one of the minor characters in the first book (A Sweetness to the Soul). I really liked this one. This is the only one that I would recommend reading.

A myriad of memories, and a fun day to boot!

rain/drizzle
blackberries ripe for picking all along the streets
moss growing on the curbs and jersey barriers
Kamiakin Jr. High track
60 feet tall trees

I'm in Kirkland for a couple of days, visiting my parents. Then I'm off to Victoria BC for a few days with my book club to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. More on that later! With pictures hopefully.

This morning I woke up early and headed out on a walk up to Kamiakin Jr. High so I could walk on the track. It was raining when I began, but slowed to a drizzle, then actually stopped! I just love walking the track at KJH. It is surrounded by beautiful trees. Some of the leaves are already starting to change color. I have always felt like I'm on a little island, away from the hustle and bustle of life when I walk there.

I've walked that track off and on for over 20 years. I remember when Beth was in kindergarten, and I'd walk with Martha Colt. We'd bring the girls (Beth, Martha and Marilyn), and they would play on the football field or in the sand of the long jump pits while we walked our three miles. I'll tell you right now we can walk and talk! We solved all of our individual and family problems, and quickly moved to the world's problems during those walks. Too bad no one else heard about those solutions, or the world might be a better place right now!

After the Colts moved (for which I am still not talking to Mike), I walked alone. Most of the time that I taught early morning seminary I walked that track almost every day. I would come home from seminary and change into my walking uniform. In the winter it consisted of top and bottom thermal underwear, then top and bottom of some REI product that was warm, but "breathed", then my REI jacket that I still wear to this day (including today), a good pair of gloves, and a hat. For those five years I didn't miss many days. Rain or shine, warm or cold I went walking. I just love watching the seasons change while walking that track. I used to listen to my walkman - either conference talks, or Billy Joel, depending on the day. I would watch the kids filter across that field to the school. Some chatting in groups, other ones coming alone, looking like school was the last place they wanted to be.

Today it was early, so I was alone. Then I saw a couple that I have seen almost every time I've been there for several years. They come with trash bags, and pick up trash the whole time they are on the school grounds and track. It is an honorable service they perform. I noticed that the track is mossy and overgrown - it's only really well groomed in the spring, during track season. There are a few muddy areas to avoid, but other than that it's not bad, even in pretty bad rain.

I came back to my mom's and had a quiet morning. My sister Cheryl came over and we pinned a couple of quilts for her. Then she and I ran a couple of errands. The best part came at lunch - Cheryl and I and Mom and Dad went to Pizza Bank, and I had a beef gyro. I swear they put some drug in their meat seasoning that makes you addicted to it. I start to salivate just thinking of it. It was nice to quench that craving.

Dinner and a movie - again

Tonight we went to see the movie Ghost Town. It was great! I don't know when I've laughed so hard in a long, long time. When Ray proposed seeing a movie tonight I agreed promptly, but said I had no idea what was playing. He said, "Let's go see the movie about the guy who sees ghosts." I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he said, "You know, the one they show the ads for constantly on TV." (At this point I'm forced to tell you that this man zaps through every commercial on TV thanks to TiVo. I think the last commercial I saw was during the Superbowl. But I digress...)

So, we went to see the movie. It has Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni, Ricky Gervais, and a slew of others. I thought for sure it was going to be scary, and high adventure (I believe I mentioned before never having seen an ad for this show). I thought to myself: Ray has gone to see several chick-flicks with me recently. Quite cheerfully, I might add. The least I can do is go to a movie with him that he'd like to see. Ha! It was right up my alley. I laughed, I cried, and during parts of it I thought I might have to leave because it was awkward. I'm glad I stayed! Boy, did I need that movie! Warning: a few bad words, and a couple of sexual references.

After dinner we went to grab a burger at the new Five Guys which is now open on 106th and State Street. I have to say that I enjoyed my burger much more than last time. I think it's because I picked better toppings. I will agree with Ray and Austin - it is better than In 'n' Out, but I still like King Charley's better. However, since my chances of eating at King Charley's almost ever again are slim, I am happy to have Five Guys so close.

I still don't like their fries. And I still think I'm probably the only person on earth who doesn't.

It's a Girl!

Isn't she beautiful? Beth and Bruce are tying up the grandchild tally. Now we'll have two of each.

Addendum: Just found out the planned name is Rachel Linford Petersen. We're thrilled!

A Sweetness to the Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick

I did not like this book very much. I had hoped it would be much better because I like other stuff of hers that I've read. The story line was flat. It took me four days to read the last 10 pages - I didn't really care what happened at the end.

When there was a lot of build up for an event, it turned out to be nothing much. When big things happened, there was no anticipation - they happened, and afterward I was left wondering if something even happened then.

Disappointing.

The Joys of a Down Comforter

Two nights ago I put our down comforter back on the bed (it had a break over the summer) and I had the first good night's rest I've had since I took it off. I love the weight of it, and I feel like I'm wrapped in a cozy, oh-so-warm cocoon all night long.

I should never have taken it off in the first place, and just turned up the air conditioning to accommodate the comforter instead.

Sizzling bowling

I had a hot bowling day today. 151, 177, and 133. That middle game I only had one open frame. The first game I bowled a turkey. The third game I held on and managed to make my average. The really big bonus, though, was I had a 4/7/10 split, and I knocked it down!

Unfortunately, this will blow my average sky-high, and there is no hope of keep it up. Next week I'd better bowl sub-100's to maintain an attainable average. Sigh.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

My niece read this book and liked it. I saw that it was written by the same woman who wrote 101 Dalmations (which I enjoyed reading as a child) so I thought I'd give it a try.

It is not remotely like 101 Dalmations. In fact, it is not a book written for children. But, I did like it quite a bit. It was not a fast read for me, but it was easy to keep at it steadily. It is the story of a girl (17 or 18 years old) who lives in the English countryside. Her family is quite eccentric. The book is written from the point of view of her journal. It was interesting to get a feel for that time and place. I would think it would be pretty accurate, as Smith is from England, and it takes place during her own lifetime.

Side note: just to show how much we did in Yosemite, and how tired I was at night, I did not read one word of a novel while I was there. This is an extreme departure for me. I usually worry about running out of books before I run out of time to read them when I'm on vacation.

Yosemite Day 5: A day at the beach, and on the road again

Thursday morning (day 5) David and Violet left to return home. Austin became completely distraught when David left. His best Yosemite buddy had deserted him.

Tom, Ray, Annie, and Lucy went early to stake our claim at the river. Elna and I made lunch, and Audrey and the boys came down with the two of us when that was done. We had a fun last day at the river. Austin became a little braver, and spent a little more time in the water.

Matthew had a blast digging and playing in the water.

Our original plan had been to leave Friday morning to drive home. (BYU's first football game was Saturday - there was no missing that!) However, after taking several factors into consideration, we decided to leave Thursday evening and drive all night. The boys slept all night, and I think Audrey was able to sleep most of the night. Ray drove for 8 hours, and I drove the last two - from just outside Wendover to Salt Lake.

We only had one mishap - Ray hit a jack-rabbit, and it finished off my bumper. Oh well. Now I think we'll really have to get it repaired.

Yosemite Day 4: Down in the valley

A trip to Yosemite is nothing if not filled with traditional activities. On Wednesday we went into the valley. Here are some things the valley has to offer that the Wawona area does not:
1. A spectacular view of El Capitan and Half Dome.
2. Phenomenal waterfalls
3. Hikes to various areas, including many of the waterfalls.

Wednesday morning we got up bright and early so that we could catch the bus from the Wawona store (which sadly no longer sells orange juice popsicles - a great let-down for Ray). The bus was free, which was a bonus, but we had to be in the valley 6 hours because there was only one return bus. We decided we could do it. So, here we are waiting for the bus: Audrey, me, Ray, Matthew and Austin

Once we arrived in the valley, we hopped on the valley shuttle, and rode over to the Nevada Falls area (I think I'm right on this - someone correct me if I'm wrong). Lucy and Audrey decided to lounge by the river, and the rest of us headed out for a stroll (according to Tom - a steep hike according to me). Annie and David pushed Austin in his stroller, and Ray carried Matthew on his back.

About two-thirds of the way to the bridge by Nevada Falls, I decided I was done. Ray stayed with me, and the rest of the group went all the way to the bridge. Here is a picture of those intrepid souls: Annie, David, Austin, and Violet. The falls were almost dry. In fact, almost all the falls were dry at this time of year.

Meanwhile, lower on the trail, Ray and I found a place that was perfect for Matthew to play in while the rest of the group went up the trail, and back down to meet up with us. Austin got out of his stroller and played in the water for a while too.

After the stroll/hike, we went back down to where Audrey and Lucy were and ate lunch. We spent the remainder of the afternoon seeing various parts of the valley. We got ice cream in Curry Village, wandered through the museum, and a couple of stores, and decided we were done. We went back to where we could catch the bus to Wawona.

Matthew was for sure done:

We got home, and the big kids went swimming at the bridge (Tom, Ray, David, Lucy, Annie, Violet). Audrey rested, the boys played, and Elna and I made dinner and played a partial game of Scrabble. A note to my children: an entire week with Elna and we only got in one full game and two partial games of Scrabble. We devoted ourselves to our children and played group-friendly games. I don't want to hear any more about abandoned, starving children left to their own devices because their mothers played a game or two of Scrabble.

We hit the sack early that night!

Yosemite Day 3: bring on the pictures!

One of the favorite haunts of the Linford clan at Yosemite is the area by the swinging bridge. We spent the day there on Tuesday (day 3)

Audrey and Austin:

Austin and Matthew can make a weapon out of anything. Several rocks were thrown (much hollering by parents, grandparents, aunts, and cousins to avoid aiming at PEOPLE!) Here are the boys with their favorite sticks:

Matthew:

The boys take a refreshment break:
Austin practicing for future visits to the dentist
Audrey, Matthew, and Austin:

Austin:
David was so great to take Austin "swimming":


One of many Linford traditions in Yosemite involves jumping off the swinging bridge. I did it once, in 1991. Once was terrifying enough for me, and now I'm happy to be the cheering observer. In the middle of the afternoon Audrey said, "I think I want to jump off the bridge." Ray rashly responded, "If you go, I'll jump too." Oh, foolish man. Audrey waited awhile, then said, "Let's go!" Off they went, and here are the pictures to prove their courage.


After a long day at the river, we walked back to the cars. Ray carried Matthew on his shoulders. Matthew was so tired he fell asleep (2nd picture below). It looks like he's whispering in Ray's ear, but he is out cold.

What a great day. That night we played the postcard game - a tradition by Tom, and it was fun to be included. I even guessed a few of them right!