The Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps

Nephew Beau is touring the US with The Cascades while his brother and sister are touring Europe. They were at Husky Stadium today for a demonstration clinic and a fund-raising auction.

Kids have been working so hard and sound great!!!!!!!!!!!! Next stop Drum Corps International Finals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reminds me of my high school career with the JF Kennedy Continentals Drum and Bugle Corps. Spent part of a summer touring the US and sleeping on gym floors. Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Continentals went to Drum Corps International at Mile High Stadium in Denver but only as spectators. We weren't in the same league as the Cascades. Go Beau!

Windermere Community Service Day June 18, 2010

The Lynnwood Windermere office adopted our St. Thomas Community Garden. They built the arch, potting bench and steps to the water tower. Garden is looking beautiful. Thanks to all the cool Windermere people!

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

Another great vacation read. This is the story of Eilis, a young Irish woman in post WWII Europe who finds herself transported to a new life in Brooklyn NY. She finds success and happiness in America until family circumstances take her home again.

Sweet, well written and Toibin's prose style reminds me of Betty Smith's - simple yet engaging.

Chris at work has entertained us immensely over the last weeks with her impressions of the fictional Eilis - hilarious! Some people may agree with Chris who absolutely hates the somewhat surprising ending to this story.

JA Jance on book clubs

Another great blog post by my favorite author.

http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com/Blog/Entries/2010/6/19_The_Book_Club_Dilemma.html

She talks about her "checkered past" with book clubs, her envy of book club camaraderie and her issues with people who don't read "those kinds" of books. She is always a hoot and always hits issues close to home, both literally and figuratively.

The Invitation and The Quest by Nancy Moser

Vacation time again and I am lucky enough to have more time for great reading .....

Matthew 13:31-32 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
31He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Four very different people receive a mysterious written invitation to Haven NE.

"Please arrive Aug 1. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Nancy Moser tells an attention grabbing story, using biblical quotations and discussions to tell this story of good vs. evil. She really brings her characters to life as they gather together and she reminds us that all of us are redeemable and all of us have potential for evil.

None of the characters' lives will be the same after their experiences in Haven, NE and I think anyone who reads these stories will be positively influenced also.

Amanda's wedding

Cousin Amanda got married in Hood River OR at a winery and a venue called "the Ruins". Very cool setting and great to see everybody.

Love the picture of Zach and Brandon DJing after some lessons from the official DJ. Father of the bride Tim is also a DJ so I guess it runs in the family.

More pics from the 50th anniversary party

Stacy, Beau and Bree at the cake table


Vicki at the punch and coffee table - thank you so much Vicki, Esko and family!

Mom and Dad celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

Nice turnout at the reception held at the Hungry Mind at the folk's church. Great team effort putting the event on. Talented cousin Joe played the piano for everyone. Father said a wonderful blessing for the folks.

Habu Sake

Last evening, practised at Leschi with the Group Health dragon boat team. The long shells in the picture are what we practised in. Boat holds 20 or more people. Had lots of fun, great coaching and talk about a workout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The other pictures are of the local geese and their babies. Couldn't get too close up on them. Will try again at next practise!