Random Pictures

We were busy this past week but with very mundane things. And I have to blame Jennifer for getting me involved in Mafia Wars & Farmville on Facebook for my lack of blog posting lately. So tonight as I downloaded the pictures from my camera I decided I should at least post some of them.


This is me setting up on the 7th tee at Scott Lake GC. This was on Thursday the 27th.

Corey caddying for Scott.

Gabby standing in the shade. It was really hot that day.

Playing Partina at Jerry & Brenda's on Friday night. Here is Jerry doing "Pencil Head" where he had to draw a picture on his head. It was pretty funny.

Brenda drew a mermaid when it was her turn. Luckily I never had to do this. Partini had a lot of different games in one. A couple of times I had to tell a story from random words.

Today we went down to Capitol Lake to walk since we didn't do a Volksmarch this weekend. We walked around the lake twice which is about 3 miles. Here is Winston looking super excited to go!

Scott was nice enough to look to see if I was still alive. Everyone else just took off. I am always lagging behind as I'm not a very fast walker.

We saw a blue heron (per Gabby this is what this is) on a log in the lake.

Pretty view of the Capitol behind the lake. It was sunny & warm today though the cool breeze made it feel more like fall than summer.

Our Vacation

Well, it's Friday. Usually I am quite happy when Friday rolls around, but not today, as it's the last day of our vacation. We spent most of our time off doing errands, but it was still great to be away from work. We had some good days and some not so good days.

First, the not so good days. We had the heater guy come out on Tuesday to fix our heater that has been broken since May. Who needs heat in the summer? But with fall around the corner we figured it was time. Tuesday evening we noticed we had no hot water. We figured the heater guy must have turned off the gas flow since the water heater is right next to the heater. But we fiddled around with it and could not get it going. The water heater guy came out on Wednesday morning and told us our water heater had a leak in it and would have to be replaced. Many hundreds of dollars later we have a new water heater. Not quite what we wanted to spend our hard earned money on but there you go. We can't live without hot water.

Now onto the good days. We got to go golfing for the first time in forever with Jerry & Brenda last Sunday. On Monday we did the Rutledge corn maze and also bought me a new set of golf clubs. I figure one set every 18 years is not asking too much. On Tuesday Scott & I went back to Scott Lake and tried out my new golf clubs. I must admit they are pretty nice. Yesterday we had the piano tuner out and now our piano sounds great! After that we went back to the golf course with the girls acting as our caddies once again. It was quite warm and Gabby kept going into the shade and drinking all the water. After we got back I took an hour nap. Ah, bliss! Last night I had dinner with some friends and then book club at my house.

Today is more errands. We are headed to the middle school to pay fees & get Corey's P.E. clothes. This will be followed by hopefully a trip to the local historical homes and then dinner & games at Jerry & Brenda's.

It wasn't a whirlwind vacation or anything, but I have to admit being off work is quite the luxury. I cannot wait to be retired!

Rutledge Corn Maze

Since we are staying in the area for our vacation this week, we decided today would be the perfect day to go to the Rutledge Corn Maze here in Tumwater. This is an annual event for us, though we did miss it last year since Corey ended up going twice with friends. They have a different theme every year, and this year's was the military, so the corn maze was shaped like a Stryker vehicle. The maze seemed harder this year, and though we got turned around a few times, we made it to all of the 12 checkpoints in under 90 minutes. You can tell it hasn't rained much recently as the corn field was extremely dry & dusty. We had a great time!

By the entrance of Rutledge.

Into the corn maze.

Scott at one of the check points.

A bird's eye view of the maze from one of the two bridges.

Corey lead us to many of the checkpoints. She did a great job!
Scott & Corey running for the exit. Gabby & I had left them behind without a map, but they still managed to find their way out. :)

Golfing at Scott Lake

This afternoon we went to Scott Lake and golfed 9 holes with our friends Jerry & Brenda. We played best ball with Scott & I against Jerry & Brenda. Scott had a great day. On one hole he hit the ball about 280 yards off the tee. I had a couple of good shots, but I think my clubs really held me back :) On one of the holes Corey dropped my putter and the head fell off! My clubs were a wedding present from Scott so they are 18 years old now. Let's just say that it's time to get some new clubs. The girls came and caddied, Gabby for Scott & Corey for me. It was great to just walk the course and not have to worry about dragging my clubs around. They definitely earned their 5 bucks! This must be what the pros feel like when they go golfing. It was a lot of fun and we ended up just 2 over par beating them by 5 strokes. So, yeah us! I can't wait to get back on the course.

Scott putting while his caddy takes a break.

Me on the first tee.

I'm not sure what Corey was doing. Maybe the heat was getting to her.

The ultimate golfer pose.

My caddy taking goofy pictures of herself when she's supposed to be working.

Jerry lining up for the putt.

Jerry after a great shot.

How can you have fun without jazz hands?

Gabby showing off her golf pose.

Corey actually hit the ball pretty far off the tee on the first hole. Not bad for a lefty using right handed clubs.

Brenda putting.

More putting.

Trying to get it on the green.

Ridgefield Volksmarch

We just got back from completing our 8th Volksmarch event in Ridgefield which is about 15 miles north of the Washington/Oregon line. We decided to be brave and walked the 10k this time. It was really hilly but we prevailed! It took us 2 hours to complete. Thanks to Madi & Clarissa who came with us. We have to mention that Corey saw a snake on the trail, but luckily her screaming scared it away before Susan had to see it :)


Corey giving a thumbs up before we started walking.

Madi & Corey before the walk.

When we stopped for water Winston took a little break by rolling around in the cool rocks.

The leaders of the group. This was taken after we climbed a giant hill. There were great views from up here.

Susan & Clarissa-the stragglers.

Gabby & Clarissa on a water break.

Putting Winston's leash back on after his water break.

Corey & Madi (& Gabby's rabbit ears)

Ridgefield was having its centennial celebration!

One of a few cars that was part of the celebration.

Winston took a little shade break while we were looking at the cars.

Couple of early 1900's cars.

A break at the 2nd check point.

The view of the river from that bench.

The girls must have enjoyed the walk because they were still smiling when we were done.

The volksmarchers: Madi, Corey, Susan, Scott, Gabby, Clarissa & Winston

Afterwards we had a yummy lunch.

After lunch the girls went over to the playground equipment. Gabby on the tire swing.

More swinging.

Ready to go down the slide.

Madi & Winston

The girls doing weird faces.

Corey doing a pull up.