STILL HUNKERING DOWN..AN END IN SIGHT???

Our snow is disappearing; the forecast is for "snow flurries" and "snow sprinkles," whatever those may be. This morning we still weren't sure that we'd be able to drive through the Gorge to get to our assignment in Portland. So, we packed overnight bags, blankets, boots, etc. and took our chances!! By the time we got down the hill to Bingen, there was little or no snow!! In Portland, there was no snow. Always a big laugh to be overly cautious but fun to tell about.

Our week has been punctuated by some sadness and much reflection with the passing of our church president and prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley was 97 years old and had been preceded in death by his wife by four years. At least 70 years of his life had been in the service of his fellow men. He was a kind, gentle man. With my understanding of gospel principles and personal experience, I know that President Hinckley walks hand in hand with his eternal companion in the realms of heaven. The proceeding of his funeral gave me much food for thought and helped me to renew covenants I have made. I had read that a group planned a protest rally during the funeral, chastising President Hinckley for claiming to be a prophet and planned to have placards stating President Hinckley was in hell, etc. I wasn't sure of their motives, but they were thwarted in their attempt because members of the church stood all along the route to the cemetary waving white handkerchiefs thus concealing such hateful placards, if the rally actually took place. Interesting!!

On the other hand, Dad and I had the opportunity to drive up to the Panorama Lodge and plunked down a $600 down payment for the reunion. We LOVED the place. So, we are pleased to announce....

TGK REUNION

JULY 21--24

PANORAMA LODGE

HOOD RIVER

The lodge is an old, restored 50s style lodge which sits up on a hill. It's only 5 or 6 miles from our house. The view is spectacular. There are three floors--seven bedrooms, two kitchens, two full bathrooms, a washer/dryer, tvs/dvd/vcr, a "good" guitar, a big patio, barbecuer, etc., etc. It is filled with antiques and is kid-friendly. My original idea had been that our house would be the headquarters where all of us would hang out, and the lodge would be the motel where most everybody would sleep. However, once I saw the lodge, I realized that the lodge will be our hangout spot, and home will be the motel where some of us will sleep. We have the lodge for four days--Monday-Thursday. Any other days that you stay, and you're welcome to stay as long as you can, will have to be spent on couches or on the floor at home.

As far as activities, there is nothing at the lodge itself. But, the Hood River County Fair begins on the 23rd. The Hood River pool may be available for a group rate. There's a car/auto museum in HR, and there's a great museum--a little expensive--at The Dalles that is about the history of the area, and the wanderings of Lewis and Clark. I'm also purchasing tons of craft materials, and we'd like to have at least one evening dedicated to a family home evening which could include a family talent show.

As to food, we thought it would be fun to have some of the meals assigned to family groups. Dad and I will prepare the Monday evening meal since many of you will be just arriving. We would like to ask others to volunteer to fix the other evening meals. Dad and I will provide all the food.

Some of you have asked about rental cars. There is a business here that we've used to rent cars which is very reasonable called D&S Motors. They rent cars for $20 a day.

We're excited for this opportunity and hope that we can have all of the family. Cross your fingers and hold your tongue just right.

In other news, Dad is climbing the walls, feeling caged in with the snow and extreme cold. So, in desperation, he's started, once again on his life story. I've been working on DeAnne's quilt. The pictures are of the quilt. The picture on the left is what I have done which is the main panel. The picture on the right may look like a string of cards on a string, but it's actually 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangles of fabric. They will form the next border of the quilt and have produced much laughter and teasing from Dad about my "making scraps." Life is so good. Dad and I have lots of fun together. We watched a "chick flick" which included a love scene between two senior citizens. They had decided to have a picnic at a cemetary (I can't remember why they choose a headstone as their picnic park, but...) They got themselves down on the ground, but they could hardly get themselves up when their picnic was over. The woman joked, "We can't do that again. We'll have to call in a crane to get us back up next time." The scene has become our personal joke with each other as we deal with the minor aches and pains of aging. We're healthy and happy and love all of you. Making scraps, Mom