IS WINTER ON IT'S WAY?

It looks like a good weekend in Germany. Kathleen seems to really enjoy the new education process. We are slowly settling in for the cool season. We have had below freezing for the last few nights. The days have been very pretty. Fall is always a nice time of year. We had trace of snow on Thursday. It's a little early for that. My shoulder therapy is going slow. It was torn a lot worse than we thought. The surgeon said he had to search for the end of the tendon. He felt he secured about 75% of the tear. He said that there is a better than 50% chance that I could tear it again. If that happens, there is no repair. Needless to say, I am following orders very closely. I am writing this completely left handed. It's taking some getting used to.

The Fall is truly a beautiful time

It has been a beautiful fall this year. Weather has been pretty good. Man, I'm glad that don't live in Scottsbluff. 30"of snow and it was still October. The picture above was taken about the 2nd of November. Well here is the surgery update. I went in Wednesday the 4th and had surgery on the right rotator cuff. He scoped it, but found a much worse situation than the arthrogram had shown. He had to put a patch on the rotator cup and the surgery went for about 2 and 1/2 hours. Recovery was awful and I was in the hospital for two days. Evidently I was allergic to something in the antibiotics. After 5 days my tongue and back right part of my throat feel like I've been to the dentist. The shoulder has been fine, not much pain and I am working on the first of the PT assignments. They felt after the surgery, that I had sleep apnea and I took the sleep study last night. I see the Surgeon again tomorrow and hope that the road to recovery will continue to get better. Cindy was here over the weekend to help with both of us. She brought the dog and cat. Everybody loves everbody here. But, Doggy don't you ever try to get into my food dish again. We had some interesting confrontations this week end, but the cats certainly have the dogs number. Fun to watch. I'll write more in a day or two.

I've used this photo before , but it seems that it is time for the last rose of summer. And before long it will be on the ground. This was a big week. Our last two-day tournament and I cooked spaghetti for it. I had lot's of help and we had a great time. The surgeon's nurse called Tuesday and said that November 4th had been set for the rotator cuff surgery. She asked if that date would work for me and I said get it on. Now that it finally set we can start looking at time frames of recovery and possible trips here and there. The trip that Annette wants to take the most is to Germany, but that one will probably wait until Spring. They still have beer in the spring, don't they. Our power went out at 6:00 PM last night and we were without power for an hour and fifteen minutes. It was different, because we are seldom out of power. It seems that a group of Ravens got involved somewhere along the line and blackout. It covered a large area. Oh, well it was sure quiet for a while. Candles and flashlights. I thought we were going to set off the fire alarm when we blew out the candles. Peaches was really chasing shadows. Anything that moved was attacked.

Not a way to start Sunday

This is a picture of the slide that took place early Sunday morning. The highway there is route 410 from Yakima to Mt. Rainier. This happened about twelve miles west of Naches, WA. As you can see the river is finding a new path and the road will be closed for a long time. They say the slide is still moving and might for some time. Although there is another road to the west, this one is the scenic drive to Rainier. The Naches River as you can see will have to find its way around or through. It's really amazing what Mother Nature can do and She did it a lot faster than we will be able to correct the action.

Annette was at her Monday quilting at the Senior Center and the phone rang and it was Jim and Kathleen wishing Mom a happy birthday. We talked for about an hour. They had spent the weekend at the Canstatter Volksfest which is Octoberfest. The one in Stuttgart is the second largest in Germany next to Munich. They had a blast. It sounds like Zmo had a good time too. The tent is about the size of a football field and there were a couple others. Jim said they were pretty loud in the afternoon and didn't close till 3 AM. Probably a little more gusto then. The car behind Zmo is a Messerschmitt, which was built by the Airplane company before WWII. They drive with a joy stick and the insides are like a cockpit. Driver in front and passenger behind. Jim says he walks about 3 miles a day doing his shipping. He's going to be in good shape. I received a letter from L&I and they have OKed the surgery. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the month, but who knows. Annette and I went to dinner at Tendrils at the gorge last night. Wonderful setting and a great meal. Gary and Nancy know that if come by you'll get to go there. Dixie knows this place too.

All hooked up and ready to communicate

After I posted yesterday we caught the cat in interesting position. Annette has started to hand quilt her "Grandmother's Flower Garden" and it looks like Peaches has found a comfortable place to spend some time relaxing. And if she's bothered by the flash bulbs, she digs a little deeper. I think probably that Annette will find another place to leave the quilt when not working. After talking yesterday about the skype connection to Germany, we got connected this morning. It seems strange that Kathleen was having a beer after work and we were just getting up. We hadn't had breakfast and they were getting ready for dinner. Jim took the cam around their apartment and showed the living quarters and also the outside view. It was beautiful. Kathleen said they have about as much space as the house in Wenatchee, but not the basement. They still have some furniture to get, but are comfortable now. Kathleen has a 10 minute commute to school by bus and walking. She says she is enjoying the kids. The top picture is maybe the last rose of summer. Cindy took it after she trimmed the bushes last week. We were in the 80's and 90's last week and now we are in the 50's and 60's. Hopefully the heat will be back soon. We don't want to drop off that quickly. Generally it is nice here until the middle of November.

Wow, I woke up this morning to fall. We've been having such good weather you just didn't think about having to wear long pants. I didn't today either, but it was certainly cool enough. I saw the surgeon last week and he felt the physical therapy was not accomplishing what he wanted, so it looks like surgery sometime in the future. He said that L&I sometimes takes two months to OK the procedure. So, with that in mind I'll probably not have anything done till December. At least I should be able to get back golfing in the Spring. Cindy is working hard developing a client base for her recruiting. Hopefully she will get a placement soon. She thought she would have one by the end of the month. That's today. Kathleen is thoroughly enjoying the teaching in Germany. Sounds like a great bunch of kids and a good climate to teach. She has 5 classes. She has two planning periods some days and three planning periods some days. Hopefully, they will get their skype fixed so we can share online. We are looking forward to spending some time in Germany next year.

The Coast Was Beautiful.

What a beautiful area and it was a really beautiful day. This is the lighthouse at Newport, OR. We spent two days there visiting Gary and Nancy and Craig and Sue. The food was superb. Craig had caught a salmon, so we had salmon and they had also gone crabbing, so we had dungeness crab. Now, that's really at the top of the food chain. Had razor clams for breakfast one moning and oysters for dinner one night. All of my want list for eating seems to be covered. It was a great time to relax and have fun. We stopped at Spirit Mountain Casino on the way. It is one of the newest Indian Casinos and is really quite a show place. My surgeon has decided to try therapy on my arm instead of surgery. I have had four treatments and this morning was able to raise my arm above my head. Hopefully, I won't need the surgery. I see the surgeon again next Tuesday. I might even get to swing a club before too long. Grape and Apple harvest are in full swing. That means that fall is not far behind.

Fun in the Sun

Gary and Nancy Adams, cousins, were here over the weekend. We had a great time eating, viewing and sipping. Gary and Nancy left for Seattle this morning to visit Nancy's brother-in-law. They will proceed to Newport, OR to see Gary's brother Craig. Craig and his wife have a condo for the week there. Annette and I decided that we really haven't been anywhere exciting this summer, so we will go down next Tuesday. We'll stay with Stan, Annette's brother on Tuesday and on to Newport Wednesday. We are looking forward to seeing Craig and Sue and maybe have a little fresh Salmon. Annette asked if she had to eat Salmon. The answer is no, that leaves more for the rest of us. We'll tell you about the trip when we get back. I might even throw in a few pictures.

I'm sure glad we took the camera. Cindy and I took Kady for a run. We are below the Priest Rapids Dam. This is the last free flowing stretch of the Columbia River in the state of Washington. This gravel bar is generally covered with water. Why today and why we took the camera. Yesterday Annette and Cindy went down and the bar was an island and it had a number of pelicans. We decided to take the camera to get a shot or two. No island, but here came a donkey dick. Seriously that's what they are called. We have had a fire over the ridge and here they came to get water to fight the fire. for once we were at the right spot at the right time. Quite an experience to see them come in, squat and load 1500 gallons of water in about 3 or 4 minutes. Very impressive. We've lived here 16 years and I have never been down to this spot when the river was this low. I might take the pole next time.

Fire Watch

Yesterday was a very windy day. The fires had been started the previous day by lightning strikes. All in all we had about 3000 acres burn. If the wind doesn't pick up tonight, it will probably be over. We were never at risk, but as you can see by the picture on the right, we had good viewing last night. We have had this happen two or three times since we've been here. The far side of the river is the Yakima firing range. They believe in the let burn policy. Because of that the road south out of here was closed last night and is still closed this morning. We have heard from Jim and Kathleen and they have found an apartment with a view. Needs some kitchen work, which will give Jim something to do. Cindy came yesterday with Kady, Jim and Kathleen's dog. We are enjoying a beautiful day with no wind. It's about 80 degrees and we love it. Will write more when information is available. Left click on the fire picture to see the interesting effect of the digital camera.

Thank God the Mariners Won

Well, this is another wonderful day in the desert and as you can see there are things going on away from the desert that is okay also. Cindy and I went the Mariner-Yankee game on Sunday. It was a great win for the little guys 10-3. We cheered our local favorites as if they were world champions. They are not and will not be in the forseeable future. From the other pic you can see that Zmo is saying . Hey look I'm in real undies. I'm a big girl now and don't you forget it. It was neat to converse by facebook with Kathleen at the game. Stuttgart is 9 hours different. We enjoyed the game and the time on facebook seeing what was going on in Germany. Annette's Mom is with us now. She is having some problems with an infection. We are happy that we are close enough to help. Hopefully she will be able to return to the Manor and make do on her own. We know this is the forewarning that the time will come when we will have to seek a different place to house her. Keep her in your prayers.

And the summer continues

It looks to me that Jim is having too much fun in Germany. I would certainly like some of that beer. I'll bet it's just as good as Budweiser. They went to a Wedding on Saturday and sounds like they had a good time. We don't know if it was Jim's relatives, someone from the school or a friend that went to Berlin this Spring with Kathleen. I'm sure we'll find out at some point. We are conversing mainly on facebook. Kathleen's laptop went plop and she is using her Ipod, I think. The picture on the right is from a webcam in Glacier National Park. I have been watching it this summer. The picture changes every minute. There has been three osprey raised this summer. It is fun to watch. There are some great pictures of feeding and such. The Website is http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm They have seven cams that give you a good glance of the park. We picked two baskets full of tomatoes today, so I guess we will have some salsa soon. I go for my arthrogram tomorrow. I will keep you informed as to what the choices are. I know that I'm ready to have something done. We'll talk again soon.

Well as you see, we have received our first pics from Germany. The one on the left is from their hotel room. I guess they deliver beer anywhere. I will enjoy that part of the trip. Information is slow and hopefully will increase when they get settled. If you are on facebook, you can follow the travels on Kathleen Mullen Ralf. In the pic on the right you can see all are in the pool of the fountain. Kathleen said it was 85 degrees there and people were using the fountains to cool off. It was 107 here and not a fountain in sight. The weather is supposed to continue on the warm side. Cindy is moved in and enjoying the new surroundings. The animals seem to be doing well. I hope that all works out on both sides of the Atlantic.

The trumpeter vine is almost finished blooming and the Goldfinchs are just getting started on the sunflowers in the garden. We have volunteer sunflowers from the bird feeder which are close to the garden. It seems everything is running as planned. All except the shoulder and getting it resolved. I saw the surgeon yesterday and he said it looked like I had a massive tear. He said that probably he would have to scope it to tell whether or not he could fix it. I am to have an arthrogram on August 10th and will see the doctor again on August 27th. I asked why so long and the nurse said he would be out of the office. I asked her if he would be playing golf while I couldn't. She replied probably. I didn't want to hear that it possibly couldn't be fixed. We are hoping it will be taken care of. Cindy is now moved into Kathleen and Jim's house in Wenatchee. Kathleen, Jim and Zmo will fly to Stuttgart, Germany tomorrow. Keep them in your prayers. This will be an interesting time in the Mullen household. We look forward to seeing Gary and Nancy in late August. We'll keep you posted.

In the Good Old Summertime......

It sure is nice that the neighbor has a swimming pool. I'm his Cabana Boy and keep it shipshape. Sorry Annette's not here to enjoy it today. The temperature is 95 degrees and the pool is 85 degrees. It's just enough difference to feel nice and cool. Although this picture was taken last year, it looks the same this year. And the water feels just as good. We have been having a Junior Golf Camp this week. Al the grandparents have their grandkids for the week and they all have a blast. We have 43 this year. They will play a Tournament tomorrow and have lunch afterwards. I have been working the shop so the pro could teach. After tomorrow, I'm taking a few days off. Cindy is moving to Wenatchee on Monday. Annette is in Kent helping her get her stuff together. It is supposed to be 106 on Monday. It will be a very hot move. I'll go over Tuesday after my Dr. appointment to make sure they are ok. Come on up, the pool is open to friends.

Here's looking at you . . . . kid!

Although this picture was taken in the winter, it was taken just a few miles from here. What a nice face to see on your morning walk. We are getting into fast shuttle mode. Kathleen flew into Wenatchee last night and Cindy is coming over tomorrow. We will go to Wenatchee on Friday and see what has to be accomplished to get the change over done. You know, like Larry the Cable Guy. "Get er done" We are going to a double 80th birthday on Saturday in Chewelah, WA. Two good friends celebrating on the same day even if it isn't the date for both. We will enjoy seeing Earl and Edna Packer and friends. Cindy and Annette will leave Monday to start the packing job for Wenatchee. If everything works as it should the move will take place Monday the 27th. Kathleen is leaving for the Cape on the 22nd I think. We'll know more Friday. Keep all in your prayers, as this will be trying time for all concerned. Left click on the picture and see what a really cute guy this is.

Time flies when you have nothing to do.

I'm still waiting for a call from the Doctor saying that my claim is open and I can meet with a surgeon and get the shoulder process going. I do have an appointment with a surgeon for my knee on July 30th. If the claim isn't done by then, I think I will talk to him about doing both at once. That ought to be good. Cindy is packing her wares getting ready to move to Wenatchee. Kathleen flys in today to Wenatchee to start packing for Germany. We'll see her near the end of the week or sooner if she nees help. Annette will go home with Cindy on Monday or Tuesday and help pack for the move. We have the use of a panel truck from our neighbor here. It's in Seattle and they will pick it up and the move will be on the 27th. The only good thing about my condition, is that I can't be of any use going up and down three flights of steps. I can help on level ground in Wenatchee. Cindy will start her new business offically on the 1st of August. She will be recruiting medical staff. The group she will be involved with has coverage all over the U. S. We are hoping this will be a good fit for her skills. Keep her in your prayers.

Sightings from Old Cape Cod

I guess that this is as close as we will get for a while. Kathleen called last week and said it had rained almost everyday since they had been on the Cape. It looks like the Fourth was nice weather for them as it was for us. I wonder if there is a beach like that in Stuttgart? Sounds like Jim is working on the house between showers. Cindy is coming over today and will be here a couple days. She will be back on the 17th to take a walk through with Kathleen. She will move to Wenatchee the last week of July. It will be nice to have her closer. She will also be starting a new business of recruitment from her home. We hope she will be successful. Kathleen will spend next week packing for Germany. We'll get to see her then, but not Z.

It was a Great 4th of July

This is getting to be a big local event on the Fourth of July. The Senior Center sponsors a classic car and golf cart parade each year. The parade is growing in stature and size. The picture on the left is taken by the side of our house. We have two large birch trees which produce some of the best shade on the parade route. It's full every year. You can see by the bag that the carts throw candy to the kids. All the carts are decorated and judged at the Senior Center. We had friends for dinner and celebrated the holiday with ribs on the Traeger. It has been very hot the last few days and yesterday we hit 101. We are supposed to cool down this week somewhat.

What happens next????

What about an old relic among the new guys on the block? I thought it was very interesting that they would build an old windmill to show the differences in that have come about over the years. I went to the surgeon's office to fill out the paper work and was told since it happened on the job, I would need to go L&I. So, I guess that another month will go by before any decisions will be made. I guess truthfullness is not always the best policy. Annette is starting to look for fares to Stuttgart. It looks like about $600 to $700 round trip. Depends on carrier and time of the year. We will probably go over, just don't know when. I would enjoy Octoberfest. You know me and the brew. None of the light stuff for me. Looks like we are going to have a warm 4th. They are projecting near 100.

It's been a while

I know it's been a while since I had a posting, but time flies when you're having fun. Max and Joyce Fiskin, who are both classmates dropped in for a few days and we showed them the area. Good food and a little wine and lots of talk. This picture is taken at the wind farm visitor center, which is about 25 miles from here. It has just opened and is a great place to take people. You have a commanding view of the area from the top of the ridge. There are 127 wind machines producing enough electricity for 58,000 homes. Quite a sight. The picture to the right is Dry Falls which is located about an hour north of us. During the Great Missoula Floods, this was the largest waterfall in the world. Max was very impressed with area.

The last time I wrote, I mention that I had destroyed my rotator cuff. I have been going to physical therapy and finally have a date with a surgeon. I will see him on June 30Th. Hopefully he has an open date in the near future for the surgery. I don't have much pain, but can't lift my arm. It's not a nice way to spend golfing season.

Sometimes there's a reason

This is one of our favorite places, 30 minutes from the house. We took Annette's brother and wife there for dinner on Tuesday. The food is wonderful and they are running a special that all Grant County Citizens get 25% off. What a deal. We took Dixie there on her way to Alaska. She said she could spend two-weeks there just sitting on a patio and reading. Not a bad view. We I went to the PT Tuesday also and he said plan on playing golf again next year. I've decided to take advantage of the down time and get weight down to where it should be. That's more pounds than I want to say. Hope all of you are having a great summer. If you get this way, let us know. I can get off the diet for a few days.

Another Beautiful Day in the Desert

Our friend was checking us out today. He thought that the weather was great, but didn't like the taste of the roses. He was checking if the misses were in the area. I didn't see them and I guess he didn't either. Our weather has been very good and we love it. We had our big best ball tournament this weekend. I didn't play for the first time. I think I might have torn my rotator cuff on Friday. I'll see the doctor tomorrow and hope for the best. I threw a garbage bag up into the bin on Friday and shoulder gave out. I hope this doesn't mean the end to the season. I have been playing very well. Will tell you more later.

I Think Summer Is Here

Only in Summer can you have this beautiful evening sky where you have the warm wind, the shower on the hill and the clear sky and sunshine behind. About an hour after I shot this pic, we were sitting on the deck watching the fire in our chimeria and the sky was clear.

I has been very warm the last few days. We hit 95 on Friday and about the same yesterday. Jim, Kathleen and Z are leaving on the 17th of June to go to the Cape and Max and Joyce Fiskin will be arriving on the 16th at Wenatchee via Amtrax. We are looking forward to three days of "remembering the good old days" and doing a bit of the tourist thing. Probably a Wine Tour, a little Golf and some sight seeing.

Here Comes Memorial Day Weekend

This is the 18th hole from the tee. It is peaceful and serene today, but starting tomorrow there will be people everywhere. We have many weekenders here at Desert Aire and most will be here for the Memorial Day Weekend. The traffic is hectic at the boat launch and the course is full all weekend. Cindy is coming tonight and will be here for a week. We think that Jim, Kathleen and Z will be here for a day. The weather is beautiful and we are ready to rock.

A couple of interesting happenings in the last couple of weeks. I got an Eagle on a long par four in the Tri-Cities last week. I knocked it in the hole from 170 yards out. That's as good as a hole in one, but you don't have to buy for those. Last Friday a old student stopped by and spent the night. We played golf and caught up. I hadn't seen him in about 20 years. He graduated in 1985. We have agood visit and I received an email from him that he was bringing over a group of guys from the same time period. That will be a blast.

Mother's Day

Kathleen and Zmo came for dinner today to make grandma's day. We did a brisket on the Traeger and it was very good. Thank you Mike Tucker. I have changed the recipe a little, and am using the rib rub and it is very satisfying. Zmo said we were eating chicken. It was sure good chicken. I don't know if Z was smelling the roses or the Brisket. Either one would put that look on your face. It was a beautiful day in the desert and we are looking for more to come. We are enjoying our new fountain on the patio. The old one finally gave up the ghost. It gave us a good excuse to find a replacement. It has lights and such a tranquil sound. Maybe that's what bought out the look. Whatever, it was a great day.

The Ides of May

I haven't written in a while, but from the pictures you can see that I have been very busy. The burn pile behind the tree is ready to burn, the yard is mowed and the garden is tilled and ready to be planted. The sun has been in and out today, but the temperature is in the 60's and the golf course is beckoning. We have had a very different spring. Very little warm temps and a lot of wind. The outlook is for good weather is building and should be getting into the 80's next week. Hopefully that happens, for the arthritic body needs some lubrication.

Annette left this morning to go see the grandchild. She needs her fix ever so often. Dave and I have a tee time a little later and then ribs on the B-B-Que. That should culminate a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Zmo and family went to the Apple Blossom Parade yesterday and had a great time. Zmo told grandma on the phone what all happened. Maybe that's what brought on the need for a fix.

Spring hath come!!!

As you can see the weather is great. It was 75 here today. The picture on the right is grandma pulling Simone' in her car. On the left is a shot of the 5th hole. They were hydro-seeding today and I wanted to get a picture or two of the process. Everything is starting to look okay.

Annette and I went to Jackpot, NV last week. It was kind of a booze and party run. We had a great time, but left our money as usual. The booze we brought back. Kathleen was in Berlin for a workshop. There were 14 teachers from Washington went during spring break. It had to do with the Holocaust. She really enjoyed the time and the information. Jim's cousin met her and spent some time with her. They came to the Cape last summer.

We are getting the water on and the garden ready for planting. Much more weather like this and things will be sprouting. It sounds like all are coming here for Easter. Annette will pick her Mom up Thursday and Cindy will be over Saturday. It sounds like a ham is on the agenda.