Our 3rd Annual Medford Fireworks Spectacular

Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this universe is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor.
~Francis Lucille 

Hi Friends,

Wow, I almost forgot to tell you about our trip to Medford for our annual fireworks fun and games.

Every year we celebrate the 4th with a trip to Medford, OR so we can visit with family and play with fireworks. In Reno if you even say the word "fireworks" you get a visit from the long arm of the law. Bushes seem to burst into flames at the slightest hint of fireworks of any kind.

So we packed up Christine and headed North. A pleasant ride made the trip fun with a bit of traffic but not to bad.  We arrived in Medford and were greeted by the big tents that sell our sparkly friends. I was told as we passed that I was not to enter the tent without supervision. Brenda knows that I am pretty much out of control in fireworks tents.

On Monday morning Brenda and I wondered down to the local fireworks tent to spend a little (or maybe a lot) on fireworks.  The staff was really helpful in helping us get the most for our money. We picked up some of our usual fireworks ... The Lava Light and the Clown Face are always part of our front yard show. This year we picked out some new and longer running fireworks to bring some freshness to our celebration.

The only thing we were missing this year were Ashley as she has moved across the country and Danny, who was in L.A. We had a BBQ and then waited for the fun to begin.

Here is a video of our 3rd Annual Fireworks Spectacular  ....



Ooh ... Ahh ...

But we always enjoy the neighborhood celebration around Bonnie and Danny's house. It runs from dusk to about 11:30 pm and puts our show to shame. But we wonder the streets and enjoy all the neighbors celebrations and fireworks. Many are far more spectacular than anything we can buy ... legally!

Here is the neighborhood celebration.



So we had a wonderful time this year and hope to be able to share the 4th Annual Fireworks Spectacular with you right here next year.

Have a Blissful Day!!

Peace, Love and Bliss,

Don and Brenda

Strike a Pose

Hi Friends,

Made a sort Flip Video of a visit to Lens Crafters from Lindseys visit last weekend. Brenda had to stop by the glasses super store to get her specs checked and that left way too much time for Lindsey and I to get in trouble ... er, have fun.

Thanks for sharing your sunshine with us Lindsey, and you are right ... you are awesome!

Find your bliss and be happy,

Don, Brenda and Lindsey

Off to See Alice in Wonderland

Hi Friends,

We were lucky enough to spend a couple days this weekend with Amazing Niece, Lindsey. We had not seen her for quite a while so it was good to have her around the house again. She has such a great smile and shares it with everyone at the house. Her happiness seems contagious and we seem to get a rush of energy when she comes to visit.

On Saturday we went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D and it was great. We got to the theatre early (way too early as we were the only ones in the parking lot at first), and we had a few minutes to waste ... so we made a quick movie.

Be Happy, Find Your Bliss!

Don & Brenda

A Slideshow of Our $35.00 Fireworks Spectacular

Hi Friends,

Well it seems we spent much of our time shooting off little sparklers and not as much time taking pictures during our fireworks spectacular. But at any rate here is a short slide show with the photo's we did manage to get. We are already planning to do it again next year but maybe with a bigger budget this time...maybe $45.00. Wow, the thought just sends chills up my spine (is it up or down your spine?).

Get your ooh's and aah's ready here goes...

Much Love,

Don & Brenda

'No Agenda' Gold Beach Vacation Day Three

Hi Friends,

We have been lounging around Gold Beach, watching the sun set and the fog roll in and out and collecting rocks.

Today we went for a beach horseback ride and it was a blast. We rented three horses and Hawks Rest Stables and were joined by a guide to take us out on the sand dunes along the Pacific Ocean. The fog was still lingering along the coast but the air was mild with almost no wind. The downside was it was only a 90 minute ride and we really wanted to stay out longer. The upside was ... we were riding our horses along the Pacific Ocean and we were not at work!

After the ride we went to the port and had lunch with Danny and Bonnie. The food at The Port Hole Cafe was average but tasty and the views were grand. The luch was topped off with ice cream sundae's in the art lounge.

Then we piled into the car and went to the ocean to collect some driftwood and rocks and watch the seals play. With the fog and the waves it was very relaxing. We probably could have stayed there all day without getting tired of the views.

We still want to go play in the tide pools tomorrow, to check out all the little critters that live on the rocks and are visible when the tides are low.

Okay, back to the vacation. There are bunch of photo's on out Picasa page if you want to check them out.

Peace & Love,

Don & Brenda and Ashley Too!

Our 'No Agenda' Vacation 2009

Hi Friends,

We made it to Gold Beach on Tuesday afternoon and checked in to our Hotel. It was a great ride and we are comfy in our room.

It was warm and clear but just a bit windy when we got here, so walks were sorta like walking in a sand blaster. No problem we walked a bit and watched the Sunset from the balcony of our room.

The Ocean is amazing and we are looking forward to exploring some more today and tomorrow. But we have no agenda and will take what each day presents us.

You can check out our photo's on the Picasa page here if you want.

Peace & Love,

From ... Brenda & Don and Ashley Too.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

The first snow has fallen in the mountains, not much, but just enough to remind us that Winter and all that it brings with it are just around the corner. Now is the time we look back at 2006 so far.... what we have done and what we didn't get done.

We really made some amazing memories this year during our many adventures. They will be with us forever and remind us of this time in our life. This particular time in our life is one that moves us away from being young and towards what is called mid-life. I guess that is what it is but I don't feel that much different now than I did when I was 17 or 18. Oh well, I would rather be 46 and act like a teenager than be 46 and act like I was 70. I am not ready to give up any of my dreams or adventures to age as some have done.

Looking back at 2006 so far, we started the year off right with Spring vacation at the beach again. Gold Beach is just a wonderful place to unwind and bring things into focus. I think this should be a twice a year adventure, but companies being what they are, 2 weeks vacation seems to be all you get until you have been with them for 10 years. So we have to make the best of what we are allowed until we can find something else to do that gives a bit more for the effort you put in. But back to Gold Beach, it is truly one of Gods greatest works, and one of our favorite adventures.

Disneyland in July. They said we were a bit crazy, but it worked and it was fun and we are ready to do it again.

The TruckerFest truck show in August. Lots of work and even more fun. This year we put more effort into getting the truck ready than in the past and it paid off by shining brighter and we are looking forward to next year already.

The Rare Bear air race team and the Reno Air Races. Again worth all th effort and we look forward to next year.

A hike to the top of the World, or at least to the top of the mountain we look out on every day from the front yard. Mount Rose summit was a blast if not hard work. It was so beautiful and peaceful and well, it was everything that life and the World should be. Note to self ... more time spent like this!

So now we welcome this Winter and make plans for some adventures in the midst of the snow and cold and general yuckyness (my word) that Winter brings. Maybe with a little work and imagination we can turn this Winter into something just as exciting as this Summer has been. I have always wanted to snowshoe and there are plenty of places within driving distance that don't have snow. Then again maybe there are some adventures that can be done in doors.

Stay tuned as we look for more family adventures this Winter.

Lots of Love,

Don & Brenda

Quality Time!

I had the amazing opportunity to spend some quality time with my Neice Lindsey a couple of weeks back. We wanted to do something really different and fun so ... we made a movie! Lindsey came up with the idea and directed the whole thing. We had so much fun that day, I hope we get to spend a special day like this again soon.

Here we present our finished product... the movie, 'Big Croc, Little Croc'