Happiness

The ex dropped off the dogs for the weekend. They went on at least two walks each day, got to sleep on the furniture, and lick to their little hearts content.
They also did a lot of this at the house ...

Abbie did a lot of this during the fireworks ...

And they both did a lot of this during trips to the dog parks ...


My dad also came down. He took us out to eat numerous times and was very generous with the beer supply. Thanks, Dad!


I did manage to get some more cherries with Jason. Not only do I enjoy his company, but he's also tall enough to get the ones I can't get.


Don't worry, I paid him back with homemade mini cherry pies made in muffin tins. Aren't they cute?


I also made a big pie to take over to my cousin's house.


I love this photo of my family, but I had to block out my cousin's face. He told me I could take photos, but none of them could end up on the internet. Bashi, I hope this is good enough.

The evening ended pretty early. Pfunk took off for summer break and had to wake up at 5:30. She's driving with my dad to meet her dad in Eastern Oregon before heading off to Utah, Colorado, and Texas. I'm going to miss her.

UpDate

It is always strange writing about someone when you know that they will read what you write, but here goes. I have been seeing Jason for a little over a month. Things are good ... and nice. ;) I really like that he has been up for any physical activity I have thrown his way. I'm pretty picky and he, for the most part, seems to match me quite well.

I had permission to post photos, so here you go. I know you are curious.






At the bottom of the trail there is a challenge course. There are wires, ropes, and other contraptions hung from the trees. I'm not sure if I have it in me to attempt all of these, but it does look like something my friend Nathan would really like to try. ;)




*RR

Growing Pains

I am now the proud parent of a high schooler. How strange is that?

I would post pictures of the ceremony, but we got in a huge fight over the really short dress and high heels that she decided to wear. Instead, I'll post a few pictures of the middle school Chinese Dragon Dancers and our really cool and hip Mayor Kitty Piercy giving a speech to send them on their way. She even offered to be their facebook friend.

Too Cute

Shopping

There are not many things that I hate, but I think I hate shopping. Most of the time I just end up feeling really guilty when I purchase new products or I get impatient and bored waiting on people.

Pfunk and I have a date once a week. She can't stand it when I call it a date, but that's what it is. We have a budget and a list of things that we are both willing to do. We decide and spend the hours or days together completing that activity. I was pushing the free bike riding, hiking, and library activities a little too hard.

I realized that I needed to suck it up and do some things that I don't necessarily like .... like shopping. Pfunk "needs" a new dress for 8th grade graduation. I figured we could spend our budget and have fun looking for a dress. I must have not been paying attention, because she invited her friend and I said yes (I need to start writing things down). I don't know if you know this, but when teenagers get together, they know everything about fashion and I turn into an idiot.

Being a parent of a teenager is so hard on your ego.

We both lasted less than one hour before agreeing it wasn't working. I let her continue the shopping and we are going hiking (or something) tonight or tomorrow night. We also agreed that friends are not going to be included in the weekly plans.

Getting Lost

Road trips are a great way to get to know someone.

First stop was Sahali Falls.


We did a short hike around the falls and it turned out to be a good idea. We had some great conversations and discussed some thoughts, concerns, hopes and that, generally speaking ...



After the falls, we headed east and had lunch and asked some kind strangers their opinion on where to hike next. The place they suggested sounded great and so we decided to go on the 5 mile loop. We didn't notice that they were redoing some of the trails. I guess that temporary posts or signs weren't in the plans, so we got lost while hiking in the high desert and go an extra few miles, but that turned out fine. It is good to know how someone would react in a somewhat intense situation. I am bringing my hydropack next time, for sure!

I really didn't take very many photos this time. I think my camera and I are growing apart. I would really like to see other cameras, but feel obligated to continue our relationship based on our history together and my financial situation. Sigh.

More Growth

I have green tomatoes, blueish blueberries, and red radishes.