March 30th Snow

Snow in Astoria

This is my girlfriend's son on Wednesday March 26th. Yes, we had snow in Astoria for a few hours.

I had staff out in the snow taking a picture at work. Our boss is in Cabo for the week. We felt she should see the conditions back home. Last time Julie took a vacation we had the hurricane force winds and power outages for a week. I am going to start restricting her vacations (or make sure that I take off the same time, so we are also out of town).

It was very cold Wed and Thursday and rained through Friday. We are ready for warmer spring weather. It has been a cold wet year. Do I sound whiney? It is sunny this morning.

Bill used some funds that Grandpa Bill left and purchased William a "new" old violin. William is very excited with his new Steiner Violin constructed in the 1890's. It has a nice tone to it and he has been practicing with it this week to get the feel of it before school starts on Monday. Of course he has had to fit that in between spring break activities and staying over at friend's homes. We haven't seen him during the evening all week.

Look, I played with the photo a little in Photoshop. First time I've messed with layers but kind of like the look that highlights William and his new violin.

As usual, Paul has to be in the middle of things. He is a funny bird and really like music. He sat on William's shoulder through an entire piece and didn't join in once!

We think we found a new owner for the first violin that William had. He spent yesterday cleaning up the neck and repositioning tape, making sure the attachments were available, etc. It was a little bittersweet for him to say goodbye - he had to play it a couple more times.

Well, today will be another day to work on taxes - my favorite thing. It will be good to get them done and filed. I figure we have a couple more weekends to go!

I would have some great San Diego pictures to post but my BFF Melanie forgot her camera battery at home. I decided not to take my camera as she was bringing hers (and she is much better at taking photos than I am). Oops! We had a great time walking around and seeing the sites. We did get in our share of shopping and really enjoyed the warmer and sunnier weather. Of course, coming back and having it snow a week later makes us appreciate the warmth and sun that much more!~

Goggles, Bindings and Boots - Oh My!

Much excitement in the Brooks home today - the coveted RED goggles have arrived! William (with Bill's enabling, er I mean assistance) purchased these lovely snowboarding goggles online Monday. Then e-mailed the former owner and asked if there was any chance he could get them in the mail today (that being Monday), so they might arrive in time for the Friday snowboarding trip! Well, they arrived and are ready for action.

William has taken mom on several exploratory shopping trips to point out the size and type of board he will require in the future along with bindings, boots, etc etc etc.

Well, I send the camera on each snowboarding trip but to date have exactly zero pictures taken. I guess snowboarding is just to fun to weigh yourself down with pulling out a camera to catch your friends in action! My best bet may be to check out the webcam on the website Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort and see if I can't spot the kiddo!

We have parent teacher conferences tonight. Hope that is all well - not anticipating any surprises.

Lunar Eclipse

We actually were able to watch the entire lunar eclipse (and get at least 1 decent picture!)! After months of rain - the evening of the eclipse was clear and bright. This photo is just as the eclispse was beginning (around 7:15 our time). The photos after this were less clear and a very white moon. I had to go teach a project class but William watched the entire process. Now we will not see another until Dec 2010.

Another snowboarding trip this weekend for William and then one final one mid-March. He definately likes to be on the slopes.

Bill and I have both caught colds and are fighting our way through it. Yeck. I am ready for a break in the weather and warmth - it has been cold and wet for far too long now.

Bill is going to Portland for an antique and collectible show March 1st and 2nd.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Has it really been 15 years? Bill and I celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss today. Doesn't seem that long to me.

We will be going out to dinner Saturday night. William will be snowboarding that day and we don't have to meet the bus until midnight!

This is vaguely reminisent of the Chevy project. I guess William has inhereted his fathers DNA somewhere - note the bright yellow he has started his truck model with!

Father and son are working on this project together. It is a good thing . . .

We received a very nice letter from William's science teacher today recommending William for a week long Science Camp in Coravallis this summer. We have to apply and he has to write a 250 word essay to accompany the application along with recommendations from his science and mathematics teachers. If he is chosen, it is a fully paid slot for the camp! I for one am very excited and jealous - where was this deal when I was in middle school?! We are very excited (and yes proud) that William's science teacher feels he has the potential and drive to be one of the applicants to go to this camp. At first he wasn't too gung ho, but I think my excitement rubbed off. He wants to know a little bit more about the camp now . . . and that is the first step!

Well, I hope everyone had a great V-Day! Don't eat too much chocolate and from our family to yours XXX OOO