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2007 World Events: 

2007
Former Communist Countries Admitted into European Union. Romania and Bulgaria's entry expands the European Union to 27 nations.(Jan. 1). Scientists Confirm Global Warming (Feb. 2.) Gordon Brown replaces Tony Blair as the prime minister of Great Britain (June 27). Federal Reserve Pumps Billions into Financial System to steady the volatile markets that plummeted in response to losses in the American mortgage market (Aug. 10). North Korea Agrees to Disable Nuclear Fuel Plants (Sept. 2). Britain to Sharply Reduce Force in Iraq (Oct. 8). Wildfires Devastate Southern California Nearly 600 homes and 100 commercial buildings are destroyed (Oct. 21). U.S. Suffers More Casualties in 2007 Than Any Other Year bringing the total deaths in 2007 to 852 (Nov. 6). Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto dies at a campaign rally in Rawalpindi (Dec. 27).

2007 Events in our lives:

January

2007 Jan. 2 Barb had mammogram, in preparation for annual exam.

2007 Jan. 3 "Keith" from Gagle's plumbing gave us the bad news he could not plumb kitchen for washer and dryer. Barb had third injection of "Hyalgan" from Dr. Shim at Salem Clinic.

2007 Jan. 6 We attended WU Law Trials.

2007 Jan. 8 Barb had annual exam with Dr. Winthrop. Also got shingles vaccine. Karen back at work.

2007 Jan. 9 "Keith" from Gagle's Plumbing installed grab bars in tub and shower for $200.

2007 Jan. 10 Karen had garage door opener installed $309. Our housewarming present to her. Barb had gold crown finished up by Dr. Nakagawa.

2007 Jan. 13 Glenn's cousin, Lila Nielson and husband Dick stop in to see us. Terry & Gloria come up to join us. Lila is daughter of Everett Terril, Noma's older brother. Karen to Sceptics workshop.

2007 Jan. 17 Mike Taylor Painting comes to paint fireplace wall and living room ceilings, as part of repair to water leak damage last November.

2007 Jan. 18 "Kevin" of DAECO Construction reviewed ceiling paint job, Glenn signed "authorization to pay". Barb re-convened the Ad Hoc Board Recommendations Committee for a final review.

2007 Jan. 20 Alice Rupp, stepdaughter of Glenn's aunt, Audrey Altrogge, died in Kennewick, WA.

2007 Jan. 23 Sears came out to see why the dryer wasn't heating properly—vacuumed out its "innards" for $137. Worked fine afterwards. Glenn & Barb attended CERT refresher course at Towne Hall.

2007 Jan. 24 Barb hosted web committee and their liaison for evening meeting.

2007 Jan. 26 LaFyrne and Norvada came for dinner.

2007 Jan. 31 Mark drove to Dallas, stayed with friend Fernando.

2007 Feb. 1 Barb took LaFyrne and Norvada to airport shuttle, saw them off on their month in Palm Springs.

2007 Feb. 2 Finally! Barb's ad hoc committee gave their recommendations to the board at Board meeting. Celebrated with afternoon trip to Spirit Mt.

2007 Feb. 11 Treated Terry and Gloria to anniversary lunch at Olive Garden. (Married 1984)

2007 Feb. 12 Barb saw Dr. Winthrop for "neuropathy" in right arm and hand. DX: pinched neck vertebrae. May resolve with time. It did. She also got referral for foot care at Salem Clinic. Barb & Betty Budzik have traditional lunch—at Quizno's.

2007 Feb. 13 Glenn saw Dr. Winthrop for blurred vision in right eye.

2007 Feb. 14 Karen & Sharman joined us for Archeology lecture on South Africa—locale of Karen's next big trip.

2007 Feb. 15 Barb attended Ed Parker's funeral.

2007 Feb. 17 Glenn planted two roses purchased at Guentner's (gift from Ryals) "Beloved"-dark red, and "Double-Delight" in front bed.

2007 Feb. 19 We cancelled trip to Chinook Winds & Florence—Glenn got PVC's while at Spirit Mt. enroute to coast.

2007 Feb. 21 Glenn feeling o.k. Had "make-up" trip on bus to Chinook Winds.

2007 Feb. 27 Jason bought a home in Montavilla area of Portland (near I-205).

2007 Feb. 28 Barb picked up LaFyrne and Norvada on their return from Palm Springs. Betty called, saying her drs. Found cancer through biopsy of her neck lymph nodes which were swollen. Source of cancer not known.

2007 Mar. 1 Betty had CAT scan—no cancer in large organs. We bought Tamiflu tablets at Costco $29. should last four years.

2007 Mar. 3 Mark embarked on the first of many world travels during this year. Went to Toronto, then Cyprus, and final destination: Rome where he faithfully fulfilled Barb's request for photos of the Pantheon—visiting it several times and at different times of day.

2007 Mar. 7 Glenn had laser surgery on his right eye to remove a membrane left from cataract surgery—cause of blurry vision. $906.82, we paid $100. co-pay.

2007 Mar. 9 Another test for Betty, this time a colonoscopy. No cancer found. Our daffodils now blooming.

2007 Mar. 11 Karen came for rhubarb plant starts and a visit with us to Spirit Mt.

2007 Mar. 12 Mailed Tamiflu tablets to Mark. Mark returned from Rome Trip No. 1. Barb had vision field test with Dr. Stevens. Pressure 17 in each eye. Field test: excellent.

2007 Mar. 14 Glenn ordered new eyeglasses at Costco. Total co-pay: $30. Mark starts Colorado River trip from Lees Ferry, through Grand Canyon with Salt Lake City friend, Jay Jensen.

2007 Mar. 15-24 Glenn and Barb go to Hawaii, stay at Marriott Waiohai Beach Resort at Poipu Beach on Kauai from Mar. 15-20, then flew on Aloha Air to the "Big Island" (Hawaii) and stayed at the Volcano Village at the "Country Goose" B&B run by Joan Earley until our departure Mar. 24.

2007 Mar. 15 We flew from Portland to San Francisco to Los Angeles to Kauai, HI. Leaving plane at LAX Barb twisted her right knee—VERY painful. We rented a Mercury Marquis at airport, then checked in to the Marriott Waiohai Resort at Poipu Beach, Kauai.

2007 Mar. 17 Barb getting around thanks to Glenn and borrowed wheelchair from the resort. Drove to east end of Poipu Beach, then celebrated St. Patrick's day with lunch at "Brennekes" at Poipu Beach.

2007 Mar. 18 Took guided garden walk around resort, drove to Spouting Horn, then walked through "Plantation" gardens and attended timeshare presentation. Got bunch of Marriott points as reward.

2007 Mar. 19 Glenn drove big Marquis car up narrow, winding road to Waimea Canyon, Overlook, later to Salt Pond Beach. Attended resort's "Hawaiian Buffet" and show in evening.

2007 Mar. 20 Left Kauai and flew to Kona. Picked up compact car and SLOWLY drove from Kona to Volcano. Checked in to the "Country Goose" B&B in Volcano. Betty K. saw an oncologist.

2007 Mar. 21 We drove to Hilo, visiting orchid gardens enroute. To: Japanese Garden, Banyan Drive. Lunch at McDonald's. LOVED it!

2007 Mar. 22 Mark left Toronto to Cyprus to Rome Trip No. 2. We drove around Kiluea Volcano on Caldera Rim Drive, to Visitor Center and part of Chain of Craters Drive. Betty had head & neck scan and radioactive tracer test.

2007 Mar. 23 We left Volcano, drove back to Kona via Hilo, ate lunch at Hapuna Beach St. Park, then returned car at Kona airport. Left Kona on "red eye" flight, arriving at LAX next morning.

2007 Mar. 24 Arrived back in Portland at 1:45 p.m., shuttle back to Salem.

2007 Mar. 25 Celebrated our return with trip to Spirit Mt. with Karen.

2007 Mar. 28 Mark returned from his second trip to Rome—with photos, videos and souvenirs of the Pantheon. Barb had her first foot treatment at Salem clinic with "Mario." Trimmed all those troublesome toenails.

2007 April 2 Barb saw Dr. Winthrop for her sore right knee. He took x-rays of the knees. At web comm. Meeting, we tried using laptops in Farmhouse with wi fi from Office. Worked!

2007 April 4 After a month of tests, Betty saw a radiologist. The drs. Think her original cancer site may be in an enlarged right tonsil. (This proved correct.) She had her tonsils removed a couple weeks (?) later.

2007 April 6 "Willy" from Salem Electric came out to discuss replacement of our aluminum-framed windows upstairs and sliding door downstairs. We qualify for a $4.50/sq. foot rebate. Got list of window contractors from Willy.

2007 April 8 Betty and Karen came for Easter dinner.

2007 April 9 Betty saw ENT dr., had sinus scope.

2007 April 10 We tried the Lincoln City-Florence trip once again. Stayed at Siletz Bay Lodge.

2007 April 11 To Florence, stayed at "Le Chateau" which turned out to be a dump. Enjoyed "Three Rivers" casino at Florence. Mark flew to Salt Lake City, stayed with friend Jay, in preparation for Grand Canyon river trip by dory.

2007 April 12 Mark and Jay drove to St. George. Karen joined us at Hallie Ford for a lecture and exhibit on "ancient glass."

2007 April 13 Mark and Jay meet others in Page, AZ. Barb changes to cheaper eye drops "Travatan" for glaucoma control.

2007 April 14 Mark and group start Grand Canyon river run. During the trip, Mark and Jay's boat capsizes and they swim the length of Lava Rapids, the biggest along the 200 miles they rowed.

2007 April 19 LaFyrne and Barb host Salem area Chi O's at LaFyrne's for dinner.

2007 April 21 Karen got an offer on her condo of $175,000 with counter offer of $179K (later fell through).

2007 April 27 Barb's ad hoc committee had special meeting with the Board to go over recommendations in detail.

2007 April 29 Barb attended Newcomer's meeting, gave presentation on web committee, and writers group.

2007 April 30 Betty Kemmerich starts chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer found in her neck lymph nodes and right tonsil. Will have a 7-week course of radiation, interspersed with two chemotherapy treatments. She has her first chemotherapy at Milwaukie hospital. 

May

2007 May 1 Mark and river party (3 of them) take boat out at Diamond Creek, stay overnight at Grand Canyon Lodge on Hualapai Indian Reservation. Tough trip, but he made it! Mark spends two nights at Luxor in Las Vegas, then flies to Portland, drives down to Salem in rental car. Stays through May 9, flies to Vancouver, BC on May 10 and begins mileage run to Bucharest, Romania on May 11.

Betty started radiation therapy. Nicole came from Florida to stay with her while Jason is in Europe.

Barb went to a benefit lunch with LaFyrne at the " Viticulture Center" in W. Salem hills. For "Family Building Blocks" center in W. Salem.

Went to see Willy at Salem Electric regarding the several window replacement bids we received. Selected "Hara's."

2007 May 2 Mark in Las Vegas for two nights. Jason and girl friend, Diane, flew to Europe on a similar flight to Mark's to Rome (to Cyprus, then back to Netherlands).

2007 May 4 Mark flies to Portland , rents a car and drives to Salemtowne. Meanwhile, Glenn has a pre-colonoscopy consultation with Dr. West at Salem Clinic.

2007 May 5 Mark joins us for the spring Trial Practice at WU Law School.

2007 May 6 Karen comes down, and we all go to the Sunday brunch at Orchard Heights Winery.

2007 May 9 Mark's birthday. Later, he goes to Karen's and stays overnight with her. They get a free birthday dinner for Mark at Chang's Mongolian Grill in Gladstone .

2007 May 10 Mark returns to PDX, and flies to Vancouver , B.C. for the start of another cheap trip, to Bucharest , Romania . He stays at the Hotel Intercontinental in Bucharest .

2007 May 11 We attend the Spring Dance Concert at Western OR . Univ. with Charlie.

2007 May 12 Barb attends Frieda Albert's 90th birthday party at Towne Hall.

2007 May 13 Celebrated Mothers Day with Karen at Spirit Mt.

2007 May 14 Yet ANOTHER meeting with the Board regarding the ad hoc committee's recommendations. Barb had eye pressures checked by Dr. Stevens. Now on "Travatan" but pressures good (17).

2007 May 15 The Buick had its 15,000 mile check-up, a loose right tie rod was replaced under warranty. Just "routine" stuff still cost $185.18.

2007 May 16 Glenn planted impatiens in front flower boxes. (They were still blooming on Nov. 13th!!)

2007 May 17 Karen had another offer on condo, for $179,000 less $5,000 in closing costs. Also had to fix bathroom floor ($400).

Mark flew to Amsterdam to finish up his Romania trip. Stayed at Crowne Plaza at Schipol airport.

2007 May 18 Glenn saw Dr. Winthrop for a blood pressure check. Also planted petunias in front bed. Mark flew from Amsterdam to Seattle . Barb brought plants home from greenhouse.

2007 May 19 Mark flew home to Austin . Jason and Diane returned to Portland. Olivers came over for visit and dessert—we gave Judy rhubarb, she returned it in a pie!

2007 May 20 Kathi Follett flew to Maryland to see daughter Sonia get her graduate degree. Sonia leaves soon after for vacation trip to Indonesia to visit friends.

2007 May 22 Nicole returned to Florida . We mailed off passport applications, $67. each.

2007 May 23 Barbara saw Dr. Robert Zirschky at Willamette Orthopedic Group. His diagnosis: BOTH knees need replacement. Barbara chose to do one at a time, right one first, as it is the worst. First available surgery date: August 1.

2007 May 24 We drive down to Canyonville, stay overnight at Best Western, and play LOTS of slots at "Seven Feathers" casino.

2007 May 26 Glenn set up a new bird feeder pole. We ate the first two strawberries from the backyard.

2007 May 27 Glenn and Barbara decorate the graves in Mt. Angel and Hallidays' urns at Belle Passi mausoleum in Woodburn. In Austin , Mark hosted his Memorial Day Volleyball Tournament, played in the pool at his condo.

2007 May 28 We go to Willamette Nat. Cemetery with Golden's bus trip. Karen comes down and goes with us. We leave flowers for Noel's grave and Dick Johnston's. Strawberry shortcake afterwards at "Tebo's" in Gladstone .

2007 May 29 Barb made two pints of rhubarb sauce from our plants. The next day Glenn picked first box of our strawberries-good!

2007 May 31 Barb saw Dr. Walker for pre-op cardiology exam. Good to go, he said.

June

2007 June 3 We hired Abel Polanco to do yard maintenance at $125. for first month, $85/mo. During growing season, less in winter.

2007 June 3 We saw musical " Oklahoma " at Clackamas Comm. College with Karen and Sharman.

2007 June 4 We rode casino bus to Chinook Winds, Lincoln City .

2007 June 8 Glenn harvested the first two boxes of raspberries, plus 1 box strawberries.

2007 June 11 Glenn had colonoscopy at Salem Hosptial. "No Problems." Betty had her last chemotherapy.

2007 June 16 Candie and Dale's son, Tyson, graduated from OSU.

2007 June 19 Karen and Barb took advantage of the berries coming up from the garden, and made strawberry and raspberry jam.

2007 June 20 Terry had prostate surgery. Betty had her last radiation treatment. Mark went to Dallas , TX for the start of a trip to Honduras .

2007 June 21 Karen, Glenn & Barb drive to Diamond Lake, with a stop at Waldo Lake in Cascade Mts. Stay at Diamond Lake Lodge. Barb & Karen drive around lake in evening—still daylight thanks to longest day of the year.

2007 June 22 Mark leaves Dallas for San Pedro Sula, Honduras, stays at Intercontinental Hotel, but does NOT get the Presidential Suite for $50 worth of points, as promised. The President of El Salvador was occupying that suite, so Mark got the second-best suite. Darn!

Karen, Glenn & Barb drive down North Umpqua River Road , stay at Best Western, Canyonville, and gamble to their hearts' content at Seven Feathers.

2007 June 25 Barb is now up too 9 laps, ¼ mile of swimming at Courthouse pool—trying to strengthen arms and legs before knee surgery. Dr. Winthrop increases Glenn's B.P. medicine, "Toprol" by 50%

2007 June 26, Mark returns from Honduras.

July

2007 July 1 Pat Koupal Downard spends the day with us.

2007 July 3 The Blueberries are now ripening; Glenn picks 2 boxes.

2007 July 4 Barb made Marionberry jam with older frozen berries.

2007 July 5 Gloria has spinal surgery.

2007 July 6 Mark flies to London , part of his "Triple Mileage Mania" trips. Stays in London at Swiss Hotel.

2007 July 8 Mark sees "Loves Labour Lost" at the NEW Globe Theater.

2007 July 9 Mark visits the Drama Studio London (Ealing) he attended 33 years ago. Tuition is now 13,000 pounds, and the pub where he got a pint of beer for 19 pence now gets 2-3 pounds for it!

2007 July 10 Mark goes to Greenwich , sees the "ball drop" at 1 p.m

2007 July 11 Mark returns to Austin , after enjoying breakfast with CHAMPAGNE in Gatwick Emirates lounge.

2007 July 12 We attend a CPR class at the Towne Hall.

2007 July 14 Karen flies to Salt Lake City for her annual Cedar City Shakespeare Festival visit with Utah friends.

2007 July 16 Mark flies to Minneapolis on first leg of a "mileage run" to Taipei , Taiwan . Barb has pre-op exam at Salem Hospital . She also has toenails checked by Dr. Diaz.

July 17 Glenn has annual eye check-up with Dr. Stevens.

2007 July 18 Mark arrives in Taipei . While there, he goes to Toroko Gorge and Hot Springs near south end of island, tours historic road Chiang Kai-shek carved through the mountains. Betty's mother, Louise Guenzi dies in Yuma , AZ.

2007 July 20 Karen leaves Salt Lake City , flies on to Kentucky for a Peace Corps reunion. Glenn, Barb, Betty Budzik, and LeCouix pick Marionberries near No. 9 pond.

2007 July 22 Mark goes to the top of the (currently) tallest building in the world, in Taipei. The building is called "Taipei 101," alias the "bamboo shoot."

2007 July 23 Mark returns to Minneapolis from Taiwan . Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for cold and cough, put on powerful antibiotic. Surgery date is approaching!

2007 July 24 Mark flies BACK to Taiwan —another mileage run. This time, just a brief stop, then he goes on to Manila , Philippines on the 26th, staying at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manila for five days. Strolls through a fancy shopping mall—later in the fall, it was bombed!

2007 July 25 Barb sees Dr. Zirschy for pre-op exam. Karen flies back to Portland , after another stop in Salt Lake City enroute from Kentucky .

2007 July 29 Knoches staying at Gleneden for a week, with friends. Won't see them due to Barb's surgery.

August

2007 Aug. 1 Barb has total right knee replacement at 7:30 a.m. at Salem Hospital . Barb's weight at check-in for surgery: 228 lbs. Stress of surgery triggers increase in blood sugars—given insulin several times a day. Mark flies back to Austin from Minneapolis , having completed his second Taiwan mileage run.

2007 Aug. 4 Barb transfers (by wheelchair van) to Dallas Retirement Ctr. Skilled Nursing & Rehab. In Room 106. Meets "Rolf" of Physical Therapy Dept. Glenn visits every day—bringing more stuff that Barb requests!

2007 Aug. 5 Barb starts twice-daily physical and occupational therapy, one hour each. Other therapists: Jody (Occupational Therapy) Rich, Ass't. Physical Therapy, and Trevor, head of Phys. Therapy.

2007 Aug. 10-13 Salemtowne celebrates its 40th birthday. Karen and Glenn help take photos of various events. Barb shares photos via the laptop.

2007 Aug. 12 Nurse at Dallas Rehab removes staples from new knee.

2007 Aug. 14 Mark flies to PDX from Austin , rents a pickup, drives to Salemtowne. Barb has first post-op visit with Dr. Zirschky. Plan: discharge Barb from Dallas on Aug. 21.

2007 Aug. 19 Karen leaves PDX for Capetown, S. Africa and her guided trips with "Rock Jumper Tours" (birds, wildflowers of Southern S. Africa, to Sept. 4; followed by tour of Kruger Nat. Park with friend, Caryn, from Salt Lake City .) Karen's kitties stay with us.

2007 Aug. 21 Karen arrives in Capetown. Barb is discharged from Dallas Rehab with new walker .

2007 Aug. 22 Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for elevated blood sugars. His DX: Probably have Type 2 pre-Diabetes syndrome. Don't need insulin shots, but take Metformin pills, lose weight, get more exercise. Probably blood sugars will drop as knee heals. Weight: 216 lbs.

2007 Aug. 23 Barb starts outpatient physical therapy at PT NW, on Orchard Heights . Three times a week. "Scott" is head therapist.

2007 Aug. 27 Hara's starts installing new windows—bedlam for next 2 ½ days, as we try to keep cats confined with doors and windows wide open!

2007 Aug. 31 Barb suggests that a casino trip would be good therapy for her. It was! She won!

September

2007 Sept. 1 Mark flies to London —again. He rents a VW Bug. Petrol costs more than week's car rental! Friend Fernando also in London , they drive a bit west of London , stay at nice hotel overnight.

2007 Sept. 4 Karen finishes first "Rock Jumper" tour, returns to Capetown, and her friend, Caryn Feeney, arrives for second tour. Back in London, and drives to "Lands End" in Cornwall , stays at a B&B overnight, visits the underwater telegraph museum at Portcurno and sees Shakespeare play at outdoor theater. Barb sees Dr. Zirschky for one-month follow-up. All fine. OK to go on a cruise in mid-October. Glenn makes reservations for Carnival Cruise to Mexican Riviera from San Diego.

2007 Sept. 5 Karen and Caryn head for Krueger Nat. Park. Mark goes to Bath (Bawth) and is disappointed to find out he can't take a bath at Bawth! Drives by Stonehenge enroute to Bawth. Barb sees Dr. Walker for a one-year check-up on atrial fibrillation, PVC's, etc. All o.k. NO PVC's.

2007 Sept. 6. Mark back at Heathrow area hotel. Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for re-check on blood sugar. Has "A1C" test-in normal range at 5.2. Do again in 3 months. Barbara has interview with Senior News monthly newspaper about Salemtowne Writers Club with Gloria Clarke.

2007 Sept. 7 Glenn & Barb go to Spirit Mt. in morning before her physical therapy. Glenn wins $2500 while wagering a dime! Wow!

2007 Sept. 8 Mark flies home from London . Karen spends her birthday looking at wild animals in Krueger Park . Salemtowne has annual Parking Lot Sale. For first time, we don't rent a space.

2007 Sept. 10 Barb starts doing water exercise again at Courthouse.

2007 Sept. 11 We meet Betty and Jason at Woodburn McDonald's. First time we've seen each other since Easter.

2007 Sept. 13 Nicole is transferred from Florida to Salt Lake City , stays at a residential hotel for awhile. Barb got checked out on weight machines, bike, treadmill at Courthouse. She drove solo for first time since knee surgery.

2007 Sept. 14 Karen back in Capetown, seeing local sights with Caryn. "Marcos" comes to replace one defective window glass for Hara's in dining room.

2007 Sept. 15 Karen & Caryn go on all-day pelagic bird tour off Capetown.

2007 Sept. 16 Glenn uses some of his winnings to buy a Samsung 32" High Definition TV at Circuit City . $850. (after $150 in rebates).

2007 Sept. 17 Karen leaves Capetown, arrives in Portland the next day. Barb goes to Weight Watchers at First Methodist Church for first time.

2007 Sept. 20 Barb has last physical therapy session at PT NW. Has reached 122 degrees bending right knee back. Barbara is losing weight: down to 212 lbs. now. Barbara's cousin, Tim Follett, dies in Redding , CA. from respiratory problems.

2007 Sept. 22 Karen comes down, stays overnight.

2007 Sept. 23 Karen, Glenn & Barb go to Spirit Mt. in morning, then Karen and kitties go home, while Glenn & Barb take in "Swing Fever" at Elsinore Theater (but leave at intermission, we're not THAT crazy about jazz.) Glenn won tickets at Salemtowne Celebration raffle.

2007 Sept. 25 We order Comcast Cable telephone service. Total monthly bill for: Internet, TV and phone: $123.49. Willy from Salem Electric checks Hara's window installation, approves and authorizes payment of $1547 for rebate portion to Hara's. We pay Hara's $2723.

2007 Sept. 26 We freeze 5 qts. Of juice from our Concord grapes. Glenn processed the juice earlier.

2007 Sept. 27 We celebrate Glenn's 80th birthday with trip to coast, staying one night at Siletz Bay Lodge, second night at Driftwood Shores hotel on the beach in Florence. Beautiful weather. Cash in all sorts of coupons at Three Rivers Casino in Florence , but still lost some money.

2007 Sept. 30 Karen comes down, and we have Glenn's birthday dinner at a new Mexican restaurant in West Salem , "La Hacienda."

October

2007 Oct. 2 Comcast installed our new Cable /Internet/telephone modem & HDTV Box, also added cable for TV in downstairs bedroom.

2007 Oct. 3 Barb weight: 208.5 lbs.

2007 Oct. 5 Barbara has 2-month re-check with Dr. Zirschky, with new x-rays taken. He's satisfied with her progress. Next appointment—in 3 months.

2007 Oct. 11 We get flu shots at Salemtowne. Writers Group has photo taken for Senior News article to appear in November issue. We have dinner at Mary Ann and Ron's and discuss their Panama Canal cruise next spring.

2007 Oct. 13 We leave for San Diego , and board the Carnival ship Spirit for an 8-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

2007 Oct. 15 A falcon flies into our cabin—after a few minutes, he flies out again.

2007 Oct. 16 We spend the day in the port of Manzanillo , take bus tour.

2007 Oct. 17 We are in Acapulco , take a bus tour, see cliff divers.

2007 Oct. 18 Our last port—Zihuataneja/Ixtapa. Take bus tour to both areas.

2007 Oct. 21 We return to San Diego—Carnival is so slow in getting us to airport, we miss our nonstop to Portland, instead, we go to Boise and then back to Portland. Grrrr!

2007 Oct. 23 In spite of a cold, Barb has annual eye exam, pressures up, gets prescription for new glasses.

2007 Oct. 27 We attend Salemtowne Halloween party, as official photographers.

2007 Oct. 30 C.J. Hansen inspects heat pump—all fine, puts in new filter. We learn that Bruno Kemmerich's wife, Marlene, died today in Lindlar , Germany .

2007 Oct. 31 We attend Halloween dinner at Mary Ann and Ron's. Barb's weight: 205 lbs.

November

2007 Nov. 2 Glenn had annual eye exam—now also has glaucoma, eye pressures at 28 and 23. Starts Xalatan eye drops.

2007 Nov. 3 We attend Jack Weisser's funeral at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

2007 Nov. 4 We ride the free bus to Chinook Winds. Between us, lost a dollar!

2007 Nov. 7 Glenn has annual physical—passes with flying colors.

2007 Nov. 8 We shut down the irrigation system. Barb took the amaryllis plants to greenhouse.

2007 Nov. 10 We go to Spirit Mt. with Karen, meet Terry & Gloria for lunch.

2007 Nov. 11 We attend Salemtowne Veterans Day ceremonies.

2007 Nov. 13 Barb picks up photo Christmas cards at Costco—ordered online 24 hours prior—not having any wildflower photos of our own, we use Karen's Capetown protea picture.

2007 Nov. 14 Barbara purchases the year's supply of filberts for her, Betty and Karen at Willow Lake Nursery, $1.89 #, in shell & cracked.

2007 Nov. 15 Barb gets her new eyeglasses at Costco.

2007 Nov. 16 We make our first tour of a retirement center—Dallas Retirement. Barbara says "hi" to physical therapists and nurses.

2007 Nov. 18 Barb helps in orientation of Salemtowne newcomers at Hospitality party.

2007 Nov. 19 Terry, Gloria, Stephanie and her daughters, Adriana and Nicole come for lunch.

2007 Nov. 22 Karen hosts Thanksgiving dinner. Betty, Jason, girlfriend Diane, Glenn & Barb enjoy the day together.

2007 Nov. 25 Karen & Sharman take the bus to Chinook Winds with us from Fred Meyer N. Salem.

2007 Nov. 26 Barb is hostess for Salemtowne Monday book club at the Farmhouse.

2007 Nov. 27 "Cindi" and "Jeff" from "Emerald Pointe" Retirement Center , under construction in Keizer , come to our home and give us a presentation on the development.

2007 Nov. 29 Barb has a second "A1C" test for diabetes at Salem Clinic. Glenn has studded snow tires put on the Buick.

2007 Nov. 30 Barb picked up tinted dark glasses from Bishop Eye Care $18. We bought a SECOND high definition TV at Costco—a Panasonic 42" HDTV, Model #TH42C77, cost: $1149. It BARELY fit in the back seat of the Buick. A VERY heavy TV!

Barb's weight: 201 lbs. 

December

2007 Dec. 3 BIG rainstorm, 120 mph winds at coast, all roads east from Oregon coast blocked by fallen trees, landslides. Gusts in the valley up to 50 mph. No damage for us or to Salemtowne. Got results of second "A1C" test from Dr. Winthrop—5.7, in normal range. "You don't have diabetes, stop Metformin tablets."

2007 Dec. 4 Barb and Glenn had eye exams with Dr. Stevens. Barb's eye pressures: 21. Glenn: 23.

2007 Dec. 6 We visit "Avamere" Retirement Center in Keizer (where Kemmerichs and Noma lived at the end of their lives). Have lunch with former Salemtowne residents and get tour of facility with "Sonia."

2007 Dec. 7 Glenn has fever of 101.1, coughing. Sees Dr. Winthrop At the doctor's office, temperature 101.2 Diagnosis: bronchial infection. Glenn had a chest x-ray which was clear "no pneumonia." Give Doxycycline 100 mg. twice daily, for ten days. Advised Glenn NOT to travel until bronchitis cleared up. We began process of canceling trip to New Zealand . All was refundable except Karen's round trip ticket to San Francisco .

2007 Dec. 8 Barb attended Salemtowne Christmas party.

2007 Dec. 10 Barb attended "Red Hat" tea at Salemtowne, also loaned silver tea service and trays for the event.

2007 Dec. 11 We drove to Spirit Mt. , Karen took bus from Oregon City .

2007 Dec. 12 Barb and Charlie Gill attended "Russian Christmas" program at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Center in Keizer . Saw Margery Wogan and Labharts.

2007 Dec. 14 Barb transferred her Salemtowne website records to new chairman, Jim Klesath. Barb attended Norvada's Christmas "musicale."

2007 Dec. 20 Glenn, Barb and Karen stay overnight at Spirit Mt. Hotel. Celebrate our 57th anniversary with dinner there.

2007 Dec. 24 Glenn and Barb attend Willamette Lutheran Christmas Eve afternoon reception as guests of Margery Wogan. Mark flies from Austin to Portland , stays overnight with Karen.

2007 Dec. 25 We have Christmas dinner at Jason's new home near 94th and Division in Portland . Nicole is home for visit with her family. She is now living in Salt Lake City. It starts snowing during dinner! Changes to rain on drive back. Mark, Karen and kitties come down. Karen stays for a couple days.

2007 Dec. 27 Karen rents pickup truck, she and Mark move our entertainment center and Panasonic TV to her house.

2007 Dec. 28 Barb bought 500 gb external hard drive at Best Buy ($108.99), Mark helped install, format and set up back-up system for new hard drive. Took large amount of "stuff" to Goodwill. Karen dropped off old computer, and two printers, plus microwave at "Garten's" recycling center in Salem for us. Mark set up laptop computer downstairs.

2007 Dec. 29 Barb and Mark made 10 pints of Marionberry jam—Mark took his half back to Austin .

2007 Dec. 30 Mark took 10:15 a.m. Amtrak train from Salem to Oregon City . $10. one way.

2007 Dec. 31 Mark flew back to Austin at 7 a.m. We helped organize and attended Pinochle Club's New Years Eve party in Towne Hall. We lasted until 10:30 p.m. Saw the New Year in at home with a "Limoncello" liqueur toast. Barb's weight: 199.5 lbs.

2008 World Events: 

2008
(Jan. 2) Oil price exceeds 100 dollars for the first time. (Jan. 21) Markets plunge around the world over fears of a world recession. (Feb. 16) US bank JP Morgan Chase takes over troubled investment bank Bear Stearns. (Feb. 24) Raul Castro takes over as president of Cuba from his ailing brother Fidel.(May 2-3) Cyclone Nargis hits Myanmar, leaving about 140,000 dead or missing.(May 7) - Dmitry Medvedev is sworn in as Russian president.(May 12) Worst earthquake since 1979 hits China. The magnitude-7.9 quake leaves 87,600 people dead in Sichuan province. (Aug. 8) The Olympic Summer Games open in Beijing with 14,000 performers and 91,000 spectators in the National Stadium. (Aug. 28): BarackObama accepts the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first African American to be selected by a major party as its nominee for president. Sen. Joe Biden is selected as Vice-President nominee. (Aug. 29) Sen. John McCain selects Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate for the Republican Party.(Sept.7) U.S. Financial Markets Roiled by Turmoil (Sept. 7) U.S. government places Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, companies that together hold more than half of the country's mortgages, under government conservatorship. (Sept.15) Lehman Brothers declares bankruptcy (Sept. 29) The Dow Jones Industrial Average drops 778 points, it's biggest point decline ever. (Oct.3) Senate & House approve $700 billion bailout plan. (Oct. 30) U.S. Economy Shrinks for First Time in Years. (Oct. 30) The U.S. gross domestic product drops 0.3%. It's the first decrease in the GDP in 17 years.(Nov. 9): China Announces Enormous Stimulus Package--it will spend about $586 billion, or about 7% of its GDP, over the next two years on infrastructure projects. (Nov. 4) Barack Obama Is Elected U.S.President taking 338 electoral votes to John McCain's 161. (Dec. 1) The Dow Jones Industrial Average drops 680 points after the National Bureau of Economic Research announces that the U.S has been in recession since Dec. 2007 and the release of a report indicating that U.S. manufacturing has hit a 26-year low. (Dec. 11) Bernard Madoff, an investment manager, is charged with defrauding clients of as much as $50 billion in what might be the largest swindle in Wall Street history.

2008 Events in our lives:

January

2008 Jan. 2 Glenn saw Dr. Winthrop for blood pressure. Discussed upcoming trip to Cambodia. Asked for prescription for "Malarone" for malaria, present at Angkor Wat.

2008 Jan. 14 Barb paid Sedro-Woolley Museum $7.00 for annual Senior dues.

2008 Jan. 3 Barb had mammogram at Salem Clinic lab.

2008 Jan. 4 To Spirit Mt. with Karen in morning. Barb saw Dr. Zirschky in afternoon—said all looks fine with right knee. Took several x-rays of both knees. Left leg looks BAD. Barb told him it's not hurting. Next appointment—in one year, or earlier if left knee is ready for surgery. Can do just normal activity now, no special exercises needed.

2008 Jan. 5 We attended Willamette Law School trials as jurors.

2008 Jan. 7 Karen starts her sabbatical. Leaves for Puerta Vallarta for a guided birding trip at "San Blas" wetlands. "Rick" who works at CCC library house-sits and cat-sits while she is on her sabbatical trips from Jan. to June, 2008.

2008 Jan. 8 Glenn sees Dr. Winthrop again about blood pressure. Glenn buys a 250GB "Passport" 3" x 5" external hard drive at Costco—use to store information in safe deposit box.

2008 Jan. 9 Barb has annual checkup with Dr. Winthrop. All o.k. Weight 198. Blood work all fine, last A1C diabetes test was 157—in normal range. Barb does NOT have diabetes; losing weight avoided that. May need to have Levoxyl for thyroid suppression decreased. Had hip and spine bone scan at Salem Clinic lab.

2008 Jan. 11 Glenn & Barb have tour of Willamette Lutheran Retirement Center, Keizer, with "Kay Hayes." Also visit with and have lunch with Bill & Jackie Labhart.

2008 Jan. 12 Booked Green Valley, AZ "desert casita" at 2489 Calle del Dante from April 2 to April 16. Two weeks for $800. plus $200 cleaning fee; $100 of which is refundable. Barb escorted two Life Story members to State Library for program on "writing your life story" (Joy Gilmer and Lois Donavan).

2008 Jan. 13 Mark flies from Austin to Portland, rents a car and comes to Salem in afternoon to make last preparations for Cambodia trip with him. Carolyn Mullan falls in her bathroom, breaking bones in her leg and ankle. Is hospitalized and then at rehab center.

2008 Jan. 14 Karen flies from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City; takes bus to Cuernavaca; stays overnight with Anita Aguilar before starting "Cemanahuac" Spanish language school.

2008 Jan. 15 Mark, Glenn and Barb drive to PDX in Mark's rental car and take small commuter plane to Seattle at 10:45 a.m. Sunny day, nice view of Cascades volcanoes and Olympics. At 12:34 p.m. we leave for Japan—all in Business Class comfy seats—champagne arrives before the plane takes off! Seats: 13A,B & D in Boeing 777.

2008 Jan. 16 We cross International Dateline and lose this day! Quick peak at United's "Red Carpet Lounge" at Narita Airport so we will know what we can use on return WITHOUT Mark, then on second flight to Singapore. Also in Business Class seats: 13D, E, F. Arrive in Singapore at midnight, taxi to Le Meridien Hotel on Orchard Road. Room 936, Mark is next door.

2008 Jan. 17 Take city bus tour of Singapore from 9:30 to 1:30. Impressive city—clean, no homeless, universal health care, and sign at airport, "If you bring in drugs to Singapore, you will be killed." Dinner at "hawkers" stall in mall under our hotel. Use cybercafe also in same mall.

2008 Jan. 18 We fly on "Silk Air" from Singapore to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Get put in exit seats, protest—end up scattered all over full plane! Our seatmates all part of a huge Italian tour group. Arrive at Siem Reap at 11:30 a.m. Hotel has driver and car waiting with sign for "Mr. Halliday." Eight dollars airport to hotel, total. Check in at Le Meridien Angkor. Absolutely gorgeous hotel and great rooms, adjoining. On second floor, our room: 2046 and Mark's 2048.

2008 Jan. 19 A "weather forecast card" is delivered to our room: High 89, low 73, 45% humidity, sunny. We hire one of the "three brothers" to provide car and driver for the "Great Circle" tour, 10:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. $35. total, plus tip for the driver. First stop: Ta Prohm which is only partially restored, with dramatic tree roots draped over the temple ruins. On to two smaller areas: Pre Rup, East Mebon and Ta Som. Next to last: Bayon area, gate and tug of war figures, then main temple where we basically walked through from one side to the other. Short last stop at causeway to Angkor Wat. Pool time at hotel, then tuk tuk to Siem Reap and dinner on " Pub Street" at the "World Lounge" (pizza for Glenn and me, "Prawns Amok" in a coconut for Mark).

2008 Jan. 20 Weather forecast: high of 93, low of 73, 49% humidity. Skyped Karen at 9:15 a.m., was 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 19 in Cuernavaca. Shopping in a.m. and pool time, then to Angkor Wat for sunset, followed by buffet dinner and show "Angkor Wat When History Comes to Life" following. Karen goes to Teotihuacán on language school tour.

2008 Jan. 21 Hired car and driver through hotel concierge, went back to Bayon, Barb bought $5 "Chanel" sunglasses from motor scooter lady, also to Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Baphuon—pyramid-shaped temple-mountain with long raised causeway entrance. Took tuk tuk into Siem Reap for dinner at Blue Pumpkin in Old Market area, near Pub Street.

2008 Jan. 22 To the Old Market, walked through, Mark bought Thailand "Lonely Planet" copy for $7, Glenn & Barb each get nice hat for $3. each. On to Tonle Sap Lake and nearest village: Chong Kneas with houses on stilts. Later, to " National Silk Center" for tour. Last night in Cambodia, so had dinner at Le Meridien's top restaurant "D'Angelo's."

2008 Jan. 23 Packed, checked out of hotel at noon, but stayed at pool until 5:30. Car to airport, left Siem Reap at 6:30, arrived in Singapore at 9:30, checked in to "Airport Transit Hotel" within secure area of airport.

2008 Jan. 24 The day that would not end! Breakfast with Mark in airport lounge, and on plane for Tokyo at 7:20 a.m. Mark left an hour after us, for Bangkok. Got to Narita airport at 2:50, had time for shower in Red Carpet Lounge. Arrived Seattle 8:30 a.m. To Portland at noon, Hut van to Salem, arriving at 2:00 p.m. Barb still has lousy cold & coughing.

2008 Jan. 25 Neighbors, Jim & Grace LeCouix move to retirement village in Newberg.

2008 Jan. 27 Mark t ook second-class train to Hua Hin (last rode it on his first trip to Asia ) beach area in southern Thailand , stays in cheap guest house. 

2008 Jan. 28 LaFyrne & Norvada fly to Palm Springs for a month. Mark at Hua Hin, Thailand, moves to Marriott Resort.

2008 Jan. 29 Comcast exchanges cable box for bedroom TV. Old one was "bad." Mark takes bus back to Bangkok, stays two nights at Westin Hotel.

2008 Jan. 30 Comcast installs recorder cable box on living room TV. We attend presentation on new HMO for Marion/Polk County: "Physician's Advantage."

2008 Jan. 31 Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for persistent cough: "bronchial infection" get antibiotic. We attend Archeology program on "Yoruba African Art." Mark stays at Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok.

2008 Feb. 01 We go to Spirit Mt. Not profitable, but fun. Glenn now coughing.

2008 Feb. 02 Karen takes bus to Mexico City with other language school students, stays overnight, visiting some museums.

2008 Feb. 03 Karen goes on all-day tour to Monarch Butterfly sanctuary. Stays overnight in Mexico City. Mark flies back to Singapore, stays overnight at Airport Transit Hotel.

2008 Feb. 04 Karen returns to Cuernavaca, then takes bus to new language school site, at village of Buenavista, near Taxco. Mark flies to Narita, then on to San Francisco, and finally to Austin, TX.

2008 Feb. 05 Glenn sees Dr. Winthrop, probably has bronchitis. On antibiotic.

2008 Feb. 07 We talk to Steve Breyer at WU regarding trust donation to Willamette.

2008 Feb. 08 Karen finishes Cemanahuac language school, stays at Anita's.

2008 Feb. 11 Mark flies to Chicago, supposed to start mileage run to Argentina & Mexico City, but Air Canada is canceling the flights. He stays at Hyatt Regency at O'Hare airport ( a free comp night).

2008 Feb. 12 Mark goes to check in for Air Canada flights—told it is canceled, and he asks for proof of this in writing. Later, Air Canada not only refunds his money, but credits him with all the miles he would have earned had he taken the trip—and Expedia, who booked the flights for him may give him refund equivalent to his costs in getting to Chicago. Mark won! Mark stays at Sheraton Chicago in nice room, has access to lounge, and great views of Chicago. He takes the "elevated" train north to St. Michael's Catholic Church, sees where is great-grandfather, August Kemmerich married his great-grandmother, Barbara Hommerding

2008 Feb. 13 Karen flies from Mexico City to Portland. Mark stays at Comfort Inn at O'Hare Airport. . Earlier, he goes to top of Sears Tower, but is turned away at Chicago stock exchanges because of "terrorist" concerns.

2008 Feb. 14 Mark returns to Austin.

2008 Feb. 15 Glenn & Barb tour Capital Manor Retirement center and have lunch, then rush back to meet Karen for a Spirit Mt. trip.

2008 Feb. 22 Barb & Glenn toured Gibson Creek cottages, had lunch there.

2008 Feb. 26 We stay overnight at the Chinook Winds hotel, Lincoln City, with Karen.

2008 Feb. 27 We continue our casino tour, staying at the Three Rivers Casino hotel in Florence. Mark's order of Wasabi is delivered to us at the hotel by "Bridgett" of Pacific Farms.

2008 Feb. 28 Mark leaves for Cartagena, meets Fernando and they celebrate his Leap Year birthday in Colombia.

2008 Mar. 3 Mark flies from Colombia to Miami. Glenn has semi-annual glaucoma check with Dr. Stevens. All o.k.

2008 Mar. 4 Mark continues his "Three Continents" trip, flying to Tel Aviv, Israel, via Chicago and Frankfurt.

2008 Mar. 6 Mark leaves Tel Aviv and goes to Eilat, Israel by bus. Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port as well as a popular tourist destination, located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, on the Gulf of Eilat.

2008 Mar. 7 Mark goes by hired car from Eilat to Petra in Jordan. He stays in the "Prince Hussein" suite at the Crowne Plaza hotel, just outside the entrance to Petra.

2008 Mar. 9 After spending the prior day within the ruins of Petra, Mark goes to Jerusalem. There is a bomb alert while he is going through immigration at the Jordan/Israel border. False alarm. Stays at the Jerusalem Sheraton, can see much of Old Jerusalem from his room.

2008 Mar. 11 Mark flies to Portland via Frankfurt, & San Francisco. Rents a car and drives to Salem. The Buick has its 25,000 mile check-up, after three years!

2008 Mar. 17 We tour Avamere Court in Keizer with Mark. Have lunch and view occupied apartments plus empty No. 2029. Mark approves.

2008 Mar. 18 Mark flies back to Austin. Karen joins us for a Spirit Mt. run and an Archeology Society meeting.

2008 Mar. 19 We go to Avamere Court, meet with "Sonja" and pay $900. deposit on Apt. 2029 with move-in set for May 30.

2008 Mar. 20 We have lunch with Basil and Kay Ryals at their condo at Madrona Hills. Have lunch there.

2008 Mar. 21 House is inspected by Chris Barnhardt. $250.

2008 Mar. 23 We host Easter Dinner with Betty, Karen and Karen's house sitter, Rick.

2008 Mar. 24 Gloria is hospitalized with three large tumors near her kidney. We listed Salemtowne home with Donna Hibdon, Coldwell Banker realtor, for $299,000.

2008 Mar. 27 Carolyn Mullan finally goes home after being hospitalized/rehab since Jan. 13 for broken ankle. Karen takes train to Seattle to see friend, Barb Inglin. We got home inspection report, had "Russ" contractor look at deck and ramp wood rot problems. Donna showed the house to Clyde Spence.

2008 Mar. 29 Mr. Spence offers $295,000. We counter-offer next day.

2008 Mar. 31 Sold house to Mr. Spence for $295,000 and a net of $272,164. (Less commission, and repairs) Cancelled 2-week trip to Green Valley, AZ.

2008 April 1 Karen flies to Quito, Ecuador via Dallas and Miami, arriving in Quito on April 2. Second part of her Spanish language sabbatical.

2008 April 2 Driver's side seat heater element replaced in Buick under warranty at Willamette Valley Motors.

2008 April 3 Electrician re-wired garbage disposal, Russ brought lumber for decking replacement.

2008 April 7 Mr. Spence terminated sale. Gave no reason. Barbara was diagnosed with shingles on upper right back by Dr. Winthrop.

2008 April 8 "Russ" finished deck repair. "Roger" from Daeco made changes to chimney "cricket" required by home inspection. Glenn sold our 2 "Selig" Danish "Z" chairs via E-Bay for $900. total.

2008 April 9 We applied for Mr. Spence's $5,000. earnest money. Glenn had eye pressure re-check, (16). Only needs eye drops every other night.

2008 April 10 "Russ" finished ramp, total: $1235 + $50 tip.

2008 April 11 Cherry City plumbing replaced leaking pip from disposal to drain. $98. Received Mr. Spence's $5,000 earnest money check from escrow office. Took 3 boxes of books to Readers Guide for credit.

2008 April 14 Betty, Jason & Diane fly to Tucson to see sister and father. "Teen Challenge" picked up mattress & springs, 2 VCR's, mini-frig. Ordered inflatable queen mattress from Costco. $99. + shipping.

2008 April 15 Karen starts at "Centro de Espanol Vida Verde" through May 15. Located in Northern Quito – “New Town.”

2008 April 16 Newspaper furniture ad started. Sold headboard ($25) and kitchen table/chairs, swivel rockers ($100.)

2008 April 17 Sam Jones painted front of house. Mr. & Mrs. Poe looked at house with "Jill."

2008 April 19 Poes offered $280,000 for house.

2008 April 20 We counter-offered $289,500 to Poes. Donna held open house.

2008 April 21 Poes countered with $285,000. We accepted.

2008 April 22 Last day of furniture ad. Sold all except bedroom chair. Total sold: $525.

2008 April 23 Went to see Gloria and Terry. Gloria died later at 6 p.m.

2008 April 24 Poes terminated sale because of "geologic hazard" listed in disclosure statement. John Ratzlaff took photos of hillside, got approval from underwriter to insure house for earthquake damage.

2008 April 25 Sam Jones finished painting upper deck and ramp.

2008 April 26-27 Karen had 2-day birding trip to high Andes in Ecuador. Then took bus to sea coast for 6-day coastal study program through language school.

2008 April 29 Mark left Austin for Singapore and Indonesia. On a "Mileage run." Returns to Austin on May 13.

2008 May 1-3 Mark in Bali. " This place is unrecognizable after 30 years."

2008 May 3 Sold freezer ($150). Terry came for visit to Minto-Brown Park and dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse.

2008 May 4 – 6 Mark flew to Surabaya, Indonesia.

2008 May 5 Betty had cataract surgery.

2008 May 6-8 Mark took train to Yogyakarta, toured Hindu Prambanam temples May 7.

2008 May 7 Barb made ten pints of jam from frozen Marionberries.

2008 May 8 To Spring Dance Concert at WOU. Mark took train to Bandung, mountain resort near Jakarta—at 4,000 ft.

2008 May 9 Called Mark on his birthday—in Jakarta, Indonesia.

2008 May 10 Karen had day trip to cloud forest near Quito to see "oil birds."

2008 May 12 Mark flies to Singapore from Jakarta. Stays at in-airport hotel.

2008 May 13 Salemtowne Pinochle club had farewell party for Barb and Glenn. Mark returned to Austin from Singapore via Wash. D.C.

2008 May 16 Temperature hit 99. Karen left Quito for Dallas.

2008 May 17 Karen arrives in Portland at 11 a.m. Mark arrives in Portland a few hours later, takes HUT bus to Salem.

2008 May 19 Move/garage sale preparations start. Karen comes down. Mark and Karen do lots of heavy lifting, stair climbing, etc.

2008 May 20 "All Around Moving" company moves Glenn and Barbara's stuff to Avamere Court. They finish at 5:45 p.m. Avamere pays the $660. moving bill. Barbara signs rental contract and rent for rest of May and June. Mark stays at house, using inflatable bed.

2008 May 21-22 The four of us get garage sale organized. Eat dinner at Avamere.

2008 May 23-25 Garage Sale. No ad in paper on first day, sell $1,000 worth of "stuff." Karen & Mark on duty every day.

2008 May 25 Mark picks up Avis rental car, stays overnight at Renaissance Inn next to Avamere.

2008 May 26 Mark leaves for Austin at 6 a.m. with very sore knees. We bring metal shelving from house to apartment. Glenn re-assembles shelving (not easy!) and we start filling storage room and closets with 160 boxes of "stuff."

2008 May 27 To Spirit Mt. with Karen (she takes bus).

2008 May 28 Party from Medford drive up and get Singer sewing machine. Sold for $100 through "Craig's List." Betty and Jason pick up washer and dryer. We arrange with Sam Jones to paint computer room, lower deck railing.

2008 May 30 Valley Recycling picks up trash from under deck, garage, etc.

2008 June 6 Sam Jones finished painting interior of Salemtowne house.

2008 June 7 Cleaned house, re-hung drapes after painting.

2008 June 8 While at Christie's 60th anniversary party, we get offer on house—from Clyde Spence. His offer: $290,000 less $6,000 roofing and $3,000 exterior painting allowance. We accept.

2008 June 9 Sam Jones finished painting lower deck/railing/lattice covers, & upper deck railing.

2008 June 10 Barb had field of vision test: "normal." Eye pressures 24: o.k.

2008 June 11 Glenn hooked up stereo system; Barb planted geraniums in boxes on decks. Only three boxes yet to unpack!

2008 June 12 House carpeting cleaned by "Warren" for $275. Barbara cleaned range, showers at house.

2008 June 13 Glenn & Barbara sign house sale papers at Fidelity Nat. Title.

2008 June 14 St. Vincent DePaul picked up remainder of "stuff" in garage at house. Karen came and helped with final cleaning. She took deck furniture and vacuum.

2008 June 16 Mr. Spence inspected house, signed closing papers at escrow office. Deed was recorded in afternoon.

2008 June 17 Proceeds of house sale were wired to our bank. $262,775.74.

2008 June 18 Glenn & Barb take Sternwheeler cruise from Cascade Locks to Multnomah Falls with Salem Sr. Center. $85. each.

2008 June 19 Canceled vacant house insurance & homeowners policy. Bought 2 folding dining room chairs at Costco.

2008 June 23 Barb started attending water exercise class at McNary Courthouse. Glenn having vision problems while using computer. Bright spot in center of focus. Eye dr. did not give diagnosis. Gradually went away.

2008 June 26 Went on our first trip to Spirit Mt. on Avamere bus. We started playing pinochle with Avamere group, twice a week, Tuesday and Friday.

2008 July 4 Glenn hung pictures and "St. Barbara."

2008 July 7 Barb saw Dr. Winthrop for irregular heart beat. Probably PVC's. No problem.

2008 July 10 Mark arrived from Austin. Stayed at Karen's house while she went to Salt Lake City.

2008 July 12 Karen flew to Salt Lake City, then later drove to Cedar City for Shakespeare festival.

2008 July 13 Mark & Betty came for lunch.

2008 July 18 Mark & Terry come for Avamere Barbecue celebration.

2008 July 19 We meet Mark at Mt. Angel Abbey. Tour museum full of stuffed trophy animals.

2008 July 20 We meet Mark at Ikea near Portland airport.

2008 July 21 Karen returns from Salt Lake City; Mark leaves PDX 2 hours later for Dallas.

2008 July 22 Mark & friends, Fernando and Rob, fly to Dominican Republic.

2008 July 25 We go on Avamere picnic and bus ride to Lyons County Park on N. Santiam River.

2008 July 26 Barb attends her Milwaukie High School 60th class reunion at " Milwaukie Center."

2008 July 27 We attend CCC theater with Karen and Betty.

2008 July 28 Glenn & Barb drive to Canyonville, stay at Best Western hotel, gamble at "Seven Feathers" casino.

2008 July 30 Mark returns to Austin from Dominican Republic. 

2008 Aug. 3 Barb & Karen attend the Stupfel/Kemmerich family reunion at "Our Lady of Peace Retreat" 3600 SW 170th Ave., Beaverton, OR (Corner of Tualatin Valley Highway & 170th Ave.) Barb's cousins attend: Carole Foster, Margaret Fromherz, Marcella Zielinski, Dorothy Duyck & Beatrice Peters.

2008 Aug. 5 Mark leaves Austin for Vietnam, via Phoenix, San Francisco, Hong Kong & Singapore.

2008 Aug. 7 Mark arrives in Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon), stays at Sheraton Saigon. LaFyrne and Norvada come for lunch. We visited Mary Miller and Cletus Woods at Gibson Creek Asst'd. Living.

2008 Aug. 10 Mark took luxury train north to NhaTrang.

2008 Aug. 12 Barb helps organize a book club at Avamere Court. Mary & Wilbur Bluhm come for lunch.

2008 Aug. 13 Mark flies to Da Nang, then by taxi to Hoi An.

2008 Aug. 14 Charlie, Nancy & Bonita come for Wine & Cheese party.

2008 Aug. 16 Mark goes to Hue by 4-hr bus ride.

2008 Aug. 17 Mark tours the DMZ line and Khe Sanh firebase from Hue.

2008 Aug. 18 Mark flies to Hanoi. Visits the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and also takes in a "water puppet" show in Hanoi.

2008 Aug. 19 Mark goes to the actual Hanoi Hilton prison, saw John McCain's flight suit. A German State Television camera crew interviewed him, gathering material on McCain relating to US election.

2008 Aug. 20 Glenn & Barb attend "Guys & Dolls" at Pentacle Theater with Avamere.

2008 Aug. 21 Mark takes 2-night boat tour to Halong Bay

2008 Aug. 22 Glenn & Barb use Avamere transport to attend State Fair.

2008 Aug. 23 Mark gives up on Vietnam and constant tourist harassment, flies to Seam Reap, and checks into the LeMeridien hotel where we stayed in January. Stays 4 nights, relaxing at hotel and in town. Doesn't go to Angkor park.

2008 Aug. 27 Mark takes bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

2008 Aug. 29 Glenn & Barb go on trip to coast with Avamere. Mark takes bus from Phnom Penh to Saigon.

2008 Aug. 30/31 Mark flies home via S. Korea and Japan.

2008 Sept. 4 Jan & Loel Wright come for lunch.

2008 Sept. 6 Barbara attends a Chi Omega luncheon at Dorothy Weisser's home.

2008 Sept. 7 Glenn & Barb attend LaFyrne's 80th birthday party.

2008 Sept. 8 We go to Three Rivers Hotel/Casino in Florence with Karen, to celebrate her birthday.

2008 Sept. 11 Glenn & Barbara go with Avamere bus to Oktoberfest at Mt. Angel.

2008 Sept. 12 Glenn & Barbara go with Avamere bus to the Lodge at Multnomah Falls for lunch. U.S. Stock market starts its downturn with huge swings in Dow Jones averages.

2008 Sept. 13 Glenn & Barbara attend the Salemtowne parking lot sale—buying nothing!

2008 Sept. 14 Karen is "officially" back at work. Dorothy (Dee Dee) Mitchell comes for lunch, enroute on visit to Nevada and Calif. "John" repaired deck off living room.

2008 Sept. 19 This week, the Dow was up on Thursday and Friday. Bouncing all over the place.

2008 Sept. 22 Avamere installed new mini-blinds in computer room.

2008 Sept. 29 Glenn & Barb get flu shots at Salem Clinic. Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for irregular heart beat. Advised to cut out stimulants (caffeine, chocolate). Heartbeats became regular very soon. Dow Jones average went down 777 points (Congress did not pass a 700 billion bank bail-out bill).

2008 Sept. 30 Westings came for lunch. Frances James joined us.

2008 Oct. 1 Mary Miller and daughter Joanne come for dinner.

2008 Oct. 3 Another big drop in the stock market.

2008 Oct. 4 We tour Hallie Ford Museum's exhibit on Oregon Native American "Regalia." Betty joins us. We have lunch at Avamere.

2008 Oct. 6-10 Worst week on Wall Street since 1933. On Oct. 9, 2007 the Dow was at 14,164. On Oct. 11, 2008 Dow is 8,451.

2008 Oct. 10 Avamere holds its Autumn festival. Chilly day for an outdoor "fest."

2008 Oct. 14 Glenn & Barbara go on "autumn color/Kahneeta Casino" trip with Salem Sr. Center. Beautiful day!

2008 Oct. 16 Terry comes for dinner, joins us & Karen for Archeology lecture on "Regalia."

2008 Oct. 17 Glenn & Barbara flew to Los Angeles, stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel at the airport. Found a Burger King right across the street!

2008 Oct. 18 We take shuttle back to airport, meet transfer bus at Delta baggage area board the Sapphire Princess at San Pedro. On board in time for lunch at noon. Our balcony cabin high up, on Lido Deck, No. L251 on starboard side.

2008 Oct. 19 Glenn's birthday celebrated at dinner on the "at sea" day.

2008 Oct. 21 At Puerto Vallarta. HOT! Left ship only briefly. Enjoyed pools and ship's A/C. Betty flew to Tucson for reunion with friends, visit with her family.

2008 Oct. 22 At Mazatlan. Again, hot. Only left ship to walk through pier shops briefly.

2008 Oct. 23 At Cabo San Lucas. Stayed on ship. Watched multi-million dollar marlin tournament boats take off at 8 a.m. Beautiful weather.

2008 Oct. 25 Returned to San Pedro, bus back to airport. Left at 1:00 p.m., arrived at PDX 5:45 p.m. Back at Avamere at 8:30 p.m. "Norovirus" outbreak came to Avamere while we were gone.

2008 Oct. 28 Barb gets the "bug" for 24 hours. Betty returns from Tucson.

2008 Oct. 31 Husband of Barb's cousin, Delphine, Cletus Woods, passes away at 95.

2008 Nov. 2 To Spirit Mt. with Karen and Sharman.

2008 Nov. 4 Barb & Glenn attend Cletus' funeral at St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Salem.

2008 Nov. 9 Glenn & Barb attend brunch at LaFyrne's with other Salemtowne friends.

2008 Nov. 11 Terry had outpatient surgery for bladder repair.

2008 Nov. 13 Olivers and Schopperts come for wine & cheese party.

2008 Nov. 15 Barb and Karen go birding at the Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove.

2008 Nov. 19 Glenn has annual check up with Dr. Winthrop. Changed Glenn's nighttime blood pressure medicine to "Mycardis." Comcast installs digital TV "transport adapter" on computer room TV.

2008 Nov. 24 Mark flies out for Thanksgiving week. Stays with Karen. He comes down every day for visits with us.

2008 Nov. 27 Mark, Karen, Betty & Jason join us for Thanksgiving dinner at Avamere.

2008 Nov. 28 Mark flies back to Austin, Barb, Glenn & Karen spend "Black Friday" at the casino rather than the stores. Mark has to change a flat tire on the Austin freeway!

2008 Nov. 30 Marcella, son Joe and Mark Stupfel join us for dinner. 

2008 Dec. 2 Barb has 6-mo. Glaucoma check with Dr. Stevens.

2008 Dec. 5 Christmas party at Avamere, sponsored by the in-house West Coast bank. Good desserts, door prizes and music..

2008 Dec. 6 Glenn & Barb attend Norvada's Christmas Musicale.

2008 Dec. 9 Glenn, Barb & Karen fly to Los Angeles. Mark flies to L.A. from Austin. All stay at Sheraton Four Points Airport hotel.

2008 Dec. 10 We take hotel shuttle to Hilton hotel, and wait there until noon, then transfer by bus to San Pedro. Board the Golden Princess and leave at 4 p.m., bound for Hawaii.

2008 Dec. 11-14 At sea

2008 Dec. 15 At Hilo, Hawaii 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Toured Tsunami Museum in Hilo.

2008 Dec. 16 At Honolulu, Oahu 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Went to Polynesian Cultural Center via island circle bus tour.

2008 Dec. 17 At Kauai 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Took river boat tour to Fern Grotto.

2008 Dec. 18 At Lahaina, Maui 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Took Humpback Whale watching boat tour.

2008 Dec. 19-22 At Sea

2008 Dec. 23 At Ensenada 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stayed on ship.

2008 Dec. 24 We arrive at San Pedro. Mark stays overnight at Hilton Hotel near L.A. airport. Glenn, Barbara and Karen fly back to Portland, arriving at 6:30 p.m. So snowy and icy our ride can't get out of his driveway; we stay overnight at the Comfort Suites Hotel near airport.

2008 Dec. 25-27 We make it to Karen's home, and are snowbound until warm rains start on Saturday morning, Dec. 27.

2008 Dec. 29 Barb sees Dr. Stevens for pressure re-check. Up, at 28. We both start having re-checks with various doctors for the next week or so.

2008 Dec. 31 We celebrate New Years Eve quietly at home.

2009 World Events: 

January15: A US jet carrying 155 people crashes on the Hudson River in New York, but the pilot manages to land it on its belly with no casualties.January 20, 2009 - Barack Obama takes the oath of office for President of the United States, becoming the first African-American president in the history of the nation.  The Democratic Senator from Illinois comes into the office on a message of Change.  The city of Washington, D.C. hosts more than one million visitors to the inauguration, covering the National Mall in a way reminiscent of the Civil Rights March of Martin Luther King forty-six years earlier.
April 15, 2009 - After a succession of big government spending projects beginning in the Bush administration and expanded under President Obama, 750 grass roots Tea Party protests spring up across the nation.  More than one half million citizens take part.
June 1, 2009 - The H1N1 virus, named the Swine Flu, is deemed a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The once mighty US automobile company General Motors is declared bankrupt, with the federal government taking a major stake in its capital. 
June 29, 2009 Wall Street financier Bernard Madoff is jailed for 150 years for a multi-billion-dollar pyramid scheme.
July 1, 2009 US forces pull out of Iraq's main cities and towns.
October 31, 2009 - The economic recession continues to deepen as jobless claims climb above 10.0%.  This occurs despite efforts by the Obama administration to ramp up massive government spending pushed by the $780 billion economic stimulus package passed earlier in the year.
December 1, 2009 - President Obama announces a surge of 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan to stem increased efforts by the Taliban in the country.  
December 25 - The war in Afghanistan, which started as a response to the terror attacks on 9/11/2001, and the war on terror in general, comes into focus again when an airliner headed for Detroit is attacked by a Muslim extremist, 23-year-old Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, who attempts to detonate a bomb, but fails.

2009 Events in our lives:

2009

Click on photo to see Dec. 2008 - Dec. 2009 Photo Album

January

2009 Jan. 5 We try out our new Secure Horizons health insurance benefit—a free membership at the Courthouse Athletic Clubs in Salem. We go to the Keizer Courthouse for their "Silver Sneakers" exercise program. It's tough! Barb has her annual mammogram. Gets a good report on it. Mark sees orthopedic surgeon about both knees; now painful when walking.

2009 Jan. 6 Barb has annual re-check with cardiologist, Dr. Walker. Good enough that she doesn't have to return to see him for two years.

2009 Jan. 7 We share visits to the eye doctor. All o.k. Then Barb sees the orthopedic surgeon who did her knee replacement. Again, all good to go; come back in 2 years or when the left knee gets too painful.

2009 Jan. 9 Our first trip to Spirit Mt. in 2009!

2009 Jan.10 We attend Travel Fair at Salem Senior Ctr, now called "50+."

2009 Jan. 12 Barb continues to run the medical gauntlet—today it's annual exam with Dr. Winthrop. All o.k. there too.

2009 Jan. 13 Mark started medically-supervised weight-loss program.

2009 Jan. 18 We give a different casino a chance—take the free bus to Chinook winds with Karen.

2009 Jan. 21 We attend the McNary High School musical production: "Thoroughly Modern Millie" with Avamere bus. Terrific performances.

2009 Jan. 25 To St. Paul for cousin Marcella's 90th birthday party.

2009 Feb. 3 Barb started new anti-cholesterol drug: Simvastatin.

2009 Feb. 6 Glenn saw Dr. Elmgren for annual checkup.

2009 Feb. 7 We went to the Salem indoor "Saturday Market" with Karen, then on to Spirit Mt.

2009 Feb. 9 Barb has annual dental check-up. "No problems" so why did it cost $218. ?? (X-rays)

2009 Feb. 10 Comcast brings us new DVR box. Old one not working right.

2009 Feb. 11 Glenn's turn to see the dentist for a check-up.

2009 Feb. 12 Barb's cousin, Pat and friend Donna come for Avamere Wine & Cheese Party

2009 Feb. 13 We order two TIPS notes, then head for Spirit Mt. The casino was not a better investment!

2009 Feb. 19 Barb drives some Avamere ladies to Capital Manor to hear Oregon author, Jean Kirkpatrick speak on Aurora Colony.

2009 Feb. 20 We buy a unassembled TV cabinet at Fred Meyer. Barb has re-check with Dr. Winthrop on her blood pressure. Told to add "Hctz" to b.p. med.

2009 Feb. 21 Glenn puts the TV stand together. Does not check HIS blood pressure!

2009 Feb. 22 Barb starts Hctz

2009 Feb. 26 To Spirit Mt.

2009 Feb. 28 Barb attends memorial service for her cousin, Carole Foster, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2008.

2009 Mar. 2 We go to Ryals for pinochle.

2009 Mar. 4 We meet Terry at Salem Olive Garden for lunch.

2009 Mar. 6 Back to Spirit Mt.

2009 Mar. 8 We attend play at Clackamas Comm. College with Karen and Betty. "How I learned to Drive."

2009 Mar. 10 Betty Budzik comes to Avamere for lunch

2009 Mar. 12 Salemtowne friends, Judi, Roberta and Mary Jo come for Wine & Cheese party. We attend Archeology Soc. Lecture "Ancient Greek Music."

2009 Mar. 13 In spite of the day, we go to Spirit Mt. with LaFyrne.

2009 Mar. 14 Our house guests arrive. Karen brings Belle and Beau to stay while she goes to Texas for Spring Break. John Johnston comes for a visit, stays at hotel next door.

2009 Mar. 16 Karen flies to Austin to visit with Mark, and go to Texas Gulf Coast near Aransas Whooping Crane Refuge. Barb has eye pressures checked. O.K. at 20.

2009 Mar. 17 We book a July cruise to Alaska on "Pacific Princess" "Connoisseur" cruise, 14 days. Booked through Costco.

2009 Mar. 18 Mark and Karen drive to Port Aransas, stay at "Kontiki" resort with Moods and Rob. We go to opening of "Ancient Lamps" exhibit at Hallie Ford Museum then attend Archeology lecture on same subject.

2009 Mar. 19 Planted Bush Sweet Peas and Stock seeds in Avamere garden bed No. 3 (Sharing with Leon)

2009 Mar. 20 Glenn had vision field test at Dr. Steven's.

2009 Mar. 25 Karen returns from Austin.

2009 Mar. 26 We introduce Karen Avamere bus to Spirit Mt.

2009 Mar. 27 Karen goes to Prosser and Turnbull Refuge with friend Susan. Barb goes on Avamere Scenic Drive to Amity to view the daffodils. Stop at monastery for samples of chocolate truffles.

2009 Mar. 29 Our house guests leave amid plaintive meowing.

2009 Mar. 30 We attend Mary Miller's birthday party at her home in Salemtowne, followed by yet another Spirit Mt. trip.

2009 April 1 We fly on Southwest Air to Tucson. $405.20/2, rd. trip. Pick up a Dodge Caliber rental car at Thrifty. $360.12/2 weeks. Arrive at our "Desert Hills Casita" 2489 Calle del Dante about 8:00 p.m. after stop in Continental Shopping Center for Big Macs.. Beautiful day, warm, balmy air. Wonderful! Our contact person for landlady (Anne) is Sharon Linnertz, her sister.

2009 April 2 To Knoches for dessert.

2009 April 3 To "Desert Diamond" casino for breakfast. Buffet not open, we settle for deli.

2009 April 4 Knoches visit us and have dessert mid-afternoon. Can sit out on deck. Great! Toured the new Wyndham hotel/condos at Canoa Ranch.

2009 April 5 To Tubac. Sunny, low 80's. Get Ecuador glass earrings for Barb at "La Paloma de Tubac" our favorite Tubac shop.

2009 April 6 To Madera Canyon. Warm, sunny, low 80's and VERY dry. See many improvements in picnic areas in Canyon..

2009 April 7 We meet Betty's sister, Jan and father, Ray at Mission Xavier del Bac. Drove " Mission Rd" past mines enroute to meet them. Very few cactus blooming. Toured mission, then had lunch together nearby. Stopped at Desert Diamond enroute home. No luck at all. Warmer today—89 and sunny. Beautiful Arizona sunset—due to Mt. Redoubt volcano in Alaska, perhaps?

2009 April 8 Dinner at the Elks Club near Desert Hills with Knoches. "Barbecued Ribs" night.

2009 April 9 Visited La Posada Continuing Care Center. Knoches thinking of moving here. Very impressive, even thrift shop was elegant. And, they have their own astronomical telescope!

2009 April 10 Windy day. Swam at Canoa Hills—got a little sunburn. To Knoches for pizza dinner. Rained, hard, during the night. Called Mark.

2009 April 11 Rain showers. To Green Valley library—as great as before. Reserved computer so we can print out boarding passes next Tuesday.

2009 April 12 Breakfast at McD's, then gave Desert Diamond one last chance. No better luck. Drove out west Continental Rd. to take photos of blooming cactus (around Pima community college where they get watered.) Brand new theater at college. Called Karen. All o.k.

2009 April 13 Mark to Houston area to start a gravity meter manual-rewriting job. We attended the Green Valley String Quartet concert at the Episcopal Church. Lucy is violinist in Quartet. Lunch afterward with Knoches and others from Quartet. Bob & Gloria from La Posada, and Anne Marie, about to go on Europe river cruise.

2009 April 14 Called Mark, working on manual job. Got printed boarding passes at Library.

2009 April 15 Locked up casita, left for airport at 8:30 a.m. Turned n car. Left Tucson 12:50 p.m. to Los Angeles. As we waited to board our plane in L.A. Betty and Jason came from it! They were enroute to Tucson. We arrived at PDX at 7:20 p.m., HUT bus got us home by 10 p.m.

2009 April 16 Glenn sees Dr. Winthrop to check meds, blood pressure, insomnia. Told he's going to lose big toe nail that got badly bruised.

2009 April 17 Barb goes on Avamere trip to "Camp 18" a restaurant in Coast Range, not far from Astoria. Beautiful log building.

2009 April 19 To "Camassia" Nature Conservancy Preserve with Karen and Terry. Gorgeous day, beautiful wildflowers, but a week too early for the Camas bloom.

2009 April 21 Glenn has eye pressure check with Dr. Stevens. L: 20 R: 17, less "shadow" seen in field vision test. That's good.

2009 April 23 To Spirit Mt. on Avamere bus.

2009 April 26 To Chinook Winds with Karen on bus.

2009 April 27 Bought 4 "zonal" geraniums (red/white) at Bi-Mart $2.88 ea. Bought bedding plants at Fred Meyer: dwarf dahlias, pink Cascade petunias, snapdragons. $1.35/4pk. Got 2 tomato plants at nursery on River Rd (Early Girl/Big Boy)

2009 April 28 Glenn saw dentist about broken-off tooth. Barb planted geraniums in living room deck boxes.

2009 April 29 Bought dahlia bulbs at Lowe's ($3/3 bulbs) Got 1 pack white Cascade petunias at Fred Meyer. Barb planted petunias, Glenn planted tomatoes in two big pots, on deck.

2009 April 30 Glenn had broken tooth removed by Dr. Eyre.

2009 May 1 Drove to Spirit Mt.

2009 May 2 Glenn planted dahlias ("Mixed" and "Sky Angel") plus dwarf dahlias & snapdragons in garden bed # 3.

2009 May 3 Barb planted zinnia seeds in adjoining garden bed

2009 May 5 Mark heads toward Portland, stopping first overnight in Salt Lake City with Petricks. Barb has lunch with Irmgard at "Steam Heat" coffee shop.

2009 May 6 Mark arrives, staying with Karen. We attend funeral for Mary Mundt at Keizer funeral chapel. Greek Orthodox priest from Eugene presides.

2009 May 8 Avamere installed a new higher toilet in bedroom bathroom. We attend Spring Dance Concert in Monmouth with LaFyrne and Dorothy Garrett.

2009 May 9 Mark's birthday. He and Karen drive down, we all drive down to Newport, staying at the Econo Lodge on Mark's free nights. Lunch at the "Surftides" overlooking Fogarty Creek St. Park. Tour Rogue Ale brewery in Newport. Mark get free "yard" of beer at Rogue pub in Old Town, plus T-shirt, which he gives to Barb.

2009 May 10 We tour the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport before heading back. Lunch at Chinook Winds in their ocean-view dining room. Mark goes back with Karen.

2009 May 11 Mark leaves for Austin at 1 p.m. Home by 8:30.

2009 May 12 To Spirit Mt.

2009 May 15 We go with Avamere bus to Schreiner's Iris Gardens. Too early for most iris; other plants are lovely—especially rhodies and lupines.

2009 May 20 Yes, to Spirit Mt. with LaFyrne.

2009 May 22 Barb goes on Avamere bus trip to Aurora Colony museum.

2009 May 23 Barb and Karen drive to top of Mary's Peak, west of Corvallis, hike to summit. Stop at Jackson-Frazier Wetlands on way back. Beautiful day.

2009 May 29 After lunch, Betty joins Barb on Avamere bus trip to Peony Gardens in Brooks. Very warm!

2009 May 31 We give up covered parking space. Glenn staked dahlias and tomatoes.

2009 June 1 Glenn saw Dr. Winthrop for hip pain when walking.

2009 June 3 Glenn had vascular ultrasound on legs. Thinned zinnias. Put out beer for slugs on dahlias.

2009 June 4 VERY heavy rain, even tornado watch. Washed beer out of slug bait containers.

2009 June 5 Karen's last day of work for spring quarter. K. Follett retired from 30-year teaching career in Montgomery Creek, CA.

2009 June 7 Tomatoes blooming; petunias in full bloom.

2009 June 8 Attended farewell pinochle party for Eva Friesen at Salemtowne.

2009 June 10 We drove to Florence, "Three Rivers Casino/Hotel" with Karen. Thanks to casino's coupons, we ate well and didn't lose much.

2009 June 11 Returned to Avamere.

2009 June 13 Karen to Prosser to visit Susan.

2009 June 16 Attended Strawberry Shortcake and band concert at Avamere in Garden House.

2009 June 17 Barb and Karen go to Bend for two nights, stopping enroute at: Lost Lake, Big Lake, Metolius River (Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery) and Tumalo. Stay at EconoLodge. Enjoy birds and park along Deschutes River in Bend in evening.

2009 June 18 Barb and Karen spend most of the day driving along the "Century Drive" past Bachelor Butte, Sparks Lake, Cultus Lake and Crane Prairie Lake. Beautiful weather, great views of Three Sisters and Broken Top mountains.

2009 June 19 Barb goes to Salemtowne to Womans Club meeting honoring Jeanine Cherry.

2009 June 20 Avamere has Fathers Day lunch and beanbag baseball tournament in garden room. Lovely weather.

2009 June 21 To Chinook Winds on bus with Karen and LaFyrne.

2009 June 22 Karen back at work Mon-Thurs. for two weeks.

2009 June 23 Enjoyed Keizer Band for concert in Avamere Courtyard.

2009 June 25 To Spirit Mt. with Avamere bus.

2009 June 26 Bonnie's granddaughter, Maui Hernandez, graduated from Catalina Island high school.

2009 June 28 Karen and Terry come for lunch.

2009 June 30 Glenn had back and hip x-rays for hip pain.

2009 July 1 The Buick got a new rear seat AC vent installed at Willamette Auto. The Sweet Peas were blooming, Barb picked a bouquet for Reception Desk.

2009 July 2 Karen's last day at work until Aug. 3

2009 July 3 Met Karen at Spirit Mt. She rode bus from Oregon City.

2009 July 4 Glenn picked first flower bouquet for apartment from garden bed.

2009 July7 Karen flew to Salt Lake City to visit friends and attend Cedar City Shakespeare Festival. Root beer floats and music in the Courtyard.

2009 July 9 We leave for Alaskan cruise. Hut bus 7:15 a.m. LV PDX 10:30 a.m. on Horizon. Bus transfer to ship near Magnolia Marina north of downtown Seattle. On Pacific Princess, Oceanview Cabin# 4037, Deck 4. Sailaway in sunshine at 4 p.m.

2009 July 10 At sea. They have a casino! Foggy all day. Sail on west side of Vancouver Island.

2009 July 11 Ketchikan. No excursion. Walk around town. Sunny day.

2009 July 12 Sailing in Glacier Bay all day. Spectacular scenery, sunshine, close to Margerie Glacier.

2009 July 13 Skagway. Took Park Ranger walk and shuttle bus to "Gold Fields" Brewery and dredge. Humpback whales in harbor at Skagway all afternoon. Beautiful sunny day.

2009 July 14 At sea. Lovely, long twilight until midnight!

2009 July 15 Valdez. Again, sunshine after morning fog burned off. Took bus into "town," saw Anchorage earthquake and pipeline films, walked out to Marina and little bay. Fireweed in full bloom everywhere.

2009 July 16 Seward. Took "Best of Seward" excursion to "Exit Glacier" in Kenai Fjords Nat. Park. Hiked to face of glacier. Sun came out—only while we were at the glacier.

2009 July 17 Kodiak Island. Took excursion and saw: Russian Museum, Alutiiq Museum (natives), Fort Abercrombie (great wildflowers, and FOG), Alaska Fisheries Research Center and (best of all) performance by students at St. Innocents Academy.

2009 July 18 At sea, straight across the Gulf of Alaska. Smooth sailing.

2009 July 19 Icy Strait Point. "Destination port" for cruise ships. Restored fish cannery.

2009 July 20 Juneau. Another foggy day. Walked about town, enjoying "street art" and had beer at "Red Dog" saloon.

2009 July 21 At Sea, heading toward Victoria, B.C.

2009 July 22 Victoria. Took shuttle to town, beautiful, sunny day. Saw: Empress Hotel, Totem Park, Inner Harbour

2009 July 23 Back at Seattle, flight to PDX, HUT shuttle to Salem. Mark checked with orthopedic surgeon about injections for his sore knees.

2009 July 27 A heat wave began! 100 degrees. Up to 106 for next couple days.

2009 July 28 Barb saw Dr. Winthrop about sore foot she developed on cruise. "Injured tendon." Will go away—in time.

2009 July 29 Glenn and Dr. Winthrop reviewed his x-rays: "spinal stenosis" likely diagnosis.

2009 July 30 To Spirit Mt. Had they missed us?

2009 July 31 Met Karen and Sharman at Salem theater, saw "Up"

2009 Aug 3 Karen back at work for two weeks. Mark left for Vienna, Austria for two weeks. Barb had Field Vision and OCT tests at eye dr. "Excellent"

2009 Aug 4 Mark arrives in Vienna, staying at Intercontinental Hotel in city center.

2009 Aug 6 Mark took a "public transit" tour around Vienna, via subway, bus, trolley.

2009 Aug 7 Mark toured UN City across Danube from city.

2009 Aug 9 We go to Clackamas Comm. College to see "A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum" with Karen, Betty, Carl & Sharman.

2009 Aug 10 Mark took canal ride around Vienna. We attend Salemtowne's tribute to Oregon's 150th birthday.

2009 Aug 11 Mark walked across big central park in Vienna—was mistaken for a local. Barb had 6 mo. Check with dentist.

2009 Aug 12 Glenn had lab tests and MRI at Salem Clinic, related to spinal stenosis

2009 Aug 13 Glenn saw dentist about missing tooth. Get new partial or go on a cruise—same price. Postpone decision on it.

2009 Aug 14 To Spirit Mt. with Karen, met Terry there.

2009 Aug 16 Our house guests returned. They'll attend "kitty kamp" while Karen goes to Madagascar.

2009 Aug 18 Karen left for Madagascar via: PDX, Seattle, Chicago, and Paris.

2009 Aug 19 Karen arrived in Madagascar, was met by guide "Guillame" with Madagascar Expeditions Agency. She stayed at "IC Hotel" in main city, Antananarivo. Mark started HIS flights to Madagascar: via Amsterdam, Kenya. (aka "Tana").

2009 Aug 20 Mark arrived in Tana at 1:15 a.m.

2009 Aug 21 We abandon the cats for the day and go to Spirit Mt. Mark and Karen start their 3,000 mile auto tour of Madagascar. Headed south with guide/chauffeur Guillame and BMW sedan. Stay in Antsirabe; 100 miles south of Tana at Hotel Hasina

2009 Aug 22 Still heading south in Madagascar, Karen and Mark reach Ranomafana Nat Pk and see: lemurs, chameleons, birds, geckos—all rare. They stay two nights.

2009 Aug 24 Betty, Jason and her sister, Jan, attend big family reunion in Seattle. Go on to Victoria for the day. Glenn sees Dr. Winthrop. Definitely spinal stenosis. Put up with pain or have surgery. Only options.

2009 Aug 25 Glenn has eye pressure re-check at eye drs. O.K. Karen goes on hike through Anja Reserve, Ambalavao to see the cutest lemur of all: the "Ring-tailed" Lemur.

2009 Aug 27 We are aboard Avamere bus when it heads for Spirit Mt. Mark & Karen have reached southernmost point of their tour. Stay at Toliara and Karen goes to"Ifaty" by 4WD to the "spiny desert" preserves. Sees famous "Baobab" trees.

2009 Aug 28 Barb goes on Avamere bus to Stayton covered bridge park for picnic lunch.

2009 Aug 29 After 2-day drive, Mark & Karen are back in Tana overnight, staying at nice Ibis Hotel. We have a good Skype call with them. They are apparently the ONLY American tourists in Madagascar right now.
Aug 30 Mark & Karen head north to Ankarafantsika NP, stay nearby.

Aug 31 Mark & Karen reach Mozambique Channel (between Madagascar and Africa) at Mahajanga.

2009 Sept 1 We buy 18 hyacinth bulbs at Costco, and 5 garden mums at Lowes. Mark & Karen drive back to Tana, stay at Ibis Hotel again.

2009 Sept 2 Mark & Karen now head for northeast, stay halfway near Andasibe NP More lemurs, birds, chameleons, etc. etc.

2009 Sept 3 Ryals come for cards. Mark & Karen stay at Manda Beach on Indian Ocean, about an hour's drive north of Toamasina. Stay three nights.

2009 Sept 5 Talked to Karen on Guy's cell phone. All fine in Madagascar.

2009 Sept 6 Margie Squires and her family visit us at Avamere. In Salem for State Fair. Mark and Karen return to Tana in evening, their tour of Madagascar is at an end.

2009 Sept 7 Mark and Karen leave Madagascar in wee hours of the morning. Mark goes home through: Amsterdam, Minneapolis and finally Austin. Back about 9:30 p.m. Karen flew to Paris, stayed at Holiday Inn near DeGualle Airport.

Sept 8 Karen spends her birthday in Paris. Took subway from airport to Notre Dame stop, then to Musee d'Orsay Impressionist Museum. Back on subway to Eiffel Tower. Ended the day with a one-hour boat ride on the Seine. We go to Hallie Ford Museum to see Vietnam War photos.

2009 Sept 9 Karen flies home from Paris.

2009 Sept 11 We go to lecture at WU Law School on Vietnam War photojournalists, all killed there.

2009 Sept 14 Karen back at work.

2009 Sept. 15 Barb sees Dr. Winthrop for pre-cancerous lesion on upper lip. Referred to Dr. Ayers. We both get "seasonal" flu shots at Salem Clinic.

2009 Sept. 16 Glenn pulled out tomato plants. Earlier the heat wave "cooked" one, other was very productive.

2009 Sept. 20 We go with Karen to see Pentacle benefit play "Greater Tuna" at Chemeketa Comm. College.

2009 Sept. 22 Glenn has eye pressure re-check at eye drs. O.K.

2009 Sept. 24 To Spirit Mt. with Avamere.

2009 Sept. 25 Mark arrives at PDX, stays with Karen. Glenn sees Dr. Winthrop; gets a referral to Dr. Buza for spinal stenosis surgery.

2009 Sept. 26 We drive to Three Rivers Casino with Mark and Karen.

2009 Sept. 27 On return, Mark stays at one of Avamere guest apartments.

2009 Sept. 28 Congressman Schrader comes to Avamere to speak.

2009 Sept. 29 We re-visit Hallie Ford Museum with Mark and Terry to see Vietnam Photography exhibit. After lunch at Avamere, Mark leaves for PDX on HUT shuttle. Flies home to Austin.

2009 Oct. 1 Barb sees Dr. Eyre, schedules removal of "actinic keratoses" from upper lip. We attend Archeology meeting on "Greek Mosaics."

2009 Oct. 5 Barb dug up abandoned daffodils from garden bed, transfers to new bed.

2009 Oct. 8 We go back to Florence & Three Rivers Casino/Hotel. Stay overnight.

2009 Oct. 14 Barb attends her Chi Omega sorority reunion at Lincoln City. Stay at Chinook Winds hotel, and reunion luncheon held at hotel's "Seafood Grill."

2009 Oct. 15 We attend Archeology lecture: "Etruscans in Italy."
2009 Oct. 16 Avamere holds "Harvest Festival" in parking lot. Nice weather.

2009 Oct. 17 Kathi Follett and Kathy Jones arrive. Stay at Avamere guest apartment.

2009 Oct. 18 Karen, Barb and two Kathies go to Silver Falls Park, then to Mt. Angel for lunch at "Glockenspiel" restaurant and tour around Benedictine Abbey.

2009 Oct. 19 The Kathies leave for n. California.

2009 Oct. 20 We go to Goldens Funeral Home for assistance with application to inter Leslie's cremains at Willamette Nat. Cemetery. "Brit" helps us.

2009 Oct. 21 Barb's cousin, Marcella Zielinski passes away at her home in St. Paul.

2009 Oct. 22 Time for Avamere trip to Spirit Mt.

2009 Oct. 26 We drive to Eugene airport in heavy rainstorm with Bonita and friend June. Meet LaFyrne and Dorothy at airport. Take charter flight to Wendover, NV, stopping in Redmond. Bumpy flight to Redmond. In Wendover we all stay at Rainbow Hotel/Casino. Cold wind, very dry. We flew over with the first big winter storm—dumps snow on Salt Lake City and Denver, but not Wendover. Trip cost: $298/2 all inclusive.

2009 Oct. 27-28 At Wendover. Have some good luck—some not-so-good, lose very little.

2009 Oct. 29 We fly back to Eugene. Drive back to Keizer via 99W to Albany. Moist air feels wonderful! Barb and Karen attend W.U. lecture: "Is the New Testament Confused?" (Yep)

2009 Nov. 2 Glenn sees Dr. Buza, neurosurgeon. "L 3,4,5 lumbar decompression" Surgery not extensive; Glenn can "jump out of an airplane the next day." Surgery to be scheduled.

2009 Nov. 3 Barb has lip lesion removed by Dr. Eyre. Biopsy: no cancer. Actinic keratoses.

2009 Nov. 4 We attend Medicare information meeting at Avamere.

2009 Nov. 11 Our friend, Carolyn Tucker passes away in Las Vegas. Cardiac arrest. Her husband, David, is in hospital with diverticulitis.

2009 Nov. 12 Salemtowne friends Bonita, Charlie, Nancy and Charlotte come for Wine & Cheese party at Avamere.

2009 Nov. 13 Spirit Mt. with Avamere.

2009 Nov. 18 Terry comes for lunch; we go to Willamette Nat. Cemetery with Leslie's ashes. His remains will be interred in Section 7, Grave 288. His marker to read: "At peace, but missed."

2009 Nov. 20 Glenn has annual exam with Dr. Winthrop.

2009 Nov. 21 To Spirit Mt. with Karen.

2009 Nov. 24 We are on Avamere Beanbag Baseball team. Play against "Emerald Pointe" in Keizer. We whup 'em!

2009 Nov. 26 Betty, Jason & Karen join us at Avamere for Thanksgiving dinner.

2009 Nov. 29 Mark joins friends, Mike, Deidre, Rob on a car trip to New Orleans. Stay at Holiday Inn in French Quarter. Watch victorious crowds spilling out of arena after big football game that New Orleans team won. Stop at Tabasco plant on Avery Island, 140 miles west of New Orleans. Mark buys a gallon of special Tabasco Chipotle sauce.

2009 Dec. 1 Mark returns to Austin. Glenn gets pre-op lab work, chest x-ray done at Salem Hospital. Barb gets a cold. Aaargh!

2009 Dec. 4 We pick up Barb's blue Topaz ring at Bouchet Jewelers in Keizer. Had "Easy Fit" guard installed. $114.

2009 Dec. 9 Glenn has back surgery at Salem Hospital. 4 p.m. "Lumbar Laminectomy and Decompression, L-3,4,5" Neurosurgeon Dr. Buza. Stays two nights because of more bleeding, needed a drain inserted. Room 7023, top floor, "penthouse." Karen stays overnight at apartment.

2009 Dec. 11 Glenn discharged, still has drain.

2009 Dec. 13 Glenn has some trouble breathing due to large clot in trachea, manages to cough it out.

2009 Dec. 15 Glenn has another clot, advised by nurse to go to Emergency. Saline wash helps remove clot.

2009 Dec. 18 Barb to dr. for persistent coughing. "Bronchitis" Put on Azithromycin. Mail 40 Christmas cards.

2009 Dec. 19 Karen comes to Salem to participate in Audubon Annual Christmas bird count. We mail remainder of Christmas cards.

2009 Dec. 21 Mark flew from Austin to Portland; stays with Karen.

2009 Dec. 22 Glenn & Barb celebrate 59th wedding anniversary by going to see Dr. Buza for Glenn's post-surgery check. Barbara's cousin, Irene Stupel Bernards, passed away at her home in Renton, WA.

2009 Dec. 23 Mark and Karen to Keizer; all attend Nutcracker ballet at Elsinore Theater, Salem

2009 Dec. 25 To Jason's for Christmas dinner; stay overnight at Karen's.

2009 Dec. 26 Barb, Mark & Karen see Up in the Air movie at new "dining" movie theater in Salem. Glenn continues monitoring the football bowl games.

2009 Dec. 27 Karen and Mark utilize the "Max" light rail/trolley system in Portland to get to the Forestry Center (good coffee exhibit), Japanese restaurant for lunch, etc.

2009 Dec. 28 Mark flies back to Austin.

2009 Dec. 29 Karen takes Spirit Mt. casino bus from Oregon City; Glenn & Barb take casino bus from Salem. VERY cold and frosty enroute to casino. We all leave the casino in a snowstorm! Glenn & Barb arrive in Salem about an hour late. Karen doesn't get off her bus until 9:30 p.m.!! I-5 freeway becomes world's longest parking lot.

2009 Dec. 31 Glenn & Barb manage to stay awake until 2010 arrives.

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