Long Beach WA at old friends Bruce & Sue's

Bruce and Sue Temple are our oldest of friends--Dianne actually met Bruce in grade school. Frank was Bruce's best man at his marriage to Sue in 1967. Although, we have often been separated by many miles & life circumstances, thankfully our friendship has remained strong throughout these many years.

A few years ago they retired to the peninsula of Long Beach, WA. Their property is beautiful, large & peaceful. Happily for us, it also provides us with the perfect place to park while visiting them.

Long Beach is known for its prolific clamming and yummy oysters, so of course there is always a dinner or two involving one or both. Sue truly is Queen when it comes to cooking the perfectly fried Razor Clam and Bruce, the King as he BBQ's a mean batch of tasty oysters.


Now I must not forget their constant companion--Pepper--the Jack Russell of Jack Russells--ever vigilant and absolutely never lacking in movement. And way more happy to see us than anyone we know. He can jump from from the ground to above our heads, several times in a row--and he is happy to display that trick everytime we arrive.

Once long ago, okay 5 or so years ago, I enjoyed a very different life. I had the awesome privilege of guiding, supporting & bringing families together through international adoption. I was so fortunate to be a part of so many lives--parents deeply desiring a child, children needing a loving family and seeing this all unfold daily. So whenever I have a chance to reconnect with any of those families I jump at the opportunity. This was the case on June when a few of those families were getting together along the Oregon coast in Lincoln City. What a joy to see these kids who are now half grown--their lives(both child & parent) transformed by love. Thanks for memories!!

Grandson Cassidy Graduates from the 8th grade-Yeah!!

Our 1st grandchild, Cassidy graduated from 8th grade, and we were privileged to be there. Congratulations!! We love you!!!

We along with Mom, Chrissy, Dad Jaemes, special friend Brandi, as well as Grandparents Gordy & Joan all shared in a celebration dinner at one of Cassidy’s favorite places--Edgefield. It is so hard to conceive our 1st grandbaby is not only a teen, but will be entering high school in the fall. Way to go Cassidy.