I know, this is out of order but so is my mind and I need to go back to Friday. Orcas Island was Saturday but Friday had fun all on it's own. David and Doug were up early and went to Twin Lakes. They hiked about 6 miles that day enjoying some fishing, photography and hiking. Evidently they also enjoyed mosquitoes as Doug can attest by his swollen right hand. They came back tired, happy and a little sunburned.
Rachel and I spent our time in Lynden at the antique/old stuff stores. Lynden does boast some amazing antique shops and I had to limit my spending. The prices are fantastic and the bargains for things I would actually like to buy were abundant. It was so much fun that I actually went back later in the afternoon after Rachel went to work. There was just one more thing to purchase. I knew if I went home without those little glasses I would kick myself later. We also ate lunch at Mother's Dutch Bakery. The food was good and the waitresses were so cute in their little flowered dresses, pig tails and dutch hats. The only thing missing were the wooden shoes.
Rachel had to work from 2:00 until 9:00. Doug, David and I barbecued chicken and cooked corn on the cob for dinner. Excellent! Part of my afternoon was spent making peanut butter chocolate chip bars which made everyone happy. It was a good day.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Washington Vacation - Orcas Island
The jarring noise of the alarm woke us at 5:30 a.m., an hour after sunrise. There is no need to arise before daybreak to get an early start in Washington. Today we are off to Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands. The ferry leaves from Anacortes at 7:45 and we need to be there an hour early to board. Riding on the ferry is peaceful and beautiful. Islands of many sizes, from truly mini to large enough for farming and villages, dot the passageway. The trip took about an hour to arrive at Orcas Island.
After lunch, we drove to Cascade Falls which was a downhill 1/2 mile hike. That meant an uphill 1/2 mile hike back to the car. Next came Obstruction State Park at the end of the road with a 1.2 mile round trip hike to the beach. By then it was time to take the road back towards the ferry. We stopped in Eastsound for pizza in a rooftop restuarant with views out to East Sound. Everywhere we looked the views were spectacular. Orcas Island is so beautiful. After dinner, we drove a different road back to Orcas Village and arrived just in time to drive onto the ferry for the trip home around 7:30 p.m.
As we headed back from Orcas Island we had this amazing view of Mt. Baker in the distance. This looming inactive volcano dominates the landscape when not hidden in the clouds.
Immediately after disembarking from the ferry we headed around the island to Mt. Constitution. Orcas Island had a number of mountains all over 1000 foot elevation with Mt. Constitution topping all the San Juan Islands at 2400 feet. The views were dramatic. We could see Mt. Baker, Bellingham, the many islands of the San Juans and even into Canada. After spending some time just enjoying the views we drove to Mountain Lake. David did some fishing as did Rachel. Doug and I both took naps in the car, just enough to refresh ourselves for the day. By this time it was almost noon and time for lunch.
Cascade Lake was our choice for lunch. The forest comes right to the edge of the lake except for a beach and picnic area. Although we saw more people here than anywhere else, it still was not crowded. People were swimming, kayaking and fishing. David did some fishing after lunch along the shore and caught and released one good sized trout. The walk along the shore was shaded by ancient growth forest and offered views of the lake. The perfect mid-day break.
After lunch, we drove to Cascade Falls which was a downhill 1/2 mile hike. That meant an uphill 1/2 mile hike back to the car. Next came Obstruction State Park at the end of the road with a 1.2 mile round trip hike to the beach. By then it was time to take the road back towards the ferry. We stopped in Eastsound for pizza in a rooftop restuarant with views out to East Sound. Everywhere we looked the views were spectacular. Orcas Island is so beautiful. After dinner, we drove a different road back to Orcas Village and arrived just in time to drive onto the ferry for the trip home around 7:30 p.m. As we headed back from Orcas Island we had this amazing view of Mt. Baker in the distance. This looming inactive volcano dominates the landscape when not hidden in the clouds.We arrived back at David and Rachel's around 9:30 p.m. just after dark. It was a long day but absolutely beautiful and fun. It is a good thing tomorrow is Sunday and we don't have to get up early or do anything strenuous. Although it will be time to begin packing and cleaning up as we leave Monday morning for the return home. We do have 6 days for the return trip giving us plenty opportunity to see and do and relax on the way back.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Washington Vacation Part One
The only reason to ever get out of bed before daylight is to leave on vacation. Doug and I were up by 4:00 a.m. on July 3 so we could get out of town before the traffic was intolerable. It worked well and we were napping somewhere beyond Buttonwillow by 9:30 a.m. The drive that first day was just long but successful. Our destination was Medford, Oregon and we were there by 5:00 p.m. After dinner and a good nights sleep we covered the rest of the drive to Lynden, Washington on Saturday, leaving Medford around 7:00 a.m. and arriving at David and Rachel's before dinner and fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July.
Saturday and Sunday were hot and lazy. We napped, talked and walked to the park. Very relaxing and great to be with David and Rachel. 
Doug catching up on the sleep he lost doing the large majority of the driving. I was not much help this time taking turns driving. Every time we started to drive I fell asleep. Not a good idea to let me drive.
David fixing dinner for us on Sunday night, tacos with all the fixin's.
Doug catching up on the sleep he lost doing the large majority of the driving. I was not much help this time taking turns driving. Every time we started to drive I fell asleep. Not a good idea to let me drive.On Monday night, we drove out to Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. Since dusk is at 9:30 p.m., we were able to eat dinner after David came home from work and then drive out to see the bay. It was a beautiful evening, cool and clear. Here are Rachel and Timber balancing on the pilings. They are very talented.
Doug and David had a great time photographing the old boats and buildings at Semiahmoo. I just wandered around and collected shells.
On Wednesday we all drove into Canada and spent most of the day driving along the Fraser River in Fraser Canyon. It was a spectacular drive but we did end up with a little too much time in the car. Today Doug and I went to Bellingham and the coast. We started in historic Fairhaven. There are some great shops that sell beautiful local crafts and we especially enjoyed the woodworking shop with great furniture pieces. Of course, we could not purchase anything due to the exorbitant pricing but did enjoy trying out all the rocking chairs. Skylark Cafe provided a perfect spot for lunch and before leaving town we found the gelato place.
From Fairhaven we headed for Chuckanut Drive, one of the most scenic drives in Washington according to the signs. The drive meandered along the coast, passing large houses with ocean bay views, thick forests and intermittent views of the bay and San Juan Islands in the distance. Larrabee State Park was a nice stop. It sits on a little cove with the rock strewn beaches providing lots of tide pools to explore. Unfortunately we did not come prepared to tramp through the tide pools but did enjoy the views. The rest of the drive was just beautiful. 
Don't we look great. Just like two people enjoying themselves on vacation. The day finished with a stop at The Woods Coffee Shop to visit Rachel, dinner here and some reading and TV.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cleaning off the camera
For some unknown reason, my camera had random pictures on it that were never deleted. We just downloaded them all and several were definitely worth posting here. So enjoy a look back at some great moments in the Hammer clan from the last few months.
Maddie and her Grandfather.
The toe will definitely fit in the mouth.
Aunt Amy and Maddie.
Maddie and her Grandfather.
The toe will definitely fit in the mouth.Aunt Amy and Maddie.
Anna and Guilia Martini at her sister Rachel's wedding. Guilia was born just two weeks after Maddie so Patty and I have granddaughter's the same age. 
I've been having a lot of fun making hand appliqued dish towels. Although they are made to be used, mostly they make great decorative additions to the kitchen. This first one I made as a set for Rachel and Mark Villalon as a wedding gift. They are both musicians. The next two I made for Christmas gifts; the flowered one for Amy and the tea cups for Patty's birthday. Pretty cool, huh!
These next pictures were taken at Christmas.
David and Maddie looking too cute for words.
Maddie and grandpa having a short conversation. I'm not sure who is giving advice to whom.
Hmmm...that pacifier looks good. Maybe Maddie will share.
I've been having a lot of fun making hand appliqued dish towels. Although they are made to be used, mostly they make great decorative additions to the kitchen. This first one I made as a set for Rachel and Mark Villalon as a wedding gift. They are both musicians. The next two I made for Christmas gifts; the flowered one for Amy and the tea cups for Patty's birthday. Pretty cool, huh!
These next pictures were taken at Christmas.
David and Maddie looking too cute for words.
Maddie and grandpa having a short conversation. I'm not sure who is giving advice to whom.
Hmmm...that pacifier looks good. Maybe Maddie will share.June 2009
After the busyness of May, June began with lots of naps and getting life back to a normal routine. Like that is ever going to happen.
On Tuesday June 2, I met with the surgeon who had been recommended to me by the doctor in the emergency room at St. Jude. My doctor had urged me to have the gallbladder surgery as soon as possible. The emergency room doctor had recommended doing it soon and now the surgeon made the same recommendation. There can be serious complications with a gallbladder attack and they didn't want that to happen. So, surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
About 4:00 a.m. on Saturday June 6, Caleb calls to say they are at the hospital and Heidi is in labor. June 6th is her due date but she was so sure she would deliver late that she had not even packed her bags. The nursery was ready. She and I had spent a day earlier in the week finishing with some of the organizing that needed to be done. Caleb's mom, Pam, had made curtains and pads for the rocking chair. Caleb and Heidi with some help had done an outstanding job of painting the nursery. Everything looked great and ready for little Josephine Lois.
Doug and I went out to breakfast and then over to the hospital around noon. Heidi was doing okay but not progressing very fast at all. Around 1:30 Caleb called to say that the baby was in distress and they were doing a C-section. Doug was on his way to Foothills to set up a photo show. I waited for Amy to arrive and then she and I went to the hospital. Before we even arrived, Josie was safely delivered. She arrived at 2:00 p.m., June 6, weighing 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 19 1/2 inched long. Since it would a couple of hours before we could see her, Amy and I went to lunch and then did some necessary baby shopping at Babies R Us. Doug wanted to be sure that Josie had a Dodger shirt so she wouldn't be confused by all the Angel's paraphernalia the Weston's had given her.
It was early evening when Doug, Amy and I were able to see Josie, Heidi and Caleb. What a BEAUTIFUL baby she is. Heidi was doing well, lots of pain med's and a beautiful baby make for a happy mother. Both she and Caleb looked tired and were tired but very happy. 
Heidi came home from the hospital on Tuesday the 9th. I was able to be at the house waiting for them. It was fun to welcome them home. Doug came over after work, I made dinner and we spent time with the new parents and our newest granddaughter. It is just amazing. The next day, June 10 was my surgery. It was an outpatient procedure. The surgery was scheduled for 1:30 and I was home by 8:30 or so. Very drugged and still in pain but happy to be laying on my own couch. The next few days are a blur. Doug stayed home on Thursday and I could not have made it through that day without help. I was on lots of pain medication which makes me incredibly sleepy and a bit loopy. 
By Monday, I felt good enough go to Heidi's and help with Josephine. Pam had stayed with them for the first few days. My dad drove me since I wasn't sure I could handle driving yet. I spent the week helping Heidi but not really feeling well. In fact, I kept feeling worse and weaker all week. Thursday morning my doctor's visit revealed that I was suffering from an infection. They began me on some heavy duty antibiotics which really affected me. I was weak and sleepy all the time. After a week on the antibiotics, the infection seems to be gone, my strength is returning but I'm still tired most of the time.
Now it is time to begin getting ready for vacation. Somehow I manage to do what has to be done but not much else. We leave on Friday morning, July 3 for a two week vacation. June is mostly a blur of pain and baby. Even though I was not up to par, I was able to spend my days at Heidi's. Mostly I held Josie so Heidi could take a nap or shower. It was hard not to be able to do all my mother's heart wanted to do for Heidi but at least I was there. Holding Josephine was a joy.
June is truly a blur. July has arrived, we are on vacation, I'm getting back to normal and maybe now life will return to a normal routine. You never know, it could happen.
On Tuesday June 2, I met with the surgeon who had been recommended to me by the doctor in the emergency room at St. Jude. My doctor had urged me to have the gallbladder surgery as soon as possible. The emergency room doctor had recommended doing it soon and now the surgeon made the same recommendation. There can be serious complications with a gallbladder attack and they didn't want that to happen. So, surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
About 4:00 a.m. on Saturday June 6, Caleb calls to say they are at the hospital and Heidi is in labor. June 6th is her due date but she was so sure she would deliver late that she had not even packed her bags. The nursery was ready. She and I had spent a day earlier in the week finishing with some of the organizing that needed to be done. Caleb's mom, Pam, had made curtains and pads for the rocking chair. Caleb and Heidi with some help had done an outstanding job of painting the nursery. Everything looked great and ready for little Josephine Lois.
Doug and I went out to breakfast and then over to the hospital around noon. Heidi was doing okay but not progressing very fast at all. Around 1:30 Caleb called to say that the baby was in distress and they were doing a C-section. Doug was on his way to Foothills to set up a photo show. I waited for Amy to arrive and then she and I went to the hospital. Before we even arrived, Josie was safely delivered. She arrived at 2:00 p.m., June 6, weighing 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 19 1/2 inched long. Since it would a couple of hours before we could see her, Amy and I went to lunch and then did some necessary baby shopping at Babies R Us. Doug wanted to be sure that Josie had a Dodger shirt so she wouldn't be confused by all the Angel's paraphernalia the Weston's had given her.
It was early evening when Doug, Amy and I were able to see Josie, Heidi and Caleb. What a BEAUTIFUL baby she is. Heidi was doing well, lots of pain med's and a beautiful baby make for a happy mother. Both she and Caleb looked tired and were tired but very happy. Heidi came home from the hospital on Tuesday the 9th. I was able to be at the house waiting for them. It was fun to welcome them home. Doug came over after work, I made dinner and we spent time with the new parents and our newest granddaughter. It is just amazing. The next day, June 10 was my surgery. It was an outpatient procedure. The surgery was scheduled for 1:30 and I was home by 8:30 or so. Very drugged and still in pain but happy to be laying on my own couch. The next few days are a blur. Doug stayed home on Thursday and I could not have made it through that day without help. I was on lots of pain medication which makes me incredibly sleepy and a bit loopy. By Monday, I felt good enough go to Heidi's and help with Josephine. Pam had stayed with them for the first few days. My dad drove me since I wasn't sure I could handle driving yet. I spent the week helping Heidi but not really feeling well. In fact, I kept feeling worse and weaker all week. Thursday morning my doctor's visit revealed that I was suffering from an infection. They began me on some heavy duty antibiotics which really affected me. I was weak and sleepy all the time. After a week on the antibiotics, the infection seems to be gone, my strength is returning but I'm still tired most of the time.Now it is time to begin getting ready for vacation. Somehow I manage to do what has to be done but not much else. We leave on Friday morning, July 3 for a two week vacation. June is mostly a blur of pain and baby. Even though I was not up to par, I was able to spend my days at Heidi's. Mostly I held Josie so Heidi could take a nap or shower. It was hard not to be able to do all my mother's heart wanted to do for Heidi but at least I was there. Holding Josephine was a joy.
June is truly a blur. July has arrived, we are on vacation, I'm getting back to normal and maybe now life will return to a normal routine. You never know, it could happen.
May 2009
Before I can write about our current vacation in Washington with David and Rachel, it is necessary for me to go backwards and catch up on the events of the past two months. So I begin with May.
The month of May included a wedding shower, two book club meetings, a baby shower, two birthday celebrations, two weddings, Mother's Day, on emergency room trip, visiting relatives and a college graduation. Our weekends were full.
The first Saturday of the month started with the FCC book club meeting and then I picked up Amy and she and I headed to a wedding shower for Rachel Purcell. It was fun to see Rachel, her sisters and their children, and Patty. The following weekend was the wedding. Dad and Marilyn went with Doug and I. Rachel was radiant and so very happy and Mark seems like a great man. The reception was in Dana Point at a beautiful restaurant and the party was fun and celebratory.
Sunday was Mother's Day. It was the first Mother's Day without mom and I found myself really sad. But at the same time it was Heidi's first Mother's day. She and Caleb came for lunch, the guys went to Rubio's and bought us exactly what we wanted to eat. All my other children called and it turned into a nice day.
The third Saturday of May found us in San Diego for Amber's college graduation from Point Loma. We then went back to the Kaisers for dinner and presents and some good family time.
The following Saturday, May 23 was Julie's 30th birthday. Jon and a friend threw Julie a great party at a park by the water in San Diego. The day was filled with more celebration (May held lots of celebrations), and great food; hamburgers, potato salad, chips, cookies and watermelon. Caleb and Heidi came with us and on the way home we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick and cheap dinner then to their house to watch the last few innings of the game. 
Early the next morning, Sunday the 24th, I woke with bad stomach pains. In the past year or so, I had experienced similar stomach pains but they were milder and lasted for much shorter periods of time. I thought it was just bad reflux/heartburn, took a number of Tums and we went to church. It was hard to sit through service and I just wanted to get home and lay on the couch. By evening I was ready for some real help and had Doug take me to the emergency room. It turned out I was having a gallbladder attack. Evidently all the high fat food from the day before had brought on the attack. Pain medication never felt so wonderful. I would have been glad if they had just taken the thing out right then and there. I spent two days on pain med's before the attack subsided. Then a couple of days getting some strength back. I also found myself avoiding eating any fat since I was willing to do whatever was necessary to never have this happen again.
By this point it's time to get my house and yard ready for the next wedding which was happening in our backyard on Saturday the 30th. My dad was getting married to Marilyn McNichols. David and Rachel were flying down on Friday, Jon, Julie and Maddie were coning up to stay for the weekend. There were 50 people expected at the house for the wedding and I was WAY behind in all I had planned to do. Of course, everything did not get done but the wedding was perfect none the less.
God's timing is perfect but interesting. I certainly don't understand what He is doing at times like this. However, the wedding, the way the house and yard looked were out of my control. God took control and I need to learn to lean more on Him and less on me.
Dad's wedding was so very nice. Just family. Both sets of children and spouses, many of the grandchildren and some of the great-grand children attended. Marilyn's son Ken and granddaughter Emily did the music. Bob and Jack presided over the ceremony. Jon did the photography. Brianna catered the meal. Marilyn's daughter's did the flowers. My sisters helped me get the house ready and looking festive. It was a family affair. It is good to see Dad happy. He and Marilyn make a good match and bring joy to each other.
The next day we celebrated Rachel's birthday with brunch. I then headed to an elder's meeting. From there, it was straight to Darcy's for a baby shower for Molly. Somehow, we managed to get everything done while the family was in town. What a busy but joyous weekend.
Monday David and Rachel left for home. Jon and Julie also headed home. The house was quiet and clean and I crashed. The illness and then the busy weekend left me exhausted.
May 2009 was one of the busiest months I can remember. Ahh, but then there is June. Read on!!
The month of May included a wedding shower, two book club meetings, a baby shower, two birthday celebrations, two weddings, Mother's Day, on emergency room trip, visiting relatives and a college graduation. Our weekends were full.
The first Saturday of the month started with the FCC book club meeting and then I picked up Amy and she and I headed to a wedding shower for Rachel Purcell. It was fun to see Rachel, her sisters and their children, and Patty. The following weekend was the wedding. Dad and Marilyn went with Doug and I. Rachel was radiant and so very happy and Mark seems like a great man. The reception was in Dana Point at a beautiful restaurant and the party was fun and celebratory.
Sunday was Mother's Day. It was the first Mother's Day without mom and I found myself really sad. But at the same time it was Heidi's first Mother's day. She and Caleb came for lunch, the guys went to Rubio's and bought us exactly what we wanted to eat. All my other children called and it turned into a nice day.The third Saturday of May found us in San Diego for Amber's college graduation from Point Loma. We then went back to the Kaisers for dinner and presents and some good family time.
The following Saturday, May 23 was Julie's 30th birthday. Jon and a friend threw Julie a great party at a park by the water in San Diego. The day was filled with more celebration (May held lots of celebrations), and great food; hamburgers, potato salad, chips, cookies and watermelon. Caleb and Heidi came with us and on the way home we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick and cheap dinner then to their house to watch the last few innings of the game. Early the next morning, Sunday the 24th, I woke with bad stomach pains. In the past year or so, I had experienced similar stomach pains but they were milder and lasted for much shorter periods of time. I thought it was just bad reflux/heartburn, took a number of Tums and we went to church. It was hard to sit through service and I just wanted to get home and lay on the couch. By evening I was ready for some real help and had Doug take me to the emergency room. It turned out I was having a gallbladder attack. Evidently all the high fat food from the day before had brought on the attack. Pain medication never felt so wonderful. I would have been glad if they had just taken the thing out right then and there. I spent two days on pain med's before the attack subsided. Then a couple of days getting some strength back. I also found myself avoiding eating any fat since I was willing to do whatever was necessary to never have this happen again.By this point it's time to get my house and yard ready for the next wedding which was happening in our backyard on Saturday the 30th. My dad was getting married to Marilyn McNichols. David and Rachel were flying down on Friday, Jon, Julie and Maddie were coning up to stay for the weekend. There were 50 people expected at the house for the wedding and I was WAY behind in all I had planned to do. Of course, everything did not get done but the wedding was perfect none the less.
God's timing is perfect but interesting. I certainly don't understand what He is doing at times like this. However, the wedding, the way the house and yard looked were out of my control. God took control and I need to learn to lean more on Him and less on me.
Dad's wedding was so very nice. Just family. Both sets of children and spouses, many of the grandchildren and some of the great-grand children attended. Marilyn's son Ken and granddaughter Emily did the music. Bob and Jack presided over the ceremony. Jon did the photography. Brianna catered the meal. Marilyn's daughter's did the flowers. My sisters helped me get the house ready and looking festive. It was a family affair. It is good to see Dad happy. He and Marilyn make a good match and bring joy to each other.
The next day we celebrated Rachel's birthday with brunch. I then headed to an elder's meeting. From there, it was straight to Darcy's for a baby shower for Molly. Somehow, we managed to get everything done while the family was in town. What a busy but joyous weekend.
Monday David and Rachel left for home. Jon and Julie also headed home. The house was quiet and clean and I crashed. The illness and then the busy weekend left me exhausted.
May 2009 was one of the busiest months I can remember. Ahh, but then there is June. Read on!!
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