THANKSGIVING 2007

Isaac, Lagaytha, and Joy prepared a fabulous dinner for Thanksgiving. Afterward we played Mexican Train with dominoes.

SIGNS OF FALL

The day lillies have bloomed much of the summer. We cut the final stalk with eight buds on it. All of them bloomed in the vase one or two at a time.

RETURN FROM YACHATS AND SUNDAY FOLLOWING

We returned from Yachats on Friday to a clean house thanks to Lagaytha. She also had two casseroles in the frig. Sunday was a special day at our church and we hosted our Friendship Plus group that afternoon so the shiny house and delicious food was especially appreciated. It was commitment Sunday and our pastor's 50th birthday. Norm did a dramatic monologue for the occasion. The pictures show Professor I. Needa Soulchex.

THE OCEAN

We took pictures of the ocean the first night, others during the calm before the storm, and some during the storm. We had wind gusts of 86 mph and heavy rain the one day. We had never experienced a storm like that before. We enjoyed it from our cozy, dry room. Kristen, these pictures are for you.

CONTINUING 55TH AT ADOBE RESORT

We went to the Adobe Resort in Yachats, OR last week. We stayed from the 15th through the 18th. The weather was nice for three days and very stormy for one day. We had a wonderful room and access to facilities without going outside. The restaurant is a semicircle with ocean view. Norm enjoyed the fitness room and the pool. Both were close to our room. Ted and Pam arranged for the delivery of a fantastic fruit and cheese tray.

BIRTHDAY

Joyce is now as old as Norman. In addition to other gifts, she received flowers, cards, food, and telephone calls.

CAPPING THE CELEBRATION

Our neighbors across the street (the Espinoza family) Elena and Christiana brought a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a handmade table scarf that they did with cross-stitch edged with crochet lace.

THANKS

Thanks, everyone:
Norma--for the visit and gifts
Isaac, Lagaytha and Joy--for the special meal and cake
Ted, Pam, and Boys--for the beautiful card and telephone call
Barb, Dwight and Kyle--for the beautiful bouquet
Donna--for the cinnamon-raisin bread
Sharla--for the lovely arrangement for the church
Many others who called, sent cards, expressed well wishes, and gave
us "high fives" for 55

MORE CELEBRATION

Soon after our return from Isaac and Lagaytha's, we received a call from Barb Purdy asking if she could come over. She came and brought a beautiful bouquet to cap our anniversary celebration.

ANNIVERSARY DAY

We met Lagaytha at Marie Callender's. "Where are Isaac and Joy?" Joy was delayed picking up our anniversary cake and traffic slowed her also. They called and Lagaytha placed their orders. After a good meal, we returned to Isaac and Lagaytha's for our surprise cake. It was in the shape of a Radio Flyer red wagon with flowers down the middle and a banner that read "Happy 55th Anniversary Norm & Joyce!"

ANNIVERSARY

We started our celebration of number 55 on the 15th with the arrival of Norma. On the 19th, a lady arranged a vase of flowers and displayed them at our church. After church we brought them home. On the 22nd, Norma and Lagaytha joined us at Roaring Rapids for lunch where Norm surprised Joyce with a heart-shaped emerald necklace. The girls went with Mom to the beauty shop for her hair highlighting.

Before Norma left, she gave us a Country Rose vase, a bar of French soap, and a jar of honey.

NORMA'S VISIT

Norma arrived for a visit. She, along with Isaac and Lagaytha came for a meal. The celebration is beginning for our 55th wedding anniversary.

FUN DAY

TIME TO DEPART

Recently, Norm hiked up the butte while the pickup was being serviced. The three of us decided to take the easier "trek" to the summit for a picnic. The pictures show the table with Autzen Stadium in the background. Also, the Willamette River and I-5, downtown buildings, Spencer Butte, recent construction on the hills above where the Yuans lived on arrival in town, and some of the buildings on the way to the coast. Lagaytha treated us at the DQ after our picnic.

PICNIC ON SKINNER BUTTE

We enjoyed a picnic on Skinner Butte the last day of July. It is located in the heart of downtown. One of the first settlers built a cabin on the west side. One of the finer homes is still located on the south side and is designated a historic site.

A FEW FLOWERS IN OUR BACKYARD

Red, White, and Blue. Happy 4th of July, everybody.