Our Christmas Group 2010

Jamin and Lisa flew north from Houston. Donnie flew north from Portland and Laura flew south from Juneau. Lisa's parents, Doug and Peggy, and Aunt Ruth flew north from S. California. Myself, Donna, and John and Jennie completed the family group.

2010 Ketchikan Christmas

11 of us gathered for a great Christmas celebration. Highlights were many. Lisa's parents and aunt came north from S. California to be with us. Jamin and Lisa arrived from Houston, Donnie from Portland, and Laura from Juneau. We laughed, feasted, opened gifts, ate, attended a Christmas Eve service, ate some more, winter picniced at the nearby lake, hiked around the totem poles and enjoyed the fellowship and togetherness of family.

New Boat in the Family!

John and Jennie bid on a salvaged yacht - and won! The yacht sank near Ketchikan but was salvaged and towed to the harbor and placed "on blocks". Though work is needed for full restoration - the basics are there and John has the skills to do the job. So...we're looking to cruise the Inside Passage (or anywhere else) in comfort in the coming months and years. I ceremonially christened the "Scrimshaw" before its launching on Dec. 18, 2010.

Deep-Fried Turkey

Thanksgiving was complete with a "deep-fried" turkey. John and I (mostly John) prepared the turkey in the garage and, "in the fullness of time" brought it upstairs for a stellar feast.

Trip to Houston

In November Donna and I flew south to Houston to visit Jamin and Lisa (and Moose). Tramping around the battleship USS Texas and visiting the NASA headquarters were highlights of our time there.

Bible Studies and English Classes in Warsaw!

Friends Carl and Carol Brown are involved in weekly Bible Studies and English language classes.

The Poles I met were gracious, friendly, and curious about everything "american." Wonderful five days in Warsaw.

Warsaw. Poland!

Five days in Warsaw with friends Carl and Carol Brown...great time! Sightseeing, experiencing an outdoor Polish market, and visiting the Chopin statue made the time enjoyable.

Auschwitz!

A sobering visit to this infamous death camp was a 'highlight' (or 'lowlight') to my introduction to Poland.

Hungary!

A quick ride through Slovakia brought me to Budapest, Hungary. A boatride on the Danube and double-decker bus ride introduced me to this great metropolis.

Czech Republic!!!

From Austria I rode the rails to the Czech Republic. A night in the best-preserved and scenic Medieval City - Cesky Krumlov was a feast to the eyes. Then on to Prague! A complete tour of this city took me from Wenceslas Square to John Huss (Christian martyr) Square to the memorable Charles Bridge.

Austria!

In Austria I focused on Salzburg and Vienna - and Mozart who, though born in Salzburg spent a lot of time in Vienna. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna has endured wars and bombings but has been largely restored to its former grandeur.

Switzerland - what a place!

On Sept 22 I arrived in Zurich and within hours made my way to Geneva to see John Calvin's Cathedral and the Reformation wall. Then over to Interlaken by the scenic "Golden Pass". A few days in the Alps and a few trips on a couple "azure" (that a word?) lakes were highlights...