Lauren home, or at least in the Northwest. Today she's gone to Portland or Eugene. Last week she was here with Eric, her boyfriend. He's a Phd student in Organic Chemistry at U of Oregon. They were here for New Year's. Lowell & Carol were over on New Year's day. We had champagne and caviar, and then went to Snappy Dragon for dinner. Lauren and Eric came and joined us.
The next night we went to Ciao Bella over near U Village. We had a coupon, from friends Eric & Rebecca, so it was a pretty good meal. The food was excellent and all but free!
Lauren came west on 12/16, arriving at 11 p.m. The next morning at 4:30 I had her back at SeaTac so she could go to Oahu to meet Eric, Danielle and D's boyfriend, Caulden. The boys were attending a chemistry conference. All of them went out on a charter boat to deep sea fish. The photos show a nice adventure with a pony-tailed Hawaiian who cut up some sushi on the boat, and some large fish!
She came home from mostly sunny Hawaii, there was some rain, and off we went with her to Sleeping Lady at Leavenworth the next day....where it was in the '20's and snow was deep on the ground. This year we got lucky and found a nice tree in a pot at the Safeway. So, for the fourth year we spent a few days in cabin with no TV and lots of time to relax. We played Monopoly and Lauren slaughtered us! She's always good company and we treasure the time with our bright, hard working, charming, sweet girl.
So, everyone, when you are having a good time at this time of year, take a few minutes to think of those you have loved who are not here for the New Year and remember how they brightened the holidays in years past. Grandma Ruby, Aunt June, JW, Aunt Joy, I miss you. There are others, but let's not over do the sentiment but let's also not be too cool. Tempis fugit, carpe diem. Love to all.
