Adventure Anyone?????

I was thinking of our Blogspot entitled "The Kale Family...Our Adventurous Life in Alaska." Really Bernie is the true adventurer. When we came home from our awesome mototrcycle trip through WA, CA, OR, and Idaho, we met with a group of guys who were travelling on the Alaska Ferry System. Most, if not all of these guys, had adventure bikes. It was their dream to come to go and experience Alaska on a bike. Most had BMW's, a few had Suzuki's, and one even had a Motoguzzi which is not even sold in the US (Italian). Needless to say, Bernie definitely got the fever. When we came home, he purchased a Suzuki and wants to go riding all the time. He got some cool accessories, different riding gear, and he's ready to go. Me, on the other hand, although I love to ride, this bike is not set up for two. It's just uncomfy. I've been spoiled on my throne on the back of the Goldwing. Maybe we'll get one for me to ride in the future so we can go together but for now, he's off on his own.

These pictures are from the second week in September when he decided to go up to Hatcher's Pass over to the Willow side. He only made it so far before the roads became so slick he had to turn around. If he had the proper tires, maybe...but for now a great photoshoot.

Crisp Autumn Day Hike at Thunderbird Falls

These are my friends Kathleen Donley and Silvia Barlow whom I work with at Eagle River High School. Silvia is from La Paz, Mexico and is married to Eric, an Army Guard Captain. Kathleen is married to Michael, retired Air Force, who is a pilot for Alaska Airlines. We had a great outing and visited with Kathleen who lives in Thunderbird Heights afterward. That beautiful dog is Rusty who belongs to Kathleen.

Aren't our Grandchildren Adorable?

I'm sure every grandparent thinks the world of their grandchildren. I do believe we have the absolute most adorable, intelligent (genius), and lovable grandkids. Hands down. This is a shout out and thanks to Bridgette for updating the photos on our blog. Our grandkids are all so very different and unique and I'm excited to see what the Lord has planned for them. I pray each of them will accept Christ as their Saviour at an early age and be obedient to Him. It makes life so much easier. I read somewhere that being a father makes a man out of a boy and being a grandfather makes a man into a boy. I know this is true in our lives. Bernie bought a scooter a couple of weeks ago from Craig's List and had Finn out there riding it. We were laughing so much at Phil, Bernie, and G-Pop taking turns giving Finn instructions on how to drive. He's only a year and a half. Stay tuned for pictures...

Symphony of Beauty

We went for a hike to Symphony Lake Saturday on my birthday. The sun was out and the summer ending and we were also hoping to pick some blueberries. Chrissy and Carsten came out, Barbara, Angie and Bernie, and Dad and I. Started out at Grandma's house with a nice birthday luncheon complete with turkey wraps (made by Dad), sub and roast beef sandwiches followed by a chocolate brownie turtle dessert provided by Tom. The funny thing is that Grandma had left on Thursday and we were at her house. I went there to change after Jazzercise and asked if anyone wanted to hike. I was so excited to be out and with so many who wanted to go on the spur of the moment. The weather was perfect, not too hot or cold. We wore layers and peeled off as needed. Carsten was the leader and did so well the entire hike. He surprised us all. Dad was the photographer and Chrissy the Russian interpreter. We had a blast and hiked for 4.5 hrs. Came back to Grandma's and had Piccolino's pizza and a delicious homemade chocolate brownie tart made by Chrissy. Gretchen, Phil, Finn, and baby Elli surprised us by meeting us there. Jeff, Chris, and even Grandma Kale came and ate pizza with us. It was such a wonderful day and I am so grateful.

You've Stolen My Heart, Yes You Have...

That's actually the words to a song I was listening to on the Christian radio station on the way home from the hospital tonight. Little Elli Marie is so beautiful and perfectly formed. Thank you Father for another grandchild. We pray Phillip and Gretchen would have strength, grace, and wisdom to raise her for you.

Pretty in Pink - Gretchen's Baby Shower for Elli Marie

Well Elli should be arriving tomorrow at 4:11 pm. That's what time Gretchen was born. Actually, Gretchen is scheduled to be at Providence at 2 pm and Dr. Bell has scheduled her for delivery at 4 pm.

Thanks and praise to Jeannie Hess and Andi Hill for hostessing a fantastic shower. They had Andi's home all decorated so pretty, pastel pink favors and balloons, plus lots of food. Jeannie gave a great devotion from the Bible on training your children up in the Lord from birth from the book of Deuteronomy. She is the mother of five and Andi has two and one on the way end of September. Everything was so nice and God even displayed a beautiful rainbow on the ride home.

Vacation Finale -- Idaho - Sequim, WA

FAMILY, FUN, FAITH, FOOD, FRIENDS, AND NOW FINALE.
We visited with a few retirees from the Guard--one retired for 4 years and the other 12. We were impressed with the Cour d'lene area. Gorgeous scenery, 4 seasons, mountains, and small city which is 20 minutes from Spokane, short distance to Montana. Lots of recreation and mild winters. Also visited the Rathdrum area which is near a lake, boating etc.

We left the morning of the 6th and toured Grand Coulee Dam and Visitor Center. It is one of the largest man-made structures in the world. It was completed in 1942 and has been supplying power to 6 states. Fascinating how it gave all those men jobs during the depression and gave so many hope. From there we travelled on to Omak, WA where we spent our warmest day. It got to 104 degrees, so we stopped and toured a lovely museum in town. The heat was tolerable as long as we were moving. We then went to the Cascades. The area is breathtaking and was a fun ride through the mountains. Stopped into a cute little restaurant and visited with the owner who was 89 years old and still running the place with her son. Bernie had fried chicken and, I had squash soup which both were delish. Sequim was next on our agenda where we visited and toured two lavendar farms in full bloom. We missed the festival which was the latter part of July but, since they had a late spring we were there in the height of all the blooms. They were gorgeous! Back to Bellingham to catch the ferry home which is where we are at the present. We just left Juneau... we got into port at 4:30 am. We got off and looked around a bit just to say we've been there. It was pretty foggy. The city was about 10 miles away...too far to walk in a short amount of time. We're enroute to Haines now and will start our trip back home at noon. Bernie says it will be two long days of riding. He wants to be in Tok tonight and then make it home Tuesday evening. We have enjoyed all of our travels and met some interesting people. God has been so good to us and has protected us all along the way. Since we ride a Honda Goldwing I think this verse is appropriate.

"He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Psalms 91:4

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY BRIDGETTE MARIE!!!

Happy Birthday Bridgette. We love you and are proud of you. Thanks especially for the adorable grandchildren, keep up the good work. Remember, "In all labor, there is profit". Nothing in life is easy, but, your diligence in raising your children for the Lord is rewarding.

Thanks to Jay and Heather for the generous loan of their fantastic trailer which made this camping trip possible.