Great Winter Sport

For those of us "suffering" with this odd cold / snowy weather, racquetball is a nice way to get a lot of excercise in a short period. We use the courts at Sheldon Jackson College... a small private school here in Sitka. They have 2 courts and a pool (which Meg uses as she doesn't want racquetball to mess up her tennis swing), weights, etc.
I taught Lori to play many years ago and she has become a good player. Charles is getting really good and I have to work hard at beating him. The past year he has really improved as he grows and gets more coordinated.
We occasionally will play "cutthroat" but Lori get a bit paranoid(and rightfully so) of getting smacked with the ball. We tried doubles a couple of times, but she would rather do singles.

Happy 15th Charles

Our baby is growing up!!! Oh, well. Charles had a nice birthday by partying with his friends. His sister, Meg, made homemade pizza dough and sauce so everyone could make their own pizzas. While eating they all played "Apples to Apples" and then watched a movie together.
Usually when a kid turns 15 they are anxious to get their driver's license in the next year. Well, here in Alaska Charles has been driving for almost a year since he could get a permit at 14. He is a good driver and has only driven a stick shift. He can get a full license next year.

Crazy Weather...Still

Well, we are still having weather we aren't supposed to have. Sitka averages about 20" of snow a year...mostly after Christmas and in January. Well just in March... the month spring is suppose to start... we have had over 2 feet snow and it is still coming. We had to get some help removing snow from the roof of the Church building. Most came while Lori and I were in California. Hopefully we'll have summer this year.

Lori: Education, Sun, Sand, Help

Lori and I just spent a week in California. The first part (and the excuse for going) was a psych conference in San Diego (Mission Bay). The second part was going to Long Beach to help my parents for a couple of days.
We had a nice view of the ocean from our hotel room; not to mention the 70+ degree weather and sunshine. I got to play golf, we took walks on the beach, and generally enjoyed the weather, which continued to be good in Long Beach and even was over 90 one day.
While Lori was in class one day my friend Ken met me in San Diego. It had been years since we spent any time together.

I'll Sleep Where I Want

D'Artagnan the labradoodle sleeps in Charles' room. He has a nice large kennel with a nice pad and generally stays put. We do leave the kennel door unlatched since he just sleeps. Occasionally D'Artagnan will take advantage of our trust and try to take over Charles's bed. Not that Charles even notices. The 85 pound puppy who will be 11 months old tomorrow just likes to snuggle; plus he is just cute. Pictures by Meg... the one who is brave enough to try and wake up Charles.