New Year's Eve's Eve's Eve

How could we finish out 2009 without an update after keeping you all in suspense for more than a month? Well, with much trial and tribulation (and $$$) we got through our rough patch and all appliances/vehicles are operating normal again. The temperatures outside have moderated and snow is once again falling on Central Oregon. So what is keeping us up these long winter nights? The joyful noise of children playing with their new toys and the rising stock market? No, I'd say it's more of concern about the year ahead and what waits for us to discover and hopefully enjoy in what it brings to us. We hope to take trips to Montana and perhaps back east to NY next summer. We hope to improve our lawn and our financial position (don't all Americans desire this?). We hope to learn new skills and continue to give back to our community. We hope to see our children continue to grow and become responsible people. We hope to see friends and family from all parts of our lives come calling for happy reasons. And we wish everyone well even if they can't ;)
So, to wrap this up, Happppppy New Year's Eve's Eve's Eve -- we've been thinking about you all. DJDMB&P

Appliance Hell: curses come in threes

As you know, the coffee maker and the fridge both died last week. This Monday, the power company had a planned power outtage which apparently did in our water heater. We called our neighbor who is also a plumber and they replaced the heating elements. Fortunately, it wasn't TOO expensive. And now that three appliances have failed, we should be out of hot water, right?

Appliance Hell is Here!

Yesterday the main house frig slowly failed (9 months out of a 5 yr warranty), this morning, our coffee maker flooded (no evidence of leakage from the basket) with coffee all over the counter. Can't guess what's next. And we were going to have a peaceful day of remembrance of all the vets today...

Happy Columbus Day!

Been awhile since I was here. The latest excuse was that the kids had the flu, then me. Luckily, Julia escaped the crud and kept on truckin' to work all last week. It has been noticeably cooler the last few days. Temps about 20 in the morning and not higher than 50 during the day. Anyway, the usual things have been taking up time. Getting the kids to do homework, cleaning up around church, Kiwanis, volunteering at school and with the veterans. In some ways it was a good break last week in spite of the pain and lack of good sleep--folks recognize you are gone and call to check up on ya.

Hope all is well in you part of the country/world. We're just about ready for winter. Good thing, 'cause it's about here.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait?

OK, apologies for being so vague in the last entry, let me continue. I have been working with a principle of a business on a new opportunity in the local area. The company has built a beautiful new facility and has been too busy with other concerns to set it up for success. It seems my background in organizational management might be just what the doctor ordered. So, at the urging of this principle, I called the CEO with a proposal for a position to solve the aforementioned situation. Unfortunately, he has not decided how he is going to add in this business unit yet. I made a good case to make it separate from his current ops…but apparently it was not compelling enough for him to jump on it. I may have to build him a business plan—and show him he can’t do it with current staff, needs to make it self-sustaining and that the model will grow him to what he has envisioned.

Not much else to report. Do I have you all thoroughly confused?

Ask, and then be scared of what you might receive!

We are staring into the maw of a giant beast. A few weeks back we had a special guest for dinner and we were ruminating on the challenges of job hunting for the senior member of our little clan. He took in all we were saying and a day or to later came to tell us of his need for an accomplice in his daily endeavors.

More to come...

Face Booking It

Been distracted for a week or two by my new FB account. Julia's enjoying watching me connect with old friends and actually some of her friends because the new friend search is based on our joint addressbook.

In other news, the dog days of Summer have once again reached Sisters. The temps have been in the upper 90's and if we're not seeking out a swimming place, the kids are inside avoiding the worst of it. They are constantly craving ice cream or tofutti (non-dairy ice cream like sandwichs) and wanting to have friends come over.

I am starting the newest round of job search with the help of a placement specialist contracted by the VA. He's promised to open up some new avenues for me--but the thing I'm dreading is tracking (unemployment-style) all the listings I view and contacts I make. I've always been extremely well organized, but this seems like tiresome busywork. Somebody call me and offer me a job and put me out of my misery!!! I just need to work again...a sad admission of my need to belong and produce.

Swimsuit Friends

Happy Birthday Max!

Who wouldn't like a birthday where you get a couple of your wishlist toys, go swimming and jumping off the high diveboard, and then go home and have pizza, soda, and Kirby cake with ice cream.

Max sure had himself a good day. Hope you did too!

A Buzz with Activity

It's the big middle guy's birthday tomorrow and all is a buzz in the house. Max turns 11 and he's ready to tackle a new Lego set (Republic Attack Shuttle for you enthusiasts-- http://starwars.lego.com/en-us/products/clonewars/8019.aspx ). He's also planning a attack on a chocolate cake version of Kirby, one of his favorite video game characters --

Come back tomorrow and see his creations and pics of the birthday boy having fun.

Going No Where Fast

It's Lewis and Clark Huni trying to make their way across Suttle Lake....where many have boldly gone before.

Today, we were visited by our financial advisor. His purpose in stopping by was to tell us how wonderful things were in the world...or rather how soon they would be getting better. We're learning alot about the economy...and why we'll never truly get ahead. I guess we should be grateful, our portfolio has gained back some of its lost glory--why do I still feel though like it's a robbery in progress. Guess until we really benefit from our discipline in saving, I feel like we're subsidizing the existence of those who never gave a thought to saving.

On a lighter note, we did enjoy an afternoon of American freedom on the shores and waters of Suttle Lake. We had fun launching log torpedoes at one another and cruising around the lake in the kayak. In fact, the kayak is still on top of the van hoping for another outing somewhere in paradise tomorrow. We may be relatively poor in some ways, but we are rich in what truly matters. Here's hoping you find some of that wealth wherever you are.

Black Butte 2 Fire

From Black Butte Climb

Click the above picture to see Black Butte on fire...started by lightning in the wee hours today. Per local news, about 300 acres are burning. The burn area looks to be below the trail we went up about 8 days ago.

Just call her Professor

In other news, Julia has started working again. She's now the one of the newest part-time faculty members at Central Oregon Community College. She's teaching Computer Concepts, a 100-level class that is required for graduation. She spent the last two weeks teaching hardware and software concepts, and has now launched into Key Applications--which in this Microsoft-controlled world means teaching Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. After that, she'll do a unit called Living On-line. She's teaching two sections of the class back-to-back, which means she's in Bend all day on Mondays and Wednesdays until mid-August. Not to mention the hours of lesson-planning and assignment grading from home. There go our dreams of a huge summer RV trip...but it's nice to have the extra income.

Black Butte Climb

Well, Black Butte is just another rock conquered by the Huni Family. Everyone decided however, after the first quarter mile of the 2 mile trail, that we were out of shape. And to further prove it, after an hour and 40 minute climb to ascend 1,596 ft, we rested at the summit below the fire lookout at 6,436 ft above sea level (about 3,000 ft above our home). Coming down was much easier, but still took us an hour. I felt the kids needed extra motivation to get back down, so we baited them with a promised visit to McDonald's. All are now resting and enjoying Ice Age 2. Hope they're not too sore tomorrow--I want to do a few more adventures like this before the summer is out.

New Neighbors

We knew new neighbors were arriving because the realtor had put up a For Rent sign. These guys and gals seem kind of shy.

Skylight Cave N44, 20.920' W121, 42.949'

We went caving today...take a look at the below slideshow.



Pictured at left is Douglas below two of the vents in the lava tube on the westernmost end (uphill side) of the cave. We explored in two shifts because Max would not go down. In fact he sat in the car while Julia and I took turns going back and forth with Doug and Bridget. It was damper and much cooler (about 10 degrees) than topside. We were surprised there was no evidence of animals (other than humans) down there. According to the Forest Service factsheet, the lava tube is about 900 feet long. We covered most of the accessible space in about an hour. The kids like that this was only about 20 minutes from home. Next up...hiking up Black Butte if the weather cooperates. Should get some really great views of Mt Washington , Three Fingered Jack, Mt Jefferson and the Three Sisters from there...hopefully in the next week.

View Skylight Cave in a larger map

The Rodeo Was Here

 

It was the usual weather for this time of year.  That is to say, we had afternoon rain and thundershowers.  We had all but given up on going to the Rodeo on Kid's Night (Friday), but something made me drive my daughter and her friend out to the grounds in spite of the downpour.  As luck would have it, a blue hole opened up and the clouds drifted away from the arean just as the Rodeo show was starting.  We climbed out of the minivan and headed for the admission line.  It was a great performance!  I practically had to drag the worn out girls back to the van...we had to get up for the parade the next morning.  Both are Girl Scouts and had to be in the procession--this year dressed up as Rodeo Queens.

Freak Hail Storm Pounds Sisters

We were treated to a thunderous hail storm that dumped the temperature down 20 degrees and left us with hail all around the yard today. It's really not over yet...but just had to share.

Pet Day(s) 2009

Pets are a big thing here in Sisters. Friday, the Elementary School had Pet Day and hundreds of pets were brought to the school. Today, the 7th grade life science class had pet presentation day. Shown above is Doug making a presentation about Pippin and Westies.

Field Tripping

2009 4th Grade Field Trip

Well it wasn't a trip like on LSD (not that I would know), but it sure kept us busy and seeing colorful things. If we weren't singing on the bus, listening to the telling of tales of the pioneers on the Oregon Trail by the docents, and the teachers pressing us onward, we wouldn't have made it there and back. We started at the end of the Oregon Trail at Laurel Hill just West of Government Camp near Mt Hood, went to Ft Vancouver, overnighted at Kraxberg Middle school in Gladstone, visited the Oregon Historical Society Museum in Portland, then visited the state capitol in Salem. Our 4th grader, Max enjoyed the trip but was happy to be back to the comforts of home. Click the picture above to see pictures from the trip.

May Birthdays are Over, Phew!

Wow, talk about sensory overload. Who's idea was it to have three family birthdays in one month. We've uploaded some photos so you can see some of the fun while we catch up on our rest and start our cake-free diets ; )

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=3x70wrv.2z3t64yf&x=0&y=-s6leym&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

Yet Again!

Another Project Complete

I finally got past the "Mother May I" approach I felt I had to take (chain of command, regulations and all that) in the military and "just did it" to the web site for our Kiwanis Club here in Sisters. Granted, I had a lot of help from the software (iWeb), but I feel pretty proud about how things came out. Sorta like this blog, you can plug in photo slideshows, videos, and all kinds of cool widgets that are out there to be had.

Take a look at: http://www.sisterskiwanis.org

You'll probably run across pictures of a few people you recognize.

My Own Two Hands Parade

We got to be Something Wild for the My Own Two Hands parade today. It was lots of fun. Thanks to our friend Athena and her brother, those of us who came unprepared for the parade were more than adequately adorned in their creations. Play the video and see an exclusive report by our on the spot reporter, Doug Dougerson...or simply watch our slideshow to see some of the fun...

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=3x70wrv.3kw70t4n&x=0&y=yr3aiu&localeid=en_US


You can read/learn more about My Own Two Hands and the Americana Project at:
http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org/mo2h.html


or in the local paper:

http://www.nuggetnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=65&SubSectionID=105&ArticleID=15711&TM=78097.81

Eek! What Happened

We are amazed at the veracity and vitality of the Central Oregon Winter!!!

Happy Easter

This year we did the latest rage for Easter--a staycation. In other words we stayed in the comforts of our Sisters Oregon retreat and home. Of course, this is mainly because we already went on a major vacation this Spring...simply see the previous posts below.

Aside from all the other things we are happy for each Easter, we are happy that more of our East Coast family is getting online--WELCOME!!!

Here are a few pictures from our day, piles of debris from our pine needle and tree trimming, Easter day with the kiddos, and the egg hunt at church. Enjoy and Happy Easter to all!


Kodak Gallery Photos

Gadget's Go Coaster

Here's another coaster video...smilin' Bridget with Mom and Max in the back.

Spring Break 2009

We're back from our latest adventure--a whirlwind trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. It's a two-day drive from Sisters, nearly 2,000 miles roundtrip. We stopped half way and stayed overnight at Beale AFB...near Marysville and Yuba City in northern CA. It was a little off track, but we made up for it by visiting the commissary and stocking up on some groceries and sundries we pay almost double for here in Central Oregon. We also took advantage of the inexpensive military haircuts for the boys....Julia went shopping and David gave the instructions to the Barbers. Don't think she'll do that again. In the end, it cost us more, because we had to by hats to protect their newly scalped heads. After picking up our 3-day Park Hopper tickets at the base (including a free one for David as a military retiree) we headed to Anaheim and stayed in the RV at a park about a mile from Disneyland. This gave us a short trip into the park and free fireworks show every night!!! See some of our vacation pictures in our Kodak Gallery at the link below:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=8537530603.641649980703.1238516557738

You can also see a video of Max enjoying a roller coaster ride here:

We also dropped in and paid David's brother Dan and his wife Judi a visit in Coalinga. They were pretty surprised as we gave them all of 40 minutes notice...well sort of. We called Dan's cell and got a message and when we called their house, they thought we were a wrong number, so we got hung up on. Anyway, a 15 miles side trip is nothing to take a chance and stop in, so stop in we did and surprised them as they were relaxing from the work week on Saturday afternoon. We stayed about an hour and a half and then headed back north to Beale for our half way stop and rest. Winds were high Sunday, so we delayed our departure until Monday morning. By then we had gone to church, shopped the commissary and refueled for the trip home. We got home around 6 pm and I think the happiest was Pippin who missed all his local dog smelling stops and yard to romp in. We're doing tons of laundry today and just catching up from our week away.

Apologies for Slacking

Hey out there! Sorry about not writing is so long. And apologies to our normal Christmas card recipients too! I guess you could say we've been busy again and just plain preoccupied with local life.

Friday was a big night for us--the 2nd Annual Sisters Parent Teacher Community Green and Gold Gala. This was a fund-raising auction held at Brand 33 restaurant at Aspen Lakes Golf Club. We were heavily involved again this year, from planning, advertising, soliciting donations, helping with a classroom project, updating the blog, writing Tweets, and pulling off the big evening. David was the computer master again, and Julia used her stamping and paper skills to create wonderful displays, signs and just make the place look great. (There's a link to the right if you want to read about it/see stuff).

Anyway, that's over and on to other important business like deciding what to do with the kids 2-week Spring break. We had planned to fly back East, but they've had a horrible Winter and it's not letting go yet...so we're putting that off 'til Summer. So apologies to our relatives too!

Oh, and we're done battling the Tax Man this year (we won, sort of) -- so no more excuses. We will update a little more often.

Hope you're all surviving the world we live in today. Don't know what we'd do if we hadn't made the choices we did to get where we are. It sure seems ugly out there.

Take Care and let us know what your piece of reality is like from time to time.

HooDoo2 -- Do You?

Max and Doug take to the slopes of HooDoo once again one recent icy Friday night in February. This video is just over 3 minutes long...sorry about the canned music...the real audio was sporadic--though funny at times.

Kiddos Skiing at HooDoo

A little video using our little Canon point and shoot digital camera. Best footage is of Bridget...less than a minute long so enjoy!



Here's a few still pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/HuniFamily/SkiingAtHooDoo?feat=directlink

Employment Free Again!

As a belated birthday present, the Chamber laid off my beloved this morning. I think we knew it was coming long before they did. After all, how can you continue to operate when you're looking at a huge deficit? I'm happy to have her back home with me...but we're still trying to wash the whole bad feeling off of the last couple weeks there. You can read more about it at the newspaper's site if you care to:

http://nuggetnewspaper.blogspot.com/2009/01/turmoil-at-chamber-ii.html

Good thing we're smart enough to know Sisters is not well represented by this situation.

Cheers

Happy Birthday Julia!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Von Trapps We're Not!

Dear Blog Reader,

Last night we went to the mountain. Believe it or not all were on skis and managed to survive the night without major harm to any (or the mountain). We have become part of the HooDoo (www.hoodoo.com) Friday night crowd and have learned a few of the locals' secrets to inexpensive tickets. If you're really bored on a Friday, go to their web site and see if you can notice us wondering the lodge or at the base of one of the lifts. Sorry no pics or videos yet...we haven't got a helmet cam we're happy with ; ) though maybe you'll get a treat before season's end.

In other news, today is the eve of the annual celebration of the Matriarchs' (both OR and NY based Huni's) arrival into the world. Preparations are ongoing to make it a day to remember that will have nothing to do with the Steelers vs the Cards. The OR-based matriarch notes that this competing event is a young start-up that won't last as long as she does anyway.

Here's a wish to both for a day the way they'd like it.

Mid-January Update

Time ot update you all out in the blogosphere what's happening in our proximity. The kiddos started downhill skiing lessons Friday night. The boys took to them very well and can't wait to get back up to HooDoo next weekend. The rest of us occupied the sledding hill and had a great time crashing our noggins on the snow and each other. The little girl had three spectacular and drama filled crashes. The first found her flying over the berm and the bottom of the hill and landing like a sack of potatos, the second was a side slide until she caught a tread and flipped over on her forehead and the last was a head-on with her brother on his first and last run of the night. Drama aside, all have recovered from their bumps and bangs.

We went shopping for more gear yesterday. We are now accompanied to the slopes by "The Bad Lieutenant" and another guy who likes like a clone trooper out of Star Wars.

A busy week awaits us. Come back next weekend to see how it went. Tschuss for now.