Chaikins of Bellingham

Sunlight Patterns

2012-02-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

A glass, a red water bottle and a bottle of maple syrup. A bright beam of sunlight striking them while they are sitting on a white counter top. Me with my camera. This is the result. And then playing with Photoshop and Nik Software plug-ins. Makes me a happy person. I feel like a happy kid playing at the beach on a sunny day.

A Walk in the Park

2012-02-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

Scudder Pond

Kaelyn

Whatcom Falls

Whatcom Creek

Beautiful Bailey

2012-01-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

We just love our great niece Bailey. Not only is she beautiful, she's sweet, bright and fun to be with. And her parents Emmett and Jennifer are super with her. While Jason was here he got to meet Miss Bailey too. We have such a great family.

Fiona the Queen at Rest

2012-01-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Goofing around with CS5 and the Nik Viveza, Silver Efex and Color Efex filters and CS5's Cutout filter. Meanwhile Fiona just kept on sleeping in her favorite chair.

Rainy Day Games

2012-01-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Doing indoor chores today. And goofing around with photoshop and Nik plug-ins.

Trip to Seattle

2012-01-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

We traveled to Seattle on a very snowy day. We were on our way to Chris and Jyl's house for a visit. The main reason was that Ann had an art show to hang and a reception to attend the next day at the Olympus apartment complex in Seattle. We weren't sure we'd make it given the weather. But we made it safely there and back, hung the show, and had a great time at the reception and visiting our good friends Chris and Jyl.

On the way... Steve driving. Jason in the passenger seat.

Walk around Green Lake - Chris, Arvin, Jason and Steve

On the pier with the world's biggest snowman - Steve, Ann, Jason and Chris

Building an igloo in the park.

Show of Ann's Venice paintings at The Olympus - Carol and Chris

Kinetic sculpture at the Olympus

Jason playing Chris's guitar and Chris and Jyl's house

Snow turns to rain - view from Chris and Jyl's front window.

Snowy Day in Bellingham

2012-01-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

Family Gathering

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Bailey

Emmett

Jason

Dave and Bailey

Arvin

Steve

Jennifer

Bailey takes a nap

Jason has arrived from Brooklyn. He came in last night to Seatac in Seattle. Dave and Nora's son Emmett and his family were arriving within half an hour of Jase so Dave and Nora picked them all up and Jase spent the night in Anacortes. Today Arvin, Steve and I all went down to meet the family. We three McMillans played bridge and then we all had dinner to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Rick and Judy joined us. We had a great evening.

Duma Up Close

2012-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Icy Fountain

2012-01-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we met with other Whatcom Community College retirees for lunch at the Hearthfire Grill in Bellingham. After lunch as we walked out we noticed that the fountain had been depositing ice on the plants nearby. It's been cold here lately!

Morning Frost

2012-01-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

Party at Bob and Joy's House

2012-01-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Our next door neighbors Bob and Joy invited us over for a neighborhood party. Joy wanted to share their Christmas decorations too. I took along my camera and was totally amazed by what I saw. Bob put them up and will take them down later this week. My goodness.

They put on a lovely spread and it was great to see many of our neighbors and to chat about last year and the year to come. We stayed about two hours and then my energy flagged and we walked home.

Thanks Bob and Joy.

Yet More Photoshop and Nik Fun

2011-12-26T13:13:00.000-08:00

More Photoshop and Nik Fun

2011-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Fun with "Pseudo" Grand Kids

2011-12-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great day yesterday with our dear friends from up North in Canada. DJ brought our "pseudo" grand kids down and we had a day of good food, play and lots of laughter and good conversation. It was a wonderful day. Steve came over to join us. He is the one who introduced us to DJ and Rikki (who couldn't come yesterday) and their wonderful family. We've known them since Niki was three years old. Now she is eleven and Kaelyn has arrived to join the family.

Arvin

Kaelyn

Aiden

Niki

Niki and Steve

Blowing Ornaments at Gossamer Glass

2011-12-10T21:18:00.001-08:00

Steve blowing, Brian Kerkvliet shaping the ornament.

Arvin blowing, Brian shaping.

Ann blowing.

Brian adding the hanging ring to Ann's ornament.

A few of Brian Kerkvliet's amazing lamp work glass pieces.

Morning Fog on Lake Whatcom With a Twist

2011-12-01T23:01:00.001-08:00

Afternoon Light in Bellingham

2011-11-27T17:59:00.001-08:00

More Fun with Nik ColorEfex Pro

2011-11-22T09:41:00.001-08:00

Frost

2011-11-20T23:17:00.001-08:00

Photos taken this morning and yesterday morning wandering around our neighborhood.

Fall!

2011-11-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

Playing With Nik Software ColorEfex Pro

2011-11-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Photo of late blackberries in our alley. All the effects are done with the Nik Software Color Efex Pro detail stylizer. Had some fun seeing what it would do.

Goofing Around at Anthony's

2011-11-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

We were celebrating Rick's birthday at Anthony's in Anacortes. Much laughter occurred. I went to the "Ladies" and discovered that the light around the mirror did really weird things with your reflected eyes. Turned out Nora and Judy had noticed the same thing. So we went back in and I took some pictures. Of course I had to play with them a bit in Photoshop.

Visiting with Anna and her Family

2011-11-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

This is my good friend Anna with her grand daughter. We had lunch with her, her son Ryan and his wife Kristen, Anna's mom Emma, and Delilah, Anna's beautiful grand daughter. It had been far too long since we spent time together. It was great to see her and the family.

October 27: Red Rock Canyon National Preserve

2011-10-28T11:21:00.001-07:00

We spent the afternoon at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas. There we found more amazing sandstone rock formations an bright colored rocks.

We had an adventure at the end of our stay. We took off in Dave's Honda CRV up a canyon on a 4x4 road. We drove up over rocks and a small stream. We continued quite a ways before we came to our nemesis, a jumbled rock dry stream bed. Dave realized we weren't going to make it through so he began to back out. The car got wedged slightly sideways and one tire spun uselessly in the air. It took ingenuity and brute strength to unstick the car, turn around and come back down the canyon. Luckily it felt more like an adventure than a problem.

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October 26: Back to Valley of Fire

2011-10-26T19:37:00.001-07:00

We had to go back. There is nothing quite like Valley of Fire. This time we saw some areas we missed last time and spent quite awhile in the red hills area. Then we returned to the rainbow rocks in the northern part. Dave and I walked together for much of the last part, coming out of the hills on a wash. The day was cool and breezy so Arvin was able to enjoy the day without being blasted by the sun. We stopped at an Indian Reservation for a very late lunch, or dinner as it turned out. When we got home we were ready for some quiet.

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October 25: Hoover Dam

2011-10-26T18:25:00.001-07:00

After a lazy morning we took off to see Hoover Dam. We drove over the new bridge and came back to the Hoover Dam visitor's center. The dam is amazingly massive. It was built in the 1930s during the depression. We took a tour of the huge generators and walked in some of the tubes used to divert the river while the dam was built.

We stopped on the way home to buy a new washing machine for Dave's house as the old one had a broken clutch and it wouldn't spin the clothes. We also shopped for food. Dave was planning to cook a steak dinner for us and Emmett, Jennifer and Sunny.

The gang arrived around 7:30 after having moved most of the large items into the new house. We had a yummy dinner together and then they headed back to the house to do more moving.

The rest of us played dominoes and had a pleasant quiet evening before bed.

(photos will follow.)
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October 24: Bailey and The Strip

2011-10-26T18:21:00.001-07:00

Went over to Emmett and Jennifer's new house to visit and watch Bailey while Dave and Emmett installed a dog door. Took lots of photos of Bailey and fed her the first formula she's ever had. Her first reaction was priceless. She pulled back and gave me a look that said, "What the heck?" Then she tried some more and discovered she liked it. She drank four ounces with gusto after that.

When Jennifer got home we all went out to dinner at Mi Peru, a great restaurant in Henderson. The food was delicious and the service was great.

After dinner the kids went home to continue packing and to pick up Sunny, Jen's dad, who will help them move the big stuff tomorrow.

The rest of us went to the Las Vegas Strip to look at the lights and roam about. We watched the Bellagio lighted fountain and then went to the Venetian where we got totally turned around and came out facing exactly the opposite way we thought we'd be facing.

We wandered back to the car and headed home for an early night.

(Photos to follow later.)
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October 23: Bailey Grace

2011-10-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

with Grandpa Dave

with Great Aunt Ann

with Great Uncle Steve

with mom Jennifer

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October 23: Valley of Fire

2011-10-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

On the way back from Zion to Las Vegas we stopped at Nevada's first state park, Valley of Fire. We drove to the northern most tip of the road and stopped to photograph the amazing white rocks. I fell in love with all of the textures.

We went back down the road and made stops along the way. The colors of the rocks, the textures and the patterns were totally amazing. It was a hot day and though we fried in the sun, we couldn't stop taking pictures. Arvin got too much sun so he spent the last stop in the car in the shade.

At the last stop we found a vast rock valley with stripes of pink, yellow, red, purple and white. The sand there was pink.

Down by the Visitor's Center there was a huge jumble of orange rock with black desert varnish. The whole park was amazing. We will definitely return.

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Zion National Park

2011-10-24T11:04:00.001-07:00

We spent the whole day today at Zion National Park. We parked at the visitor center and took the shuttle to the last stop. We walked along the river on a one mile path with many other visitors to the park. Along the way we took many photographs.

Here is Steve leaning against a rock that is dripping water that has made its way through the rocks and formed a spring.

Arvin is enjoying the walk along the path.

We saw lots of ground squirrels along the way. They were very tame and had obviously been fed by tourists previously.

Our next walk was up to Weeping Rock. This is the view from under the rock.

This stream comes from the water that falls from the Weeping Rock.

We walked about half a mile down from the Grotto to the Lodge. We relaxed and had fruit smoothies while we waited for the restaurant to open at 5:00.

Steve and I walked across a bridge over the river and took photos as the sun set.

We had a delicious dinner at the Lodge and headed home for a quiet evening of games and photo processing.
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From Bryce Canyon to Zion

2011-10-24T10:45:00.001-07:00

We checked out of Ruby's Inn and drove to Panguitch where we ate breakfast. from there we drove past Panguitch Lake and on to Brian Head Mountain.

It was bitter cold on top of the mountain but we had a 360 degree view. The old hut was made in the 30s. We walked around and looked at the Krumholtz trees. Those are trees who have become ground shrubs due to the severity of the weather.

We drove down the mountain and headed to Cedar Breaks. We stopped at several lookout points and views the canyon, a kind of miniature Bryce Canyon.

Our plan was to take a road from there to Cedar City and find a small dirt road that would bring us around to the northern part of Zion. Unfortunately the road to Cedar City was closed was closed. So we drove back up past Cedar Breaks and Brian Head and kept going until we reached Cedar City. We tried to locate the road and finally did. Dave had been there before so he went by memory and finally did find the road. We passed this water fall and stream on the way to the road.

We finally found the road that took us up aspen covered hills and through ranches. It alternated between dirt and paved road and was very beautiful.
Along the road were occasional areas of volcanic material.

The aspens along the road were beautiful. Most had already dropped their leaves but were wonderful with their stark white and shadowed trunks.

We finally arrived at Kobold Reservoir and tried to drive around and over a dam. We got part way but the road became impassable. We turned around and continued on the main road. As we got lower in altitude we found trees with their fall leaves still in full color.

We finally reached the road through the northwestern part of Zion National Park. Here are Arvin, Dave and Steve in front of our dusty car.

We settled in at the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale and spent a quiet evening eating a delicious dinner and playing games. This is what we could see from our balcony. As the sun set the color got better and better.

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Location:Gifford Park Dr,Hurricane,United States

October 20: Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Park

2011-10-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at Bryce Canyon. We drove to the end of the park and meandered back, stopping at each of the outlook points. Steve and I walked a short loop past Bristlecone Pines. They are amazing trees. the views overlooking the canyon were magnificent.

At one of the stops along the way there was a raven in the parking lot. I stayed in the car and tossed out peanuts and Arvin took pictures. The raven alerted his friend and soon both of them were eating out of our hands. We knew we shouldn't feed them but this moment was the high point of Arvin's day.

Steve and I walked from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point, about a mile and a half. I was feeling the over 8800 feet altitude. The view was great and I really enjoyed the walk. Steve scampered over rocks while I keep plodding along.

All four of us headed off from Bryce Canyon to find a good place for an afternoon dinner before heading to Kodachrome Basin State Park. We walked around and drove out a dirt road in the park. Eventually our drive took us back to the main road and back to Ruby's Inn.

We were all tired by the time we ended the day. Dave, Steve and I played Carcassonne and then we all went to bed early so we could get up early tomorrow to drive to Zion National Park and visit sights along the way.

(Having trouble posting pictures. They will get added when we get home.)

October 19: Las Vegas to Bryce

2011-10-24T00:19:00.001-07:00

We took off at 8:00 am and headed out from Las Vegas. Just outside of town, "Bam! Flap Flap Flap." Oh oh. We got out and checked and sure enough one of our tires was flat. Wires were sticking out. Dave and Steve replaced the tire with the spare. It was low on air so we found a place where we could pump up the spare and then headed on for a larger town on our route to Zion and Bryce Canyon.

We found a Discount Tire shop and left the car for an hour to get a new tire. It was lunch time so we went to Red Robin for lunch and then headed off again through some totally amazing country. Our route took up across the southern tip of Zion National Park. As we climbed up through the park we passed through a small tunnel and later entered a large one. I noticed a young fellow photographing the new red rock road and yellow lines up close in front of the tunnel. Looked like a good idea to me.

We continued on through the park and saw some amazing rock formations. It is a truly magical place. We did short photo breaks and continued on our way. Some of the rocks looked like waves cast in stone. We met a father and three boys who capered up and down the waves.

As we approached Bryce Canyon we began to see outcroppings of bright orange stone and hoodoos.

We called our hotel to let them know we were coming and headed into Bryce Canyon to catch the sunset. We all walked along the rim and photographed the contrasty scene of bright lit and shadowed areas. After the sun set the sky lit up with a glow and we got some of the most beautiful shots of the canyon.

Finally it was time to go to Ruby's Inn and settle into our rooms. We spent a little time in the store and then had dinner in the hotel restaurant. After a rousing game of dominoes - we had to quit before we finished all the rounds because we were all so tired - we headed off to bed. Dave is the current dominoes champion. Tonight, revenge. ;-)

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Location:Fairyland Point Rd,Tropic,United States

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October 18: First day in Las Vegas

2011-10-19T03:10:00.001-07:00

We started our day at home relaxing while Dave played golf with Emmett. Then we headed to a mall to find the Apple Store so I could get a camera connection kit since I had accidentally left mine at home. We cruised the Strip by car and then went to Freemont Street to see the old LV Strip.

We decided to take a close look at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Luvo Brain Clinic building. What an amazing place. Couldn't stop taking pictures. The architect is Frank Gehry, the same man who designed the Seattle Experience Music Building.

Finally we got to meet Bailey Grace. Here she is with Jennifer.

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Location:Peregrine Falcon St,Henderson,United States

Great Day

2011-10-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

We started our day at the Farmer's Market in Bellingham. We met up with another Blipfoto photographer from Seattle and spent some time picking out wonderful fruits and veggies and taking lots of pictures.Here are a few from the market.

This is me with Kelly, the Blipfoto photographer from Seattle.

We said goodbye and drove home with our fruit and veggies. After we put them away we went out again to visit a couple of friends' artist studios on the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour. The first was Lorna Leibert's. I was delighted to see her huge giraffe painting that just barely fit into her living room in spite of its very tall ceiling.

Here is Lorna with her giraffe.

Next stop was Gossamer Glass. We love the Kirkvliet family and have visited them often. Three years ago we met their wonderful barn cat Pouncer and wondered aloud where we might find such a lovable and affectionate cat. They mentioned that there were kittens and he was the father. The result of this conversation was the addition of Duma and Mehitabel to our family. They are everything you might expect based on Pouncer and sweet Sneaky their mom. I couldn't resist buying this beautiful glass from Brian who does amazing things with glass when he's not farming their property.

Goofing Around with Mehitabel

2011-10-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Decided to goof around with a couple of photos I took of Mehitabel yesterday. Here are the original photos and some modifications using several Photoshop artistic filters. It's fun to try things out. Some I actually like.

Night Blooming Cereus

2011-09-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting patiently as this Night Blooming Cereus has been building its flower. This morning I realized that tonight would be the day it bloomed.

Looking ready to bloom this morning

We finished a movie on TV at quarter to 11 and this is what we found. Arvin has large hands and they just fit behind the gorgeous large white flower.

Here we are trying a flashlight to light the flower. You can see the sling Arvin created to hold the plant up while the large flower grew.

Here I'm outside on the deck. I have the flashlight aimed at the flower. I took this picture through the kitchen window looking in at the open flower.

Here Arvin is inside with the flashlight aimed at the back of the flower.
Here it is in context.
And the next morning the flower looked like this.

A Day at the Mountain with Chris and Jyl

2011-09-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday Chris and Jyl came up from Seattle and we all drove up Mt Baker Highway to the Mt Baker Ski Area for a day of exploring and taking photos. It was a beautiful day. Chris and Jyl had not been here before so they were entranced with the beauty of the place. We were too even though we've been here often. The road to Artist Point was closed to cars and we decided not to walk up. So the mountain that filled our eyes was Mt Shuksan. We were delighted with its beauty.

After our walk we drove back down to Glacier for dinner at Milano's. Yum! We spent a relaxed evening eating and talking. C & J stayed the night and we spent a quiet morning at home together before they took off on their way to visit friends on Whidbey Island and on to Seattle. We were so happy to be able to spend time with them.

Arts at Menucha End of the Week

2011-08-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ukelele Players - Teacher, Brook

Melinda is the subject of their song...

Walk About

Farewell until next year.

Arts at Menucha Classes Week 2

2011-08-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Painting Instructors:
Trish, Beginning Oils, Melinda, Open Studio, Molly, Water Media

Open Studio Painting

Water Media

Arts at Menucha Classes Week 2

2011-08-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Beginning Oil Painting - Trish, Instructor

Pastels - Marla, Teacher

Hat Night at Menucha

2011-08-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Coordinators Diane and Trudy kicking off the evening program.

Fun and Games at Menucha

2011-08-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Bingo Night - Queen Melinda and King Brook

Belly Dancing with Diane and Friends

Bill and "Vanna" Selling for the Store

We have lots of fun at Arts at Menucha. These are just a few of the things that happen during the evening program.

Jewelry Class Arts at Menucha Week 2

2011-08-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Kristin - Teacher

Beautiful Menucha

2011-08-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ceramics Group at Arts at Menucha Week 2

2011-08-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

Teacher Dennis

DavidKathleen

Sara

Linda

Karen

Marcia

And me... was such a great group and a wonderful class. Dennis is a really good teacher and the group was friendly and happy to share their knowledge with each other. So much fun. And we worked hard too.

Abstracts from Arts at Menucha August 7-13

2011-08-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

Barbeque at Rick and Judy's August 6

2011-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Steve and Hiram

Baird
Tarah, Dave and Baird

We had a great time visiting with Rick and Judy and their family. Dave and Nora and Steve were all there too.

Chris Morrison Glass Open House - July 14

2011-07-23T12:08:00.001-07:00

We went to the Christopher Morrison Glass Studio to attend their open house. Chris and his team created a beautiful piece while we watched.

Racing at Emerald Downs

2011-07-04T11:27:00.001-07:00

We spent the day at Emerald Downs with Nora, Rick & Judy and Paul & Cathy. We had a great time.

June 20: Miami to Bellingham

2011-06-21T15:28:00.001-07:00

We woke early before the alarm in Miami and showered and got ready for our last day of travel. We headed downstairs at 6:15 and grabbed some yogurt before we met the shuttle and went to the airport. There we went to a bagel restaurant and had a delicious breakfast after checking in for our flight. After that we had just the right amount of time to board and take off, no wait time, no hurry.

We got window and aisle seats and were lucky to have an empty seat between us. The flight was easy and took just under six hours. I spent most of the time on my iPad, working on my journal, playing games and reading. The time went fast. I took pictures out of the window as we left Miami and came into Seattle.

We almost gave up our Bellingham seats for $300 each in flight vouchers but in the end they only needed one seat so we stayed on our flight and were home by 4:30 thanks to a yellow cab driver.

We spent the day unpacking and settling in. The house looked good and the kitties were fine. The young cats were delighted to see us and came up for love and attention as soon as we came in the door. Fiona gave us the silent treatment but did eventually consent to getting a bit of loving. Eventually she was her old self demanding attention from us both.

Alissa came by and picked up a small gift and a check. We told her how happy we were with the house and the kitties. We were so glad she was here to take Mehitabel in when she had a problem. She turned out to be fine and I'm pretty sure all she had was stress from her fear that the predators had gotten us. She is perfectly fine now.

All in all it was a great trip. We would have stayed longer if it hadn't meant leaving the kitties longer, being away from friends longer, and coming up with more money. ;-) It was a great trip.
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Location:N Shore Dr,Bellingham,United States

June 19: Paris to Miami

2011-06-19T15:36:00.001-07:00

Because we got the tickets free via "frequent flyer" miles, our flights turned out a bit odd. Instead of hopping from Paris to Seattle or somewhere close, we hopped from Paris to about as far away from home in the continental US as possible. So here we are in Miami. Tomorrow morning we fly out to Seattle-Bellingham and will be home in the afternoon. Only took a few pictures today so I decided to goof around with one of the ones I took at the Charles de Gaul Airport in Paris.

The original with no post processing

Playing with filters in the Filtergene app on my iPad

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Location:Minola Dr,Miami Springs,United States

June 18: Back in Paris

2011-06-18T13:35:00.001-07:00

We woke at 4:15 am today to be ready to drive to the airport with Rick and Judy. They had a morning flight to catch. They dropped us at our hotel at Charles de Gaul Airport on their way. We were able to check in early and went straight to bed for a long nap. When we woke we were refreshed and ready to take the train in to Paris for a last visit. It was a changeable day with sunny times and rain squalls. Our first stop was the Cluny Museum. I wanted to see the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and the other medieval art there.

When we left the museum we stopped at the Watt Cafe for a mid-day dinner. I had lamb and Arvin had duck and the food was delicious. Really yummy French cuisine. Afterwards we walked by Notre Dame and were amazed by the crowds.

It began to rain and we ducked into a place called Cafe Panis for coffee and desert. We were wise to eat inside as it began to pour outside. By the time we were finished the sun was back.

We continued to walk and bought a bag for our travel home and a T Shirt for Arvin. Finally it was time to take the train back to the hotel and get ready for our flight home tomorrow.
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Location:Roissy-en-France,France

June 17: Last Day at the Chateau

2011-06-18T13:16:00.001-07:00

I woke really early and had breakfast alone in a quiet kitchen. Then I took off on a solo walk along Route Port Joie toward the Mairie of Tornados Sur Seine. The sun was going in and out behind the clouds. When I reached the Mairie I walked along the Seine away from our chateau and then turned back to walk along the river home.

Rick and Judy woke and the three of us headed off for Giverny to pick up a miniature that Carol asked us to buy for her. We had a lovely time in the town and ended up buying more miniatures for ourselves. The artist who makes them gave us each a free one as a gift. We stopped in the garden shop and had coffee and pastries before driving home. We met a nice Scottish couple with rescue dogs while we were there.

Arvin joined the three of us and we drove to Poses to see the locks there. The rains and winds came and we made our visit short as we were all very cold.

At the end of the day Judy and I repeated my morning walk. We had a lovely quiet time together walking, taking and taking pictures.

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June 16: Wandering Back to the Chateau

2011-06-18T13:03:00.001-07:00

We spent a relaxed morning at Les Blotteries. John fed us soft boiled eggs, fresh rolls, bread and a kind of cup-shaped bread that was almost like a cracker. That turned out to be something Rick had had as a child and he was delighted to find them again. The jams and jellies were all home made and the coffee was delicious. We met a young couple from Brussels with their little boy Lucas who were also staying at Les Blotteries. John showed us a new room in the main house that is almost ready for guests. I should say a restored old room as the ceiling beams were old and beautiful as were the stone walls.

We wandered back roads on the way back to the chateau. We stopped at Falaise and visited the walled chateau of William the Conqueror that is in the process of being restored. when we arrived home there was a chicken dinner awaiting us that Wade cooked. It was a good long day.

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June 15 Afternoon: Mont Saint Michel

2011-06-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

After settling in at Les Blotteries we took off for Mt St Michel. We were tired but knew that late afternoon was a good time to visit because most of the tour groups leave around four. We got there at 4:30 and found the number of visitors very manageable. We began the long trek up the stairs to the cathedral. The day was cold and soon began to rain. We ducked inside and followed the self-guided tour of the cathedral. We visited many different rooms and walked up and down many stairs. It was well worth the tired feet and backs. When we emerged the tide was rushing in. The speed was amazing. We stopped at the Brit Hotel on the way back to the B&B and had a real gourmet dinner. Judy was happy to have finally had the kind of food she expected to find in France. We got home tired and happy.

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June 15 Morning: Beaches and Les Blotteries

2011-06-18T12:51:00.001-07:00

We had a really long and great day today. We started out from Arromanches after a stay in a charming hotel called Chanteclair. Our first stops were at Omaha Beach and Point de Hoc. Then we drove to our B&B in Juillet. In there somewhere was a huge three course lunch.

Omaha Beach

Point de Hoc

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Location:Rue du Beau Soleil,Andé,France

June 14: Bayeux and D Day Beaches

2011-06-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

We took off early to drive with Rick and Judy to Bayeux. I wanted to see the tapestries. Our plan was to spend some time there and then go on to explore the D Day beaches. We also planned to find a place to stay for the night so we could head for Mont Saint Michel the next morning. We arrived at Bayeux and found it to be a charming town. Our first stop was the large cathedral. It was huge. We walked along around it and soon saw that one section was being cleaned and restored and had men climbing on scaffolding working on it. On we went to the door into the cathedral. We walked in and spent at least half an hour walking around. There was a group of English school kids there and they added a nice note to the visit.

Next we found a place to eat a snack and then headed off to the Tapestry museum. Rick decided to walk around outside while the other three of us went in. The tapestry is amazing! Made in the 11th century it is still in extremely fine condition. It's about three feet high and over 70 yards long. It depicts the history of the Battle of Hastings. As part of our entry fee we got audio devices that explained the sections of the tapestry. Wonderful.

By this time we were hungry again so we stopped for lunch. Then we took off for Arromanches-Les-Bains to visit the D Day beaches. We found a small hotel on the outskirts of town and then headed to a lookout where we could see Gold Beach and the beach at Arromanches. It is very sobering to see first hand the area where the D Day invasion took place. We went back to the hotel for an afternoon rest and then finished the day with dinner at the Normandy Restaurant in Arromanches. We drank our first Calvados, an apple brandy that is strong and delicious. We headed home for an early night.

Bayeux

View of the beach in Arromanches.

All photos taken with my Panasonic GH2.

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Location:Rue du Mézeray,Arromanches-les-Bains,France

June 13: Quiet Day at Home

2011-06-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

We spent a quiet day today. Three of the travelers left early this morning to fly home. Arvin and I slept late. I did the wash and we spent the morning walking around our chateau. After lunch Judy, Arvin and I walked along the Seine beginning at our chateau and ending at the Mairie in Tournados Sur Seine. As we turned around it began to rain and soon was pouring. We had raincoats so Arvin and I kept walking back to the chateau. Judy waited for the storm to blow over. The sun came back out and our neighborhood swan swam up for a handout of stale bread. There was a bag of it tied on our gate for just such an occasion.

Warning on our driveway: It says "Entry Forbidden. Bad Dog." The "bad dog" is Snoopy, the caretaker's dog, whose bark is worse than his bite.

Walk along the Seine below our chateau.

"Our" swan.

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Location:Rue du Beau Soleil,Andé,France

June 12: Etretat, Honfleur and Trouville

2011-06-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

We took off early this morning to drive toward the coast. Our first stop was Etretat. The weather was wet and a bit windy but we bravely walked in the town where we had some coffee and a snack. Next we took to the beach and walked in the rain.

We drove next to Honfleur. It took quite awhile to park because there was a Festival going on. It was the 150th Fete des Marins, or Fishermen's Festival. The city was fully decked out and the boats were decorated for the event. The crowds were massive. Most of the people were French. Many were families with children. We stopped at a cafe for a late lunch. Judy and I each had seafood crepes. Rick had a Salad Nicoise. Carol and Arvin had Raclette crepes. The food was good and we sat under umbrellas outside. We continued to walk around town until late in the afternoon.

Next we headed towards Deauville and stopped for a coffee. By this time we were getting quite tired. The rain was still coming down. We decided it was time to head back to the chateau. For dinner we ate the chicken we had taken with us for a picnic that never materialized due to inclement weather.

June 11: Bonnard in Giverny

2011-06-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

We went to see the Bonnard exhibit at the Musee des Impressionnismes in Giverny. We walked to the museum and took photos along the way of the town and gardens along the way. Afterwards we ate at a small garden store and cafe and bought a few gifts.

In the evening we went to McDonald's to use the Internet. We weren't able to buy food at the stations set up for credit card orders but did get food from a live person by waiting in line. We made the mistake of sitting underneath a loud speaker and so we were treated to awful rock music the whole time we were using the Internet. I was able to catch up on the "Chaikins of Bellingham" blog and my blipfoto for the day.

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June 10: Home & Rouen

2011-06-11T11:48:00.001-07:00

Photos in and around our Chateau

Caretaker's House next to our chateau

Walk in the rain along the Seine below our chateau

Rouen

Joan of Arc Church, built in 1979

Dinner at La Cascade in Le Vaudreuil

On the way home

We spent a quiet morning at the chateau. I added watercolor to the sketches I'd done at Giverny yesterday and did a couple more. I took more photos around the chateau. Then I took a walk along the Seine below the chateau. It began to rain so I walked home.

In the afternoon we went to Rouen to find a cyber cafe there. We found it but its wifi wasn't working. So I just uploaded two days on Blipfoto and then joined the others to look at the Joan of Arc Church. The outside is not very promising but the interior is amazing. They had classical music playing which added to the beauty of the experience inside.

On the way home we stopped at Le Vaudreuil and ate at a La Cascade Restaurant. The food was not special but it was okay and the people were very friendly.
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June 9: Lyon La Foret

2011-06-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

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June 8: Vernon & Monet's Garden

2011-06-11T11:45:00.001-07:00

We went to Vernon to the outdoor market. On the way we stopped at a shop where I saw a perfect present for one of the kids. Judy noticed that the sales lady had a great hairdo. Judy asked me to find out where she got the cut. The gal was happy to lead us to the shop where Judy, Rick and Carol decided to get haircuts. Here they are before the cuts:
Judy

Rick

Carol

Here are the three of them ready for the experience. Along with them is Jacqueline, a customer at the shop.

Arvin waited patiently and took photos as did I.

They all got their hair washed.

They all got stylish cuts.

The results were great. Here are Rick and Carol.

Here's Judy back at the shop showing Fabienne, the gal at the shop, the results of the cut.

We finally did get to the Farmer's Market.

Later in the day we all drove to Giverny. We had tickets to go to Monet's garden after hours at a special time for artists. I took a couple of portraits of Rick and Judy with their new haircuts before we were allowed in at six o'clock.

Monet's Garden.

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June 7: Les Andelys

2011-06-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

Erin Libby painting in the rain

The path along the Seine near our chateau

This morning it rained. We stayed near the chateau and I took photos in the rain. Then it cleared a bit and we decided to go to Andelys not too far from our villa. We spent time in town shopping and eating at a local brasserie where the locals go. We visited Notre Dame de Andelys, a large cathedral there that had been bombed during WWII.

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June 6: Chateau Pampou - Normandy

2011-06-11T11:37:00.001-07:00

Chateau Pampou

Pete in the garden

The Seine

Our room

The interior of the chateau

We picked up cars at the Charles de Gaul Airport and headed towards Normandy. Arvin and I rode with Rick and Judy. We stopped at a chain restaurant called Red Pepper for an odd meal. Arvin an andouie sausage meal that Rick and Judy both tried and hated. I tried it and was indifferent but Arvin loved it. Rick had a potato burger that he liked. Judy and I had what we thought would be a sausage and pasta dish that turned out to have sea creatures, small octopi and squid, a tiny bit of sausage in a tomato sauce over lettuce. I enjoyed the sea dudes but found the sauce bland and not hot enough. Then we went looking for the chateau. We stopped at the Marie of Tornados Sur Seine and got directions that lead us way past the target. But we finally arrived to a decrepit looking, huge white building. Inside we found an amazing faded elegance. The place is like another era captured in time. The place is full of antiques and original oil paintings. Our suite has a bed raised on a dias, a fireplace, two desks. There is plenty of room. The whole place has a musty smell from disuse. How Wade ever found this place I'll never know.

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Location:Rue du Neubourg,Gauville-la-Campagne,France

June 5: Concert at Saint Chapel

2011-06-11T11:35:00.001-07:00

We spent a quiet day today. We were very tired from our night at the Eiffel Tower and slept in until 10:20. We went to the Laundromat and found Rick, Judy and Carol there doing wash. After we were done we met Rick and Judy at the hotel for a French lunch of bread, cheese and meat. Then we all played a game of Mexican Train and rested until it was time to go to La Cite for a light meal at the American Cafe and a concert at Saint Chapel. An Italian violinist, David Braccio (?) and a string quartet played Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Pachelbel's Canon and another piece. Their tempos were fast and the playing fabulous. We stopped for a quick drink at the cafe and headed home to bed. Travel tomorrow at 10 am.

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June 4: Odilon Redon & Eiffel Tower at Night

2011-06-05T06:55:00.001-07:00

Carol and me in the Ladies at the top of the Eiffel Tower

We went to the Grande Palais to see an exhibit of Odilon Redon's etchings, drawings and paintings. Photographs were not allowed but I did sneak a shot of the stairs down from the top part of the exhibit to the lower floor. There was a bright colored lighted ceiling which leant an eerie feeling to the stairs. I loved the patterns. After we saw the exhibit we shared lunch at in the cafe at the museum. I also took a couple of photos of the Grande Palais outside on our way home.

We met Rick, Judy and Carol and had dinner together at the hotel. We picked up wonderful goodies from the local Patisserie and ate them in the hotel dining room. They've been so nice to let us use it during the day and evening. They only serve breakfast there. We played a game of dominos and then headed out by taxi to the Eiffel Tower.

What an amazing night we had. We were able to get in and to the top. Just so happened that a thunder storm came up while we were there and we were treated to amazing flashing lightning and booming thunder to accompany the search lights from the tower. Then it rained and the lights appeared to be full of flying bugs as the drops rushed down. We got a bit wet but did not mind one bit.

We took taxis home and did not get to bed until 1:30 am. A great exhausting day.

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June 3: Pere-Lachaise & La Cite

2011-06-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

Restorer at work

Carol, Judy and Arvin

Arts & Crafts Metro Station

Notre Dame

My "iced coffee"

Rick

Judy

Strange flotsam in the Seine

Along the Seine near Pont Neuf

Place Saint Michel

Five of us, Rick, Judy, Carol, Arvin and I, decided to skip museums today and take a more leisurely pace. We took a taxi to Pere-Lachaise Cemetery. We were there to walk and look around, not to seek out the rich and famous. It is very large and has old and recent graves. We walked for a couple of hours and then meandered down the road to a Metro stop. On the way we stopped for a light lunch in an outdoor cafe.

From there we took the Metro to Notre Dame. Our intention was to go inside but there was a huge line. This is a holiday weekend and there are hoards of people everywhere. We stopped near Saint Chapelle for a coffee and some shade and a quiet sit. My coffee arrived and instead of iced coffee it was Irish coffee. So what could I do? I drank it and it was delicious.

Next we took a walk along the Isle de la Cite to the Pont Neuf where we crossed and walked back up by the book sellers. Some were open but many were not due to the holiday. Then we stopped at the fountain in Saint Michel Square and had some ice cream.

Finally we took the Metro home again for a brief rest. We finished the day with dinner at our local bistro called Pepperoni.

Life is good.

- Photos taken with my Panasonic GH1
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Location:Rue Gustave Flaubert,Paris,France

June 2: The Louvre and The Orangery

2011-06-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

Today we went to the Louvre and the Orangery. Eleven of us went and there was a bit of a "herding cats" quality to the beginning of the day. We did eventually get our Museum Passes and entered into the Louvre. It was my fourth visit, Arvin's second. Wade lead us around to some of the main sights. This is looking across the hall to the Winged Victory. Hard to describe the feeling I get when looking at an original Botticelli or Leonardo da Vinci. There is something magical about the Louvre, also something very confusing and loud. ;-) We spent several hours there ending in a good lunch at one of the cafes.

We walked through the Tuillaries towards the Orangerie. Today is a French holiday so there were crowds of people in the park. Also it was a warm and lovely day.

When we got to the Orangery we went first to the two oval shaped rooms with large paintings of the gardens at Giverny by Monet. Each time I see them I feel a combination of awe and peacefulness. Even with the crowds it was an inspiring experience.

After our visit some folks took a taxi home, Arvin among them. And some, including me, took the Metro. We ended up at a local bar and bistro for a lovely evening of good food and conversation.

Eventually all the walking and fresh air caught up with us and it was time for bed.

At the Orangery

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Location:Rue Gustave Flaubert,Paris,France

June 1: Montmartre

2011-06-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to Montmartre to see Sacre Coeur and walk around the neighborhood. Christine joined us. We took the Metro and then the Telepherique up the hill to the church. There were many tourists there and some locals performing. Two men were standing atop some cement pillars at the entrance of the stairs up to the church. They were all in white and were imitating statues. They did a good job. There was also a man playing the harp. First time I've seen that instrument in a street setting.

We went into Sacre Coeur. There was a mass in progress so we listened quietly as we circumnavigated the outer area. The priest sang parts of the mass and his voice was lovely. The accompanying singers were nuns and priests. There was not a choir present.

We slipped out and located a pink cafe called "La Maison Rose" where we had espresso and a lovely cheese and bread plate.

On the way back we did a bit of shopping at a ceramics store which had interesting and unique items for sale. Outside they had a display of their work.

More wandering and then we took the metro back home. The rest of our group had arrived but were out on their first exploration of Paris. So we ate our bread, meat and cheese that we had purchased at the little local store for lunch. Now Arvin is taking a nap and I'm goofing on my iPad. We are really enjoying our visit to Paris.

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Location:Rue Gustave Flaubert,Paris,France

May 31: Wash Day & Musee Marmottan Monet

2011-05-31T11:25:00.001-07:00

This morning we did the wash. We went to the local Laundromat and figured out how to pay in the central area with the help of the attendant. We started our small load and then took a walk around our neighborhood. When we got back we met a young man who asked if we spoke English. We did of course, and told him all about how to do the wash.

This afternoon we went with Wade, his cousin Pete and Christine to the Musee Marmottan Monet. What an amazing collection they have of Monet's late work and other paintings from his collection. I had my Berthe Morrisot consciousness raised. Her work is amazing and she was a beautiful woman.

In the basement they had an exhibit of the work of Jean and Raoul Dufy. These two brothers painted the same subjects with very distinct styles. I love the work and there was a lot of it. Another new appreciation on my part.

Afterwards we went with Kristine for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Then we walked along the Avenue Mozart looking at stores. We stopped to buy cheese and chocolate. We window shopped at many other stores along the way.

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May 30 Afternoon: Eiffel Tower

2011-05-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

After a quiet rest at the hotel we took off again for the Eiffel Tower. We arrived in the early evening and waited in line to take the elevator up. Then more lines to go to the top. It was a great sight with Paris all around us.

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Location:Rue Gustave Flaubert,Paris,France

May 30 Morning: Marche des Puces

2011-05-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

Today we woke late and just made it to breakfast at our hotel. We walked to the Metro to travel to Porte de Clignancourt where there is a flea market on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. It is a huge market and we couldn't have seen it all in a week. But we did manage to find one of the two writing instrument dealers and to purchase two lovely old pens from her. After several hours of walking we got very tired and decided it was time to head home. We stopped at a kosher deli for lunch on the way home.

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Location:Rue Gustave Flaubert,Paris,France

May 29: From Friesland to Paris

2011-05-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

We took off early for the airport in the camper. It took about two hours to get there. We hugged Ian and Jerien goodbye. We really enjoyed our stay with them. It is so great that Ian will be coming again next year. Still we were sad to be saying goodbye.

Our flight was easy and nobody even bothered to weigh our bags. As usual there was quite a bit of schlepping of bags but we used carts whenever we could. We decided to spring for a taxi to get to our hotel in Paris. The driver dropped us at the wrong hotel but it was close to ours so all was well.

We settled in and unpacked. Then I heard Wade's voice and went out to meet him. After he got Tonie settled he took us out for a beer. Then he walked us to the metro and went with us to La Cite. We walked to Place Dauphine, a quiet park where we found a nice restaurant. Wade took off and we ordered dinner and began talking with an Aussi couple at the next table. I had an unusual salad with chicken gizzards, duck that looked like bacon and pate. It was actually quite delicious. Arvin had lamb chops. He had to send them back because they were too rare. But then they were perfect. We also met a bright young Russian gal who spoke perfect English and who was about begin her thesis for a Phd at U Mass in Bio-Engineering. She had been to Bellingham to visit a friend who moved there.

After dinner we walked around a bit near the Pont Neuf and then headed back to our hotel via Metro. We got to bed a bit after midnight. We were very tired but happy to be settled in Paris.

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May 28: Home and Leeuwarden

2011-05-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at home relaxing. We continued the game of Mexican Train that we had started the night before with Ian and Jerien. At the end Arvin and I tied as winners. We packed a lunch and headed to Leeuwarden to go to a crafts show held in the old prison. Each vendor had a cell from which they sold their crafts. We had a lovely talk with a young woman who has a buisiness taking old US T Shirts and remaking them into recycled clothing. Quite fun. I took a photo of the yellow stairs between the two floors of vendors.

On the way out we stopped at an exhibit of photographs by four Friesland photographers who specialize in the inland sea. Wonderful work. Then we visited the prison museum where we met Stefan Kraan who had been imprisoned there in the 1970s for refusing to join the army. He was quite famous for this at the time and there was an exhibit about his protest.

Next we went to an open house of the Provincial Government Building. They have restored the wonderful old hall where the representatives meet. Built around it and another old building is a new building. We walked all over inside of it. It is huge. The last picture here is what we saw of the parts that were not complete yet. We had a long talk with one of the builders. The new building will be heated completely by heat brought up from the earth beneath, compressed to increase the temperature and piped through all the floors. Very green and an interesting way to reuse energy. We walked back to the camper in pouring rain. It was a wet end to a great day.

May 27: Sneek

2011-05-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

After a quiet rainy morning at home we took a train to Sneek. We have been on the ring road around this city many times but not to the city itself. The name is fun. It looks like "sneek" but sounds like "snake." We've been having fun with wordplay around this name.

We walked past the gate and around town, dodging raindrops as we went. Then we stopped at a tavern for a bite to eat. We continued on through a square where I saw the fellow with the elegant dog. Then on back to the train station.

We had a lovely dinner together at Ian and Jerien's house. After dinner we took a walk along the local river and watched a beautiful sunset.