Opening Ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Andrea Bocelli - the aria, Nessun Dorma from from Puccini's opera, Turandot. I tried to find a video of his performance that could be shared, but I finally gave up. Here's one from 2024.
Jon and I are getting ready for the Super Bowl and cheering for our Seahawks. Our foodie plans are Baby-back ribs and baked potatoes.
There should be snow out there covering our lawn, but not this year. It's as green as could be for Feb. 8th. I am worried that our apple tree and blueberries will start to bud out and it's too early. There's not much one can do if the trees do bud out early. It's all up to Mother Nature.
Who knows what is going to happen. There's not a lot of snow up there in the mountains.
Buffalo Springfield was a Canadian/American band. Their song, For What It's Worth, was a hit in January of 1970.
Just because - January 15, 2010.
We were able to hike to Green's Falls that year wearing snowshoes and then our yak-tracs, as there was very little snow. When I say "we', I mean Neil and Ann Wimberley and Jon and I. Neil took most of these photos and they're great!
I am guessing that you could do the same this year and might not need the snowshoes.
I have several other photos taken over the years, of people either standing or sitting in front of this tree but the majority of them were taken in the spring or summer. The trail drops down into the bottom of the falls here. It's a steep drop.
It was a once in a lifetime hike.
Who knew that 46 years later these songs still applied.
I'm finally getting around to posting photos of our Christmas 2025. We had a lot of fun and due to our very light snowfall and warmer than normal temps, the drive for everyone was mostly uneventful. That always makes me happy - not needing to worry about slick roads.
Collin and Abby were missed since Abby's work schedule was a conflict. There's so many of us and it keeps getting more difficult to make things work with everyone's schedules.
We ate a lot of good food, exchanged gifts and played a lot of games. Dylan entertained us playing my guitar and he also tried Jason's new ukulele, very quickly learning to play Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Here's the reveiw:
The White Elephant gifts lined up for the exchange. The rules are: numbers are drawn and you are allowed to steal a gift or take one that hasn't been opened.
Jason with his new ukulele.
Ben dressed up with his bomber jacket.
This item was on Dylan's wish list. Pyrex no longer makes them.
Melissa with a handmade necklace/scarf. Very unique.
Jon with his new work of art called, Egg Thief.
I tried to get a photo of the intricate work in this piece of art. It took multiple shots.
Edgar, the goose, returns. One should never choose the largest box in the white elephant exchange...
Lady gets very special loves and hugs.
Melissa won the prestigious Cougar Creek Peace Prize this year. Congratulations!
Neil joined us for some poker. It was a lot of fun. "The gambler he broke even... You've got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em.." .
The blue angel at 53. She looks good.
A ceremony was held and everyone received the prestigious Hope Peace Medal for 2025.
Edgar on his way home to Missoula. Whew! He's not staying here.
January 3rd, 2026 and there's not very much snow on the mountains.
The snow exception would be the Mission Mountains.
Lady says, "Have they left yet?"
In reality though, Lady absolutely loved getting all the attention from everyone. She was pretty worn out after a couple of days because she had to keep track of everyone. It's a lot of people to herd and make sure they're in the right place. After they had all left she took a three-hour nap.
Enjoy The Gambler, by Kenny Rogers and Happy New Year 2026!
As we look back on 2025 and other years, If I Were A Rich Man! Boi, boi, boi! If I were a wealthy man! Jon and I have so many good memories of our New Year's Eve celebrations. This year we have already discussed whether we can make it until midnight. We shall see...
If you would like to begin your New Year with something uplifting, I suggest watching the movie, "Yesterday". Be sure to watch it to the end. Worth it. Happy New Year!
