Took the wife on a much needed vacation to the very green state of Washington. Thanks to good friends and good drinks we had a fantastic time. Saw a lot of the state, at least the western side. Stayed at a condo in Copalis Beach, I would highly recommend this for the cure to all your work induced blues. Everyone we talked to, everywhere we went, we were blown away with the friendliness of the people. Texans are supposed to be friendly, but I can tell you, we have some serious competition way up Northwest. It was cloudy so you cant see Mt. Rainier in the background of this pic.

If you are ever in Washington, I suggest you befriend these people if you can. They made us feel more welcome than most of our own families. They went so far out of their way for us it was incredible. This pic is in front of a glacier visible from Hurricane Ridge. The views were spectacular. You might notice the two from the heated plains of Texas were not quite used to the cold temps there. We wore jackets most of the time.

This was a first for both of us. Beach combing. We got up at 5:30 and stumbled down to the beach to see what the Pacific might throw away. Found lots of kelp, crab legs, and sand dollars. Our host had told us of the treasures that wash up from the fishing vessels, but only serious beachcombers get up early enough to find that stuff. We still had a ball, and picked up some "cheap" souvenirs. You may have heard that I tend to be on the frugal side. OK, guilty.

Here are a few pics from the Seattle trip. The very first Starbucks, way too many people, and a zillion vendors. We did enjoy the flowers and the fruit. Mmmm, cherries!

Two post in one day, that ought to get Travis off my ...

This is my favorite pic of our ski trip. That smile made the whole trip worthwhile.

My friend Travis gets on me often for not posting anything. Seems he has more talent, and more time to do this than I. So I am making an effort tonight. I dont have the verbal skills that Travis has, but I make up for it with looks. So, Travis, here is a new post from your lazy, at least computer lazy friend Steve.

Eryn and I started the New Year out in New Mexico. Skiied, or rather bladed at Angel Fire. Had a fantastic time. Bladed our butts off. I have to cheat now to keep up with Eryn, but I dont mind.

This is a good pic of our golfer girl. Tournament play in Dumas, land of the Ding Dong Daddy and 30 mph winds. She did good that day, but was worn out from all the wind. At the next tournament, the one we did not get to go to, she had her best round of golf so far. Hmm...

Halloween is just a few days away, and well, me and the missus decked out for a party Saturday night at some friends in town. We had a good time, sang a little, drank a little, enjoyed ourselves. We got a few good stares as we drove over there. Good thing no police saw us, I dont think I could have talked my way out a ticket for a lousy "Dog" impersonation. No problem though, my "Beth" would have bailed me out. I think we have our Christmas card though...

Looked out my front door one day and I saw something you just dont see many places. These cowboys were moving a small herd from one place to another just like they have for a hundred years around here, on horseback. A neat reminder of our history. A lot of steaks and burgers headed for our plates!

Here is a pic of some of the peaches that we raised this year. We raised these trees from seeds that Grandpa Billiter sent us from Ohio. My wife was so exicted when they started producing peaches! Me too, peach pie, peach jelly, peach...! I will post some more about all her cooking and baking the week I became a "Tri State Fair" widower! She did good, won several things.