To blog or not to blog....

This is just a reminder to all of my "peeps" that blogs are 1) to be updated frequently 2) to be commented on , and 3) an important way that some of us (me) like to feel part of the lives of those who are at the far ends of the earth (and that includes Logan!) Just a reminder:)

Saving Lives

Devin & Lindsey on her 1st ski trip!

Carl & I have been so interested in Devin's research at NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health....did I get that right, Devin?) the past few years. His research involves finding out how many commercial fishermen use personal floatation devices (PDFs) and asking them to try out different types of them to see which ones they would be most likely to wear. We think that this is a worthwhile project that will save lives eventually and we are so proud of Devin for developing the survey and doing the followup research. It also has taken him to some interesting places--Washington and California along the Pacific coastline, Maine and along the eastern coastline, Dutch Harbor, Homer, and Seward in Alaska, and in May to Iceland for a conference. We were excited to see his name in a couple of newspaper articles in preparation for his current trip to Homer & Seward and thought we would share it for those who are interested in learning more about his project (just click on "newspaper articles" and it should take you to one of them). Way to go, Devin!

Hakuna Matata!

My sister, Linda, (lucky girl!) had an opportunity to go see "Lion King," the musical, in Seattle last weekend. She made it sound so exciting that I went online to look at some of the costumes and thought I would share them with you, in case any of you ever have an opportunity to go see it, too. Take a look at some of these wonderful, creative costumes!

If you can see it below, Linda said that they walked on their own legs and carried the body of the animal on their heads. It looks complicated, but pretty amazing!

This photo shows how they use the puppets on stage.

Well, I for one, wish that I had an opportunity to go see it live! Linda goes to quite a few musicals and plays that come to Seattle with their "Fifth Avenue" series they have each year. She also lives not too far from the beautiful Mt. Raineer rain forest and only a few hours from the beach. If it weren't for all of the people, I think I would want to go live there myself. At the least, Linda, we need to go visit you and see your beautiful new home! I'm sure she would welcome visitors this summer....if there are any takers, right, Linda?

A Great Visit!

My mom left this morning after a week long visit. What a wonderful time we had this week, just chatting and doing not much of anything too exciting, except enjoy each other's company! We spent some time on the computer, getting Mom used to getting into her email and writing on her new blog (go check it out at asherhartley.blogspot.com). Linda, my sister, and her friend, John, put together a really nice new computer for her to use and set her up on highspeed internet services. That was such a fantastic thing for her to do, as now my mom can be part of the internet users, quite a feat for an 84-year old woman, right Mom? She was telling me that when she was working at the Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla, they got their first computer. It filled an entire wall, it was so big. She caught onto it so quickly, that, in time, she traveled around training others how to use it! Wow, Mom, I am impressed! It is a bit different now, I am sure, but you can do it!

We had a "girl's day" with Michele & Olivia joining us shopping almost all day on Friday! And then we all had fun on that night when the guys joined us for Carl's delicious barbequed ribs for dinner and a game of Back Alley. It was a great visit. Thanks for coming down, Mom!

North to Alaska

What a great opportunity Carl had to go to Alaska for the blessing of the twins! What a special day it was, as you can see by the pictures. He and Jenny found time to get in a bit of skiing, as you can guess they would! Precious moments!