We had planned a little boat ride on Saturday but that didn't work out.  The day was good anyway.  We visited a bunch of houses in the Parade of Homes.  (Jim & Shar left David and Nevenda their tickets to use while they were out of town.)  Get this:  Of all the houses we looked at, there was not one that both David & Nevenda liked together.  He liked one for this reason, but she didn't, then vice versa.  So typical male/female it was cute.  Then yesterday, when they were leaving, they stopped at the neighbors, who are selling to move in the Spring, and got shown their house.  They both loved it.  Further on that note:  David also checked two places for job possibilities.  One was interested in him and took information but had no openings at the current time, the other had two openings.  Here are a couple pictures of their visit here, then some fun pictures from another vacation they took for your enjoyment.

David & Nevenda bring stuffed animals for grandkids, living room tables for Dunbars, decorative pillows for me.

David enjoying the ride (he drove all the way here)

Lunch @ Anthonys Saturday afternoon

David & Nevenda say Good Bye to Us 

PS + other highlights:  The Hunters were leaving yesterday afternoon and driving straight through.  That's about a 13-14 hour drive.  David helped me in the kitchen.  We watched Brad Stine.  They bought some chairs to take home.  Jeff and Connie came down from Spokane!   We visited the kids at their houses and they came here for a meal.  Sharalee made blonde brownies.  Ruth & Jim came over too!   We all went to church yesterday morning.  It was good.  Tom & I were tired, but a good tired.  hmmmm

David & Nevenda visit Wax Museum

Nevenda always dresses with style

Nevenda with The Beatles

Nevenda with (I think) Tom Jones.  Does anybody know for sure? 

David with Marilyn

     Thanks Lord for friends, old time friends too!  Thank You, Lord, for the way we can see how you have worked in our friends lives.  Without You intervening in their lives, they would not be together for these 30+ years.  Without You, we would not have been successfully together for all these years either..... and so many other of our friends too.  THANK YOU Lord! 

Speaking of Houses

   Here is an old house.  This picture was taken 100 years ago.  This house still stands and is occupied by it's current owners in Auburn, CA.  This house was originally bought with 300 gold pieces by Uncle Tom's great grandpa.  You can see PJ as a little boy.  PJ was Uncle Tom's grandfather.  This is PJ's handwriting.  PJ has been gone for 30 years. 

   Our company arrived just fine.  Very tired from the drive.  The kids all had their first Dave Ramsey class.  Tom is helping out.  I am babysitting the Dunbar babies.  I thought you might enjoy some looking backwards and history today.  May you all have a relaxing weekend.  Love and Keep writing........

Houses:  This one is only 2100 sq ft but it felt really roomy.  Then the Pillow Fight

Kitchen from two angles

Dining and Entry

Planning Desk Area from both directions

A cold front moved in yesterday bringing clouds so this was our evening sky.  Suns back this AM! 

We girls were separated in the car.  She in the back and me in the front.  I don't know why!   Shar gathered up my three car pillows and starting pelting me with them hard and fast.  So I pelted back while taking pictures.  What talent!   

Pillow fight ends by me confiscating all pillows while taking pictures!    Isn't she spark-lee?  PS  Not one guy told us to "grow up" this time at least not that we heard.    Company from CA today...and I gotta get to work!  Jeff & Connie are also coming this weekend! 

This is a Tuscany house:  It is all ICF construction.  A vineyard is planned for the side yard. 

Out Front

Dining Room & Stairs

Stairs and Bath Entry

Rock Shower

Copper Tub and Copper Tub filling with water. 

Balcony out window and balcony out door.  Pictures just don't do this house justice. 

  I wish I had gotten a picture of the Kitchen and Great Room for you to see.  The rooms aren't big, just very well done.  There is even a secret door in the master closet that opens into the laundry room.  It looks like a plain shelf.  WOW!  That was a fun house to see. 

Hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures that I did get.   

Remember this BEFORE picture?  Next you see the same deck AFTER it is finished!

Again on the left the "before" shot.  Unfortunately, you are unable to see in this far away shot, that the arches are all block covered.  It looks very cool!!!  But if you look below you will see how the same effect looks done on the inside. 

Remember this is the house Curtis framed the whole thing.  It is only 6000 sq ft.    

It's Tuesday and Connie just left for the PostOffice.  She is training a 21 y/o gal who just met the Lord recently and is really excited about knowing Him.  We prayed for her and it was good.  Ok... here are some more pictures of another Birthday Party... Steve's:

Steve opening things. 

Miscellaneous Shots of Attendees. (L to R) Ruth, Linda w/ baby Annie & Dennis .  Next Linda, Sharalee...Joel.

Sharalee on Curtis' lap with Isaiah standing by. 

   It's is off to work for me this morning........... thanks for writing all!!!!!!!  

   Below, is a video of Joseph's Candles and him blowing them out.  Sharalee accidentally put those re-lighting candles on his train cake. 

Five girls eating cake  (L to R)  Hannah, Ellie, Lucy, Claire, Nina

Brothers, Greg & Thad, on the left and their wives, "The Jennifers", on the right. 

Joseph's cake and one of the gifts with Joseph inside.

Miscellaneous children playing in the bonus room after the party.

  I took some pictures.  The party was a success.  Since I am short on time I will show you one of the cards he got from Ruthie.  Everyone got quite a kick out of it.

   Perhaps tomorrow I can add some pictures I took. 

Friday -

   My plate is very full today.  Lots to get done.  I would love to write and tell so many things but that will have to wait.  May you all have the perfect weekend.  So may all your weakends be made strongends!  In HIS Name I pray.... Amen  

It's "off to work" for me today, but first: 

  Did you notice the new "blogee",  FooFrater?  Yes, it is little Hannah, who obviously isn't so "little" anymore.  She left a comment on my last blog and it really was a surprise.  At right is a recent picture of Hannah, Jack, & Dru.