Maiden Voyage

We love to camp.  Over the years we've enjoyed camping in several states for many occasions.  We started out in a two-man hiking tent and self-inflating air mattresses. Our tents grew to accommodate the growth in our family.  I still shake my head in wonder when I see one our of 'family of five' tents - how did we all fit? 

Since our move to Idaho and our annual treks to the Washington coast our tent expanded to fit 8-10 people.  If you are familiar with tents this means realistically you can probably sleep 5-6 and be comfortable with a few duffle bags inside.   

After Mike's back surgery in 2010 we treated ourselves to a sweet queen size aerobed inside our 8 person tent.  The kids called it the Hilton - and we were quite comfortable. 

Our empty nest status has changed a few things for us but we still enjoy camping.  I admitted to Mike this year I really wouldn't be opposed to camping in a trailer.  After all it could open up more opportunities for us to enjoy weekends away from home without need of a hotel room, dog sitter or family and friends to impose on. 

Our middle kid family looked at trailers at a few RV Shows.  In October we happened by one near home and had nothing on our agenda so we stopped.  Naturally we had some fun going through the large Class A RV's complete with fireplaces, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ceiling fans and a ridiculous amount of space.  I don't think we are the sort of people to ever sell our home and live in such a monster.  Unless Mike sells his belongings so there is room for mine.  hehe. 

We've seen plenty of different types of trailers when we camp on the coast and was intrigued by a few of the tear-drop shapes - R Pods, etc.  

While they are cute, they are just not practical for this 6' plus family. 

Bathroom/Shower accommodations - come on in!

We spent the weekend researching different trailer manufacturers online and decided to stop by a couple trailer dealerships in our area in the following weeks. We even had a couple of folks respond to email inquiries and set up an appointment to stop by Camping World. 

Our sales person was leaving work to go home sick when we arrived so we were put in the capable hands of 'Todd'. We had a specific list of things we were looking for in a trailer - IF we were to make a purchase.  

We spent a couple of hours going through trailers which Todd felt met our expectations.  He was very thorough.  I had to be honest, when he pointed out features like stereos, TV/DVDs, A/C and microwaves, I am a very comfortable tent camper and that all sounded so excessive to me. 

After some anxiety about the length and bunks we found a trailer that had everything we wanted - big enough for adding family or friends and small enough for just the two of us.  And...  we bought it!

Grey Wolf

We already had plans to go to Sisters, OR for the weekend to join a photography group looking for Fall colors.  Since we had our own place to stay now we cancelled hotel reservations and threw in enough supplies for a quick overnight maiden voyage. 

Heading out for our Maiden Voyage

The weather was beautiful for the start of our trek to Central Oregon.  Though I'm not a big fan of the middle section between Boise and Sisters/Bend.  But once you arrive and have that stunning view of the Three Sisters Mountains it's lovely.

We stepped outside our normal camp ground comfort zone and stayed at the Sisters/Bend RV Park.  It was very nice, clean, updated and didn't at all feel like the stereo-type I have in my head for RV Parks.  

Mike worked on hooking up the trailer to city water and electricity and hooked up the sewer, leaving me to open the slide and drop down the stabilizers and supports.  I was prepared for the task at hand...  with this little gem!  

It's a tough job but someone has to push the buttons. 

Our new travel trailer. 

I think it needs a name... 

   

We had some difficulty with the trailer hitch - a fancy electronic beast that makes the hooking and unhooking effortless...  unless it doesn't want to unhook.  (Read - Operator Error)  Rather than beat ourselves (or the hitch) up over it we opted to stay attached and remain on the park grounds. Honestly the Fall colors weren't much to look at yet anyway so we took advantage of the opportunity and actually READ our manuals.  It's amazing what you can learn... 

We took a break from the instructions and walked Ruger around the grounds.  It was next to the Rodeo park.  Lots of walking paths to explore as well. 

Enjoying our evening stroll. 

Dinner - wine, cheese, bread and sausage.  

We bought the trailer at the end of the season because of the clearance sales.  The timing may not have been perfect.  One night in the park and then back in town to winterize and store for the season.  We are making a list for next year and looking forward to our new adventures. 

Chili Rellenos

Years ago (like just out of high school and early in my Navy years) instead of living in the Navy Barracks on base, I lived with Mike and Linda Palomino, helping to take care of their two young sons when I wasn't working.  

I was young.  Being with a family in a real home was ideal for me.  AND I learned to cook some delicious Mexican food taking full advantage of Mike's Hispanic family roots.  

This year our garden contained some amazing green Ortega chilis.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to dig out some old skills and create a few chili rellenos for dinner. 

I started by cutting off the stem end, slicing up the middle and clearing out the vein and seeds.  Ideally the peppers should be slow roasted over the grill and peel off the cracking skin.

I slice chunks of Monterey Jack cheese big enough to insert in each chili pepper. 

The cheese filled peppers are then dredged in a small amount of flour.  

Separate egg yokes and egg whites into two separate bowls. 

We were making four chili rellenos and I used four eggs.  

Whisk the yokes into a creamy yellow texture.  

Beat the egg whites into a meringue like texture - nice and thick. 

Fold the yokes into the egg white mixture gently so not to break up the egg whites. 

Dip the flour covered chili pepper into the egg white mixture and drop into a pan of hot oil. 

It will be fluffy and brown.  

Keep an eye on it and carefully flip the chili relleno over to cook the second side. 

If the egg white mixture is thick it may be necessary to gently 'splash' some hot oil up on the edges to help brown. 

Lift the chili relleno out of the oil with a slotted spoon or spatula and dry on a paper towel. 

Trust me - the final product is well worth the effort.  

Plus the more you do it the easier it gets. 

Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall

The Vietnam Memorial has a traveling version which visited our area recently.  

I had the pleasure of seeing the original monument in September. 

Mike had a strong desire to see the wall and find the name of fellow pilot Philip Clark, who went missing during a flight on Christmas Eve in 1972. 

Philip Clark went on the cruise even though his wife passed away the previous year during Christmas. He felt it was his duty.

Mike participated in the search and rescue mission flying over Vietnam.

The remains were not recovered nor returned to his loved ones until November 3,1989. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery just down the slope from the Unknowns.

Phillip left behind two children.  They were raised by his parents.  His son followed his foot steps joining the Navy and earning his wings.  He too was killed in line of duty during a training accident. His daughter is married and living in Southern California.  

She found Mike and made contact after he posted about Philip Clark's death on a forum wall. We hear from her often and look forward to meeting her when she travels to visit her Grandparents/Mom and Dad in Northern Idaho.

Change

I am a month into change.  Not THAT change.  A job change.  Or more important - a life change. A big change.  

It's no secret I've been frustrated with my job sharing situation.  I tried to make it work. I kept hoping for the "share" part to come into place.  Despite being told to be careful when I left my old job, I was certain things would be better.  I admit it - I was wrong.  You were right.  Leopard.  Spots.  No changes.  

For some, being the center of importance is a big deal.  For me it's important to do a good job.  I love the people I worked with and really wanted to stay within the department.  I loved being able to help the staff with their projects, answering questions when they needed help, etc.  I ended up learning new tasks to help wherever I was needed.  

As it turns out this is exactly what opened a new door for me - but I digress. 

I started looking around at job openings.  Similar jobs are now being filled with college degree applicants.  It seems a Bachelors degree is the new norm.  

After a great deal of soul searching and long talks with my hubby, I decided to go back to school and finish my Spanish language degree.  

Once I had the 'what' I needed a 'where.  Locally there are several options.  Northwest Nazarene University has a great program and I liked what I saw when looking around - until I saw the cost - over $13K a semester.  I was so disheartened.  My hubby told me we'd manage if this was where I wanted to go.  Instead I looked into one of the other "local" schools.  Same program.  Closer to home.  And about $10K less a semester.  Honestly it was a no-brainer.  I enrolled and was accepted.  Say hello to this family's Boise State University student.  Yep. This Vandal Mom is going to BSU. At least my favorite 7 year old is happy to have a Bronco Gramma.  :-)  Who know's maybe I'll use my student ID to buy football tickets to take him to a game? 

I'm not going to start class until January.  My sister and I planned a sibling trip for September, traveling to Washington DC to visit our little brother (lucky him).  I really wanted to see this through - so opted to postpone classes until spring semester.  This also gives me an opportunity to get my 'ducks' in a row.  

At this point transcripts have been received and I will sit down with an adviser in September to discuss my veteran status, my credits and which classes I will need. 

Part of that preparation was finding a job which would allow me to continue working AND go to school.  A manager in our department told me there was going to be a part-time position open that I should look into.  It's completely different from anything I've ever done - but applies some of tasks I've learned when helping out in the department. 

I interviewed and was offered the job the day we left for the coast.   What a relief to go on vacation knowing all of my plans were now in a good place. 

When I returned I started right into my new Inventory Auditor position.  I work 6-10 am Monday-Friday.  Yes A.M.  The most difficulty transition has been remembering to go to bed earlier for my 4:30 am wake up.   

I love my new schedule.  I love my job.  It's SOOOO different.  I'm responsible for unpacking pallets of freight, restocking the OR inventory and ordering new supplies.  I also help with the billing for surgical equipment and implants brought in by vendors.  ...And with these hours I hope for minimal interruption in my work schedule when I start classes.  I feel like everything has fallen into place - confirming my decision to make such a big life change.  

A Family Reunion

It's no secret we are a proud, blended family.  That's what happens when you marry a man with a past.  It doesn't always make for smooth sailing and our family is no different.  We've had our shares of ups and downs over the past thirty plus years.  

Despite differences, we've been fortunate to have many opportunities to share time together - and create a few joined memories along the way.  We've always managed to conquer what gets in our way - even when it is our selves. 

Mike's oldest son Rex was just a couple years younger than me.  He and his wife Debbie have always been very dear friends.  Always welcoming and open arms.  We were thrilled when they had an opportunity to vacation in San Diego.  

1984

When we were preparing for a move to Caracas, Venezuela my dear in-laws created Christmas in October for our visit.  They decorated the house (as did neighbors) and put up the tree.  We had our big Christmas meal and exchanged gifts.  This was the first long visit Mike had with three of his older children after they moved from California with their Mom in 1982.

1986

When we were living in Venezuela, Michael and Renee graduated from their Christian College in Dallas, TX and were heading to Jamaica for mission work.  For their graduation gift, we helped them with tickets to Jamaica by way of Venezuela, for a visit with our young family.

1987

Renee returned to Venezuela the following year with her fiance Jerry.  We were honored to help them with their wedding plans. 

1988

We even were fortunate to be able to travel to Jamaica to be a part of their wedding.  

1988

When we lived in Puerto Rico,  Renee and husband Jerry came to visit for Christmas.  They already had their oldest adopted son Mandela. 

1989

We were blessed to meet our new grandson Caleb after he was born in Dallas, TX. 

1995

Tonya, Danny and Caleb visited us in Wisconsin just before Thanksgiving.  It was their first visit to see us.  

1996

We made another cross country trip to the Washington Coast.  We drove through Colorado to pick up Danny and Tonya who joined us at Kalaloch as did Michael.  We gathered to scatter the cremains of my in-laws at their favorite place on earth.  

1997

Renee and Jerry often returned to Wisconsin and spent time with us.  Jerry is also from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - close to where we lived.  They came for church visits every Fall.  Tonya was able to meet Renee several times as well.  

1997

Thank goodness the girls traveled.  Tonya came in 1999 to put her nursing skills to work after Mike's first back surgery.  I'm not shy about admitting my weakness for these type of issues.  Erin was right in their with Tonya helping with wounds.  Renee and I shopped.  hehe. 

1999

Years later the group grew considerable and we were able to get our Jamaican family to come to Wisconsin for Christmas.  It was their first opportunity to play in snow and they took full advantage.  Jerry and Renee joined us with Mandela, Alexander, Ricardo, Jourdan and Kalen.  

2000

For our move from Wisconsin to Idaho, Mike was already living in Boise.  I was moving two vehicles, three teens, and two dogs cross country.  What's a girl to do?  Invite siblings for a Shaw version of the Griswald Family Vacation.  Renee with Kalen and Jourdan joined us at the start.  Along the way second daughter Tonya flew in with Caleb and Mikayla, rented a car, picked up Jerry after a church fundraiser, and joined in the caravan.  We used walkie-talkies to communicate; used blank car windows to share window-chalk messages with our fellow Interstate travelers.  We stopped along the way for every 'big ball of twine (and a few better known places) en route to Boise.

2001

2001

In Boise we met Mike, and were joined by his second oldest son Michael, who was now living in Montana.  This is one of the first times we had six of Mike's seven children together for a photo.  We have many group family photos of different combinations of kids, but never one with all seven together.   Mike's oldest son Rex passed away in January, 2008.  Proof you need to live every day to the most and let go of unimportant things that get in the way of happiness. 

2001

While in the US Coast Guard, Michael met Sharon.  We all gathered again in Dallas, TX on December 31st for their wedding.

2002

Sometimes blended families have a break down in communication.  We missed out on several years together as a group.  It happens.  Fingers get pointed.  Heated words get exchanged, doors close and fractions of the family remain.  We were no different.  We are just grateful for the relationships which remained. 

In Spring Break of 2009 Renee and Tonya, her husband Danny and Jourdan, Kalen, Caleb and Mikayla came to Boise to try our hot springs and snow-covered slopes for a change of pace from Texas and Jamaica.  

2009

2009

In 2011, Tonya and Danny joined us for a Christmas holiday. 

2011

Life has a way of taking on the 'rolling stone' effect.  Weeks, then months slip by.  Suddenly it's been a year or more and you haven't' seen one another for reasons of health or schedules or just day to day living.  

Communication doesn't happen as easily nor as frequently as you hope.  We aren't a normal family. Or maybe we are.  Who's to say? 

When your heart tells you to reach out or you have a desire to BE part of the family it's important to step outside of your comfort zone and follow your heart.   Last year the lines of communication once closed, were opened.  Baby steps.  What's most important is knowing you have family to turn to when you have a need...  knowing they've always been there for you...  waiting for you. 

This August fate brought Michael to Boise, and brought Mike home from his summer in the Fire Tower at the same time.  You have to feel in your heart this reunion, after 8 years, was meant to be. 

It was a very special first.  The first time brother met his nephews as well as sister-in-laws and brother-in-law.   After his introduction Mr. T whispered "Uncle Mikie looks like Papa" and was very interested in seeing his badge. 

Mike with four of his children.  

Michael and Mike

Family isn't always perfect.  It's not defined by the white picket fence, 2.2 children, and a stay-at-home mom.  Sometimes it's a blended family struggling to see where the puzzle pieces fit.

I still have this desire to one day see Mike with all of his living children together.  I accept I have no control over others lives.  I can't force things to occur until everyone feels the same way.  I've prayed over this for more than thirty years and hope to one day see it to fruition.