The First Visit

We had a wonderful weekend with C & S & t. It has been a while since I've seen a baby that small! Tristan (aka Jr. Boy and TK) celebrated his first birthday on Thursday. Saturday we went down to Ala Moana Beach Park. It was fun to get out, although we got blown out before we could finish our game of dominoes. In all these years, I don't think I'd ever gone into the park!

Little "t" likes to be held -- sleeps pretty well as long as someone's holding him. Otherwise, ...

We'll be going back in three weeks for the blessing. Such fun to have another grandbaby!

Whale watch

Our friends the Barlockers invited us to join them for a whale watch outing today. Turns out we knew the boat owner, Steve Schleder - Judy's former husband. Chauncy was helping crew -- so 'twas fun to visit with them. The day was beautiful -- just a bit short of whales. Saw several from a distance -- only one came close by. Got a bit of sun on the starboard side of my face! Lots of new snow on the mountains Friday -- unfortunately, couldn't get a good picture today.

Looking north - Maui would be behind the cloud

Mama enjoying the ride
If you look closely, you can see a whale's back.

We motored out then sailed back. Very pleasant!

Geithner Ballad

An ACTEC fellow sent a message out, then tried to recall it several times. Naturally, I checked it out. He said: "Anne McKinney is a Knoxville, Tennessee attorney who cut her teeth as an IRS Staff Attorney. She composed and sang this for the attending attorneys at a continuing legal education seminar she taught last Thursday. Many there suggested she take it further. She moved quickly to do so." Here's the link. Enjoy!

Trip report

I returned home Monday afternoon after a busy ten days. Started by meeting Rob, Court & Whit at the Seattle airport for a trip to Yakima to join J. Lynn and pay our final respects to Dad Throssell. The tributes and the graveside service were very nice, Dad looked at peace, and we had an opportunity to visit with family. I was so glad we could be there.

Natalie and family

Clyde, Les and family

Lane's family & our own

The kids and I left Friday eve after the services for Seattle and flew to SLC early Saturday morning. We met Jim, Todd and the kids at Brighton for a lovely day of skiing.

'Twas a beautiful day.

My first time out with the keikis
How could anyone not enjoy this?

Had a lovely Sunday afternoon at Liz's with family, then Monday Court and I made it back up to Brighton for a second fun-filled day. Tuesday I spent with my folks, then Wednesday early it was off to Palm Springs for law meetings. The only activity there (other than my first 5K) was a trip up to the top of Mount San Jacinto above the valley.

The car does two complete rotations on the way up/down.

The views are spectacular!

It was also gorgeous on top

Note the wind farm -- our future with alternate energy

Now, sadly, it's back to the grind -- with my desk still piled high. Help!