The Gregory Family Basket

Just a couple more

2009-10-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Salmon River

2009-10-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

We had a unbelievable trip on the Salmon River with friends, Bob and Sandy Gass. They own the boat and invited us along with Dick and Darlene to steelhead fishing. We caught one steelhead (or Bob did) but the water, the scenery, the accommodations and the company was superior. Like Dick and Bob say, "We have a great boat trip and catching a fish is on top of that." This trip was east of Riggens about 30 miles very close, if not into, the Frank Church Wilderness area. We stayed at Mackay Bar on Saturday night and had the entire place to ourselves. A dark night is really understood in a place where the electricity goes off after everyone turns in -- no lights folks!! THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS FOR THE GREAT WEEK-END!

McMenamins

2009-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rob and I took the week-end for a little get away to Portland. We stayed at the McMenamins property at Forest Grove. From their web page: Built in 1922 as a Masonic & Eastern Star home, this place has many stories to tell. Renovated and opened by McMenamins in 2000, what was once tranquil and serene is now vibrant and active. Here the walls do speak...as do the doorways, the hallways, and indeed, even the overhead pipes. Inspired by the remarkable history of the city of Forest Grove and the building itself, McMenamins' artists have infused the Grand Lodge with a living history -- original artwork and historical photographs cover the walls, the faces of overhead pipes greet visitors with a smile and a wink, and the rooms themselves are lyrical and inspired tributes to the remarkable cast of characters who've left their footprint here.
This gave us a short drive to the coast. What a beautiful week-end!
Here's a couple of pictures.

Summer Pics

2009-09-03T07:32:00.001-07:00

So much to do.... so little time! Having fun with grandkids, picking raspberries, huckleberries and strawberries, the visit from our friends Dan and Gail, the Smackdown and winners: Ilene for the grand prize, Donna and Carol for the cocktails, still moving in to our wonderful home in Hauser (see the sunrise picture), projects on the Joe with Ilene and Doug tiling the Tiki Bar, and, of course, Dutch.

Tea Party Fun

2009-05-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

Elise's 4th birthday party was a huge success! They drank tea, they decorated hats and she received a big surprise from her Mom and Dad. You can tell how excited she was! The table was set beautifully and the party goers were in their best behavior.

We Own It....

2009-05-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

Signed on about 150 dotted lines this morning and it was filed about 3:00. What a trip! Thursday is moving day and we should be up and on the internet,hopefully by this week-end. This has been quite an up and down journey. Boxes are all over the house and mostly in the garage and the house is sounding hollow.

We want to pass on the good mojo this house has brought us to the new owners and take the majority with us to the new house. Changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes.

Moving, Moving, Moving!!!

2009-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

We haven't had time to post material because we are moving.........! After 20+ years in this house, we finally sold to a couple moving to N. Idaho from California. Rob and I were in a bit of a panic because we have a pretty specific idea about the kind of home we wanted.
Our real estate agent, Scott Carr (by the way we highly recommend him!) found us a great house on Hauser Lake. It's equidistant from Spokane and Coeur d'Alene (18 miles to Costco in Spokane, 16 miles to CdA). It has a huge shop and a great kitchen.
The moving domino goes something like this: sign on our house in Hayden on the 30th, sign on the Hauser home on the 4th, moving starts on the 6th and we turn our keys over on the 9th.
Rob and I have been feverishly packing, sorting and tossing and feel we have good headway for us not to be in a panic on the days of the move. We are hiring movers so our friends won't be straining backs with getting furniture from one house to the next.
Here are a couple of pictures of the new house.

Brooke

2009-03-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Rob and I spent two days with Brooke, Krista and Darin and I was able to get some cute shots of our little 6 month old. What a happy baby! She and I got into a giggling jag and she couldn't stop. It was too cute!

2009-03-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrap pages

SUN, BEACHES, BABIES and Cervazas

2009-02-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

We had fun! The hotel was amazing, the weather was incredible, and the kids were superior. Elise says Mexico is beautiful!

Ain't She Sweet!!

2009-02-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

Miss Brooke is pretty cute. A happy baby who really likes her voice. I had a great time in Boise getting to spend Oma time with her. Brooke has both parents head over heels! And that's the way it's supposed to be.

Valentine Dinner

2009-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ilene and Doug came over for Valentine's dinner. Here's a picture of our chocolate martini's made with raspberry vodka and Godiva white chocolate --- yummm! Ilene and I put together a dinner better than any high end restaurant! If your adventurous try the chocolate rubbed pork loin recipe
1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole coriander
4 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1teaspoon ground cloves
3 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
4 tablespoons sea salt
2 2lb. boneless pork tenderloin
olive oil
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast peppercorns and coriander until they begin to pop. Remove from heat and grind to fine powder. Mix the pepper and coriander with remaining spices, cocoa and salt. Rub generous amount of the cocoa spice rub over tenderloins. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat and sear tenderloin on all sides until rich brown color, about 2 minutes on each side. Finish tenderloins in the oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through. Let tenderloins rest out of the oven for 10 minutes before carving.
The extra cocoa spice will keep in air tight container for up to 3 months.
This was amazing!! More chocolate to celebrate Valentines 09!

2009-02-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

A day on the ICE 1/31/2009

2009-01-31T16:17:00.000-08:00

A fine day on Lake Cocollalla: We had a great group, lots of 3 t0 5 year old kiddos, and they had a great time. So Ice Fishing can be a family event and a better child care arrangement than the TV.

Sorry Sponge Bob!

And as it turned out a lot of fish were caught and the kids loved them. Kids were seen packing fish around all day! Moms will appreciate the odor when it is bath time. (Immediate to their return home).

It is unbelievable!!

2009-01-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

The slide show on the right is from a hike that Rob and I took this Sunday. The pictures show English Point (Hayden Lake), Coeur d'alene Lake (we tried to get Eagle pictures and none around. They must have also decided that it's too damn cold!) and a panarama of Fernan. All these lakes within about a half hour drive from our house. Predictions for this week --- you got it! More snow!

Heidi, Tony, kids and Oma and Papa will really be ready for the trip to Mexico in February.

Dominos Elise Style

2009-01-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2009!

2008-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Activities

2008-12-29T15:55:00.001-08:00

We were able to spend some wonderful time snow shoeing. It was beautiful!
We spent Christmas Eve and morning with Tony and Heidi, Elise and Riley. I thought this Santa letter was so cute. Elise was very excited for Santa to come.

SEASONS GREETINGS

2008-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

May the holiday spirit of Christmas be with you and your family throughout the season.

Extending to all who "blog on" a New Year filled with good health and all the blessings 2009 will bring.

Palm Springs

2008-12-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with golf and sun! Days between rain was spent golfing with our friends Dan and Gail. We also got together with brother Dave and his wife Peggy for a fun game of foot in mouth! No . . . . . Hand and Foot.

Now back to winter and weathering the cold and snow.

2008-11-30T09:30:00.001-08:00

Pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner! It was fun. We had about 20+ family here including the three babies. So much to be Thankful for this year!!

The girl has photo genes

2008-11-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

2008-10-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tony and I had a wonderful opportunity to present together on Thursday at the DVR conference in CdA. We facilitated an hour 1/2 discussion on engaging families in the DVR process. Although Tony was hesitant about presenting, I think we did a great job. We received lots of compliments and I heard lots of cudos for Tony's work from staff, managers and peers. Made Mom very proud!

Here are a couple more pics. Thanks to Rob's cousin, Kent , who was also at the conference, representing the Twin Falls Dept of Voc. Rehab.

She's Smiling

2008-10-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the last three days with Brooke. She is really growing, is starting to focus and I think we caught her in one of her first smiles.

I thought this was a pretty cute picture too.

Last week-end on the Joe

2008-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Feels like we hardly had time there this summer. We took out the Mallard guest suite and Tony and Heidi took home their tent trailer. Will go back up for the big trailer in a couple of weeks. Here are some pics of Elise with the frog that she and her Dad found in the woods and a picture of her with her Dad decorated cut offs and hair accessory. Of course we have to get a picture in of Riley too.

Grandbabies

2008-09-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

We returned from Boise today with Krista well on her way to being a GREAT Mom. They took Brooke to the Dr. on Friday and she is gaining weight. Krista already has her on a feeding schedule. We can see changes in her staying awake and beginning to explore what is around her. Here is a pic of Brooke and Riley. What a difference a couple of months make! What darlings! We were able to spend the last few days with Heidi, Tony, Elise and Riley on the farm too, so got some great photos of them all.

Good job Krista and Darin. Brooke is a sweetie!

Our Newest Granddaughter - Brooke Danielle Austin

2008-09-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

We are so pleased to have her join the family! YEAH BROOKE.

Papa is Funny!!

2008-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Riley thought Papa was really funny last night when we visited. He is starting to make noises and has a big grin, as you can see.

The Smack Down Winner!

2008-08-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is what the winning entry looked like. Tony and Heidi entered a Pina Colada dutch oven cake. It was definitely a winning combination: flavor and presentation!

The judging was intense! There were 5 entries ---- and only one winner. Some say there was a secret ingredient ..... Huckleberries?? Home made ice cream??? Merlot??? Coconut Rum???? No matter! We all had a great time and looking forward to next year's Smack Down.... Bring it on!!!

Chloe Hammond & Riley Frazier

2008-08-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the real winners.

Dessert was just the food category.

From our 2008 St. Joe Dessert Throwdown.

Marble Creek 4th of July

2008-07-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July week-end up the St. Joe ending with a little drive up Marble Creek with Jason and Heather. These pics turned out so nice thought I'd post them on the blog. There are a couple others from the property of birds and flowers.

Riley William

2008-06-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy was born on Father's Day and all went smooth. He is already home with big sister Elise.

Cute pics of Elise

2008-06-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Elise was posing with her new "attitude" and Aunt Ilene joined in on the fun!

Our new mama's

2008-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

These were taken at a recent shower for Lindsey. Heidi is due with Riley the last of June, Lindsey is due the last of July and Krista is due mid-September. We are raining babies in our family!

Miss Krista

2008-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo from the early days. What a picture!!

Uncle Bill and His 36 Ford Convertible

2008-05-20T07:40:00.001-07:00

Lucia, Heather and I visited with Uncle Bill in April and we were able to take him out for a spin in his cherished 36 Ford Convertible. His Daughter, Tammy and Husband, Kelly had it restored for him. It is beautiful. Uncle Bill enjoyed the ride.

Elise - 3 Year Birthday Party

2008-05-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

What a very nice birthday party with Elise's family and friends. Yeah (it is May 13th today, day of post) Happy Birthday Elise

Mesquite Nevada Vacation

2008-05-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

We had a super time in Mesquite and we actually toured Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon and took a one day trip to Las Vegas - Casino hopping with Doug and Ilene. But we really had a great time in Mesquite with golf on three days, a different course each time and our lodging and companionship was awesome. Some photos above:

Elise - Smile for the camera !

2008-04-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hey The Park is Closed to MOOSE

2008-04-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

Quinn's Group Event - Fine Food, Fine Friends, Fine Time

2008-04-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Captured in the public Eye

2008-03-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time. The paparazzi at work.

2008 - Year of the Rat Celebration

2008-02-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is the second year that we hosted a Chinese New Year Party. We had a great time and had a nice turnout, though some folks had to stay home as they struggled with the FLU. We did what we could to ward of the influenza.

MakeOver - Not just a Remodel

2008-02-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy couple of months, since Tony and Heidi moved into their new home, we have switched gears and put some focus in updating some of our rooms in our house. This included new carpet, new paint,, new furniture, and ............. we decided to add decorative tile to our master bath. It sorely needed a makeover. Well, at this point our makeover efforts are largely completed... Now we just have to live with it. Here are some examples of the final products.

The real sled ride

2008-01-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

The other photo below is just a doctored photoshop of what really happened. Holmes and Elise spent the weekend in Antarctica sledding on glaciers. You can see what really happened below.

Back to Winter

2007-12-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

Elise and I spent some quality time in the PARK.

She laughed while I pulled.

End of the Year Palm Desert Vacation

2007-12-24T12:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we decided to find some sun in the late days of December. We had some success though we did not find a lot of warmth from our solar friend, regardless we had a great time. We were able to spend time with Dave and Peggy, had great food, great lodging, great golf and made some new friends along the way. Above are some photos from that trip and evidence of fun in the sun!

Getting Christmas With It.

2007-12-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

This year we are off to the Palm Desert for a week just before Christmas, so, we are doing a little bit of display for the season.

It is all about thanks!

2007-12-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

As usual we had the family over for a wonderful day of Thanks.

Preparing The Bird and Giving Thanks

2007-12-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Whose Ready for Turkey! Elise???

One was smoked in Apple. Both were brined! Yum

Coffee Shop

2007-11-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

This Coffee Shop game is kind of addicting... You may have heard me talk about it at Thanksgiving. Check it out!

2007 Hunt 2 Mule Deer Bucks

2007-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Travis shot OLD GRANDAD - Look at the size difference.

Jake's buck is a good size buck with maybe the larger rack.

Ruby Creek Camp 2007

2007-11-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here is our 2007 hunting partners: Rob, Tony, Keith, Randy, Travis and Jake.

Tree at Deer Camp Came Down

2007-10-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Trip to Kokanee Springs - CANADA

2007-09-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.kokaneesprings.com/

We had a good time with friends golfing in Canada the weekend of September 8th. This was a great course and the weather was perfect. See photos herein.

2007-09-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

2007-09-09T18:35:00.001-07:00

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

St. Joe River Property ! ! !

2007-08-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Latest modification Includes .................. River Steps

48 Paces From Our Driveway

2007-08-16T17:43:00.001-07:00

Oh No. Shoooooooot. My poor Honda!

Fortunately no injuries.

Alaska Cruise Photos

2007-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Alaska Cruise in Review

2007-08-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of sailing from Seattle to Juneau and Skagway, Alaska returning through the Inside Passage and visiting Prince Rupert, BC with Doug and Ilene. This was a great cruise, great food, great company, great entertainment and we saw some beautiful country and wildlife. Many whales, eagles, glaciers, etc. And we have photos to prove it.

2007-07-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

Smack Down Contestants

2007-07-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Randy Diemert
Rob Gregory
Darin Austin - "The Champ" (Note) Judges in Background

1st Annual St. Joe Smackdown 7-21-07

2007-07-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

The Trophy and Smack Down Champion - Oh what a nice bunch of RIBS

Assorted Photos Above.

The Smackdown was a huge success. The Ribs from all contestants were delicious. There were so many salads to accompany the meat that we could barely fit everything in. For example most of the corn on the cob did not find its way to our plates. This was a very fun event and next year is already in the planning stages, Dutch Oven Dessert Cookoff with the main course being a Roasted Pig, prepared in the ground and managed by the group! We will look for an earlier weekend in July in order to get more members of our family involved.

The Tiki Bar is OPEN

2007-07-08T21:43:00.001-07:00

Tiki BAR is NOW STAINED

With the help of Tony and Doug we put the final touches on the Tiki Bar on Sunday July 8th. View above! Master work with Eye Ball Accuracy.

EXPERIMENTAL RIBS - Baby Back

2007-06-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

We had Heather and Jason over to be a part of our testing environment for Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs, which were Experiment No. 1.

St. Joe Cooking Experiment No. 2. Cornish Game Hen Experiment No. 3. Beef Brisket

Look, I rafted!

2007-06-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

rafting is fun, originally uploaded by lulife.

This past Saturday I went rafting with some friends on the Wenatchee River over near Leavenworth. It was my first time and lots of fun.

19th Wedding Anniversary - Celebration Dinner 6-4-07

2007-06-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

We sure enjoy being with our family, whenever we can.

Heather Celebration - Passing MSW Orals

2007-06-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

JUNE 4, 2007

Heather you did it.

Congratulations!

Elise Abstract Art

2007-06-05T17:06:00.001-07:00

A picture from Elise for the family to enjoy!

Tulip from the St. Joe

2007-05-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

Daisies

2007-05-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by lulife.

At THIS MOMENT

2007-05-16T06:13:00.001-07:00

VERA BILLY AND THE BEATERS lyrics

Hopeless Romantic

2007-05-16T06:11:00.001-07:00

VERA BILLY AND THE BEATERS lyrics

The Dutch Frog

2007-05-07T19:14:00.001-07:00

napping Keeshond snout, originally uploaded by lulife.

1997 Ixtapa Trip

2007-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ixtapa - Puerto Del Mar 1997

Lunch on the Beach

Pool Party

Our Mexico trip in 1997 was a lot of fun and a special trip for our family. We spent a great week of frivolous fun in Ixtapa-Zihautanejo and enjoyed together many memorable events from that week.

Horst Visit - April 07

2007-05-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Our Friend Horst visited us from Hamburg , Germany. These scenes are from a dinner with our family at THE PORCH.

Priest Lake Fishing

2007-05-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

Skipper - Jason

Downrigger
Specials

Camp Site

6 Men A Fishing

We had some fun, caught a few fish, ate very well, braced the cold and were well oiled. An adventure in fishing - revisited.

Cancun Vacation Events

2007-04-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.capitanhook.com/welcome.html

We had some fun on the Pirate Captain Hook dinner cruise. This was a 4 hour cruise that included lobster dinner, drinks and a lot of music and comedic entertainment. A high light of the evening was when the pirate leader gave the microphone to Patty during the start of a spirited song. Patty went directly to the center of the stage and sang every verse to the song, and she did it like a pro. Neither one of us can remember what song it was, so much of memory retention. At least we remember she did it.

Xel-ha Enviro Park - Snorkling

Two To Tulum

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are very interesting to visit. This is particularly true if you have a guide who is passionate about the Mayan Culture and provides detailed information regarding the mysteries of that ancient civilization that disappeared in the 9th century as if they had abandoned the very structures that they had created. Throughout the Yucatan there are representatives of the Mayan people, many are seen in the service occupations in the area.

Tulum offers a most beautiful view from the cliffs that border the ruins. The breeze from the ocean felt so good, while below swimmers were enjoying the water and the beach area.

Cancun Vacation 2007

2007-04-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Cancun is Mexico's most visited tourist destination and boasts over twenty-five thousand hotel rooms. There's golf, tennis lots of shopping facilities and a remarkable biodiversity. There are four hundred seventy-five bird species, over a hundred different mammals and twelve hundred plant species.
We left our golf clubs at home and we explored other features of the island of Cancun. We were so impressed with the food and the excellent service and friendliness of the people there.

A

La Isla Shopping Village

Clearwater Fishing

2007-03-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

1/13/2007 Cold Day Fish On Board

Photographic Compilations

2007-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Snake River Fishing

2007-03-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Promotion Time!

2007-03-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Heidi had her business review with her manager yesterday and recieved an unexpected pay raise and promotion to Executive Representative. Not too bad for a part-timer huh? Way to go Heidi!!

Family Photos

2007-03-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm in

2007-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

This seems appropriate since at the time of this post, I am at work. I look forward to contributing.

The really efficient laborer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure. - Henry David Thorough -

Hi. Lucia here.

2007-03-05T23:22:00.000-08:00

Our modern family has fun on the internets.

ST JOE RIVER SUMMERS

2007-03-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

Each year we plant ourselves on the banks of the St. Joe River in North Idaho. This is the highest navigable river in North America. We have great experiences there and we will plan to journal our experiences from time to time. The river is considered a blue ribbon trout stream and has been designated a Wild and Scenic River.

Dogs

2007-03-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

It has been said: "I'm a dog, and your a dog"

Golf when you can

2007-03-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

As you may be aware the seasonal conditions in our area dictate activity to some degree. In the case of golf, we require a certain degree of patience while mother nature clears the fairways and greens of snow and or frost. Each spring we anticipate those necessary climate adjustments in order to don our attire, load up our clubs and begin the process of anticipating the first venture out, while hoping that we retained whatever skill that probably lay dormant over the winter.

We are looking forward to the seasonal change, so let spring arrive .......... now!