big dig....

The first swipe at the foundation dig was today.  Not sure if its done at this point or there is more to go tomorrow, but the dirt has sure been moved around.  Mom's land seems a bit more rocky than mine....well, more than seems, it is!  Enjoy today's pics.

House staked...check. Backhoe...check.

Well, Scott came by yesterday to stake the house and its ready for the foundation to be dug out today.  They are starting at any moment.  We did decide to move the house a little further forward.  Here are some pics I took yesterday.

In position to dig!

Standing in front of the garage looking towards the back of the house

From the front of the garage looking towards back

Behind house looking towards street

Standing at back corner looking to front

10-25-11 - Clearing of the land for Mom's House

Yesterday the land was cleared to make way for Mom's house.  In the process, they took out my Comcast cable so no TV or internet at the Ogren household last night.  Thank god for my DVR.  Enjoy the pics below.

From the far side of the property looking towards my house

From my driveway

Notice the pole to the left....minus the comcast underground cable that was ripped up.

The Royal Adventure continues - Mom Style

Today they broke ground for Mom's house....next door!  Well, they dug the test holes for the septic system, so I guess that is considered breaking ground.  Later in the week, they'll bring in the big excavator and clear out the area for the foundation and remove trees in order to put in her driveway and her well.  I will post pics as more happens.  Below are some pics...

1st Test Hole

2nd Test Hole

Looking towards where the well will go

Looking towards my house at the 1st test hole

Mom's Spokane Ride...

Long time no see...

Sorry that I havent been on here for a while, but its been a busy few months.

June came and went with a nice family trip to Oak Harbor for Becky's graduation.  We rented a beach house for everyone to stay at.  Much cheaper than a hotel & was nice to have everyone together.  This was Trevor's first 'Full Family' experience and he's still around, so it must have been okay. 

July and August have been busy as well.  In early August, we attending the wedding of friends Crystal & Mika on the Spokesman-Review top floor. What a beautiful wedding....my first gay wedding.  Such a treat to be included in both the bachellorette party & the wedding.  Best of luck to two beautiful women.

Later in the August, we attended my 25yr high school reunion and the county fair in August, in Grass Valley/Nevada City.  Trevor was a trooper and hopefully enjoyed himself as well.  Had lots of fun catching up with old friends.  Its funny how I never felt like I belonged in high school, but everyone else thought I did.  I truly did enjoy catching up and getting reacquainted with everyone.

The week after we returned from CA, we went to 'bring your family to work' day at the State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.  Trevor's mom works there in Accounting,  Was an interesting look into the prison.

As August comes to a close, our temperatures are already dropping & fall will be here soon.  I am hoping to have the new patio done in the next few weeks so we can have some kind of fall get together.  More to come soon....

A tribute....to a very special grandmother

Today, my grandmother, Barbara Allen Stubblefield, joined the angels in heaven.  She was welcomed by some very special angels, my niece Ambre & my Dad.  These 3 individuals have helped shape me into the man I am today.  As I write this, in tears, the memories flash through my mind.  I knew this day was coming, but no matter how prepared I could be, I never believed it would so difficult. 

I have many good memories and she will always be in my heart.  I will miss her so very much & look forward to day when I can see her again.  Below are some pics that I hold close to my heart.

Mom with Gma & Bert

Shirley Mitchell & Gma

Gma & Mrs. Rhoad

Gma & Bert, many years ago.  She wore that dress to my wedding =)

Gma & Bert

Me & Gma Summer 2000 at the lake house

Gma & Bert at Don & Joanie's wedding

Gma & Bert at their 40th Anniversary Party

Gma & Me at their anniversary party

Gma & Kris...enjoying a moment

Gma =)

Gma on her bitrthday 2007

Gma Xmas 2005

Me & Gma 2010

Maui





Bert, Gma & My Dad



Spring? Hopefully it's here.

On March 21st, I had back surgery (Lumbar Discectomy as Dr. Gruber would put it).  I was in the hospital over night & then went home to Trevor's to recouperate.  The first week, I pretty much slept all day, was up for dinner and then went back to bed.  The 2nd week I was up and about more...had my sutures out on that thursday & then helped with the Candlelighter Dinner Auction on April Fools Day.  This past monday, I returned to work, half time.  I am getting stronger each day, but still know there are lots of limits to what I can do, for a while....

I am very thankful for Trevor's patience....its not easy being a patient & especially not easy being the caregiver.  Stoli has been by my side through it all...know exactly when to put his cold nose on my arm...& when not to jump up.  Even Trevor's dogs have been especially careful around me.

Spring is finally hitting Spokane.  There are tulips & daffodills coming up in the yard (Trevor's, not mine...the snow has just melted off of mine).  I sit on the deck & watch the swollen Spokane River.  What a beautiful sight. 

My friend Anya gave birth this morning to a beautiful baby boy, Gage Michael.  Trevor & I attended her baby shower the saturday before my surgery...was so nice to see her in all her pregnant glory.  She was glowing....and I now cant wait to meet Gage.  Im sure he will just as special as his big sister is...Logan is one lucky little girl. 

As we usher in new life, one looks at those that are not doing as well also.  My grandmother continues to grow more tired & is now homebound.  Her 91yr old frame is frail unlike the woman I remember from my youth.  I just hope she is without pain & resting comfortably.

Well, better go for now....Below is a quote I stole from a friends caringbridge site that is going through cancer treatment....

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”







 

Life update.....

I havent written since last fall/early winter.  Christmas came & went...and so did January.  Life seems to be going by really fast, but I am enjoying it.  I am a very lucky man.  I have a wonderful son, a great guy in my life and some amazing friends that keep me on my toes and make me laugh. 

Christmas was lots of fun.  Trevor went to his Moms for Christmas. So on Christmas morning, after Kris & I opened gifts, I made my way to Kennewick to surprise Trevor.  His mom & sister were in on the surprise and even left me a santa hat on the back of the car to wear when I walked in the door.  We had a great day, played games & enjoyed family time before heading home the next day.


We were just in the SF Bay visiting some family & friends.  We stayed with Trevor's friends, Cliff & Rachael in Pleasant Hill while enjoying the city.  We had lunch with my Grandparents & Marian (my grandmother's caregiver) on Friday.  After a tour of the projects my grandfather had been working on in their wonderful old Mill Vally home and lunch, we ventured to the Golden Gate Bridge to cross off one of Trevor's bucket list items.  We also drove through the Presidio and spent time at the Fort Point at the base of the bridge. 

After a few days, we traveled north to spend some time showing Trevor the Nevada City/Grass Valley area.  We found this little Inn in Nevada City, The Outside Inn, which used to be the Skyway Motel.  Such a cute little place & very welcoming.  The owners were a friend of a friend of Trevor's, so was nice to meet them.  Trevor was able to see where I came from, meet some of my friends & enjoy the area.

We are back in Spokane and life seems to still be passing by really fast.  We seem to go between homes, enjoying each home for what it has to offer and enjoying eachothers company, more and more each day.

Looking forward to more small trips, quick weekend getaways and hopefully somewhere tropical soon. 

Signing off for now....