Every year I send an "end of the year" letter. I like to reflect on what has happened and I love going to the mailbox, and find treasures from our friends (hint, hint). Since I know that many of those people are readers of this blog, I thought I'd save myself .44, and post it here instead . . .Well, 2009 was a doozie.
There’s just no subtle way to put it . . .
Last Winter Break, we loaded the camper and headed for Georgia. It was an awesome trip and we logged 4300 miles in our trek through 11 states. Christmas Day 2008, found us ON the beach in Destin Florida—a truly white Christmas. We were overwhelmed with our detour through Hurricane Katrina devastation, and loved seeing our ole’ Oregon friends (now Georgia Transplants), the Johnsons.
Upon our return, Scott went to back to work and Waste Connection's determined that his management philosophy would not work in cleaning up their recently acquired company. A simplified version of the meltdown was that it’s impossible to make the changes that were necessary in Colorado Springs, and keep everyone happy. Apparently, they can’t seem to find anyone who can accomplish this task, because Scott gets weekly calls from employees that state and restate that it’s never been as good as when he was their manager. Although Scott was not sad to wave goodbye to Colorado, it was painful for us to leave our dear Rocky Mountain State friends behind (sniff sniff). It’s an amazing thing that the bonds of friendship can be woven so quickly and so tightly.
Our families were not sorry to hear that we were coming “home”. Scott’s Grandpa Weld passed away within a month after our return, so we were certainly glad that we were around for the last few weeks of his life. Since then, we’ve been busy with home improvement projects, Farmer Joe projects, and an occasional “help a friend” project. Scott and Sten have tackled various mechanical endeavors that are far beyond my comprehension. Employment has not been a top priority, but Scott has been searching for an opportunity that holds the right amount of intrigue, possibility, and growth potential. In the next few months, we are beginning a big adventure—Scott’s company is going to be retrofitting automated garbage trucks with a new style of “arm”. This arm is superior to others in the market and with an arm replacement, a garbage truck can have many good years left. A garbage truck orthopedic surgeon, if you will?! Scott turned 45 this year and to celebrate this milestone, he and 2 other High School friends met in Las Vegas to swim 4500 yards—that’s over 2 ½ miles of dog paddling! Hoo Rah!
Sten has also reached a huge milestone as he is now a Freshman and he is shaving—ouch! He is a good kid (I’ll exclude some details) and he seems to have a knack for getting along with most everyone– apparently a little too chatty in most classes tho. In June, he went to Alaska with Sherman and was the envy of all as he caught the “big one”, a 140 pound halibut. He enjoyed playing water polo this Fall and is now in wrestling. His skills in the shop have earned him bigger toys to work on and he is currently on a diligent search for a 1979 Ford Crewcab pickup. He is a Craigslist junkie and has recently discovered that it’s more fun to sell than it is to buy. I’m a little nervous when he walks around the house with camera in hand—not too sure what he’s going to sell next.
Milah is a studious 4th grader. Her writing is impeccable (we get lectured by her), her work is always complete (several days early), and she is ultra-organized (where is she from?). Milah loves soccer and seems to excel at it—usually scoring most of the goals for her team. She is a no-nonsense gal and does not tolerate frilly girlness—she typically spends every recess playing soccer. She is most comfortable in an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt and getting her to change her shoes and socks is a feat!
Maren is, well . . . Maren. She split her head open this Spring and now has a scar in the middle of her forehead which just suits her quirky personality. She is in 1st grade and everyone is her friend. She is the tiniest kid in the whole school, but I’m sure one of the most entertaining. Every time I’m at the school, someone will stop to tell me a “Maren” story—I nod and cringe, a wee bit horrified at what’s coming next. On the second day of school, she told her teacher that “My mom thinks you’re horrible, but I think you’re great.” She had substituted “horrible” for “incredible”, which is what I really had said. It is fun to listen to her read as she is just bursting with enthusiasm. Hard to believe that our baby can read—boo hoo. She also played soccer this Fall and she and Milah are on the swim team again.
I have been busy as support staff for the aforementioned crew. They all require food, clean clothes and a listening ear—this is where I am happy to fill in. The experience of packing and unpacking our household has blatantly shown me that I simply don’t need another thing, and I have since tapered my zest for a good deal. I have even been spotted leaving the Goodwill empty-handed.
Although the year began with a bang, a lot of head scratching, and bit of anger and betrayal, it really has been an awesome experience. We have enjoyed spending time together (aaahhh), and our family has benefitted. As always, we have plenty of space for company and we have a refrigerator full of halibut and salmon. You may get stuck under a garbage truck or have to shuttle a kid into town, but don’t let that scare you. Until next year . . .
Love, Scott, Lisa, Sten, Milah, Maren & Danner
These two are trouble. Will introduced Scott to an online auction and they were the high bidders on some good loot - most of it in Seattle. It looks like a trailer load of rusty metal to me, but they were excited. The herculon piece of equipment below is a milling machine that is used in parts making - it's a heavy dude - weighing about 14,000 pounds.
We spent Thanksgiving with Scott's family in Sunriver. A few years ago we hesitantly decided to try the Thanksgiving meal that they offer at the "Great Hall". After our first bite, we were sold on the idea and have gone there ever since. The food is awesome and it's a special treat to let someone else do ALL the dishes. 
Taking a keen interest in the dessert table
The Great Hall is a spectacular building, but I obviously wasn't wearing my photographer's hat, because my pictures were not too impressive.
After months of home improvement projects, a few challenging mechanical dilemnas, and a perfecting of culinary skills - Scott is gearing up for the next venture (or adventure). He will be involved in equipment sales and must procure a dealer's license. As a first step, we registered the name of the sales company - quite catchy, don't you think??!!! Dad has ALWAYS wanted to buy/sell used cars so he is thrilled with this new idea, we're printing up business cards for him as we speak. Susie is quite a whiz on Photoshop, so she helped us with the logo. Toot toot, if you don't come see us today, we can't save you any money.
Happy Thanksgiving from our nut house to yours. Sten has noticed that in vintage photos the men are seated with their womenfolk gathered 'round adoringly. He tried the "gathered round" but I'm not seeing the "adoring" part. 
In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, Maren decided a handshake was symbolic
Cheesy Pilgrim
Pilgrim with attitude
Sten's gonna love me for this pic! He was high on life, but wasn't in the mood for a picture apparently. His first rig is a Suzuki Sidekick that was given to him by a family friend(thanks, Dale). It has a few mechanical problems that Sten will fix and then he plans to sell it. His dream ride is a 1976 Ford Crew Cab pick-up and he has been scouring Craigslist for the perfect unit. I tell him it will be his dream until he hits the gas station a few times.
Susie Q is home again and plans to return for good - hooray. We have loved having her around and she is awesome help with the kids and any project that requires extra muscle.
A bonfire is a necessity during a clean-up
This beauty is going to be featured in a landscaping project someday. . .
Hmmm, I'll give you a hint - Indian Corn
This was my version of the Mayflower-I don't think that this is a sea-worthy vessel (or even bathtub worthy). Unfortunately, while I was wielding the jig saw and merrily sawing away - I cut one of the sails clean off. Scott was standing there and questioned my design as soon as I shut the saw down. I asked him to holler at me if I goofed again. Yeah - he had to holler just a few minutes later - nothing that a little wood glue and a "c" clamp wouldn't fix. Oops!
This morning we donned our "Billy Bob" teeth and headed to sell our scrap metal. It was a first time experience for me but I soon learned that it is one of my husband's favorite things to do . . . he was positively giddy.
This huge grapple can just pick up an entire car in one squeeze and drop it in a pile -
Recognize any of these automobiles?