When Judy and I lived in Seattle, we traveled on several occasions to Coeur D Alene, Idaho and stayed at the the Inn.  It is a beautiful hotel that sits on the lake and the premier rooms feature a sitting room looking out of an all glass wall with a three step elevation to the king sized beds where you enjoyed the same view.  It was one of our favorite places in the NW so we returned there again for the Memorial Day fun.  The town was very busy with thousands of young people enjoying the unusually warm and sunny weather.  While it had been more than 12 years since we had been there, the memories were very fresh.

Today I traveled on to Bozeman, MT where our good friends Jack and Kay Gaines now live.  Kay was one of my classmates at Russell High School and also a member of my confirmation class at St. John's Lutheran.  After school Kay moved to Denver and we again saw each other and met Jack who was the manager in the Trader Vic bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in downtown Denver.  Jack spent his career in senior management with the Westin Hotel organization and they lived in many parts of the world managing hotel properties and regions.  We always stayed in touch and have enjoyed time together when we all lived in Seattle and meeting in other times for reunions and fun events.  This trip has served to remind me of the incredible value of friends and family.  I have now traveled several thousands of miles in my first major road trip ever and while I have seen some of America's great views, it is still the people that will stand out from the trip.

When I began my journey with Judy I did not plan to identify friends we would see on our trip.  As I reflected I decided the trip was not complete without sharing about special friends I saw on our trip.  I told you about Steve and Jeannie and this very special visit with them.  However, I did not share others.  The day after seeing jeannie and Steve, I met with Bart, Christine, and Westin Treece.  Judy and I first got to know Bart when he was 16 and living with his Mother Dee and brother Mike in the complex where we lived until our home was completed.  We have stayed in touch since that time and appreciate the changes with his marriage, birth of Westin, completion of his bachelor degree, and professional accomplishments with the State of Washington.  We had a great time of coffee and conversation and I was pleased to see them and their success in life.

When I arrived in Seattle, I did intrude on the new owner of our home we had built but also went to our two favorite neighbors, the Kings and the Nussbaums.  They built their homes before we did and have remained there since then.  Both were wonderful neighbors and friends and exciting to catch up with them and learn of their families since we left 15 years ago.  It was amazing how comfortable it felt to visit again with them.  My only regret was Bob King who always had the cleanest luxury cars in the neighborhood and introduced me to the "Der Shining Stuff" only to have the manufacturer disappear a few years ago.  I hoped he had a new secret but no such luck!

I slipped across the street from the Westin where I was staying to the Cheescake Factory.  I knew at one time Michael Karmil, a senior accountant with us at Nordstrom in Denver had been associated with the restaurant to I inquired and was thrilled to learn he was there and about to leave for the day.  We had a chance to catch up and recall many pleasant memories from our time with Nordstrom Bank.

I called Barre Seibert who had been our CFO at TransAlliance in Belluvue with me.  I was lucky to find them home and spent time with Barre and Julie and one of their daughters and two grandaughters.  It was so good to see them again.  I asked if they were both retired and learned they were EXCEPT Barre is an independent board member and consultant with TOOTSIE ROLL!  I was so excited and would not leave until I had three bags of goodies for my trip!!

Then last evening I enjoyed time with Steve and Leanne Shelton when they returned from a long weekend with family in Eastern WA.  Steve and I had worked together at Nordstrom Bank where he was the executive responsible for all control and collection activities for the bank.

All these contacts have made my trip so special.  As I travel, I am reminded that the most important parts of our lives are not the places we lived or visited, not the trips we took, not the homes we enjoyed, not the financial benefits, BUT the people we met who impacted out life.  There are many I could not reach but these people were so important and have been the highlights of my travel.

One added note about my Seattle visit.  I went to church this morning at St. Andrew's Lutheran where Judy and I belonged the entire time we lived in Seattle.  From there I went to a favorite "dive" of ours called the Pancake Corral.  It is the only place I have ever been that serves a hashbrown omelet!  It was our usual Sunday breakfast and I decided we would do it again today.  Nothing has changed and the omelet is as good as ever!

On to Seattle for the weekend of special places in our life and special friends from over the years in the Northwest.  Judy had designed and we built a favorite home in Issaquah in 1996.  We sold that home in 2002 and I had not been back since.  I drove to the home pictured above, rang the doorbell and announced we had built this home and wanted to see it again!!!!  The current owners graciously invited me in to check it all out and it was a wonderful feeling to see what Judy had created and we so enjoyed during our time there.  I then went to the neighbors we enjoyed and found all of them home (surprising on a holiday weekend) and had time to catch up on our lives and those of our children.  It is very special to see all these friends again and it is those friendships that are so important over time.

the journey continued from Crater Lake to Bend, Oregon.  I had heard of this city but never visited so took the opportunity to spend a night there.  Stayed at a wonderful new discovery called the River House on the Deschutes River.  My new all time favorite hotel with a beautiful view of the river and wonderful staff and accomodations.

From there it was on to Beaverton, Oregon (suburb of Portland) where I had the opportunity to spend special time with Jeannie and Steve Koyen.  Jeannie is Judy's younger sister (by 9 years).  Unfortunately Jeannie is dealing with Parkinson's Disease also.  I had not seen them in several years and was shocked to see Jeannie looking so much like Judy!  Jeannie is working very hard to minimize the effects of the disease and has a wonderful attitude.

I spent the night in Portland and saw other friends for coffee and a great opportunity catch up on happenings in their family.

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful but also sobering days of our trip.  I left San Francisco early and planned to go to Medford for the evening.  I made really good time and decided to go on to Crater Lake which was not in my planned agenda.  Relying on my trusty navigation systems, I rolled further north and suddenly realized my route was toward Salem and not Bend, Or.  When I realized the error, it was too late to retreat back to Medford and discovered another route going east from Roseburg.  When I reached Roseburg I headed east only to learn that cell service, wifi, and all other aids did not work in this area.  I drove thru over 100 miles of canyons and curves with no sign of life other than an occasional car.  I tried to remember the guidance I had been given and luckily hit the right roads.  As the end of day was approaching and the climb to Crater increased, the snow levels on the side of the road got higher and higher with melting that was beginning to turn cooler as the evening approached.  Another 40+ miles off the first road and I was in Crater Lake park and now the snow levels were more than 10 feet high on both sides.  You can imagine my excitement when I finally arrived at Crater Lake Lodge.  It was the only open commercial establishment from Roseburg to Crater Lake.  But it was well worth it.  The original portion of the lodge was built in the early 1900s and was a massive entry room , a massive gathering space with a huge blazing fireplace, easy chairs, and a beautiful dining room.  The rooms were modest but very acceptable.  Only one problem:  no cell service, no wifi, no internet, no TV, no radio!!!!  Ever try to entertain yourself with no toys!  I enjoyed the dinner more and enjoyed the people watching and met a guy that had stories that would not quit.  It was a great time but comforting to get back on the road and far enough down to finally get cell services several hours later.

Crater Lake is a spectacular lake and some claim is the deepest lake in this country.  Even though it had the incredible depth, the surface is smooth as glass.  A little like people who appear very smooth on the surface but very deep and beautiful inside!!

the journey continues from Paso Robles to San Francisco

It was a mixed trip....from beautiful flat fields of many sections carefully farmed by thousands of migrant workers in the fields to forests, canyons, lakes and ending in Carmel by the Sea where everything imaginable is for sale at very expensive levels.  Art work that is truly unique beginning in the tens of thousands of dollars.  Then it was on to San Francisco and roaming the wharf and ending up at our favorite restaurant Scomas.  I had forgotten how stressful and crowded the city is with costs I had forgotten like $70 per night for auto parking at the hotel.  

Paso Robles.......I decided to visit Paso Robles rather than returning to Napa/Sonoma.  I have been to CA many times but never in the central part of the state.  So new experience with new wineries.  This picture is from Justin which is the far end of the wine country.  Very pleasant and very nice....but expensive.  I went to two other wineries close to town and enjoyed them also.  At the last one, I had a very pleasant young lady who was my hostess and she was a recent graduate of USC and earning all the money she could to pay off student debts.

One of my questions was why so many of the vineyards are on these very steep hills.  She explained that the land is basically limestone and the vines actually grow out of the rock.  The limestone provides needed minerals for growth and the steep hills forces the vines to work harder which increases the richness and taste of the grapes!  What a revelation for me and I thought it is not much different for people.  We need some challenges and difficult times to really grow and succeed.

I also asked Alexa where I could go for a nice steak in town,  as she has lived there her entire life, and she directed me to Fish Groto.  I went back to my room and after watching the news (very sad news yesterday) I went to the restaurant and headed for the bar for dinner.  I had ordered a glass of wine and suddenly someone tapped me on the shoulder.  It was Alexa and she asked if she could join me for a glass of wine while she waited for friends.  We shared a glass and her friends showed up and invited me to join them.  I did decline but felt great all night when you are "hit on" by someone that could be the age of my grandkids!    Feels good for an old man!

It has been an incredible few days with Pam, Emily, and Paige.  Their life is quite busy and full of fun activities.  Yesterday was jam packed with the final two games of Soccer for Emily's tournament, bridging scouting for Paige, pool party with Pam's friends, and special family time in the evening.

Emily and her team won the tournament for their bracket with a 3-0-1 record for the weekend.  It was quite warm and the girls did a wonderful job with four games in the two days.  I was very impressed with the team that has recently been changed and they played together very well for a new team.

Paige had a bridging ceremony for Scouts in the park at California Lutheran University (Pam's college school).  I must admit I was not overly excited about a ceremony where the girls graduated from Junior to Cadet scouts but pleasantly surprised when I watched.  There were approximately 20 girls and each brought a gift and food contribution to the buffet.  Each girl was given a helium balloon when they arrived and asked to write on their balloon their favorite memory, goal, and wish.  They were announced one at a time and walked to the top of the bridge and shared their messages and then tied them to the bridge.  It didn't hit me at the time but overnight I awakened and realized my trip is my bridge in life.  Passing from wonderful memories to goals and wishes for the future!  I have to say thanks to the leaders who have me a message I almost missed.  I went back this morning, took a picture of that bridge and walked over myself.

Last evening we enjoyed time together celebrating many great memories, planning for the day today, and dreaming of our future.  It was a very special time for me.

Day 3:  When I started this trip, there was only one mandatory stop and time on my schedule.  That was for the final elementary school production of the Lion King  with our youngest granddaughter Paige, 11, as Nala at Westlake Elementary School.  Paige has been in every production since her first grade and once again did an incredible job in this role.  While I am obviously prejudiced, she is blessed with great talent and a beautiful singing voice.  We love the singing voices of all three of our granddaughters  and Paige once again made us very proud in this production. Will takes after me and his singing voice will likely not win any national competition but he has skills in many other areas.

Paige attends the same school where Pam teaches fourth grade.  While I think she is quite good, the school has some incredibly talented kids and parents are very supportive.  I am always amazed when I meet many of them and learn of their family, lives, and pursuits in life.  This school has been wonderful for Pam in her 15+ years of teaching and also for Emily and Paige.

After the performance we returned with friends and families for an ice cream and wine bar at Pam's home.  I have always been convinced Californians were different but they keep proving me wrong with special friendships, support, and sharing.  I am so thankful for all those around my three girls in CA.

DAY 2

Our first stop on our trip is with Pam and the girls.  Judy decided to hang out on the table near the TV.  The girls are very busy with soccer practice, theatre practice, school, few chores and downtime relaxing.  With the new dog there was also the need for rug doctor to hide the early mistakes.  Guessing there might have been a few food/drink spills also.

Enjoyed a light dinner at the local Mexican restaurant and then home for homework, weekend organizing, and a few calls.  Pam has a special mattress that I get when I visit and set up in the study.  Very comfortable but required to be up at 6:00 to get everyone organized, lunches prepared, and everyone off to school.  Pam and Paige went one direction and Emily and I headed another.

I decided with free time today I would visit the Getty Museum in LA.  Judy and I had been there one time after it opened but had not returned since.  The museum is probably only about 20 miles from Pam's home so 100 minutes later I got to the museum.  Not hard for me to understand stress, road violence, and mental illness if you to drive this mess every day.  One more reason to be thankful for the Valley.

I had a great time at the museum and enjoyed hundreds (if not more) original art pieces from every era since the 1600s.  It was amazing to see the different styles, themes, and skills of the artists from around the world.  It is hard to believe you can see so many original works by so many famous artists in one place.  And the Getty itself is an incredible setting overlooking the city.  If you haven't enjoyed it, visit on your next trip to LA.

My first stop is so important because I can enjoy Pam, Emily, and Paige in their home.  I am very proud of these three.  You will note there is a new dog (Puck) that I had not met and we have not decided if we like each other yet!  The girls are still in school (CA land of PC and so many holidays the school year is nearly 12 months a year.  Bierochs are disappearing quickly here!

The girls' home in Moorpark is very comfortable and just got a fresh trim today so looks really nice on this beautiful day in SCAL.

Anthem Senior Living where Judy lived the past year.  Beautiful home in Anthem, AZ and wonderful care givers during the last year

Our home in North Scottsdale  that we left this morning to begin our tour.  Wonderful weather this time of the year and tough to leave.

5:00 Thursday in Moorpark, CA at Pam's home.  Got here before Pam and they have a new dog that doesn't know me and HE WAS PROTECTING THEM!!!  Thought I was done!

Really nice pleasant trip today.  Weather was great, traffic was reasonable, and no issues with other drivers.  I stopped at Anthem Senior Living and visited with Lapida and Norma who were Judy's primary care givers at the group home.  They are very special and we will always appreciate the care and concern they shared with Judy.  It seems very different to now return and while I know most of the residents there and it was good seeing them, it was not the same.

The trip from Phoenix to LA is rather boring but one stop is always required:  get gas in AZ before you enter CA because the price goes up over 50 cents per gallon the minute you hit the CA line.  I was about to make a political statement but think I should save it!

p.s.  This is probably my first trip with Judy that she did not critique my driving skills!

Day 1

Hi Friends,

Today begins my road trip with Judy.  Our trips have spanned over 55 years and have taken us to many beautiful places in this country but also to incredible spots around the world.  Still our favorite spots have been those places we called home and the close destinations we have enjoyed.

This trip will be different!  Judy will not be afraid of my driving, will not be giving me advice for my speed, will not be upset with my constant talk show and audio taping involvement, and will not be tired when we reach our destination for the day.  But she will be with me.  We will remember those many experiences of life that we shared.  We will revisit family and friends and I will discover new places and people.

Our trip will leave Scottsdale this morning where we have enjoyed living part time and full time since 1992.  It doesn't seem possible we have been here that long but the time slips away so quickly.  From our little patio home in McCormick Ranch to the larger home we loved in east Scottsdale and then to the smaller home where I now live after Judy required more care in assisted living and a group home. I plan to focus on those many experiences and time with family and friends and plan to take pictures and tell stories as I travel.

I am packed and if I didn't know better I would think I was moving.  I have no idea how long I will be gone so packed for close to a month before I have to do laundry.  I have my computer bag ready and the big Yeti cooler given to me as a gift by friends for this trip.  My intent is to go where and as long as I want so guessing it will be at least three days and up to six weeks!! My intended route is to Pam's home today for the weekend and then north thru CA to SF and the Napa Valley.  On to Portland to visit Judy's sister Jeannie and family.  Then on north to Seattle where we spent nearly ten great (but rainy) years.  Over to Spokane to check out Hailey's future college, on to Courde Lane ID and thru MT visiting close friends and enjoying summer in the most beautiful setting.  Then over to Mt Rushmore and down to Omaha and Fremont where Judy grew up and we met in college and married. From there down to KS to visit my childhood home, over to Denver where we spent most of our married life, and back home to my favorite spot Scottsdale.  Or, if I change my mind I will update as we go.

Talk more on the road!