08-19-02 Thru 08-23-02

We enjoy having 9 guests with us. There is always someone to hike a mountain with, ride bicycles with, shop with, eat out with or just hang out with. However, it is a little hard to coordinate some things?like what, where and when to eat supper. I would ask sometime in the early afternoon what to plan for supper. But the kids said not to worry about so I didnft. Then about 8 or 9 pm they are sitting around trying to decide what to eat?a little late NOW! One night as they are sitting around trying to decide what to do, Jack and I say good-bye and go out by ourselves (a much needed gquieth moment by ourselves!) We had our bed in the living room since we felt we were their guests, since we joined them for gtheirh vacations. Since our bedroom was the gathering spot for everyone, we didnft get to bed till midnight most nights. My thought was that I was happy to share the time with them and we could always sleep after they went home. They also helped me to decide to keep my old dishes from our house and give away the dishes that I had purchased for the townhome. Jack wasnft too pleased about it but the kids convinced me that I should have my way with something. And Ifm thankful that they gave me the guts to make that decision! Mattfs sister, Kourtney, and her husband, Ted joined us on Thursday night. Kourtney stayed the night with us, however, Ted had to get back home in Aurora, CO. Then on Friday night, Mattfs sister, Megan, came to stay from Fort Collins, CO. Her boyfriend, Roy, came Saturday and stayed the night too.

08-24-02

My cousin, Don Mangers, and wife, Judy join us from Evergreen, CO. They surprised us upon our arrival to our place with a bottle of wine, confetti and a gHappy Retirementh sign. They are now here with his brother, Alvin, and his wife, Kay from Hastings, NE. The 6 of us head for Main St where the 1st annual Boomerfest is taking place. This is in honor of the Baby Boomers. There are bands playing all day and food booths set up. We eat brats and drink beer for lunch while we listen to the music. After they leave, Jack & I go back downtown to Boomerfest to listen to gJefferson Airplane.h They are not quite as good as they used to be.

The kids surprise with a retirement party! They give us restaurant gift certificates and a pepper plant. We all enjoy a piece of cake. What a pleasant surprise.

08-25-02

On this bright, chilly morning it is time for Michael, Vanessa, Ava, Matt, Noriko and Uly to head for the airport. After they get on their way, Jack, Aaron, Kana, Saori, Megan, Roy and I go for breakfast at the Log Cabin. That is the first time Jack and I have eaten there.

Aaron and the girls go off for a fun day while Jack and I hang out. Earlier in the week I showed Saori how to make cookies from a Pilsbury cookie mix bag, but she wants me to show her how to make them from scratch. Sooooo when they arrive home at 9pm, I show her how to make Oatmeal Raisin/Chip Cookies from scratch. It is a little difficult to explain since she understands gsomeh English and I understand gNOh Japanese. But we complete the last batch at midnight and get them all wrapped so she can take them home with her.