Farewell to the Toby Keith

Here's a recent picture of Eli and I lounging at the marina where I keep my boat. That spectacular black cowboy hat I'm wearing _ a Toby Keith _ is no more. The hat flew off my head when I was pulling a water skier during Joycefest and by the time we returned to the area it could no longer be found. Fortunately, I have a large collection of hats.

Images of Joycefest

Here are some stunning images from our vacation with Ann's family:

1, Brad Pitt

2, Young ladies lounging in the hot tub

3, waiting for dinner

4, The Next Generation

Ann on Vaca

Here's Ann looking relaxed during our week vacation at a place on Deer Lake. We had friends up with us during the first part of the week, and then more than 30 members of Ann's family for our annual Joycefest extended weekend. As usual, it was huge

fire close call

We walked on the trails in my neighborhood over the weekend, where we could clearly see the damage done by the wildfire that burned 11 homes a few days ago. Below are some pictures of the burned forest, showing a house that was spared thanks to firefighters. our house is about a mile from this area.

Fire

A wildfire forced us to evacuate our house on Thursday evening, and we were not allowed back in until Friday afternoon. Fortunately, we did not suffer any damage. But 13 houses over the hill were destroyed. I worked from home covering the story until we had to evacuate (a newsman is always on the job).

The fire occurred the same day that Ann quit her job at the AP to start her own business. I see it as a good omen, proving she has a hot concept.

Marina

Finding time to go on the boat is always a challenge, but we got out for a few hours on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Sunday. Here's me and Eli at the wheel. Unfortunately, the boat battery was dead, so we spent most of the time recharging it.

That's Ann on the left enjoying watching we work to get the boat going.

The Cousins

Had a little Geranios family reunion in Seattle last weekend, which allowed some of the far-flung cousins to spend quality time together. Since this bunch is scattered among Alabama, Portland, Seattle and Spokane, they don't see each other often. That's Dora (left) and Zoe in the front. In back, from left, that's Jennifer, Korina, Eli, Shawn and Tom. We're just walking back from Discovery Park in Seattle, an excellent place.