We Have This Moment Today - 2019 Review

You can learn about someone by where he spends his time- Most of my photos include a person, and the date it may have been taken, as they make up memories . I cannot believe this year is over- This song by Bill Gaither is called We have this Moment and it is a brief look at the past year to not only show you what is important to me, but how fast time goes by. Some may see photos in this video; Some may see Bill Gaither singing a song; but I see Moments and memories to have and to hold. Thanks for viewing my video and blog and , Happy New Year.

Hold tight to the sound of the music of living,

Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Hold my hand as we run through sweet fragrant meadows,
Making mem'ries of what was today.

Chorus: We have this moment to hold in our hands
and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today.

Tiny voice that I hear is my little girl calling,
For Daddy to hear just what she has to say;
And my little son running there by the hillside,
May never be quite like today.

Tender words, gentle touch and a good cup of coffee,
And someone that loves me and wants me to stay;
Hold them near while they're here & don't wait for tomorrow,
To look back and wish for today.

Take the blue of the sky and the green of the forest,
And the gold and the brown of the freshly mown hay;
Add the pale shades of spring and the circus of autumn,
And weave you a lovely today.

We Have This Moment Today 2019 - YouTube

Merry Christmas 2019

We
Wish you
A Merry Christmas
Our  favorite time of year
A season of hope & good cheer
Counting our blessings from this year
Waiting to hear from friends far and near
Dennis finally gave notice next May to retire
Took a last minute cruise to Alaska this summer
May at Ocean Shores, August camped at Mt Rainer
Last May we also had the DuCette Family get together
Jan busy at Macramé, quilts, Lefsa and artwork in a Fair
Dennis enjoys facebook, blogging, hot tub, and Bill Gaither
Grandkids, Stehekin boat trip, Youth Circus, and walks to store
Hi from Mouse our cat and Barney and Squeaky our green Conure
God Bless you, Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas. I hope todays video brings back good memories for you and you experience the Love and Joy that Jesus brought into our world. Thank your for making 2019 special in your own unique way to us. May God Bless you with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas 2019 - YouTube

In 1986 we started our first Christmas Letter as hobby and tradition. In 2005 we created our first Christmas video along with the letter, and this year is the first time the words and video match in overlay words on video. (I even changed some words to match photos I had as I normally write letter first)  Two years I had used two different songs for that years video and my first two years I used same song for those years. (you guess what was the song) This is 7th time I have used Silent night, although each video a different version of that song. I started this tradition to look back at the year,  count my blessings and share equally with our friends/family our yearly news. (I love getting news in Christmas cards from others)  I still love to look back and review the letters, photos and videos. This makes entry 20 in Christmas family label of blog for past 14 years. The other six videos are ones about Christmas, duplicate songs, or ones I rescued from you tube about my grandkids. Each Christmas video is also posted on YouTube with Christmas at Grandma's House in 07 the most viewed with 1522 views. The first you tube video in 95 only has 90 views.  Silent Night in 2011 is most viewed  blog video with 922 views.

Hawaii Five-0 - (Maui Vacation)

Eight years ago today we left for Hawaii for our first time.   We had so much fun.  I have found that looking at old vacation videos is a lot cheaper than going there in person?  I first read a comic book by Dennis the Menace in the early 60's that caught my attention (wish I still owned that comic book- I paid 25 cents for it new). Later I would hear an Adventures in Odessey Story of the Barkleys visiting Hawaii (Focus on the Family) that would keep my attention on that island.(I still own that cassette tape) We had won 3 free nights stay at the Maui in the Banyan in Maui. Temperatures ranged from 46 degrees at 10,000 feet at dawn, to 83 degrees as a high. We traveled 533 miles on our rental car with gas costing around 4.34 a gallon. And the entire 7 days cost us  less than $1,800.  Thank you Journey Travel and Aston at the Maui Banyan and thanks Darcie for watching our animals and house while gone. We had so much fun. And reliving that week did not cost me anything. 

“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one”

“The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see.”

“A vacation should be just long enough that you're boss misses you, and not long enough for him to discover how well he can get along without you

hawaii 2011.wmv - YouTube

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

I love my job and am looking forward to  this winter. I will be working 6 to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Friday in Wenatchee starting Dec. 3rd.  I added a few photos of work 5 years ago when I worked Leavenworth to an old song called "I'd Like to Teach the World To Sing".  It was removed from YouTube for copyright even though I got the music from YouTube.  The song first aired on American radio on February 12, 1971, but failed. I hope you find the tune stuck in your head and I hope you have a Wonderful Holiday Season.

A soprano died and went to Heaven. St. Peter stopped her at the gate asking, "Well, how many false notes did you sing in your life?"

The soprano answers, "Three."
"Three times, fellows!" says Pete, and along comes an angel and sticks the soprano three times with a needle.
"Ow! What was that for?" asks the soprano.

Pete explains, "Here in heaven, we stick you once for each false note you've sung down on Earth."

"Oh," says the soprano, and is just about to step through the gates when she suddenly hears a horrible screaming from behind a door. "Oh my goodness, what is that?" asks the soprano, horrified.
"Oh," says Pete, "that's a tenor we got some time back. He's just about to start his third week in the sewing machine."

Q: How do you tell when your lead singer is at the door?

A: He can't find the key and doesn't know when to come in.

Q: What happens if you play blues music backwards?

A: Your wife returns to you, your dog comes back to life, and you get out of prison.

I'd Like To Teach The World - YouTube

Down In The Ditch

October 4th, 1993  I started work for WSDOT in Wenatchee. It really was a blessing; as we had just bought this house, our oldest daughter was a senior in High School, Jan had just started her job, and I was on city council- so moving would have changed our lives greatly. That previous month,  I commuted to Kent; as I had to transfer to Kent, or quit my WUTC job. That following year I would learn that additional layoffs at WUTC occurred, if I had stayed with them. DOT has been good to me and I have worked with some great friends. My first winter was spent on Stevens pass working nights plowing snow. I love the variety of work we perform and our goal of keeping the roads open for you.
In 2003 I went to the NCR Striping Crew in the summers and continued to work in maintenance for winters. I actually worked for two different bosses (ok, 3 with my wife) for 14 years. Two years ago last September, I accepted an opening back in Wenatchee maintenance, where I now work.

Thanks to Luther Beatty for hiring me- I have gone thru about a dozen different lead techs, about 7 supervisors and about 6 superintendents.  I enjoy working 4 ten hour days.  I had been assigned to Stevens, and Leavenworth, besides working in Wenatchee. I have seen many changes, shared many laughs, shared some sorrows-and have so many memories that I treasure. I welcome the new hires and it is tougher each time to say goodbye to those retiring or have passed on- just in this video that was made 2 years ago, I counted 14 retired/quit and one who passed on. The Lord Willing I hope to retire March 1st. It really has worked out great and has gone by so fast.

My friend was fired from his job at the road department for stealing. I have to say I saw it coming. The last time I was at his house all the signs were there.

My father's father wanted to know if he could stay with the company in spite of the many changes. They ended up grandfathering him in

Two mentally-challenged fellows are digging a ditch, when one of them asks the other, "Why are we both down in this ditch digging in the hot sun, doing all the work, while our foreman sits in the shade, smoking a cigar, reading a newspaper, and he gets paid more than we do?" His partner says, "I dunno. Why don't you go ask him?" So he climbs out of the ditch, and goes over to where the foreman is. "We were wondering why are we both down in this ditch digging in the hot sun, doing all the work, while you sit in the shade, smoking a cigar, reading a newspaper, and get paid more than we do?" The foreman says, "Well, it's because of education." "Ed-you-kay-shun? What the heck is that?" The foreman smiles broadly, "I was hoping you'd ask that." He puts his hand up on a big tree and says, "Now, you take your shovel, and hit my hand just as HARD as you can." Wow, the old boy's been waiting for a chance like this, so he really cranks up his backswing and let's it fly. But *just* before it hits his hand, the foreman jerks it away. The shovel meets the tree, "BLANG," and the fellow kinda "vibrates" back down into the ditch. His buddy says, "What'd he say?" "Well, he said that the reason why we both down in this ditch digging in the hot sun, doing all the work, while he sits in the shade, smoking a cigar, reading a newspaper, and get paid more than we do is because of ed-you-kay-shun." "Ed-you-kay-shun? What the heck is that?" (smiling broadly) "I was hoping you'd ask that." (puts his hand up in front of his face) "Now, you take your shovel and hit my hand just as HARD as you can..."

Down In The Ditch 24 years - YouTube

Don't Worry- Be Happy

On this date in 1985, I started to work for the state, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, in Pasco. Thanks to Ray Adams for hiring me at WUTC, and to Luther Beaty for hiring me at WSDOT almost 26 years ago in Wenatchee. God has had a hand in leading me and I am so thankful for each job and each friend I made along the way. I often think how life could have been different if I had made different decisions? For example I was offered a job on coast in 1975 but stayed in Grand Coulee, after my boss gave me a raise. I was offered a job in Ephrata selling Farmers Insurance about that time as well; and even interviewed for a Olympia Police officer and a State Trooper in the Early 80s- before I took the WUTC job in Pasco on todays date. Little did I know when I accepted that job 34 years ago, I would see three different towns to live in, eight different work offices to call home, 6 assigned cars/pickups, and the many great people I would get to work with. I am blessed with so many wonderful jobs- this video highlights a few of the jobs I have had over the years.

I am going to live forever- so far, so good.

Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends 

on your attitude. I like fun

I thought I wanted a career. 

Turns out I just wanted paychecks. 

Don't Worry Be Happy - YouTube

There is Something About a Mountain

Last Tuesday, August 27th, 2019, Janice and I took off to Mt. Rainer for a vacation. We did not make it to the top- but we camped like the Homeless do and we hiked to base camp from White River Campground.  The hike was only 6 miles total, but he climb was 1800 feet up  and 1800 feet back in elevation. I no longer do photo albums, so decided to go with an old Vestal Goodman song called "There is Something about a Mountain" to capture this vacation on video. It was a short vacation, but we got home on August 28th and had so much fun. There is something about a Mountain.

I appreciate the differences between Janice and myself- one big difference is our taste In Music. In fact I made the video of our recent trip to Mt. Rainer and she made me turn off the music while she looked at photos? She took many of these photos with her Nikon camera and I redid the video with her choice of music just for her. So you can choose which style of music is your favorite as well- either way- The Hills are alive with the sound of music... Feel free to comment on your favorite music- it will not hurt my feelings.

I think I am going to enjoy retirement. I took 80 hours off in August and this was our cheapest vacation. Spent 6 dollars on food in Yakima coming home, gas was probably most expensive at 2.90 a gallon for about 50? we already purchased our national park pass so that was free and camping was only 10 per night. I got 22,965 steps in on Tuesday and 8,733 on Wednesday. We brought our own firewood and own food. Luckily someone loaned us yoga mats as there was no electricity to fill up any air mattress for our tent. Sometimes the best  vacations do not involve a lot of money, just time.

There Is Something About A Mountain - YouTube

Springtime In Alaska

July 8th thru July 15th we sailed to Alaska on Holland America "Amsterdam". My wife took some excellent photos and her interests may be different than mine- so I added her photos to the 1959 Hit song by Johnny Horton called "Springtime In Alaska" It was  a fun cruise, and a last minute decision to go.

Skagway

First Day on Ship- leaving Seattle after boarding around noon. We sailed 653 miles to Ketchikan that included a sea day,  where we shared shore with 3 other ships. We then sailed 389 miles to Juneau  and again 3 other ships. Friday we were in Skagway after traveling 104 miles and 2 other ships were there. We had another sea day as we traveled 904 miles to Victoria for a Sunday night arrival. Then 86 miles to Seattle and we left ship around 8am. The advertised price was 543 per person- with fees, taxes and tips it came to around 1800 for both of us. We sailed with 591 crew members  of 31 Nationalities, and about 1500 other guests. Because of summer, there were more kids on board and people seemed younger unless maybe I am just getting older? Our average speed was 16.7 knots, traveled 2136 miles, used 113,186 gallons of fuel, and consumed 23,570 eggs. We were very pleased with the ship, crew, entertainment, food, and beautiful scenery- and great weather.

Springtime In Alaska - YouTube

Go North-

Monday, July 8th we left from Seattle to Alaska on the Holland America Amsterdam. Twelve years and 2 months  ago we went to Alaska on Norwegian Star with friends from church. This was a last minute booking- just  one week before sailing. We booked an inside cabin but were upgraded to a window cabin on deck 1.  We visited Ketchican, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. I used Johnny Horton's original "Go North" song that later became "North To Alaska" #1 hit in 1960.

We were upgraded to an outside cabin. Our cabin was 1916 and these cabins go from 1964 to 1826 on other end. We tried to walk and not take elevator to help burn off excellent foods. My garmen says I averaged 13,609 steps last week and did a total of 101,418 steps last week. Last Sunday I did 18,169 steps. I barely kept up with Jan- will post hers when I do a video of her photos later this week.

Johnny Horton was killed on Nov. 5th, 1960  in Plano Texas because of a drunk driver, at the age of 35. He actually worked in Alaska and wrote North to Alaska for the movie with John Wayne in 1960. In 1959 his first big hit was "When it is Springtime in Alaska".  There are actually two versions of North To Alaska- this version is slightly different,  and not the famous one,  so I am using it rather than have a duplicate of our trip to Alaska- 12 years and 2 months; since we went in May of 2007.

Our first cruise was for our 25th anniversary. We sailed from Tampa April 11th, 1999 to Cozemal, Grand Cayman, and New Orleans on Carnival Sensation. That 7 day cruise came to $1564 and spent $2500 for 9 days.

Our second cruise was February 28th, 2004 from Tampa and visited Grand Cayman, Belize City, and Cozumel. That 7 day cruise came to $1078 and was on Royal Carribean Nordic Express. It was perhaps the smallest ship, with later the ship being renamed after it was cut an extended in length.

Our 3rd cruise was May 13th  2007, to Alaska on Norwegian Star. We booked a window room but they upgraded us to a balcony.  We sailed with friends from church- Bob and Marge Adams, Dick and Rosemary Rice, and Richard and Donna Novak. Bob and Char Johnson had to cancel out at last minute. We visited Ketchican,  Juneau, Skagway, and Prince Rupert. It was the first cruise we added photos to for a video- "North to Alaska" by Johnny Horton.

Our fourth cruise, Oct 3 to Oct. 10th 2009  was our first to Mexico at  $329 each for inside cabin.  After arriving in LA, we visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. That video is to the song, "Come sail away".

Our Fifth cruise, was Feb 24th to March 3rd, 2013 when We flew to New Orleans and boarded the Norwegian Star. It was our 3rd time to cruise on Norwegian Star Ship.  We visited Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan as well as spending some extra time in New Orleans. The video used music "Sail Away".

Our sixth cruise, was April 4th to 19th, 2016 to Hawaii from Vancouver, BC. This was our first Princess Cruise, 15 days,  5 days to, 5 different island stops and 5 days back home.  We sailed with Dave and Jeanette Owens, and Mark and Maureen Johnson. "Happy Hawaii" was the song for that video. 

Our seventh cruise,  was April 20th, 2017  when  we left on a 17 day cruise through Panama Canal. We had an inside cabin and had limited internet minutes thrown in. It started out in Miami and ended in Seattle as a repositioning cruise. "Cruise Ship Crazy" was the song for that video. 

This Alaska cruise was advertised at 539 per person. we ended up paying about 1700 total with tips, getting to ship, and taxes and port fees. we parked our car in Kirkland and took a Lyft car to pier, about 21.00 each way.

Go North - YouTube