Friday, April 29, 2011

Cousins

I took my first ride on the Chetzemoka ferry to Port Townsend on Wednesday. My cousin Kris and I were headed to Union, Washington for a cousins get together at the Blue Heron Condos. I was quite impressed with the new ferry. It's quite an improvement over the days of the old rattly Olympic, but that's been years ago.We stopped in Port Townsend to see Leah in her sail shop. She is Kris's daughter and therefore my first cousin once removed, I think. It's quite amazing to think that she can sew sails for these big ships. She actually made sails for "The Pirates of the Caribbean" movies. When you watch the movie and see the sailors up in the riggings, one of them was Leah. Yup, she not only made the sails, but she had to help with them during the movie. Ah, our family movie star!You can see some of her planning on the chalkboard behind her. Oh, and this is one of her special sewing machines for sewing the heavy canvas.

We did get a little nice weather, though it was cold. So, we went down to Alderbrook to look at their facilities. It's a beautiful place and there were a couple retreats taking place. Then, we went down the road to the Cameo Boutique and Wine Shop. Another very fun place to visit and shop. From there we decide to walk down the street to a historic waterwheel. This was built by the Dalby family in 1922 to bring electricity to their home and a few other cabins on their property. In 1924 the wheel was in need of repair and was replaced with one which was brought over from Seattle.On the way back to the car my cousins couldn't resist taking a look over this wall. Hmmm, why do people build walls anyway? Usually to keep looky loos out, but they just couldn't resist. Here they are checking out a well known persons "Gateaway".

Next we went to Harmony Hills, which is a retreat center. Karen has been their for different school events, but I believe they mainly support cancer patients. Kris and Karen walked the labyrinth. I started it, but got dizzy going around in circles, so I had to step out. If you ever have the opportunity to walk one I suggest you do. They are quite interesting. The sun came out, so we headed to the beach. What a lovely spot and the beach was covered with oysters. It was their lucky day since I don't eat them and had no license.

This is Alderbrook from the water side.

Carole, Karen and Kristi
I have no idea how many pictures we have had taken together like this over the years, but it is A LOT!! We always get in this order as I am the oldest and Kris is the youngest. BUT, I'm not older by much. Karen's birthday is just 3 weeks after mine and Kris follows in 7 months.What a fun time we had together! It's time to head home, but first get to stop and see Baby Max in Tacoma. To get there we cross the Narrows Bridge. I always love seeing this bridge. It's quite impressive. We are on the new section that was completed just a few years ago. And here is Max. The little 1 pound baby now weighs almost 6 pounds. He is no longer in the warming bed, or on the respirator. He uses a C-Pap for most of the day, but they are now putting him on a cannula (small oxygen tube in his nose) for 6 hours a day. His little lungs are getting stronger and stronger. Look at all the equipment it takes to monitor this one tiny, tiny baby. This is a pretty heart warming picture. Max is holding his mommy Alissa's finger. His hand still looks pretty tiny, even though he has gained 5 pounds since birth. Keep up the good work Max.