Paul and Les signing up and getting their bidding card. 

Our friend Ray, brother-in-law Paul, Les and Phil trying to predict what the ladies will buy before the auction started.  

With her arm up to shield her eyes, here is Dixie on the porch during the preview before the auction started. The house and the garage were so full, it was mind boggling! 

View of the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the auction site. Beautiful day! 

Beautiful hydrangea at the auction. 

11:00 AM Monday September 11, 2006

On the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our country, it continues to be difficult to grasp that something that terrible could happen here on American soil. Along with my fellow Americans ... I remember those first hours like it was yesterday. Phil and I visited the Shanksville, PA (temporary) Memorial and Ground Zero in New York where we were again, profoundly affected by the horror of that day. We will NEVER forget.

Here are some recent pictures of my niece Tammy's beautiful new house near Olympia Washington. She is hoping to move in around the end of October.

The new look; Robin's Egg Blue trimmed with bright white on the window trim. The old fashioned wraparound porch across the front is stained to match the front door.  

Fabulous kitchen with huge center island and storage to die for! 

A pink bedroom for the princess (Jessica). 

Grand stairway railing is being installed in entry. 

Corner jetted bathtub space and floor tile being put down over heat coils in the floor of the master bathroom. 

Jessica's play house has been moved by flatbed trailer to the back yard of the new house. The only casualty of the ride was a broken tea cup. 

5:11 PM Saturday September 9, 2006

Another special birthday party has come and gone as we begin our last week here in Shelton. Friday night, my niece, Tammy had a house full of family and friends for dinner and to celebrate two birthdays. Her daughter, Jessica’s 12th birthday and our friend Helga’s … well, we know she’s legal ;-)! As usual, the presents were piled high and there was enough food for a small army so no one went away hungry. We made plans to come back the next day for a daylight tour of Tammy and her husband, Steve’s new house to see how it’s coming along. Looks like Steve’s tour of duty will run the full year in the Philippines but a furlough is coming up in October much to Tammy’s delight.

Wow! Looks like it's going to be a great birthday party. 

Tammy and her mother-in-law, Bert sharing a private joke. 

Grandpa Paul on the video camera. 

With cousin Max standing by to help, Jessie is ready to start opening her gifts. 

New stereo from Grandma Dixie and Grandpa Paul. 

Beautiful handcrafted doll, a special gift from Grandmother, Bert. 

What a great picture frame!