Evan's Oakland Tournament is over!

12-30-10 - Evan's team just couldn't get in the win column yesterday and lost their game by a score of 57-48. Evan had a total of 10 points again the Deaf Team of CA. They played a Deaf Team from CA and they really played a great game and just played much better then we did. So that sent Cedar Park Christian School in the game today at 3:30 against a team from Eureka, CA. Cedar Park came out of the gate smoking and ended up winning the game by a score of 63-40. Evan had a total of 8 points.

So this comes to the end of our CA trip and in the morning we will be heading back to Bothell to Lisa and Dwayne's. So we have a long day to drive a total of 814 miles. So will have a total of about 13 hours and will be on the road by AM

San Diego Tournament - Girls Basketball!

12-27-30th - Lynden Girls basketball team played Archbishop Jordan and won that game by a score of 51-19. Then their next game was played on the 28th and they won that game also by a score of 43-22 against Basic High School from NV. by winning that game it put them in the Championship game against Eastlake High School in Skyline.

The Championship game was close all the way and Eastlake is ranked 5th in 4A and Lynden is a 2A school. The game went down to the wire and we ended up losing 45-41. We were ahead by 1 point with three minutes to go and just couldn't hold on. So that's it for the tournament and the girls are now at the Holiday bowl and will be flying home on Friday night.

Oakland we are here!!

12-28-10 - Arrived here in Oakland about 12:30 as we pulled up to the Woodfin Suites near the Oakland Bay bridge in the town of Emeryville. Lisa and Dwayne arrived about 1:45 and we got things in order in our room.

Then did some exploring in the area and lots of places to shop. The girls went to Micheal's and we headed to Best Buy. Then it started to rain & rain for the rest of the day. We did get something to eat at the Elephant Ear restaurant. Then after eating it was time to find where Evan's basketball game was being played.

Well we found the school but couldn't get in as the gates were locked. During all this running around it was down pouring. We finally had to park up on a street and walk about a 1/4 mile down steep steps to the gym. We got there in time for the game. We started very slow and were using a zone defense which didn't work. They were hitting everything and got ahead of us like, 30-15. Then in the second halve we switched to a man for man defense and things got much better. We closed the score to 33-34 and then it went back and forth the rest of the way. Evan played an excellent game and was high point with 17 points. They finally lost in a close game 50-44.

Today when we got up the rains had stopped and things are looking better. Evan plays in a loser's bracket game starting at 5 PM. We are now trying to figure out what we will do during the day here in Oakland and are close to Frisco.

Wow! Where has the time gone!

12-26-10 - Well we have just spent our first Christmas in AZ since I have retired 15 years ago. It was very different to spend Christmas in the sunshine and 70 degree temps. We have had a fun time and not as stressful as when we are at home in WA.

In fact we spent Christmas day yesterday at " City of Phoenix Stadium". Playing were the Dallas Cowboys and the Phoenix Cardinals were playing. The Cardinals ended up winning the game 27-26. Our pickelball club ran Concession Stand #107. We had a total of about 46 people and were very busy. The people just kept coming for food and more food. It was busy until the end of the 3rd Quarter. Then the crowds seemed to taper off. It was the first time for Ione and myself to work at the Stadium. We get a percent of the profits for our pickleball Club. We are saving money to build three more Pickleball Courts.

We are now packed and will be driving to Oakland in the morning. Will be watching a three day basketball tournament that Evan's Cedarpark Christian School team will be involved in. This is an eight team tournament. So won't be watching a lot of basketball but should be very interesting and then will give us free time for shopping, etc.

then after the tournament is done will be heading back to WA for about 2 weeks. Will be watching Evan's basketball and also our granddaughter Jessica will be playing some basketball with her team.

We will make it home for one of our Christmas get to gathers on the Crabtree side on the 2nd of January. Then will just do what we can until we start heading back to AZ on the 12th of Jan.

Are Warm Weather is Here!!

12-09-10 - We are now about 10 degrees above normal for weather here in AZ, which as been predicted to be 80 degrees by Sunday. Just a couple of weeks ago we were just the opposite with temps 10 degrees below normal. So now things are looking good and we are enjoying the weather, with lots of tennis and pickleball.

Just had a great dinner last night for Christmas. This was a ham dinner, with the trimmings and desert. It was a fun time with lots of friends we know here at Happy Trails.

Just got the word that Dune Buggy is ready to pick up from the shop. The brakes were completely redone, new bearing, etc. So we should be good for stopping that Bug of ours. Since the weather is so good we may have to do a Dune Buggy ride this weekend. Things are going good.

Have been keeping track of our grand kids basketball games. Evan's team has won 1 and lost 1 game so far. Then Jessica's team has started the season with two wins. We will be watching Evan's game on the computer tonight. It is something new about a video of each game as played and will be able to watch on the computer. So will be fun watching the game. That's it for now.

Cold in Surprise, AZ

11-26-10 - Well we haven't been spared all of that cold weather that has come south from Canada & Alaska. We woke up this morning, the temps were, like 35 degrees outside and 39 degrees in the motor home.

But the difference from here and the Northwest who had snow, rain, etc. Also probably some freezing rain. Our day was sunny skies and all sunshine, probably got up to about 60 degrees, which isn't the normal for us. We will make due and will be busy doing pickleball, etc.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11-25-10 - Thanksgiving is such a good time of year to get with family & friends and appreciate all the good things that we are blessed with. God is so good and always takes care of us. all you have to do is believe in him and except him into your heart.

So again we are blessed and have a great thanksgiving day.

Snow & cold In Lynden!

11-20-10 - Just talked to Tom today and also Greta, the weather is not good. The northeast wind is blowing really hard. There is snow in all the yards and frozen. Seems that the roads are clear and dry, which is good. But then when you go south past the Smith Rd. and the Guide Meridian was compact snow and ice. So this is a real switch as usually the snow is usually North of the Guide.

Hope the weather gets better as the week goes on and will be enjoyable for winter.

We are now at home at Happy Trails!

We have been busy riding our bikes over to Sun City Grand Skills Tournament. Watched a lot of good pickleball. Then had some grocery shopping to do. We came back with our bikes loaded down with goodies.

Also have gotten in two days of pickleball which is great. Good to see some of our friends again after about six months. Our weather has been just great for the last three days with temps in the high 70's.

New Fridge Installed!

11-17-10 - So today Wednesday was the big day to install our new Norcold Fridge. Our old one bit the dust in Alamo, NV as we woke up that morning Ione checked the freezer compartment for frozen Blueberries and they were not frozen. So that was our first clue.

So after Mike & Frank arrived about 2 1/2 hrs. later the old one was out with some problems and then in went the new. We are watching to make sure the new one is doing it's job. So not by choice, we now have a new fridge. The rest of the day was spent unpacking things and getting our lot in shape. So that's it for today.

Hoover Dam by-pass Bridge!

11-16-10 - This bridge is the reason we traveled down Hwy 93 from Hwy 84 in ID. The bridge opened to the public on Oct 19th, 2010. So we wanted to go over this one with our motor home and tow car.

The bridge was the first concrete-steel composite arch bridge in the United States. The total cost of this bridge is 240 million dollars and took just about six years to complete.

2003 - Work begins on approaches in both AZ & NV. 2004 - Oct the contract for the bridge is awarded.

The official name of the bridge is: Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

After leaving Alamo, NV about 100 miles north of Las Vegas we just keep moving. The hwy through Vegas was great and the traffic was very sparse. The next thing we knew we had turned on Hwy 93 south and the new bridge was only about 12 miles.

Then it was just ahead and Ione had her camera ready, the only problem we had no place to stop to take pictures. We crossed at 10:25 AM on 11-16-10. The road was great and after crossing the bridge the road is all four lane and new. This road goes all the way to Kingman. Glad we did it and will always remember this trip.

Next thing we know we are on the 303 and only a few miles from Happy Trails. We stopped for gas at Safeway and it was only 2.669 per gallon. So backed onto our lot at about 4 PM.

A good nights sleep!

11-13-10 - We are now alone in the parking lot at the Toyota Center as all the fans have gone home. The teams have their trophies all eight of them, from 1st to 8th, and everyone is happy. We really like all the quietness and wake up the next morning 11-14-10 and hit the road about9 AM.

We put in a long day and drive about 475 miles for the day. The roads were mostly dry with just a little moisture before getting to Baker City,OR to refuel and move on. The traveling is good and we end up in NV at the City of Jackpot, NV. We have been here before and know just where to turn into Cactus Pete's RV Park. We noticed the last few miles that the winds were picking up. When we get parked and put out the slide out the wind was really kicking in rocking things. In fact we had to bring the slide back in as the wind was so strong. We rocked and rolled most of the night..

We woke up the next morning and got on the road about 9 AM again. So we-e keep heading south down Hwy 93, getting closer to some warmer weather. As the day came to an end , we ended up in Alamo, NV. It was a small town of 500 people. Found a small RV park (Alamo RV) and spent the night. It was very quite and got some sleep. That means we are only one day away from Happy Trails, Surprise, AZ. Tomorrow is the big day.

Final Game of State Tournament!

11-13-11 - The last big game of the tournament for our girls volleyball team. Well the Hornets from White River are ready for a showdown with our girls. We started out well for all the marbles (5th) and we win the game at 25-18. Then those Hornets come storming back and make a real battle of the second game. It goes back and forth and we end up losing the game by a score of 27-25. So we pour on the coal and win game 3 going away at a score of 25-15. Then they come back like a really swarming bunch of Hornets again and they win 25-17. So now the match is tied at two games each. We are down to cases and this is a must win game if we want to lock up 5th place. It's a battle down to the wire and we end up winning the match 15-11. That means we were ranked 5th in State before the tournament started and now are 5th as stated. So that ends our battle for volleyball play.

I'm Back!

11-13-10 - Final results of the 2010 State Tournament at Kennewick, WA. Saturday morning at 8 AM our girls were a lot more ready to play then they were the day before. So our first team to beat and receive 5Th place was North Kitsap High.

We started the game with all burners operating, 1st game was 25-18, second game, 25-15 and never looked back. The final game was 25-15 and I think we were to win a few more games.

Next on the list for Lynden was Tumwater High School. We started out the first game like the last game with North Kitsap and won the game 25-15 and the next game like the first and won 25-17. So by now the fans are thinking that we will be done in three games. Well I think the Tumwater coach had a different idea. She redid there offense and started have her team serve everything soft and things really turned. So game three we go down by the score of 25-23. Wow! Close but not a win. So now we are still ahead 2-1 in games. We are still thinking we can do this. The fourth game and we still can't get on track. The final is 25-18 and we lose. Now we are tied at 2-2.

Now the fans are saying we can do this and there is no turning back. We jump out to a good lead in this short 15 point game and never really look back and play our result is we move on with a 15-11 win.

We are now one win away from taking home that 5th place trophy. Next on the list is White River High School. We look at their roster and they don't have a player over 5'10". Their mascot is the Hornets and will explain that later. So maybe we can take this team and get that trophy. Well, this will have to, be con't.

This is where the action was for two days!

11-12-10 - This is where all the volleyball action started at 8AM on the 12th. We had a very tough draw for the first game. We draw Fife which was ranked in the final poll for the season at #2 in class 2A. So since we were ranked in that final poll at #5 why did we have to start with a name ranked soo high I guess you would call it the luck of the draw.

Our girls came out in the first game and just didn't get started, too sleepy or something and lost by a score of 25-12. Then we woke up and played pretty good and just not quite good enough to win so lost this game 25-21. Next game was about the same and we just hung in there but didn't get close enough for a win and lose 25-22. So this puts us in the loser's bracket who don't play until 8AM on Saturday the 16th.

Then we take a trip to the Sundome in Yakima since Lynden was done for the day. The games there were for 1-B, 2-B, & 1A. Cedar Park Christian school was playing and watched two of their games. They won both which put them into the semi-finals the next day. Our Grandson Evan plays basketball for Cedar Park. So had a nice afternoon and evening watching games there. Got back to our motor home in Kennewick about 10 PM. Wow what a full day. To be con't

This is our home on wheels!

11-10-10 - After leaving 600 Garden Drive on the 10th of November in our 1998 Winnebago Chieftain motor home with our daughter Lisa we head down the hwy for about 319 miles to the City of Kennewick, WA. which is located in Eastern Washington. It was a good drive over and the weather was good and we had no problems which is really good.

We arrived at the Toyota Center at Kennewick and setup our motor home in the parking lot for two days of good volleyball watching. We were were walking distance across the parking lot to all the action. To be con't

11-10-10 - This is where our adventure starts each fall. We live at 600 Garden Drive, Lynden, WA. We have lived here since 1994. We have a pickleball court in the back yard. So any of you pickleball's out there if you come by from June thru Sept. and would like to play please stop by.

Departure Day!

11-10-10 - This is the day we hit the road, first stop will be at our Daughter Lisa's house. Will take in a basketball tournament tonight, as Evan plays in a fall league at Shorline Community College. They have a one night tournament. That is on schedule for tonight and should be a good night of Basketball.

This morning is a clear and cool day,will be good for driving. I think we have everything packed and will ho0k-up about 1:30 Pm and move out.

Can't wait to get down south to some warmer weather. Should be to Happy trails in Surprise, AZ on the 16th.

Count down!!

11-08-10 - It was another busy day at the Gienger Household as we are getting ready to hit the road on Wednesday. I did misc. stuff this morning, filling the water tank in the m/h, putting in the GPS. Yes, you heard it right, we now have a GPS, doesn't everyone have one. We didn't want to be left out. We have always gotten by with an old fashioned map but you have to keep up, sooo!

So got a good buy on one at Amazon.com. Got a Garmin Nuvi 1350 with a 4.3" screen. Seems to be a pretty smart little gadget. We will try it out as we hit the road on Wednesday.

Then Ione went to the grocery store and got some more food to fill the shelves in our moving home. So we are getting closer.

Then this evening it was time for "Dancing with the Stars". We always tape the show from our East Coast feed on DirecTV. So then we can watch it anytime. Not sure who will be going home tomorrow night. Our Alaska girl Bristol Palin is still in the running. But not sure if she will survive tomorrow night.

Lynden Football in sweet 16!!

11-06-10 -To complete a day of volleyball and then Lynden Football team played at 7 PM against Bellingham. We didn't watch the game and listened on the radio. The game was played in a wet situation, fog and light rain for the first halve. I believe we were ahead, like 14-0 at halve time. Then like they usually do, we turned up the steam and ended winning 41-0.

Lions playing again this Saturday Nov. 13th and will be playing Tumwater. I believe they are also undefeated and ranked # 3 in State. Should be a real showdown!! Lynden Lions football is really on a roll and our record is now 10-0 and have a 23 game winning streak going. Also ranked #2 in State 2A. GO LIONS!!

We're going to State!!

11-06-10 - Lynden's Girls Volleyball team is a again making that special trip to Kennewick, WA and the Toyota Center. It's time for 2A State volleyball to start, which it doe's on Friday morning the 12th. We don't know who we will be playing but will find out soon.

It was a great day at Jake Maberry Gym for Lynden today. We started out with a win against a good Sehome Team. We didn't play real well but good enough to win in 4 games. The first game was 25-21, then Sehome keep close and ended up winning the second game 25-23. but we poured it on in the last two games and won going away, 25-20 & 25-19.

So now it is time for a match with Archbishop Murphy who was the 1st place team from the Cascade League. The lions came out roaring and never looked back to take the match in three games. The scores were, 25-13, 25-18 and the 3rd game was a little harder, down 13-18 they showed like they could do it and came out in that game 25-23. So now next stop will be the Toyota Center in Kennewick.

1965 Plymouth Barracuda!!

Wow! This car really brings back memories. We owned one just like this, bought brand new off the showroom floor. So have been shopping and who knows what will out out of this adventure. Sure would like to have a car like this to go with our 1965 VW Dune buggy. Memories are made from stuff like this. So the beat goes on.

Leaves Everywhere!

11-03-10 - There were leaves everywhere in our yard. So got out the blower, rake and some garbage cans and took care of those leaves. Including finding lots of leaves at Ione's Mom's house who lives next door. Don't like the wind when it blows in our neighborhood.

Our yards look good until we get another northeaster, since there is still some leaves on the trees in our neighborhood. Oh for the life of a homeowner and trying to keep the yard looking good.

Ione did a great job in the kitchen and came out with some homemade Taco Soup which is really a great soup, for me the soup guy. I think I could live on soups no problem.

District Volleyball Play!

11-03-10 - Our Lynden Lions girl's volleyball team came out smoking and played three great games to beat Lakewood High in the first round - 3-0.

Then 45 minutes later our Lynden came back out on another court and looked like a different team. We were playing Burlington who had beaten us in their gym about a month ago, 3 games to none. We never got out of the blocks and were down 7-1 before we could get anything going, and lost 1st game 25-14, then started the same way again and lost 25-17. Well we started out again down 7-1 and ended up losing that game 25-17.

So now we have to battle up through the loser's bracket to go to State. We play Sehome on Saturday at 12 PM and a must win. If we lose one more we are out. Then if we win against Sehome will probably play ArchBishop Murphy for 3rd & 4th. Since only three teams go to State we have to get 3rd to move on. See ya Saturday. More volleyball coming up then.

Rain / Rain!

11-01-10 - Well, we are sitting here in the rain and just waiting for the games to begin on Wednesday afternoon.

The lions have some tough games of volleyball coming up with Lakewood at 4 PM Wednesday. Then, if we can put them away, Burlington is waiting to play us at about 6 PM same day. That is if they can get by, either South Whidbey/Mt. Baker and I think they can. It will be a rough game and down to the wire. We got beat by Burlington in regular League in their place and this time we play them in our place and know it will make a big difference. "GO LIONS". We can do this! -- Wish us luck -- A big Prayer --

We did it, Beat Ferndale!!

10-27-10 - Well Lynden girls volleyball team brought their A game to the Gym and ended up beating Ferndale. Scores were 25-15, 25-13 & 25-18 and never looked back. This was some of the best team work they have shown all season. This is a great tune-up for district play which starts on Wednesday Nov. 3 against Lakewood. That will be a 4 PM start and should be a good game.

This will do it for the regular season games and the girls record is now 11-2. They are peaking at just the right time of the season, look out here they come.

We're Still Watching Volleyball!

10-25-10 - On the road again! We were at Squalicum High School. We played really well dthe first game and won 15-14, second game not soo good, started too many subs. So we started bad and ended up winning the game 25-23. So I think it woke up some people and the last game we did well and won 25-14.

So now the really hard game is coming up tomorrow night at Lynden. We will be playing Ferndale who is a 3A team and we are 2A. They have already locked up first place going in their district. We aren't so lucky and aren't sure but will be coming into district in 3rd. The reason we were beat by Burlington at their place and then had to place at Anacortes and in their place also for second year in a row. We played then hard and lost in 5 games. So that means they are both ahead of us.

One thing first and that is to beat Ferndale tomorrow night. They really want to beat us bad so have to play like a well oiled machine and we can win.

Will have a report coming up tomorrow night. Ione has been busy packing the motor home and I have been working at our daughter's house. They had to replace their furnace and also are putting in a heat pump for cooling in the summer. But since the electrician's needed to get into the garage attic and there was no hole, you know who cut in a hole and framed it out. Also needed a small cement pad poured for the heat pump and me again. The two projects are done. Their new furnace is working and as soon as the cement sets on the slab, will have the heat pump installed. Who said retired people have nothing to do.

The beat goes on!!

Lynden Lions Football!

10-22-10- Wow! What a football game today. Lynden played Burlington and scored the first TD and lead 7-0. So we thought we were on our way, well Burlington had other ideas and they just ran through us the first halve and lead at halve time 17-7. So we had our work cut-out for us the second halve and came out and played like we can. So the next thing we know with 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter we tied 20-20 and then we make our try for point. So we now lead 21-20 and keep Burlington under wraps for the rest of the game.

So now we are 8-0 for the season and are tied with Anacortes for first in league. So guess who we play for the last regular season game, Anacortes at there place next Friday night the 29th of Oct. "GO LIONS" -- Fun to watch!

Another Week of Volleyball!

10-19-10 - We played at Blaine with a team that was three starters short. Three of the girls were in Annapolis, Indiana at an FFA Convention. So we had to use three subs and ended up beating Blaine, 25-15, 25-17 & 25-15. So it wasn't pretty but we came through.

10-21-10 - We are in the comforts of our own gym and played Sedro Woolley from Skagit County. They give us a good run the first game but we won 25-21. We just dug a hole to start and took some time to get out. Then game two was the same, get in a hole, and then come out. We win the game 25-17. Then the last game is just like the first two. We dig a hole and have to climb out and we again 25-17. The girls just didn't play well and really missed their teammates that were gone. So end the night wining all three and now have only two games next week before district.

Been a busy week getting all my shrubs pruned. The count was like about 128 total shrubs. So that's alot of climbing up and down a step ladder. That is behind us and Ione has been loading the motor home. We are only about 18 days from heading to AZ. Wow pee!!!

Tonight is a big football game here in Lynden. Our lions have a perfect record of 7-0. They have been really playing well and will be playing a good Burlington team tonight.

Then we have a big birthday party coming up on Sunday, as Jada will be turning 9 years old. Wow! Seems like just yesterday she was born. She is now a big 3rd grader. She has been playing soccer and is the tallest in her class.

We're the Champs!!

10-16-10 - This was the day of the big Wenatchee Volleyball Tournament. We had a field of 16 teams. The day started with Lynden playing Eastmond High school and we won in two games. The scores were 25-23 & 25-15.. Next on the list was Wenatchee High ad host of the tournament. They are a 3A school and are leadiing their league. Our first game with them was really tough but we won 26-24 and the next game was a little easier winning 25-20.

o next was Liberty High School and we started with bang - winning 25-20. So now coach is feeling like maybe we can play subs. So she starts three subs with three regulars and right at the start things didn't look good, as we are down like 7-1 and I think finally when the score is like 14-16 she finally puts all the regulars back in but too little too late and we ended up losing 26-24. So that was our only lose of the day.

Next we play in the Championship Bracket and are ranked, like #3. So our first game is against, Chelan High who are ranked #1 in class 2A. So we knew they were good and we had to play well. First game went down to the wire and we win 26-24 and the next game ended up with us winning 25-22. Next up was a good Marysville team who are a 4A school. They had some big girls and we prevailed in the first game 25-13 and then the last game we won also 25-21.

So we are now in the Championship game. Had to wait about an hour before playing against Woodenville High who are a 4A school and ranked #10 in 4A. They have three 6-2 girls that start so we expected a very close game. Well we came out of the gate with flying colors and cruised to a 25-17 win. So now for game two which was closer but we again came out on top 25-20. so we are now the "CHAMPS". Go Lynden Lions.We believe this is the best they have played all year. Just the right time to peak because district is coming up soon and then on to State.

that's it from sunny Wenatchee.

Had a great trip to Wenatchee!

10-17-10 - Had a good trip to Wenatchee with the motor home and came over hwy 2. That meant turning off at Everett and going east, came thru Monroe, Sultan, Gold Bar, etc. The leaves were turning when we got close to Lake Wenatchee and towards Leavenworth. There were lots of yellow in them there hills.

We are at Wenatchee High School and placed in the parking lot around the bus garage. We had stopped at Confluence State on the way here and every site was full. The park was hosting a dog show so that is why so many people were there. So we proceeded to the School and no hook-ups but really quiet.

We are ready for the volleyball games to start in the morning at 8:30 and Lynden plays at 9:20 AM. This is a one day tournament and I think there is about 10-12 teams. The weather was really sunny and not so warm, about 60 degrees. That's it for today.

Still on Volleyball Trail!

Oct 14, 2010 - We just had a volleyball at home with Mt. Baker. We won the first game in fine fashion 25-15. then coach decided to start three subs and things didn't go well, we were down 7-1 before we knew it. So back come the regulars and we ended up winning 25-20. Then the third game she started all the starters and things still didn't start real fast. We did end up winning 25-20

We have been playing pretty well and our record is now 7-2 in league. They have a tournament in Wenatchee this weekend. We are taking over the motor home and spend a few days. the weather is going to be sunny there but not real warm. Only highs of about 60 degrees.

After the tournament we have four more league games left in the season and then into District play. Hopefully we can do well and end up going to State which is at Kennewick, WA on Nov. 11th and 12th.

After that we will be heading south to our lot at Happy Trails, Surprise, AZ

Wow! Back to Volleyball!

9-30-10 - Our girls have been really busy this week, having three games in a row. They played at Mt. Vernon on Tuesday night and didn't play well but won in three games. Then on Wednesday we played at La Conner who are ranked #1 in class B-1, we started really well but they didn't fold and we lost the 1st game 25-23, then game two didn't work for us either and lost 25-20. So now our backs were against the wall, well we just couldn't do it. Ended up losing last game 25-23.

So now we come to last night which was a match at Burlington High. They are ranked #1 in 2A which is our class. Well things started pretty good in the first game and we stuck with them until it was 16-16 then they took off and ended up winning 25-19. Now game two they came out smoking and we ended up losing 25-09. Not good, so now we are really in trouble. Well we played better in game three. We were leading like, 7-2 and 13-8. Then them came storming back and when the game was over we had lost our 6th game in a row. The score was like 25-19. So now it is back to square one and have to get going. Next game is in Sehome and we wil see if we can turn things around and get a win.

So are these grand parents in for some really rough games or what. This is what we are staying home for to watch volleyball and then to AZ about the 10th of November.

Bellingham / Lynden Volleyball!!

9-23-10 - The Bellingham Red Raiders have a very young team and I think our girls weren't ready to play hard. So the first game went back and forth with the Coach putting in subs often. We ended up winning 25-20. Then we moved to game two with the same subbing and final score of 25-20. Then seems we played more the regular starting line-up and won the game 25-15. So we ended up beating Bellingham 3-0. That moves our record to 3-0.

So now we will be waiting for the next game which is the 28th. Glad that we are playing the games indoors as our weather for the month of September has been wet, wet and more wet. We have set a record for rain in the month. Normally we get about 1" and so far this month are over 4". We are feeling like ducks around here.

Lynden / Lynden Christian Volleyball!

9-23-10 - Well the gym was just about filled and what a game. It was the biggy of the year in the Cross Town Rivalry. We had beaten LC in their gym last year so they were ready for us. The big surprise was that Jessica was suited and ready to play. She had broken her finger in the game last Saturday at the Mossyrock Tournament.

She came out smoking and made her first four serves, including a ace or two. The game really went down to the wire and we won 27-25. Then the next game LC won 25-21. Jessie didn't play anymore in the third and fourth games because her finger was hurting too much. Then we went and played a great third game and won 25-17. that put us up 2-1 and one more game to go. We went back and forth for some more exciting volleyball and ended up winning 25-20. So all the Lynden fans came away happy. Lynden volleyball is off to a good start and are now 2-1 for league.

So now Jessica will be able to rest her finger and won't play again until we play Mt. Vernon on 9-28.10.

Volleyball Season is here!!

9-17-10 - We are on our way to Mossyrock, WA from Lynden and a distance of 219 miles. We made it from Lynden to Bothell and then Renton. This is where Ione's sister lives. Spent a couple of hours there and then headed out about 6 PM. We had the mostt rain and bad weather we have ever seen in this area. It just came down in buckets and didn't arrive at Ron & Donna Daly's house until after 9:30. Not a good Trip but got there safe. Was good to do some catching up on things as we hadn't seen them since July 15th.

Then had a good nights sleep and were on the road to Mossyrock High School about 8:30 AM. Arrived at the school and watched games from 9 AM to 8:30 PM. When it was all done it was sweet and bitter. Lynden did well and won all there games except one. Won the trophy for first with a record of 13-1. But our granddaughter Jessica broke another finger in the 7th game and didn't play anymore. So she will be day to day and hopefully will be able to play on Tuesday the 21st again Lynden Christian.

So it will be a long season if Jessica keeps breaking fingers again this season. She has a condition in her hands since birth that makes it hard to not break bones. So we pray she will stay healthy.

Birthday Party at La Conner!

Sunday September 5th, 2010 - We had a family gathering plus friends, for Evan & Jessica's birthdays. Our daughters Pam & Lisa planned to gathering. We had a Ice-Cream cake for the birthday kids at about 2 PM. We had over 30 people in attendance, the weather was wonderful with some sun and no rain. After cake it was present opening for the kids. Jessica had just turned 17 on the 31st of Aug and Evan is turning a big 16 Sept 11th a date we will all never forget with the twin towers going down.

Then after all that we had free time to explore the Park take pictures, walk the Beach. In all everyone had a great time. Then about 5PM we had a BBQ with hamburgers and all the trimmings. None of us came away Hungary. It turned out very nice and special memories were made.

Then the next morning we woke up to rain at the park. We packed up and had a few stops on the way home and arrived back home about 8 PM

LaConner Pickleball Tournament over!!

Sept 3, 2010 - Had a great day on the pickleball courts.Total of 22 teams started the morning under sunny skies. I had a new partner in mixed doubles today,Vi Stockman, really good friends. Vi is a tennis player and hasn't played much pickleball but still we did OK and won 3 games and lost 2. Didn't get any awards but it was a real learning experience as there are lots of good teams.

When the dust settled today we didn't get any awards in the Gienger household. Ione and Colby had a good start and won their first two games but then lost the next two games. Then Vi and I won two games and went into the losers bracket and won our first game. Then in our next loser game lost and were done for the day.

Then we had our usual Banquet and the Canadians did such a good job. Ione was awarded the overall best lady player and got a new Champion Pickleball paddle. then we had some lesser awards for a BBQ dinner/ice-cream. It was a really fun time and Ron & Vi 'Stockman really enjoyed it very much.

So now we will be getting ready for the birthdays on Sunday - Evan who will be 16 and Jessica who will be 17. Now we will be praying for nice weather as they are predicting cloudy with a chance of rain, maybe. We will have to wait and see how it works out. Thats it for tonight.

TT Park at LaConner, WA!

Aug 25, 2010 - Arrived at LaConner TT Park for our annual Labor Day week of pickleball. We found when we arrived that are favorite site was reserved by the park for a large weekend group of 180 people. We did find a site that was in lots of trees and never seen the sun.

Then on Sunday the 28th we moved to site 214 which is on Shark Street. This site is more in the open and has worked out much better. The only probblem has been trying to get the DirecTV Dish working for TV. So far no luck and still don't have TV. We have been getting the computer on the internet from the motor home which is a record, this park just has soo many trees,etc. and can never get cell service, except by walking to the beach or clubhouse.

We have had lots of pickleball going on, with the most pickleballers we have seen for our annual tournament. So far we have had Men and Ladies partner switch matches all in on Monday the 29th. I won all my matches for a total of 6-0 and since we had three other people with no lossses had to have a playoff and I ended up with 3rd place. Ione won all her games and won 1st place. So had a good day.

Then today, Sept. 1st played men's doubles and we had 13 teams. Had some great games and lots of fun. I had a new partner Ron Chance, who is a new pickleball player and 56 yrs. old. So he is just a young guy. We started the day plaaying the team that won the gold. We had a great match with Ron/Ron winning 11-9. Then had a great match again Bob Lanius and Mike Phipps and won that gamee11-6. So we are cruizing along with a 2-0 record and then came Carol and Windell. We just couldn't get our game going and lost 11-6. So that means we play the guys we beat in the first match. Things didn't improve much and we couldn't get going and lost 11-3. S0 our playing was over for the day.

While us guys were playing pickleball doubles the girls were out shopping and they got back about 4 PM with lots of things. Ione found a gift for Jessie and also some stuff for her self. That's it for today from Sunny LaConner. We did have a day of rain on Tuesday but today was sunny and great. Thats it for today.

The girls will be playing mixed doubles in the morning. Carol and Barry arrived today so Carol will be Ione's partner. Go girls and have a great day.

When will I catch up!!

Aug 20, 2010 - Well we are back from our trip to Eastern Washington. Had a great time at Keller Ferry with our family. The weather was in the high 90's until the day we had to leave. Had a really bad wind storm which made things interesting.

We survived the storm and headed to Silver Lake Bible Camp the next day for another week at the camp. Things went really well and enjoyed time with our grand daughter Jada. She will be going into third grade this fall. We had about 325 hungry middle schoolers at camp this week. With that bunch there was never a dull moment. We really prefer working with High Schoolers but we never know which group will be there when we arrive.


Now is just about time to head to LaConner for 14 days and will be doing our pickleball tournament and seeing old friends. That's it for tonight.

Wow! It's hot in Lynden!

7-08-10 - Well summer finally arrived here in Lynden yesterday. It made a high of about 87 degrees and I think today it will be 90 plus. It is hard to adjust from a temp of about 57 to 87 in one day. But we will take it and enjoy.

Seems like maybe this afternoon we will take a bike ride to Birch Bay. It will feel good with a breeze from riding to keep you cooler. Then do some exploring around the area once we have reached the beach.

Got most of the yard stuff done this week so will just take it easy as it is too hot to do much in 90 degree weather. Will be soon packing up and heading to Eastern Washington for about three weeks. We leave Lynden on the 18th and will be back in town on the 9th of Aug. Should be fun doing our work at Silver Lake Bible Camp and spending some time at Keller Ferry with our family. That's it from our end of the world.

Strawberries!

6-25-10 - It is that time of year in Whatcom County where we live in the summer for u-pick strawberries. They are SO good right off the brushes, so today Ione & I picked a total of 29 lbs. @ 1.35 per pound. They will disappear fast, for pie, jam, with ice-cream and many other things.

Also deep in work doing yards and catching up from our long stay this winter in AZ. Always something to do when home for these retired folks. Time to go.

Crabtree Fathers Day - At the Park!!

6-20-10 - What a surprise we got at Fathers day picnic. We arrived and noticed this older truck parked in front.

Then everyone was bringing in their food for the big dinner, which we have every year rain or shine. We usually eat outside but there is a cabin if it rains we go inside, even has a fireplace. But we didn't get any rain but is really was cool. The temp was about a 62 degrees for June 20th. So not sure where summer is because tomorrow is the first day of summer. So then after much eating, talking and telling stories. The truck came up in conversation and found out it has been in the family for 50 years plus.

It is a 1948 Studebaker flatbed truck. It was originally owned by Art Crabtree (Grandma) and now deceased. Then Uncle Gene Crabtree had it many years in his potato growing business. Then due to it's age set many years in the yard and never was driven. Then somehow it ended up at Bob Crabtree's home. Since he is a body repair man maybe something is going to happening soon. Well after sitting there also for many years, just two weeks ago it came out with a shiny new paint job, new upholstery and now is really looking good. It is now back with Uncle Gene and he is so proud of his truck. So he was the one that parked it right out front for everyone to see. So we had to take a lot of family pictures next to the shiny truck and it made for a very nice day. Now we all have something to talk about for next year.

50th Anniversary Dinner at Mambo Italiano Cafe, Fairhaven

6-19-10 - Our two daughters invited us to a dinner for our anniversary which was on May 13th, 2010. But since we were still in AZ and them in Washington we had to wait until we got home.

The Cafe had a table set for 15 people. We arrived a little early and took some pictures, etc. They had a cake, flowers, etc. set up and everything was looking just great. When everyone arrived we all sat down for dinner. The menu had some great things and after sometime of reading all the items we were ready to order.

The service was good and the food was soon arriving at our table, we had pizza's, pasta's and a few things in between. So everyone had just what they ordered. Then after much eating and talking it was on to desert. Jada are youngest granddaughter was asking, Grandpa when is desert. I told her it was coming shortly and soon Aunt Lisa got up to start serving desert. Then after everyone enjoyed a great cake with fruit topping. Lisa then mentions that we have a gift for the honored couple. We think, they just took us out for dinner and more. So here comes a gift bag. We lift it and not very heavy. Take out all the paper and there is a book. The title "Out 50th Wedding Anniversary Album - May 13th 1960 - 2010.

What a surprise this book have took weeks to put together. It told the story with pictures of our first day of marriage through raising a family, our travels, etc. Not sure how many months it took the girls to put it together but it is SO amazing. It will be something we can have for the rest of our life. This was such thing that they did for their Dad & Mom. We are so proud of our families and wish them only good things.

Arrived back in Lynden on June 1st, 2010

6-17-10 - Wow! After that trip down into the Grand Canyon it was a fast trip home. On the way home stopped in Seattle and watched our Grand Daughter play some volleyball at U of W. They played a total of about 6 matches and I think won 3 and lost 3. There were over 64 teams in the tournament so had lots of competition.

Since then we have been trying to get our yard in shape even with all this rain we seem to get here in rainy WA. Our weather just doesn't seem to get any better and think it will be setting records for rain. We tryed to plan our arrival home after spring was over but I think we missed it by about three weeks. Before we know it the start of summer will be here (6-21-10) and still haven't seen the sun very much.

We have gotten in a couple of weeks of playing tennis since home. The first week we just got done and the sky opened up. But did get in some great games. This year there is a lot of younger plays. So for us older folks we have to pick it up.

I think there is light in the tunnel as far as getting all the yards in shape. So maybe if the work is catch up we can think about play. Oops, forgot about this 50 degree weather we have been having. But let look at the bright side we are upright and still moving, so that is good.

Just before heading down South Kaibab Trail - Grand Canyon

This picture should have been with our other blog posted on details of our trip down into the Grand Canyon. Well, I couldn't figure out how to put this picture in that blog , so you can see us now. It was a great trip and would recommend that anyone that loves the outdoors and likes to hike do this one.

Grand Canyon!

Heading for the Grand Canyon on the 23rd of May. We were going to go a few days earlier and enjoy hiking on the South Rim. Well they had a storm in Northern AZ on that weekend. So that was why we left Happy Trails on Sunday the 23rd.

We traveled a total of about 250 miles to arrive at the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon. We had a lot of wind all the way north. As we came in on Hwy 64 the wind was so strong that we had to travel about 30 plus miles an hour just to stay on the road.

When arriving at the East Entrance were told that we couldn't camp at Desert View Campground because we were too long. So that meant traveling through the park and going out the South Entrance and stayed about 5 miles south Tent-X Forest Service Campground. This park was very nice but a long ways from the park.

Then on Monday the 24th did some looking around at the Grand Canyon Village, weather wasn't very good still wind and not warm. Then we did get some great sunset pictures in the evening.

We had made a reservation at the Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon for the night of the 25th of May. We were excited and ready to head down. Got up early and got things ready in the Motor Home. We headed to the bus stop by about 8:30 AM. Parked our car and head to the Green Bus Stop which would take us to the South Kaibab Trail head. So right on schedule we were there by 9:00 AM. The canyon is so awesome and hard to believe that a river like the Colorado could create this beautiful Canyon.

So we headed down the trail and 9:00 AM and by 3:00 PM we were standing on the suspension cable bridge over the Colorado River in the bottom of the Canyon. The distance down was 7.3 miles. Wow! We had made it down, the trail was steep but in very good shape.

Now we have to explore the area that they call the Phantom Ranch. History of this area goes back to the 1920's. This area was used as a resort for people way back then. Not sure how they arrived back then.

The Ranch is a step back in time, nothing fancy but build very well. They have a campground called the Bright Angel Campground if you want to camp. We were not going to bring all that stuff on our backs. So we had a reservation for one night in the Men's dorm and Ladie's dorm.

We had a great Stew dinner with all the trimmings at 6:30 PM. Met some very interesting people and had a great evening. we were both in bed by about 9 PM. Then were up early in the morning as breakfast was at 6:30 AM. Had great food to fill our furnace to make it back up the trail to the rim.

At 7:30 AM we were heading out to the Bright Angel Trail which is 9.5 miles to the South Rim. The trail up was very dusty, steep and having mules in our way. The mule teams that take supplies to the Ranch and back are using the Bright Angel so that really breaks up the trail. So we survived and arrive at the South Rim about 3:00 PM. We were very tired and had to find the bus to get back to our car. Found the bus stop area and had to wait for the second bus as the first one was full. Ater about 10 stopped arrived where our car was parked. Headed back to the campground to hook-up car to motor home. Then we were on the road to Page, AZ

"50th Anniversay"

This was a great party. There were 5 couples at Happy Trails who all had their 50th Anniversay this year. We rented a DJ for Music and had the party on the Patio at Town Center at Happy Trails. It was so good and everyone said it was the best party ever. Everyone bought some food and turned out just great. We had more then 200 people in attendance for the party which was held on 4-18-10.

We had pictures taken and are going to do something with them when getting back to Lynden in June. Since our Anniversay is May 13th didn't make it home bye then. So this was such a nice thing to do ahead.

Update for 2010!!

Well where did all the time go. We came home for Christmas on 12-19-09 and then drove our car down starting on January 1st, 2010. We arrived at Happy Trails three days later.

Spent the month on our lot at Happy Trails. Had so so weather with below normal temps and wind. Did enjoy our month playing pickleball, biking, and some kayaking. .Also played in the Annual Happy Trails Classic Pickleball Tournament. We didn't do real well put I won a bronze in singles and Ione got a Silver and Bronze

Then it was time to head toward Palm Springs on the 29th of Jan. We spent two weeks in Palm Springs and played in the annual Palm desert Pickleball Tournament. We won a couple of medals and had a great time with friends.

Then we were off to Yuma for two weeks. Stayed at Yuma Lakes and had some dentistry done in Mexico, shopping down there, etc. Visited friends in he area and before we knew it our two weeks were up. While there the weather was pretty good.

Back on our lot in Happy Trials on the 1st of March. We were kept very busy with pickleball, biking, hiking and just enjoying life. We also played some tennis. Did a lot of work on our lot getting things all set-up so it felt like home.

Since we had brought our Dune Buggy down in November. I did some updating on the Bug, like a new gas tank. It had a lot of rust in the old tank and didn't work well. So then when putting in the new tank the windshield broke. So ended up putting in a new windshield which really turned out well. The old one wasn't put in right 40 yrs. ago and that was why it broke.

Seems our time at Happy Trails just flew by. Before we knew it it was time to get ready to start heading home. So this puts us into the month of May.