James and Family

Mt. Shasta

Packing up Gwen

Further evidence that sadly, summer is over, is Gwen packing up for college.


Even Cleo was unhappy and insisted there would be room her to fit in the car.

So sad to say goodbye to Daniel, but he has promised to come back.

The photography department at blog headquarters will miss the cooperative, creative and humorous subject material supplied by Daniel.

Tuning the Tuba

Sufficiently tuned, Daniel can play.

Sardine Sleeping Conditions

Daniel in Concert at the Davenport

...but the Dutch show through when...

You take pictures while bicycling

Cannot fit the burger in your mouth

Use a KNIFE and FORK to eat it!

How to practice being American

1. Wear a bicycle helmet even when bicycling on a paved bike path with no cars.

2. Order a milk shake, burger and fries for lunch.

3. Eat at a restaurant shaped like a milk bottle.

4. Choose the cookie-dough ice cream.

5. Study while you work on the farm.

Joce on Stage at Seattle Center

You did catch the performance, didn't you??

Missing photos?

Instead of my picture of John eating a gigantic hamburger, I thought I'd post (only a select few) of these funny pictures I found on my camera. Is someone missing these pictures?

Former Island Resident Returns for Visit

Gwen brought back Ali!

Even though Gwen and Ali had been up since about 2am Pacific time, Ali creamed everyone in volleyball while Gwen went on a hundred mile run. Then we had a delicious barbecue. The highlight of the meal was our family favorite dessert, the Oreo and mint ice cream dessert. Go to the recipe link for the illustrated, easy step by step instructions.

Another Crichton in Town

...who is as tall and as entertaining as the other Crichtons.

Today - A Mountain Climb

Meals with a view

Every day should be like this.
In the morning I ride my bike to Mary's house and she makes breakfast.

In the evening I take the ferry to Seattle and attend Dan's closing dinner at Canlis.

About your bedroom...

Gwen - we do intend to clean up your room and make the beds before you get back. It got a bit cluttered during the paint job across the hall.

The Rain Forest and the Coast

The good thing about having visitors is that you go places like the rain forest where you haven't been since last time you had special guests. Becky complained that we had neglected her because she hadn't been there since she was three, but after the four hour drive each way, I think she she will not need to go again for a long time.

The beach was unexpectedly cold and foggy. Daniel is amused at finding kelp.

Forks Cafe

We figured it was a good place to have lunch since a bunch of motorcyclists were there. And Daniel is always up for trying all Americana experiences, so he got a good one here. He ordered a chili burger (it is in there - under the chili) and a chocolate milkshake.

Dutch vs American Food

A few days ago, Daniel was looking forward to warm cookies from the oven as Becky and her friends made cookie dough. So silly of him. He didn't realize they were making cookie dough - not cookies!

So he thought that was weird. But then he brought us some Dutch goodies, including samples of chocolate sprinkles. They put this on toast! For breakfast! We also learned about licorice. We gave him samples of American licorice, but since licorice is like the national candy of Holland, he is the expert and declared it too sweet and not salty enough.

How to Paint Your Room

1. Wait until a summer day when your friends are over and no one can think of what to do. Suggest painting your room. If everyone really is bored, this will sound like a great idea.

2. Move all the furniture out of the room and into the guest room. A really good guest will adapt. Or, better yet, set up the huge tent in the backyard, so the bedrooms will not even be needed.

3. Have someone like Daniel over who is a real gentleman and will do all the high places.


4. It may take hours for the paint to dry between coats, but thats ok. Its fun to watch paint dry.

5. Naturally there will be the friends who come over after all the painting is done and lounge around while you finish up. Again, this whole thing is best done when Daniel is over because he can also re-wire the stereo.

Special Assignment

Our tchotchke appraisal department received a request from the management for a report on this object:

The subject of this appraisal is a cast iron figure measuring 10" tall from feet to feather headdress and 3.5" wide at the stance. Because of the slotted hole (1.25" long) at the base of the hairline on the figure's back, it is presumed this was intended as a bank. It is likely that this object dates from the middle part of the 20th century when "Indians" were a popular subject for children's toys. The paint job appears quite good, but it is doubtful this is original. Identical figures have been unearthed painted in an entirely different color scheme, or void of paint altogether (therefore black). The only imperfections noted are the pockmarks in the groin area, possibly indicating an owner with some sexually violent tendancies. In summary this is quite a fine example of a child's toy reminiscent of an historical era.