Home and Grandson's Birthday

We made it home safe and sound from our short trip to Portland. We are both still suffering slightly from the effects of the cold I brought into the house. So, as we expected, our plans did change on Saturday evening.

Our daughter, grand daughter and family friend went over to babysit baby James so our son and his wife could attend her company Christmas party. Mia spent a quiet night at home making cookies, doing puzzles and resting. Zach and I went to the Seattle Thunderbirds game last night. To say the least, it was a real disappointment. Going into the third period with a three point lead, the Tri-City team scores five unanswered goals in the third period, four in the first six minutes, to win the game. Tough to watch but not too unusual for a Seattle based team. After the game we came back to the condo so grams and I could give him his birthday present.

Remember I said we couldn't leave Powell's book store without buying something. Well that something was for Zach. A little background. Zach has been obsessed with any and all things related to the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens since he was a very young child. In fact, at 10 he could likely tell you more about the eruption and the incurring aftermath than some geologists. He has had an unabiding interest in all things geological since being a young boy. When we go on hikes, he studies the landscape, examines the rocks and gives us a short report of what he sees.

His dream is to become a Volcanologist. These are the folks that study ever thing related to volcanic eruptions. He is doing well in school and seems to want to make his dream come true. He has kept this same dream for several years and I see no loss of passion for his dream now that he is 16.

So, while searching through the stacks of books at Powell's we came across a book you don't see every day. In fact, I had never seen it before. 844 pages of charts, illustrations, pictures, formulas, chemical tables, timeline and effects of the May 18, 1980 event written by the U.S. Geological Survey. It was and amazing find and Mia and I immediately saw the benefit of getting it for Zach. If he truly wants his dream then why not give him something that will show him exactly what is required to reach his dream. So here it is.


We were expecting some excitement but we caught him flatfooted and speechless as he held the 8 pound book in his hand. I suspect he sat up very late to read last night.

We are looking forward to helping Forgotten Children on Christmas Eve and spending time with family and friends over the holidays.

Hope you are well and have a great holiday season.