Friday, January 30, 2009

Just Thinking...

Got up today wondering how is it going to be? will there be any changes? will the fog burn off? will the sun shine? Then started thinking - everyday is a good day and there is so much more...

The Internet opens up a whole world right in front of you with anything you can imagine. Music is outstanding - you can watch videos of your favorite artist anytime, new top pick "Amen" by Kid Rock. Had breakfast with Pam she cooked scrambled eggs with sausage - yummy.

Felt the stillness of fresh snow, being in the back country with the trees covered, the quiet almost deafening - my spirit at ease with the cool air. Catching a fish early in the morning, the steam rising as the sun comes up - watching the fish swim away after being released.

Work - still have ideas, responsibilities and always will. What the heck is "OBT"? stands for "outa-bounds-Terry" that is a nick name given to me because never stayed on the main ski run. Doctor's appointment coming up - body not working very well. Lucky to live in this country. Great family and friends. Our freedom does not go without sacrifice

This, as you read is totally random (or is it) and in no particular order - kind of like any day. It never fails that by the end of the day, month, year (our lives) the dots get connected and somehow they do make sense...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Barham Bash Review...


When you look in Webster's dictionary you find many words, many definitions with all these words one describes "The Bash" - Generosity...

While you read the definition you get a meaning, you see words what you don't see is beneath the words - they are our family's, friends, and communities. For me clearly visible are names of everyone - who are sincerely generous not only with monetary donations but with donations of time, spirit and a warm heart.

Heard many stories being told and you know everything was a bit taller, a bit faster, and definitely a bit more funny. There is a quote that says ("don't let the truth get in the way of a good story...") trust me embellishing was the norm!!

We did have some serious conversations talking about life, challenges and opportunities all of which had an underlying tone to the gathering. Hopefully the term ALS will not be foreign and we can work together helping to understand bits of the disease.

OK enough of the serious stuff - fabulous food was flying out of the kitchen, beverages were being consumed and the music was wonderful... fun times by all!!

Peace and many thanks, t


We are able to donate a good amount to the ALS Association - Evergreen Chapter for more information you can call/email 1-866-786-7257 (1-866-stop als) / http://www.alsa-ec.org/

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Prayer for friends...


Lord thank you for our friends that with out them our lives would be shallow. We are blessed and better people for knowing each other so much that your spirit surrounds us all with love and passion - helping us make another day. Our conviction in values and respect for one another only grows with time producing a bond that cannot be broken. We are the fortunate ones we cry, we laugh, we struggle but in the end we know we are blessed we are in your arms… peace t

Friday, January 23, 2009

What are friends for :)


So sitting at home minding my own business when out of the blue ring.. ring.. (that's the phone) get a call from Jeff saying he is going to his cabin to check on it after all the flooding - do I want to go? sure was my reply but little did we know an adventure was on the horizon!!

Once we arrived we drove to the front of the cabin promptly getting stuck. Now I'm of no help and Jeff is getting a bit concerned luckily he had a come-a-long in the back of his truck, go figure doesn't everybody and with a little work we got out.

We sat in a couple of chairs and laughed, ready to go started back to the truck and by this time my body is shot, strength gone. There is about ten feet to the truck and it's in snow, Jeff puts my left arm around his shoulder to help - poor guy has to bend in half not to hurt my shoulder my legs pretty much give out and all my weight is onto his neck - did not fall though.

We get to the truck door open and to climb in the truck is like climbing a vertical wall for me - we finally figure a way to get me in shut the door and head out.. as we are leaving laughing uncontrollably we both said "next time we should take the car"!!!

There is a joke though from this a little sick but what the heck...
What do call Terry with ALS when stuck?? Traction...

We had a great time, made the best of the situation and laughed - life is good...

Peace T





Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Now and Then...


Looking back at old photo's found this one of two young couples skiing at Whistler Mt. - yes that is way before Blacomb was added and the village was just that a "village"!! the picture was taken in the mid 80's just before we got married...

What's cool about the new photo is it's the same two couples skiing at Alpental May 4th, 2008 - that's 20 + years later and things have not changed much -- we are having a great time, the sun is shining, the beverage is cold and smiles around...

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Down the straight and narrow...

Wow... they say the fastest way between two points is a straight line - but it seems to me that it rarely happens. It seems to me that as we journey in our life that we get side tracked very easily and take detours - sometimes by choice other times we hang on.
Today, for me, is like the armour the Knights wore of yesterday. You put it on its new, shiny, beautiful, and oh so strong but as we travel we get little nicks here, a chip there, we patch it and move on but after awhile these chips take over - that's me today. My physical armour is in tough shape as strong as you like to think the armour is - it's failing, it's reality!!
What is staying strong is the mental armour - a bit on the worn side - but strong...
The moral of this story; is to get the most of everyday (this does not mean stay busy) enjoy a sunset, a book, a friend; be the best person you can - you never know what someone else is going through; give those you care about hugs and tell them you love them...
Peace/Love T

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Barham Bash...


OK lets gather and tell lies - no stories that's it!! There will be food, refreshments, and live blues band. It will be fun for all - hope to see ya there... Peace, T

Monday, January 12, 2009

Modifications update...




Jerry takes the inaugural ride on the lift - they are working on a "tool time" motor built for speed...







Mark and Pam look on as the finishing touches take place...

Jerry and Jeff work on the final details...
Jeff takes a test ride all the while contemplating - how can this go faster...
Mark surveys how the chair works - oh and Jeff is supervising...
This is crazy "how we adapt" told them probably would take a few days maybe weeks then start using the lift - started Sunday once they finished and will not use the stairs again...
Shows the look of the lift and how little of an impact it has. The look and function reflect on the professional help - again you can not imagine how the stress has been lifted by all who have helped... Thank You!!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Health 09...

Here we are starting the new year and as usual full of hope and positive ideas. The challenge has always been managing change - just when you think "OK this is fine can live with this" another part of the body shows signs/effects of the disease. Today as the home modifications are taking shape the timing is prudent. Walking is harder and all limbs are being affected not just the left side. Everyday is another opportunity to make the best of what comes need to laugh and not take things to seriously.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Yesterday -- Today...












What a great song "Yesterday" how does the lyric go - all my troubles seemed so far away...


Isn't that the truth we go on everyday most of the time in great shape sometimes we have little aches and pains but for the most part were good. Then out of the blue our lives change and usually its not a gradual change but its a "hold on to your hat" change that take us for a loop.


Most have at sometime or another had the chance to experience this challenge and if you do we get a wonderful opportunity to see the best in others. We have been so fortunate to have the support of family, friends and the community that we truly have been blessed in this time of uncertainty. You cannot imagine how much stress has been lifted from our daily lives because of the generosity from many.


What we must do "today" is continue living, having fun, enjoying each others company as we do this "yesterday" will always hold those cherished moments...




Saturday, January 3, 2009

2008 a year in review...

August 20th "bro's" headed off to WSU together - looks like fun...








August 16th at the Gorge listening to a little "Tom Petty" enjoying wonderful company and of course refreshments...





August 8th friends gathered around "Franks resort" where family and friends meet...


August 3rd our annual family reunion - a group of cousins who were all wearing hats, we had to see who still has hair???





June 20th outstanding family vacation to Cancun...







May 30th Bradley with fellow graduate Ian - Bishop Blanchet High School graduation...








May 24th wedding reception in Napa Kim and Daryl a great celebration...







May 4th picture taken at Alpental Ski resort coming down the run "International" notice my arm in a sling skied 20 times that way...







May 4th - upper parking lot fun at Alpental...








March 30th my 50th birthday day!! we had a couple cluster ---- going that day lots and lots of fun... This has been a annual tradition for many, many years - ski on my bday...





March 28th my 50th birthday party!! We turned our garage into a dance floor and had "The Beatles" playing great music - well not the Beatles really - but a great cover band... Outstanding party for all!!





January 1st, 2008 started the year with one of my passions, no two of my passions, no really three of my passions -- My wife Pam, friends Debbie of (Jeff and Debbie) and skiing... Family, Friends, Skiing a wonderful combination...




These photo's take us to the end of August where current blog postings take off and represent most of the remainder of 2008. We had a great year and are looking towards another fantastic year that will include family and friends... Let's make 09 a year to remember and be thankful for what we have... Peace/Love T