Cody Wyoming

On Tuesday the first, we drove to Cody WY.  Mind you our engine was still giving us lots of trouble and I was preparing for the worst.  As we headed toward the East Entrance of Yellowstone we passed LOTS of bison.   While ordinarily this wouldn’t present a problem, with our engine in it’s poor condition I got nervous every time we had to slow down.  The slower we got, the more the car would shake, the RPMs would bob up and down and the engine would sputter.  And the looky-loos were rubber necking at every chance.  It was nerve racking.  At one point the bison were totally messing with us and standing right in the road in front of us.  Pretty rude if you ask me and they didn’t seem to care at all that I was worried.  Bison….what cha gunna do?  Once we got past the pesky bison it was (fairly) smooth sailing.  When the car was faster and running more smoothly it was easier to appreciate Wyoming and it’s beauty.  It is so very different from Oregon.  What a country we live in.

We finally made it to Cody at about 1:30.  I dropped Bob and the kids off at the Wild Bill Cody Museum.  Mind you I joined the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco because it was one of the places that had reciprocal benefits.  I was looking forward to going but I had bigger fish to fry.  Mom went with the pack, Ed went to a bar to watch the USA World Cup game and I went….wait for it…..to the Dodge Dealership.  I was grateful that Cody had a Dodge Dealership! 

I rolled in unannounced.  Mind you, I had asked Bob to call ahead and he wouldn’t/didn’t do it.  When I walked up to the service desk and pleaded my case the two women looked at each other and code talked, “Well we just got that thing and Jesse is going to check for Joey.  Then we need to lift that other thing.”  That kind of jargon.  One went back and confirmed that Joey could take a look.  Whew, that was too close. “Thank you so much.”  Iva and I went to the waiting room.

As I went toward the waiting room I stepped outside to give Iva a break.  As I walked around the grounds I was eyeing the new cars and trying to figure out if I wanted another van or something different.  If the news wasn’t good I’d be getting a new car in an hour or so.  We finally made it to the waiting room.

The waiting room had five men and one other woman.  The men all appeared to be working farmers and by the conversation, a few were vets.  Fox “News” was on the TV and the conversation followed the reporting.  Their take on things was, to be polite, “right” wing.   I don’t / didn’t agree with them but I like to listen to try and figure out why people think what they do.   When they eyed me, we talked about Iva and what a great dog she is.  I think congress could use a few dogs, they bring us all together. 

Forty five minutes in Joey reported to Julie and Julie reported to me.   The sixth cylinder was misfiring and I needed a new ignition wire, it would be $200.  What?  That is AWESOME!  I couldn’t have been happier.  They asked for permission to fix it and I was all, “Yeah, do it!”

Another hour later and it was done and ended up being only $129.  Even better!  I tried to tip them but they wouldn’t have it.  I ended up writing a really nice review and thanked them for their honest, quick and friendly service.  If you are going to break down with a Dodge, do it in Cody. 

I hopped in my smoothly running car and picked up the gang.  We checked into the hotel, had a bite to eat and went straight to a gunfight.  Yup, a gunfight.  It was really fun.

Next up RODEO!  As luck would have it, the big professional rodeo was in town and we got to see it.  It may have been wasted on us but we had a lot of fun and this in not something you see everyday in Portland.  And certainly not with that crowd in an open-air arena.  I don’t think this was their first rodeo….hahahahaha.  It WAS my first rodeo.   The bucking broncos and bull riding were my favorites, well that and the clown.  He looked like Eric Stonestreet and had a great sense of humor.  One of his lines, “Whoa, that looked like it hurt.  You know the great thing about landing on your face?  No danger of a broken ankle.” True. 

We were home around 11 and crashed.  What a day!  From a campground in Yellowstone at 9 am to a rodeo in Cody WY at 8 pm.   We packed it in.  Our little cowboys and cowgirl were tuckered out and slept like logs.  It was a great day and we didn’t even need a new car!  That’s a good day.

Yellowstone

I haven’t written because we had no service in Yellowstone and have been busy, going hard and we each fall into bed at night with new experiences under our belts.  

On Sunday we woke up in Idaho Falls.  First things first, the boys had to relearn the etiquette of the free breakfast room.  No shirt, no shoes, no service.   And for mom’s satisfaction, no pajamas.  The Leeks have standards!

Our first stop was Shoshone Falls just east of Twin Falls.  It’s called the Niagara of the West and is beautiful.  The water was flowing well and it gave an impressive performance.  As we were leaving an entire bus full of Japanese tourists unloaded.  Perfect timing on our parts, we left.  Now, onward to Yellowstone. 

 The trip to Yellowstone was fairly uneventful until…..  Just inside the gate, at the least convenient spot, the “check engine” light came on and the engine shook anytime we got below 30 mph.  Pretty disconcerting.  Our van has over 110,000 miles on it.  Before we left, Bob and I agreed that if it went belly up mid trip we’d just get a new one and press on.   While the timing was horrid, having a back up plan was reassuring. 

We arrived at the campsite, set up camp and then headed to Old Faithful, the Yellowstone Lodge and the first set of paint pots.  The plan all along had been to all ride in the RV with mom and Ed while in Yellowstone. With the van on the fritz, this was even a better plan.  What made it even more desirable was the fact that Iva (our dog) was with us.  The RV stays much cooler than the van when they are not moving.  While dogs are welcome in the park, they are not welcome on ANY of the paths.  They are also not supposed to be left in cars.  This makes having a dog with you a true pain.  We decided to leave her in the RV at most stops and hope for the best.  She barked like mad every time but it was the only way we could all see the sights. 

Old Faithful did it’s thing after we waited for 30 minutes or so.  There were about 2000 people and hey, our Japanese buddies from Shoshone Falls were there too.  And they brought three more buses full with them, hooray!

We went through the lodge and as always, it is beautiful.  The rough-hewn logs and natural bend of branches prevail in the structure.  The stone fire-place is central and it’s chimney reaches up four stories and out the roof.  It is a marvel and a national treasure.  We went to the gift shop and Kees got a pin and Coulter bought a Yellowstone mug as a gift for my mom. The pin Kees got started a collection.

On the route back to camp we went to the paint pots.  The paint pots consist of colorful pools, bubbling mud pots and steam vents that can reach 300+ degrees.  They are not shy about sharing the fact that many people have died or been badly burned over the years.  The most gruesome story being of an eight year old boy that fell in a boiling pool and was recovered a day later.  All that was left was eight pounds of bone, flesh and clothing.  It made a real impact on the boys. 

Back at the campsite we started a fire and nibbled on whatever was available for dinner.  Hey, this is camping, just eat what you have.  At 9:30 there was a ranger talk that explained the colors of the pools, the eco-systems and their fragility, where the heat comes from and many more aspects of the park.

10:15 and it was lights out….  For a very cold night.   The boys were in the RV with mom and Ed, Sophia was with Bob and I in the tent.  It was cold but didn’t snow, like it did the week before when our friends were there.  Yikes! Waking up early is easy when you are cold. 

In the morning we had a quick snack, gave mom a couple cards and gifts (it was her birthday), headed north and then counter clock wise around the North Loop.  There were lots of bison sightings, steam vents, elk, vistas, paint pots and so on.  And hooray, our Japanese friends found us.  Quick, to the RV to get ahead!  At the furthest point of the day was Mammoth.  There are amazing falls there that emit calcium carbonate to the tune of a ton a day.  It looks like ice.   Beautiful. 

We made our way back to camp, had some food and went to bed.  Again, exhausted.  We bolstered our sleeping quarters with extra blankets and all slept much better.  Being warm is underrated. 

Again we were up early and broke down our camp-site by 8:30.  It was Tuesday and that meant we were headed to Cody, WY.  We exited the park via the east entrance.   This was the first time we drove the van since the “check engine” light came on, it was still on and running like crap.  It made me a bit nervous but once we were above 40 mph it seemed to run fine.  Every time we slowed down the shaking would start again.  If we made it to Cody we’d get it checked out or buy a new van.   Buying a new van would put a dent in the vacation budget!  So it goes and off we went….  Look out Cody, here we come.

We've Only Just Begun

We are off on our next adventure and I am grateful to say that Bob is in tow this time!  Hooray!  The kids and I have been on quite a few road trips and Bob (God bless him) stayed behind to pay for our good time.

Last year the kids and I were planning on going on an around the country trip.  I thought that Bob could join us at one or more points along the way so he could keep working.  It's hard to get lots of continuous time off.  As we drew closer to a shove off date Bob said he wanted to come and would we postpone for a year?  It was an easy decision.  We waited.

When Bob took his current job he told them that he would be gone for a month this summer.  They said it wouldn't be a problem and the held to their promise.  He is with us!

I have been researching for months, pouring over maps and guide books, making reservations and getting all our museum memberships in order.  The kids did a little research too and each have two locations where they will be the tour guide.

Kees has been pretty, "Go with the flow." He is ready and has done a little research.  He's excited.

Coulter is another story.  He has been really nervous.  He kept saying that he was afraid that we were going to get into a car crash.  I think it's because of the unknown and he doesn't know exactly what to expect.  Summer in Portland is pretty great and he was going to miss his friends and the pool.

Both boys were driving me NUTS!  Each year when school gets out we have hit the road almost immediately.  They know the routine for that.  Everyone helps, everyone pitches in, everyone carries their weight.  My kids are great at that.  This year we waited two weeks after school got out.  Big mistake.  The kids all have acted like every day is Saturday morning.  They haven't lifted a finger to help do ANYTHING!  They have spent too much time on screens and have hardly done any chores.  They have left all their crap all over, all the time.  I have begged, pleaded, yelled, cried  for help and it all fell on deaf ears.  Our kids need a trip to get their summer in order, they need to pitch in!

My mom and Ed rolled into town on Thursday evening so they could head out on Friday morning to get a jump on the road trip.  Their RV can't travel and the rapid pace of the lightning van.  Bob had the brilliant idea to have them take the boys.  They needed to go.  I was sick of trying to keep them from fighting, stopping them from leaving their stuff all over and trying to get ready to head out.  Mom and Ed accepted the challenge and it was the right decision.  They have had a fine time and the boys got to stay in the RV.

Our friends the Klines had us over for dinner last night.  We planned to come home and pack....not so much after dinner and drinks.  We hit the sack.  Bob was up at 6 and Sophia and I were up at 7.   I had a heart to heart with Sophia about stepping up and she did.  We loaded up and were on the road by 9.

We drove up the Gorge and honestly, we live in the most beautiful part of the country.  It takes my breath away every time.  The picture at the top of this post is overlooking Pendleton Valley.  It was overcast but still, so beautiful.  We are now 6 hours in and have covered 400 miles and it sunny and 81 degrees.  We are slated to cover 6500 miles and over 100 hours of driving so we are just beginning.   Check back here for more updates.  Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride.

A Day to Remember

Yesterday we had our friends the Klines over for Easter Dinner.  We talked about who's house we should have dinner at....  The Klines?  They host a lot, Sarah is an excellent chef, hostess and friend.  Or our house?  I can cook. I like to entertain, albeit in a much more casual manner since the time line is usually free form.  The biggest reason I wanted to host was because the weather was going to be nice and I wanted the kids to be able to play in the park.  I know the days of the kids playing in the park all together are limited and I want to have as many of those days as I can squeeze in.

The Klines came over at 4 and by 4:15 the kids were all across the street.  The adults moved to the front deck to chat and take in the day.  To my great joy, the kids did exactly what I had hoped.  They played at the park.  All 5 of our kids and about 7-8 more neighborhood kids joined in.  They ranged in age from 8 to 13 and all played so nicely for almost 4 hours.  They played lots of games but the big one was "The Hunger Games."  They all had Nerf guns and ran around chasing, shooting, screaming and laughing.  When they play "Hunger Games" no one dies for more than 10 seconds and they all have a great time.  It was very sweet and they were all worn out.

I can't begin to tell you what a joy our home is.  I love our location.  I love our front deck.  I love being right next to the park.  I love our neighborhood.  I love that our friends come over and share happy times with us.  Individually, each of these things is great but all together, it can't be beat.  It gives me such joy.  Truly the little things are the big things and I wouldn't trade my experience of my existence with anyone.

Yesterday's goings on weren't anything out of the norm and that is what makes it even better.  I get to live like this a lot and it doesn't get any less special any time.  I want to hold these days in my heart and treasure them forever.  I know my kids will grow and go and there will be different joys but for right now I am loving my happy days right here in my 'hood.

Hectic; Because Life Just is....

I have been doing my duties as a mom of three and by it's nature, it is hectic.  To add to the mix, I am the PTA President for my kids' K-8 school of 830 students.  I have also volunteered to be the local PTA liaison to Portland Public Schools for the 482 million dollar bond to rebuild three high schools, one middle school and to repair countless others.  Neither one of those jobs is glorious.  I am blessed to be in a position where I can be a "stay at home" mom, though staying at home rarely factors in.

Our school has grown from 450 kids about 6 years ago to 830 this year. Our rapid growth has created lots of stress and for next year and upheaval.  Our first and third graders will be sent to a third campus about a mile away next year.  That campus is already occupied by a program called ACCESS and they will have to adjust to this change too.  The hope is that this is just a one year solution and that boundaries will "fix" the issue going forward.  The idea of moving some of our community members out of the school is nothing short of crappy but in the end, I believe that is what will happen.  On the plus side, the school that they are likely to attend will have many of the same folks from our current school.  It is highly a emotional subject and uncharted territory .

Kees will be going to the third campus.  This is good because as the PTA President, I have some skin in the game.  My family will be effected so I get to chime in and have my vote count.  Yesterday Coulter said he wished he could go to the new campus, Rose City Park.  I asked why and was very pleasantly surprised by his answer.  He said "I'm worried that Kees will get school sick.  You know, like home-sick but for your school.  If I was there then he wouldn't have to feel alone."  I was so struck by his love for his brother, his thoughtful feelings and what his solution was.

In talking to Kees he is not really worried.  Yes, it will be his third campus in three years but he is basically fine with it.  Our children are generally more resilient than we give them credit for.  I have listened to the concerns of parents in reference to their precious little children.  I went to 12 schools and I turned out this awesome.  Purely by the nature of having parents that care so much, these children are ahead. It also means they have the support of their parents and probably are pretty solid kids.  I wish the parents would recognize their children's strength.  I remember as a child when someone spoke to me in a condescending tone I thought, "I am short, not stupid."  I knew I was strong and until proven otherwise, I will assume my children are strong.  I know they have support.

Our community will slog through this together.  There are many issues that need to be addressed and three campuses are messy.  There is funding, transportation, library, computers, teachers, principals, councilors, moving, aftercare, moving of the existing program, working with the other community in the building, support staff, scheduling and so on.  It is a never ending list at this point.  I am afraid that until the first month of school is over there will be fear and uncertainty.  Until that point, I am pretty sure my life will be hectic.  Wish me luck....I need it.

Sophia's Birthday Present

Sophia turned 13 last month and I wanted to give her wisdom.  I have some....but I know so many women that are wise. It only seemed right to ask for the wisdom of the tribe.  I have had some requests to post my letter.  Here is my request to these women.

Dear women of the tribe,

I am writing to you because you are wise, have good advice, are smart, talented and I love you.  Sophia is turning 13 in January and I am putting together a retreat at the beach with a few relatives.  There are not enough rights of passage for young people (in my view) so I am creating one for Sophia.  I want her to know that becoming a woman is exciting and challenging and that she has support all around her.  I want her to feel your wisdom and know that there are hundreds of years of experience between us that we will share with her if and when she needs us.

My plan is to create a book with all of our collective wisdom, stories, hopes, dreams, failures, successes and ultimately, lessons.  This is yours to create and make what you want.  You can include pictures, articles, poetry, letters, clippings, diary entries, anything you want.  I have listed some questions as a jumping off point but in the end it will be whatever you want to share with Sophia.  Please know that this can be long or short.  I know how busy life gets.  You can type and print it or hand-write it and return it in the enclosed envelope.  Or, if you’d rather, you can email it to me (theleeks@yahoo.com) and I will print it.  Thank you for your time if you choose to participate.   Sophia’s book will be a treasure for her for a long time and will be her big gift at the retreat.   The retreat is on the weekend of January 24^th, 2014.  If you miss the date please do not hesitate to mail it later.  Again, I know this is asking a lot of you and time is at a premium. 

I want to bind the book of 8 ½ by 11 sheets so please leave an inch on the (long) left hand side of the paper (and if you use the back, an inch on the right) so I can bind the book.  I don’t want any wisdom to get lost in the binding. 

The following questions are for reference.  You can answer them or write about anything you want.  The main point is for you to impart your wisdom to Sophia.   

1.     Please tell Sophia about yourself as a young person.  What were your biggest accomplishments? Fears? Things you loved? Hobbies?  What was your life like?  What did you think being an adult meant?

2.     Please tell Sophia about yourself as an adult.  What are your biggest accomplishments? Fears? Things you love? Hobbies?  What is your life like now?  How is being an adult different than you thought it would be?

3.     Tell a story about yourself as a young person.

4.     What do you remember that was great about being a teenager?

5.     What is challenging about being an adult but you still have to face?

6.     What is something it took you YEARS to realize that you wish you had known sooner?

                 

·      For Example - Just because you have known someone a long time doesn’t mean you have to remain friends with them.  If someone is an energy suck, complains all the time or is overly self centered I can just move on.  I don’t have to carry people around that don’t treat me as I deserve to be treated. 

·      Superfluous drama is for weak people with small minds and nothing better to do.  Cut them loose.

7.     Write about your memories of being 13ish.  What do you remember that was good? Bad? Challenges?

8.     What is your opinion of today’s media’s images and definitions of women?  What do you say to a 13 year-old girl who sees these depictions every day and may not believe it every time her mom tells her she is a perfect Sophia.

9.     Write about an obstacle that you faced when you were a young person and how you overcame it or didn’t and how you handled it.

10. What do you see now in your former self that you wish you could go back and tell yourself, “It’s going to be alright.” in the long term? 

11. What do you remember was a REALLY BIG DEAL that the mature you now realizes it wasn’t.

12. Share an experience that seemed terrible at the time but has given you perspective now.

13. Is there something you did that seemed like a good idea at the time that in retrospect wasn’t such a great move?

14. If you could go back, what would you definitely do that you may have been afraid to do for fear of being embarrassed?

15. What piece(s) of advice would you give to your 13 year-old self?  What do you wish someone had told you? 

16.  What’s the best advice you can give about love relationships?

17.  What does success look like?

18.  What does a powerful woman look like?

19.  Write anything else you want for Sophia or any young woman you think could use good advice. 

Thank you so much for participating in this gift to Sophia.  I want her to know that she has many women who love and support her and that collectively, we have hundreds of years of experience.

All the best,

Heather