By Wednesday, Aug. 18th the mid-90 degree weather in Western Oregon had "gone east," so we figured it was a great day for a hike since temperatures were forecast only to be in the high 70's. Tasha had picked out a little-known hike of slightly less than six miles round trip with a 1700 ft. elevation gain -- all to reach a peak, "Silver Star Mountain," that I'd never heard of, but it apparently blocks a view of Mt. Adams for everyone in Portland.
En route to the peak we passed through an interesting rock "keyhole" where Tasha is pictured.
From the peak we had great views of Mt. Adams (top), Hood, Rainier (bottom), and St. Helens; however, there was enough smog in the central valley of Washington that hindered a clear view of Rainier. Early-on on Wednesday there was a heavy cloud cover, but just as had been forecast, clouds burned-off by mid-day, giving way to a clear and sunny day with no wind even at the top. Tasha had "discovered" the hike in a book she checked out of the library entitled
One Night Wilderness, a book that featured locations not-often-visited that would work for a 1-night backpack trip.
O yes, I guess I forgot to post the most important picture (a late reminder came from my daughter) --
the leap into nowhere, which, by the way, resulted in a less-than-fatal injury upon landing! - rw
On the last day of August Micah and I had made arrangements to meet Mark downtown for lunch. So ... it was a Metro ride for Micah to the Gallery Place Station and then a brief walk in 90-degree weather to "The Austin Grill" on E Street near 7th. Thanks to a kids' menu and a sign at the entrance that "Kids Eat for $1 on Tuesday," Micah's hot dog and fries were quite reasonable!
Meanwhile, there were still "projects" to finish-up back at the house. After Mark and I had taken down an old inoperative florescent light fixture in Daniel and Eli's room, we installed a simple new light fixture over the week-end; however, some paint was obviously in order! (note before-and-after)
Since Micah doesn't begin preschool until next week, Grandpa and Micah were able to visit Starbucks in the morning, play some games of "Go Fish" and "Sorry!" and managed to entertain ourselves until we picked up Daniel and Eli in late afternoon. Dinner preparation was a cinch since Mark and Marta had "cooked-for-a-month" and had frozen many meals prior to my arrival -- so, tonight it was "herb chicken over rice" + broccoli!
En route to the peak we passed through an interesting rock "keyhole" where Tasha is pictured.
I still love the copper and stainless steel wall "decor" that Virgil Voth presented to us with such generosity on the occasion of my retirement from full-time pastoral ministry ten years ago. I'm also enjoying "nurturing" various flowers around the condo. 
And, it's absolutely exhilarating to get up in the morning, go for a walk and feel the cool air in the morning! 
Tasha and I have had the chance to have regular visits with Mother in the Health Center at Friendsview Retirement Community. She continues to amaze people with her longevity, and her sense of humor at 104 1/2. This past week an agent from the Social Security Administration paid a visit to her to verify that there was no fraud and that she still was alive and deserving of her $513 a month from Uncle Sam! 
