2023

This Blog is turning out to be a yearly item.  We started this several years ago, and at first we were getting an issue out every month, or more, but as time has progressed it's getting less and less.  Not because we don't have anything interesting to share, but just procrastination.  So we haven't done one since the end of 22, so this one will be a short review of just some of the highlights of our year in 2023.  Yes we're already halfway through 2024, so we will try  to get another one out at least before the year ends.  (maybe)

Time marches on and everyone got a year older in 2023 including Martin

. Early in the year we had a great visit with some of Marlene's family. her Nephew Paul, and his wife Lisa and daughter Raynn.  They were passing through Vancouver and we met them for breakfast

Our 8th Joe Bonamassa Keeping the Blues Alive cruise  in March was to the Dominican Republic.  Here we are sitting on a giant chair on the grounds of a rum factory that we toured, and below inside the same factory posing with a friendly resident. 

Marlene makes friends wherever she goes including  on the Pink Street in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Martin wasn't the only one to have a birthday in 2023.  Emmie celebrated her 7th with a Mcdonalds cheeseburger.

Another great trip we had in 2023 was back to Marlene's hometown of Rockford Ill. for her 55th High School Reunion 

We had a great time exploring Rockford while we were there including taking a walk along the Rock River and meeting the "Rock People".   And below we were able to go to a local production of Cinderella. 

And another great trip in 2023 later in the year was a trip to Las Vegas where we met more of Marlene's family, who traveled there from Rockford, and her sister Maxine who came from Seattle.

We all went together to see Brad Garrett and a great time was had by all.

We even saw "Fat Elvis", although he has lost some weight and just goes by "Large Elvis" now.

Marlene drinking beer. (wow) and Martin finally hit a Jackpot!

 It was another great year, we had special fun events and trips, but also our regular activities, including our daily walks and our volunteer shifts at the shelter and the USO.  Stayed turned for 2024.