HELLO, GOODBYE

She's gone. The nest is empty. The youngest bird has flown the coop. Now, only old people reside under the roof of the house on Hybiscus.

Ashley drove away this morning to Lincoln City, Oregon, where she will begin her new job as a kindergarten teacher.

Ashley was eleven years old when we met. She had accompanied her mother to the cancer center where I work and where her mom was receiving radiation treatments. I had a strong suspicion early on during her mother's treatments that someday Ashley would be calling me "Dad".

Ashley carved a pumpkin at my house about a week after I got her approval to ask her mom to marry me.

Part of being a dad was to modify a bicycle so it could be ridden with one hand.

Ashley was a twelve-year-old maid of honor at our wedding.

Part of being a dad was to teach Ashley how to drive and then to take a picture of her proudly displaying her new drivers license.

Ashley graduates from high school.

Ashley graduates from college.

Ashley moves away. This morning.

BEST COSTUME AWARD WINNERS

Tonight, Debra and I attended the birthday party of a friend of ours. The party was hosted by his wife at the Evergreen Ballroom. A 1950's theme was in play with the promise of an award for the best costumes.

Debra and I won!

We also had a great time dancing to the sounds of some great oldies from a half century ago.

Dressed and ready to go.

Practicing some dance moves.

Cigarettes in a folded-up sleeve added the final touch to a 1950's look (If you've never heard of "Vessel" brand cigarettes, it's because they're made of chocolate).

FIRST TIME WALKING

The first time walking at our house, anyway.

Alexia took her first step a few days ago, but had not yet taken a step on our floor. Until today.

Get on your mark.

Get set.


Go!

Congratulatory kiss from Makiah.

LABOR DAY TENNIS MATCH

After playing tennis with Daisy recently, I thought it might be a good idea to invest in a couple of tennis rackets. Costco had some for $49.99 each. Goodwill had some for $3.99 each. I opted for the tennis rackets at Goodwill and took two of them to the checkout.

The checker said, "You might qualify for our discount today. Are you over 55?"

"Yes", I answered.

So, I got a 20 percent discount and walked out of the store with two tennis rackets and $6.38 less in my pocket.

Last night Ashley challenged me to a Labor Day tennis match. So, this morning we went to the North Medford High School tennis courts and hit the ball back and forth for a little over an hour.

It's best that we not discuss the scores.