2026-08-02 More work in Bend, and off to Boise

More time in Bend.   Kris finished up all the work in the office, and it is neat and clean and organized now.  Norm even helped to move some photos around so the ones he enjoys are in there.

The big job this week was changing the Direct TV plan, the phone system, and the internet.   We installed Starlink, cutting $160 from Norm's monthly bill for internet.  Downgraded his Direct TV package, saving another $70 a month for him, and finally the phone, which was a $75 per month savings.  We had to run some wires through the attic and make a bit of a custom mount for the Starlink, but the savings were worth it.

Kris also tackled a new section of the garage, organizing her Moms old business supplies, which took a full day.  Dean and Norm were also out in the garage that day, and by coincidence Norm wore a shirt that was made up when we had our first boat - and sailed to Mexico.  Norm came and spent a month with us then, and brought the T-shirt that he made.   Dean was wearing an equally old shirt - from Monitor wind vanes, which we had installed on that boat.   So a couple of old guys, wearing old shirts - both shirts from 1993 - 33-year-old T-shirts.

33-year-old shirts on a 94-year-old and 65-year-old

Of course time relaxing, eating lunches on the deck, and watching the wildlife took some time as well.  Watched a Coopers Hawk, taking a bath in the small stream between ponds in Norms backyard.

Coopers hawk checking out the stream and taking a bath

Saw a couple rabbits as well, and even got a photo this time.

Thursday we left Bend, and headed to Boise.  Due to wildfires the direct route was closed, so had to take about an hour detour making it a 6 1/2-hour drive.   It was smoky, but not too bad.  Passed a fire camp on the way.

Tents set up along the road for fire camp

In Boise, home of the blue turf Broncos - for you football watchers.  We helped Derek with his efoil board he is building.  Working on some finishing touches.

Blue turf of the Broncos stadium

The efoil board is nearing completion

Saturday we went to a park up by a reservoir for our sisters-in-law 75th birthday party.   We took Deans Mom, Nita with us, who is doing pretty good at 92.

Deans mom Nita, and older brother Lee 

Good time at the party.  Derek and girlfriend Emma went as well.

Derek and Emma playing Jenga

Derek lives next to a wildlife preserve so enjoyed a walk around that area as well.  Much smokier here in Boise than in Bend.

Nice nature preserve walk by Derek's place

Smoky skies in Boise

Today is a big day - will head out and test out Derek's' home built efoil board for the first time. Hope all goes well.