Text below...
Continuing my report on the May 22 – 29 gathering of family & friends in Teton Village, my “Gemini” coming-of-Medicare-age birthday bash:
Also arriving late Sunday night, driving from their home in Colorado Springs, were Lucy's nephew, Arran (doctoral candidate in Immunology), his wife Shawnee (owner of Techwise, with 300 + employees, now training in more interesting arenas than computers, such as preparing soldiers for deployment) and their 3 boys, Pax, Caden and McCoy. I drove back to Idaho Falls Monday morning to pick up Lucy (retired medical consultant, quilter, etc), Nate (Lowry Rentals bookkeeper, while applying for new landscape architect jobs, in an economy that is slow to rebound), Kate (bar/restaurant owner) and Juliet (my one and only grandchild to date). I took the low road along the Snake River, since it had turned wintry again. While it was still snowing, I chanced the short route over the passes on returning, and saved about 45 minutes. We arrived in time for a late lunch with Arran, Shawnee and the boys. Dustin was going to join us, flying up from Phoenix, but pressing business (horror films) and a funeral took precedence.
Monday evening, Ira brought out the guitar and entertained the kids. They dubbed him “Santa” - See pics & you'll know why -
Tuesday we said goodbyes to David and Jim. Weather report was for improving weather on Wednesday, so we hung around Teton Village, hot tubbed, braved the steam room (Was that warning on the door for ME?--about consulting your physician prior to use, if you have health issues), made ourselves at home in Teton Club's Great Room. We had a scare when Juliet disappeared (She'll be 3 in September). Frantic looking for several minutes ended when she was found, wide-eyed, on the spa floor. She had gotten on the elevator and taken it down to the bottom floor.
We went to dinner at an Italian restaurant in the village. Tuesday night we had expected the arrival of John Hudelson (wine prof at Central Wa U in Ellensburg), his wife, Carole ('just finished a couple of years instructing law students how to write), and Ardis Barnum (retired from a career with the forest service, now volunteering to make Winthrop in the North Cascades of Washington more livable). Museums and wineries took more time than expected and they got in very late.
Wednesday morning we took in the parks, first Grand Teton, then Yellowstone. We had sun at times, but clouds set in later in the day. So, once again, I failed to see Old Faithful erupt with blue sky background. My camera battery was kind enough to go dead as we were about to head homeward.
Thursday morning Nate and I played Teton Pines, benefiting from an association with Teton Club. 'Good thing, as the King Cobra rental fee was $50. I did take to the performance clubs quickly and played above average, over shooting the par 5 7th with my 3rd shot, 559 yards long, from my white tees. Nate played blue tees, which partially accounts for my playing even with him early in to the back nine.
Opening day for Sex and the City 2, some of the gals made an afternoon of it in Jackson, getting in line for tickets to insure they got in.
Thursday night Ira, John and Lisa got out the guitars and made more sweet music. Juliet, due to depart the next morning, was serenaded and loved it.
Friday morning, it was already time to get the family back to Idaho Falls and their return to Seattle. I again got turned around leaving Twin Falls. I have finally figured out there are TWO northbound freeways—Interstate 15 and Highway 20. I'll know next time. While it is a 1.5 – 2 hour drive to Teton Village, the time sitting in Salt Lake or Denver airports and added cost of airfare leaves me satisfied--it's better to fly to Idaho Falls than to Jackson Hole--from Seattle.
Ira BBQ'd burgers and we ate in the great room on Friday evening, followed by more music. Teton Club members sat in front of the fireplace and enjoyed the sounds, as did club staff.
We have consensus—Teton Club is magnificent, as are the parks, as are our friendships. With many of us retired and others approaching that blessed state, we can afford to continue to make time to get away together...
3rd set of pics -
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipNwdZU6SiCbS-jdNu2slodZE8NjtP75-1LcBAQN
BTW, having done brief bios on others--hard to believe it's going on 8 years since I said goodbye to my career as a psychiatric social worker. In Pierce County, Washington, Lowry Rentals has downsized somewhat. I still keep my grandpa's cottage on a bluff of the Oregon Coast occupied most of the time with vacationers. Unable to pass up steals on the secondary market, our timeshare holdings have burgeoned, making possible the wonderful Teton Club digs for this gathering. At the end of June, I will replenish our points reservoir and again welcome invitations to support worthy fundraisers (auctions or raffles). Let me know about your worthy causes.
John Lowry
253-841-4948
www.lowryrentals.com
john@lowryrentals.com
No comments:
Post a Comment