Merrifield Times

Trevor started Middle School at Willamette Christian. He enjoys having 2 lockers, and his favorite teacher is Mr. Abbale, who teaches Bible and History. Trevor developed a great interest in Lacrosse this year and has his own stick, which he strings and restrings constantly as a hobby. Skiing and snowboarding continue to be favorite activities. Trev took snowboarding lessons with his friend, Josh, but is still a big fan of downhill and cross-country skiing. Highlights of the year for Trevor included sleeping in a snow cave and hanging out with his cousins, Brendan and Leah.

Hannah has had loads of fun this past year. Her favorite summer camp was over-night at Camp Harlow where she slept in a cabin with her school buddy, Madeline. She is in 4 th grade this year and is having fun in math with fractions, long division, and common factors. Hannah just finished playing KidSports volleyball with her class mates. She is very excited about Christmas with her Aunts - Judy and Sally, and with Grandma and Grandpa, and “Uncle” Tim (Jolyn's cousin) who she hasn't seen in a very long time.

Once again Trevor and Hannah spent a week at Crux Rock Gym . It's one of their favorite summer camps. They improve each year and find the confidence and skill to accomplish even more than in past years. There's basic climbing, boldering and belaying, the high, balance beam (forwards, backwards and (or) eyes closed), the King Swing and one day climbing the basalt columns of Skinner Butte . Mike always enjoys watching the kids try different routes on a sunny summer day.

Summer is a beautiful time of year here in Oregon. We probably shouldn't say that as it violates the newcomer non-disclosure agreement... But it's been ten years so that may have expired. Even if it isn't sunny, dry and warm (but not hot) practically every day of summer... which it isn't... It's still great to have people visit. Soon after returning from Bend (where we celebrated the 4th ) Jolyn's sister Becky arrived from Chicaaaago with Brendan and Leah. They are about the same age apart as Trevor and Hannah and just a little older so it works out great. It's amazing how cousins are such fast friends . It takes them no time at all to pick up where they left off. The Cruise Director (aka Grandma) had everything all lined up... a trip to the coast (that's the left coast) and jet boat ride , a day at the Wildlife Safari (yes, that's in OR), some shopping for the girls and fishing for the boys and of course a day at the lake.

In late June/early July, the Goodrows (pictured in front of Sahalie Falls) visited the Northwest with stops in Eugene (with us), Bend (with Grandpa Herc and Georgia ) and Washington (with friends). It was great to see Mike's sister Merri, John and Kelty again and especially nice to meet Colden (check it out: "hockey hair", shoots left ) for the first time. We managed to pack quite a bit into their visit including a couple birthdays , a little hiking , some ski lift aided mountain (inactive volcano) climbing , some sailing (naturally), a splash of swimming and plenty of hangin out and relaxing . Overall it was one big celebration . At times... several times... we just had to sleep... anywhere we could... anytime we could... What else can we say about the dog days of summer? Good times.

You've heard the expression, "He's all thumbs!" Well in this case, he has no thumbs. That's the only explanation we can come up with. If it happened only once, we could chalk it up to chance. But this story has been played out not just twice but at least five times. We're talking about deep seeded acts of rebellion driven by inner frustration or feelings of inferiority that most of us can't comprehend. It must be buried down in his subconscious. Something so traumatic and troubling that these acts... these cries for help are not only difficult to express but so complex and mysterious as to defy understanding. You see... It all began (as the theory goes) as an infant... Yep, when Lido was very young and very small (which is not difficult to imagine), his dewclaws were removed. We're talking elective (not by Lido mind you), cosmetic (his legs do look quite shapely) surgery. What's puzzling (and perhaps at the root of Lido's psychological issues...

Yes, winter is winding down and summer seems to be on its way... That's the definition of spring isn't it? Around here (at least on the "Wet Side") it starts in February and continues... more or less through May. April was a very interesting month for outdoor activities in the Merrifield household. On the first, Trevor and Mike went downhill skiing . They took a friend of Trevor's and his brother and Dad. The four of them had taken snowboarding lessons earlier in the winter. Seemed a little strange to be skiing on April Fool's Day but the joke was definitely not on us. We had a great day. Then sailing started the following week for Mike. All are happy and thankful to have our local lake back again. The original earthen dam was build in the 40's and the drainage system was failing. (Earthen dams actually leak but it's supposed to be a controlled leak...). Somehow the Army Corp. of Engineers prioritized the repair project higher and found the money to f...

This is our new cat Earl Gray who is... oh, several years old... we're not exactly sure... He used to belong to neighbors of our friends from church, John and Joan. A while back, Earl and his family moved but not too far from John and Joan. After a while, Earl returned to his old neighborhood. He was recognized, cared for and returned to his family. After a while, Earl returned to his old neighborhood. His family tried to confine him for several weeks and Earl just kept finding his way back. He was cared for by some other neighbors of John and Joan until they moved... Then John and Joan took him in and now... (you guessed it) they're moving. They decided Earl needed a new home since he wasn't really compatible with their cat and Earl had run out of neighbors. We had been thinking about getting a cat but were always concerned about the slim chance of getting a normal cat. This seemed like a good opportunity since Earl has a nice personality for a feline. As Earl's lates...