Archive for December, 2010
2010 Stock Market Close
The year turned out surprisingly well for investors, including retired folks like us who will be living off those returns. The Dow Jones Industrials Average ended at 11,578, up 11% for the year. While that’s still a long way from the lofty 13,265 at the end of 2007 it’s a nice way to get through my first ten months as a retiree.
Day 2 in Cannon Beach
We began the day with a leisurely stroll on the beach, enjoying the morning break from the incessant rain. I couldn’t resist having breakfast at the locally renowned Pig ‘n Pancake. It was a good choice: the sourdough pancakes were wonderful. Once again we headed south on 101, this time to visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse. With the return or rain and fog we abandoned the rest of the Three Capes Scenic Drive and went back to Cannon Beach to visit a few more of the galleries. Two of the best were the Northwest by Northwest Gallery and The House of the Potter. We were especially tempted by this bronze Raven by Georgia Gerber, a famous Northwest artist responsible for many public pieces in Portland and Seattle.
Day 1 at Cannon Beach
We began our day with a sensational massage at the SurfSand spa then drove south on Highway 101 taking in the many superb coastal vistas. By mid-day we were in Tillamook so we just had to have lunch at the Tillamook Creamery Cheese Factory. Where else is there a menu with half a dozen different grilled cheese sandwiches? Following lunch and a tour of the factory there was the inevitable dessert of Tillamook ice cream. Back in Cannon Beach, we visited a few galleries then settled in for the evening with room service dinner and Monday Night Football.
Cannon Beach at Dusk
Following an unhurried drive from North Bend we arrived at Cannon Beach just about at sunset. We were surprised to have any light at all as the afternoon had been replete with rain showers, hail, wind, and even a bit of lightning. But as I stepped onto the balcony of our comfy room the views to the west were stunning in the fading evening light.
Quiet Christmas
After tending to the bird feeders we opened a few gifts and are spending a leisurely day around the house. Our only
obligation is to deliver our traditional home-baked Christmas cookies to the neighbors. Trisha is charging up her new Nook Color e-reader and I may try out my new bread machine. Dinner is a reprise of the Mediterranean turkey with yams that we had on Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, we’re off for a few days retreat at Cannon Beach, Oregon, where we plan to take in the spa, watch the ocean, read, sit in the hot tub, see a movie or two, and read.
This critter is a little Texas steer, a gift from Trisha’s sister, Lisa.
Rain, rain, rain…
We had the big pre-Thanksgiving record snowfall and frigid temperatures; now the thermometer is in the mid 50s and we’ve had a record two-day rainfall. Over 4 inches at the airport and almost that much here in the foothills. Trisha and I made a quick visit to Snoqualmie Falls to get a glimpse of the fabulous cataract. It’s always impressive but after this much rain the Falls are really thrilling to see.
Related Articles
- Record rain Saturday at Sea-Tac airport (thenewstribune.com)
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