Mother's Day 2008- A Hike Along the Columbia River Gorge

We thank our mothers and all mothers for their love and nurturance...

Nothing is quite so spectacular as the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River separates Oregon and Washington. We have driven along the Washington side of the river before and had heard of the awesome wildflower display on Dog Mountain. So despite the so-so weather forecast, we ventured out and were not disappointed. The hike up Dog Mountain was vigorous and we had the full span of weather- rain- sleet- sun and cold winds but the wildflowers were as advertised. See more flowers and views http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenristau/WildflowersAtDogMountainColumbiaRiverGorge

Travels to CT: Jenna Weds Russ- April 18, 2008

We traveled back to Connecticut in April for our niece Jenna's marriage to Russ. It was a beautiful wedding and a first on the Ristau side...Jenna is the first grandchild to be married...who will be the next?

It was great to be with family

celebrate Ben's 26th birthday

and see many friends.

Many thanks to our former neighbors, Cheryl and Mike, for letting us stay at their "b-n-b." And special thanks go to Nate, their rather large black 'n tan German Shepard who treated us like family and not strangers!