New Year’s in Bend 2023
BRinging in 2023 with My Brother and Family
Road Trip to Bend to Celebrate a Better Year Ahead.
I headed out at 6:00 am to help get everyone from Portland to Bend. I was three hours ahead of schedule, but I couldn’t sleep. So I phoned my cousin Zoe in Portland and spent a few hours catching up with her.
Found eveyone at the airport on time. I put Evan, Wesley, and Kate in my car for the drive to Bend. We listened to music, talked, and laughed all the way. What a gerat way to get to know eachother a little better.
The weather was pretty good and we had no issues getting to the house.
We all spent the next week lounging around, escept for the days that Ben and his family skied. Mindy and I hung back to hold down the fort.
Picking up Passengers
I picked up Wesley, Kate, and Evan, at the airport in Portland on the way to Bend. They had to make a Subway run right after the flight.
Family Time
Just settling in for the week.
Grazing Time
Getting our snack on!
First Home Cooked Meal
My brother and sister never cease to amaze me with their cooking talents. Sirloin strips, Potatoes Au Gratin, Corn, and Salad.
Balancing Act
Kate and Evan showing us what they got going. They are well balanced in every way.
Cuddle Time
So cute! napping on the couch after the tiring balancing act.
Ski Prep
Ben adjusting boots and bindings for Kate prior to the first trip up the mountain the next day.
Pre-Meal Cocktails
We all stopped at The Point Grill for a pre-meal cocktail outside while we waited for our dinner reservations at Noi, just up the block.
Nephews at Noi
Wesley and Evan looking cool at Noi.
Kate and The Perfect Pour
Kate was entranced to see how perfect the glass and the can contents fit. Notice the perfect meniscus on the beer in the glass.
Kate and the Curry
Kate was super pleased with the presentation of her Panang Curry.
Mutual Photography
Mindy taking a photo fo me taking a photo of her. Silly, but fun.
Ben and Lena Pose for a Photo
Thought I would capture the moment that Mindy captured their moment.
Espresso Martinis
Dessert anyone?
Family Cheers
Cheers to a better 2023!
Family at Noi
Group photo in front of the table we had. We were in between these statues in the golden alcove, right as you walk in the restaurant.
Walking Home with Orion
I adjusted down the exposure on my phone, and this is what I got. No photoshop here at all, purely un-edited or filtered.
Walking Home along the River
It feels like everything that is cool in Bend, is just a short walk along or from the river.
Sunrise from the Window
I took this one morning form Ben’s bedroom window. What an amazing view to wake up to.
Tom Bunnell and I
I was fortunate enough to see a long time friend that moved down here a couple of years ago. Tom and I have known each other for 34 years now. We have Played ball with and against each other, coached with and against each other, and at one point in the early days he was my bartender. I’m glad the past is in the past, but grateful we had it.
Breakfast at McKay Cottage
Fantastic meal together as always. Ben never picks a bad place to eat.
Wine Tasting at Va Piano
Ben invited Mindy and I to join them on a short wine tasting excursion. We walked about .4 miles to get here. Love how close things are.
A Walk Along The Deschutes
Took a short morning stroll along the river walk to take in the nature near by.