When I left around 1230P, there were still walkers signing in and so far they had 230 walkers.  I guess that's a lot of New Year's resolutions, huh?
We packed up with 3 dogs and 3 walkers in my car, Andrea and Laurel went in her car, than Nan and Max took the bus, Nancy drove in from Lake Oswego, Joann was there and walked with Jane, and we even saw Sharon along the way with her 2 dogs.  We saw Larry and Rita when they drove up, and we walked slow, but we never did see them again.  Karen Kelly said she felt a lot better and it's just always nice seeing everyone.  Tomorrow we start off the New Year at 1030 a.m. in Vancouver.  We go past that really nice dog park, so we are going, letting the dogs run for awhile, then finish the walk and that will pretty much finish the dogs off for the rest of the day.  
Good walk, everyone loves looking at those old houses, seeing where the swift birds gather in the fall, it's such a beautiful area.  We walked with Barb from Eugene for awhile and she said she loves getting her "city fix in" when she comes to Portland.  I knew exactly what she meant.

Almost 30 people showed up today, and that's incredible, considering the weather.  It was a nice steady rain, but it was warm.  We had 10 walkers on the 5k.  By the middle of the walk, we started unbuttoning our coats and wishing we had dressed lighter, so we will be prepared for this weekend.  Nan and Max, who are new Merrywalkers, came along, and it was seeing Summerfield through "new eyes".  I was dog sitting this week, so after the walk I headed back with Macie and Milo, lunch was at Pacific Breeze, which is always a treat.  We decided not to wreck our cameras by taking pictures outside, so we took a few inside Albertson's. And we missed seeing Karen Kelly today who is down with the flu - hope we see you this weekend.
Don't forget - 2 great walks this weekend.  The groups will start both walks at 
10:30 a.m.
Saturday: Dick Baker will be leading the 5 and 10k route on Saturday, click here for the directions and details.
Sunday: Dick will lead the 10k and Joe will lead the 5k in Vancouver (again this will be a new route).  Click here for directions and details.

Sorry this is so late, but we did have a good turnout at the Refuge on Monday, but the group picture didn't turn out at all.  I think I'm going to have to break down and get a new camera, soon!  
Tomorrow we are doing our group walk through Summerfield at 10 a.m. so if you would like to join us, meet us there and be signed in by 9:45 so we can start on time (hopefully Dick will have his camera.)  Lunch will be at Pacific Breeze. 
We will also be walking on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  Saturday will be in Portland and Sunday we will be walking in Vancouver at 10:30 a.m.  I'll send out the information by Friday.

What a December!  We actually stopped to try Stephen Colbert's ice cream at Ben and Jerry's.  There was the fast 5k group and then there were the slow ones.  Mike and Larry led us on some quiet little streets where we were able to see all of the houses decorated for Christmas and then we found these beautiful red berry trees. I took 3 pictures, and only 2 turned out, but at least we got two.
We had over 35 people that showed up today, can you believe that, 3 days left of shopping, but we did pick up some things along the route.  Mary Ann got a cook book for her daughter, I got some dog toys, Andrea found a great cookbook holder and Mike looked, but found nothing.  Lunch was at the Bread and Ink Cafe (that was for the 5k walkers) and the 10k walkers went for Tai Food.  We were able to catch up on the news with Laurie, who hasn't been around for a year and just came back to spend the holidays with her children.  
And here's a special gift for you, just click here.
Merry Christmas!

Another Merrywalker tradition, Christmas Tea at the Lavender Tea House.  Seventeen came for tea this afternoon and it was lovely.  Tomorrow is the last walk before Christmas and you should be able to do some last minute shopping, if needed, since we will be in the Hawthorn District.  See you there!

Delores Decker passed away on December 2.  I'm so glad we had a chance to get together with her last February.  If you would like to view those pictures just click here.  For those of you who don't remember Delores you might remember her husband, "the Pink Panther".
Just an added memory from that day:She was so nice and I'm so glad we were able to do that lunch for her.  Everyone brought her little things from each of the clubs and she walked around and had such a good time greeting everyone.  She brought a get well card that was signed by all of the officers and people at the AVA.  She was so proud and she passed it around.  Some of the gals thought it was a card they should sign, so they signed it.  She laughed.

Happy Belated Birthday to both Sandy and Larry!  The 18th was their day.  Hey Larry, maybe we can get a free dessert on Wednesday.....

As part of REI's commitment to the community, we were invited to participate in a gift wrapping session yesterday. We actually made $37 in tips and gift wrapping fees.  REI gave us the place and the materials and a spot where we could advertise our walks.  Not only did we have a good time, but we can now purchase a $50 gift card from REI for our Easter Egg Walk.  Thank you, REI.  So if you are still out there shopping, consider something from one of our sponsors.
It was nice that so many people showed up today, considering everyone had to leave coffee early so they could get in more shopping.  Don't forget the store at the Refuge, they have a lot of things you can purchase for both adults and children.  
Tomorrow we will gather for the Annual Christmas Tea in Sherwood.  There are still spaces available for our Tea which will begin at 12:30 p.m.

It was a perfect night for walking and over 200 walkers thought the same thing.  No wind and a clear night, it doesn't get much better than that.  The boats were right on time..  Eleven Merrywalkers, with their friends, did the 5k and we didn't even get to the turn around when we saw the ships.  After we gathered for sliders and beers at the Buffalo Gap and then we had to head home.  Tomorrow if you are doing any shopping in Bridgeport between 3-6 p.m. the Merrywalkers will be doing gift wrapping.  6 more shopping days to go!