At THE TODAY SHOW 4TH HOUR, with KLG AND HODA

KLG and Hoda were here to promote "Saving Aimee", the production based on the book (and lyrics) by Kathie Lee Gifford and currently showing at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.  We had tickets to the show that night, but wanted to see them live so we headed for Pike Place Market at 4:30am.  When we got there at 5:45am, there was a long line to get into the "seated areas".  We opted for a premium "standing view" spot just behind the fenced off area, but with a perfect view of where Hoda and KLG would be.  It was also right where Sara Haines would have been seated, if she had been there...I was disappointed not to see her, but perhaps she will return for a visit.  The day was all about "Saving Aimee" with guests being the actors and actresses from the show, along with the usual segments we all know and love.

 the drinking

the crazy things animals will do live on TV

oops, we dressing alike AGAIN!

Hoda can't even look at KLG holding our infamous geoduck clam

guest Carolee Carmello (Aimee)

Bobbie's Buzz!

 Jay stood right next to us during taping

During the taping of the first show, we stood right next to Hoda's boyfriend Jay.  He was the nicest guy and chatted with us during breaks of the show.  I got him to sign a postcard (which he said he's not used to doing...Hoda's the celebrity, not him) and I figured that was as good as it gets.  We had a great view of our favorite morning hosts and had gotten some great pictures.  But it got better!  Bobbie Thomas was setting up her segment before the 2nd show, and I called out to her and she came over.  She also signed a postcard (and posed for a picture) and let us in on a little secret: Her shoes were too big and she uses a maxipad as a shoe insert to make it fit better.  (Hoda demonstrated this live on TV a week later).  After the 2nd show taping, we worked our way into the crowd to try and get Hoda's auto and a picture. Hoda did sign my postcard (right next to Jay's kind words) and we had a laugh when I asked her to take a picture with George and she asked "Who's George?  Oh, curious George" We thought this would be the last time we spoke with Hoda, but luck was with us that night at the 5th avenue when lo and behold we are standing right behind Hoda and Jay as they are leaving the performance.  Another person stops them and asks for an autograph, so I say hi to Jay, not expecting him to remember me, but then it happens:  Jay looks at me and asks questioningly "Debbie? right?"  I am amazed he remembers me.  Not only does he remember me (and Julie), but he introduces us to Hoda and she comments about how he mentioned us to her earlier at their hotel.  We are in shock, but do manage to remember to get Hoda to sign our Saving Aimee program, which she does graciously.

Addendum:  How was the show?  Were you on it?
 Of course, we couldn't see everything that the TV viewer got to see, but it was worth it, and we even managed to be on the show for 2 seconds during Hoda's Playlist. 

what we could see of the remote segments

what the TV viewer saw live on TV

here's the proof, in case you missed it

Mt. Rainier: a 3-day getaway

Julie and I have just returned from a 3-day vacation to Mt. Rainier National Park.  We had a wonderful time, staying at the historic Paradise Inn.  Day 1 was sunny and cool, the perfect weather for a good long hike.  We decided to hike the Skyline Trail, one of the most popular trails at the park. 

We should use this as our Christmas Card photo!

Here I try to ascend up the trail to the Nisqually Glacier Viewpoint.  Too snowy for tennis shoes and a walking stick.

this young man was nice enough to pose for our camera

Julie crossing the 2nd snowfield of our trip.  She does fine here, but on the way down she slips and slides down the ice. (luckily without injury)

Lobby of the Paradise Inn

The Paradise Inn looks like a miniture version of the Old Faithful Inn located in Yellowstone National Park.  The smaller size and fewer visitors made the inn feel much more welcoming.

Breakfast buffet at the Paradise Inn.  We both ate way too much food each morning, but we did so knowing we'd be burning off those calories on our hikes!

At the Myrtle Falls viewpoint.  It was foggy and 20 degrees colder than the day before.  No point in going up the mountain today, thankfully we had done it the day before. The sun never did come out, leaving some visitors disappointed at not actually seeing Mt. Rainier.

hummingbird lantern that Julie loved

It's a castle!  No, actually it's a restroom built right into the side of the mountain.  It's at Panorama Point, elevation 6,800 feet above sea level.  I'm sure we weren't the only ones glad to have use of the facilities.

Isn't he adorable?

On the Wonderland Trail

On our final day, we did a hike recommended by the park rangers in Longmire.  We hiked to two different waterfalls (Carter and MadCap) located about 500 yards apart.  They called it a 2 for 1 hike.  Part of that hike goes along the Wonderland Trail, which at 93 miles long, encircles the mountain.  Here Julie poses for a picture.

Julie's Birthday at Ocean Shores



Momma escaping a tsunami?

Pelicans at Ocean Shores

Taking a break, enjoying the 70 degree day

today's subject: snow and ice

PICTURES OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone is not usually this snowy this late in the season.  Frequent visitors told us that by late May the snow is usually gone.  Not this year, however.  The snow pack had melted in the upper basin (Old Faithful & Geysers), but not here in the Canyon Village, where the elevation is near 9,000 ft.  We spent an entire day visiting this part of Yellowstone, cold weather and all.  The temperature was 34 degrees.



walkway to Yellowstone Falls was kept clear by park rangers

Visitor Center at Canyon Village

Yellowstone Falls in the background

these cabins are supposed to be rentable on June 1.

trailhead to nowhere  (at least for now)

Yellowstone Falls

the snow was nearly 6 ft deep here