Oregon Living 2024 – Blog #25 – Party Week!

 

Sunday, June 16^th., 2024…… HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!  It would be a busy day! We were up and going early. Cathye made breakfast burritos while I walked and fed the dogs and went to Starbucks for coffee. A bit later, the boys loaded their bikes and drove back up to Black Rock for another mountain bike adventure.  They will be back before 4:00pm when I throw the steaks on the grill.  Meanwhile, Cathye went to church and I had the house to myself. I relaxed and watched a couple of my taped races and got caught up from yesterday. More being taped today but I most likely will wait until Monday to watch those! Penny and Cherrelyn came over and we started drinks and I fired up the grill. This would be the first time I have used the grill with the new burners and grill top. I guess it turned out well because all of the steaks I cooked seemed to be enjoyed by all. We had the sauteed mushrooms as a topping and Penny brought a canister of cheese she bought from the Northwoods Inn in SoCal which we used for the potatoes. She also brought a triple berry cobbler. Needless to say, we were stuffed. They shared some pics and videos from their ride,

and then Steve entertained us again until everyone went into a food coma and the party broke up. Tv until bedtime. 

Monday, June 17^th., 2024…… The kids have decided to take the rv out and head up to Washington. Randy has heard about and researched a few mountain bike trails up there and is anxious to ride them. They will drive today and stay overnight tonight so they can get a full day’s ride tomorrow. But first up was the gym. We walked and fed the dogs and headed out. Once we were done, we met them at Appletree for breakfast. Cathye remembered that she had a 10:00am appointment to take the Buick in for service (oil and filter change) and she had missed it. So, we scurried back home and she went to drop it off. She called me and said she told them, “I’m here for my 11:00am appointment”, and they never batted an eyebrow, just took the car in. Whatever works!  I picked her up and we came back to see the kids off. After that, we kept watch on the grass. It was overcast today and we needed the sun to come out to dry the grass a bit so we could mow. The Club party is Sunday, but we have three rvs coming on Thursday and Friday, so we need to get the area cleaned up in the next few days.  

Tuesday, June 18^th., 2024……  We are still busy today trying to get everything together for the folks coming on Thursday and for the party on Sunday. We did a lot of clean up around the house and yard. I think we are ready – except for the mowing. Still too wet. Maybe this afternoon after we return from our class.

Yep, when we got home, it was dry enough to get it done! We still only have two mowers and bagged everything this time, so it took a bit longer than usual. But, it is now done!  I know it will grow out a lot between now and the party, but we don’t care - it’s good to go for now! We will wait until Saturday to put out the yard games. Nothing else on the agenda so we cleaned up the mowers and came in and relaxed for the day. Tv and spa until bedtime.  

Wednesday, June 19^th., 2024…… No mail today – Juneteenth! We fed the dogs and left for breakfast and then to Aurora. We stopped on the way to have breakfast at one of my favorite places – Covered Bridge Café – in Stayton. The plan was to go up to Goby Walnut Products and pick out the bar top we have been looking at. But, when we looked up their hours online, we found they were closed for the holiday too! Bummer. We came back home disappointed but at least we saved the drive up there! Plus, we had a nice breakfast!

When we got home, we needed to go to the store for a few more things for the group when they get here tomorrow.     

Thursday, June 20^th., 2024…… We were able to complete our Thursday routine – gym, breakfast and then made the drive up to Aurora. We found what we wanted and ordered it to be cut and notched.

It should be ready sometime next week.  We are excited to say the least. We easily got back home before the guys showed up. Frank and Maryanne pulled in with their 5^th wheel and Mike and Cheryl were right behind them. We parked Maryanne close to the house because she has mobility issues. We decided to have Mike pull their trailer all the way behind and around the rv garage. 

That would put them on the east side on the grass. That way, Shaun and Lila could park on the rv pad on the west side when they come in tomorrow evening.  We got everyone power and we settled in for the day. We had pulled pork sandwiches for dinner and played card games. They showed us 2500 and I taught them 7’s. It was a fun night.      

Friday, June 21^st., 2024……  Mike ended up going home late last night. He needed to drive his daughter to the coast today to pick up their granddaughter from summer camp and since it would be an all-day thing, he wanted to get an early start. So, it was breakfast for five this morning so we had breakfast burritos. My favorite!  After we ate, Frank and I got out all of the awning bags and we started in. Cathye and Cheryl helped and Maryanne supervised. We got everything up and then brought out the 2 16 ft. tables which fit nicely underneath the awning. I brought out all of our lawn chairs in case folks needed them on Sunday. Maryanne had made stew in a bag. They actually looked like Hershey kisses!

I got them on the bbq even though we didn’t know how long it would take to cook. Mike got back and Shaun and Lila got here. I got them parked and hooked up and then went back to the grill. They were definitely done! I would have liked to have them on for a few minutes less, but they were still delicious! The boys got back from their Washington trip and made it back in time for dinner too!  We convinced Steve to play a bit

then Shaun set up his equipment on the deck and called a tip to test sound. 

We got Steve up and taught him a few calls. He did great! 

                           These were taken from a video so they are a little grainy...

Randy has been around square dancing all his life and politely said, ‘no thanks’! After the dance, some called it a night. Others played cards.   

Saturday, June 22^nd., 2024…… This morning, the breakfast was eggs, and biscuits & sausage gravy. We had toast with homemade jam. All were very good! 

Later, we headed off to Brownsville. Since Shaun was calling today, he drove his truck, while the rest of us piled into our Buick. We were all headed to Pioneer Days at the local park in town. We got in and used Maryanne’s handicap placard to get close parking. We all spread out and walked around the grounds and enjoyed the day. They had many vendors and exhibits and entertainment on the stage. But we were there for a dance later in the afternoon. The Sweet Home club does this every year. The dance is free to all and they open the doors for visitors to come in and watch and see what square dancing is all about. Shaun did some basic calls whenever they had newbies in the squares. 

Did I mention it was hot! This rustic old timey room is used for barn dances and such but for us, it was just super-hot! So, we sat out more than we danced! When it was over, we headed back home. We had all eaten at the park, so all we did this evening was hang out by the fire! 

Some played cards later, while some called it a night.