Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #30 – Dealing With The Heat and Making Shipping Plans

 

Sunday, August 3^rd., 2025……  A quiet Sunday. I was up and out to go get us breakfast and coffee while Cathye took the girls out then fed them. Later, she left for church and I spent most of the morning working on last week’s blog. We have the irrigation guy coming tomorrow so I want to get a hole drilled from the inside of the garage outside so he can run a wire to the new controller he will be installing. More on that tomorrow. More catch-up on our tv programs today. I have started taping Little League Baseball. My favorite and I always enjoy watching these young men show off their talents on the field. These are playoffs to see who goes to Williamsport next week. I especially look forward to seeing the regionals on the San Bernardino field where Randy played when he was 12. 

Later, we worked a bit on weeding out the raised bed. We have plenty of water going in there now and the plants (and weeds) are doing well!  We are now actively checking into getting Cat’s Shasta 

shipped back to Crystal in Missouri. We don’t want to tow it back there – Crystal could drive here and tow it back but she doesn’t feel comfortable doing that. Michael is too busy to come get it. We are about out of options. So, I started an inquiry about shipping it on a flatbed. I went to a site (Shiply) and have already received over 30 quotes! It looks like it will be a bit more than we want to pay, but we are still thinking about it. It’s easy and we can get it done as quickly as we want.

Monday, August 4^th., 2025…… Today was busy in the morning. We walked and fed the girls, then left for the gym, followed by a trip to the hospital for Cat’s lab draw, then breakfast. The last stop was at the post office. Steve had left his watch in our motorhome and we needed to get it mailed back to him. After that, Cathye worked on weeding the gravel area around the raised bed while I changed out the tongue on the Shasta. The bids have been to use a winch to load (and unload it) on a flatbed trailer. That will work if the tongue has a wheel underneath. So, I had one and changed it out. The rest of the day I worked on addressing trailer move quotes and Cat worked on her bills.  My irrigation guy showed up to update our system. Last year we had him update one of the controllers and he put in a bluetooth based system one it. Turns out it doesn’t work well unless I was almost standing out in front of it. Plus, Cathye doesn’t have it on her phone so I was the only one to be able to use it. He came back today to install one like the other two we already have. I drilled a hole for him to run the wires into the garage and he installed new valve sensors in the ground box and ran wires to the new box he installed. I programmed it for the four zones on that box and we were done for the day. He was late coming today, so they will be back tomorrow to work on fixing all of the drip lines that Justin hacked through when we was weed eating last month. Plus, there were two popups in the yard that needed to be replaced.  Later, Cathye made us zucchini boats for dinner. Never had them before but aside from the rice that she added that needed a little more cooking time, it was ok.  

Tuesday, August 5^th., 2025…… Nothing but the irrigation guys today. I went off to the workshop but Cat was here if the sprinkler got here while I was gone. Ok, it’s later now… I made it back in time to help George identify and fix all of the busted lines. He got everything fixed or replaced and was gone in 30 minutes. I would get the bill for everything via an email!  Later, we watched America’s Got Talent. They are finally down to the semifinals. We were late to bed.      

Wednesday, August 6^th., 2025……  I was up and going early to make my 7:30am dental appointment. After the cleaning, I got an inspection by the dentist. He asked about any pain and I told him I was having issues with my upper left tooth. It had a root canal over 20 years ago, but I have had issues since. Once, probably 15 years ago, in SoCal, the cap was removed and the canal cleaned of infection. I had it worked on again here in 2018 when I was sent to an endodontist. They pulled the filling and cleaned again. Today, the dentist told me my discomfort again was likely an infection. He gave me a referral to yet another endodontist. Waiting for the referral and to get on the schedule. Afterward, I stopped and got us breakfast and coffee. Just some chores today. Laundry and draining the spa. With all of the activity we have had around here last month, we haven’t used it much, nor added chemicals. So, we needed to drain and clean and set up again. I got a call from the endodontist and got an appointment. It’s not until Oct. 8^th! And that’s just for a consult!  Good thing it’s not too painful! 

Thursday, August 7^th., 2025……  This morning we were up and going a little later than normal. Justin and Skyler are coming this morning to work on weeds. We were just finishing up walking the dogs when they got here. We got them going then went off to breakfast and then on to Walmart. After that, it was time to get the pups in for grooming. After our camping trip, they are a little shabby looking. We talked to Corey about going up tomorrow to see the kid’s summer camp presentation. We are excited to see the littles too!

I mentioned it above, but I’m not sure how much I shared already about Cathye giving her Shasta to Crystal, her daughter-in-law, in MO. We have been trying to figure out a way to get it to her. Since it’s a 1964 model, and only has a single axle, we really aren’t keen about us (or anyone) pulling it all the way to Missouri!  So, I started looking into having it shipped. It’s not the cheapest way to go, but it solves a lot of issues about how it will get there and by who. If we hooked it to our truck, we would have the full two way trip cost. If someone rented a U-Haul and towed it, it would cost and we would have to add airfare back. The shippers I have been in touch with are asking questions and after a lot of them, we will get a company to come put it on a flatbed and drive it there. I had over 30 bids and will settle on one after we talk to Michael to see how and when he wants to receive it. We will need to coordinate pickup and delivery days with the shipper since both of us need to be there for that. More on this later…      

Friday, August 8^th., 2025……  We planned on going up to the park in Salem where Baylee has her cheerleading camp. We had the address and got there in time to see them practice. There were probably 15 or so and they had worked on a cheer for us!  It was fun and when it was over, Baylee got her Skyhawks Merit Award!

Of course we got to hold the great grandkids too!

After we were done, we took them all to McDonalds for lunch before coming back home for the day. We were lucky – today was pretty nice weather!  The rest of the weekend it is supposed to hit over 100°!  When we got home, it was definitely warmer!   

Saturday, August 9^th., 2025…… It was warm but not too bad this morning when we got the bike out and went into town to see the car show. It was down Main St.  We got parked up close and walked the three blocks and saw some great cars! 

After that, we went to Kristi’s (they sponsored the show) for lunch.

 

When we got home, I worked on getting my chosen shipper’s contract booked. He called and we talked about concerns and questions from both sides. He said they now will need to award to a local driver/company and will get back to me next week when he knows more. The only thing left is for us to empty out the trailer and prep it for shipment. The door lock doesn’t work well so I will need to address that soon. Since it’s so hot now, we will do it in the morning. But I did keep the bike out long enough to put the last of the two pneumatic shocks on the bike. This last one was going inside the rear cargo door and it took a bit to disassemble the compartment to get to the fixed points. But I got it! The rest of the day was spent inside in the ac!  Tv and bed.  

Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #29 – More Travel and Trying to Get Home

 

Sunday, July 27^th., 2025……  This morning we broke up the gang. Shaun and Lila were headed home. Nate and Lizanne would be going on to visit friends/family? Mike and Cheryl and us were headed back down to Pendleton to the Casino RV park for two nights. We got out of the fairgrounds and made our way through Spokane and south. I don’t think we stopped until we got to Wildhorse Casino RV. We would not be together in the park but we were not too far away. After getting set up, we spent the afternoon in the pool. Later, we played cards and had dinner.

Monday, July 28^th., 2025…… This morning we had reservations for the Pendleton Underground Tour. We had been before but Frank and Maryanne had reservations with Mike and Cheryl but weren’t able to go on the trip. So we took their place. The tour was better than before!  Our guide said when he was a kid, he used to sneak down with his friends and play and explore the tunnels. He also shared info we didn’t know – about how the miners would come in to the bar with gold dust to pay for their drinks. The bartender would pour the dust into a scale for payment. But he would be sloppy and spill a bit on the counter. When you always see the bartender wiping the counter, it came from these days  - when the guy would sweep the gold dust on the floor, to pick up later by getting his shoes muddy and walking in it. He said they panned the mud and made some good money. Also interesting was the fact that spent rifle and pistol shells would also be used as payment for drinks. You would stand the shell up next to the glass and be poured up to the height of the shell. The larger the shell, the bigger the shot. This is where ‘having a shot’ was started!  The rest of the tour was interesting as well and we learned about the life and times back in the day, especially the 17 brothels in town!   

We came back home and relaxed for the day. We visited with our neighbors who had Rylee's brother!  Not really but I have never seen an English Cream that looked so much like Rylee than Sonny!

We are finding leftovers to clean up before we make it home.      

Tuesday, July 29^th., 2025…… This morning we checked out and drove the short distance to our next (and last) campground for this trip. We are at Peach Beach RV Resort in Goldendale WA. It was right off of US 84, just over the bridge on the Columbia River. We had never been but we heard it was nice. We already had sites reserved and found them and got parked. It was super hot today. We heard it was the highest temp in Goldendale this year!  Temperature would get to 97° today! I went back to the back thermostat just to see if I could get it to work. In the past, I have struggled with this one and could only get the heat bar to work. Didn’t need that! I did something (needed to set the time I think!) and managed to get the system on cool!  Boy, did that help!  Poor Rylee has been hot and was panting. Hope this will help. After a bit, we left and headed to Stonehenge. Yes, that’s what I said! It seems that local magnate, Sam Hill, decided to build a memorial to the local soldiers lost in the war. He based it on the original structure in England – full scale! It was very moving. We learned it was very controversial and thought of as a folly. It coined the term, ‘What in the Sam Hill are you doing?  Didn’t know that! 

Afterward, we drove the short distance to Maryhill Museum of Art. This was the majestic home on the hill that was also built by Sam Hill for him and his wife and named after her. Today, it is a magnificent museum of art. There are countless rooms of paintings, dioramas, and sculptures, even one wing with nothing but Rodin´ items. We also both enjoyed the massive collection of chess sets. Here are pics from there….

 

After that, we stopped by the Gunkel Orchards

 

on the way home. Cheryl told us they always try to buy their peaches there when they can. They bought 2 cases, we bought one.

We will pit, peel and slice and then freeze them for either canning or pies. We got back home and rested for the day. The air was working well and it was pleasant inside. We were parked under trees so no satellite reception, but we were able to pass the evening by watching what we had taped. We leave tomorrow for home.    

Wednesday, July 30^th., 2025……  We were up and had a bite to eat and then got the rv ready to go. Mike and Cheryl left and headed to get gas. We left shortly after that. We made it about 25 miles or so and then BAM! We blew a tire! I was able to get safely pulled over. We were in Celilo Park and I found a nice level spot out of the way of traffic. It was the rear inside passenger tire that blew. I called Good Sam and they made arrangements to get me a tire and the guys in Biggs (25 miles away) were out in about 1 ½ to get it changed. Problem started when they rolled the new tire out. I checked it and saw it was the wrong size. It was about 2 inches shorter. So, they had to find another.

After several calls, long story short, it would be tomorrow morning when they could get one to us. So, we were here for the night! We were able to walk the dogs and enjoy the area. Beautiful sunset too!

I opened up one slide and started up the generator. That gave us the a/c we needed for the day and night. We were lucky to be parked where we were and no one bothered us – except maybe the folks coming and going who were noisy. Cathye went back to the bed and I stayed out and slept in my chair. Rylee struggled with the heat but after giving her ice water and ice chunks,

she finally settled down. We did have some folks who came in around 1:30am and were right outside for 30-40 minutes, but we all managed to sleep some. 

Thursday, July 31^st., 2025……  We were up and ready this morning. Cathye made breakfast and we settled in to wait. They told us yesterday that the tire would be coming in a truck from Portland to Biggs and then to us. They expected it around 9-9:30am. About 9:30 they called and said the truck was on its way. This time they had the right tire and got it mounted and we were good to go. I had given them the extension stem to put back and luckily the guy noticed that it was leaking. That was the reason that the tire blew! 

We left the park at 10:45 and headed back and made it back home at 2:15. It took a while to get everything unloaded and the rig parked, but aside from laundry, we were done for the day! Penny came by and visited and we spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching tv. We went out to Dos Arbolitos for dinner, then watched a little tv before going to bed early.   

Friday, August 1^st., 2025……  Nothing on the agenda today. We spent the day just relaxing and catching up on taped tv shows. Cathye left to go to Detering Orchards with Lyn and Judy. They didn’t find too much and she only brought back some zucchini. But they had lunch and visited and had a great day!  

Saturday, August 2^nd., 2025…… Today was mowing day! Penny came over and we got started around noon. The grass in the field is pretty much dead so it didn’t take too long to get things done. We came in and rested for a while, then Cathye got started on the peaches. She asked for her sous chef and we pitted, blanched and peeled and sliced 42 peaches in about 45 minutes. After that, we showered and got ready for the evening. We were going over to the church for a wedding. Robin’s granddaughter was getting married. It was a little warm and they had the ceremony outside but it was short and sweet and we were back inside in no time!  After a bit, we left and came home for the day.  

Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #28 – Getting Ready and Then ‘Road Trip’!

 

 

Sunday, July 20^th., 2025……  Nothing on the agenda for today except more prep for tomorrow. I got all of my clothes loaded and worked on my meds and stuff to go out tomorrow. Cat has all of her things out there except for her meds. We will load the fridge tomorrow morning. So, we had a chance to relax for the day. Randy texted later to say that Steve and Monica got back home in Scottsdale and he was doing ok.  

Monday, July 21^st., 2025…… This morning the plan was to meet up with Mike and Cheryl at the Chevron station on hwy 20. I had ¾ of a tank which would get me all the way up and back, but I wanted to top off beforehand. We got on the road about 9:30am and made the drive up through Portland and then along the Columbia River, past Mt Hood and made it to Wild Horse Resort and Casino RV park, just outside Pendleton OR. On this trip, we will hook up with three others to go on to Spokane for the USA West Square Dance Convention, starting Wednesday night. Right after we got in, Nate and Lizanne pulled in. We will be here for two nights. Cheryl and Mike and Cathye headed over to the casino and got players club cards (Cat already had one). I stayed home and talked with Nate and Lizanne, relaxed, took care of the dogs, watched tv, then went to the pool for a bit. Later, Cat came back a winner!  She started out with $100.00 in and came back with a slip for $100.87! Yaay! Hey, 87 cents is a winner! We played cards with Mike and Cheryl and then settled in and watched tv and went to bed.    

Tuesday, July 22^nd., 2025…… I remembered a nice place we went to for breakfast last time we were in Pendleton, (called The Saddle), so the six of us went there this morning. Still good. After that, we drove into town and went past the entrance to the underground tour we will be going on when we return here on the way home next week. Well, I made the right turn to go there only to find it was one street short – and was a ONE WAY STREET! Yep, I went the wrong way! I scooted ahead and made a quick left into a parking lot and escaped danger. Phew! After a lot of joking, we made our way over to the Pendleton Wool Factory. This was Cathye’s and my second time there. But this time, we were able to go on the factory tour. We saw how they load the wool from spools and get them to the looms and we also saw how they weave the patterns and produce the beautiful product from there! Here are pics, including the world’s largest blanket…..

 

After the tour, we went past the rodeo grounds (famous for the annual Pendleton Roundup) then headed back to let the dogs out and rest for the afternoon. Temps are in the 90s this week with no plans to let up, so we want to keep the dogs cool. I only have one roof air going right now (more on that later) so the rv is still a bit warm for the girls. Jama does ok but we like to hose off Rylee when we can to help keep her cooler!  Later in the day, Mo and Toni got into camp. They are on the other side so we didn’t visit with them too much. Even later after that, our caller, Shaun and wife Lila (Nate’s daughter) got into camp. They are right next to us. That makes 10 in total. 

We will meet up with Tim and Melissa later in Spokane when they get in by car. That will make 12!  Most everyone went over to the casino. This time Cathye did win…

Wednesday, July 23^rd., 2025……  All 5 rigs pulled out together this morning and caravanned to Spokane. We stopped a few times so the rest could get gas, plus one more stop at a rest area for lunch. When we made our way into Spokane and found the fairgrounds, we got checked in and parked. We have large, flat grassy spaces. Plenty of room!  We set up a central area and ate and played cards. Later, we headed over to the trail-in dance. This was in addition to the convention (and cost extra $$) but was put on by the three headliners for the weekend. We enjoyed dancing to Adam Christman (my favorite caller from last year at Seaside), Dan Preedy, and Doug Davis. 

They were among the 33 callers and cuers scheduled on the docket for the three day festivities, which will begin tomorrow morning. Here is a flyer for most of them…

 

After the dance, we came back to the rvs and settled in for the evening.

Thursday, July 24^th., 2025……  Since we had 3 days of dancing, I knew we had to pick and choose what we did and when we danced. Each of us would be able to go on our own schedules and for us, today was spent shopping and waiting for Shaun to call. I think he had 4-5 time slots over the duration of the convention and we made sure to be there to dance to him and support him for all of them.  He did an excellent job!  After he calls, we try to speak to other dancers on the floor. None had never heard of him but all really liked him!  He is up and coming for sure!  During the dancing, I was able to touch base with California and former California callers, Andy Allemao, and Mike Sikorsky. Mike taught me A1 back in the day and remembered our group from his class back in 86. I also got to visit with Jim and Judy Smith, caller and cuer from SoCal.  Nice to catch up with long-time friends!  

So, all day and evening was spent in the halls, walking the pups, eating (lunch and dinner) and playing cards. We were tired when we got back and went right to bed!  

Friday, July 25^th., 2025……  More of the same today. We watched the 4 remaining traveling exhibition groups (who were all here at the same time!) do their special shows for the crowds. Here are some pics from the weekend….

                                         One of the dancers taller than me! He is 6'8"
 

Later, we all left and caravanned to dinner at Outlaw BBQ. It was excellent!  Cat and I split a rib dinner, with enough for leftovers! The rest of the group all said they enjoyed their meals as well.

We got back in time to dress for the evening’s festivities. Days are casual dress and nights are square dance clothes. We brought different outfits for each day.

Saturday, July 26^th., 2025……  Last day for the convention. We all went in to dance to Shaun and then spent time in other halls and with other callers. We started out on Thursday with Hex Squares with Andy Allemao, who went over the basics for this new to everyone type of dancing with six couples instead of four. Knowing Andy from SoCal, I knew this from back in the day, but it was fun to do it again and help the others. Today was full on dancing the new style. It was one of our highlights for the weekend! Later, we said goodbye to Mo and Toni, who were heading out to meet friends. The night’s highlight was the grand parade. We found our Oregon group (31 in total but only 12 or so in the march) and went in with all of the states in attendance. The USA WEST consists of 8 western states, but we had visitors from a dozen more (furthest was from New York!). We danced our fill, and stayed until the end of the night. We got in one giant circle and thanked everyone for the weekend. Next year the convention is in Loveland, Colorado. Don’t think we will go but you never know! Here are pics from the weekend. There are videos on Cat’s Facebook page if you want to see more. Lizanne taped Shaun doing The Crawdad song and got all of us dancing. Cathye added it to her FB page. It turned out well – go check it out!

 More on the rest of the trip next time.....