Oregon Living 2024 – Blog #28 – Family Time!

 

Sunday, July 7^th., 2024……. Hot, Hot, Hot!  Temps today in the high 90s! So, Cathye skipped church and we hung around the house today and did nothing. I watched races. I have been watching the Tour de France. I am always impressed that those riders have so much stamina and can peddle in excess of 40 miles an hour for over 100 miles! And they do it in 21 stages over the next three weeks. Interestingly, the tour doesn’t end in Paris this year. They didn’t figure they could handle both the race and the Olympics at the same time. So, the tour ends in Nice this year. 

Monday, July 8^th., 2024……  We were up and going early this morning, to beat the heat. We went by the gym and then on to Kevin’s for breakfast. Cathye read the results of her test on My Chart. Of course it’s in medical-ese so she could only get so much from it. She went to Lynn and Judy because they were have more experience. They gave her some insight plus she sent the results to her daughter, who has some training as well. Being proactive, Cat sent off a message to her doctor, asking him for input. He did respond this afternoon that she still needs to wait until her upcoming stress test (Aug. 5^th), but right now he says he can see that she was in AFIB during the echo. AFIB - just like I was!  Considering all of the alternatives, that’s pretty good news so far.  And at least now we can better understand her symptoms because they mirror what I had. Fingers crossed!  

Tuesday, July 9^th., 2024…… Nothing today except our square dance workshop. That’s inside a nice air-conditioned senior center! It is supposed to hit 104° today! The good thing about temps up here is that it cools off nicely at night and the mornings are really nice. It was a little warmer than we like it when we walked the dogs but we’re still ok. I am still expecting a call from the guys working on cutting the bar top. It was due before the holiday so I called them this morning. They responded that it was done and when would I like to come get it? Of course I said ‘tomorrow!’ Oh yeah, we have been using the hot tub again. We set the water temp several degrees cooler and with the weather cooling after dark, it’s actually really pleasant out there!  

Wednesday, July 10^th., 2024…… We were up early and had the dogs walked and fed. The plan today was for me to go out and hook up my trailer and then we would go get the wood. But the first stop was Cathye’s dentist. She had a cleaning and it was on the way so I dropped her off and went around the corner with the trailer to the local park and waited for her text. Then we were on the road. We needed to go up to Aurora, which is south east of Portland, about 60 miles. We decided to stop on the way at the Covered Bridge Café in Stayton on the way. I managed to get a close up stop for the truck and trailer and we got in and got seated. They serve a great breakfast so whenever any of you comes up, be sure to ask us to take you there!  We made the drive to Aurora and met with the folks at Goby Walnut. They brought out the piece and we checked it out. It was perfect – except they were told to taper the cut so I could easily fit it in between the gazebo columns. But they flipped it over by mistake and chamfered the wrong side! They saw I was upset and said there would be no charge for the cutting (which would have been $220.00) and if I didn’t like the final result when I put it in, they would work with me to exchange it for another piece. Fair deal. I ended up buying $120.00 worth of epoxy mix so the savings helped! I think I can make it work.  We got it home and Cathye and I unloaded it on dollies on the back porch. Turns out we would get a test fit later because Vikki was in the ER here in town with a smashed finger, and Cathye volunteered to go get the kids while she was getting treatment. Corey came by later after work and the four of us tried to install the plank. No luck. I need a different tactic. I would resolve that later…

We finished cleaning the house and rv before our visitors came tomorrow. They will be using the motorhome for sleeping while they’re here.  Kyle and Tiff will get our bed, Hera and Cora will get the couch. I put the single blow-up bed out there as well for Luke.  I think we are ready!  Tv and spa until bedtime.

Thursday, July 11^th., 2024…… I was up early because I wanted to hot-mop the floors in the house. Cathye made a run to Walmart to pick up a few more things for meals. In talking with Kyle last week, he gave me some insight into what they thought they would like to do while here. A lot of it was to hit the local restaurants that he liked from his last visit here. He is definitely a foodie! So, that meant we weren’t going to do much cooking for the next few days. Later, it was time to take off for the airport. We needed all of the seating for the six of them, so Cathye stayed home while I headed down to Eugene to pick up the crew. Their connecting flight from Vegas was late plus it took quite a long time to retrieve their luggage and Luke’s car seat. But it wasn’t too bad and we got everyone loaded and got going. I was told they would need food on the way home, so I told them we would stop for lunch at The Junkyard Dog (a Guy Fieri ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ featured place). Problem was it was closed due to a problem with mechanicals. So, we drove up to Route 66 diner, just up the road and had lunch. It was a small meal because of the late time and the fact that I had reservations at The Point for 5:00pm!  

We got home and they got set up in the motorhome and Frances got in the guest room and then we all rested for a bit before it was time to head off to Sweet Home. Penny came by and Cherrelyn would meet us there (since she lives close by there). We took two cars and headed out. We had an outside table and the weather was really perfect. We had a nice lake view and a nice meal. Once we got back, we settled in and they made it a short visit before they headed off to bed after their long day!       

Friday, July 12^th., 2024…… The plan today was for me to take everyone to the coast. Cathye had a luncheon at Lynn’s later this afternoon so it was just me and the group. We left and hit Elmer’s for breakfast. Kyle remembered the German pancake and enjoyed that. 

We made the 115 mile drive up to Tillamook Creamery to take the tour. The kids liked everything there and saw the cheese making and packing process. 

I must say I was disappointed in the sample section. They had two pre-packaged cheeses and one sample of white cheddar pepper jack.

But they did have a new section called Kelly’s Jellies. We sampled some habanero flavors today which were very good!  We had to have lunch there too! I think most of us had the grilled cheese sandwich with roasted tomato soup. I enjoyed mine but Frances said it wasn't as good as before. 

After we left, I was tasked with finding a good spot for the kids to walk the beach and play in the surf.  Now we know they wouldn’t be getting wet because it’s super cold but they have never been to the ocean before and I wanted a good place. I settled on the beach area just past Chinook Winds Casino. We walked down to the sand and then on to the shoreline. It was really windy and extremely cold but they all enjoyed their time there. The girls didn’t want to stop playing, and dodging the waves at the shoreline. 

Later, we left and rinsed off the sand and headed back home. 

The kids had a nap on the long drive home, so they had renewed energy. I went out and cleaned Rylee’s pool and they had a blast playing with her and getting wet. We didn’t have plans for dinner tonight – most of us just wanted leftovers - but Kyle made a run to Carl’s Jr and got burgers and chicken nuggets for him and the kids. The littles were ready for an early bedtime. After that, it was another early to bed night for all of us.       

Saturday, July 13^th., 2024…… Breakfast this morning at Kristi’s. We needed two cars today. Kyle took the family in Cat’s truck with the second seat. After Kristi’s, we headed out and they followed Cathye, Frances and myself, in our Buick, to Silver Falls. Kyle had been here before and was anxious to take the family down the trail at walk under the falls. Cathye was wanting to go down too but we felt that we could both get into trouble on the hike back up, so we stayed up on top and took pics.

After a quick stop at the gift shop, we headed out of the park and got back home pretty quickly. We rested for a bit then loaded up the two vehicles again and this time we brought the dogs. We drove down to Brownsville and to Pioneer park so we could go swimming in the Calapooia River. This is our favorite place for the dogs and the water would be shallow enough for the kids to swim or wade. When we made our way down with towels and chairs, we saw that Corey and Vikki and Bailey were there! Vikki had brought Brandyn to Lebanon to visit with his mother, and they had time to take a swim. Corey, who was out on delivery in this area for Amazon, took his lunch break with them. We all had a nice visit and swim. Rylee and Jama as well. The kids loved the water and we let them stay until they were pooped out!   

Tonight was dinner at Dos Arbolitos. It was to celebrate Tiffany’s birthday! She was surprised! We also had a cake at home to celebrate. Cathye shared her day. 

Sunday, July 14^th., 2024…… This morning was Cathye’s last chance to cook for the family. She had bought all of the ingredients for her hashbrown casserole. She made one with bacon bits and one with sausage.

Turns out the kids are pretty picky eaters and we had plenty leftover. After that, they finished their packing and loaded the car. Before they left, Penny, Cathye, Kyle and Tiff and I muscled the bartop into place. That thing is heavy!  This is a trial fitting and I think it looks good. 

I need to decide if I want to remove it to epoxy or maybe I can just do it in place. Either way, I can work on it and prep for coating while it's there. Later, I took everyone down to Eugene for their 12:10pm flight out. They needed to wait out another long layover in Las Vegas before their flight would leave for Tucson. He would text me later at 8:15pm saying they had made it safely home.  We cleaned up a bit and got some bedding in the wash. The rest we will work on tomorrow. Next up for us is the Vintage Trailer Rally in Brownsville starting on Wednesday. Much to do for that, but we both chose to rest for today!

It was a great weekend seeing and visiting with family. Kyle and Tiff are great parents and the kids are extremely well behaved. It was nice to see Frances again too! Later, we watched a couple of shows and then hit the spa after a long weekend!     

Oregon Living 2024 – Blog #27 – Birthdays, A Hot Fourth, and a Yard Sale

 

Sunday, June 30^th., 2024…… Cat is feeling ok this morning. She says she loses energy easily but today was ok. After we walked the girls, I went out and got us breakfast and coffee and chai tea, while she fed the dogs. I noticed that Shawn’s latest estate sale is still going on and they have a sign saying clearance today. So, I mentioned that to Cathye and she left early for church so she could go check it out. I want to finish mowing today so we will plan on that when she gets back. I went out and reattached the bagger to the tractor we just got back so we can pick up the grass from the lawn. When I finished that, I decided to just go ahead and start in on my side of the driveway.  I got that finished in quick order. We are caught up on the thickness of the grass now so I can set the blades to 2 ½” and not get a lot of grass for the bagger. That makes for less trips to dump. That meant I got finished quickly, so I started in on Cat’s side. I just kept going and finished that part too!  I hosed off the mower and came back in to the house. When Cat got home she found me in the same place - in my chair. She said, “That’s where I left you”. Then I told her I was done with all of the work. She said she didn’t notice when she drove in. She was disappointed but happy at the same time. She was ready to mow but now didn’t have to!  We lounged around for the rest of the day.   

Monday, July 1^st., 2024……  Gym and breakfast this morning. Cathye is still not well so she takes it super easy when she works out. She goes in for her echo later in the week. Finally! The weather is starting to warm up a bit. They say it will be in the 100s later in the week, but right now it’s nice. Probably will get to 79° today. Cathye will be taking the Shasta out on Wednesday for her girl’s outing at Pioneer Park in Brownsville. They have been doing this for a few decades now, just a smaller group these days. It would only be three campers, but they expect to have a bunch of people come on the 4^th. So, today, she spent some time getting everything ready. I put in a new battery last week so she will have lights and such. There are no hookups at the park. We checked her propane and found the tank is low so she will plan on taking it in later. I had to repair the canopy mounts that pulled out when the wind picked up last week. But that was a quick and easy fix. I got some of the things out that she will be taking on her campout – fire ring, chairs, tables, etc. – and started putting those in her camper shell. That was about it for the day.     

Tuesday, July 2^nd., 2024…… Nothing on the agenda for today. Cathye went off to Walmart to pick up things for her outing, plus things for me to eat while she’s gone. The Senior Center is closed so no class today. Weather is getting up there. Temps in the 90s now.  

Wednesday, July 3^rd., 2024…… HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL!  (and BRIAN!)  I have to apologize to Bill for not calling him all day. Usually we call and sing to him so at least he was spared of that!

I had a ton of stuff to do today. First up was to get Cathye going. They (her and Lona) had decided to leave here around 10:00am and go get their places in the camping area. The park doesn’t let anyone in until this morning. Around 9:00am, Lona called and said she went early and the place was packed!  Apparently they had let folks in late last night or really early this morning. So, that meant we had to kick it in gear. I hooked up the trailer while she added the mirror extensions for her truck. Since we had 90% of it loaded, we got the ice chest and the rest of the items in and were on the road by 9:15am. Lona had saved a spot and Cathye pulled right in. We unhooked and got everything unloaded and set up. Once they were all settled, I left and came back to look after the dogs. Later, Cathye drove back in to make her 1:15pm massage appointment. I met her there as she was leaving and I was going in. She stopped back at the house and picked up a few things and also got Jama, who will stay out there with her tonight. I will go tomorrow after the yard sale to have a bite to eat and visit for a while then take her back before the fireworks start. I went over to Penny’s with the easy-ups and some more tables and helped them with a few things. They have most everything marked. We had a few things I brought over, including one of the old floor model radios (I did choose the smallest one!) to add. I don’t expect any bites but we’ll see. They were ready so I came back and fed Rylee and rested for the day.      

Thursday, July 4^th., 2024…… HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!  I was up and going before 6:00am. I walked and fed butthead and then made coffee and headed out for the day. We got the tables set up and the easy-ups out. We only used one today. The sale started slowly. The weather is now super-hot so we’ll see what that will do to sales. But they came! 

While we were working the sale, Cathye sent me a pic of the girls in their matching jammies!

Back at the sale,

we found it was pretty busy at times and prices were right so folks bought things. In addition to all of Sis’s stuff, and my stuff, her neighbor had a lot of stuff there and Jody had a couple of small items she brought. So, we kept separate track of individual sales throughout the day. She had posted and made signs and each said 8:00am-1:00pm, anticipating the hot weather and the holiday. So, we closed up at 1, and brought the tables back in the garage and called it a day. I came back home and loaded Rylee in the Buick and headed over to spend some time with the campers. A lot of family and friends made a good crowd this year. I think I counted over 25 folks.

 

Later in the afternoon, we brought Rylee down to the river so she could cool off a bit. I only had my sandals so I stayed out of the water this time. But Cathye took her out for a swim..

After we ate, I scooped up Jama and Rylee hopped in and we headed back home for the evening. It was rather quiet here – until the Cheadle Lake fireworks show started (around 9:50pm). It lasted probably 30 minutes and I had already gone to bed. Rylee did ok and Jama was good too as long as she was cuddled up next to me in bed! Once everything quieted down, we were all fast asleep. Meanwhile, Cat and the girls enjoyed the show at the park…

 

Friday, July 5^th., 2024…… Since it was super-hot at the campground, most everyone was going home today. I was up and going and was at the sale around 7:00am. It was slow again. We saw that most of the early birds were seniors – who didn’t party last night! That was ok – they got first pick today! Cathye called a bit later and told me the folks in front of the trailer were packing up so she could get her truck in and get hooked up. I left the girls at the sale and went down to help her get the trailer hooked up so she could break camp. She drove back home and pulled in so she could unload. I would back it out and park it later in the day when I got home. Cathye came in for the day and I went back to the sale. Later, Cathye came by on her way to go to her Echocardiogram appointment. Then she will go over to Cheryl’s blueberry stand to get some baked goods that were only there for today. Since we have berries coming in right now, we didn’t need any at this time. Right at 1:00pm, we called the sale. It took some serious effort because it was so freakin’ hot, but we managed to get things separated. Some of her neighbor’s stuff went back to them, some stuff Penny took back, some stuff went to a donation pile which will go in tomorrow, and the rest we left on a tarp with a free sign on it. I got most all of my tables loaded. I left a few that they will need for boxing up stuff. I also lost an easy-up to the wind. That’s ok – it was already damaged and only had this one time use anyway. I dismantled it and threw the fabric in the trash. I will take the frame home and put in my recycle bin. I left and came back and rested. I hit my wall as we were packing up so I took it easy the rest of the day. As did Cat. Tomorrow morning, when it’s cool, I will unload both trucks. Needless to say, we were both tired from our day and went to bed early.         

Saturday, July 6^th., 2024…… We slept in a bit then were up and going. The weather is really nice (70s) when we go out with the dogs. After breakfast, I went out to unload the vehicles, while Cat went out to pick blueberries. We have six bushes out there. Bushes number 3 (Liberty variety) and 4 (Reka variety) were the ones we replaced from Berkey’s farms. This morning, Cathye picked from our bush number 1 and said she will go out tomorrow to do number 2 and 3. The Rekas haven’t come in yet. And 5 and 6 aren’t hearty producers. She got ½ a gallon today 

and expects more than double that from the Liberty tomorrow. Once we got all of our chores done, we called it a day so we could rest and recover. We both stayed inside. Temp got up to 95° out there. Forecast is for 102° tomorrow and Monday and 104° on Tuesday! Yikes! The good part is that the temps really drop at night (in the high 50s and low 60s). Plus it doesn’t get really hot until the afternoon, so we can get chores done early and we’re good.  Later in the afternoon, we met up with Cherrelyn, Penny, and Jody at Pizza Schmizza’s for drinks and dinner. It was nice and relaxing. Oops, no pics! After that, we came home and Cathye went out and watered her flowerpots. I haven’t yet ran any drip lines to them so she does it by hand. But she says she likes tending to them. She’s happy with all of the flowers we have going now!....

While she was out enjoying that, I stayed in the house and kept cool for the day. Tv and then bed. We haven’t adjusted the spa temp yet and it’s just too hot right now to use.