Today is the shortest day of the year. Yippee. Now they can start getting longer. I am more than ready. At least the sun was out for part of the day and the temp was above 50. It was a great day to work on getting the trailer loaded for our trip. We leave Thursday morning, the day after Christmas so there isn't much time, two holiday days and two non ones. I
Where the trailer is parked I can put out two of the three slides and so I did today. With the bedroom slide out we can get access the area under the bed and the dresser drawers, so I have most of my clothes packed. I rearranged the lower storage area that is sometimes called the basement and loaded it with items that we will need for our 6 months away. The basement contains an olio of items (a crossword frequent flyer) including swimming gear, satellite dishes ( yes, I have two), many tools and equipment used by us RV types. When I am loading, I always play the game "Should I take it or leave it at home?" "Am I going to need this item this year?" So I take some items and leave others.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Press Club
The Press Club (2621 SE Clinton St.) is a small restaurant/wine bar/club in the eclectic, hipster(ish) area of south east Portland. We went there last Saturday night to listen to music by the fun band, Green Tamborine, which covers 60's songs that everyone can sing along with. The music was great, especially if you enjoy a fabulous mandolin. The idea of a mandolin ( and sometimes a violin) in a 60's rock band may sound odd, but once you have heard it, you will be won over.
The food was as good as the music. R and I split a mushroom turkey bagguette and crepe that were very good. If you want a fun place to spent some time, eat a little food, drink a beer or glass of wine and listen to a varying line-up of music, I recommend this place. Look of Green Tamborine at your local pub as well. We had so much fun taht we didn't get back to Canby until December.
The food was as good as the music. R and I split a mushroom turkey bagguette and crepe that were very good. If you want a fun place to spent some time, eat a little food, drink a beer or glass of wine and listen to a varying line-up of music, I recommend this place. Look of Green Tamborine at your local pub as well. We had so much fun taht we didn't get back to Canby until December.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Black Friday
No, I am not going out to the storewide battle sites today. I saw a coupe of ads that had tempting pricies on a few things, but I just couldn't bring myself to braving the mauradering hordes that line up at the front doors for the three or four TVs that are "in stock". I may glance at the online prices of a few sites to see if they look interesting. Thinking about the surge that Google and Amazon have on their sites this week-end, the federal government might have been better off hiring them to handle the medical system start-up.
R and I are going to accompany our granddaughter to the theater and be "Frozen" for an hour or two. That should be fun. Good luck to you who are shopping during this week-end.
R and I are going to accompany our granddaughter to the theater and be "Frozen" for an hour or two. That should be fun. Good luck to you who are shopping during this week-end.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Thanksgiving Week
I remember spending Thanksgiving at my aunt's house. Everyone was there. Turkey was cooked there. Everyone else brought something. My Mom brought Scalped Corn, a corn hotdish baked in the oven. In addition to the turkey, there were many tiems including stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, ambrosia salad, green salad, green beans, fresh baked rolls, cranberries that still showed the ungulations from the can. All good and yummy Midwestern comfort food. Dessert was a bit later, pumpkin pie, of course, with freshly whipped cream. Maybe another pie as well.
The afternoon was spent either watching football on TV ( Texas/ Texas A&M, or the pros, Detroit Lions or the Cowboys) or playing board games. I remember Sorry, Parcheesi, Flitch, Checkers. I didn't realize it at the time, but my aunts and uncles were opposed to card games for religious reasons which were never mentioned.
We went home in the early evening, after consuming the warmed up leftovers, which were as good, if not better, than the first time.
There was never a thought of shopping, or of being anywhere else.
The afternoon was spent either watching football on TV ( Texas/ Texas A&M, or the pros, Detroit Lions or the Cowboys) or playing board games. I remember Sorry, Parcheesi, Flitch, Checkers. I didn't realize it at the time, but my aunts and uncles were opposed to card games for religious reasons which were never mentioned.
We went home in the early evening, after consuming the warmed up leftovers, which were as good, if not better, than the first time.
There was never a thought of shopping, or of being anywhere else.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
November 22, 1963
50 years ago.
I remember what I was doing that day. I was sitting in Mrs Jones' senior English class, when the announcement came over the claasroom intercom. Everything stopped. The world, or at least my immediate world, stopped. The room became silent. Mrs Jones was as dumbfounded as the rest of us. A few quiet slobs broke the silence, then low talking, then everyone was asking questions at once. A raised arm and a stern look silence the room again as the intercom went on, telling the awful story of the end of a life, the end of an era, and the turning of a very large page in the history book.
As I watched CBS This Morning, recalling that day, my mind went back as well. That day was followed by several more days of almost constant TV watching. I remember the long funeral march, the caisson bearing the casket to the cemetary, the shots of the Jackie and the two little children standing in the cold of Arlington.
I remember what I was doing that day. I was sitting in Mrs Jones' senior English class, when the announcement came over the claasroom intercom. Everything stopped. The world, or at least my immediate world, stopped. The room became silent. Mrs Jones was as dumbfounded as the rest of us. A few quiet slobs broke the silence, then low talking, then everyone was asking questions at once. A raised arm and a stern look silence the room again as the intercom went on, telling the awful story of the end of a life, the end of an era, and the turning of a very large page in the history book.
As I watched CBS This Morning, recalling that day, my mind went back as well. That day was followed by several more days of almost constant TV watching. I remember the long funeral march, the caisson bearing the casket to the cemetary, the shots of the Jackie and the two little children standing in the cold of Arlington.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Saturday Nov 16,2013
Happy birthday to my bride today. She is as beautiful as when wemarried.
We are celebrating by hosting our son and his family for lunch. It is the first time the whole family will be at our new house. It will be fun. Tonight we are volunteering at the Lantern Tours at Fort Vancouver. It will be our third time in costume. I have my speaking part in the kitchen as before, but this is the first time the R has a lines to say. She is Amelia Douglas tonight. In the skit, Amelia is 33 years old. I am sure she can pull it off. Break a leg, Honey.
Finally got our Direct TV installed. I was dreading it because every time you deal with them there seems to be a hassle. Lat week it was because the installer needed the trailer moved so that he could get the ladder up properly. He also said that we needed to have the TV in position that we were going to use for the duration. Well, we plan on buying a larger TV, but just haven't done it and may not before we head for Arizona. The prices will probably be lower by the time we return anyway.
Good friends from South Lake Tahoe came by to see us yesterday. It was great to talk, laugh, and eat Thai food. We will see them again in May, 2014.
Less then a week until Thanksgiving. Where is the time going? R has already attended several Holiday Bazaars. Yipes ! More to come, no doubt.
Monday, November 4, 2013
November
Wow, the cold temps and rain tell me that fall is fully here. Halloween was fun. We had nearly 100 kids come to our door on Halloween night. It is the most we have ever had. Up to that night, 36 was the household record. It makes a difference when you do not live on a cul de sac.
We did not give out candy this year. Instead, our "trick or treat"ers received a glow-in-the-dark bracelets They seemed to be happy with them. The parents were too. Several told us so.
We are thinking it is time get a bigger TV. Our current one is 27 inches. OK now what? Plasma, LED, edge lighting, back lighting. And then what size screen? 47", 49", 50", up to 80" and maybe even bigger. The larger ones are out because we don't have a wall big enough or a wallet big enough either. So the search begins.......
We did not give out candy this year. Instead, our "trick or treat"ers received a glow-in-the-dark bracelets They seemed to be happy with them. The parents were too. Several told us so.
We are thinking it is time get a bigger TV. Our current one is 27 inches. OK now what? Plasma, LED, edge lighting, back lighting. And then what size screen? 47", 49", 50", up to 80" and maybe even bigger. The larger ones are out because we don't have a wall big enough or a wallet big enough either. So the search begins.......
Monday, October 28, 2013
Volunteer.Gov
It is a very quiet morning in the visitor center at Fort Vancouver. Nine visitors in two hours. I would much prefer being busy to this. That is one reason why we are going to move the trailer to our driveway in Canby this week. Our new house has so many tasks on its "to do" list that we need to spend more time there in order to get them accomplished.
That being said, this is a good place to work. The work is easy. The set-up for the volunteer is close by and all needs are there; 30amp service, water, sewer, and garbage. Free laundry facilites are provided as well. It is a metropolitan area so shopping is unlimited here in Vancouver, as well as in Portland acrtoss the river. This area is a treasure trove for exploration, whether it is the coast of Oregon or Washington, the mountains of the Cascades, the Columbia Gorge, or the deserts on the eastern parts of both states. If you have thought about being a VIP (Volunteer In the Parks) this would be a good place to start.
http://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm
That being said, this is a good place to work. The work is easy. The set-up for the volunteer is close by and all needs are there; 30amp service, water, sewer, and garbage. Free laundry facilites are provided as well. It is a metropolitan area so shopping is unlimited here in Vancouver, as well as in Portland acrtoss the river. This area is a treasure trove for exploration, whether it is the coast of Oregon or Washington, the mountains of the Cascades, the Columbia Gorge, or the deserts on the eastern parts of both states. If you have thought about being a VIP (Volunteer In the Parks) this would be a good place to start.
http://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm
Monday Morning at the Fort
After a rainy Sunday morning, today dawned clear and cool. This is the view looking Southwest out the window of the Visitor Center here at Fort Vancouver. If you look carefully, you can see the actual fort in the distance with the I-5 bridge connecting Washington and Oregon is behind it. This is our last week here with tomorrow, Tuesday, being the last workday. We will still be volunteering for the Lantern Tours which happen on Saturday nights. A time for some living history funT
Thursday, October 24, 2013
a Trip around Mt Hood
We enjoyed colorful trees, good roads, local fruit, tall mountains. The day was great.
Autumn
It's here. The nights are cool. Days are shorter. School is going at full steam. Football is in the air. The trees are decorating the area with reds, yellows and oranges and littering the ground under them. Mollie and I are enjoying walks at the fort, scuffing through the fallen leaves kicking them aside as we pass.
Monday, October 14, 2013
How's the "Move In' coming?
It's coming along, but thanks for asking. The guest bedroom is finished and made up, ready for guests. (That makes my wife happy.) We decided to paint it the same color, Yellow, as the guest room in our Eugene house. It is a bright and cheery color that we both like.
Today I donated our desk to the Kiwanas Retail store. It was a nice one, but way too big and clunky for our small bedroom/den. Our new house has a small built-in desk in the kitchen area so we will be using it a lot. Speaking of our new house, it's getting there. The two bedrooms are done, the den is mostly done. ( Too many books) The family room and living room are closer to being done. The big question is how to arrange the furniture/ where to put things. Some of our furniture will fit nicely, others will be more a challenge. My wife is a sentimentalist so getting rid of anything is difficult. " Aunt Mary gave this to me when I was five." or some such thing. Memories are attached to many items we possess for no other reason.
I put an add on Craigslist to give away moving boxes and the telephone rang in less than 15 minutes. Craigslist is an amazing tool. Atfer they have been loaded we are headed to Costco to purchase some shelving for the garage so that we can empty the storage unit. That will be another milestone.
Today I donated our desk to the Kiwanas Retail store. It was a nice one, but way too big and clunky for our small bedroom/den. Our new house has a small built-in desk in the kitchen area so we will be using it a lot. Speaking of our new house, it's getting there. The two bedrooms are done, the den is mostly done. ( Too many books) The family room and living room are closer to being done. The big question is how to arrange the furniture/ where to put things. Some of our furniture will fit nicely, others will be more a challenge. My wife is a sentimentalist so getting rid of anything is difficult. " Aunt Mary gave this to me when I was five." or some such thing. Memories are attached to many items we possess for no other reason.
I put an add on Craigslist to give away moving boxes and the telephone rang in less than 15 minutes. Craigslist is an amazing tool. Atfer they have been loaded we are headed to Costco to purchase some shelving for the garage so that we can empty the storage unit. That will be another milestone.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
October
Well, I'm back on. Where have I been? Three things.
1) We have been busy emptying the two storage units. The smaller one we emptied first and were out as of the end of September. The bigger one is nearly empty. "Nearly" meaning that we could get it cleaned out in a day if we had the floor space in the garage. All of the heavy furniture is in the house, thanks to a friend with a pickup with a liftgate. What a great thing! The unpacking continues......
2) The government shutdown has changed our schedule. In September we worked Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which gave us four days to do other chores. However we didn't get possession of the house until the middle of the month. The first thing we did, while the house was empty, was paint. I painted the laundry room, our bedroom, and the third bedroom (the den). I am working on the guest bedroom right now as well, with more painting to come. It's not my favorite activity, but the results are worth it. New paint makes it our place. Colors? sunflower, beige, beige, yellow, in that order. I'm using Craigslist to get rid of the boxes.
3) We lost our long time best friend last week. We had known Mac since 1980 when we lived in Roseburg. He had been in increasingly poor health, but had gone to the doctor with chest pains on Monday and died in Veterans Hospital the following Tuesday. The last straw was Luekemia. Services were last Saturday.
Good Bye, Mac. You will be missed.
1) We have been busy emptying the two storage units. The smaller one we emptied first and were out as of the end of September. The bigger one is nearly empty. "Nearly" meaning that we could get it cleaned out in a day if we had the floor space in the garage. All of the heavy furniture is in the house, thanks to a friend with a pickup with a liftgate. What a great thing! The unpacking continues......
2) The government shutdown has changed our schedule. In September we worked Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which gave us four days to do other chores. However we didn't get possession of the house until the middle of the month. The first thing we did, while the house was empty, was paint. I painted the laundry room, our bedroom, and the third bedroom (the den). I am working on the guest bedroom right now as well, with more painting to come. It's not my favorite activity, but the results are worth it. New paint makes it our place. Colors? sunflower, beige, beige, yellow, in that order. I'm using Craigslist to get rid of the boxes.
3) We lost our long time best friend last week. We had known Mac since 1980 when we lived in Roseburg. He had been in increasingly poor health, but had gone to the doctor with chest pains on Monday and died in Veterans Hospital the following Tuesday. The last straw was Luekemia. Services were last Saturday.
Good Bye, Mac. You will be missed.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Time
As I sit here at the window of the VC, I think about time. Or rather what a time warp this window presents.
The view over the computer screen is of a replica of a building established by an arm of the British government in 1825, nearly two hundred years ago. The land was not "owned" by anyone, but shared by both the United States and Great Britian. Things changed dastically upon the signing of the Treaty of 1846 establishing the northern borders of our country at the 49th parrallel.
Directly behind it in my line-of-sight is the Vancouver Land Bridge which was dedicated in August of 2008. It is a land bridge that was constructed to both literally and figuratively re-establish the connection between Fort Vancouver and the Columbia River.
Directly behind that I see one of many trains that move up and down the river front.
Directly behind the tracks are the trees that signal the mighty Columbia River, which was important then and is important now.
Directly behind that is the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River with its green metal lattice work and normal heavy flow of travel in both directions.
Finally, directly behind that in the distance are the west hills of Portland which look surprisingly pristine considering the number of residences in them.
Above all this, the sky is filled, on a regular basis, with large planes filled with passengers heading for places distant.
What a conglomeration of sights and sounds and time.
The view over the computer screen is of a replica of a building established by an arm of the British government in 1825, nearly two hundred years ago. The land was not "owned" by anyone, but shared by both the United States and Great Britian. Things changed dastically upon the signing of the Treaty of 1846 establishing the northern borders of our country at the 49th parrallel.
Directly behind it in my line-of-sight is the Vancouver Land Bridge which was dedicated in August of 2008. It is a land bridge that was constructed to both literally and figuratively re-establish the connection between Fort Vancouver and the Columbia River.
Directly behind that I see one of many trains that move up and down the river front.
Directly behind the tracks are the trees that signal the mighty Columbia River, which was important then and is important now.
Directly behind that is the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River with its green metal lattice work and normal heavy flow of travel in both directions.
Finally, directly behind that in the distance are the west hills of Portland which look surprisingly pristine considering the number of residences in them.
Above all this, the sky is filled, on a regular basis, with large planes filled with passengers heading for places distant.
What a conglomeration of sights and sounds and time.
Tuesday Morning
It's after 9am and I am sitting here at the Visitor Center awaiting for someone to come through the front door so I can say "Good Morning, Welcome to Fort Vancouver". The weather is good. Better than the predictions, which said that it would be rainy the whole week. They were wrong, or course. It misted for while yesterday and, as I look out the window to south right now, I see the clouds moving off to the east and lots of blue sky to the west.
Yesterday was the first day back in the pool after a too long, hiatus. I felt a little stiffness in my leg last night, but it was good to be "at it" again. Walking is good exercise, but it is not enough. The Marshall Center here in Vancouver is a very nice facility with many activities for all ages.
Both of us are looking forward to tomorrow when we will go into our "new" house. Purchasing a home is an interesting event. You spend a vast amount of time, effort, and money to buy something that you have only seen or been into for a brief period of time. Then, after you decide to buy it, you have to wait a month or two to get to see it again. We were good to the sellers and allowed them to rent the place for 45 days while they did the same thing in a new area.
The end result is that after moving all of our beongings into storage in April and May, closing the sale of our house in June 14, closing the purchase of the house in Canby on July 31, we are actually going to get "possesion" of home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to go tonight, but R said that it would be better to go tomorrow and check everything out, see what painting we want to do, what changes we want to make, etc. More on that coming up.
Yesterday was the first day back in the pool after a too long, hiatus. I felt a little stiffness in my leg last night, but it was good to be "at it" again. Walking is good exercise, but it is not enough. The Marshall Center here in Vancouver is a very nice facility with many activities for all ages.
Both of us are looking forward to tomorrow when we will go into our "new" house. Purchasing a home is an interesting event. You spend a vast amount of time, effort, and money to buy something that you have only seen or been into for a brief period of time. Then, after you decide to buy it, you have to wait a month or two to get to see it again. We were good to the sellers and allowed them to rent the place for 45 days while they did the same thing in a new area.
The end result is that after moving all of our beongings into storage in April and May, closing the sale of our house in June 14, closing the purchase of the house in Canby on July 31, we are actually going to get "possesion" of home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to go tonight, but R said that it would be better to go tomorrow and check everything out, see what painting we want to do, what changes we want to make, etc. More on that coming up.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Campfires to Candlelight
Saturday Sept 14th was a special day here at FV. Although we made a few people unhappy when they found out that the fort was closed during the day, at least 1500 visitors were thrilled by the presentation of the hundreds of volunteers, dressed in costume, and rangers who worked very hard to make it such a success.
The path to the fort was lined with campfires. Each campfire signified a period of time in the life of this area.
The first campfire was WWII complete with tents, soldiers. Even the buffalo soldiers were represented. I had a discussion with the owner of the Ford-branded Jeep.
The second campfire represented WWI. I learned about leggings at that stop.
The third campfire was the Civil War, complete with a demonstration of the proper way to stand the weapons with the bayonets intertwined.
The fourth campfire gave me a chance to listen to stories of the Chinook people and see salmon baking over the fire the way it has always been done.
The fifth fire represented the people who braved the Oregon Trail to become Oregonians. My granddaughter was very interested in watching the young ladies in long dresses dancing together and evetually was invited to jilon them. She was enthralled. When the dancing waned at that location we moved on.
The final camp represented The Village. The Village was where the employees of the Hudson's Bay Company and their families lived. The population of the village was perhaps close to 700-800 in the summer, but shrank to about 300 after the fur brigades left in the fall for their trapping grounds.
The last stop was entering the fort itself and it was alive with activity. Candles were burning everywhere. There was activity in every building. Food was being prepared in the kitchen. Sea Biscuits were baking in the bakery. Clerks were in the Counting House. Every building had costumed volunteers interpreting. The Fort lived again.
If you are in the Portand/Vancouver area on the second week-end in September, don't miss this event!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
A Morning Walk
It is Sunday morning before 8am when normal people are still in bed. But that is not in the cards for me. Mollie thinks that it is time to go for a walk, more truthfully to go somewhere and empty for bladder. Besides, there are many squirrels out there to see and smell.
The ground is wet. The fog has seen to that. It fact it has created a heavy mist that is slowing drifting down from above. The airport is open for I can hear the whine of large jet engines as 200 people crammed into an aluminum cylinder are hurled through the fog searching for clear air and a smooth journey to.......
Mollie finds her spot or spots. She gets excited about several creatures, real or imagined, and we complete our circuit for this morning. The walk routes are never the same. Sometmes they are long, sometimes shorter depending on my mood and the weather. But there are always walks, always another adventure for the two of us.
The ground is wet. The fog has seen to that. It fact it has created a heavy mist that is slowing drifting down from above. The airport is open for I can hear the whine of large jet engines as 200 people crammed into an aluminum cylinder are hurled through the fog searching for clear air and a smooth journey to.......
Mollie finds her spot or spots. She gets excited about several creatures, real or imagined, and we complete our circuit for this morning. The walk routes are never the same. Sometmes they are long, sometimes shorter depending on my mood and the weather. But there are always walks, always another adventure for the two of us.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Starting our volunteer stint at FV
Today we get our keys, not to the city, but to the front door of the Visitor Center. It's not a big deal, but at Fort Vancouver (from now on noted as FV) it will be significant. Government units do not make quick decisions or move with any swiftness. There are meetings and policies that need to be reviewed and followed. We arrived Monday and here it is Thursday and we are just now getting access to the front door. We will get another key on Monday when we move our RV into the official parking space onsite.
Jantzen Beach RV Park is our home until then. It is a temporary/ permanent home for 150 RVs and at least that many mobile homes. JBRV is a residential island in the sea of shopping centers and warehouses that crowd Hayden Island on the west side of I-5. We are literally within walking distance of Target, Home Depot, Safeway and at least one mattress store, although with the number of mattress stores, everyone is within walking distance of one of those.
Itis a good thing that we are volunteering at FV for they are low on staff members. With tightening budgets, short staffing is always a problem in all the parks right now. in addtion to the normal fall reduction of staff, FV has recently had two full time rangers move on to other "civilian" duties. Rehiring will be slow ( see note above), so everyone has to double or triple up on duties. It works, or it seems to work, but not without glitches. Hopefully, we will help prevent some of the glitches.
Jantzen Beach RV Park is our home until then. It is a temporary/ permanent home for 150 RVs and at least that many mobile homes. JBRV is a residential island in the sea of shopping centers and warehouses that crowd Hayden Island on the west side of I-5. We are literally within walking distance of Target, Home Depot, Safeway and at least one mattress store, although with the number of mattress stores, everyone is within walking distance of one of those.
Itis a good thing that we are volunteering at FV for they are low on staff members. With tightening budgets, short staffing is always a problem in all the parks right now. in addtion to the normal fall reduction of staff, FV has recently had two full time rangers move on to other "civilian" duties. Rehiring will be slow ( see note above), so everyone has to double or triple up on duties. It works, or it seems to work, but not without glitches. Hopefully, we will help prevent some of the glitches.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Vancouver, Washington
The rig is parked in a parking lot at fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington. We are across the Columbia River from Portland. It is nice to be close to shopping and restaurants, and family and friends. However, there is an adjustment necessary. Sounds I-5 is close, the train is close, city streets are close, and the Portland airport flyway is overhead. It will take a few days for the brain to adjust and ignore these intruders.
The August volunteers do not move on until Sept 9th so we will be in a temporary location for the time-being. We are waiting for our supervisor to call us to let us know just where that location is. Until then we are parked in a lot with minimal electricity and waiting.
More later.
The August volunteers do not move on until Sept 9th so we will be in a temporary location for the time-being. We are waiting for our supervisor to call us to let us know just where that location is. Until then we are parked in a lot with minimal electricity and waiting.
More later.
Leaving the Coast
We have moved on to another exotic place. Goodbye, Oregon coast. Goodbye, coastal breezes. Goodbye cool temps. Goodbye spectacular vistas. Goodbye lighthouse. See ya later, new-found friends. Let's do this again some time soonTreats from the Coast
Our last whole day at the coast was Saturday. We work a full shift at the lighthouse, 10 - 4 and then came home to start getting things in order. The serious stuff, satellite dish, slides, etc. could wait until Sunday morning, but I packed the big mat from in front of the door, folded the table cloth, and other small stuff. I took Mollie for a nice long walk and picked many handfulls of tasty coastal huckleberries. They are just coming in season. The first two weeks of September should be the peak picking time. They are small so it takes some time to get a pint, but they are worth it.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Storm
Today was our last day off and what a great day to sleep in. Early this morning we were awaken to wind blown rain scattering on the window beside my bed. I was very enjoyable pulling up the covers and drifting back to slumberland.
I walked Mollie at 7:30 and checked out the campground. Not much going on, weatherwise or camper-wise. About a half hour after we returned, the rain and wind returned as well. It returned with a passion that lasted for several hours. I checked the webpage and read that the wind on the cape registered at 35mph with gust at 40mph. I wonder how many visitors stopped by today.
I walked Mollie at 7:30 and checked out the campground. Not much going on, weatherwise or camper-wise. About a half hour after we returned, the rain and wind returned as well. It returned with a passion that lasted for several hours. I checked the webpage and read that the wind on the cape registered at 35mph with gust at 40mph. I wonder how many visitors stopped by today.
Alone
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wind
This is the Oregon coast. The wind is a factor here. It is always a part of the equation that makes up the weather that thousands of folks came to enjoy. We are in our third week here now and have had experienced the extremes of wind. Tuesday, for example, was one of wind. We woke up to the sound of wind through the trees and as the day continued that sound increased. By mid-day the wind velocity was approaching 30mph with higher gusts. Late afternoon, saw the wind remain at 32-33 mph and gusts to 40mph. Luckily, the lighthouse is not open on Tuesday because it would have been difficult for the public and the volunteers to cope with them.
Wednesday was totally different. We woke up to silence. No wind in the trees. During the day, it was almost non-existant. It makes me think of the song, "What a difference a day makes....."
Wednesday was totally different. We woke up to silence. No wind in the trees. During the day, it was almost non-existant. It makes me think of the song, "What a difference a day makes....."
Friday, August 9, 2013
Cape Blanco Campground
Cape Blanco State Park has a great campground. There are 50 sites, all with electricity and water at the site. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the drain field and the fix is expensive so the dump station is closed and has been for several years.
The campsites are large and most of them are surrounded by thick bushes so are quite private. I make the walk around the comapfround several times each day as I am walking Mollie so I keep tabs on which sites have changed occupants and what new or unusual rig has pulled in. I sure would love to have a tour of some of them . Walking with Mollie this morning we saw eveything from campers who sleep in their van, to small tents, to van campers, to pickup campers, to travel and fifth wheel trailers, to large motorhomes. Lots of variety and lots of folks having fun.
Yesterday was day one of our three day week. I was up in the lantern room and R and our grand daughter E was in the work room down stairs. E helped gramma to explain the duties of the keepers in the workroom; what tools they used and how the room was arranged. She did very well I am told. Today is our full day and we start in the lighthouse again. R will be "up" and I will be in the workroom. I am not sure if E will work up or down. Then, in the afternoon, we will be greeting visitors outside the visitor center and telling them the story of life on the cape. We talk about the weather, the housing arrangement, and the chores that the families had in addtion to keeping the light active. They had a very busy life in this remote location.
The campsites are large and most of them are surrounded by thick bushes so are quite private. I make the walk around the comapfround several times each day as I am walking Mollie so I keep tabs on which sites have changed occupants and what new or unusual rig has pulled in. I sure would love to have a tour of some of them . Walking with Mollie this morning we saw eveything from campers who sleep in their van, to small tents, to van campers, to pickup campers, to travel and fifth wheel trailers, to large motorhomes. Lots of variety and lots of folks having fun.
Yesterday was day one of our three day week. I was up in the lantern room and R and our grand daughter E was in the work room down stairs. E helped gramma to explain the duties of the keepers in the workroom; what tools they used and how the room was arranged. She did very well I am told. Today is our full day and we start in the lighthouse again. R will be "up" and I will be in the workroom. I am not sure if E will work up or down. Then, in the afternoon, we will be greeting visitors outside the visitor center and telling them the story of life on the cape. We talk about the weather, the housing arrangement, and the chores that the families had in addtion to keeping the light active. They had a very busy life in this remote location.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Life with our Grand Daughter
We are lucky enough to have our grand daughter with us for a few days. She is a delight and we are having fun showing her the places around here during our days off. Yesterday, we drove into Port Orford and obtained a temporary library card. For twenty dollar deposit you can check out all the goodies offered. When your is completed and you return the card, and your deposit is returned. It is a good program. Most towns, with the exception of Eugene, have people friendly library programs that encourage visitors, as well as residents, to use the facilities.
Two books and three CDs later we were out of the Port Orford library and on the move. During the day we; visited downtown Bandon area, including a toy store and a book store, picked seven pounds of fresh blue berries, had cookies and hot chocolate in Langlois, checked out a couple of second hand stores, had toasted cheese paninis in the new Face Rock Creamery made with their own Montery Jack cheese. Yumm!! It was a good day.
Two books and three CDs later we were out of the Port Orford library and on the move. During the day we; visited downtown Bandon area, including a toy store and a book store, picked seven pounds of fresh blue berries, had cookies and hot chocolate in Langlois, checked out a couple of second hand stores, had toasted cheese paninis in the new Face Rock Creamery made with their own Montery Jack cheese. Yumm!! It was a good day.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Cape Blanco - beginning July 31
We have arrived at our next location. If someone ever told you "to go west young man", this is the place they meant. It is about as "west" as you can go on the continent. It is hard to find any place that equals it in beauty.
R and I start our duty today, a day early. The ranger called and asked if we could help out bacause one couple needed to leave early, so we agreed. It will be fun to get back into the story. There are many stories and much history in this spot.
R and I start our duty today, a day early. The ranger called and asked if we could help out bacause one couple needed to leave early, so we agreed. It will be fun to get back into the story. There are many stories and much history in this spot.
Cape Blanco
We are now at Cape Blanco State Park. This is the third time we have volunteered here, but the first time for the month of August. We will see if there is any differences. So far one thing has remained the same; the wind. After a couple of days on calm air, the wind has resumed. It is still blowing even as I type this at 10pm. The wind tires you out. The wind is one reason that everyone does not live at the coast. The views are the reason people do.
Friday, July 26, 2013
GoodbyeTallac
Wow, I can't believe that a month went by since I last posted. Already it is July 26th and we spent the night in Klamath Falls.
We left South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning. It was not easy saying good bye. The ten weeks went very quickly. Lots of work. Lots of project accomplished. Lots of friendly visitors met. Lots of fun. Lots of food eaten, at BBQs and get -togethers and Mondays night restaurant trips. Lots and lots of laughter. The fellow volunteers became family, good friends, all in one. The part of leaving was made easier because we know that we will see them again next year. Several of the group said that they will come to see us when they come up this way this year. I hope they do.
We are getting close to being home owners again. I have found a house in Canby, Oregon that will work for us and the process is nearly completed. We have an appointment to sign the papers on Monday July 29th and the deal is scheduled to close on July 31. The seller becomes the rented for August, which is fine because R and I are volunteering as light house docents at Cape Blanco State Park near Port Orford. It is one of the beautiful places on the Oregon Coast. We are looking forward to spending time at the coast again. It has been too long.
We left South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning. It was not easy saying good bye. The ten weeks went very quickly. Lots of work. Lots of project accomplished. Lots of friendly visitors met. Lots of fun. Lots of food eaten, at BBQs and get -togethers and Mondays night restaurant trips. Lots and lots of laughter. The fellow volunteers became family, good friends, all in one. The part of leaving was made easier because we know that we will see them again next year. Several of the group said that they will come to see us when they come up this way this year. I hope they do.
We are getting close to being home owners again. I have found a house in Canby, Oregon that will work for us and the process is nearly completed. We have an appointment to sign the papers on Monday July 29th and the deal is scheduled to close on July 31. The seller becomes the rented for August, which is fine because R and I are volunteering as light house docents at Cape Blanco State Park near Port Orford. It is one of the beautiful places on the Oregon Coast. We are looking forward to spending time at the coast again. It has been too long.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday June 30, 2013
Summer is here. It's here in the weather forecast. Warm! Warm here, hot everywhere else. 90 for a high here today, Reno 104, Vegas - Wow! and Death Valley _ Oh My Goodness!!!!!
Summer got here in a hurry. Monday and Tuesday were cool and rainy. I felt like we were back in Oregon again. I did not go to swimming because the pooldoes not have a top during the summer and it would not have been comfortable. By Wednesday the sun was back and 70 degrees and it warmed up everyday after.
Tallac is finally on the summer schedule. Three tours of the Pope House everyday except Wednesday. Wednesday the house gets a thorough cleaning, so other programs are run. Here was our week. Wednesday R was the maid at an event called "Afternoon with Anita". One the volunteers, dressed in period costume and portrays Anita Baldwin, one of the "characters" of the site. I, dressed as the butler, led two "Servants Tours" in which I led "prospective domestic employees" on a tours of the Pope estate telling them about what to espect if they would become part of the staff of 35 (maid, butler, cook, etc.) that once worked for the Pope family.
Thursday and Friday I led two tours of the Pope House along with normal day to day operations such as cleaning the museum, or emptying the trash, etc. Yesterday was super busy. I did the trash run in the morning while R drove into town to get groceries for an afternoon event. Then I mopped and cleaned the Pope kitchen. R was in the museum for several hours after opening gretting and talking with visitors. At noon we drove home to have lunch and let Mollie out. From 1:45 until 7pm we were in costume as maid (R) and butler (J) preparing for an event called "Vintage Vatican". 16 guests are drived to the front of the Pope house in a 1928 GMC vehicle, greeted by the butler, who escourts the ladies up unto the front porch. Two maids are there to help them find name tags, ( the name tags are of celebrities of the 20's, Tom Mix, Thomas Edison , Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, etc.
Mrs Pope greets them and shows them her house, followed by bubbly and food on the front porch served by, you guessed it, a butler and two maids.
The guests had a great time. The conversation was brisk and full of laughter. The food was consumed and the evening ended with another ride back to their cars.
After clean-up we came back to the trailer and gathered up our neighbors for snacks ( a little of the remaining canapes, plus chips, etc.) for a hour or two of jokes and stories before heading inside.
Today, relaxation will be the order of the day.
Summer got here in a hurry. Monday and Tuesday were cool and rainy. I felt like we were back in Oregon again. I did not go to swimming because the pooldoes not have a top during the summer and it would not have been comfortable. By Wednesday the sun was back and 70 degrees and it warmed up everyday after.
Tallac is finally on the summer schedule. Three tours of the Pope House everyday except Wednesday. Wednesday the house gets a thorough cleaning, so other programs are run. Here was our week. Wednesday R was the maid at an event called "Afternoon with Anita". One the volunteers, dressed in period costume and portrays Anita Baldwin, one of the "characters" of the site. I, dressed as the butler, led two "Servants Tours" in which I led "prospective domestic employees" on a tours of the Pope estate telling them about what to espect if they would become part of the staff of 35 (maid, butler, cook, etc.) that once worked for the Pope family.
Thursday and Friday I led two tours of the Pope House along with normal day to day operations such as cleaning the museum, or emptying the trash, etc. Yesterday was super busy. I did the trash run in the morning while R drove into town to get groceries for an afternoon event. Then I mopped and cleaned the Pope kitchen. R was in the museum for several hours after opening gretting and talking with visitors. At noon we drove home to have lunch and let Mollie out. From 1:45 until 7pm we were in costume as maid (R) and butler (J) preparing for an event called "Vintage Vatican". 16 guests are drived to the front of the Pope house in a 1928 GMC vehicle, greeted by the butler, who escourts the ladies up unto the front porch. Two maids are there to help them find name tags, ( the name tags are of celebrities of the 20's, Tom Mix, Thomas Edison , Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, etc.
Mrs Pope greets them and shows them her house, followed by bubbly and food on the front porch served by, you guessed it, a butler and two maids.
The guests had a great time. The conversation was brisk and full of laughter. The food was consumed and the evening ended with another ride back to their cars.
After clean-up we came back to the trailer and gathered up our neighbors for snacks ( a little of the remaining canapes, plus chips, etc.) for a hour or two of jokes and stories before heading inside.
Today, relaxation will be the order of the day.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Anita Baldwin's property
Anita Baldwin was one of the two legitimate daughters of Lucky Baldwin. She inherited a large portion of his estate including the property in the Lake Tahoe area. She lived in a very large house on the west side of Fallen Leaf Lake which is in itself a gorgeous spot just south of Lake Tahoe. Taylor Creek flows north out of that lake and down into Tahoe. Walking along Taylor Creek is one of walks that Mollie and I do often.
Tuesday night after supper a group of us drove part-way and walked the rest into the site of Antia's cabin on the west side of the lake. I hesitate to call it a cabin because it was over 5000 sq ft. You can only try to visualize it bacause it burned to the ground in the 1970's. All that remains is the stone foundation and a huge fireplace and a tall chimney.
Even then it is not hard to imagine sitting out on the enormous front porch in the evening, watching the shodow of the sun's light creep up the mountains across from Fallen Leaf Lake. Ah the good life.
Tuesday night after supper a group of us drove part-way and walked the rest into the site of Antia's cabin on the west side of the lake. I hesitate to call it a cabin because it was over 5000 sq ft. You can only try to visualize it bacause it burned to the ground in the 1970's. All that remains is the stone foundation and a huge fireplace and a tall chimney.
Even then it is not hard to imagine sitting out on the enormous front porch in the evening, watching the shodow of the sun's light creep up the mountains across from Fallen Leaf Lake. Ah the good life.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday June 13th
Nice sunny day. High in the 70's.
The paperwork for the sale of our house arrived on Wednesday. We signed the highlighted areas and took the papers to a mailing company to have it notarized and Fed Exed back to Eugene. Today is the day that the house actually sells.
We talked to our insurance agent yesterday and we took out a renter's insurance policy on our houehold goods which are in a storage unit. Evidently, State Farm needs an address (and not a storage unit address) on file so he is allowing us to give our Eugene address for 90 days. After that we will need to either have a new house or give our son's address for the policy.
Today I give my first Pope House tours. I have shadowed (attended tours to help remember the facts) several tours so I am not really worried about it. It comes back to you. I just need to get my costume in order this morning. It adds to the feel of the Pope house tour.
The paperwork for the sale of our house arrived on Wednesday. We signed the highlighted areas and took the papers to a mailing company to have it notarized and Fed Exed back to Eugene. Today is the day that the house actually sells.
We talked to our insurance agent yesterday and we took out a renter's insurance policy on our houehold goods which are in a storage unit. Evidently, State Farm needs an address (and not a storage unit address) on file so he is allowing us to give our Eugene address for 90 days. After that we will need to either have a new house or give our son's address for the policy.
Today I give my first Pope House tours. I have shadowed (attended tours to help remember the facts) several tours so I am not really worried about it. It comes back to you. I just need to get my costume in order this morning. It adds to the feel of the Pope house tour.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Sunday June 9, 2013
Yesterday, Saturday was a busy one. David and I had several projects that we had planned to finish that day. But there were delays because we first used a tall ladder and peeked into the attic of the Baldwin House. You never know what you will find when you look in storage areas and out-of-the-way places on this site. The other day I showed David the Baldwin boat house which is almost hidden in the bushes just to the east of the museum. Inside the small structure, along with an intricate spider web lattice, was a rowboat, a small wooden runabout, and six outboard motors of various ages. That is what we hoped to find in the attic. What we found was........ an attic; empty and unexciting.
We put the ladder away and began our day. The great thing about working here at Tallac is the variety of jobs that you get to do . I have replaced a toilet, raked pine needles, repaired a section of concrete curbing, rebuilt a section of fence, helped cut down several trees, played the part of James, the head butler of the Pope House, along with other tasks.
Yesterday, it was rebuilding a section of decking on what is called the Breeze Way at the Pope House. The breezeway is a curved, covered walkway that connects the main house with the kitchen. It was not uncommon in days past to have the kitchen building separate from the house to lessen the fire danger of the wood stove. Several of the deck boards were showing signs of wear and rot and needed to be replaced. So the day was spent pulling the bad ones up and putting new ones down.
Sounds simple right? Remember I said a "curved and covered walkway". So each board had to be measured and cut individually to fit into the open space created by the removal of it's predesessor. This involved much measuring and numerous trips back to the shop where the table saw is located. We also had to work around the Pope House tour schedule and allow our visitors passage through the breezeway for the two afternoon tours.
Eleven deck boards were removed, replaced, and primed before the end of the day. A good day. Today, another volunteer will paint the entire breezeway with the cover coat of grey paint and another restoration project will be completed.
We put the ladder away and began our day. The great thing about working here at Tallac is the variety of jobs that you get to do . I have replaced a toilet, raked pine needles, repaired a section of concrete curbing, rebuilt a section of fence, helped cut down several trees, played the part of James, the head butler of the Pope House, along with other tasks.
Yesterday, it was rebuilding a section of decking on what is called the Breeze Way at the Pope House. The breezeway is a curved, covered walkway that connects the main house with the kitchen. It was not uncommon in days past to have the kitchen building separate from the house to lessen the fire danger of the wood stove. Several of the deck boards were showing signs of wear and rot and needed to be replaced. So the day was spent pulling the bad ones up and putting new ones down.
Sounds simple right? Remember I said a "curved and covered walkway". So each board had to be measured and cut individually to fit into the open space created by the removal of it's predesessor. This involved much measuring and numerous trips back to the shop where the table saw is located. We also had to work around the Pope House tour schedule and allow our visitors passage through the breezeway for the two afternoon tours.
Eleven deck boards were removed, replaced, and primed before the end of the day. A good day. Today, another volunteer will paint the entire breezeway with the cover coat of grey paint and another restoration project will be completed.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Selling the House : Adendum
The thing to remember when selling your house. It isn't sold until it's sold. When we accepted the offer on the house several weeks ago, we thought, "That was it". Not quite. There are two possible snags. If the buyer is getting a loan, the bank requires both the buyer and the house to qualify. Since our buyer was a cash buyer, this was not an issue.
The other hurdle is the home inspection. This was the focus of our last several days. Some people feel that the inspector is trying to earn his money so he searches until he finds anything he can. Our inspector did find some items. Many of them were little things that are easy to fix; like flashing needing chalking, a electrical outlet needing grounding, etc.
The one big item that was discovered was the damage that was done when a raccoon got under our house. Insulation was pulled down and damaged and heat ducts were chewed through. The final estimate has not been added up yet, but State Farm says that we will be covered even if the work is done after the house sale closes. The claim representative informed me that if the damage had been done by mice or rats, we wouldn't have been covered, but because it was done by a raccoon, we are ok. Why? Because a raccoon is a mammal. (I know)
So it seems that things are moving forward.
The other hurdle is the home inspection. This was the focus of our last several days. Some people feel that the inspector is trying to earn his money so he searches until he finds anything he can. Our inspector did find some items. Many of them were little things that are easy to fix; like flashing needing chalking, a electrical outlet needing grounding, etc.
The one big item that was discovered was the damage that was done when a raccoon got under our house. Insulation was pulled down and damaged and heat ducts were chewed through. The final estimate has not been added up yet, but State Farm says that we will be covered even if the work is done after the house sale closes. The claim representative informed me that if the damage had been done by mice or rats, we wouldn't have been covered, but because it was done by a raccoon, we are ok. Why? Because a raccoon is a mammal. (I know)
So it seems that things are moving forward.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Typical Week-end in South Lake Tahoe
A busy week-end in the South Lake Tahoe area. Friday evening after work we went out to supper with our next door neighbors D & L. Macaroni with brocoli and red peppers and a side salad eaten outdoors along with good conversation made for a delightful evening. On the way home our friends helped us close the Tallac site. Closing means turning the lights off and shutting the outside doors of the twenty display buildings on the site. It is easy but it takes a little time.
After we got home I took Mollie for a walk over to where a group of people were gathered near the entrance to the visitors area. There were two porta-potties and an genertor powered light so I was curious. The Reno-Tahoe Odyessy is a 187 mile team relay run similar to Hood to Coast run in Oregon. The route of the relay brings the runners around Lake Tahoe at night. The bulk of the runners were going to run by our area between 10pm and Midnight. Besides the dangers of running on a narrow two lane road in the dark, they would not get any view of the lake. We heard cheers and clapping from runner's supporters as we nodded off to sleep.
This week-end and the next is time for the annual Renaissance Faire at Camp Richardson which is about a mile east here. Lots of folks in strange attire and lots of traffic.
This morning as I walked Mollie at 6:30 we watched a steady stream of riders who are riding the 72 miles around the lake in a event rightly called America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. The weather could not be finer. The scenery could not be better.
After we got home I took Mollie for a walk over to where a group of people were gathered near the entrance to the visitors area. There were two porta-potties and an genertor powered light so I was curious. The Reno-Tahoe Odyessy is a 187 mile team relay run similar to Hood to Coast run in Oregon. The route of the relay brings the runners around Lake Tahoe at night. The bulk of the runners were going to run by our area between 10pm and Midnight. Besides the dangers of running on a narrow two lane road in the dark, they would not get any view of the lake. We heard cheers and clapping from runner's supporters as we nodded off to sleep.
This week-end and the next is time for the annual Renaissance Faire at Camp Richardson which is about a mile east here. Lots of folks in strange attire and lots of traffic.
This morning as I walked Mollie at 6:30 we watched a steady stream of riders who are riding the 72 miles around the lake in a event rightly called America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. The weather could not be finer. The scenery could not be better.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Warming
After several days of coolness and some showers, the weather is finally changed for the better. It was in the mid 60s today with warmer temps as the week progresses. The forecast is for 80 by Saturday. With the warmer temperatures, the number of visitors at Tallac will increase also. The amazing volunteer team is ready. The walls, ceiling, and window frames are redwood. All of the wood was given a cleaning and then a waxing with beeswax. Besides looking good, they smell great!
We survivied Memorial Day without a problem. Our work schedule is Wed - Sat. so we only encountered the holiday crowd for one day. The visitor count for Saturday at the Baldwin Museum was 235. Sunday jumped to 455. Monday calmed down to 340 as lots of folks headed home early because of the turn in the weather. These numbers will explode as June moves along.
Bring it on!
We survivied Memorial Day without a problem. Our work schedule is Wed - Sat. so we only encountered the holiday crowd for one day. The visitor count for Saturday at the Baldwin Museum was 235. Sunday jumped to 455. Monday calmed down to 340 as lots of folks headed home early because of the turn in the weather. These numbers will explode as June moves along.
Bring it on!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Moonset on Mt Tallac
Two weeks ago was our first work day here at Tallac. The amount of work that the group has accomplished is amazing. All of the buildings are set up for display. Much maintenance has been done. The Memorial week-end is 2/3 over. Saturday was the first day the Baldwin Museum was open and 225 visitors came into the building during the shorten hours of 12 to 4pm. Yesterday the number swelled to 475. I would guess today would be somewhat less. For the rest of the week, the out buildings will be open, but the museum will not open until Saturday and then the site will operate at the summer schedule which is 7 days a week, 10 - 4.
R and I spent yesterday, the first of our 3 days off, doing exciting things like laundry, and cleaning the trailer. Today, we will go into SLT (South Lake Tahoe) which is aobut 3 miles from us. The exercise class at the pool is 9 -10. We need a few groceries and I need a power cord for this computer as I can no longer "wiggle the cord" enough to make it work.
This afternoon we are going to shadow John here at the site when he gives one of the afternoon tours of the Pope House. He gives a great tour and we need to brush up on our knowledge because we may be giving tours in the near future.
I can see Mt Tallac through the trees as I sit at the dinette table in the trailer, but this photo was taken our my morning walk with Mollie.
R and I spent yesterday, the first of our 3 days off, doing exciting things like laundry, and cleaning the trailer. Today, we will go into SLT (South Lake Tahoe) which is aobut 3 miles from us. The exercise class at the pool is 9 -10. We need a few groceries and I need a power cord for this computer as I can no longer "wiggle the cord" enough to make it work.This afternoon we are going to shadow John here at the site when he gives one of the afternoon tours of the Pope House. He gives a great tour and we need to brush up on our knowledge because we may be giving tours in the near future.
I can see Mt Tallac through the trees as I sit at the dinette table in the trailer, but this photo was taken our my morning walk with Mollie.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Saturday Morning at Taylor Creek
On my morning walk today with Mollie, I paused and sat for a while on a bench on the boardwalk next to Taylor Creek. As I sat there, I closed my eyes and listened to the morning. I heard the creek moving by. I heard geese honking as they flew by in the distance. The Mountain Chickadees were singing there songs which to me sounds like, "Cheese Burger". I heard the pleasing chirps of several red-winged blackbirds as they flitted around the nearby trees.I listened to two Mergansers as they got to know each other. As I opened my eyes the ducks were drifting downstream. The blackbirds were still here and there around us. The sun was trying very hard to warm the air around me. I needed to capture the moment. I did and Mollie and I headed back to the trailer to have breakfast.
Friday, May 24, 2013
A morning walk
Monday, May 20, 2013
Selling the House the end.
When we woke up Saturday morning we had a home for sale in Eugene. At 4:00 pm we found out that we had an offer on it. Our realtor emailed the offer to us and I downloaded and printed it. We followed along while she read it to us. The next morning we scanned the signed pages into our computer and emailed them back to her and our house is now sold. Or at least the sign in front of our house says "Sale Pending".
WOW !!
WOW !!
New Adventure
We have left 873 behind. Literally and figuratively. The house is empty. We have began again. Our adventures will continue.
Back at it again
We are back at it again. Yipee!
We are parked in the RV campground, just off Hwy 89 a few miles west of South Lake Tahoe, California. We are in the same campground, in fact, the same campsite as last year. It seems a good fit for us, nice a flat, close to the volunteer rec building with the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen which is good.
We arrived last Saturday and spent most of the day setting up and unpacking. We have not been "out" since we came home from Malheur last year so things were everywhere. (There's a big difference from having the rig in the driveway to actually living in it full time.) Because we were also selling our house and moving everything to storage, there were many food items that were loaded into the trailer at the end with the idea of sorting it when we arrived here. R did that yesterday and many items ended up in the trash or combined into another container.
Life at Tallac Historic Site is great! Last Monday was our first day. It was like a family reunion. Lots of hugs, lots of smiles, lots and lots of laughter! There were one couple DG and LG joining the crew for the first time. They were welcomed with open arms and hugs to boot. After 15 -20 minutes of catching up conversations we sat down in front of a blazing fire in the main room of the Baldwin House. JD our superviser, did a valiant job trying to keep us all on track and told us what we needed to know and got us going on our tasks to get the place open for Memorial Day. We scattered to our posts still chattering and munching pieces of donuts on our way.
The week was very busy with much work to do. But as the saying goes, "Many hands make light work" much was accomplished. One by one, the buildings were opened, cleaned, and made ready for visits by our guests. By Thursday, the majority of the buildings were ready for the opening day which is next Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. It will be fun to see the folks enjoying the place.
We arrived last Saturday and spent most of the day setting up and unpacking. We have not been "out" since we came home from Malheur last year so things were everywhere. (There's a big difference from having the rig in the driveway to actually living in it full time.) Because we were also selling our house and moving everything to storage, there were many food items that were loaded into the trailer at the end with the idea of sorting it when we arrived here. R did that yesterday and many items ended up in the trash or combined into another container.
Life at Tallac Historic Site is great! Last Monday was our first day. It was like a family reunion. Lots of hugs, lots of smiles, lots and lots of laughter! There were one couple DG and LG joining the crew for the first time. They were welcomed with open arms and hugs to boot. After 15 -20 minutes of catching up conversations we sat down in front of a blazing fire in the main room of the Baldwin House. JD our superviser, did a valiant job trying to keep us all on track and told us what we needed to know and got us going on our tasks to get the place open for Memorial Day. We scattered to our posts still chattering and munching pieces of donuts on our way.
The week was very busy with much work to do. But as the saying goes, "Many hands make light work" much was accomplished. One by one, the buildings were opened, cleaned, and made ready for visits by our guests. By Thursday, the majority of the buildings were ready for the opening day which is next Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. It will be fun to see the folks enjoying the place.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Moving Part VI
Last night was the first night that both my wife and I slept through the night. Moving yourself is a lot of work and a lot of stress. Both of us have found ourselves waking up at night worrying about some detail of the move and unable to go back to sleep. I have to spend some time reading to divert my mind and R goes into the family room and turns on an old movie to put herself to sleep.
We have been devoting most of our time wrapping valuables and packing boxes. You really find out how much stuff you have acquired when you start digging through closets and garage shelves. When we find a new house and get settled, we are going to host a HUGE garage sale!
We have been devoting most of our time wrapping valuables and packing boxes. You really find out how much stuff you have acquired when you start digging through closets and garage shelves. When we find a new house and get settled, we are going to host a HUGE garage sale!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Moving Part V
It has been 21 days since we signed the papers putting the house on the market. Yesterday we had two realtors call and set appoinments to view our home. We left and ran errands during that time. We returned to find out neither realtor had stopped by or called to cancel. Grrrrrr.........
The past couple of days has not been our best. Tuesday we drove to the coast, to Bandon, to sign the papers selling our property over there. We bought it thirty years ago partially with an inheritance I received from my Aunt Hildur. The idea was to build a family beach house on it someday when funds became available. Well, the funds never came and the family vacation home was never built, so with us moving north, it seemed the time to give someone else the opportunity to own it. It probably was the right thing to do but it wasn't easy to say goodbye. We were both bummed about it.
Not having any offers on the Eugene house did not help matters. Our realtor was suggesting that perhaps removing all the furniture out of the house would help it sell, because our furniture is "not modern and follks have trouble seeing their furniture in such a dated environment". Maybe she is right, but it was not a tune I was happy to listen to at the time. More bummer feelings.
Then, to make matters worse, both of our realtors had a discussion and their analysis of the situation was that unless we has an offer on the table for our place, we would not have a strong enough buying position to have an offer accepted in the hot market in Canby/ Oregon City. I emailed our realtor cancelling our trip to view a house up there until something changed.
Yesterday, our realtor called and there is an offer on our house. We are going to find out about it at 11am today, Friday. The buyer's realtor wants to present it to us in person. It is the way it used to be done. I am hoping that it doesn't mean that she is going to try to spring a low ball price on us. If so we are back to square one.
The past couple of days has not been our best. Tuesday we drove to the coast, to Bandon, to sign the papers selling our property over there. We bought it thirty years ago partially with an inheritance I received from my Aunt Hildur. The idea was to build a family beach house on it someday when funds became available. Well, the funds never came and the family vacation home was never built, so with us moving north, it seemed the time to give someone else the opportunity to own it. It probably was the right thing to do but it wasn't easy to say goodbye. We were both bummed about it.
Not having any offers on the Eugene house did not help matters. Our realtor was suggesting that perhaps removing all the furniture out of the house would help it sell, because our furniture is "not modern and follks have trouble seeing their furniture in such a dated environment". Maybe she is right, but it was not a tune I was happy to listen to at the time. More bummer feelings.
Then, to make matters worse, both of our realtors had a discussion and their analysis of the situation was that unless we has an offer on the table for our place, we would not have a strong enough buying position to have an offer accepted in the hot market in Canby/ Oregon City. I emailed our realtor cancelling our trip to view a house up there until something changed.
Yesterday, our realtor called and there is an offer on our house. We are going to find out about it at 11am today, Friday. The buyer's realtor wants to present it to us in person. It is the way it used to be done. I am hoping that it doesn't mean that she is going to try to spring a low ball price on us. If so we are back to square one.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Moving Part IV
The house has been on the market for 14 days. Things are not as I guessed they would be.
Lots of drive-bys, many viewings especially after the MLS Open House. The actual Open House had people all day long, but only one client came back for a second viewing. That was Monday and we have had no calls since. I am not sure what happens next. I will send an email to our realtor to she how she feels.
It must be a slow time, because we have not heard anything from our realtor in Canby either. I would like to have an offer on this house before we make an offer on another. And so we wait....
On the bright side, the sale on our Bandon lot is moving forward. R and I are driving over there on Tuesday to sort thru the items that are inside the shed and bring back a few and take the rest to Goodwill or the equilavent. We will also sign the paperwork at the title office that day also. It will be sad to say "Good Bye" to a piece of the coast that we have had for 30 years.
Lots of drive-bys, many viewings especially after the MLS Open House. The actual Open House had people all day long, but only one client came back for a second viewing. That was Monday and we have had no calls since. I am not sure what happens next. I will send an email to our realtor to she how she feels.
It must be a slow time, because we have not heard anything from our realtor in Canby either. I would like to have an offer on this house before we make an offer on another. And so we wait....
On the bright side, the sale on our Bandon lot is moving forward. R and I are driving over there on Tuesday to sort thru the items that are inside the shed and bring back a few and take the rest to Goodwill or the equilavent. We will also sign the paperwork at the title office that day also. It will be sad to say "Good Bye" to a piece of the coast that we have had for 30 years.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Selling th House Part III
This week-end we traveled up to Canby to check out a house. It was built in the 70's, well maintained, nice location, even had a shop area, but it was not "the one". The lot was larger then we want to maintain, but more importantly, the floor plan was not what we want. The layout we are looking for involves no living room, but a large family room/dining area/kitchen all in one. Eveyone wants to be near the food and the cook want to be near the action so this is the arrangement we are aiming for. The plan is popular with newer homes, so looking at older homes is almost a waste of time.
As long as we were giong north, I loaded the Prius with as many packed boxes as it would hold. We rented a large storage unit in Canby to use until we find a home. If our current house sells before we find another, we will store the everything in the storage unit until R and I complete our volunteer commitments at Tallac and Cape Blanco. That means September. It is a bit early, but we are planning just in case.
Sunday, the 7th, our realtor, hosted an Open House, at our house. I was concerned because the weather has been rainy and cold, but our agent said that she was busy the whole time. R had made chocolate chip cookies to put out for the visitors and all but two were eaten so that was good. Many viewers of the place and still no offers. Patience, patience............
As long as we were giong north, I loaded the Prius with as many packed boxes as it would hold. We rented a large storage unit in Canby to use until we find a home. If our current house sells before we find another, we will store the everything in the storage unit until R and I complete our volunteer commitments at Tallac and Cape Blanco. That means September. It is a bit early, but we are planning just in case.
Sunday, the 7th, our realtor, hosted an Open House, at our house. I was concerned because the weather has been rainy and cold, but our agent said that she was busy the whole time. R had made chocolate chip cookies to put out for the visitors and all but two were eaten so that was good. Many viewers of the place and still no offers. Patience, patience............
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Selling the House Part II
It has been eight days since we signed the papers. We have had more then a half dozen realtors bringing clients through the house. MLS (Multiple Listing Service) viewing day was last Wednesday and twenty plus agents left their cards. No offers as yet. I somewhat disappointed. I thought we would have been done with the showing part by now. This is such a great house and fabulous neighborhood, I figured it would go quickly. Patience, my son, patience.
"Ok. Grant me patience, Oh Lord, but could you give it to me right now? "
Yesterday was spent with more packing. I bought some more packing boxes from a gal in Springfield so I believe we will be ok now. I saved the box that the Lighthouse dishes came in so that was easy. The glass pitchers were a challenge to wrap. We will need to purchase a third roll of bubble wrap at Costco before this is over.
Thursday I rented a 6 x 12 enclosed trailer from U-Haul and we loaded it to the gullets and took it up to Canby where we rented a storage unit. The unit is 12 x 30 so it is big enough to put our whole household goods in if we do not find a house before we head down to South Lake Tahoe the middle of May.
Today, we are going up north again to look at a house that came on the market this past Thursday. The realty market has picked up in the Portland area and the good houses come and go rapidly, so you have to go see them quickly when one comes along that has the features you are looking for. This one has some, but our realtor says that it is so cute and well maintained that it is worth a look. The Prius will be taking as many boxes as it can hold at the same time. More up north mean less in this garage to move later.
Sunday is an Open House here at the house. We will not be here! R made chocolate chip cookies to have out for visitors to enjoy. Unfortunately, it is a typical rainy April week-end. hopefully we will get a call from our realtor afterword.
"Ok. Grant me patience, Oh Lord, but could you give it to me right now? "
Yesterday was spent with more packing. I bought some more packing boxes from a gal in Springfield so I believe we will be ok now. I saved the box that the Lighthouse dishes came in so that was easy. The glass pitchers were a challenge to wrap. We will need to purchase a third roll of bubble wrap at Costco before this is over.
Thursday I rented a 6 x 12 enclosed trailer from U-Haul and we loaded it to the gullets and took it up to Canby where we rented a storage unit. The unit is 12 x 30 so it is big enough to put our whole household goods in if we do not find a house before we head down to South Lake Tahoe the middle of May.
Today, we are going up north again to look at a house that came on the market this past Thursday. The realty market has picked up in the Portland area and the good houses come and go rapidly, so you have to go see them quickly when one comes along that has the features you are looking for. This one has some, but our realtor says that it is so cute and well maintained that it is worth a look. The Prius will be taking as many boxes as it can hold at the same time. More up north mean less in this garage to move later.
Sunday is an Open House here at the house. We will not be here! R made chocolate chip cookies to have out for visitors to enjoy. Unfortunately, it is a typical rainy April week-end. hopefully we will get a call from our realtor afterword.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Selling the House
Selling the House -- Part I
1. After thinking about it and thinking about it, finally make the decision to sell.
2. Find a realtor that you know or that seems to have the same mind set as you do.
A. Talk to others who have experience with the person.
B. Interview several realtors. You do not have to hire the first one you interview.
3. The realtor will offer advice and knowledge on how to prepare the property for sale.
A. Make necessary repairs.
B. Paint and clean walls, carpets, patios, decks, yard, etc.
C. Declutter the house.
1) Clean closets, garage, attic, basement to remove excess items.
A) Garage sales
B) Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.
C) Recycle
2) "Stage" your rooms.
A) Remove personal items, family pictures, diplomas, etc.
1] Neater appearance
2] The idea is to get the buyer to imagine their pictures on the walls.
B) Less furniture makes the rooms appear larger, less cluttered.
C) Less items on shelf units has the same effect.
3) Pack excess items in boxes out of site (usually in the garage or storage unit.
4. When house is ready to sell, meet with realtor to start the process.
A. Decide on the selling price.
1) Realtor's experience.
2) Look at comparable sales in your area ("Comps")
B. Sign the paperwork to begin the process.
5. The sign will be pounded into the yard.
6. The realtor will take pictures of the inside and outside of your property.
7. The realtor will return to the office and enter information into the computer and within 24 hours your house will be on the Internet with all the information, pictures, and price for all of the world to see.
That is the process in a nutshell. It is not difficult. The realtor does all the paperwork, atl least until the sale is made. But it is a lot of work to get the property ready to be shown to prospective buyers.
1. After thinking about it and thinking about it, finally make the decision to sell.
2. Find a realtor that you know or that seems to have the same mind set as you do.
A. Talk to others who have experience with the person.
B. Interview several realtors. You do not have to hire the first one you interview.
3. The realtor will offer advice and knowledge on how to prepare the property for sale.
A. Make necessary repairs.
B. Paint and clean walls, carpets, patios, decks, yard, etc.
C. Declutter the house.
1) Clean closets, garage, attic, basement to remove excess items.
A) Garage sales
B) Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.
C) Recycle
2) "Stage" your rooms.
A) Remove personal items, family pictures, diplomas, etc.
1] Neater appearance
2] The idea is to get the buyer to imagine their pictures on the walls.
B) Less furniture makes the rooms appear larger, less cluttered.
C) Less items on shelf units has the same effect.
3) Pack excess items in boxes out of site (usually in the garage or storage unit.
4. When house is ready to sell, meet with realtor to start the process.
A. Decide on the selling price.
1) Realtor's experience.
2) Look at comparable sales in your area ("Comps")
B. Sign the paperwork to begin the process.
5. The sign will be pounded into the yard.
6. The realtor will take pictures of the inside and outside of your property.
7. The realtor will return to the office and enter information into the computer and within 24 hours your house will be on the Internet with all the information, pictures, and price for all of the world to see.
That is the process in a nutshell. It is not difficult. The realtor does all the paperwork, atl least until the sale is made. But it is a lot of work to get the property ready to be shown to prospective buyers.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
A Big Change Approaching
R and I have decided to put the house that we have lived in for 23 years, up for sale. In addition, we are looking to relocate to an area just south of Portland, Canby is our target area. It is closer to our kids and several old friends, but just out of the metropolitan sprawl and traffic.
It is not a decision that we made on a lark, for we realized that the amount of work involved is enormous! I thought of packing and moving 20 years of accumulation is daunting at best. But we thought that because of various delays that had popped up to prevent us from traveling to Arizona to be volunteeer, the opportunity was being presented to us. It was as if we were not meant to go south this year and were meant to do this. And so we begin.......
Beginning involved finding real estate professionals both here in Eugene and in Canby and we found what we think are good ones in both areas.
JM has a list of our search wishes and has shown us several candidates, but the winner has not shown up yet. Now, as spring gets underway, the number of homes for sales is rising.
MW has helped us here in Eugene with ideas for marketing our home. We have painted the guest bedroom, our bedroom, the master bath, the hallway, and almost all of the woodwork. Last week MW stopped by and gave us guidance on removing the clutter from our place. The ideas is to make the home appear less crowded and therefore larger. Also, all personal pictures and knicknacks have been packed. The lack of pictures allows the perspective buyers to imagine their pictures on the walls as they view the rooms. It's a good idea but has been a lot of work getting things packed away. The garage is cluttered with packed boxes, all marked with color-coded tags. Hopefully it will help on the other end.
The paperwork gets filled out this Friday and the MLS visit by the realtors of Eugene happens on Wednesday April 3rd. Wish us luck. I will keep you posted.
It is not a decision that we made on a lark, for we realized that the amount of work involved is enormous! I thought of packing and moving 20 years of accumulation is daunting at best. But we thought that because of various delays that had popped up to prevent us from traveling to Arizona to be volunteeer, the opportunity was being presented to us. It was as if we were not meant to go south this year and were meant to do this. And so we begin.......
Beginning involved finding real estate professionals both here in Eugene and in Canby and we found what we think are good ones in both areas.
JM has a list of our search wishes and has shown us several candidates, but the winner has not shown up yet. Now, as spring gets underway, the number of homes for sales is rising.
MW has helped us here in Eugene with ideas for marketing our home. We have painted the guest bedroom, our bedroom, the master bath, the hallway, and almost all of the woodwork. Last week MW stopped by and gave us guidance on removing the clutter from our place. The ideas is to make the home appear less crowded and therefore larger. Also, all personal pictures and knicknacks have been packed. The lack of pictures allows the perspective buyers to imagine their pictures on the walls as they view the rooms. It's a good idea but has been a lot of work getting things packed away. The garage is cluttered with packed boxes, all marked with color-coded tags. Hopefully it will help on the other end.
The paperwork gets filled out this Friday and the MLS visit by the realtors of Eugene happens on Wednesday April 3rd. Wish us luck. I will keep you posted.
Mexican Dental - Algodones Part II
The sum of our visit to Mexico for Dental work.
The work done:
2 crowns, one porcelain, one gold
2 extractions, one for each of us.
1 root canal
1 cavity filled
1 teeth cleaning
Time; four trips probably 8 hours
Money spent; $1300 dollars.
Money saved; $$$$$$$$
Would I do it again?
Yes, definitely.
Would I do it differently?
It would be easier if we had our trailer parked in an RV park nearby so that the commute to and from would not be so long. Also, allowing time for unforseen circumstances, broken teeth, extra work needed, etc. would be a wise choice also.
The work done:
2 crowns, one porcelain, one gold
2 extractions, one for each of us.
1 root canal
1 cavity filled
1 teeth cleaning
Time; four trips probably 8 hours
Money spent; $1300 dollars.
Money saved; $$$$$$$$
Would I do it again?
Yes, definitely.
Would I do it differently?
It would be easier if we had our trailer parked in an RV park nearby so that the commute to and from would not be so long. Also, allowing time for unforseen circumstances, broken teeth, extra work needed, etc. would be a wise choice also.
Friday, March 8, 2013
We are Back
The Trip is complete. We safely traveled 3550 miles thanks to my personal driver. The Prius averaged 43.3 mpg, which is good considering that R has a lead foot. It was not unusual to glance at the speedometer and see 70 and more displayed, but we made it safe and sound and the car is wondering what happened. This is the second long road trip we have made with this car and I must say that the car is a great traveler. It is comfortable, has considerable room (the back seats fold down) and it handles highway speeds with ease. All that and still getting fabulous gas mileage to boot. We are quite happy with it.Friday, February 22, 2013
Dental Day One
Our first day at Algodones.
Our appointment was at 9am so not knowing the route and layout, we left our Yuma motel at 7:45. Got on I-8 and drove west about 6 miles to the Algodones Road exit which is the same exit for the Quesan Casino. Three miles south on the paved street puts youo at the US/Mexico border. There is an RV park there if you need hook-ups otherwise there are spaces in the desert to park your rig for free. Right on the border is a parking lot owned by the local Indian Tribe that charges $5 to park for the day.
We parked and walked into Mexico. It was 8:15 so it was fairly quiet. The shops were starting to open up and a few other folks were slowly starting to enter Mexico, probably because they had early dental appointments also. At the appointed time our dentist picked us up in front of the Purple Pharmacy and drove us severl blocks to our dentist's office. There must be 40-50 dentists in this small town. Also there are a dozen pharmacies and two dozen optical places as well. Put all those together and fill up the other stores with jewelry, pots, knick knacks, etc. and you get an idea of Algondones. Narrow streets, brightly painted buildings, some vehicle traffic, a few visible police and federalies. Now add several hundred Americans every day to complete the picture.
Our driver, Hector, who is the bookkeeper for the business, delivered us, in a few minutes to the office, which is a new building a few blocks away from the downtown hussle. Like I said, very new and very nice.
A few minutes and both os us were in chairs being examined. After x-ray s I found out that I had a badly cracked tooth that will need to be pulled and a broken tooth that needed a root canal before it could get a crown. R had similar extensive and expensive news.
Bottom line, I had my root canal, not painful but certainly not fun. R had prep work done for a crown. Tomorrow my cracked tooth will be extracted and the other will get a temporary crown. R will also get an extraction (the same tooth number as mine but on the other side) and then get a permanent crown on her prepped tooth. We will both have sore mouths for a while.
We also have an appointment for next Friday to get the permanent crown on my tooth and to have our extractions areas checked.
Dental work is so much fun...
Our appointment was at 9am so not knowing the route and layout, we left our Yuma motel at 7:45. Got on I-8 and drove west about 6 miles to the Algodones Road exit which is the same exit for the Quesan Casino. Three miles south on the paved street puts youo at the US/Mexico border. There is an RV park there if you need hook-ups otherwise there are spaces in the desert to park your rig for free. Right on the border is a parking lot owned by the local Indian Tribe that charges $5 to park for the day.
We parked and walked into Mexico. It was 8:15 so it was fairly quiet. The shops were starting to open up and a few other folks were slowly starting to enter Mexico, probably because they had early dental appointments also. At the appointed time our dentist picked us up in front of the Purple Pharmacy and drove us severl blocks to our dentist's office. There must be 40-50 dentists in this small town. Also there are a dozen pharmacies and two dozen optical places as well. Put all those together and fill up the other stores with jewelry, pots, knick knacks, etc. and you get an idea of Algondones. Narrow streets, brightly painted buildings, some vehicle traffic, a few visible police and federalies. Now add several hundred Americans every day to complete the picture.
Our driver, Hector, who is the bookkeeper for the business, delivered us, in a few minutes to the office, which is a new building a few blocks away from the downtown hussle. Like I said, very new and very nice.
A few minutes and both os us were in chairs being examined. After x-ray s I found out that I had a badly cracked tooth that will need to be pulled and a broken tooth that needed a root canal before it could get a crown. R had similar extensive and expensive news.
Bottom line, I had my root canal, not painful but certainly not fun. R had prep work done for a crown. Tomorrow my cracked tooth will be extracted and the other will get a temporary crown. R will also get an extraction (the same tooth number as mine but on the other side) and then get a permanent crown on her prepped tooth. We will both have sore mouths for a while.
We also have an appointment for next Friday to get the permanent crown on my tooth and to have our extractions areas checked.
Dental work is so much fun...
Monday, February 18, 2013
Medical Report
Actually, there is no medical news. Even with all the testing, they have not found anything that would explain what happened to me. I have having another EEG this morning before we leave, to see if anything is different from the first one. At least it is not a "sleep deprived" test like the last one.
And so we wait.......
And so we wait.......
Two Weeks in Arizona
Today we jump in the Prius and drive to Arizona for two weeks. It is part vacation, part medical ( dental) for you see we are going to go Mexico for our dental work. Algodones is right on the border of Arizona and caters to Americans who don't have insurance and need dental work, prescriptions, or glasses. We have never been there, but have talked to many people who have. Both of us need to have two crowns made so the savings over using our Eugene dentist is several thousand dollars. Well worth the trip. Our appoinment is for Friday Feb, 22nd when we get our teeth prepped and the next day, Saturday, the 23rd, we will get our crowns. I am really loooking forward to not having to chew and just the left side of my mouth. To top it off, yesterday I broke a tooth on the right side, so I really have to be careful for a few days. I am not happy about another tooth breaking, but the timing is just right. I will give you a report on Algodones and how it went.
The second week of our trip will be spent visiting friends in the Phoenix area. That will be fun.
We are not taking the laptop to Arizona, so this is the last report for two weeks. See yo when we get back.
The second week of our trip will be spent visiting friends in the Phoenix area. That will be fun.
We are not taking the laptop to Arizona, so this is the last report for two weeks. See yo when we get back.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
I Watched my Heart
Today was the day for two Ultrasounds. Riverbend Hospital has a Heart and Vascular wing and that was my destination.
First the Heart test. I watched my heart beat. I watched my valves open and close, open and close. I watched it move rhythmically to it's own beat. I listened to the sound of that the ultrasound broadcasted in the room. It was humbling and fastinating. I asked many questions and learned a great deal, but will only remember a fraction of the info.
Another room, another ultrasound, this one of the arteries of the neck. Again, I watched the screen. I asked lots of questions. I learned a great deal. The Tech was looking for plaque. Plaque is the bad guy. It forms up on the walls of the arteries and inhibits blood flow. What are the causes of plaque? Life style choices; excercise, diet, smoking. Add that to any family history and trouble is around the corner. Smoking is the worst! Don't do it!
Test results hopefully soon.
First the Heart test. I watched my heart beat. I watched my valves open and close, open and close. I watched it move rhythmically to it's own beat. I listened to the sound of that the ultrasound broadcasted in the room. It was humbling and fastinating. I asked many questions and learned a great deal, but will only remember a fraction of the info.
Another room, another ultrasound, this one of the arteries of the neck. Again, I watched the screen. I asked lots of questions. I learned a great deal. The Tech was looking for plaque. Plaque is the bad guy. It forms up on the walls of the arteries and inhibits blood flow. What are the causes of plaque? Life style choices; excercise, diet, smoking. Add that to any family history and trouble is around the corner. Smoking is the worst! Don't do it!
Test results hopefully soon.
The tests continue
Since my last post. I have spent several hours in several offices, getting several tests, with the bottom line being nothing is new.
I met with the neurologist. The news from him is that just because the blood test showed elevated prolactin levels does not, automatically mean a seizure happened. Fainting of any kind would also produce a similar occurance. This meant further testing to find out more (or to e.iminate other causes).
Monday I had a fasting blood sugar test. No breakfast, drink sugar solution, blood sample at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Test results yet to be revealed.
I met with the neurologist. The news from him is that just because the blood test showed elevated prolactin levels does not, automatically mean a seizure happened. Fainting of any kind would also produce a similar occurance. This meant further testing to find out more (or to e.iminate other causes).
Monday I had a fasting blood sugar test. No breakfast, drink sugar solution, blood sample at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Test results yet to be revealed.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Change of Plans
Finally had my doctor's appointment to learn the results of the tests. Both tests showed nothing out of the ordinary. I have an appointment with a neurologist on Wed the 30th. I was told no driving for 3-6 months. Ugh!!!
It seems that we were not meant to go south this winter. After we got home from the doctor R went into the trailer to take out some clothes, etc. When she put out the bedroom slide, there was a loud "clunk". The gear it the slide mechanism broke some teeth again. This is the third time in 6 months. Not good. We would be planning to leave today or tomorrow if my medical condition had allowed it and we would have been Very Unhappy!!
So maybe we need to come up with a Plan B or even a Plan C. We have only a short time to think of things, but plan b might be to volunteer at parks in Oregon, such as the coast or Fort Vancouver.
Plan C is a little more complicated. It involves a move. A move from Eugene to the Portland area. Closer to family, closer to several friends, but a lot of work to get it accomplished.
Hmmmmm.....
It seems that we were not meant to go south this winter. After we got home from the doctor R went into the trailer to take out some clothes, etc. When she put out the bedroom slide, there was a loud "clunk". The gear it the slide mechanism broke some teeth again. This is the third time in 6 months. Not good. We would be planning to leave today or tomorrow if my medical condition had allowed it and we would have been Very Unhappy!!
So maybe we need to come up with a Plan B or even a Plan C. We have only a short time to think of things, but plan b might be to volunteer at parks in Oregon, such as the coast or Fort Vancouver.
Plan C is a little more complicated. It involves a move. A move from Eugene to the Portland area. Closer to family, closer to several friends, but a lot of work to get it accomplished.
Hmmmmm.....
Monday, January 21, 2013
EEG
Last Thursday I finally had my EEG. I was told it was to be a "Sleep Inhibited" test so I was to get half of my normal sleep the night before the test and to not have any caffeine prior either. Here is the story. Here is what I wrote the nest day when I sent an email to my sons.
My procedure went well. Stayed up til 2am and set alarm for 0600. Appointment was at 0830, but arrived half hour early. 24 stick-on electrodes on my head, including one near each eye, and one clipped to each ear. 25th electrode stuck on my chest near my heart.
Then the lights went out. "Relax and go to sleep."
Any night I can go to sleep within 2 minutes, but lying in that strange bed, fully clothed, with 25 electrodes attached to me, it was so easy to go to sleep. I made myusalf relax. I tired to think about quiet things; the ocean, the desert, etc.
Finally, I turned on my side and a short time later the tech told me to wake up so evidently I had drifted off.
With the lights back on, she asked to roll back over on my back and then asked me several questions like what day is it, and who is the President, etc. I got them all correct.
The last part of the test involved a strobe light flashing in front of my closed eyes. Different frequencies of flashing producing different frequency brain waves.
Then I was done and we were home by 10am.
In the afternoon, relaxing on the couch with a movie on the TV, I slept like a baby.
My procedure went well. Stayed up til 2am and set alarm for 0600. Appointment was at 0830, but arrived half hour early. 24 stick-on electrodes on my head, including one near each eye, and one clipped to each ear. 25th electrode stuck on my chest near my heart.
Then the lights went out. "Relax and go to sleep."
Any night I can go to sleep within 2 minutes, but lying in that strange bed, fully clothed, with 25 electrodes attached to me, it was so easy to go to sleep. I made myusalf relax. I tired to think about quiet things; the ocean, the desert, etc.
Finally, I turned on my side and a short time later the tech told me to wake up so evidently I had drifted off.
With the lights back on, she asked to roll back over on my back and then asked me several questions like what day is it, and who is the President, etc. I got them all correct.
The last part of the test involved a strobe light flashing in front of my closed eyes. Different frequencies of flashing producing different frequency brain waves.
Then I was done and we were home by 10am.
In the afternoon, relaxing on the couch with a movie on the TV, I slept like a baby.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Weaving Again
It's been a while since I have started a weaving project. I got bogged down last year with a piece on the loom because I was fretting because some of the warp threads were twisted. So I stopped for a while. After we got home and I unloaded the loom, I decided to "tough it out" and I decided to complete the work. It turned out that it wasn't such a terrible thing and my wife likes the scarf.
With renewed energy I pulled out my warping board and started to plan ways to use all the yarn that I have accumulated. I came up with several combinations that I think will look ok together. I wound the warps on the warping board and tied them so that they will not get tangled and put each on the them into a Ziplock bag with the yarn that I will use for the weft.
The warp is the material that runs lengthwise and the weft is the material that goes back and forth in the piece. Either one can be colorful depending on your imagination.
Then it was time to "warp the loom" or to load it. By watching several U-Tube videos I finally figured out what I needed to do. It is now officially warped.
With renewed energy I pulled out my warping board and started to plan ways to use all the yarn that I have accumulated. I came up with several combinations that I think will look ok together. I wound the warps on the warping board and tied them so that they will not get tangled and put each on the them into a Ziplock bag with the yarn that I will use for the weft.
The warp is the material that runs lengthwise and the weft is the material that goes back and forth in the piece. Either one can be colorful depending on your imagination.
Then it was time to "warp the loom" or to load it. By watching several U-Tube videos I finally figured out what I needed to do. It is now officially warped.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
M R I
Monday the 31st I had my first MRI. It was an interesting experience. I showed up fifteen minutes early for my appointment, so that I could fill out the paperwork ( allergies, piercings, phobias, etc.) I didn't get the form completely done before they called me back so I think that the form is used to help the patient pass the time while he waits.
I was lead to a tiny chnging booth and told that I could keep my undershorts and socks on and to put on the provided "scrubs". I locked my clothes in a locker and kept the key with me. After a short time in the second waiting room, I was taken to the MRI room. The room was all whites and beiges with the huge donut sitting in the middle. I laid down the narrow tray and the tech positioned me on my back. A pillow under my knees helped relax my back and I locked my hands together on my stomach. The tech put headphones on me and put sometowels on each side of my head to keep it from moving. Then a frame was placed over my head. On it was a mirror positioned so that when I looked straight ahead, I saw my folded hands and then out across my feet. As he rolled me into the machine my shoulders rubbed the side of the machine. I am not sure what happens when large people are on the bed. I didn't see any crow bars in the room. Then he asked what type of music I liked. He said, "I have Pandora so I can give you anything you want." I suggested John Hiatt and after a few minutes, the music started. "Now just don't move until you come out." The tech explained that there would be several sessions each lasting 2 to 5 minutes and the total process would take about twenty minutes. "Here we go."
For the next twenty minutes, I dozed while I listened to the music and tried not to listen to the bang, bang, bang or the drum, drum, drum, or the rum, rum, rum. The tech would talk to me between each session telling me the length of each session and that "one more to go". Then I was done and rolled out, helped up and the tech changed the towels on the MRI bed. He then walked me back to the changing area and said goodbye.
Ten minutes later I was dressed and walking out the door into the cool winter air.
This is image I downloaded so that you can see what it looks like. It is not me!
I was lead to a tiny chnging booth and told that I could keep my undershorts and socks on and to put on the provided "scrubs". I locked my clothes in a locker and kept the key with me. After a short time in the second waiting room, I was taken to the MRI room. The room was all whites and beiges with the huge donut sitting in the middle. I laid down the narrow tray and the tech positioned me on my back. A pillow under my knees helped relax my back and I locked my hands together on my stomach. The tech put headphones on me and put sometowels on each side of my head to keep it from moving. Then a frame was placed over my head. On it was a mirror positioned so that when I looked straight ahead, I saw my folded hands and then out across my feet. As he rolled me into the machine my shoulders rubbed the side of the machine. I am not sure what happens when large people are on the bed. I didn't see any crow bars in the room. Then he asked what type of music I liked. He said, "I have Pandora so I can give you anything you want." I suggested John Hiatt and after a few minutes, the music started. "Now just don't move until you come out." The tech explained that there would be several sessions each lasting 2 to 5 minutes and the total process would take about twenty minutes. "Here we go."
For the next twenty minutes, I dozed while I listened to the music and tried not to listen to the bang, bang, bang or the drum, drum, drum, or the rum, rum, rum. The tech would talk to me between each session telling me the length of each session and that "one more to go". Then I was done and rolled out, helped up and the tech changed the towels on the MRI bed. He then walked me back to the changing area and said goodbye.Ten minutes later I was dressed and walking out the door into the cool winter air.
This is image I downloaded so that you can see what it looks like. It is not me!
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