Trippin' to Arizona Day 3

 Day Three Klamath Falls,  Or to Hawthorne, Nv  373 miles

Got on the road at 8:08.  Really a good start for us.  Like I said it was 12 when we got up.  The trailer was nice and warm so we didn't notice til we stepped outside.  Actually, I notice when walked the boys for their morning walk.  After breakfast of cereal and toast Randa packed up and I did the outside stuff, disconnecting the power cord and the cord to the truck heater.  The Ford is equipped with a heater to help with starting in cold weather.  I had the truck for a couple of years before I discovered it.  [Actually. someone told me about it.]  It is a good thing.

  I helped Randa get the slides in and then went back outside to start the truck.  I had to scrap the windshield as I let the truck run.  I felt kinda guilty because we were the first rig to leave.  But we needed to get on the road so it happened.  The rig next to us was the pop up comp trailer so I bYummet he heard every sound.  (I can't imagine being in a pop-up canvas-sided camper in 12 degrees.   brrrr

   Hit the road nice sunshine all the way.  Stopped in Alturas to walk the boys.  Then again at the rest area aobut 20 mile south of Sacramento on 395.  Then it was straight through Reno and fuel at Fallon.  328 miles on 30.4 gallons.  That's better than 10 mpg.  Pretty good for the load I pull and the mountains we traversed.  

   70 mores miles and we arrived at Whiskey Run RV Park in Hawthorne, NV at 5pm.  A long but fruitful day.  Now rest and supper.    Randa is trying her new rice cooker.  :)

Trippin' Day Two

 Redmond to Klamath Falls  - 153  miles Monday Dec 28

Day Two started out great.   We met up with Jason and Toni at the Deshutes County Fairgrounds which was actually the Expo Campground is part of.  We drove a short distance and parked got immediate hugs, [with jackets, scarves, hats, mittens and masks.  Still, it was wonderful to be greeted so warmly in the frosty air.  J & T have two dogs, I.V and Loona who are a big part of their lives.  The four dogs had great fun running around the big open area and smelling all the exotic aromas that lingered there.  After about two hours of catching up, the cold finally got to us so we exchanged Christmas packages, and hugged good bye .

    We climbed in the rig and headed south.  We arrived in Klamath Falls about 4 ish.  Got fuel, a few groceries , and checked into the KOA.  The KOA was a nice surprise.  Close by, Easy access back onto the highway and a nice place.  Between the furnace and two space heaters, we were quite comfortable in spite of the cold temps.  It was 12 in the morning.   Yikes.   and people live here!

  We went to bed early so we could get an early start.

Tomorow

 

We leave tomorrow.  At least that is the plan.  The reservations have been made.  Redmond tomorrow night. Klamath Falls on Monday night, Hawthorne on Tuesday. CalNevAri on Wednesday. BTA on Thursday.  The crux day will be Tuesday.  Two high spots to go over between KF and Alturas on 139, and Alturas and Adin on 395.  Once we get south of those two spots we should not have to worry about snow.

  Today Randa takes down Christmas decorations ( and there are a bunch) and I finish loading the rig  We will sleep in the trailer tonight so that the sheets on our bed are clean. ( I am not sure why that is necessary, especially with no body staying in our houses with Covid) but Randa doesn't like to leave the house sit with dirty sheets.  

   Wish us well.  I am definitely ready to be active again.

Ginger bread

This was our Christmas project for yesterday.  Randa went overboard on the decorations for her "house".  I was more creative but less artistic.  But when I put the two of them together for a photo a title occurred to me . 

 Christmas Truck Stop

 

Mt Hood

Randa took this photo on Dec 12th.  Lots of fresh snow on the mountain.   We haven't seen much of the sun lately.  It has been raining steadily since last evening and it continues right now at noon and, according to the forecast, will be with us all day.  
 

This is what our backyard looked like after the overnight deluge.  The rain has lessened so the pond is smaller but it is still there.  Boating anyone?

 

Keizer Christmas Lights

   Last night Randa and I went to Office Depot to have our Christmas letter printed.  While we were out we picked up supper at Cafe Yumm.  Good food.  While we were right off I-5, we decided to drive to Keizer, near Salem, to see the annual Christmas light displays in an neighborhood of town.

  Saturday evening was not a good time to go.  It took us 90 minutes to get the mile from the freeway to the neighborhood.  We slowly cruised through the Keizer neighborhood enjoying the colors and various creatures that adorned the homes.  Then it was back home to hot chocolate and a movie.  A good night.

15 Days

 Still getting ready for Christmas.  At least Randa is.  She baked Peanut Butter Blossoms and Bonbons the last couple of days and is now making little "goodies" packages to give to neighbors and friends.  

  The trailer loading  program is sort of on hold.  I am going to put out the bedroom and kitchen slide on Monday to allow access to cupboards and closets for further loading.  Some food items can be loaded into the frig and freezer t right now.  Fresh food will have to wait until the last days.   

   Doctor visits are on-going.  I had my skin check at the dermatologist.  Got 7 or 8 nitrogen burns on my face and head.  

   Thursday I drove to the VA hospital to pick up a sleep test unit.    That night I strapped a cigarette pack sized unit to my chest.  Put a oxygen tester device on my index finger. attached a cannula in my nose (with a tube running to the device on my chest.  My sleep activities were recorded  and the next day I slipped all the equipment into an envelope and mailed it back to the hospital.  I will hear back in a month or so, but upon reading the forms that I filled out prior to shipping, my symptoms seem pretty insignificant to the choices given on the form. 

Another Blu-U Treatment at the dermatologist. On the 22nd and I should be done with doctors for 2020.   

Twenty Days

 Twenty days from now Randa and I will be on the road.  At least we hope to be.  With the pandemic ,making plans includes a lot of hope, patience, love and prayer .  We will continue to plan.  We will continue to prepare and load the trailer.  We will to get jobs done around the house that need to be completed before Christmas.  We will get our doctor and dentist visits completed as well.  

   With all that happening, we will stop keep our eyes and ears open.  We are going to be prepared for leaving right after Christmas, but we are also prepared to delay our departure for a week, or month if necessary.  Or even cancel if that is the result that comes to pass.  If nothing else, Covid has taught us ( or at least forced us) to learn patience.  To learn that there are actions that can be done and preventatives that must be performed and waiting that needs to be endured.

This photo was taken many years ago when we were waiting in line for the ferry to go to Friday Harbor.  The rig remains the same.

Say Ah

a Pacific Lamprey

 

Old Wood

 

Swag

 The Canby Library is working hard to help deal with fighting the depression from too much pandemic.  They have an active program to allow pickup of books and videos.  There is also a monthly discussion of a chosen book.  

 Last year the library hosted a workshop to create Christmas swags or wreathes.  The work room was filled with piles of greenery and accessories.   It was a fun day for everyone.  This year the library continued the program, with modification.  They notified patrons that the program was happening with pickup of materials on Wednesday or Thursday only, with reservation.  

I picked up the materials yesterday with the books and videos we ordered.  ( Doc Martin  Series 7 & 8, Life on Mars series 1, Skinwalker, the TV movie.)

We added some of our decorations to the provided greenery and here is the final result.  

 

Good Morning Greeting

Mother Nature gave the boys and me quite a show this morning.

 

A leak in the kitchen

 A leak.  Not what anyone wants to hear.  Or I should say see.  Actually, Randa stepped in water on the kitchen floor in front of the sink.  Stray water is never a good thing.   

   Toweled up the water and got the flashlight.  Got on the floor, emptied the sink cabinet.  {There are quite a bit of items down there.)  Shining the light showed nothing.  Hmm..  Must be the dishwasher which is to the right.  Dry as a bone under there too.  Again, Hmm.. I'm going to have to think about this.

   Next day after running the dishwasher, more water in front of the sink.  Hmm,,  Removed the furnace vent that is along the floor on the front of the sink cabinet.  Peeked in there.  Damp pressed wood subfloor.  Hmm..  But how is it getting there? So I had Randa run some water in the sink and laid on the floor and peeked through the vent opening.  Bingo, water poured out from the drain pipe going under the house!  Well that's weird!  Must be plugged.

   Rented a portable rooter machine.  Good for 30 feet.  Operated it for about an hour.  Thought I did well.  had Randa some more water, carefully.  Water still came out around that drain pipe.   I knew what to do next.  Called a plumber/rooter.

   He came in about an hour.  Went under the house.  Checked under the sink.  Bad news.  The main drain pipe for the sink and dishwasher is broken.  Very unusual.  the drain line from the sink is also clogged.  Somewhere under the house.  $$$  

     The plumbing will be fixed on Friday, with a new drain pipe from the sink to the drain line.  The clog will be fixed next Monday.  Until then we wash the dishes in the laundry
room sink.  Another interesting day.

Furnace Filter

 I changed the furnace filter yesterday.  I put a new one in on September 14, 2020 which was during the time when Oregon was covered with smoke from many fires burning throughout the state.  It had not been too long since the last change but with the polluted skies we had, it was necessary.  

    Yesterday, so some reason, I thought about changing the filter again.  So the bottom filter had been installed Sept 14 so roughly 1 1/2 months.  As you can see, from the comparison to the new one, it did it's job.

Thanksgiving Dinner

 

Even though we were by ourselves, Randa went all out.  Nice dishes, cloth napkins, candles.  Instead of turkey we had Cornish Game Hens, but otherwise it was a traditional Thanksgiving fare.  

The bird. Mashed potatoes and gravy.   Scalloped Corn.  Yam-Yums (Sweet potatoes, apple slices, brown sugar).  Fresh baked rolls.  Carrots, tomatoes, cut peppers, olives, and, of course, Jello.

Happy Thanksgiving

 This is a note to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.  This is another unusual holiday in 2020.  The important thing to remember is to be thankful for what we have.  I am truly thankful for Randa.  I am soo happy that for winter quarter 1967, I signed up for an elective phy ed course; Bowling.  Across the ball return from my lane was this cute girl.  She was a lousy bowler but fun to talk to.  Fun to kid with.  She was someone that I wanted to know better.  Well, I have known her for more that 50 years and I am still excited to be with her on this holiday, and every other day.  

   We are having Cornish Game Hens instead of turkey.  Otherwise, it will be mashed potatoes, stuffig, salad, vegies, and pie for desert.  

   I hope that you are able to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with someone special.  

Wall-e's last day

 Here he is doing what greyhounds are really good at.

We will be leaving in about a half hour to meet Aubrey for the transfer.

Good Bye,  Sweet Boy

Wall-e s Last Days

 Today, 11/19/2020 was Wall-e's birthday.  He is now two years old.  And still growing.  Randa and I believe that he has grown in the two and a half months he has been at our house.  He has also "grown" on us.  We will dearly miss him.  

    Today Aubrey and her family "borrowed him" for a walk in the sunshine.  He loved the attention.  After they left he was a bit confused, so we paid a lot of attention to him for the rest of the day.  Saturday we take another stool sample and drop it off at the vet.  There we will meet Aubrey and do the permanent transfer.  We are taking our boys with us so that they can see him leave us.  We think that will make the separation easier for them.  I'm not so sure about us.

   Tomorrow I have an appointment at the VA Hospital to get my pacemaker adjusted.  I have been told that the manufacture  representative will be there to offer advice.   It should be interesting.

Wednesday

 Wednesday was a busy day for Wall-e.  I dropped him off at Southgate Veterinary at 8am.  He had not eaten since supper on the night before.  I walked the three boys together in the morning and then loaded him into the car as Randa took the other two into the house for breakfast.  As I waited in the car for the vet tech to come and get Wally, I thought about a week from Saturday the 20th when we will hand Wall-e's  leash to Aubrey for his new life. It will be difficult.

   At 6pm Randa and I were back at Southgate to pick up the boy.  The vet tech brought him out to the car like a farmer carrying his sheep.  He was groggy so he immediately lay down and did not move during our ride home.  I carried into the house and he walked slowly around the house to get his bearings. Then to sleep.

   It is now Friday morning and his recovery is moving along.  Our chief goal is to keep him from running, jumping, and over exerting until his stitches and wound heal.  7-10 days  When the doctor called yesterday to check up on him, I mentioned that he is full of zip so she told us to give him some meds to help him "relax".  It worked.  One last night.  Another this morning.  Sleep is what he needs.

Leaf

More of Nature's beauty.

 

Shower Drains and other fun places

 The other night as I taking my shower I realized the water was not draining properly.  Hmm.  Another project to address.  Yesterday I pried the plastic drain cover off and discovered the reason for the slowness.  I won't gross you out with a graphic description but we have lived in this house for 6 years and have never opened that drain cover.  Rubber gloves, a hook created from a coat hanger. many paper towels and sprays of cleaner and a plastic bag for the debris and the job is done.     

   But as long as I was in the mood, I tackled the P traps in the rest of the house. The kitchen  Two sinks in our bathroom, one in the hall bathroom, and one in the laundry room. I don't know about your house but the area under the sink contains a plethora of items.  Extra toothpaste, Band Aids, bars of soap not mention jars of "who knows what".  So, to get access to the P trap, all those items need to be moved or removed.  Experience has told me the best plan is to totally empty the area.  I will explain as we go.     

    Let me set the stage.   The cabinets have been emptied.  If you are organized, it in a box neatly stacked.  I'm not so they are scattered around on the floor nearby.  You are down on your knees looking at your quarry.  The black plastic P-trap is very obvious right there under the sink.  There is a tightened nuts on each end.  All your have to do is loosen each one, take the P-trap off, clean it, and reattach.  Piece of cake.  In theory.  Those nuts have been "hand tightened".  Yah right!  I had to get a leather glove to improve my grip and actually got a Pipe Wrench (don't freak out ! I used a rag to protect the pipe, but I needed the leverage.) for the nut under the laundry room sink.  

     After much kneeling, grunting, a few expletive's, much rinsing, and a full plastic bag, all the drains in the house are squeaky clean.  I feel so free !!

Oscar

 Today we created Oscar.  Oscar is a old friend that comes to visit us this time of year.

During his creation.  Those are his brains lying on the table.

Here he is at our front door.

After we visit the grocery store he will have a tongue.

Dermatologist

 Made a visit to my Dermatologist on Monday.  She did a treatment on me.  In the past I would get an exam and then get several spots "shot " with liquid Nitrogen.  (burned).  I end up looking like I was in a fight.  This time it was different.  

     The treatment was on my forearms and the back of my hands.   They were scrubbed with alcohol, then a chemical gel was spread on the skin.  My arms wee wrapped in Saran Wrap and was left to wait for an hour while the gel sunk in.  So I tried to nap, but then decided to use my time better and called Directv and spent the time on hold and talking to a representative.  At least I was doing something while I waited.  I was still on the phone when the dermatology tech put me on some kind of a special light machine to burn the precancer skin cells.  Anyway I got two things done at the same time.  

    I have to keep my hands and arms out of the sun until Wed  but future cancer cells were killed and got my Directv rates reduced  a little by asking.  So, all in all, it was a productive day.  I have another appointment the Monday before Thanksgiving, but I will bring a book to help pass the time instead of waiting on hold.   

   PS  Most companies have a retention department that can make adjustments to your package or lower your rates if you take the trouble to ask.

Investigation

 

The Pumpkin family

A new project.  Possible because of a pallet left behind by the roofers.

 

Outside Help

I was outside working creating a pumpkin family.   This is a result of the pallet that the roofers left behind.  I will add photos as I move along in the project.

  As you can see I had help.

Doesn't he look comfortable?

 

Dahlia Late Bloomer

This is a bloom on a Dalhia that has grown from a seed in our flower bed.  Great fall color. 

 

Roofing Addendum

    The final chapter of the saga is today.  (Or should I say maybe?)  Anyway their is a painter here today painting the marks on the house where the roofers scratched it during the tear off.  Because of the 9 day ordeal, the Boss was very compliant to making us happy with the final results.  So the spots are being touched up as we speak.  

  Yesterday when he was here, he asked me how it looked.  I told him that it looked like a roof.  When you get a room painted or something remodeled, you can see the new results.  Unless you were going to a totally new roof design, it looks basically, just like it did before.  Anyway, here it is today.  Ohs and Ahs  can be emailed.  😊

Life goes on

    Even though the roof is the most evident part of our life right now.  Life goes on.  Multiple dog walks daily.  A new battery in my watch.  Red Cross trips scheduled for next week.  Doctor appointments for both of us.  We hope to get all vehicle and personal appointments done by the end of November so that we can head for Arizona.  In the past, we waited until after Christmas to go, but with Covid, Thanksgiving and Christmas are pretty much "non events".  So why stay in Oregon?

    Randa and I have enjoyed our spring and summer at home, working in the yard and around the house.  But with the clouds and rain coming, outdoor and yard activities are going away.  Our kids are busy with their lives so contacts are only occasional and brief.   Luckily we have some really good friends here in Canby that we treasure.  We will miss them terribly while we are away.  But the thought of being back among the flowers and cacti of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is sounding more and more appealing.  BTA has just opened a new wing, the Wallace Garden.  We watched it being developed when were there two years ago and are looking forward to seeing it fully developed.  Because we will be outdoors,  the tours will continue, with modifications for Covid.  We will be able to lead tours and share our love of the flora and fauna of Boyce Thompson and the Sonora Desert.

We miss the Saguaro and Cholla cacti

    

    

Be careful. Don't touch.

A New Roof Day 2

   Saturday, the last day.  I sure hope it is the last day.  Six roofers showed up this morning.  The biggest crew so far in our 2 week "adventure".  Banging going on in several areas overhead.  Looking forward to a dry and silent roof.  For some reason I came up with a revelation yesterday.  Roofing companies are just like any other contractor.  Only the largest ones have permanent workers.  The rest like the one I chose, use subcontractors.  So the group that was up on my roof last week were contracted by NW.  Probably never again.  The crew this week are a totally different "sub".  He was hired by Tommy to get the job done right.  As far as I can see, he doing just that.  He has been roofing for 12 years.    

    The weather is cooperating as well.  It is cloudy and cool.  Chance of rain is low.  To quote a roofing joke,  "Things are looking up."

A New Roof

 We are in the process of getting a new roof.  This is the second roof in two weeks.  Maybe I should start at the beginning.   We have been thinking about a new roof for a couple of years.  Our house was built in 2000 so the roof is 20 years old.  Sadly, that is the average time for a 30 year roof.  Our neighborhood is a prime hunting area for roofers.

   So I checked Home Advisor online and clicked that I wanted to get estimates on a new roof.  I had my first call within 5 minutes !  The second 5 minutes later.  The third call was about an hour after that.  They must have an alarm that goes off when someone hits the button.  I had five estimates on my roof.  Our house is single story, 1800 + square feet.  Estimates came in from 15500 to 42500.  The high priced guy was very ambitious and long-winded.  We were shocked at his first outrageous bid (which included gutters) and after our saying "No way, Jose", started backing off.  After pealing away, layer after layer ( gutters, remove shed from bid, military discount, etc, he ended up at 22500.  They were still too high.  Talking with other vendors and a neighbor who had gotten a bid from them, we found out the Da Bella is known for their high pressure tactics.  That style does not work with us.  We tend to back away.

   After reviewing the five vendors we chose NW Builders.  They were about the same as the others and we liked the representative, Oren.   Several days after we picked, Oren called and told us they would start tomorrow.  Great.  The crew came as promised but was not up to par.  After five long days ( and even some evenings), they had not completed the job.   The owner, Tommy, came to me on Saturday evening and said" I am ashamed of this job.  This is my company name and my livelihood. This crew has messed it up and is going to be fired.   I will come back next Wednesday and tear it all off and do it again the right way. "   

   I was shocked.  I did not expect him to "step up to the plate " and make it right.  This Wednesday a new crew came and tore the new roof off and started fresh.  A huge job and a huge expense to the company, but the right thing to do.  I respect Tommy for it.  Two days to re-strip the roof. Today they started installing the shingles.  Luckily the weather has cooperated and offered no rain until Saturday evening. 

 Stay tuned for the final report.

Another Fall Walk

 Another warm fall day.  Ideal day to go for a walk a get out the house, especially when we are getting a new roof.  Wednesday the boys and I walked around Mollala State Park.  Lots of trails, open spaces, squirrels and plants to enjoy.

Berries of the Hawthorne
tree and a very cool mushroom

Fall Walk

 Fall is in full swing.  The temperatures have moderated with much cooler nights.  The trees are turning and dropping leaves.  Time for long fall walks.  Tuesday. Randa and I took the boys on a very enjoyable long walk at Eco park in the north end of Canby.  For Fun we decided to have a contest to see how many times Hunter and Wall-e lifted their legs.  What do you think?  Who won the contest?

Well, Wall-e won.  17 to 15.   These boys really know how to try harder.

Found this mushroom along the way.

Under the Hood

                                                         How many guys does it take?

Tow Vehicle of the future

One of the fun of camping is watching the rigs come and go.  New ones, old ones , big ones, tiny ones.  This tiny camper drove by our site.  Not unusual.  Lots of trailers like it.  

However, the tow vehicle was not the usual. 

Yes, it's a Tesla.   Imagine being the owner of the shop when the owner asked if he could get a trailer hitch installed on his Tesla.  " Well, eh, I think we can. I will have to check with the factory."😲
 

Fall colors

 

The Coast

  

   Last Sunday Randa and I hooked up the trailer, loaded the three boys and headed for the Coast.  This was our first time visit to Nehalem Bay State Park.  It is located on a spit between the Nehalem River and the Pacific Ocean.  D8 was our home for 4 nights.  We spent the time walking on several beaches, checking out the area stores and roads, and enjoying the coastal weather.  It was over way too soon.

   Wall-E had a great time.  He learned how to jump up into the truck.  He learned how to jump up into the trailer.  He adapted to life in the trailer.  Three dogs in a fifth wheel is a bit crowded, but we all got on very well.  We loved walking on the beach.  Below you will see a small event that happened on day 3.  Randa wanted to walk on the beach and didn't want to get sand in her shoes so she took off her shoes and went barefoot.  She never goes barefoot.  So there she is, walking the beach.

   Time came to head back to the campground.  "I need to wash me feet."  She grabbed a Subway cup and waded out into the surf to get some water..  She did not see the waves heading her way.

I did see them and started to whistle to get her attention.  Finally she dipped her cup and headed back toward the beach.  Luckily she turned around in time.  As you can see the water was above her knees.  She said she could feel the water pulling at her.

   It could have been dangerous, but just ended up being funny.

Fall Leaves

A walk in the park today found me these beauties.

 

Three Dogs on My Wagon. 9.23.2020

Wally (Wall-E) is still with us.  He is adapting to life with the Webers.  This Sunday we are heading for the coast for a 4 day camping trip.  Of course Wally has never been in the trailer.  It will be fun exposing him the Pacific Ocean.  I bet he will love it.  To get ready Randa and I are taking short trips in the truck with all three boys.  For Hunter and Quam, this is "old hat".  Wally came home from Hounds Rest in the truck so it isn't his first time.  But getting in and out and occupying that back seat space with the two boys is a new learning experience.  To make that easier, we are taking this short trips.  

   Yesterday it was Eco Park in the north part of Canby. A nice walking trail  with sunshine filtering through the tall firs.   Today it will be another

Wally the contortionist.  Is he trying to outdo the stuffed dog?

park to explore.  The rain will not stop us.

    Hunter can leap up into the back seat in one magnificent bound.  I'm sure Wally will be able to do it  too, he just needs to be trained.  He is definitely smart enough and strong enough.   We will practice again today.  I will keep you posted.

The Smoke is Gone !

 The Skies are blue.  The sun has been out for a few days.  Life is good.  Right now the the clouds have moved in and we are due for several days of showers.  The rain will be welcome.  We had the awesome Thunder storm at 3am a couple of nights ago.  It dumped several inches of rain on us in a very short time, much of it was lost in run-off.  The rain we receive in the next few days will be slower, gentler and much more useful.  

    We have several solar lights in our backyard.  They were inexpensive ones we bought at Home Depot.  They stay on for a few hours after sunset and then go dark.  During the thunder storm there was much lightning.  After each bolt the lights would blink on for a few seconds.  Evidently lightning can charge solar batteries also, at least briefly.   

Three Dogs on My Wagon

Things are progressing nicely.  Wall-E has pretty well figured out the routine.  If we have a routine.  The smoke from the wildfires has been with us for 10 days so we have been indoors most of the time.  When we did do walks, they were short.  I wore my N95 mask, but the boys were left unprotected.  The weather is slow to offer any help.  The rain predicted for the past Monday, didn't happen.  Same for Tuesday or today.  Tomorrow doesn't look good either.  Our current air quality number is 187.  Not good but a whole lot better than it has been.  We had numbers in the 400s.   

   In past years I have dreaded the end of the dry period.  Not this year.  Come on, rain !  I'm typing this at 4:35.  The big boys are starting to get restless.  Running up and down the hallway, trying to get my attention.  Evidently they thing I am not smart enough to know that it's almost time for their late afternoon walk, which is followed by supper. 

Our noontime walk.

  

Three Dogs on My Wagon Day 3 and 4

 Friday,  I walked the boys under dark orange skies.  It was very eerie.  The only light was a bright redness in the north, the direction of the edge of the smoke cloud.  The boys didn't seem to mind, but I worried about their breathing.  I was wearing , my M95 mask which is not the least comfortable or stylish but effective.  I kept the walk short.

   Wally is doing great.  He seems to be adapting to our house and our rules.  Like any almost two-year old he explores everything, touches everything (with his nose).  Hunter accepts him but thinks of him as competition.  I have to hold Hunter to let Wally finish his food.  Friday morning he finished his meal and tried to get into Wally's.  I now sit nearby and supervise.

   Walking is getting better although three dogs at a time is a challenge.  I perform  quite a dance  during our walks.  I bet I look very rather comical.

   Saturday, the orange skies are gone.  Gray skies replaced them.  Just as bad.  Just as deadly.  The pollution level was near 400.  We spent most of the day indoors.

   

Three Dogs on my Wagon Day 2

Day 2 was Thursday.  What a day!  Wally was fine.  He is coming along fine.  Being a young guy, he is active, always checking things out.  It's like having another two-year old in the house again.  Smelling everything.  Grabbing anything that is lying around, most of the time hearing the words UH UH,  or NO.  Basically, he's learning his boundaries.  You can tell that he is taking it all in.  

   Wally is different from Hunter in many ways.  He is smaller by several inches and probably 15-20 pounds.    He is not as skiddish as Hunter.  He had no hesitation about using the sliding glass door.  Hunter needed to be pulled through the first time.  He is not leash-smart yet but is not freaked out when it wraps around his legs.  He is coming along.  

   The fires are a different problem.  Right now Oregon is ablaze.  About two dozen wild fires are burning in the state.  Several deaths and much destruction.  Portions of at least five towns have been burned.  Whole areas including several towns have been evacuated.  The Fire Bureau has set up a rating system for fire danger.  

   Class 1 - Be Careful Watch out for Hazards

   Class 2 - Fire Danger is close.  Have an evacuation plan. ( Where to go. What to do with animals.                              Prepare RVs. Gather up things that need to be saved.

   Class 3 -  Evacuate.  Get out. Now.

Yesterday  we were told that Canby was now in Class 2.  So we spent the afternoon and evening packing and sorting and loading.  Talking with our neighbors.  Deciding what to take and telling friends and relatives what was happening. Our truck and trailer were loaded and parked in front of the house ready to move out if necessary.  Some neighbors left. Most of us decided to stay and see what happens next.  We all had an app that would call us when the situation worsened.  We all vowed to call one another if we heard.    We went to bed wondering if our phones would ring during the night.

Three Dogs in My Wagon - Day 1

 Yesterday, Wednesday was my day to volunteer at Hounds Rest.  It was it's last day with occupants.  When I arrived there were six dogs there.  With the help of other volunteers from Greyhound Pet Adoption NW they are all at foster homes.  Foster homes provide a temporary home while these     dogs have been raised in a kennel.  They do not know houses, cars, stairs, garage doors.  This is what foster homes are about.  Transition.   The photo is of the vehicle that transports the dogs from Kansas back here to Portland.  

   That brings me to yesterday and the start of our 'foster  adventure'.   Randa and I decided that we needed to be a part of the grey's transition process.  So we have Wally.  Wally is a Fawn-Bryndle.  He is about 20 months old, still needing vetting plus meds for various "puppyhood" preventions.  I loaded him into the truck as we closed up HR.  He settled down pretty much right away for the ride home.  

    We spent the rest of the day mostly indoors, because of the smoke from all the fires nearby, but he explored most of the house, looking and smelling everything.  We kept a close eye on him so that there were no accidents, taking all of the boys "outside" (which means in the backyard ) for a potty break several times.  The day went well. No surprises.  Our boys have seemed to accept Wally and right now  he is asleep in front of the fireplace.

Wally is a young male about 18 months old.  He has not been fixed or vaccinated  and is a sweet boy.  He will be a great companion for his future family. 
 

Canby Car Show 2020

 How many car shows are there  in your area normally during the summer?  Lot, right.  It seems there  is one almost every week-end.  Not it 2020.  Not much of anything, right?

  Well, Canby had one last Saturday.  This one was sponsored by Cuthberts IGA and run by the Rotary club.  But you have to give them credit for the ingenious plan for making it happen and keeping it safe for everyone.   It  was  a "drive through" event.  The event was held at the county fairgrounds.  The vehicles were parked about 10 feet apart on both sides of a route  that wound through the fairground property.  The route was well marked with ropes and flags and masked guides were there to help keep everyone on course.  

    Lots of vehicles.  Lots of variety.  Old - New,  Hot Rods, Customs, Pick ups, Drag Racers,   I think that it was the best show that Canby has ever had probably because it was "the only show in town".  It was a chance to get the rig out of the garage.  Here are some photos.

Love old Porsches.  This Speedster is nice

You don't see many Dodges at shows.  Especially convertibles.

Anybody know what make this is?

My personal favorite.  We had one like it.  Had 2 kids and dog at the time.  Loved it.