HR last Wednesday

   Wednesday was another morning at Hounds Rest, the temporary shelter for greyhounds when they first arrive to our area.  The hope is that the vetting, exams, shots, and spay/neutering will go smoothly and the dogs will rapidly be adopted to their new forever loving home.
   As of Wednesday, the population at HR was 18.  Six females. and twelve males.  A very nice bunch of hounds.  They all have different personalities but all are hungry for love and attention.  'they lean into you, stick their heads against you to get petting.  It is both a rewarding and kinda sad experience .
    Here are a couple of pics.

This is Red, a very nice female, trying to get petted.

This is the boys side of the kennel.  Avis is in the nearest stall.The

Black Eyed Susans

How can you look at these without smiling?

Visit to Marquam Hill Ranch

A ride in the country on Saturday.  Following the Marion Farm Loop, a brochure describing local rural businesses.  Didn't hit every stop.  Some were closed due to the virus.  The highlight of the trip, though, was Marquam Hill Ranch, only about 10 miles from our house.  Randa and I spent about an hour listening to a young lady who has worked there since December and has learned a great deal.  Alpacas are easier to handle than Llamas, due to size and temperament, and better fleece .  Alpaca and Llamas do not have lanolin in their fleece so it is better and far more valuable.
Here are some photos I took.  It was a good day.

a Momma

a Cria (baby)

The Coast

Thursday Randa and I took a road trip to the coast.  Actually we were picking up blood from a ARC blood drive in Yachats, a quaint little town on the central coast.  We left home an hour or so early so that we would have time to enjoy the views of the Pacific.  The day was spectacular !  Bright sunshine, warm temps, little or no wind.  A "Chamber of Commerce" day.  A day that makes forget the windy, rainy days of winter,  although I personally love them too.  Here are some photos.

We drove over 300 miles that day, but it was well worth it.

Timberline Lodge part 2

As cool as Timberline is on the inside, the view from the outside is even better.


This photo was taken from an odd angle so it is not sinking into the ground.

A view from the inside

Mt Hood 11,235 ft

Mt Hood - Timberline Lodge part 1

Wednesday Randa and I drove out to Hounds Rest because the new dogs are there.  18 new Greyhounds.  With another volunteer we got them taken care of by 11:30.  Nice bunch of hounds.
   We had decided that while we were already east of Portland why not go further east and drive to Mt Hood.  It had been several years since we visited Timberline Lodge.  Timberline was constructed by the WPA and dedicated in September of 1937.  The WPA utilized quality artisans  in all areas.  Wood carvers, weavers for rugs and wall hangings, black smiths for the iron work. The interior is awesome.

This is the front door carving

Notice the size of these beams.  All carved and pegged.  Craftsmanship.

Very comfortable lobby.

This week with ARC

Two trips this week for ARC.  Both into Washington.  Monday was just a short distance north on I-5 (exit 16) in Ilani Casino.  We couldn't believe the number of cars in the parking lot.  Evidently it is doing very well even with CoVid 19.  The location on I-5 half-way between Portland and Olympia helps too.   Picked up 6 boxes at 7:30 and drove back south.
   Wednesday was a longer journey north.  To Aberdeen.   I-5 north to exit 88, then west on Hwy 12 for 40 miles.  Not knowing the traffic situation, we had left with plenty of time and arrived at the VFW hall where the blood drive was being held an hour early.  I checked in and we went to find food.  We returned at our scheduled pickup time (7:15) and they were packing up.  By 7:45 we had packed up, and gassed up and were on the road.  Smooth sailing most of the way.
    We were cruising south on I-5, Randa was drivng, in the fast lane and came upon a green Jeep Compass in the middle lane.  The car in front of us sped up, changed lanes all the way to the third lane, and slowed down until it was alongside the Jeep.  After a few minutes it took off down the road.  I was watching this maneuver and so I saw why the interest.  A silver gas nozzle was sticking out of the gas door on the right side of the Jeep.  It made me smile to think of what might have happened to get this end result.  How do you drive off without putting the nozzle back in the pump?  Did she not pay?  Did she get a receipt?   Was she on drugs or just stupid?