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September 28, 2007
IT'S FRIDAY, MY FAVORITE DAY!!
Here it is the end of September ALREADY! I don't know why September goes by so much faster than the other summer months, but my bet is that I am trying to squeeze in as much as I can of summer because I know that fall is just around the corner. I am trying to get those "last minute" projects done before it rains and soak in as much of the sun as I can.
We had a really great time in Ashland last week. It was one of those seasons where every play that we had chosen to see was fantastic. It was a little bit later in September than we usually go and the nights outdoors in the Elizabethan Theater were a little on the chilly side. At least it didn't rain on us.
After leaving Ashland, we stopped and visited with some steamboat friends who live in Eagle Point, which is east of Medford. Their home backs up to a sheep pasture, so it is really peaceful to look out and see all the sheep grazing. After our visit with them, we decided to keep heading east since we had plenty of time before our next night at some other friends who live in Dexter (near Springfield). We ended up driving to Crater Lake and since Dave and I had never seen Crater Lake before (yes, we have lived in Oregon all our lives), we were bit wowed by its magnificent blue water and the surreal sight of a round, mountaintop lake with this indescribable blue water. It was worth the trip, believe me. We plan on spending a night or two at the lodge next fall when we come back to Ashland after the plays. After leaving the lake, we headed north to our next appointed stop - driving through deserts and mountains and thinking how wonderful it us to have this gem right in our own state.
We had a real nice visit with our friends, Ed and Diane Avila. We met them when we were first married and they were our neighbors in Oakland, California more than 40 years ago. Like a lot of Californians that we know, they moved north to Oregon and settled in Dexter. Ed is retired and Diane is on the verge of retiring. They have two sons about the same ages as our daughters and we have spent many good times with them while the kids were growing up. Anyway, it is always fun to see them again and get caught up with what is happening in their lives.
Saturday, we headed back to the coast and home. After being gone for a week, it felt good to be back. We put 800 miles on the Jeep in seven days, and it was parked at Ashland for four of those days! I like going to different places, but I enjoy coming back home even more. We usually go out for breakfast on Sunday, but decided to stay at home and eat some healthy oatmeal instead of eggs. That's another thing I miss - good home cooking, even if I have to do it myself! Anyway, we had been eating in restaurants all week, and really couldn't look at another plate of home fries for breakfast!
Monday, it was back to our usual routine. I started my water aerobics classes that I really needed. It has been nearly a month since I was able to work out over there because they have been closed for construction. I feel like I have gained weight since the last session ended because the old jeans were beginning to feel a little snug around the waist. Anyway, the aerobics instructor had some new "toys" for us to try this time. We all got a pair of webbed gloves to wear and it sure made a difference when I was moving the water around with my hands. My arms were a little tight the next day, so the gloves must be working.
I attended our first garden club meeting of the season on Tuesday. I was a little anxious as I am secretary this year and have to keep the minutes. I got talked into this job and it wasn't as awful as I expected. We have a great schedule planned for the club and we started out our first meeting learning about the art of Bonsai. The new officers had to bring a snack for the first meeting of the year and set up and tear down the tables and chairs so it was quite an undertaking. Luckily this won't be the officer's responsibility each month. I came home and quickly typed up the minutes so that I wouldn't forget anything.
Time for an "awwwww moment". I got a phone call the other evening from my daughter Lara. Apparently she came home from work and Jaysa, her two-year old was all in tears because she missed her grandparents and wanted to come see us. Since it wasn't practical to jump in the car and drive 100 miles down here, Lara decided a phone call would help the situation. Nothing can melt your heart more than hearing the little voice of your two-year old granddaughter telling you how much she misses you.
My second cousin passed away this week so Thursday I went to Portland for his funeral. He had been suffering with diabetes for years and it finally took its toll. It was through his family that I met Dave. My cousins were all friends with Dave when they were in high school and I used to go into Portland and spend the weekend at their place. Because of the friendship, Dave wanted to come with me, but he had to stay home with some previous commitments. After the funeral, I stayed the night in West Linn. I have a hair appointment this morning and then will come home after a quick trip to the grocery store.
It is beginning to feel a little chilly at night after the sun goes down, so we finally cranked the furnace up and got the pilot light lit in the fireplace. According to the weatherman, the weather is going to turn from sunny to rainy this next week, so I guess fall is officially here.
