My trip to Sisters, Oregon part 1

 I have been here in Oregon for 6 weeks, and will be leaving for home next week.  I haven't been able to do much in the way of sightseeing so Jim and Betty decided I needed to go to the mountains for the day.  We left Springfield around 10 AM and headed to the McKenzie river.  First stop was to get a cup of coffee for Jim, He is seldom without a cup of coffee in his hand.  

The road is beautiful, the trees are amazing.  Our first stop was Leaburg.  This small town was devastated by a forest fire in 2020.  My nieces brother in law lived there in a log cabin.  That, along with every structure (as far as I know) was destroyed by the fire.  The town is coming back to life.  A new library is up and running.  A community flower area is being built.  There is a general store in the process of being built and quite a few modular homes in place.  The trees are going to take years to grow back, but I did find some holly growing wild out by the community outhouse.  

I was a typical tourist along the way gawking the huge trees and the devastation caused by the fire.  It's hard to understand the destruction unless you see it.  Betty said the residents of this city ran across the bridge to an athletic field when the fire got to close.  They were afraid the fire was going to jump the river and take them out.  I can't imagine the fear those people must have felt. 

The difference between Oregonians and Midwesterners

 I am Midwest born and raised.  I had some wanderlust when I was young but ended up back in Nebraska, then to Iowa.  All of my "raisin" is influenced by the way of friendly Midwest ways.  

My beautiful niece Theresa is born and raised in Eugene Oregon.  She has learned everything she was influenced by mostly in Oregon with a small bit of Midwest from her visits to Grandpa and Grandma's house.  This woman is the sweetest, kindest, most considerate person you could ever want to meet. 

A few weeks ago I went to Theresa and Joe's house for lunch.  We had a wonderful afternoon with an amazing lunch and great conversation.  When I decided it was time to leave I announced my intention and Theresa and Lisa (my great niece) started gathering up whatever was on the table and got ready to see me off.  I was out the door and on my way in less than 1/2 an hour.   

If this lunch had taken place in Nebraska or Iowa the host would have recognized my need to leave, then start up an entirely new conversation.  Needing to take my leave I would move toward the door but would need to look at something that was forgotten all day, and another conversation.  This would continue for a good hour or more.  My host would walk me out to my car, then remember something she/he wanted to send home with me.  Another conversation would take place, maybe going back into the house, or out to the chicken coop to look at something.  Along the way we might need to take a look at the garden and perhaps pick a few vegetables.  By the time I actually get in my car and head for home a couple of hours has passed, and it is likely getting dark outside.  Midwestern people are way to cordial and time thieves.  (LOL)  My sister Betty has lived in Oregon for 60+ years .... she is still a midwestern girl at heart.  (I wonder how I am going to be able to get on the train on time when I leave!!)

Shopping bags ... no problem.

 Going to the store in Oregon is a little different than in the Midwest.  You have to think ahead and know how much stuff you are going to buy.  In Oregon shopping bags are not included so you must bring your own.  Marge has a bunch of them in her car, she remembers to take them in with her.  I didn't remember this the first trip to Walmart (to be honest, I didn't remember for any store ... and I am 3 weeks into this adventure).  I came out of Walmart with all of my stuff in the cart and no bags.  Apparently the security people must be used to that because no one stopped me.  Try that in Omaha and security is going to be all over you in a heartbeat.  The really nice thing about no shopping bags, I don't see plastic bags in the trees, stuck in fences and all over the ground.  I love how clean everything is out here.  

I love this Dolly Parton Quote

 If my attitude needs more adjusting, I visualize God holding me upside down and shaking all the negative stuff — fears, doubts, insecurities — right out of me. Try it. Ask God to turn you upside down! It’s a surefire pick-me-up.

Adventures in getting around the city.

 Marge can't drive [because of the medication she is on] so handed me a set of keys when I got here and said I could use her car whenever I wanted, as long as I was here to drive her to appointments.  I have set out on my own a few times, but seem to get turned around even with my maps feature on, telling me where to go.  My first time driving alone I turned the wrong way down a 3 lane one way street.  YIKES it is a very busy road and thankfully God was watching out for me that I didn't get into an accident .... the cars were stopped at a red light and I was able to quickly pull into a driveway and get off that busy road.  I almost needed to go change my pants after that mistake.  

I just can't seem to get my bearings ... as far as knowing what direction I am going.  Yesterday I followed the maps feature and got exactly where I wanted to go after dropping Marge at PT ... but coming back I again got turned around and maps got me into the wrong lane and I could not get back to the place I dropped her.  Thankfully I was only 10 minutes late picking her up and the weather was amazing so she was OK with that!

The weather here has been pretty amazing.  There is a chill in the air, so I know that fall is coming soon but it is beautiful now.  I loved seeing all the orchards here.  I guess I forgot how much fruit is grown in this valley.  I remember years and years ago when I lived here we found an old abandoned orchard. We were allowed to harvest whatever we wanted in that orchard.  That was the beginning of my canning experiences.   

More adventures

 

Poor Marge is hurting from the Physical Therapy.  She was doing so well, then it set in!  She is getting better but she is hurting.  

We still try to get out and have some fun.  Today we took a drive to a farm.  Marge needed to spend her farmers  market money before it expired.  I had a great time buying some fruit and goodies.  Marge and I ate just junk this afternoon/evening.  My tummy is not real happy with me ... hopefully I eat more healthy tomorrow.  

Marge has two little ankle biter dogs.   The one on the left is Baby and she is a dear head Chihuahua.  Marge has had her for 13+ years.  The one on the right is Tara, she was adopted by Marge just a year or two ago.  She is an apple head Chihuahua.  When I first came here they were both leery of me and tried to stay far from me.  Both of them are warming up to me, Baby even comes up close to me wanting to bet pets.  They sometimes even want me to pick them up for short periods of time. 

 

Adventures in Oregon

 I have been in Oregon for 1 1/2 weeks now.  Marge had her surgery and came out of it like a rock star.  We were supposed to be at the hospital bright and early on Monday morning.  We got there and got her checked in and prepped for surgery. The rest of the family started trickling in, first Betty and Jim with Tammy then Theresa.  We sat in the waiting room for hours waiting for news that she had come through surgery.  We had a wonderful time visiting, laughing and enjoying each others company.  Theresa, being the ever thoughtful person she is brought snacks and bottles of water, that was amazing!   As it happens so often with surgery she got pushed back and didn't get finished until around noon.  Marge was kind of groggy but came around when we all went into her room and kept her awake with our chatter.  Apparently the staff of the hospital noticed us laughing and talking.  They told Marge about us several times.  

She was able to come home Monday evening and has been recovering very well.  She is walking without her walker or cane while in the house.  She doesn't like going to Physical therapy, but is doing it anyway.

Yesterday we drove into Eugene and went to a  store I have wanted to visit for years.  Mountain Rose Herbs.  It is a beautiful store.  It is full of essential oils, herbs, Tincher's, teas, just everything you can imagine in a herb shop.  I spent a lot of money in there, but probably less than I thought I might.  I might want to go back again before I go home.