I thought it was bad getting ambushed by tree branches on last evening's walk, but tonight I was nearly attacked by a skunk. Yes, my legs are still trembling as I share this dreadful encounter.
First of all, that was no drizzle pounding on my hood. But I had to look up and allow my face to get rained on so that I could view the beauty of the rainbow in the dark gray eastern sky, as well as the varying shades of pink clouds as the golden sun sank into the blue skies to the west. I strode much further than I intended, enjoying the beauty of this spectacle in spite of the pattering raindrops. On my way back, I rejoiced as the showers let up slightly...and then I saw it.
An innocent looking little black creature with the tell-tale white stripe down its back, loping along the fence line and frightening the sheep on the other side of the road. Suddenly it veered toward me and ran in the middle of the road just ahead of me. I slowed my steps, and I believe it slowed also. Finally it continued to the side of the road ahead of me, its tail waving menacingly. I became extremely warm and had to unzip my coat. Was I going to throw up? My legs felt weak...I crossed the road, desperate to avoid the threat of eau de skunk. Finally, a long quarter of a mile later, or maybe it was a tenth, but it was a long tenth if that's what it was, the skunk disappeared into the grass of the field. I continued home unscathed. Sort of. But I'm either getting sick or I'm allergic to skunk because I still feel physically shaky! Weird, huh. No, I'm sure it's perfectly normal. And I'm not even going to try to edit this down to fit Facebook's stupid 420 characters for a wall post!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
I FOUND IT!
Have you ever put something in a safe place and then forgot where it was? All of us have done that at one time or another, right? It's just the human condition. Perhaps some of us do it more than our fair share, but the rest of you will get middle aged and forgetful some day too.At least I like to think so.
It's embarrassing, but sometimes it takes me a long time to get around to doing things. Especially if it involves home decor and sewing. Just not my gifts. My parents made me a beautiful quilt top many years ago. It rested safely folded in a bag untl November 2005, when mom offered to quilt it for me. I published a blog about it on 11/13/05. They also gave me some green fabric from the quilt that I was going to use for a bedroom window valance and pillows.
Well, the bag containing that fabric languished safely on a shelf in my closet for many years. While cleaning out my closet one day awhile back, I was tired of feeling guilty every time I saw it. I tucked it safely out of sight somewhere. Recently Will built me a window seat in the dormer area of the bedroom. The fabric would be perfect for a cushion all along the seat, as well as some pillows. I decided to use it for that instead of curtains.
I prepared to do this project one weekend...but could I find that fabric? No, indeed. I searched every drawer and high closet space. I searched through boxes stored in the eaves of my bedroom, rummaging through quaint size 10 clothing that I would never wear even when I reach that size again. I searched through the closet in Naked Room 1 (aka NR1), where Will has efficiently stored things in the closet. I looked through the shelves in the closet of the computer room. I looked under my bed, where there are some boxes of important necessities that I never need. Where in the world could it have gone? I worried that I had accidentally put it in a bag of discards and sent it to Goodwill.
Well, yesterday when I tried to open the blinds in the bedroom, (which must be done gently because it's been very delicate for awhile), I just plain broke it. Now it is stuck halfway open, which is not a good thing in a large bedroom window. So I must have that fabric to match to some curtains. I came home today determined to find it.
I examined the closet in NR1 and the computer room again. No luck. Suddenly a thought struck me. What if I possibly had folded it over a hanger and hung it in the back of the closet? I rifled through my rack of clothing. No luck. Then I hunted through Will's rack, and sure enough, way in the back corner, completely hidden behind the suits he never wears any more, was a hanger with the fabric folded over it!
So now I shall take it with me to shop for curtains. (If I'm smart, I'll call my decorating consultant/niece Jody first), then see how badly I can mess up a simple sewing project like covering a big thick piece of foam with fabric. And pillows, how can you mess them up? Unless you want to make them fancier than just two squares of the same fabric. Hmmm. How long will it take me, and how frustrated will I get? It's already been 5 1/2 years, so I guess there's really no big rush!
The really exciting part is that I found the missing fabric! I haven't lost my mind after all!
It's embarrassing, but sometimes it takes me a long time to get around to doing things. Especially if it involves home decor and sewing. Just not my gifts. My parents made me a beautiful quilt top many years ago. It rested safely folded in a bag untl November 2005, when mom offered to quilt it for me. I published a blog about it on 11/13/05. They also gave me some green fabric from the quilt that I was going to use for a bedroom window valance and pillows.
Well, the bag containing that fabric languished safely on a shelf in my closet for many years. While cleaning out my closet one day awhile back, I was tired of feeling guilty every time I saw it. I tucked it safely out of sight somewhere. Recently Will built me a window seat in the dormer area of the bedroom. The fabric would be perfect for a cushion all along the seat, as well as some pillows. I decided to use it for that instead of curtains.
I prepared to do this project one weekend...but could I find that fabric? No, indeed. I searched every drawer and high closet space. I searched through boxes stored in the eaves of my bedroom, rummaging through quaint size 10 clothing that I would never wear even when I reach that size again. I searched through the closet in Naked Room 1 (aka NR1), where Will has efficiently stored things in the closet. I looked through the shelves in the closet of the computer room. I looked under my bed, where there are some boxes of important necessities that I never need. Where in the world could it have gone? I worried that I had accidentally put it in a bag of discards and sent it to Goodwill.
Well, yesterday when I tried to open the blinds in the bedroom, (which must be done gently because it's been very delicate for awhile), I just plain broke it. Now it is stuck halfway open, which is not a good thing in a large bedroom window. So I must have that fabric to match to some curtains. I came home today determined to find it.
I examined the closet in NR1 and the computer room again. No luck. Suddenly a thought struck me. What if I possibly had folded it over a hanger and hung it in the back of the closet? I rifled through my rack of clothing. No luck. Then I hunted through Will's rack, and sure enough, way in the back corner, completely hidden behind the suits he never wears any more, was a hanger with the fabric folded over it!
So now I shall take it with me to shop for curtains. (If I'm smart, I'll call my decorating consultant/niece Jody first), then see how badly I can mess up a simple sewing project like covering a big thick piece of foam with fabric. And pillows, how can you mess them up? Unless you want to make them fancier than just two squares of the same fabric. Hmmm. How long will it take me, and how frustrated will I get? It's already been 5 1/2 years, so I guess there's really no big rush!
The really exciting part is that I found the missing fabric! I haven't lost my mind after all!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Traditions
Over 20 years ago as Easter approached, we were talking with some friends and realized none of us had any plans for Easter dinner, so we got together at our house out on Tennessee Road. I have a picture of three-year-old Craig in his little blue shorts, matching bow tie and white shirt next to our friends' son Chad, also dressed in Easter finery. Every year since then, we have alternated getting together at each others homes for Easter dinner. Sometime we didn't all make it, and often we added other friends to the mix. I have pictures of the kids lined up with baskets getting ready for their Easter egg hunt in the various back yards over many years. Easter egg hunts have been history for awhile, and it's been even longer since I got a picture of any of my boys sporting any Easter finery!
This year was my turn to host and I regretfully let the others know that it will be my last time. We spent Easter with family last year, and I would like to be free to do that. So we greatly enjoyed the last of the traditional Easter dinners with our friends the Davies and Yates today. They brought great food and some of their family, and the door will never be closed to any of them if they need a place to go at Easter!
I thought I had a page with Easter pictures through the years in one of the boys scrapbooks, so I got them out and they looked for them. Didn't find any - I must not have got there yet. I know I have a file folder full of them just waiting to be scrapbooked! In the meantime, it was fun to look at the scrapbooks.
So did you notice Eric's new hairstyle? We were a little surprised when he walked through the door. It was getting pretty long and shaggy, so he decided to give himself a mullet for a few days as he transitioned to a shorter haircut.
Unfortunately, he says he has received so much positive feedback that he might keep it a little longer.
Nick's hair sure looks good though, doesn't it?
Hmmm, I suppose with a haircut like that Eric is sure to be greeted with laughter or envious glances wherever he goes. Too bad I gave away my fur vest, he might really like it!
This year was my turn to host and I regretfully let the others know that it will be my last time. We spent Easter with family last year, and I would like to be free to do that. So we greatly enjoyed the last of the traditional Easter dinners with our friends the Davies and Yates today. They brought great food and some of their family, and the door will never be closed to any of them if they need a place to go at Easter!
I thought I had a page with Easter pictures through the years in one of the boys scrapbooks, so I got them out and they looked for them. Didn't find any - I must not have got there yet. I know I have a file folder full of them just waiting to be scrapbooked! In the meantime, it was fun to look at the scrapbooks.
So did you notice Eric's new hairstyle? We were a little surprised when he walked through the door. It was getting pretty long and shaggy, so he decided to give himself a mullet for a few days as he transitioned to a shorter haircut.
Unfortunately, he says he has received so much positive feedback that he might keep it a little longer.
Nick's hair sure looks good though, doesn't it?
Hmmm, I suppose with a haircut like that Eric is sure to be greeted with laughter or envious glances wherever he goes. Too bad I gave away my fur vest, he might really like it!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
God is Good
Yesterday I learned that I do NOT have the “breast cancer gene”. I almost jumped for joy. With a family history like mine, it’s only natural that I have wondered about the possibility for many years. I remember when I first read that there was a genetic test to show whether you had inherited a mutation that gave you a very high probability of getting breast cancer. I didn’t think it was a test I would ever do, but recent circumstances caused it to happen.
My mother discovered a lump on her breast when she was 40 years old and soon had a mastectomy on her left side. She never fully regained her health, and was diagnosed with bone cancer a few years later. She went on to her heavenly reward soon after her 45th birthday. A few years ago, my older sister had breast cancer that was caught early and removed with a lumpectomy. So it seemed quite likely to me that breast cancer could possibly be in my future. But, as I noticed on a walk the other day, as long as the sun is shining high in the sky, I can easily ignore all the dark clouds on the horizon! I didn’t spend much time worrying about cancer, but I couldn’t help but occasionally notice that dark cloud and wonder what would happen if it ever moved in.
I started having yearly mammograms at age 40, and now at the ripe old age of 52, three out of my last four mammograms have had abnormalities that necessitated further testing. I dread mammograms. I even kept "forgetting" to schedule the last one because I found it easier to ignore it than deal with it. Will this one be the time that cancer is discovered? Well, what I don’t know won’t hurt me, right? Ridiculous and immature, I know! Fortunately my husband’s strong encouragement made me schedule the appointment!
Here’s the short version of what happened since the mammogram in December…”We are scheduling a needle biopsy as soon as possible because we do not like this suspicious area!” (Needle biopsies are almost as bad as the dentist…and that’s the second time I’ve had one.)…Biopsy results are “atypical ductal hyperplasia” aka precancerous cells….Referred to a surgeon…must get the bad cells out because there is 50% chance they will turn into cancer. Must biopsy the whole thing….Wake up laughing uncontrollably after the outpatient surgery and can’t stop laughing. ”The doctor must be a comedian.” (NOT!) Good times….Results: no malignancy…Didn’t like follow up appointment with surgeon who did not take out all the bad cells because “fingers” spread out from the core. ”But don’t worry, we’ll montor and catch it early if it turns cancerous” Goodbye Dr…Referred to a breast surgeon specialist who recommended genetic testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2)…Referred to oncologist for genetic counseling. She is so happy to see someone without cancer and believes preventing is much preferable to treating. Too bad her nurse couldn’t find a vein to draw blood and finally had to take it from my hand (oops too many details).
So here we are finally in April and I finally got the great phone call yesterday that I do NOT have the genetic mutation. But the doc is still concerned about the bad cells that were left behind and recommends another consultation with the breast surgeon specialist. So it’s not over yet.
I remember my mother commenting how we don’t appreciate our good health until we lose it. Because of her, I have always been very thankful that God has blessed me with the gift of excellent health. Over the past four months as I waited for the results of each step and thought about how life would change with a cancer diagnosis, God’s peace that passes understanding was with me. Anxiety about the future cannot take hold when I look back on my past – more than 52 years of God’s love and faithfulness sustaining me. All the hard things that have happened in my life have given me a solid basis for knowing that God is in control. Those hard things so far have not included much physical suffering or illness for myself, my husband or children. That can change at any moment, but I have no doubt I can trust God and rest in His limitless, unfathomable love and kindness. I was constantly reminded of this as well because on January 9 through April 7, I was reading the Bible through in 90 days in a schedule promoted by our church. Spending that much time in God's Word is a great way to keep focused on Him!
I have also been doing some research about cancer prevention. Although I've read and heard it before, it really hit home that the most important ways to reduce my cancer risk are eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. I tend to go in spurts on all those things. I love to eat and am not very disciplined. My feet hurt and I hate walking when it’s cold or wet. I have finally quit telling myself, “It’s ok to go ahead and indulge today. I’ll do better tomorrow.” Tomorrow is here and it’s time to stop making excuses! I dare not ask God to continue to bless me with good health if I refuse to use the common sense He gave me and do my part!
It is a joy to share each day (even the rainy ones) with all my beloved friends and family in this beautiful world that God created. There is even more joy in anticipating eternal life in the presence of God in a world with no more pain or tears! God is good.
My mother discovered a lump on her breast when she was 40 years old and soon had a mastectomy on her left side. She never fully regained her health, and was diagnosed with bone cancer a few years later. She went on to her heavenly reward soon after her 45th birthday. A few years ago, my older sister had breast cancer that was caught early and removed with a lumpectomy. So it seemed quite likely to me that breast cancer could possibly be in my future. But, as I noticed on a walk the other day, as long as the sun is shining high in the sky, I can easily ignore all the dark clouds on the horizon! I didn’t spend much time worrying about cancer, but I couldn’t help but occasionally notice that dark cloud and wonder what would happen if it ever moved in.
I started having yearly mammograms at age 40, and now at the ripe old age of 52, three out of my last four mammograms have had abnormalities that necessitated further testing. I dread mammograms. I even kept "forgetting" to schedule the last one because I found it easier to ignore it than deal with it. Will this one be the time that cancer is discovered? Well, what I don’t know won’t hurt me, right? Ridiculous and immature, I know! Fortunately my husband’s strong encouragement made me schedule the appointment!
Here’s the short version of what happened since the mammogram in December…”We are scheduling a needle biopsy as soon as possible because we do not like this suspicious area!” (Needle biopsies are almost as bad as the dentist…and that’s the second time I’ve had one.)…Biopsy results are “atypical ductal hyperplasia” aka precancerous cells….Referred to a surgeon…must get the bad cells out because there is 50% chance they will turn into cancer. Must biopsy the whole thing….Wake up laughing uncontrollably after the outpatient surgery and can’t stop laughing. ”The doctor must be a comedian.” (NOT!) Good times….Results: no malignancy…Didn’t like follow up appointment with surgeon who did not take out all the bad cells because “fingers” spread out from the core. ”But don’t worry, we’ll montor and catch it early if it turns cancerous” Goodbye Dr…Referred to a breast surgeon specialist who recommended genetic testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2)…Referred to oncologist for genetic counseling. She is so happy to see someone without cancer and believes preventing is much preferable to treating. Too bad her nurse couldn’t find a vein to draw blood and finally had to take it from my hand (oops too many details).
So here we are finally in April and I finally got the great phone call yesterday that I do NOT have the genetic mutation. But the doc is still concerned about the bad cells that were left behind and recommends another consultation with the breast surgeon specialist. So it’s not over yet.
I remember my mother commenting how we don’t appreciate our good health until we lose it. Because of her, I have always been very thankful that God has blessed me with the gift of excellent health. Over the past four months as I waited for the results of each step and thought about how life would change with a cancer diagnosis, God’s peace that passes understanding was with me. Anxiety about the future cannot take hold when I look back on my past – more than 52 years of God’s love and faithfulness sustaining me. All the hard things that have happened in my life have given me a solid basis for knowing that God is in control. Those hard things so far have not included much physical suffering or illness for myself, my husband or children. That can change at any moment, but I have no doubt I can trust God and rest in His limitless, unfathomable love and kindness. I was constantly reminded of this as well because on January 9 through April 7, I was reading the Bible through in 90 days in a schedule promoted by our church. Spending that much time in God's Word is a great way to keep focused on Him!
I have also been doing some research about cancer prevention. Although I've read and heard it before, it really hit home that the most important ways to reduce my cancer risk are eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. I tend to go in spurts on all those things. I love to eat and am not very disciplined. My feet hurt and I hate walking when it’s cold or wet. I have finally quit telling myself, “It’s ok to go ahead and indulge today. I’ll do better tomorrow.” Tomorrow is here and it’s time to stop making excuses! I dare not ask God to continue to bless me with good health if I refuse to use the common sense He gave me and do my part!
It is a joy to share each day (even the rainy ones) with all my beloved friends and family in this beautiful world that God created. There is even more joy in anticipating eternal life in the presence of God in a world with no more pain or tears! God is good.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Lunch Breaks
I am on the patio in the sun with Zeek, being a good wife who comes home on her lunch break to let the dog out while the master is fishing in someone else’s boat. Not that he needs to be let out. He's been inside since about 4:00 am but he has yet to take advantage of his outdoor restroom. Oh well, it’s a better lunch break than the one on Wednesday when I lost something.
I was driving down 9th Street at about noon with thousands of other people when I heard a rattling noise. My rearview mirror showed something bouncing over to the side of the road, so I thought whatever it was must have hit my tire. Then I noticed the crazy woman behind me, talking on her cell phone, blinking her lights, and waving her arms. She pulled up beside me at the next stoplight. I cautiously lowered my window a bit an she yelled that my hubcap fell off but fortunately she avoided it.
So I went back and took a stroll in the gray drizzle to search for it. The good news is, I found it. The bad news is, I almost didn’t recognize it. I had no idea my hubcaps were made from cheap plastic! Look at this!
I continued on to my previous destination, Kohls. The hubcap was missing from the front right tire. Looks pretty tacky. As I was about to get in my car to leave, a guy got out of his car directly across from me and said, “Nice car.” It appeared to me that he was looking at my ugly hubcapless tire. I stared at him in open mouthed disbelief. How incomprehensible that someone would already be dissing me for driving a heap of junk! He gestured toward his car and I realized that our cars were exactly alike, except that he had four hubcaps. So I tried to remove the stupid look from my face and mentioned that I had just lost a hubcap which got destroyed. He did not take the hint and offer me one of his.
I was shocked at Will's response when I told him. “You have to stop driving so fast!” was his edict. How judgmental!
I was shocked again to learn that a new hubcap costs $88!
I was driving down 9th Street at about noon with thousands of other people when I heard a rattling noise. My rearview mirror showed something bouncing over to the side of the road, so I thought whatever it was must have hit my tire. Then I noticed the crazy woman behind me, talking on her cell phone, blinking her lights, and waving her arms. She pulled up beside me at the next stoplight. I cautiously lowered my window a bit an she yelled that my hubcap fell off but fortunately she avoided it.
So I went back and took a stroll in the gray drizzle to search for it. The good news is, I found it. The bad news is, I almost didn’t recognize it. I had no idea my hubcaps were made from cheap plastic! Look at this!
I continued on to my previous destination, Kohls. The hubcap was missing from the front right tire. Looks pretty tacky. As I was about to get in my car to leave, a guy got out of his car directly across from me and said, “Nice car.” It appeared to me that he was looking at my ugly hubcapless tire. I stared at him in open mouthed disbelief. How incomprehensible that someone would already be dissing me for driving a heap of junk! He gestured toward his car and I realized that our cars were exactly alike, except that he had four hubcaps. So I tried to remove the stupid look from my face and mentioned that I had just lost a hubcap which got destroyed. He did not take the hint and offer me one of his.
I was shocked at Will's response when I told him. “You have to stop driving so fast!” was his edict. How judgmental!
I was shocked again to learn that a new hubcap costs $88!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Could it be Spring?!
What a heavenly day! I strolled through Garland Nursery, surrounded by the sights and smells of spring flowers, accompanied by the friendly warm sun and blue skies! When I got home, I was greeted by the sight and fragrance of two hyacinths and a tulip that had finally opened up by my front door! My kitchen was filled with beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables from the day’s shopping. I had to put my sunglasses on before going out for an evening walk. I got to chat with a neighbor who was also out enjoying the evening. I walked by the park, full of kids (in shorts and tshirts) and parents, playing catch, shooting hoops, enjoying the playground. There was even an old guy jumping rope!
The sight of these brings me joy! And the fragrance! What an awesome Creator!
A beautiful magnolia and forsythia combination.
As I walked away from this place, I said hello to a gentleman taking his evening walk. He asked if the old gal there had offered me a bouquet. She gave him a big bouquet this morning when he walked by!
A gorgeous star magnolia in the neighborhood.
My first tulip!
I kept looking up at the gorgeous blue dome above me. I haven’t seen so much blue sky in a long time! There were many dark clouds along the horizon, but it is quite easy to ignore dark clouds on the horizon when the sun is shining!
Blue skies, warm sunshine, flowers, kids playing,….could it be Spring!? Thank you God, for every time you push the clouds away to let us enjoy the sun in your blue sky!
The sight of these brings me joy! And the fragrance! What an awesome Creator!
A beautiful magnolia and forsythia combination.
As I walked away from this place, I said hello to a gentleman taking his evening walk. He asked if the old gal there had offered me a bouquet. She gave him a big bouquet this morning when he walked by!
A gorgeous star magnolia in the neighborhood.
My first tulip!
I kept looking up at the gorgeous blue dome above me. I haven’t seen so much blue sky in a long time! There were many dark clouds along the horizon, but it is quite easy to ignore dark clouds on the horizon when the sun is shining!
Blue skies, warm sunshine, flowers, kids playing,….could it be Spring!? Thank you God, for every time you push the clouds away to let us enjoy the sun in your blue sky!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Spring Break Falls
Spring Break has been here and is gone for another year. I had to work a couple of days, but Wednesday seemed to have the least threatening weather, so we went out and explored a National Scenic Area.
We took a scenic drive to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood for lunch. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds and the 55 degree temperatures turned to 28 degrees with light swirling snow by the time we arrived there.
Naturally, the first thing to look for was the restrooms. Will led us into the ski lodge and disappeared. I spotted a big "Restrooms" sign and thought I was walking down a hallway toward them but suddenly found myself in the men's room. Yikes! As I whirled around to leave, a kind man asked me if I was looking for someone. Really?! Good grief! They need to label these things better!
The brunch buffet in the lodge was very delicious and enjoyable. One unlucky waitress kept dropping things and breaking glass, but fortunately we weren't in her area. Our charming waiter happened to be a long time friend of Craig’s, so that was fun too. (He beat me at texting Craig the news. Darn younger generation!)
Brrr. We left the cold and blowing snowflakes behind us eventually as we took the “Mt. Hood Scenic Loop” (Hwy 35 to Hood River) then back along the Columbia Gorge. We took the Historic Columbia River Highway and enjoyed all the waterfalls along the way. Five of them, with only one that wasn’t visible from the road!
The first one was Horsetail Falls. Will drove past it and then asked if I wanted to stop. Thus we were immediately able to establish that I ALWAYS want to stop at waterfalls! Though our four-door long bed pickup wasn’t really made to do u-turns with ease, Will managed to make a quick turn around!
Next was Multnomah Falls, where of course we have been before. We got good coffees and Will found a place to sit and enjoy the view. While I was taking a picture, a sweet lady came along, mentioned that it looked like he found the best seat in the area and joined him. Yep, he is just irresistible to women over 60 and under 6!
I left him with his new friend and hiked on up to the bridge. I thought the little waterfall along the way was beautiful too!
A little further down the road was Bridal Veil Falls. Just a quick glimpse was visible along the road, so we parked and took a little walk to see it. Zeek got to come along.
Next came Shepperds Dell, which I was unable to satisfactorily photograph because of its height.
Latourell Falls was the final one. We ran out of time to walk closer because darkness was coming soon.
Last but not least, we stopped at the Crown Point Vista House, with panoramic views of the Gorge and mountains…but the clouds limited the view that day.
We felt very fortunate that the rain didn’t fall until we were almost done viewing the last waterfall! I can’t believe we haven’t done a little more exploring in the area. I look forward to another trip on a sunny day when the wildflowers are blooming and we have time to hike a little more to get closer to the various falls. Also there are a couple more that we didn’t see because you have to hike a little to get to them.
I LOVE living in the Pacific Northwest!
Oh, one more thing...at 8:03 pm as we were driving down I-5, I realized I was missing American Idol. Will was able to walk me through the DVR app on his phone. We actually got it programmed to record and it worked!! So I got to watch it when we got home. I LOVE modern technology!!
We took a scenic drive to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood for lunch. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds and the 55 degree temperatures turned to 28 degrees with light swirling snow by the time we arrived there.
Naturally, the first thing to look for was the restrooms. Will led us into the ski lodge and disappeared. I spotted a big "Restrooms" sign and thought I was walking down a hallway toward them but suddenly found myself in the men's room. Yikes! As I whirled around to leave, a kind man asked me if I was looking for someone. Really?! Good grief! They need to label these things better!
The brunch buffet in the lodge was very delicious and enjoyable. One unlucky waitress kept dropping things and breaking glass, but fortunately we weren't in her area. Our charming waiter happened to be a long time friend of Craig’s, so that was fun too. (He beat me at texting Craig the news. Darn younger generation!)
Brrr. We left the cold and blowing snowflakes behind us eventually as we took the “Mt. Hood Scenic Loop” (Hwy 35 to Hood River) then back along the Columbia Gorge. We took the Historic Columbia River Highway and enjoyed all the waterfalls along the way. Five of them, with only one that wasn’t visible from the road!
The first one was Horsetail Falls. Will drove past it and then asked if I wanted to stop. Thus we were immediately able to establish that I ALWAYS want to stop at waterfalls! Though our four-door long bed pickup wasn’t really made to do u-turns with ease, Will managed to make a quick turn around!
Next was Multnomah Falls, where of course we have been before. We got good coffees and Will found a place to sit and enjoy the view. While I was taking a picture, a sweet lady came along, mentioned that it looked like he found the best seat in the area and joined him. Yep, he is just irresistible to women over 60 and under 6!
I left him with his new friend and hiked on up to the bridge. I thought the little waterfall along the way was beautiful too!
A little further down the road was Bridal Veil Falls. Just a quick glimpse was visible along the road, so we parked and took a little walk to see it. Zeek got to come along.
Next came Shepperds Dell, which I was unable to satisfactorily photograph because of its height.
Latourell Falls was the final one. We ran out of time to walk closer because darkness was coming soon.
Last but not least, we stopped at the Crown Point Vista House, with panoramic views of the Gorge and mountains…but the clouds limited the view that day.
We felt very fortunate that the rain didn’t fall until we were almost done viewing the last waterfall! I can’t believe we haven’t done a little more exploring in the area. I look forward to another trip on a sunny day when the wildflowers are blooming and we have time to hike a little more to get closer to the various falls. Also there are a couple more that we didn’t see because you have to hike a little to get to them.
I LOVE living in the Pacific Northwest!
Oh, one more thing...at 8:03 pm as we were driving down I-5, I realized I was missing American Idol. Will was able to walk me through the DVR app on his phone. We actually got it programmed to record and it worked!! So I got to watch it when we got home. I LOVE modern technology!!
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