Road Trippin'

 LONG, LONG RIDE.

Did I mention it was a long drive?

But the beauty was spectacular and memorable.

HOH Rain Forest in Oregon.  Absolutely breathtaking and unique.

This sign totally made me laugh - and think of Lisa and Don Sjogren.  She LOVES to shop!

The longest beach in America to drive on...so unique.

Another sign that made me laugh.  Oh, those liberal Oregonians.

Just an ordinary drive in the rain forest.  Love all the green.

A beach along the highway in Oregon.  Windy and rocky; not like California  and Florida beaches but incredible still.

First night campground.  I could not get over the green after driving thru Nevada.

I decided to wear my Ricks shirt one day and to see if anyone mentioned it.  Coming out of Mo's famous chowder restaurant, this girl just looked at me and said, "My husband graduated from there a week ago!"  Loved it and had to take a picture, of course.  What young girl even knows the name Ricks?  

Landon is in dental school in Portland, so we stoped to take him and his lovely wife, Halsey to dinner.  My goodness; they are so awesome and cute together.

Sometimes museums are just so incredible and awesome.  As was this one in Astoria, Oregon.  I learned so much and was astounded at so much.  I don't remember anything, but, man, did I think it was so great that we went there.

WHO KNEW?  War is HELL!

WE've been to the tower of Astoria before, but we weren't able to climb the steps because of Covid.  

Look at the roots on that tree; so fascinating.

God has created such an incredible world; filled with wonderful scenery and wonderful people.  What a grand adventure we had, and YES, you are right; we were glad to get home!

Now, It's the Men's Turn...

 ...to get together for a lovely, delicious meal.

If the women do, let's give equal time to the men.  

So, here they are getting acquainted with a fairly new member of the neighborhood:

Allen, Mike Allam, Tom Ericsson, and Buck Dienes, who has recently moved here.  What a life that guy has lived!  He has served as a missionary in several foreign countries.  He met his wife while abroad.  They are religious and good people.  

It's important to fellowship others.  And, it's FUN!

The Mother Outside My Window

 

This is the 2nd year that Whirly showed up to build her nest.  Last year, two little humming birds emerged from that tiny next.  And, Whirly flew off into the great wide world.

We tried to prevent her from nesting here this summer, but she was persistent, so here she is.  We don't mind having a hummingbird, really, but out patio was a big mess after she left!

As I watch Whirly outside our window, I am so reminded of mothers; both human and in the animal kingdom.

What a sacrifice they make for hatching or birthing their young.  She has to be still for long periods of time, which is so totally unlike her regular lifestyle.  Human mothers get big and tired and swollen and more tired.  

WOW!  It's not easy to be a mother, no matter what kingdom it is.  

Here's to mothers everywhere, even the little tiny ones outside my dining room window!

It's PICNIC Time!

 Bring your own sandwich and come join us for a good time!

Gigi couldn't come, but, Kathy did.  She doesn't get out much, so it was fun to see her and have her join us.  

Then, Loretta, Elaine, and Donna came.

She's Depressed

 ...and I don't know how to help.

Each week, we try to something together.

Today, was a group activity, but she didn't come.  

HOW DO I HELP!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Her husband has dementia; getting worse.  She is apprehensive about that and all it entails.

And, who wouldn't be?

If ONLY I KNEW HOW TO TRULY HELP?!?!?!?