We got Snow!

Oregon Snow Day

We got snow and it is cold enough to not melt... yet. I hope nobody gets hurt, as I see people sliding up and down the Avenue out front. One car is still stuck in the ditch since early morning, and no attempts to rescue the car have been successful. The view is pretty and reminds me of home, especially when the temperature stays low. But the view of 'the Hood' is awesome, that's one thing you don't see in Minnesota. They are getting a snowstorm, too, but are definitely more prepared for it. They don't salt roads here, but I have seen some sprinkles of sand/gravel on the on-ramp one morning. They are allowed to use studded tires. Guess I'll just stay home and get stuff done, package to send and gifts to wrap, there's always something to do. ttfn

Light Parade

Light Parade and Christmas Play

Tonight was Willamina's Light Parade with vehicles donned in Christmas lights, most being lit by generators, some were on horseback, motorcycles, bikes, etc. I don't know how they kept their lights lit. Anyway, it was very nice, lots of police and fire sirens sounding off to make it more astonishing. Mom, Judi and I went to the church afterwards, where we were treated to a very nice dessert and coffee before their Christmas play. It was great, with a good script and actors/actresses that made it very funny.

Christmas Party

Judi invited Art & I to her company Christmas Dinner and Party. It was really nice, good food, nice people, beautiful surroundings complete with Santa, elves, a clown, lots of children and babies. Non was not able to come because of a medical scan which was done on his back, so Art had nobody to gab with. He did enjoy browsing through the Museum. This was our first time in this one, and it is amazing. Thanks, Sis!

Space Museum

Thanksgiving Dinner

Another Thanksgiving Dinner down the tubes, Turkey, Ham and everything else you need for this holiday. Dad, Mom, Non, Judi, Vern, Me, Art, John - 8 of us, just filled the table. We are very thankful to be all together this year and for the bounty, who knows what next year will bring? I sure miss the kids and grandkids, and it doesn't seem that long ago that we were seated around the table with them, eating our Thanksgiving meal and watching snowflakes fall. Those memories are precious to me, especially now, with everyone so far away.

Here are the pictures I took today, another attempt at 'collaging':

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

Grandkids Collage

Grandchildren all together on one page, from 16 all the way down to 5 months. They are all so very special to me. This my first attempt at making a collage, I need to work on technique.

Mak on Track

Found a video on my computer from last year. I hope Mak won't mind. This was Track and Field day at the Junior High. After the event was over, all the kids were walked back to school, that was quite a lineup heading across the highway. School days are so special, I'm so glad I get to share some of these times with the grandkids.

Apple Picking Time!

Time to get these apples into storage before its' too late. Dad usually does this, but he is recovering from a broken leg. Judi and I really enjoyed it, except for those 'mushy' kind where you grab it and your fingers just sink in. Ewww!
And it was a beautiful sunny day to be outside.

Snowbirds

Saying goodbye to our home in Minnesota. So quiet, peaceful and woodsy. Load up the fifth wheel, say goodbye to everyone. Sad to leave the kids and grandkids. Traveling 3 days west for our winter escape, beautiful scenery, no deer on our grill this trip. No snow flurries, just gorgeous leaves and mountains. Pulling into Mom and Dads' yard to set up our living space again. This is our life since retirement.

Our fourth year of snowbirding. Oregon is not the usual target area, most folks head for places like Florida, Arizona, California. But we chose a different path. This may not be the warmest place but it is green and doesn't even come close to 40 degrees below zero. The precipitation is different too, not much shoveling here, just stay dry..... if you can.

We seem to have no trouble finding something to do. Since arriving here on October 1, there has been fifth wheel maintenance and repair. Leaks in the basement, leaks in bathroom sink, electrical issues, too. Fortunately Art can fix things and sometimes enjoys doing it. We also have people here to be with: My crew-Mom, Dad, Judi & Non, Vern, John, Aunt Jo. Arts crew-Kevin & Wendey, Doreen, Jo & Gary, along with other family members.

It is really nice to be close enough to see the beach occasionally. Our first camping trip this season was at Barview Jetty north of Tillamook. Here we are in our fifth wheel, Judi's trailer, Mom & Dad's fifth wheel. Mom is on the beach for another 'unusual driftwood' search which will be added to a fine collection at home.

Verse for thought: "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Proverbs 16:32

More later...