Out and About

A picture from daughter Pat of a mountain in Alaska called Twin Eagle Beaks. It looks like two eaglets that are hungry and crying for mom to come and feed them. I have been able to enjoy all the sights as Pat blogs and keeps me apprised of her adventures. Meanwhile back here in rainy Brookings, Paula and I had a in town day. The sun actually came out so after a stop at the thrift store at the Star of the Sea and lighting the foyer up with a blaze of candle light . . . yes all of you were included . . . I thought it was safe to take a trip around Azalea Park and show off the new Campanile built by Elmo Williams, the Hollywood director of many famous films in honor of his deceased wife Lorraine. He is now ninety seven and still spry and productive. We were walking down the pathway looking at the honeysuckle trees, the huge azalea bushes of all colors and the beautiful Rhody's that are blooming right now. Paula took many pictures and even stopped to help a couple visiting by taking their picture in front of a small corner of this beautiful park. We got to the Campanile and enjoyed the views only to have a huge black cloud pass and dump teeming rain and there we were without an umbrella or rain gear to return to the car at the other end of the park. We sat and visited the lady manning the Campanile and had a chance to learn a little more of its history and admire the woods used in the interior, mostly maples in shades of honey. There was a baby deer laying under the bushes in the yard area that was smart enough to get up and run for cover. I wondered about the circle of stones that were placed in the area thinking of Indian Lore but it turned out there were little saplings growing and the stones were to keep the deer away. When it let up enough for us to walk back to the parking lot we walked a bit faster than in the going . . . I surprised myself by working up a panting gait and enjoyed a walk in the raindrops. Our stop at Manley Art Center was interesting and fun. The art work is always wonderful to see and now some of the jewelry makers have displays in glass cases that are lighted. My friend Marge has her jewelry there and her pieces are truly beautiful. She introduced us to the ladies sitting around the work table in the back room, all senior members, each doing a project that was different. One working Swedish knitting; another making crocheted hats. The lady making a design on a denim purse was working unprocessed wool (just before it is carded) using a long needle, into a colorful picture. Each one busy and productive although some had hands that were frozen in time. It was a wake up call and one of pride as I saw fellow octogenarians working and enjoying life, a far cry from sitting and waiting to die. I had such a feeling of pride for each of them and said so.

We watched the waves at Sporthaven. Paula said she had to have her 'ocean fix' for the day. It was a more serene scene than the day before as the ocean was calmer and the seagulls were flying all around. We made our last stop at the bird store and I picked up some bird seed to entice the birds to make use of the bird houses in my yard. It is a new store, run by nice folks, and they have chosen so many beautiful garden gadgets useful and whimsical. We had stopped at Panchos and had some of their tasty dishes so it meant no big dinner after we got home again. Paula said she didn't want melted cheese in her Philly sandwich so she got to be the cook and she did a good job.

So today, rain or shine, it is your weekend off so enjoy every minute of it. Don't forget the roast beef, a huge green pepper, a sweet onion to throw in the big black skillet and add a few drops of water as you stir things up. Oh don't forget the Worsterchester sauce for flavor and throw in the cheese last and let it melt and spoon it over a hogie roll and enjoy. A few chips wont hurt and that little cup of applesauce tops it off . . . jeez and I haven't even had my coffee!!!! Make today a tasty day. Hugs to all.