Travel - and food!

Sunday, November 17, 2008: OK, it’s been a long week since I’ve written, but I have a good excuse!!!

We took off early Monday morning, Nov. 10^th for Portland. Harold likes to go early – and we did! It’s a long boring road between Orem, Utah and Grants Pass, Oregon. We took turns driving and were grateful for the dry roads with only a few sprinkles here and there. When we neared Medford, I phoned Trina, she reached Dane and we all met at a Mexican restaurant in Rogue River for dinner. They brought Brett along, but the girls were both working, so we didn’t get to see them. We had a good visit, and were so glad to see them even if it was for just a short while. We stayed at Yolonda’s in Grants Pass Monday night, and it was so good to lay our heads down on a bed!

Tuesday we drove over to Cave Junction. It poured most of the day, and I remembered that November usually has lots of dreary rain. That little town holds both fond and fearsome memories for me! We went first to Justin & Heather’s and by some miracle found Justin at home and Heather soon came. They are doing well in many ways - Heather is working and Justin is happy. He has the parasites back, and I gave him some suggestions for curing them. Justin is always going about doing good and not getting paid for anything. Bless them both! We then went to see Doug & Florence. I feel so sorry for Doug. He is trying to cure his cancer, but it is really painful. It seems to be all gone on the left side and the huge crusty mass on the right side seems to be lifting a little. Say a prayer for him. We ate at Taylor’s Sausage and bought some jerky and linguisa. Very good as usual!

We slept at Yolonda’s again Tues. night and left early Wednesday morning for Portland. We arrived about noon, but Stan was busy with Dennis, so we stopped at a Costco to look around. Anyway, we ate dinner with Stan and then drove to Donna’s. Thursday we had a meeting with some of the Calaroga people at 11 with Stan. We walked around outside also. It was clearing a little and seemed good to get out. For lunch we drove to the Cadillac Café and met Dennis, Rebecca and Chuck. We had a good lunch, but things are a little strained and strange. It is as if Stan is trying to include us into his circle of friends rather than breaking away from them. We said good-bye and returned to Donna’s to spend the evening with them. Harold tried to fix her washer, but decided a repairman had better be called.

Friday, we left early, scooped up Stan and headed for home. The weather was mild and sunny and the drive quite pleasant. At Sherry’s, as usual, we were welcomed warmly with a delicious dinner waiting. I love that girl and her family! After a wonderful sleep, we again ate a marvelous meal with all her family. They are just so cute and sweet! The girls begged long enough that the Christmas tree was dragged out, assembled and decorated. Sherry later told me they went ahead and decorated the whole house. I wish someone would do that for me! We didn’t leave until about 10:30 because it was so hard to leave the happy scene, but we knew we needed to get going. When we reached Barbara’s, she had a wonderful little lunch prepared and we visited and visited and visited. Too long, in fact, because it put us even later. It was good, though. Then we drove on to Shirleen and Don’s where again she had made a wonderful meal of meatloaf and creamed peas and potatoes. It was so good. I can tell I am getting fatter! After a good visit there, we went on to Lola’s, visited some more, and then at her kind invitation, we each found a bed and crashed. Harold and Stan were just too tired to go on! Sunday we drove home and arrived in time to unload, take a shower and make it to Relief Society! It is good to be home!!!!

Today I got the laundry done, took Stan to the bank and bought groceries at Macey’s. Then while he napped, Harold & I went to Costco. Actually (although I know it is hard to believe that grocery shopping can be such an exciting event) it was a fun, relaxing day. Now I have caught up my journal, done up the dishes, and even played a game on the computer. I heard from Lisa that Julia’s shower was a hit and she got tons of stuff – good for her! Sorry to miss the fun!

So – there are the life and adventures of Mother, Grama ‘Cele and Nacele. Not anything earth shattering, just pressing forward with a perfect brightness of hope!