roadtrip +

[Guest guest]

Hi...the roadtrip with my sister was wonderful. We drove toward the NW

Oregon coast, detouring at a tiny town that has a small open ferry that

takes you on a beautiful trip across the Columbia River to Washington

state. There were only 5 vehicles on board. We got out of the truck

and watched a salmon leap up and splash down again, saw miles & miles of

forests and hills. They had to stop the ferry for about 5 minutes to

let a huge freighter pass...we had to hang onto the railing as we rode

the wake of the ship. WeeeHoooooooooooo.....so much fun! We also saw 2

yearling deer. We went as far to see the bar where the Columbia River

meets the Pacific Ocean. We had lunch...patting myself on the back for

healthy eating. Then we drove over 2 mountain passes with unstoppable

views of the Columbia River way below, Mt. Saint Helens, Mt, & Mt.

Hood. And we drove through miles and miles of trees in every shade of

green imaginable plus russets & golds. And we talked, talked, talked.

My stoic sis talked to me which means more than anything.

Afterwards, I stopped to see my folks (4 houses down from my sis' home.)

Daddy had had his second cataract surgery that morning, and it was so

tender watching Mom baby him and see the love they've shared for 53

years. They wanted me to stay for supper...we had a downhome meal of

Mom's Navy Beans & ham, garden tomatoes & sweet onion, and half a cob of

garden corn. Wonderful sweet green grapes for desert.

One of Mom & Dad's neighbors stopped in...he was my chorus & choir

teacher Junior High through High School. He is 11 years older than me,

and I was in the first class he ever taught...which was the year

President Kennedy was killed. I was in my 7th grade Chorus class when

all the teachers were called to the office to be told what had happened.

When he returned his face was ashen, and he had to tell us about the

President. He was a brand new teacher, only 23 years old...yikes. On

a happier note he thinks I'm silly cause I CANNOT call him by his first

name...He is always " Mr. Shrock " to me!

I also got my puppy lovin' in with Mom Daddy's little Daschound Heidi.

I sure miss not having a doggy.

Today I got to love on my grandkids and 3 daughters.

I am a blessed and grateful lady.

All My Love....

Tess ((((((((((((RA~Family))))))))))))