Signs of the Time

Good Morning.  It is HUMP day. . . the mid day of our week in which we can decide if we want to start the finish to our weekly work project or just figure it is the last of August and vacation time is all but gone and it is time to start thinking about all those chores that need to be done before the weather changes.    As we say the word 'change' the above photographs show the folks in Chicago are not happy as we see the 'signs of the time'.  It is good to realize that the Chicago folks are not all wearing blinders.     Bob sent me an e-mail with some anthropomorphic (never heard that word before) collective nouns for the various groups of animals.
"We are all familiar with a Herd of cows, a Flock of chickens, A School of fish and a Gaggle of geese."
"Slightly less widely known is  a Pride of lions, a Murder of crows (as well as their cousins the rooks and ravens), an Exaltation of doves and, presumably because they look so wise, a Parliament of owls."
"Now consider a group of Baboons.  They are the loudest, most dangerous, most obnoxious, most viciously aggressive and least intelligent of all primates.  And what is the proper collective noun for a group of baboons? Believe it or not . . . . .a CONGRESS!"   We knew that!   Isn't it nice to be proven right?  It just goes to show we learn something new everyday, anthropomorphic  a new word to break down to anti . . . roped . . . moron . . .ah, have fun with it and remember to retain the meaning of Congress!

My quiet house is back in order, laundry done, fresh sheets, fresh towels, just waiting for company.   I really hated to see the ladies go as it was wonderful to sit with friends and have some good give and take conversations with lots and lots of laughter.  The ladies left but not before we had a photo session on the front stairs and a lot of close hugs to last until we next meet.    Judy let me with a tiny bird to remind me of her and on the counter of my kitchen was a piece of paper towel with lips drawn with a tongue out and a few little cookie crumbs beside an empty cookie can.  The girls loved  my cookies even though they complained of tighter clothes on the way out the door.   Kathy was talking and telling me something in which she used the word scout. I didn't quite hear what she said but picked up the word as 'stout' so had a lot of fun teasing her about my girlish figure.    We had allot of fun with that one.    Helen was happy to have spent the time and we had such a good visit.   At our age it could be our last time, but we think we'll try for at least one more time together.  Ninety is closing in for both of us and it does give you 'food for thought'.    Kathy thought the travel road seemed shorter this time so maybe that is a good thought and she will find some free time to travel back this way.    I sent the ladies off with a thank you for coming gift and of course they left me a gift certificate to Freddys to replace my wine after our 'whine' parties.   Oh my, they were fun and I will miss them.  I will restock the wine rack and hope that they will come back and, or some more company will head this way.

So today, be thankful that the strong winds of hurricane Irene have done all the damage it can do and is now gone.   The survivors are busy rebuilding their lives and once again our help is needed with a donation of blood to the Red Cross, food to the Food Banks or just out helping a neighbor anyway we can.    My Rhode Island family are doing well and have their power back so the e-mails are coming in.   Life as we know it is not Fair, but we know that, so take your bumps and lumps and carry on to bigger and better things, and do pay attention to what is going on all around you, don't let those obnoxious baboons get you down.   Vote! As my old friend Clarence used to tell me . . ."'vote those incumbents out and give the new guy a chance as it takes him two years to put his hands in your pocketbook." I think he was right . . . so think about that.   Go with God, make today special, just like YOU!   Hugs to all.

A Walk on a beach

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Brookings.   The sun came out very early in the morning and stayed out all day.   Not a hint of fog on the beaches and we rode up to Gold Beach and found our way to a road behind the airport and looked for an easy walk to the beach.   We found a narrow pathway, a small dirt road, where we could park the car and walk the rest of the way on to the beach.    Both Judy and Kathy are walkers and off they went while Helen and I walked at a much slower pace but did make it through the soft sands.

The beaches did not have an abundance of beach rocks this time.  Usually the Gold Beach sands are loaded with a million rocks and an assortment of shells, feathers and this time a huge dead bird that looked like a wild turkey.    No agates found as the tide was coming in fast and furious and it was dangerous to get close to look for the shiny agates.    The ladies did find a lot of small flat pieces of drift wood as Judy is bound and determined to make herself a bird house.   She has to find a way to pack the wood and the beach rocks she kept putting into a bag into her suit case to take back to Colorado.

I was surprised to see deep rutted tire tracks on the beach.    There was  a lot of drift wood, some built up in huge piles and one that looked like some clever person was making a shed for a shelter.  I teased Judy about taking that back home and have an already partially built bird house of size.

Helen enjoyed the beach and stood watching us hike about.  She told us she got enough beach walking years ago when she lived in Carmel and could go to a beach with her children, so really had enough in her lifetime.   She picked up a bit of 'tan' and was happy when we were ready to go and have something to eat at the Port Hole restaurant where we found chowder, fish and chips and delicious pie.  Judy found out that French Apple Pie is a crumb crust pie.  I didn't know that.   The blackberry pie I had was delicious and the  Helen and Kathy had the strawberry rhubarb pie.    Well, we walked enough to earn those calories.

We drove back and stopped at Lone Ranch Beach and walked the pathway to the beach.  The last time I was there it was beautiful and I got some wonderful pictures to blog.  This time the weeds had taken over, the berry bushes were thick and the path way was just ugly.  It turned a bit better when we went towards the water and saw all the huge drift wood pieces.  Our last stop was at the local drug store where they have a lovely gift shop and the ladies wanted some cards and trinkets to take home.   They leave today and I will miss them as we have had such a good visit.   It was already dinner time so instead of going out to a restaurant we decided on finishing up on our wine party with all the dips and chips and stuff, after all they couldn't leave all that behind for just me.    Of course that would not be enough, we knew that, so opted for those big hot dogs and some molasses beans and Judy's home grown tiny tomatoes, a few of those baby carrots and we were all in hog heaven.    It doesn't take much to make us happy.    Judy delighted us with some funny sayings she collected along the way and read them out to us.    Those one lines can 'crack you up'.  

So today, I will say goodbye to my friends and get back to my old routine.   I have some e mails to catch up on as I have heard from my Hurricane Irene friends that they have their power back and are ready for some news.    Everyone made it through fine I am happy to say.    Hopefully there wont be another 'big' one for awhile.  It is the start of the hurricane season so we have yet to find out what is coming along . . . maybe nothing!    I hope you have friends coming in for the last of the summer.   School starts soon and September starts in just one more day.   Fall, isn't that a lovely word?   Fall . . . a time of color, crisp days, falling leaves to rake . . . um . . . yes, I'm ready to hear that you are kicking leaves around, here on the coast we will be getting into our 'wet' mode and stay there for some time.  Rain is good and has a little beauty all its own.   Make your seconds count today and enjoy everyone of them.  Hugs to all.

 

Friends To Enjoy

Maggie came by with daughter Pat to say hello and join us for fish tacos at Panchos.

Kathy is waiting patiently for her first fish tacos.   I've been bragging about them for some time now and she wanted to try one.   

Kathy and her cousin Judy who came all the way from Colorado to join in the fun.

Judy, what a smile, lights up the whole place.

My friend Helen enjoyed her first taste of the fish tacos I have been bragging about. 

Here we are, two old friends.   I must say I should have waited to have my hair cut.  It takes a good three weeks for it to grow out and look right, but for two 'at the end' of the octogenarian stage, I'd say we look pretty good.    My chicken enchiladas were very tasty and Helen enjoyed the fish tacos but I am betting she wouldn't order them again.

There should be a picture of my daughter Patricia as she looked lovely and seem to enjoy being out and about with the ladies.   We had forgotten that the ladies were not used to our weather as they came from Nevada where it has been running high nineties and here we have them sitting outside on the patio where it was far from a hot summer evening.   Judy was freezing.  Pat offered to go out to the car for a blanket but she reneged on that one.   I think they finally realized why I was touting sweaters and jackets.    We forget that our coastal cool fog is a gift we are used to.  Usually we sit inside the restaurant but not this time and singing "Blue Lady" got a laugh or two.     We all enjoyed our dinners and the conversation flows when we get together.    We all had tales to tell about camping which sent out gales of laughter and I think the other diners would have liked to join in.    Before we got to the restaurant the younger ladies dropped Helen and me at the casino where we found a poker machine for Helen and a Keno machine for me.   Helen lucked out and won her money back and a little more. I paid my dues and 'almost' got a five spot.    They picked us up and we drove back to the house for a rest before going out to dinner.    It was a special day and a fun one.

So today, Monday, the start of a new week.    Last I heard Hurricane Irene was a 'tropical storm' and no longer a big threat.  It had passed and it had done all of the damage it could.    We spent a week living with the monster and now we will be hearing all about the aftermath.   I hope and pray that everyone will regroup and life will return to normal.   I will be waiting to hear from you so send an e mail as soon as you can.   Take good care of YOU as friends are one of the most important 'assets' in life.   Hugs to all.   

Pics From a Moving Car - more

"Trees"  Oregon is a green State/with trees of every kind/from the tall redwoods/and a varietyof pines/ There is ash,oak and maple/chestnut and firs too/everything you need for a spectacular view./ The forest lands/are thick and dense/'til meadows come in sight/showing al the rills and hills/where wild animals abound./ The birds drop seeds along the way/and gorse has spread about/very beautiful in color/but invasive in its shout.

Here I am, camera in hand snapping pictures from a moving car.

Good Sunday morning.    I hope everyone is okay this morning.   I have guests sleeping so cannot go out and check the television to see how Hurricane Irene is doing in her spin up the eastern seaboard.    Hopefully she has weakened and everyone is safe and sound.   Following the storm yesterday brought back memories of past hurricanes that were strong and lethal.   I didn't like watching the news reporter with his back to the ocean as he was telling of the incoming tide and he was standing close to the water and the waves were building.  It was dangerous and I wanted him to move away from the water.  Lucky for him nothing happened but it was very foolish as a sneaker wave could have built up and taken him out before a camera man could help.   The news was not good as many have lost their lives.    The storm is taking its toll and so many are without power.    My prayers are with them all.

Today we are going out and walk a beach to the south of Brookings.    If we are lucky we will find some beach stone and a few pieces of drift wood.  The ladies are talking about making bird houses out of the drift wood.   I have a cute one they fell in love with and hope to copy for the birds living in their back yards.   We had a great snack party and some lovely pinot red, lots of stories were exchanged and belly laughter was the penalty paid.   It was a four way tie as to the tales told.  

So today, call some friends and share some time.  I guarantee you will have a great day.    I am ready for day two and for a new day to explore and enjoy. with my three lovely ladies who left the heat of Nevada behind and are really enjoying the cool of the coast.  They are wearing jackets!   Make your Sunday a blessed one, pray hard, eat well and laugh out loud.   Hugs to all.  

Saturday News

It is finally good to know that 'heat makes objects expand' and now I know why I have expanded over the years.  I have just been retaining heat . . . 'hot' stuff right . . . well, why didn't someone tell me.

Yesterday this e-mail came through and our golfing president is in Martha's Vineyard playing golf.  I doubt he hit a hole in one, but hope when he reads the morning wake up mail, he realizes the hole we are all in.    The latest news is we , each one of us, owes thirty thousand dollars , good luck with that one as I only deal in pennies.    How about you?   

Now you laughed....I could hear you.    Someone has a keen sense of humor.    The Texans are really proud of their state, blue bonnets and all.

I am worried about family and friends back in Rhode Island as they wait for Hurricane Irene to make her landing.   I heard from Pauline and she dreads the fact that there could be a power outage and that would mean no e mails between us....and I wouldn't like that even a little bit.    I'm hoping it passes right by without doing any damage . . . I know wishful thinking.  We have lived through many hurricanes and the big ones always left us without power, believe me that is no fun, just a lot of hard work to survive and get used to candle light or a lantern, one is never prepared enough for such storms.   This is the first storm of the season, wonder how many will develop and shake our lives up.   Let us all hope and pray this is the only big one and it passes by quickly.  

So today, Saturday, what are you going to do with your weekend?    If you are back East you are going to be very busy watching and waiting for Irene to peter out and get lost to the wilds of Canada while you pick up the pieces and get on with your life.   If you are out here in the West then you are waiting, as usual, for the other shoe to drop...the earthquake that has yet to come but keeps shaking its fault lines to let us know the earth's crusts are forever moving.  How about that earthquake back east?  Wow !  That was a surprise.   Nothing we can do about any of this but live through it and do just what we have to do . . .live . . . every second of it with a helping hand and a big heart.  You can do it!  Hugs to all.

Dance

Dancing was a past time/that I enjoyed so much/had an innate rhythm/that kept me on the floor/until the band leader/packed up the instruments/and went out the door./  at seven it was tap dancing/eleven started swing/eighteen was jitterbug/twenty I had learn to polka/pranced around the floor/stomping and swinging/always wanting more/all through the big bands/romantic tunes were played/me and my partners/found time to sway/waltzing was the two step we never learned it right/but dancing was a joyous jig we could do all night. 

  The oil by friend Sharon Guinn which she did for me last year when I asked her to do a special picture for my granddaughter Erin who was born with dancing feet.   Today I received an e-mail that was all about dancing and making our lives joyous for a change . . . an excellent thought to start off our morning.  So dance....turn up the music and dance!!!!

Palin and Obama buses to meet and greet their constituents . . . makes you wonder about trust in the American voters.  As far as I know Sarah Palin isn't running but she is out there reminding us that America is a free nation and we the people do have choices.

The other day I introduced you to Barbara's 'farm' and you met Ole and Lena, the cortinix Japanese quail

and this is Nemo her pygmy rabbit.   It looks like they are content and happy in their special cages.    She tells me they are a lot of fun.    

So today, Friday already, where did this past week go?   I have been busy all week working inside and outside getting ready for my three ladies who will arrive tomorrow.   The cookie jar is filled, the grocery shopping done, new wine bottles to open and some snacks waiting to be eaten up.   There is beach walking to be done, places to visit and words and hugs to exchange . . . sounds to me like I am in for a lot of fun so 'let the games begin'  maybe scrabble. . . um, I better dust off the game.   I hope you have a weekend and special company coming your way.    Friends do make a difference and bring a lot of love and laughter into our lives.    If you didn't invite someone to join you for the weekend, it is not too late....get on that special gadget and text . . . someone will be happy for an invitation to share time with you, and if you can find a spot ....dance.....dance....dance.   Hugs to all.

Ouray, Colorado

Bob and Andrea finally arrived home to their home in Green Valley, Arizona after a good long trip around the country side and I was lucky that they made a stop here and I had a chance to share time with them and listen to some of their adventures.    After they left Oregon, they headed towards Washington, on to Idaho, then found their way to South Dakota and on to Montana before heading to Colorado.    I begged for pictures and yesterday they sent me some of their trip through Ouray, Colorado.    I know nothing about this area so googled and found Ouray is known as "the Switzerland of America"  . . . why?   You asked . . . Because it has the towering peaks of the Rockies (7,792 feet) surround on three sides with 13 thousand feet of snow capped peaks.     Ouray was named after an Indian Chief, who signed a treaty with the Government which allowed the settlers to come in.    Silver mines was the draw.  So you can see from the pictures that they snapped along the way, that the trip was spectacular and they enjoyed driving through this area.   I am betting they took notes and on one of their next adventures they will put Ouray, Colorado on their 'to-do' list and enjoy the amenities of the delightful small town, the hot springs and all that draws the adventuresome spirit in that direction.    Oh my, my travel bugs are jumping today, wanting to go there and lots of other places as well....but....travel is passe for me as I woke up fuzzy headed today and went grocery shopping....that woke me up in a hurry...prices...soaring, my favorite Boston Baked Beans have gone to $2.99, unbelievable...well, they can sit there as I have a recipe for Boston Baked beans and if I can find it, a good size bean pot, then I can make my own.   Jeez....what a time to go berserk when folks have no jobs, losing their homes, earthquakes in strange places and a hurricane called 'Irene" bearing down on the east coast.   We had a thunder storm in the middle of the night and I missed it . . . had to be after my long reading session as I certainly didn't hear anything.   It has some good to it, as now I do not have to go out and water the front bushes as they got a good drink during the night.

So today, my son Michael is entering the land of 'middle age';   I cannot believe it but he called this morning and left me a message on my recorder saying he imagined I felt OLD today.....ha....ha.....he is right... ancient would be a good word.    If you are close by Mike today, give him a hug for me, sing him "Happy Birthday" and remind him how special he really is.    I am glad he wasn't twins!    Check around maybe a friend of yours is having a celebration and you can join in the fun, a great way to use up some of your seconds.   Find reasons to laugh out loud as it is a sure cure from the blahs.   Hugs to all. 

A Friends Camping Trip in Oregon

This is a picture of my friend Barbara's home away from home during a camping trip at the Cascade Lakes . . . Sparks and Hosner.    It certainly looks like a beautiful camping spot.   Barbara and her husband joined friends for their annual trek to the lakes.   She mentioned that they did not have a canoe to take all the gear to the end of the lake so spent a night at the hotel only, as she said, "Proper Planning Prevents Piss Pore Outcome" she could have rented a canoe instead of paying for a room at the motel.   Barbara is a delightful lady to know.  She is very talented and smart and such fun to be with.     

Now this one is a beauty, the early fog rising over the lake.    A cause of reflection and meditation.  Isn't nature wonderful.   The photographer had a great eye. 

This one Barbara called her volcano, but it was actually a full moon rising over the mountain top of Mt. Bachelor with the camp fire below.

This is South Sister.  A truly spectacular view of a fiery sunset.

Barbara called this one the "Head of the Dragon" sculptured by The Master.    How beautiful, calm and serene.    It must have been hard to leave all this beauty behind and return to work, but oh what memories and how refreshed the soul must be after spending a few days in wonderful silence and beauty.  

So today, hump day for all of us, tell yourself you deserve a camping trip just like this and plan one for next year.   I personally have not been a camper but only because I didn't have the opportunity, or didn't know enough to create one so I could go off and enjoy all these sights and sounds.    Well, there was Boone Lake in Rhode Island where Minnie Mouse and Hobo had a cottage and we were always welcomed there.   It wasn't really camping though, but as close as I could get.    Know that it is within your means to plan and prepare for such a time in your life.    You deserve at least one camping trip in a life time . . . go for it.  Don't waste another second . . . plot . . . plan . . . and enjoy it when you can.   Hugs to all.  

Olden Days

Good morning.   An old picture that shows what our skies look like recently, more fog and cold for the last of August.   The sun will out, but late in the day, but never to late to be enjoyed.    I was out with a small saw yesterday trying to take down a huge Rose of Sharon bush in the back yard.   It is only two years old and has limbs that are huge.  It must love the spot it is in but it is planted in the wrong spot as it is right where the fence meets and I can see it being pushed over before too many more years.    So . . .'off with it's head' . . . and I am thinking I should have taken a before and after picture to show you the actual damage I can do with a small saw.    When Bob and Andea were here playing in my yard, Bob used the small saw as if it were a small pinking shear and used it with little effort.   I was out there struggling like I was trying to take down one of the big redwoods with a pen knife.     I am thinking I need to read the tags before planting.

Back in 1955 when this picture was taken, the big A&P grocery chain was still small.   When I was much younger, back in the thirties, the A&P Chain was just starting out as the store at the corner of our street was very small.    The chain went on to be huge and take over America along with The First National Stores but thinking about Walmart and the stores of today they really were not very big.   

The U.S. Postal Service is in trouble and we see a big change since the electronic age has taken over.   Back in the fifties you can send a post card for seven cents, wonder what it is today . . . a letter is forty-four cents and the price is still going up....if they stay in business. . . if I remember correctly, some years back they became a private business and got a lot less money from the U.S. coffers but in those days no one knew that a change was about to take place and the information highway was going to be entirely different, faster, and instant correspondence by e-mail on the new computers.     Changes are happening every day and now the public can use their electronic gadgets to keep in touch.     I think too much as I see folks using their phones and pads and pods even while shopping in the stores.    There is no private time anymore, instant contact, um. . . I'm not sure I would want to be at every one's beck and call every minute of the day and night.   I like being out of touch now and then, even if I do blog every day.....well, I have to keep up with the 'Jones."

So today, Tuesday all day, a work day so you might as well 'grin and bare it' .    My friend, Barbara, is watching her Quail with its hatchlings and enjoying her little 'farm'.    She wrote this morning telling me about the new eggs in the nest and the aggressive male stalking and puffing about.     I wrote and asked for some pictures so maybe soon I'll have one to show you as these little creatures are special.     Look around your bailiwick and see what there is to see.   You might find a few surprises to make you laugh out loud.   I have neighbor cats that walk along the even cement block that runs between the yards.   They wouldn't think of walking on my rocks, much too hard on their delicate paws.   I don't mind their visits as it keeps the rats away, at least I haven't seen any lately.    It is cold here this morning and I am heading for the coffee pot and some breakfast . . . wish you were here then I'd fire up some hot sausage and eggs.    Make your minutes stretch to the limit today, do something good for you.   Hugs to all.

Wee Hours

It is three o'clock in the morning . . . so, I am awake.  I tried going back to sleep but it didn't work, even a walk out into the kitchen and a big glass of water didn't help.   I'm awake.   So what does one do when one wake up in the wee hours and cannot go back to sleep . . . read, yeah, good idea but I'm not in the mood . . . so, write . . . aha . . . turn on the computer and blog . . . and here I am.

The big beautiful garden planter Pat gave me for my birthday is filled with dahlias.   They love it where they are and it wasn't until yesterday I noticed the resident deer have found them.   I had to move the carnations to the back porch as they had taken the tops off of each stem, now they have found these beauties so I can expect to find stems today.   I will have to move this plant to the back porch next.    So far they have left the cacti alone . . . green is good.

So today, Monday, the start of your new week and the last ten days of August, what are your plans?   I am having company and am looking forward to their arrival.  Helen called yesterday to say she was getting ready for the hot ride over here as it is going to be in the high nineties in Nevada this week.   I told her to pack a sweater and a jacket as we are running in the sixties and seventies over here on the coast.    We wont care, it is only weather and we have some catching up to do.  

Did you take your camera for a walk this weekend?   If so, don't forget to send on a picture or two.   Well, I used up a few minutes so think I will go out into the kitchen and put on the coffee pot.   I made a zucchini bread yesterday, one of those 'jean' breads, you know you get out a big bowl and toss in a few ingredients and add a few ingredients that could add to the pot . . . or not . . . I am about to find out this morning as I added yogurt that is delicious;  some nuts and some cranberries.  I was too lazy to cut the cranberries up so it will be interesting to see how well the whole ones taste.  No sugar in this recipe as I added applesauce . . . only I forgot the applesauce I buy is sugarless;  oh well . . . the proof of the 'pudding' is in the empty pan, we will see.   Look Ma, no calories!   Go, make your seconds fulfilling, do something good for yourself today . . . hug a friend.   I'm waiting.  Hugs to all.

Sunday Break

Good Sunday morning.    Momma to the rescue and what a job she did.  That little black dog will think twice before trying to tree a squirrel.    Momma may look timid but don't bother her baby . . . we mother's are like that. 

As for the roses, wishful thinking on my part that I could grow some as beautiful.   La Verne, my neighbor does, and brings me a few now and then.   She must do something right as they have a wonderful smell and so far, I think the soft velvet lavender is my favorite.    The sad part is once we pick the flowers, especially roses, they do not last.   I am lucky as her rose bushes are out in her back yard and I can look out my kitchen window and see them in bloom.   I did put in a yellow and a red rose bush, one in the side garden and one in the back.  The back one finally gave up and died but the yellow one stays alive even though the resident deer chomp the flower off every time it blooms.   I know, they have to eat too, but wouldn't you think chomping on my Rhodys is enough for anyone . . . guess not as they trot down the side of my house looking very satisfied.

So today, Sunday, which seemed to get here in a hurry, make your seconds count as you go about the last day of your weekend sprucing up and getting ready for a new week.     I am excited as my company is coming in this next weekend and I am going to enjoy the company of my friend Helen and her daughter and niece.   They are fun to have around and are anxious for a bit of cooler weather.   I have to call today and let Helen know it is more than sweater weather here, it is cold . . . we've been running in the sixties this week, with a high in the seventies as the fog bank rolls in and keeps the sun away.    My house is cold enough for me to turn the furnace on for a bit, but I wont . . . I'll fight it to the end of summer . . . no matter how cold it gets in here.    I have my sweater on and my coffee is brewing, so I am off to enjoy my favorite political analyst when "Face the Nation" comes on with Bob Cheever.  He does a great job letting us know what is foremost in the political minds, you know the ones we argue as to which one is right or which one is wrong and we know, in truth, they both are.      Go out the door today and enjoy the weather, a friend, a drink, a special treat . . . just do it and your work week will start all over again.    And . . . light a candle, donate a few bucks as the kids in the system are going to go to school this coming month and need a pair of sneakers, a pencil or two and hopefully a new top and a pair of jeans . . . give some little guys a break as they need it badly.    Hugs to all.

Pictures from a moving car ---continued

Bandon By The Sea . . .  Old Buildings in an Old Town. Our parking space was across the street.

Scenic highway out of Port Orford, on to fields of Gorse that is an invasive plant overtaking our highways.  It has reached Brookings and is heading
South.



(5)PORT ORFORD touts a gallery/right there at "The Rock"/a walking path to view/the rocks in the bay/buildings oh so new/you can stop and take a view or two.

The Minute Cafe in Bandon where we have "The Granny Special" and excellent coffee served in a special collector mug.  Here is where we take a rest on our way to Coos Bay.

* * * *

(6)Bandon By The Sea/another thirty miles/be sure to visit Old Town/with shops to make you smile./

A large art gallery filled with treasures/made by local artisans/both talented and smart/bringing pleasure to your heart./The cranberry fields are local/and "The Factory" is there/with many, many samples of candy for you to share./  The Kitchen Shop has gadgets/the like you've never seen/free coffee made from a very special bean.

Pictures From A Moving Car and Story Poems for Saturday's Blog.

(2)  Small Towns . . . A ride along the coast line/stop every thirty miles/there's a small town to visit for awhile/ Towns stretch north and south/boutiques with souvenirs/chowder with some clams/fish and chips/even lobster at your command.   Fishing boats and pleasure crafts/tied up in the marina/waiting for the fishermen/to take them out to sea/bringing home a catch for you and me.

Leaving Brookings (3)

Brookings lies the farthest south,/ it juts out to the sea/It's called the Easter Lilly capitol/or the Banana Belt with ease/Every second Saturday/The Art Walk comes around/As artists and musicians/entertain the crowds.

(4)  Gold Beach is next/the "Book Store" right in town/serving scones and coffee/really the best around./ There are agates on the beaches/just wait for a sunny day/and you can pick up a few to take away.Gold Beach Bridge

I hope you enjoy the Pictures From a Moving Car and the Story Poems.    I have introduced you to our trips to the north of us many times in my blogs.    When we first arrived here we used to go to Gold Beach often as they had a wonderful thrift store with lovely ladies who were open and friendly and had all kinds of treasures to share with us.  The books alone were a reason to stop in as they had shelves and bins filled with them.   We always stopped for coffee at the Book Store and had to have a special berry scone which was very costly but oh so delicious, well worth the price.    Things have changed since our early days at Gold Beach as the thrift store ladies left and the woman who took over decided that the thrift store should be run more like an antique store, got rid of the books, and filled the shop with 'things' which she priced high and spoiled our favorite haunt.  Then the book store came upon hard times and they had to make it smaller so closed off the second floor and changed things around so it lost its special feel.    The change in the economy has been happening all around us as stores close as business slows and folks have to think of surviving.   The "Rollen In Dough" restaurant closed, reopened, closed again and from what I hear has once again opened its doors.    It is a tiny cottage at the base of a hill, facing the Rogue River.  The owner, a former chef, makes dishes that melt in your mouth and deserts to 'die' for.    We will have to make a date to go there and see what they have done with it this time.   I may even take my camera along and take a picture or two.

So today, I am off  checking out yard sales . . . one never knows when that special book will appear . . . the one signed by the author and worth beaucoup bucks.   Have a great weekend doing the things you love to do best . . . laundry, housework, shopping, walking the dog, feeding the cat . . . chuck it all and go for a spin and enjoy your seconds right now.   Hugs to all.