Little Things

The summer is flying by as it always does, beautiful and perfect days mixed with a few of those too hot times. We all have our agenda – retired or not – always lots of things we must do to survive and maintain health and structures from the ravages of time. But when we pause – take a few dedicated minutes out of the day – to hold sacred – to be quiet – to reflect – to remember – to dream – to appreciate life, it's the Little Things that make it all so grand!

Stopping to see the birds. To hear the little mother birds chirp their warning protest to us because we are sitting on our swing – which is in front of her nest in the wall behind us.

To look at the sky and make images from the clouds as they move and swirl in their magnificence!

To take a walk – quietly – to hear the sounds all about. To notice the wasp nest and marvel at how those little creatures built such a beautiful dwelling. To suddenly notice the deer sleeping in the tall grass unseen by passing hikers.


To enjoy the beautiful Willamette River which once brought the first settlers to our side of the river – and the joy it brings to so many enjoying the recreation it offers.

Listening with all your heart while a dear friend describes the uplifting miracle that occurred within her as her Mother passed from this life with a childlike sparkle in her eyes and a smile on her face. Feeling the Love that fills the ether erasing the miles between us.

Celebrating the Harvest Feast with gratitude for the fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, squash, Marion-berry pie, and Best Friends which whom to share the joy.

Visiting a neighbor who has moved on to a family care home – and smiling inside as she tells us once again, "You must Always keep a Positive Attitude"!

Seeing the twinkle in my Love's eyes – as he tells stories of the daring adventures that he managed to survive – many years ago – when he was young. Holding hands as we plan for the necessary surgery he faces to help his sick heart. Rejecting fear in the (not belief)but the Knowing that everything is and always has been and always will be perfectly unfolding as it should.

As my mentor, Marilyn Ferguson used to say, "There is nowhere to get, because you are already there. Enjoy the journey."

FYI: Ron's surgery is September 15th for a defibrillator and pacemaker implant. Only one night in hospital – and a new assurance that his heart will keep beating. He already acts like a robot – now he may live to be a hundred! The hard part will be answering his every demand for as long as it takes. You can be sure he will enjoy that part more than I will!

Love to all.

Family Visit

We were delighted to have our youngest grandson, Jared Michael, come to visit after the River Romp. He is 12 years old and the next youngest sibling in his family is Deja who is 21 and married to Chris. It was fun visiting with all of our grandchildren and most of our kids at the River Romp this year.

Since Ron had some upholstery to do as soon as we got things unpacked, washed, and put away – I took Jared for a visit to the River Front Park. He rode his bike and I tagged on behind. It was a pretty good ride for him and took us past Discovery Village, the new interactive Fountain, the World, the demolition of Boise Paper Mill – which will make way for wonderful new use of our river front, and the Carousel where Jared enjoyed three rides.



He said it was more fun riding the real horses at the River Romp – but you can see he enjoyed it anyway.

As soon as Grandpa was free we all went to the Santiam River Fishing. Jared brought his fly rod and he and Grandpa both caught their one day limit of 5 trout each. They had a blast!


When they got home – Jared learned to fillet the trout from Grandpa – and did a really good job.

Friday morning his parents arrived and after a visit to the Studio Apartment where Mike presented Jared with a very special memento of his years of Harley Davidson riding adventures – "This is the real deal Do Rag", we all took off for the Spruce Goose Museum in McMinnville for the rest of the day.


Jared proudly served his Mom the filleted trout, showed her his new bicycle seat that he and Grandpa made, and ended the evening by watching the 25 year River Romp DVD.



What fun it was to visit with Vicki, her husband Mark, and to have quality time with Jared. We hope you will all come back soon!

River Romp

Since our anniversary on July 4th the month flew by as we prepared for the annual River Romp which took place this year July 31st – August 2nd. Since this was the 25th event there were lots of special preparations going on. Stina was in charge of the organization and planning this year and she did a great job! Things have never gone so smoothly!!

Tim helped design the 25 year logo for the T-Shirts and coordinated the printing here in Salem. At the same time he was making a DVD to commemorate the Silver Anniversary of the River Romp. He asked me to write the introduction and close and then he filled in with video clips from the many years. In order to take short clips from the video's they all had to be down loaded into his computer so that he could select important memorable clips and still keep the presentation a reasonable length. It was a huge job but it turned out so very well. Then Tim made enough sets of DVD's to share with many family members. This was his way to thank everyone for their contributions to this wonderful yearly event.

Ron & I planned our last big lip sync. It seemed appropriate to use Cindy Lauper's "True Colors" to describe my sweet husband who is the most gentle, kind, tough guy in the world. Yes, sometimes he comes off as an Ogre!

He made his entire costume – including his leggings and gloves of green. It was fun. There were lots of fun acts this year.



We were so looking forward to Mike and Cynthia's special presentation that they had practiced for months – but after spending one night at the River Romp – the heat was too much and Mike had to go home. Cynthia and I had fun swimming for a while before they had to leave. Learn all about Mike's speedy recovery on Cynthia's blog.


All of our grandchildren were there – and one of our great grandson's. They all helped out with the cooking and enjoyed the fun of horse back riding, fireworks, swimming, paddle boats and the sock hop too!

Vicki's youngest son, Jared Michael came home with us to spend a few days after the River Romp.

It's as good as summer can get when we get to enjoy our family and friends. Thanks again to Ulf & Pet and the Kahn families who make it happen every year!