The Adventure begins

Jeff and I left Eugene at noon and headed north for Mt. Rainier National Park.  We got to Cougar Rock campground at about 6 and set up camp. The campground was quiet clean and uncrowded and the weather was overcast but warm.  Jeff made a delicious dinner and later, made conversation with our neighbor in the next camp.  His name was Marco.  He is a native of Greece who is currently living in Amsterdam.  He joined us at our campfire and we turned him on to the uniquely American delicacy---S'Mores!  It was a very interesting evening.  Finally the wood was gone and the fire burned down and we climbed into our little home and settled down for the evening.

J and K Adventures finally on the road

Our Home on the road

The next day when we woke up there were sprinkles of rain.  After an omlette and lots of coffee, Jeff taught me how to play backgammon......of course he beat me.  We packed up and headed for Paradise (no really....the name of the town at the base of Mt. Rainier is called Paradise.  On the way we were amazed at the scenery.....waterfalls, rivers, glaciers, and the huge hulking Mt. Rainier which kept his summit hidden in clouds.  We stopped at the Paradise Lodge for lunch.  On our way down the Mountain, we took a hike to some old growth trees. They were huge old Cedar and Douglas fir trees.  Amazing!

One of the falls we saw

Part of the Tatooche Range--Across from Mt. Ranier

The Paradise Lodge

After our hike, we had a lovely drive down the east side of the cascades.  Each turn in the road revealed amazing vistas.  Finally we found ourselves in Naches where we got a bag of fresh dark cherries to enjoy on the road.  Originally, we were going to try to get to Idaho on Tuesday, but after all the driving, walking, hiking and driving, we decided to stop in Ellensburg for the night.  We head east on I-90 tomorrow.....headed for Spokane and a campsite somewhere in the panhandle of Idaho. The shower felt really good at the Nite Inn. K

Kathy covered things fairly thoroughly but I do have to add that if you have never visited Mt. Rainer Park, then it is a must to add to your bucket list.  Tons of wild life, thousand year old tree's, waterfalls around every turn, friendly folk and lots of warm feelings. If I wrote a script for the past two days, I couldn't write it better. J

The Party

Blowing out the candles

On Saturday the 25th I had a big party at my house for my 60th birthday, Ruben's 8th, Sharon's 56th and Emily's graduation.  The day was wonderfully sunny and the food and company were wonderful.  Here are some pictures from the day.

Dad, Neil and Jon

Max cooking.....add that salmon!

It was a wonderful day and I thank everyone who came and celebrated with us.

The gardener and the flowers

The gardener

This is an experiment to see if I can really upload pictures.  Here are some of my roses....

Well, I did ok, I was able to add a caption to the first one, but couldn't for the others.  Anyway, tomorrow I will post some pix about the party.  I hope!

Free at Last

Today is a day of great joy for Jeff and I.  Jeff's divorce is done!!!!!  He signed on Monday and the ex signed yesterday.  He is FREE AT LAST!!  The most emotionally draining and expensive divorce in Lane Co. history is finally over.  On Fri the movers are coming to exchange "stuff" and everything else can wait until we get back. 

I am filled with happiness as I contemplate the future without the black cloud of "the divorce" hanging over our lives.  I know that our trip across America will be only the first of many journeys we will take together. 

June 21 was the second anniversary of Chuck's passing.  I started the day at the lake with Freddy, swimming and remembering all the good times Chuck and I had, and all we gave each other.  I am forever thankful that he was in my life and I miss him every day. It has been one of the biggest challenges in my life to go on without him.  I hope that everyone who reads this will take a moment to remember him and enjoy the warm memories he gave us all. 

So life continues to be an emotional roller coaster.  I remember that scene from the movie "Parenthood" where Steve Martin is sitting watching the performance of his kids that is ruined by his youngest and all of a sudden, he is on that roller coaster.  One of the life lessons I have learned is that all you can do is hang on and live each day, each moment, to the fullest.  Jeff is experiencing happiness that the divorce is final, but sadness that his marriage and the life that he knew is over.  I am happy with my life and hopeful for the future, but still mourning the losses I have experienced.  All you can do is enjoy the ride and cherish each moment.

My Left Foot

Good Morning:  I am at LCC working today.  We are frantically trying to get ready to leave in 5 days!  I have been going to physical therapy to hopefully relieve the pain from plantar faciitis in my left foot.  The therapy does seem to be helping along with all the stretching and exercises they are having me do. My mood and looks were improved by a haircut and pedicure yesterday. 

Jeff has been working hard at getting divorced.  The process has been slow and painful, but seems to be moving along.  Last night we spent some time on his deck relaxing and talking to the neighbors.  Such a lovely time of year, and so soothing to be by the river. 

Sunday Work

Jeff and I worked hard on the farm today.  Jeff used the weed eater and hung up another bird house and  I dug out weeds and fertilized beds and pots.  Max went and got lunch and worked on getting the tractor running.  The kittens played in the grass, Freddy chased weeds and I made potato chicken soup for dinner.  We only have seven days until we depart on our great adventure.

Rain Delay

We started out strong this Sat. working outside but the rain stopped any serious progress.  We went and saw a movie instead.  Happy Solstice everyone.

Our 1st disappointment

Emily is here and brought paints, brushes and other implements of creative minds to brand our camper.  Started to rain so we have had to postpone - I consider this simply a rain delay rather then a portent.  Stay tuned for updates on brushongate.

Jeff, got ants in my pants Berger