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Friday, July 17, 2009

Why in Eugene, Ore?

A few have asked why I am in Oregon. Well, I am visiting with my sister Linda, who is about to have her 6th cancer operation. This one will hopefully restore her ability to walk (broken bones due to radiation therapy and bone density loss/cancer). My sister is amazing. She has been what most would view as totally disabled by the disease for the past 2 years, but was still working at her University job until a few weeks ago. She lives with her daughter and 4 grandchildren (ages 16, 14, 12, 10) and though they are all her primary caretakers, she still has great presence and contributes to their daily lives. Right now they are riding the waves in Oceanside, Ca, taking a well deserved break from caring for "Grammy." So we are having 10 wonderful days of "sister time," something that we hardly ever found time for during normal healthy days. Linda's spirits are high, and her expectations from the surgery hopeful, and every moment with her is precious. We watch movies, play games, and mostly discuss childhood and old times, but also current events, between her many daily naps. It is amazing how many calls and cards she receives daily from the wonderful people who have touched her life, and whose lives she has touched. I thank the powers that be than I have both time and health, and that this time with my sister is possible. I also have a wonderful husband that is at home taking care of all our "children"and holding down the fort.Publish Post
Life is grand.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

First rattlesnake report of the season

Mike on Mt. View reports a "teenage" rattler on his property, which he reluctantly killed (you gotta protect the kids and pets, and yourself). He was wondering if there is an alternative to having to kill the snake, but that's a tough one. Anyway, be on the lookout. Don't go reaching into bushes and such without taking a look first. I had 2 wrapped around my garden hose once, and would not have seen them (they blended so well) had it not been for my trusty Doxie giving me a heads up (he loves to corner snakes, raccoons and skunks, and is a better mouser that either of my cats).
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By the way, the best mix I have found for getting the oily stink off the dog when he gets skunk sprayed is 50/50 lemon joy and hydrogen peroxide. Mix and use a cloth loaded up with the stuff to wipe the sprayed area, then bathe the dog with a strong shampoo (I use a herbal scented organic shampoo). However, every time the dog gets wet again it will reactivate the smell . . . . ugh. I told you Harry likes to corner skunks. . . . . .

Looking for a new best friend? Why animal style???

Janis Johnson of CS has friends who found a "well trained, gentle mannered honey of a dog" up on Hwy 80 by Dutch Flat. He looks like a Portugese Water Dog (Obama's choice) but may be a Labradoodle (both much coveted breeds). Anyway, Janis's friend Peggy at 274-9242 would love a call from a deserving person looking for a wonderful new best friend. I have a picture but can't upload. He obviously has great character, judging from his handsome smile!
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Mystery solved. You know how on the secret menu at IN And OUT BURGERS, grilled onions are referred to as "animal style?" Heard the reason on radio today. When surfers came in to an LA In & Out and ordered their burgers with grilled onions, the clean cut kids working the counter referred to the surfers as "animals." Hence, the grilled onion order became animal style. Did you also know that their is a biblical message on the bottom of the drink cups, and on the burger wrappers? That's because one of the higher-ups in the company is a Born Again Christian, and wanted the message spread, discreetly . . . . The author of a book on In & Out culture clued me in . . . . . .a whole book???????

Sunday, July 12, 2009

KAYAK RACES AT LOST MINE LAKE, SAT JULY 25TH

This is a really fun event at LML. You can bring your kayak or borrow one from us. Prizes for the persons making the best time around the little island. Burgers and trimmings for sale, and ice cream and otterpops for the kids. Check the cascadeshores.org calendar for time and details. All invited, no charge (except for burgers).

Raining in Oregon

Well, it's just another rainy Oregon day. Thunder clouds moved in and made lots of noise and rain all afternoon. Good day for housecleaning . . .and reading . . . and drinking coffee . . . I'll bet the sun's shining in Nevada County
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Someone emailed me to ask if walking group is still going strong. Answer: yes. Mon, Wed, Fri, 8am SHARP at firehouse. 3 mile round trip down Pasquale. Friendly dogs welcome. Takes about 1 hr.
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Reminder: if you are a CSHA member, and a Surburban Propane customer, you can take your portable tanks to their Brunswick Basin location and get them filled at your CSHA discount rate. That will cost you about HALF what you pay to exchange a tank at the grocery stores
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We will probably be changing the date of the community yard sale held at Firehouse parking lot in September, as the weekend we picked conflicts with some big events (is there ever a weekend that doesn't) Will keep you posted when rescheduled. We are planning a few extra services at the sale this year. Some recycling and fire education stuff, and we are offering kids to have a free booth to sell their stuff.
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Did you read Dixies harrowing tale of her friend almost drowning on full moon kayak night? Well, all's well that ends well. Karen is OK, and the kayak and contents were rounded up by employees at the boat harbor across the way, and towed back to our side. Good work Dixie in saving Karen's life! We all need to practice getting back into our boat if we accidentally end up in the "drink."