After a chilly start, this day turned out to be almost like summer in Oregon. We took our laundry up the street to our very own laundromat and sat outside the bus soaking up the sun while the machines did the work. It’s just a short walk – about 100 feet, or so. Maybe even shorter. I’ll have to measure it the next time I make that trip to ensure I’m giving you correct information. I know all of you rely on me for valid information, right?

Yesterday we were going to take a trip to Green Valley to visit with Roberta, my cousin. I’ve talked with her on the phone a couple of times recently and she figured we haven’t seen each other for about 60 years. Yes, 60 years. So, Diane and I were primed for the visit. Sadly, on Friday, our neighbors here in the Bone Yard told us that we’ve been exposed to COVID and needed to quarantine for a week or so. It was good to know so we don’t show up at Roberta’s and spread the good news to her. I called her right away to delay our visit just to make sure we keep it away. So far Diane and I are fine, but Pat and Laurie next door have a pretty nasty case of this critter. Diane and I have had all the vaccines so aren’t concerned about coming down with the virus.

Last night, right after it got dark, Max jumped up to his window, the one next to the driver’s seat, and went ballistic, barking at something running by the RV. Shortly after that we could hear the coyotes howling very close to us. So, technically, Max saved my life by letting me know it wasn’t a good idea to go outside. Actually, I had no intention to go outside anyway, but it was still good to have him warn me.

Now I must do some catching up on stuff that happened previously. Most important was Diane’s birthday lunch at Mama Louisa’s.

Sarah, our waitress, took our picture to commemorate this moment.

Diane had ravioli’s drenched in pesto sauce and she swooned on almost every bite. I guess she really liked them. I was very happy about that.

I was looking forward to some spaghetti ala carbonara but that’s not a menu item. I really like that stuff. But I settled for giant prawns, gently warmed in a buttery lemony concoction, and lovingly placed in a bowl of linguini. It was pretty awesome as a substitute. For some reason I didn’t take a picture of my meal which is unusual. I almost always take a picture of my food, even at home. I did, however, get one of the tiramisù that Diane got for getting older. It was pretty good, too.

The candle was lit when it arrived, and Diane blew it out before the shot. She put the candle back but we didn’t have any matches to relight the candle so you’ll have to squint a little and visualize a flame on the candle so you can enjoy the original effect.

I’ll end this with a photo of Diane’s snowman collection that she’s accumulated since we’ve been here. She finds them in the thrift stores and I gotta say they are pretty cute sitting there on the printer.

Yes, there’s a reindeer in there with a snow globe, and he’s cute, too.

We pray that all is well with you. Peace and Joy to you and your families during this blessed season.