DOGWOOD ACRES, 07/26/09

DOGWOOD ACRES, 7/26/09, ELANE CRUM
Hello friends. We are nearing the end of a week-long family reunion with Rick’s family in Oregon. On Tuesday morning, Rick, I, Neal, LeaAnn, Ashton and Erin all boarded a plane in Springfield, MO. By bedtime we were eating Grandma Betty’s chicken and noodles in Cottage Grove, OR. It was a long day, but well worth it. After filling our tummies and sharing the excitement of the day, we were off to our motel in Creswell for a good night’s sleep.

With two hours time difference, it was easy for us to get up early the next morning. According to Oregon time, we were up by 7:30, but on home time, we slept in until 9:30 and who ever gets to really do that? Back to Grandma Betty’s for pancakes….although it had been four years since the granddaughters were here, they remember and looked forward to Grandma’s pancakes. The pancakes had hardly hit the bottom of our tummies before Grandma had lunch ready and we ate again.

Rick’s three brothers, Roger, Kenny, Keith and their families, have been in and out at various times of day and night as work schedules allow. There is a new generation of little ones that are so much fun. My sisters-in-law and I had a reality check watching all these little ones which are our grandchildren. It does not seem so long ago that it was our kids playing in the sandbox.

Thursday was a day at the coast with Roger’s daughter and her two kids. On the way down we stopped to watch the elk at Dean Creek Elk Reserve. The Sea Lion Cave north of Florence was our next big stop and first good view of the ocean. The kids were all fascinated by the hundreds of Sea Lions living on rocks in a sea cave. A good hike up the last steep path brought us back to the mountain highway and on our way to lunch.

Next on the seaside adventure was our traditional lunch at “MO’s” in Florence. Clam Chowder, shrimp and French fries should have filled us up, but the rest of that tradition is salt water taffy and ice cream across the street. It was almost 4:00 p.m. before we finally got to the beach. Although the sun was shining, there was a wildly strong wind blowing. Determined, we made our way to the water’s edge with the blowing sand stinging our skin. Pictures were taken and we were on our way home for more of Grandma Betty’s cooking.

Friday was a day for yard sales, Grandma’s clam chowder and our time to visit Grandpa Lloyd’s grave. We miss him and know how much he would enjoy all of these new great-grandchildren. This day was wrapped up at Barbie’s house with dinner and a big bowl of freshly picked blueberries.

Saturday morning we went into Eugene for “Saturday Market” where fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and crafts were displayed over several blocks. One could also purchase goat cheese, fresh herbs, salmon, and fried pickles. It was a great place to “people watch” as West Coast Culture was to be seen at its best.

After the market we went to the home of Rick’s youngest brother, Keith, where the family gathered for the afternoon. There was burgers on the grill and elk jerky, still hot from the smoker. Aunt Barb came from Portland to spend the day with us. She keeps busy with her job at a big landscaping nursery, but had gotten away recently for a few days at a bluegrass festival.

Sunday morning we went up the mountain to church at Culp Creek. It was good to be in church with Grandma Betty again and she loved hearing her grandson preach.

Baked ham and smoked salmon were on the Sunday Dinner menu at brother Kenny’s house. As temperatures in Oregon continue to climb toward three-digit numbers, a dip in the pool was refreshing before Sunday night church service.

Here it is, now Monday and our vacation will soon end. Today and tomorrow will be real scorchers and we are staying close to the A/C. Some of us slept really late at the motel this morning so Grandma’s pancakes, sausage and eggs became a late brunch. Lots of kids and grandkids are around today so we have spilled over into the community room here at Grandma’s apartment complex.

Grandma is making a fresh pot of clam chowder and tonight we are going to Sherry and Grant’s house for pizza. Laundry is done so we can pack our bags with clean clothes. That is a real plus since the washing machines at our house and Neal’s house broke down the day we left.

Traveling by plane has a new challenge as there is a $30 roundtrip charge for each suitcase checked. We all packed carry-on bags lightly and checked only one partially filled large suitcase. One always returns home from vacation with something extra and we could not pass up the Friday morning yard sales. Lines had to be drawn, Neal could not buy tools or camping equipment, but there were smaller treasures found. No doubt that suitcase will be full, we may even have to weigh it to make sure not to exceed the weight limit. It will be hard to say goodbye on Wednesday morning. We are taking many good memories home with us and hope that some good memories are left behind with Grandma and the rest of our Oregon Crum family. Bye for now.