Just crossed into Oregon

We will be sleeping in Steilacoom tonight after three five-hundred-mile-days from Casa Grande, but it has been an easy drive. Cooper might not agree as he doesn't have much room in the back of the Jetta, but he seems to be making the best of it.

The area here around Ashland is beautiful with all the hills and valleys displaying gorgeous spring greens. There is a dampness in the air, and clouds are hovering, but there is no rain.

The park in Casa Grande was getting pretty sparse by the time we left this week, and I suspect in another few days, the only residents will be the handful who stay year 'round.

We are looking forward to seeing Craig, Cassie, Greta, and all the Johnson family while we are home for the next ten days or so. And we will have Skyla as soon as we retrieve her from the kennel tomorrow.

We haven't heard from Colleen since she arrived in Rome, but she would have still been airborne when the earthquake hit north of Rome. I understand the second quake was felt in Rome, so she would have been there for that one. I know this is a busy week with about five hours of rehearsal time every day, so I'm not surprised we haven't heard from her.

We enjoyed a visit from Brian last weekend. He had a trip to Tucson and Phoenix for this week, so he came one day early to come and see us. His friend, Phil, who is still in the area joined us for the night as well.

Brian brought star gazer lillies, and since they were just two days old when we left, I couldn't bear to throw them away. I have had them with me in a glass of water in the side door pocket, and although they look a little the worse for wear, the car smells heavenly.

Janet managed to get tickets for Wicked while the guys are on their fishing trip in May, so it will be Janet and the girls, Janet's mother and I. We will just make a day of it by taking the train up and back. I have driven through NYC on more than one occasion, but this is the first time I will have set foot on a sidewalk!!

All the Kirkwoods will be in one place for the girls' graduations since Craig, Cassie, Greta, and Colleen are all going to be there. That is a rare occurence, and I am very much looking forward to it.

It is time to stop for coffee here in Medford. Ciao