"Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam.."

Residing at the R Ranch outside of the booming metropolis of Hornbrook, CA, I am really tempted to put a stake in the ground here and take my boots off for awhile! IT's on the INTERNET and you can see what a lovely place it is. You've gotta be a property owner to stay and since my papa helped develop it and he has a membership, he and I split the fees and I'm in! Might as well get my money's worth and thus far, it's worth it!

Millie went in the Klamath River w9which is s stones throw away) about twenty times and Moe enjoyed just lazying around under my chair mostly/ I slept and slept and slept today, fighting off some type of intestinal bug that I think was from yesterday's roasted chicken - Got sweats, got rid of it and I feel fine tonight. Praise the LORD....

So, we walked up to the lodge and watched some football on the TV - Met two guys from down below and one guy, the retired dentist from Palo Alto, knows my beloved extended family in Mt Shasta, Roger and Carol WIlder! They attended Penninsula Bible Church. Great to meet and felowship with Believers.

Also, the guy who moved into the space next to me is from LA area and he is a Believer.. I saw his Bible out so we had a fine chat, too.. HOWVER, let me NOTE that all these gys have wives but I like the ratio and just may have to come up again in a week, once I meet som comitments in Mt Shasta!

So, on our evening walk just now, the Milky Way is in fine form!! We took the chicken to the dumpster and I located the showers and laundry facility. Now I know why people stay here year round... Pretty inviting. I'll be back, for sure. Haven't even gotten to the horseback riding or pool yet. They have clay pigeons you can whallop, too.

Guests are welcomed so if you are thus inclined, you can come up when I'm here, either for the day or overnighter. I know there are memberships for sale, too- Check Craig's list.
God blessd me on this one. I am very grateful...Easy daze ahead,
Back in MT Shasta tomorrow for a week or so...Looking forward to seeing my chums.
In His grace,
Snoozen

The leak of the day report!

Well, as it goes, yesterday's leak is worth reporting..Seems there is a new one everytime I turn around! It's not called the "ARK" for nuthin'..
So, Having driven al the way from 7 Feathers Casino RV park, which is lovely, I chose a nice spot at the R Ranch, along the Klamath River. It's prtnership/ownership deal and my father and I are members. He helped design the Ranch decades ago back in the early 70s.. IT's a great place to be and I'd like to take some down time here.
Anyway, so, I go to hookup the water and all is going along JUST FINE when I heare GUSHING water coming out the opposite side of the RV - OH NO!!  
I run around and it's pouring out of the basement door like there is a BIG leak! I ran inside, got past all the animalls and had to shut thedoor so as to not lose a black cat (Cuatro).. The plug in the bathroom sink had inadvertantly closed and something had opened the cold water handle just enough to have my CUP RUNNETH OVER again! So, there was water everywhere but fortunately, it was all running out of the coach and not into the flooring. I think it will dry out just fine and just gave it all a good washing. AGAIN...

Oh my goodness! If it ain't one thang, it's another.
Had a real meal of roasted chicken, yams, corn, all bought from Ray's in Phoenix, Oregon. It tasted SO good! IT think it's being back in the mountains and out of the city.. We had to lock ourselves in a shut off the lights due to a major tiny bug infestation that happens here at night. I remember the no see 'ums from our last visit here on the first night of our voyage. This time the bugs were larger and flying things. Even still, it was nigh unto midnight before we ducked under the covers.

I'll take a few days here, I suspect, before heading to Mt Shasta. It's just so lovely and easy. I'm glad to be back home, as always. Back where the Garmin is wrong and I know better!

Thanks for adventuring with me. It's a great time. God is good, all the time. It's wonderful to witness His working and be a part of His desires to love the world to Himself.

What happens on the ARK, stays on the ARK!"

I know you like these leaking water stories...Well, I forgot to write about another one today..It's late. My old cat Kikipeepee gets up on my lap around midnight and wants to be petted, stroked and brushed. I think she has 'Sundowner's Alz' because she sleeps all day, to the swaying of the ARK, and is up at midnight, the ONLY one awake with me every night! Not bad for an 18 yr old..Us two old farts!

Anyway, picture this. We pull into a quiet state park in Washington and some of the parks have a dump station so you can get rid of your black and gray water very conveniently and for about $5..Honor system. Thought we'd try it out today. It's lunchtime so let's pull over.

I got the bright idea to really, really rinse out the toilet with the local hose that wasn't being used (a tip from Pam) and let me preface this by saying that I have one black ten year old cat who is the only one I worry may bolt out the side door one of these days. She likes to hide in the bathroom inside the clean igloo litter box when I drive. Makes a girl feel safe, I guess. Anywho, I decide to turn on the hose, after I am hooked up to the dump hole outside and crimp the hose, bring it in the side door and open the bathroom door a crack. Ok, Cuatro is in her igloo. For now...

Being the multi-tasker I have been infamous for, I put the hose down the toilet, stepping on the lever that opens the trap door so it will run full open. I notice that we had a spillage of acidophyllus tablets during my driving jaunt and I'll pick them up WHILE keeping an eye on the cat. She slips out momentarily and I managed to grab her while still having my foot on the lever. The water is running and flushing out the toilet like it should. All systems go! Then I noticed that I need to clean out the litter box, so Cuatro can have fresh bedding so I get out the pooper scooper and start in my project, one foot still on the lever and just finished with the last squished tablet in the trash when the cat gets out into the hallway again! This time I see her moving towards the door and Washingtonian freedom so I fly out of the bathroom and grab her, thank God, oops! I forgot the lever! The toilet is now OVERFLOWING (Yes, my cup and toilet runneth over!) so I multitask again by opening the toilet seat lid, stepping on the lever, throwing the cat in the igloo and crimping the hose - Got a few sopped towels out of the deal and it just seems that we are SOOOO appropriately named "The ARK" that I wondered again if Mr.or Mrs. Noah ever had such things happen. I had a book behind the toilet, Jim Harriet Veterinary Stories, to block my Cuatro from going down this little compartment. It's wet but not ruined, I don't think... Ugh! You know, Scriptures tells us NOTHING about what happened on the ARK except when Noah wanted to let the birdies fly and discover land. I think they all had a pact - What happens on the ARK, stays on the ARK!"

Goodnight... From Kikipeepee and me

Land of milk and honey!

Phewie! I dunno where the time goes but it is flying by. Seems every minute is filled with something and I flop into bed with my critters surrounding me after a very full day... If it's cold, I get a two dog, two cat night. Isaac D'Byrd sleeps in his mini RV travel cage and fends for himself. Some mornings it's been a bit nippy, for sure.

Highlights of Yakima (Wack him, Ma!) - Saw the 2 1/2 hr parade to open the state fair. It was great with lots of bands, some dancing horses, lots of politicians (about every third float or car was a politician or wanna be!).. The highlight was taking photos of my friend Susie and her grandson who is all of two or less waving and stuffing candy in his mouth and waving some more!. She was in G'ma Heaven.. The sun was out even though the morning had a bit of a chill, following yes, you guessed it, A DAY OF RAIN! I am beginning to feel like Pig Pen only it's a cloud of rain over my head and not dirt. "Oh,' they chortle "it is always nice and sunny here this time of year!"... uh-huh, sure!

Sue was true to her calling by making a few incredible meals - Clametti (spaghetti pasta with clams and olive oil, garlic) and cioppino. It;s always a culinary delight to be with her and she is one of the two best cooks I know in the world. She hopes to have her own professional kitchen someday and we've discussed ideas about how she can earn a fine living by repairing meals for folks like tired teachers on Friday nights and have it in their house, all ready to go.. Wouldn't that be sweet?  She can do it, too. She has that gift of looking in a common fridge and popping out a gourmet meal in 30 minutes or less..

Sunday worship at her church was great, this follows a marvelous Bible study on Weds led by Pastor Jim, who certainly has the gift of teaching. Sunday he taught on the word and concept/condition of holiness. God says "Be holy for I am holy." Powerful message. One I will take with me forever. Great people, warm hearted and genuine...I was blessed. Lindsey (18) accompanied us as did Sue's baby granddaughter dressed in a salmon or pinkish dress. Raise up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they shall not depart from it! 

Sunday evening, Sue's man friend took us to a fight and a hockey game broke out! IT was great fun and nice to have someone explain the game to me. Syd hails from where else but... Minnesoooota.! It was a fast moving game and a couple of bloody noses to boot! The funny thing was what you might call the seventh inning stretch and all the boys took their t shits off and waved them in circles above their heads. One little guy with red shorts on had a particularly good swing of his hips liked he was BORN to do that! The home team won and the crowd was in fine spirits.

I headed out of Yakima this morning to blue skies and 80 F!!! I cannot believe it! It was the warmest day in over a month and just fine. No leaks. Well, until tonight. I'll get to that in a minute..

Had a lushious drive along the Columbia River Gorge - First time I've driven it in good weather and not in winter! We cruised along and it was very relaxing. Millie smelled the river and wanted to go in so badly, poor dear! We stopped often and played, ate ice cream and looked at the views.. Just beautiful..

Back to the leaks... I'm just outside of Portland at my friend Mare's daughter's house and we hit a few good speed bumps that the driver of the ARK didn't know were there and everything, I mean EVERYTHING must've gone up in the air at least a foot or more! Whamo!  Anyway, we parked on the street in a residential section, Moe 'n Mill had a blast in their backyard. Miller popped a soccer ball straight away and Moe found what I think was leftover from Mr or Mrs Racoon's visit from last night... MMM Good!  Just as good as Kitty Rocha, maybe.

After a terrific dinner of tacos (the small authentic wagon tacos), tons of corn on the cob (Miss Piggy Waller) and fine fellowship with two of Mary Del Carlo's three kids, I came out to the ARK, visited with Mare (sold a photo!) and sat to have my quiet time... I looked at the screen on the window and see a long drip. Long. OK, now what? It's gooey. I bravely taste it. Sweet like.....HONEY! OH NO! Yep, the honey had spilled over during my flying leap over the speed bump and jostled the cap off the cute little bear and here's desert for ya! It is the land of milk and honey!  It's now on the table, under a basket it was in, the floor of the cupboard is sticky...There is a Scripture that says "Thy WORD is like honeycomb".... I nearly got it on the Bible but it is safe and clean. SO, the ARK goes through another leak, only this times it's a sweet thang!

Off we go to the R Ranch in Hornbrook for two days of downtime, I think. I never know what He has planned. I just report for duty and hope and pray for fine weather.

Taking 'er easy... God is good, all the time.
All the time, God is good. Heading south....Bring on the warmth! Bring on His plans! Keep me out of cul-de-sacs...
The Onan Generator has a mind of it's (his) own/.Doesn't want to work when I am parked but works when I get on the highway. Go figure. Between Mr. Garmin and Mr. Onan, I seem to have challenges from both of them -Can't live WITH 'em, can't live without 'em...

Thanks for praying. LORD knows we need it. See you soon, wherever you are.
Love in Christ,
Susan

Yakima (Wakima) and sunshine!

So,

We drove n the rain until 3:18 pm when it quit, just past nearly snowing Snoqualamie Summit where I stopped to warm up and get coffee and a sinful cinnamon roll with icing melted all over it. No, I didn't share it with the critters in the ARK. They didn't offer me any of their food so.... there.
Down the hill we went into the sunny Yakima Valley! WOW! No wonder they are growing some fabulous wines here!!!  THE SUN IS OUT!!!!!

I followed my Australian GPS Mr Garmin, as I call him, and he led me up this hill and into a cul-de-sac! Yes! That's right! Picture the entire rig and runner and me trying to turn, inch it along and not hit the Subaru in front of me. Can we make it? I am out of the ARK, eyeballing how much room I have, then in the ARK, inching along, then out, then in... all in sunshine, mind you! I finally succumbed to the inevitable. We are stuck. Now, this doesn't bother me because I have food, drink and a loo on board and could survive for weeks if need be.Like a traveling survival rig! I just felt rather silly and hoped the person with the Subie was at the house at the end of the cul-de-sac. She was. She and her newlywed hubby came out to help, God love 'em. They laughed and thought it was pretty entertaining.

I unhitched the Beehind Runner and we backed the ARK up and got it squared away. I gave them the Gospel of John and asked how I might pray for them. They looked at each other and wifey offered that hubby was driving two and a half hours a day ONE WAY to Tacoma to work in a specialized factory for Boeing - high end engineering specialty and needs a job here in Yakima.. Wifey cleans toilets two days a week for a pretty penny so I guess they don't want to move. I didn't ask BUT we had a time of prayer and encouragement. They were thankful for the Gospel and I know God will use it for His glory and to help them through this tough time.

My chum, Suz (yes, another Susan, Suz, Sue, Susie - There are four of us! That's why I am 'Sooz') came to lead me down the hill - SHe actually worked just within spittin' distance of where we were trapped on the hill. I could see her office! So, when Mr Garmin started out from the trap, he led me straight to Sue's house! He knew it all along. So, here's my take on it. It was an intentional goof up, ordained by God to encourage this couple and have us pray together. Bless their hearts! Isn't that just like God? Hallelujah! Let me hear an 'Amen!"

I've taken a nap in the sunshine in the ARK with the kitties and dogs draped all over me. We are nearly fighting for sunny space but it's congenial and cohesive. I'm glad to visit my pal, Sue and give her some encouragement. Not sure what our plans are except to do some wine tasting on Rattlesnake Ridge where there are 17 wineries! ZOWIE! They also have a county fair here on Friday so perhaps there will be some more Wrangler butts to eyeball.  We'll see what the week brings. The important thing is to just spend time together....

I'll be here a week and then head back to R Ranch, Mt Shasta for awhile. Need to fix some leaks on the ARK - Guess I should have followed the recipe for tarring it in the Bible. Worked for Noah.

Read Isaiah 35:8 - 10.. Highway to Heaven.. Guess we are on it. Hope you are, too!
Much love,
Sooz

Sept 11 - 19 News and Views

Well now, needless to say, there have been days when I just didn't feel like writing on the blog. Reminds me too much of homework so, don't be surprised if I don't write much. I found I was neglecting my dear friend, Journal. Been writing and pourin out there since I was 19.

I forced myself to leave the enjoyment of being with the Scarbroughs in Buckley, at the base of Mt Rainer which is a Houdini of a mountain. I only saw her three times, I think. Mostly shrouded in clouds. She is an astonishing volcano and stands about 500 feet higher than our Mt Shasta. I went with my cousins up to the lodge and saw glimpses of the summit here and there. don't blink or you'll miss it. The scenic drive was lovely and the story to report has just a few items of interest:
1) The town of ELBE (pronounced L-B) has no public bathroom, as announced to me by the woman in the burger shack, a tiny log cabin that produces burgers, shakes, fries and I had ice cream! So, since she said we would have to backtrack 1 1/2 miles to the next town, I did what all seasoned travelers do. I found an abandoned building and went behind it where I am sure tens of millions of people have done and did my business.... So, prepare yourself in advance if you are ever in ELBE... or BYOB (Bring your own bathroom in your RV) .
2) The rebuilt lodge is something to behold. Overnight accommodations are just over $100 for a room and the food is reasonably priced with a view that is incredible. I would expect to pay three times what they offer. Sometime Cuz Teresa and I will head up there for a few days.
3) John Muir Special (Hot choc and peppermint schnapps) in front of the fire in the lodge was a real treat. It was cold and seemed fully like autumn was upon us. Great place to lounge and enjoy present company - Jerry and Teresa are some of my favorite people and our time was special, for sure.

Back to Buckley where it rained and rained and rained. Had it not been for some fam and friends in the area, I'd be heading off to the desert in AZ. On Saturday last I drove to Seattle and it didn't rain! My adopted niece 'AJ' Regalia is attending cosmetology school in downtown so I lugged through traffic in one of the most beautiful big cities in America and the view was spectacular...It was an emotional moment to see Ally in her element, her niche. She has always had it in her to do this hair biz and I was glad to participate in one of her ten short cuts she must do for her certification. I am so proud of her and she looks, talks, acts just like a pro!
It was cute - She had to change her name to "Leyla' because there is another Allison so when I called her "AJ", her co-worker asked who I was. "Oh, she's my Auntie Susie!"  The gal said she thought we were family because we laughed the same!   Gotta love it. Yes, AJ's mom and I share the same funny bone...It makes me feel so good to be with family like that. God is good to provide.

We had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant and ate Pho soup - I pronounce it wrong, though. Looks like Poo but I think it's Puh... Anyway, it's dee-lish! AJ took me to lunch and that is a first for her. All those adult things now.... What a blessing.

After that wonderful experience and terrific neck and head massage and darling haircut, I took off to see my adopted nephew, Scotty 'Scooter' Rodriguez and his wife Kt and two kids, Elijah (10) and Ava (2) - It didn't rain until the football game was over so we were praising God for that one, too! It's great to see these young adults as adults. I remember before they were even born and now look at 'em! It was a sweet time of fellowship. I love them all so much. The kids were enthralled with Isaac, Mill 'n Moe and I'm sure they won't remember me much but as always, Isaac steals the show!

Back in Buckley, I took the dogs to Deep Lake at Nolte State Park and Millie went in swimming, therpay jacket and all!. Not sure if I already posted this but it was great fun for her. She is so athletic and needs to get out and run, play etc. nearly every day. You know, since she was brought into my life five years ago, she has had to adapt to those days, weeks and months when I couldn't be very active and sometimes she wouldn't get a walk for four or five days. For a high powered super athletic Labrador, she really has her mellow side and I am so thankful and proud of her. Now MOe is easy-peasy, no matter what. He just isn't too good at coming when he is called and Mills and I have to frequently wait for him so he spends more time on the leash. They are wonderful and love to go and do whatever I have up my sleeve. Especially if it is an ice cream. I am addicted. Ice Cream Eaters Anonymous, where are you?

Last Sunday was a tremendous time of rich worship and great message out of Colossians 3:13- I couldn't help but cry for thankfulness at His goodness and mercy poured out on me. He is awesome indeed. Great to worship with my sister in Christ, Chris. I will miss her so much. It was great to spend over two weeks with her. We both burst out in tears on Saturday en route to Starbuck's (her addiction!) and thanked God for giving us time together. I told her they will have to come and meet me somewhere warm and non-raining, next trip! She and her hubby are such wonderful people... Did my heart good.

I ventured to Auburn Sunday after church to have lunch with Teresa and Jerry. Saw hail, lightening, rain and sun all within about ten minutes. Y'all can have the Pacific Northwest. It ain't my calling. The suffering was worth it, though. Seeing their teacher daughter in her high school was great. I missed catching up to their son, Christian, who is Mr Talent in theater and performing arts. Boo hoo. They have a great family and stay strong in the LORD.

Sunday night (in the rain) Chris and Wayne wanted to put gas in the ARK as a gift (Oh, THANK YOU LORD GOD!!!) so we went down to the gas station. You won't believe it. Couldn't get the locking gas cap off. No key. The guy who tightened it in Oregon must've tightened it too much. We finally drove home after calling my towing company and theirs to no avail. I finally got on the Internet and got my channel locks and after praying again, Wayne yanked it off! Praise God! So, Chris and I went back to the station and filled 'er up at ten pmish. Gulp, gulp. Please pray God's blessings on them for their generosity and grace.I was stunned at their insistent offer. My goodness. That oughta get me back to Calif..I just can't turn that cap on tightly. Guess I need to get a new one, one of these days. God is good, all the time.

Monday I left Buckley in the pouring rain after hitching up the 4 runner (Now dubbed the bee-hind runner) by myself! I knew I could do it. It might take a little longer but I hate to be dependent on anyone. Since the neighbor who was going to wake up after his graveyard shift hadn't shown up yet and I was ready to hit the road, I just kept maneuvering until I had her lined up.. Went through two pairs of wet socks and shoes... Guess I need waders if I am going to be up here much longer!
I'll ct it off here because you are probably tired of reading and I need a new posting for a new chapter in my blog...
Say goodbye to Buckley and the great 17 days we had there.

Puyallup Rodeo yesterday

Well, needless to say, them Wrangler butts STILL drive me nuts! Ha! Doesn't matter what state, town, rodeo. Does a girl's heart good.
Great rodeo and I was glad to get out and stretch after being stuck in traffic for over an hour in downtown Puyallup, Washington. Can't hardly say the name, let alone find the RED parking lot!
Moe n' Mill stayed in the 4 Runner while I enjoyed the foot stompin' and mud slingin' for three hours. Saw a few good ride but the bulls were a bit tame compared to some I've seen. Got some fine photos of guys laying back so far on the horse or bull that it truly looks like they are lying down, face up! I think they are just looking to Heaven for some mercy and thinkin' "Oh LORD, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all ride horses, I must make amends." 

There is a God!
Lots and lots of booths as it's a large fair that lasts for several weeks, the pride of the Western States, come to find out. I met two old cowboys who are artists and put out some excellent paintings. I couldn't bring myself to take a photo of their work but it's great. Can't think of their names just now. Frank Owens?

Anyway, it was a great day and it just sprinkled some so I hope the rain is past us for now.

Rain, rain go away...

Sounds corny but as my 'nephew' Jaron says to me "Welcome to the Pacific Northwest!" Yep... They don't call this RV 'The Ark' for nuthin;.  We are doing great and have only a few leaks into a few of the basement compartments and that will have to come under strict investigation, I suppose. Can't have that.It cleared off a wee bit today and stopped raining log enough for me to check down under and rearrange a few things and clean out the ARK. A job I'm sure Mrs Noah had help with.

Looking forward to going Friday to the Puyallup Fair and rodeo. They run the livestock down Main Street so my camera will be busy and hoping to get some fun shots at the afternoon rodeo, too! Some schools in the state close down for the special fair here. Guess it's really a big deal. I just know I need a good dose of cowboys. You know what they say "Wrangler butts drive me nuts!".  Yes, there is still life in the ol' gal yet!

John 10:10 Living the abundant life on this end. Sometimes that is jsut a great cup f coffee and sometimes it's going to the rodeo. All good things come from His hands.

No Labor on Labor Day!

Cloudy here - I'm sure my bnes are commenting that the barometer is dropping and rain is forthcoming!
Chris and I made it to Starbucks (of course) and her classroom for some final preps before them little buggars come racing in tomorrow. They start their school year after Labor Day up here. She teaches at a first rate school and will have about 21 kids in her class. We talked to the new and (good lookin'!) principal whose gotta be all of 40! Chris wants me to bring my pups and parrot to her class as she has a boy who hs chosen to be mute due to some trama in his life and another child who is autistic. He is very much in favor and will check with the powers that be. So, we may end up volunteering some there, too.

We did some shopping and I saw a little more of the countryside. It's really lovely here and lush. There are still streams and creeks with water and I'm sure it is really gorgeous when the sun is out. The forecast is for rain then clearing so Ilook forward to getting out into it.

The ARK encountered her first real rain and we had two small leaks that I am aware of. Wayne and I put up a plastic sheet and car mat over one so I'll be caulking them, if I can find them. Not bad! I'm so glad Scott Tift spent three hous up there patching and painting the roof! We were cozy warm after a great dinner of chicken and dumplings and another nap ensued.

Thus ends summer....Shortest one I ever recall. I'm starving for sunshine and heat!
I love spending time with the Scarbroughs and it'sso good HAVE time to spend instead of us rushing off to other commitments. I could like this lifestyle.
God is good, all the time.

Sunday, the day of rest!

Slept well and arm and toasty in our little ARK. Why is it always hard to get up on a Sunday? Off to church we went and I'm so glad we did! Wabash Christian Church was full, warm and had great worship and an excellent message by a visiting pastor. You could pray for him as he is out of work. He had to close a church down "for the good of the Kingdom' is what he shared with me as he and I prayed together after the service. Bless his heart. The message was on Luke 10 - Good Samaritan and how we often travel the dangerous roads of life and find many along the side if the road. What will be our response?

Chris is addicted to Starbuck's so we have been there daily for her cafe mocha no whip double hot whatever... I bought ONE the first day and had a piece of pound cake, all for almost seven bucks so that was my splurge for the year! Ha! Starbuck's is brilliant. Created their own culture, vernacular, preying on people's legal addictions to caffeine and or sugar- and charge gobs for it! It's good, granted but ZOWIE! It's pricey.

Lazied around and napped, ate and slept. What else is there on a Sunday?

Labor Day Weekend in th Pacific Northwest

Saturday was g and cloudy, the threat of rain loomed over us but out we went to the Farmer's Market at a local elementary school out in the rolling countryside. We quickly met Chris' friends and two yr old daughter, an adoptee from Ukraine. She is an adorable, tall blond-haired smiling and laughing bundle who goes up to anyone with two arms upwards, making fists for the universal indication "Uppy - Uppy!". She walked into the Market twice with people she didn't know!
We took Millie and Moe with us and within a few moments of arriving, two sweatshirted and bright-eyed high school girls came over to 'dog sit' them at their booth while we shopped. A brilliant idea to allow people to have their pets there and not just be tied to the fence. I peeked at my 'children' to see how they were doing and one girl was playing with Moe's hair, as usual and the other gal was having Millie twirl right, then twirl left and then chase a soon to be shredded paper cup. I'm not sure who was happier with the arrangement but both parties had taken a fancy to each other and seemed delighted. This brings me great joy.

We purchased some lovely produce at the little market and it is a region that is rather lush, needless to say. I tasted some delicious chocolate honey but resisted knowing I'd sit down and eat the entire jar, as would Wayne. We'd have to fight over it.

Then we drove to a blueberry orchard where Bob and Jo have acres of blueberries - Really nice folks and you pick your own. Millie went with us with her pet therapy vest on and she ended up being walked by an autistic young boy then a Ukrainian/Russian girl who grinned ear to ear! Mill was in Dawg Heaven during the entire time and was very careful to pace herself to the needs of the child. It was so endearing. We talked for quite awhile with the parents of the autistic boy and they were thinking about getting him a dog and I think Millie sealed it for them. The boy was so responsive to her. We just want to make people smile on our adventure.

We picked blueberries like crazy for over an hour as Bob let us stay after hours, bless! Miller laid on the ground and ate the ones we dropped. I imagine she will be oxidized through and through by the time that goes through! Ha!

Millie ended up injuring her foot somehow during the day and was limping on it more and more so she was confined to the leash and the ARK for the rest of the evening, poor dear. Not sure how that happened. When you play, you pay.. She's the Michael Jordan of black labs. 'Miller Jordan' is her new nick-name!

We had a yummy blueberry crunch cobbler for dessert after grilled chicken, fresh corn on the cob and a dee-lish salad, all from the days work (except the fowl!) - Well done and very much fun! We all crashed out early and slept like logs... er... dawgs!

The LORD is good.

,

Where were YOU in 1976?

Well now, on this day,Sept 5th in 1976 my three musketeers friends (Noo, Yoyo and Bug Mavaro) climbed Mt Shasta for a memorable time 'way back when. Life was very different in some ways. We were young. Our motto for the climb was "We eat nails!" Now it's "We eat snails"... - escargot, to be exact. Well, I eat escargot. I don't think Noo or Yo would try them. Bug has gone on to be with Jesus so she's at THEE BANQUET TABLE of all tables. If you lie butter, garlic and escargot, it will be there for you but I'm sure you can pass that up in the buffet line, if you wish.

So, we are in Buckley, Washington near MT Rainer at my long time extended family's home - Wayne and Chris Scarbrough and their two incredible teenage kids, Kristen and Jaron. The biggest adjustment is their neurotic dog, Tillie ain't too keen on the arrival of the furried and feathered citizens of the ARK, though she is getting used to Mighty Moe (my terrier). Miller hurt her paw at the Farmer's Market yesterday so she is on the injured reserve list and not able to go out walking with Tillie and Moe. That's all good and well for Tillie, but poor Mill has a long face about it. Tillie freaked out when Isaac told her to sit and stay so Tillie has little contact with Isaac D'Byrd. She barks incessantly trying to alert her fam that there is not just a bird in the house but a TALKING bird who is trying to boss her around. Poor Tillie. I don't think her life will ever be the same.

The weather is cool for this time of year and expected to perk up a bit during the week. It's so pretty here in the countryside and I can see why so many folks I know live in the Pacific Northwest. IF it were in the 80s most of the time, I'd be here but hey, you can't have it all!

Church was great - Sermon was on being the Good Samaritan (who represents Jesus in this parable) - He came to heal and help the broken down, beaten up folks others would pass by. Not only that but, in the end of the parable he states "I will return again in a few days. Luke 10:29-35... 
Maranatha. Come LORD Jesus and meanwhile, we'll look for opportunities to help others along the perilous road of life.
Be well. Be good. Have fun.

The ARK sets sail!

It's day 3 of our adventure and one thing I can tell you is that we are covering ground at a snail's pace! Talk  about my life pace coming to  screeching halt, er.. crawl! Yep. And you know what? It's just fine with me.

I'm behind in my blogging so I'll just give you the nutshell version:

Day 1 - Left Mt Shasta to hugs from Yoshi, Pam and Larry rather late in the afternoon but who cares? Ended up at the lovely R Ranch in Hornbrook. If you are not familiar with it, it's a membership ranch and here's a mind blower. My birth papa helped develop that in the early 1970s and  OK, since you know my familial history, just think about putting together the pieces of the blessing of me being able to sit right next to the Klamath River on my first night out on the GREAT ADVENTURE!   I shall preface this by telling you that I stopped at the store in Hornbrook (out in the tulies) and made sure I was on the right road since I was coming from a different directions and didn't want to turn the ARK and La Rosa around on a thin road.. Yes, I was headed east. I ran into a gal I know from Mt Shasta whom I hadn't seen for a very, very long time. In fact, I didn't recognize her at first since she has lost a fair amount of weight. What are the chances of that happening? So, I head back out to the ARK and the driver's door is locked!  Ugh! I thought I had fixed that! I had secured the passenger door tightly so it wouldn't fly open and well, guess who forgot to get the hide-a-key?   Just gotta pray and figure out how to get in. Well, when we started out, I had cracked open the passenger side window and I remembered that the gal I bought her from had exclaimed that 'Even the screen slides!" when we test drove her back in late June. Hahaha! The brain is working overtime and the spirit is rejoicing! Julie and her male friend hoisted me up and up and I wedged my fat butt through that little window, much to the delight of Millie and Moe who were all over me while Isaac (who is on the engine console) is saying "SIT! STAY!  include here  both wolf whistles and making flatulence noises!)  Oh my gosh! We were laughing so hard! So, this is how it will go? My God has a great sense of humor!

 Now there is a hide-a-key!The door still is locked since I broke the button trying to get it to release but oh well...

- Few people are at the R Ranch since school is back in session and Millie thinks we are now in Dawg Heaven! I could not completely emotionally and spiritally fathom the great blessing it is to start our our voyage in the ARK on this property. Talk about full circle! We slept to the sound of the river babbling past and it was music to my ears. Had some deer come down for the buffet style grass and took a few photos.

Day 2
Got cold in the early dawn, though so I turned on the furnace, which had been working until then and I went back to sleep with it blowing cold air as it wouldn't ignite, thank God. I found out later in the day at an RV repair shop that we could've 'bit the big one', had it lit and we were breathing that stuff. Isaac was still upright so we were OK.

I had a chance to meet Brad and his puppy (Siskiyou) from San Jose. Shared the LORD's love with him and hopefully gave him some encouragement after his heart had broken six years ago when his fiancee passed away suddenly. We talked for a few hours. He wants to 'come home' to the LORD and God has been talking to him about restoring their relationship so we prayed together and I am hoping he'll head to church - He had attended the same church where I took my brother Mark a few years ago! It's a fine place for ministry. Praise God.

We headed to Canyonville and stayed at 7 Feathers Casino RV park and I hit the hot tub by 915 pm and thought I had died and gone to hot tub heaven! It was great and what a lovely RV park! I rarely gamble (unless Patty Anne gives me a ten spot) so I just took the shuttle down to get a bite to eat and look at the men in the Sport's Bar ~  the park is really nice and we slept like logs! I mean 'dogs'....

Day 3, we have landed in Albany, Oregon and all the critters are sacked out and I'm beat. Had a few stops along the way, like one to check to see if I really did accidentally leave the emergency brake on in La Rosa, the 4 runner. Yes, LORD, I am listening. Thank You for the reminder! By the way, the gal at the Blue Ox RV park trained race horses down in Ridgecrest and we talked about how wonderful horses are,,,,,
So, it should be a restful and quiet night. No dancing on tables at casinos or any other such nonsense!

I've given it a great deal of thought about how Noah and his family kept busy with all the animals on the ARK and wonder if they had a motley looking terrier cross (Mighty Moe) for a co-pilot in the passenger seat, Miller the Wonder Dawg who curls up below him and waits for the next rest stop for play time. Kikipeepee, my 18 yr old senior citizen cat who sleeps to the lull of the engine and sway of the ship - Cuatro, my black kitty who found her niche curled up inside the cat box igloo locked in the loo and Isaac D'Byrd who travels well in his little RV cage and makes wolf whistles when we stop for gas or repairs. I ALWAYS have to say "It's not me! "  

So it goes. My focus Scripture of the week: Job 26:7 He hangs the earth on nothing.

On we go. Thanks for prayin'... Wish you were here. We expect to be in Buckley near Seattle at the Scarbrough's tomorrow, LORD willin'... No rush. It takes awhile to get this boat on the road!