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.