We left Fresno and our beautiful neighbor's house across the street (that is our daughter, Jennifer, and family's house). We love having them so close across the street, especially since they watch the house, pick up the mail, AND watch our 'puppies'. The 'puppies', otherwise known as the crazed Dalmatians, play with Sampson, the enormous Great Dane, rescued by Jennifer from the Central California SPCA.Our first stop was at the Redding Moose. We were visiting my cousin Sharon and husband, Gary. We were so surprised by Gary's offer to cook dinner. Shrimp appetizers, Bar-B-Que steak and chicken, baked potatoes, salad, and a delicious desert. We talked and talked until after 11p.m. It is so nice to see family that we haven't seen for several years and catch up on all the family news.
We had minimal hookups at the Moose Lodge. Tom just had to get this picture of the water hook-up. Needless to say we did not take on any water in Redding.
We then drove to Canyonville and stayed at the lovely Seven Feathers RV Resort. What a difference. We told mom she has seen the opposite ends of the RV accommodations. We took the shuttle to the casino for dinner and a $5 complimentary card for the slots. We used their $5 on the penny machines, played for about an hour and walked away with $15 between the 3 of us. Now that's a lot of free fun.
We arrived at the Sandy River RV Resort in Troutdale just east of Portland by early Friday afternoon. Then we drove downtown Portland for a yummy Italian dinner with my sister, Janet, her husband, Patrick, my 3 nieces, Natalie, Jocelyn, & Paige, nephew, Ryan, and spouses & partners.
The next day, Saturday, was Patrick's Retirement party. There were lots of friends, family, food, and tears and laughter during the toasting. Patrick took it quite well and rebutted the jabs and thanked all for coming from as far away as Wisconsin, southern California and parts in-between.
We later had dinner in the patio next to the pump house. McMinamins is the old Poor Farm that has been restored to an amazing eclectic retreat. The grounds are spectacular. They make their own wine, beer, and ice cream. I can vouch for the ice cream... as good as Blue Bell!
The next morning, Mothers Day, was brunch at the Black Rabbit restaurant, more laughing, crying and talking and then it was time to say goodbye to everyone. But not before we gathered for a final picture.
Tom & I went back to our RV and planned a drive up the Columbia Gorge. More of that trip tomorrow.
The trip to Crown Point must have been exciting in the coach, especially if you came in from the East.
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