Shopping and Talking - What we do best.

Continuing photos of our California trip.....

The six of us took a day to go on a short excursion to the quaint town of Cambria.
The drive there is exquisite any time of the year but this Spring was especially lush due to the extra rain they've had.
But the weather was certainly warm and sunny for the whole week we were there. Yes we Oregonians needed that!

This bank of wild sweet peas required a closer look. The fragrance was marvelous and Mom was hoping for some seed pods :-) .


Cambria is a small shopping destination consisting of boutiques and an abundance of all-around charm. A wonderful place to go even if you 'intend' only to window shop. A garden theme is predominant so it was perfect for the avid gardeners in the group. (Mom, mostly!)

An Outing With The Grandkids

We decided a 'field trip' was in order so John and I took 5 of the grand kids and 'Daddy' Russ and
Uncle Ben to The Evergreen Aviation Museum. It has been a favorite location for many of us
from its beginning . It is amazing to have this inspiring, educational place right here in Oregon.

Beach Reunion

It was strange to be at the beach with no children in the group (not that some didn't act like kids). It's a totally different dynamic with all adults age 59-82 just hanging out together. We did lots of visiting, eating, strolling on the beach, taking pictures, and just catching up on each other's lives. Now when you add the next 3 generations, that becomes a large and lively bunch indeed! We actually have that party once a year as well.

Astonishing

3 cloudless days at the Oregon coast~

Rare!
~~~~~~~

7 siblings and their spouses that all enjoy being together~

Astonishing!
~~~~~~~

Getting us all to the beach at the same time~

Astonishingly Rare!
~~~~~~~~~

The top photo in this next set is of the baby shoes that were made into a plaque by their Dad many years ago. It hung on the wall until their darling Mom passed away 3 years ago at age 99. At that time it was cut in 7 peices and given to the original wearers. Now it comes together whenever they do.

Pensive

(or how many posts can you get out of one afternoon at the beach?!)

I must down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.
~John Edward Masefield, 'Sea Fever'.~

Riding The Steam Locomotive

We were privileged to go on this outing with Holly and her family; Casey, Ilex, Drake and Ivy, also including Casey's folks, Stan and Carol. What an experience to feel the raw power that can only be felt by being near a live steam engine.

We enjoyed the 40 min. ride along the historic Portland Traction line viewing the river on one side of the train and a wild-life refuge on the other. The day was exquisite. (and extremely cold, I might add!)

Portland is fortunate to have a couple of the most powerful operating steam locomotives in the world.