Cove, OR

Wayne and Rosemary at Hot Lake Springs

Wayne hiking near cool tree

Wayne & Griff

Happy skier

Last week was busy.  I took my driving test-on a computer-and just barely passed.  There were 35  questions and 8 missed meant you had failed--I missed 7. There were some trick questions and others who were taking the test at the same time were also sweating it (there were many sounds of frustration).
The next day I had the emissions tested (1 1/2 hour wait) and back to the DMV for plates for the car (over a 2 hour wait). I then stopped at the library for a card and to check out some books on tape.

Wednesday I drove to Cove (listening to a book on tape) to visit Wayne and Rosemary.  They live in a beautiful valley with fields of mint, grass seed, (did you ever think about the fact that they have to grow grass to get the seed so you can plant the seed and grow grass?) alfalfa, wheat and other crops that grow well in that climate.  Mountains surround the valley and rise up right behind their home. There were many cherry orchards at one time and almost every house has a few cherry trees. My brother and his wife have cherry, apple, pear and peach trees along with huge raspberry bushes and strawberry plants. Needless to say their summers are very full with picking, canning, freezing and drying.  Rosemary cans and also makes delicious jams that she shares with neighbors and friends --and relatives!

Thursday we visited Hot Lake Springs--a restored building that was once a hospital and is now a hotel and spa.

Friday Wayne and I did a little hiking and touring of the area.

Saturday Wayne took me to Anthony Lakes Ski resort where he is on the Ski Patrol--but not on duty that day. He helped me with my rusty ski form and was very patient as we came down the easy to moderate runs. Griff (his son) surprised us by showing up to ski ( another super skier) and when I could feel my legs getting tired I retired to the lodge with my Kindle and father and son raced each other down the slopes. I think they are both very competitive. It was a beautiful day, the snow was good, and the book (Here Be Dragons), a great read.

Sunday we  took a ride through some more beautiful country to visit some friends.  On this day Rosemary was on a liquid diet in preparation for a complete knee replacement the next day.

Monday I left Cove in the rain and arrived to sun in Portland. It is an easy and beautiful drive on 84, much of it along the Columbia River. I called Wayne later in the afternoon and Rosemary's surgery was over and all went well.  Now the hard part starts with rehab and therapy to get that knee useful again.