Happy Birthday

It was Robin's birthday on Sunday.  We convened at her house to make pot stickers.  Using WL's family recipe for the stuffing, we tried our best to make some good looking dumplings.  Our attempts largely failed.  The dim sum rejects were super delicious.  LT made a sky high cherry cake while the Briards wore party hats. 

Memorial Day Disaster

Last Monday, a tree, 3 houses down from us, decided to end it's life in a most spectacular way. Falling across the street and onto the power lines. The power company did a good job getting us back online in 5 hours.  It gave us a chance to fire up the genny for the first time in GP.

No Guide Rafting

 

Martina and I booked a seven mile river raft one afternoon when she was here.  I've done this before but always with a guide.  None were available and we decided to try it on our own.  We never did get the hang of steering the thing or even figuring out the bow from the stern. The driver who deposited us at Hog Creek Landing said to always steer towards the V in the rapids.  All well and good but for the most part, there were a decided lack of V's. Only rushing white water. The many rapids were a bit hairy. We were cheered on by another raft after we almost flipped after hitting a boulder. We were able to collect ourselves and laugh on the Rogue's calmer stretches. Towards the end, we were on a collision course with another big rock and we both said, "I have no idea what to do".  We survived the day.

On Sunday, we finished up with a jet boat tour.  After kayaking and rafting, a much more placid mode of transport.

Conference Call

 Martina curbside taking a work call while a local Jacksonville cat waits for a pet.

Banco in Situ

 

Martina's Afternoon

We took Martina through the Applegate one afternoon.  Starting with the Super Natural Chocolate  factory and their spicy truffles. Then to Pennington Farms, where bunch of jams and tea cakes were had.  Then to satisfy her fermented veggie cravings, a stop at the Whistling Duck farmstead.  Onward to the Applegate Country Club for a pizza and local ciders in the garden. Ending up at sundown for a glass of the local wine at Wooldridge Creek Winery.

Jacksonville Dinner

Had a lovely dinner at the Jacksonville Inn tonight with that JVille gang and an old acquaintance from LA. The highlight was the blue cheese creme brûlée with raspberry caviar appetizer.  Amazing waitress who seemed to know everything. Great night.

Martina and the LOTW

Martina arrived for 5 days and last Friday we took her and met some friends at the Lake of the Woods.  She got to kayak for the first time. A nice sunny day near Mt. McLoughlin.

Gaffer63: Lake of the Woods