We finally got out of the house today, taking a drive up to Kings Valley Cemetery to find a couple of gravesites that Sami wanted photographs of for a book report she’s doing.  (she’s reading “A Heart for Any Fate” which is the story of Lovisa King, a young pioneer girl who traveled the Oregon Trail.)  We found the graves and had fun locating other gravesites of historical significance to the King family.

We then drove out near Arlie Vineyards and back to Corvallis, stopping at Peavy Arboretum.  We walked a bit out there, stopping to sit in the sun and watch the fish and frogs in the pond.  We talked a lot and generally got along quite well.   I’ve missed that terribly.

I hope that there will be more days like this one.   We’re long overdue and have some catching up to do.

Sami- Hanging out at Peavy Arboretum.

Corvallis, OR

Dinner tonight was scrumptious.  Score another win for Dream Dinners.   This time it was the Chicken Parmesean and Artichoke Alfredo Pasta.  Sami helped with the salad prep, which especially nice.   It’s been a long time since we’ve done something like that together.   I broiled some garlic bread and we had a nice, simple Saturday night meal-  just what I needed after living in someone elses home for the last three days.

I’m getting very close to being able to purchase my new Canon 5D.   I’ve waited so long for this camera.   I also plan on picking up a new flash and a much needed light meter.   There are other things that I need, but those can wait until later.   I’m also going to pay off a few old bills that I haven’t been able to get a handle on over the last few years.  It’ll be good to only owe on the car and then to have one credit card to my name- with no balance.  Of course, I’ll owe on the loan that I’m taking out against my 401K to afford all this, but the payments come out of my paycheck automatically and won’t be any more than the payments I’m making on my current 401K loan.

Additionally, it means that we’ll be a bit more comfortable for our planned trips this summer/fall.  We won’t be rolling in dough- still planning on sleeping in the tent (or car) when possible, but it’ll certainly help.   I also plan on tossing in a few impromptu trips here and there- just to keep it interesting.

The bees are buzzing about on the patio.  I’m watching them now.   It shaped up to be a lovely day, although I haven’t been outside for much of it.     I think I’ll take a quick walk before it gets dark.

And, since I’m loving this springtime stuff… here’s one from last month (Finley Wildlife Refuge- Corvallis, OR)

After a long (sometimes, excruciating) three days of housesitting, I am now back in my own home.   I couldn’t be more thrilled.    There are so many things that I need to do here and I cannot wait to get started.

I did take a minor detour this AM to visit the Corvallis Farmers’ Market.  But I think I deserve it.

I cannot wait until the peak of summer produce season.  I’m so looking forward to all the rich colors (and flavors).   Until then, I think I can make do.