A DAY IN GRANTS PASS

For the last couple of weeks Ron and I have been totally alone here in Ashland. So one day follows another with little or no excitement. Then last Monday Ron called in on a radio contest. He only needed to be the second caller and he was. He won two tickets to a Jazz Concert in Grants Pass. So we decided to spend Wednesday in Grants Pass. We had lunch by the Rogue River and walked around Grants Pass. We saw some beautiful new homes on the river.

The temperature was around 100 degrees so we went to a movie in the afternoon to cool off. Then in the evening we went to the jazz concert and saw Acoustic Alchemy. They were great. Really really good. It was a fun day and I thought I would share it here.

4TH OF JULY ITSELF

Fun, fun, fun day. This morning started out with the annual 4th of July parade. We gathered as a family and watched what seemed like every group that ever had a message pass by. One of the most exciting moments is when the two jetfighters fly over the parade route to begin the festivities.

In the afternoon we came home and saw the Italians beat Germany in the World Cup semi-finals.

In the evening Rick's friend, Matt and his parents invited Rick's closest high school buddies and their families over for a barbeque. It was great to see Rick once again with Matt, Ian, and Brian.

We ended the day by driving the convertible to the University parking lot and watching the fireworks. Very nice holiday.

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND MONDAY

This is the day that Rick and his friend, Ean, rented a boat at Howard Prairie and invited us to go fishing with him. It was great fun.

Only Ean's girlfriend, Sheila, caught a fish. But we had fun having lunch on the boat and sitting in the sun.

I captured a picture of Rick and Ean diving from the top of the boat. Pretty cool, huh? Another photo is of everyone admiring Sheila's catch.

SECOND HALF OF DAD AND PAT'S VISIT

As always the second half of anyone's vacation flies by. Mostly we hung out at the house and visited. We did a lot of evening cocktails and sitting on the deck. Ron and Dad did some chipping in the backyard, always a nice pastime. We did take a run down to Lithia Park. But I forgot my camera on that trip so I am hoping Patty will add those photos to her blog.

On Friday Patty and I did some shopping downtown and went out to lunch (something Dad and Ron would always rather skip and they did). We ate at Lela's. When Rachel Ray visited Ashland a couple of years ago she had her lunch there. Rachel Ray was one of my Mom's favorite cooks from the Food Channel. So Patty and I especially enjoyed that lunch. We shared a Greek Salad and a barbequed chicken pannini.

Then Friday night Rick, May, and Lisa drove down from Portland. Yesterday Rick and May cut Ron's hair together. They do absolutely everything together. They also went swimming at the reservoir at the top of Lithia Park. This time they took Lisa They are all there again today.

Last night we all had pizza and played cards. Dad learned a new fun and easy game from Aunt Betty and Uncle Jack. He taught us and we are having a good time with it.

This morning Dad and Patty left and the house is definitely emptier. I don't like people to leave. It was so wonderful having them here. One comfort is they are planning to return in August and to bring Scott next time. Goody, goody.