Until after my son’s wedding.

On the fifth day, the mountain was out. Finally. I’ve had a good time re-visiting some of my favorite places and seeing good friends. I drove to the coast to Seaside and then Astoria.

On the way back I stopped at a tiny eagle sanctuary. Very serene, scenic, and tiny.

Apparently this is the tree they like to nest in.

I drove to Vernonia to eat lunch at the Blue House Cafe, which happens to be owned by my good friend Michael’s late wife’s family. They were very sweet and the matriarch remembered her cousin, Angela, fondly. The food was incredible. I had tried to eat there in May. In fact, I made a special effort to go there that day. It turned out to be the day they are typically closed, so I didn’t bother going for the rest of the drive I had planned – to Longview. It turned out that was the day there was a large explosion and people died in Longview.

Another day to Corvallis to meet my friend, Karen for lunch. Another day to Milwaukie to meet another friend, Lori. Other days to meet Danni and Melody and Kathy and Patti and Ann and Sheila and Chameleon and Sherrie and Karen and Mandy. Lots of friends in these parts.