Oregon Weather and Salmon

Fall has definitely arrived to the Oregon coast, after one of the shortest summers ever! We had no days where the temp got above 70, and few days where it was even in the high 60s. Everyone commented on the sunny days - they were so unusual. And now the rains have begun again. It has rained every day for the past week, and came down in buckets yesterday when the annual Salmon Bake was taking place in the community park. Eleven bus-loads of senior citizens came down from Portland for the event, and stood in the rain to get their salmon.

The salmon is cooked in the Indian fashion on stakes over open coals of alder wood. The salmon is filleted and then woven onto the stakes - so that it is smoked while it roasts. Wonderful! I hope everyone went home with smiles in spite of the weather.

The Kids Zone had a table of desserts to sell, and hubby was there in the rain selling his cards to raise money for the Kids Zone. He did pretty well considering most people weren't too enthusiastic about standing there getting wet while he gave his spiel! His next big sale will be the two days after Thanksgiving, and will be at a craft fair indoors. We'll hope he'll make lots of money for the kids in Depoe Bay! He spends hours every day getting the cards and gift tags put together. It's a hobby that has become an obsession! But it does raise money for the Zone.

Thankful

Bill and I have much to be thankful for today. Our health is pretty good considering our ages. We live in a beautiful area, in our "dream home" and have enough money to feel fairly comfortable. We are still able to travel, and have certainly done so this year.

We have a wonderful family, and have been lucky to visit with most of them during the year either here or where they live. It's not always easy to get together, but great when we're able to do so.

We are spending today very quietly reading and watching football, while the rain pours down outside.We can't complain, however, as we've had three sunny days - and it is the time of the year for rain!

Bill has been resting up for his big sale tomorrow and Saturday. This will be the last sale of the year, and we hope he'll make lots of money for The Kids Zone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Early

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving early with some of our neighbors. Since we have no plans for turkey day, this worked out well. I made stuffing and two pies. The pie recipes were from Southern Living magazine and were quite good. I'm not brave enough to make my own pie crust, so used the ready-made from the grocery. I just have to remember to let it come to room temp before unrolling! I am feeling very full and uncomfortable, so will head to bed to read instead of sitting up.
The wind was ferocious last night. It started about 2 A.M. and didn't let up until late in the morning. Some trees came down on Walking Wood north of us, but we just had branches and cones hitting the roof over our heads. I'll be interested in seeing how strong the winds were. Seemed worse than last week.
" Hurrah for the fun, is the turkey done? Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!" Part of a song my grandfather used to sing :)