Those of us who have lived in Central Oregon know that the summer season is very short. While much of the rest of the country has already been well-baked and dried out, up until 2 days ago we were still getting drenching rains. That in itself is rare; the west side of the Cascades is usually the "wet" side.
What isn't unusual is for the weather to finally heat up in late June/early July, and very suddenly too. On Tuesday (son's birthday, if you will recall!) it was cool, rainy, and in the 60's. Every day since then the temperatures have risen an average of 10 degrees per day. Currently, as I type this, the temp sits at 91. And the day's not over yet! In fact, son just got back from purchasing an air conditioner for his room...he doesn't deal with the heat well. Daughter is up at the lake with a friend...smart girl.
I hear people all the time say "Isn't this weather weird?". Well, not if you've been around here any length of time at all. It isn't outside the realm of possibility for there to be a sudden drop in degrees and snow in the forecast. Even in summer!
I am not a believer in so-called "global warming", "climate change" or whatever the current PC term for it is. If you look back in history (I did manage to fit history in here today, didn't I? hehe) you'll see that weather extremes have happened always. Warm winters, cool summers, glaciers melting, the sky falling, the boy who cried wolf one too many times. It's not new. Those who buy into this global warming stuff remind me of the goose (or was it a duck?) whose mind was a clean slate each new day, not remembering anything that he had learned in the past. Or maybe he hadn't bothered to learn anything in the first place.
Stay cool this weekend and remember your pets! Already today I saw a dog in a truck at the grocery store. Granted, it was morning and the truck windows were down all the way, but still....
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Reminiscing
Yesterday my son turned 19.
I look at him, all 6 ft. plus in height, and naturally I have to think back on when he was born.
Back then we were living in Eugene. My husband worked at Symantec and I at the U of O Knight Library. I remember when my maternity leave began. This was about the time that O.J. Simpson's wife and friend were murdered. Spent a lot of time watching the infamous car chase, when O.J. was fleeing the law. Went on for hours, as you may recall. Trying to find comfortable positions on the couch, shifting my baby bulk to and fro, while eyes were glued to the TV. Funny, I don't remember watching the ending, but I'm sure I did. Maybe I was too distracted by other things...ya think??
Anyway, after 18 hours of labor, during which I had an epidural which only took on one side of my body (which is why I didn't have one when I had my 2nd child!), son was born at 8:26 on the morning of June 25. I didn't get to hold him first; husband did. They had to whisk son into an adjoining room to suction out his little lungs as he had aspirated some of the fluid in the amniotic sac. So once this was done, son was plopped into his papa's arms. Then he was brought in to see mama.
How surreal it is to see a baby, and know it's yours. This was something new, exciting, and terrifying all at the same time. Knowing that this little bundle is all yours, and your responsibility.
Well, that was 19 years ago and son hasn't turned out too badly. After all, he's not in jail! And he's not a drug addict. He is a high school graduate. He still lives at home but is taking college classes, so that's definitely a plus too. All in all, reasons to be thankful and grateful.
Wonder where we'll all be in another 19 years??
I look at him, all 6 ft. plus in height, and naturally I have to think back on when he was born.
Back then we were living in Eugene. My husband worked at Symantec and I at the U of O Knight Library. I remember when my maternity leave began. This was about the time that O.J. Simpson's wife and friend were murdered. Spent a lot of time watching the infamous car chase, when O.J. was fleeing the law. Went on for hours, as you may recall. Trying to find comfortable positions on the couch, shifting my baby bulk to and fro, while eyes were glued to the TV. Funny, I don't remember watching the ending, but I'm sure I did. Maybe I was too distracted by other things...ya think??
Anyway, after 18 hours of labor, during which I had an epidural which only took on one side of my body (which is why I didn't have one when I had my 2nd child!), son was born at 8:26 on the morning of June 25. I didn't get to hold him first; husband did. They had to whisk son into an adjoining room to suction out his little lungs as he had aspirated some of the fluid in the amniotic sac. So once this was done, son was plopped into his papa's arms. Then he was brought in to see mama.
How surreal it is to see a baby, and know it's yours. This was something new, exciting, and terrifying all at the same time. Knowing that this little bundle is all yours, and your responsibility.
Well, that was 19 years ago and son hasn't turned out too badly. After all, he's not in jail! And he's not a drug addict. He is a high school graduate. He still lives at home but is taking college classes, so that's definitely a plus too. All in all, reasons to be thankful and grateful.
Wonder where we'll all be in another 19 years??
Monday, June 24, 2013
Success
The Museum opening was a success. Here I am right after we opened the doors promptly at noon last Saturday!
As was expected, we probably had a grand total of 6 people come in, not counting our families. For us, I suppose that's successful but, naturally, that total could be improved on considerably.
In any case, it was fun. Some of our older volunteers sat around the big walnut table, stacked with Redmond High School yearbooks, and reminisced. We also had a large Oregon map from the 1930's, blown up large, facing out the front window. It was interesting seeing which towns listed on that map no longer exist. Towns like Opal City, Suntex, and Rolyat, to name a few. And there was no Lincoln City back then; just a collection of towns that later joined forces to become that city. I really enjoy little trivia facts like this!
Have a good Monday everyone.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Opening Day!
Today the Redmond Museum opens for the season. We've been furiously working on our exhibits and all is ready at last.
I'm in charge of Education and Medical. In Education, I put some yearbooks from Redmond High School on display; along with some pictures and info about a long-time teacher here. Her life in Redmond was tainted with scandal; not only was she a strict and sometimes cruel disciplinarian, it's been said that she was carrying on a liaison with a prominent Redmond citizen.
The Museum has a large box of items, salvaged from a basement, that belonged to said teacher. There are photos, her own diplomas and report cards, some dating back to her grade school days in Portland, and numerous letters and post cards, sent from around the world by her so-called lover. There are still many in Redmond who remember her and the alleged liaison and so I was discouraged from putting out some of the more questionable items into the display. Not that I didn't want to!
Some of our Museum workers actually had this gal as a teacher and they don't have fond memories of her. And the thought that some of the materials that hinted at the scandal could end up in my display horrified a few. I certainly don't want to rock the community boat!
Maybe in 50 years or so these, shall we say, more interesting items may be put on display and the situation explained. As for now, we'll just skim the surface of the matter.
If you're in the Redmond area this summer, we'll be open from 12-4 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. If you'd like the address, drop me a line!
I'm in charge of Education and Medical. In Education, I put some yearbooks from Redmond High School on display; along with some pictures and info about a long-time teacher here. Her life in Redmond was tainted with scandal; not only was she a strict and sometimes cruel disciplinarian, it's been said that she was carrying on a liaison with a prominent Redmond citizen.
The Museum has a large box of items, salvaged from a basement, that belonged to said teacher. There are photos, her own diplomas and report cards, some dating back to her grade school days in Portland, and numerous letters and post cards, sent from around the world by her so-called lover. There are still many in Redmond who remember her and the alleged liaison and so I was discouraged from putting out some of the more questionable items into the display. Not that I didn't want to!
Some of our Museum workers actually had this gal as a teacher and they don't have fond memories of her. And the thought that some of the materials that hinted at the scandal could end up in my display horrified a few. I certainly don't want to rock the community boat!
Maybe in 50 years or so these, shall we say, more interesting items may be put on display and the situation explained. As for now, we'll just skim the surface of the matter.
If you're in the Redmond area this summer, we'll be open from 12-4 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. If you'd like the address, drop me a line!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Job hunting's a bitch
I am digressing a bit from my blog today to discuss a topic that I've been dealing with for nearly 2 years. Yes, it's the dreaded...job hunting.
I live in Central Oregon, an area with high unemployment. Compounding this is the fact that I am not young and have been out of the work force for several years, raising my kids.
I have applied for dozens of jobs. Even had some interviews but in the end they all resulted in a big fat zero. To say that I'm frustrated would be a supreme understatement.
I have taken some online classes, hoping to bolster my chances; Excel and Quickbooks. Have they helped? I'm glad I took them for knowledge's sake, but they haven't helped my employment chances.
I'm not giving up...I can't. But do I feel hopeless? You bet.
What does this have to do with history? Of course, what comes to mind is the Great Depression. Jobs were few and far between then too. I think things are better now in some ways. But there are a glut of people fresh out of college at this time who have new skills and, let's face it, have a longer "shelf life" in terms of being in a position. So people like me have little chance.
But we seem to be emerging from this recession (at least I didn't say the "D" word!) so maybe things will be looking up for us middle aged ones.
Fingers crossed!
I live in Central Oregon, an area with high unemployment. Compounding this is the fact that I am not young and have been out of the work force for several years, raising my kids.
I have applied for dozens of jobs. Even had some interviews but in the end they all resulted in a big fat zero. To say that I'm frustrated would be a supreme understatement.
I have taken some online classes, hoping to bolster my chances; Excel and Quickbooks. Have they helped? I'm glad I took them for knowledge's sake, but they haven't helped my employment chances.
I'm not giving up...I can't. But do I feel hopeless? You bet.
What does this have to do with history? Of course, what comes to mind is the Great Depression. Jobs were few and far between then too. I think things are better now in some ways. But there are a glut of people fresh out of college at this time who have new skills and, let's face it, have a longer "shelf life" in terms of being in a position. So people like me have little chance.
But we seem to be emerging from this recession (at least I didn't say the "D" word!) so maybe things will be looking up for us middle aged ones.
Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Getting Ready
We are getting ready. It's an annual event and one I really enjoy. Frustrating at times but SO worth it! WHAT am I talking about, you ask???
Here in Redmond, we have a little Museum called...wait for it...the Redmond Museum. Bet you didn't see that coming, did ya? All kidding aside, I've been a volunteer at the Museum since 2009. Each year about this time we either "freshen" or completely re-do the interior of the Museum to make ready for our annual opening day. This year it's this Saturday, June 22. We have several volunteers--I'm the youngest!
Several of the ladies who also volunteer have deep roots in Redmond. They were either born here or nearby. I have learned so much about Redmond and the surrounding communities simply by listening to their stories. Whether it's an old picture that triggers a memory, or an old newspaper article that calls to mind a certain era, these ladies are living and breathing history. If there's a question about where a now-defunct business was located, or who may have operated it, we have only to ask these ladies and most of the time we'll get the answer.
We are just a small Museum. We are struggling (and have been for some time now) to get our non-profit status secured with the State so we can begin to hold fundraisers. For now, we'll continue to work with what we have and hope that someday soon we'll have so many volunteers and donors that we won't know what to do with them.
To tell the truth, we DO know what to do with them! Bring 'em on.
Here in Redmond, we have a little Museum called...wait for it...the Redmond Museum. Bet you didn't see that coming, did ya? All kidding aside, I've been a volunteer at the Museum since 2009. Each year about this time we either "freshen" or completely re-do the interior of the Museum to make ready for our annual opening day. This year it's this Saturday, June 22. We have several volunteers--I'm the youngest!
Several of the ladies who also volunteer have deep roots in Redmond. They were either born here or nearby. I have learned so much about Redmond and the surrounding communities simply by listening to their stories. Whether it's an old picture that triggers a memory, or an old newspaper article that calls to mind a certain era, these ladies are living and breathing history. If there's a question about where a now-defunct business was located, or who may have operated it, we have only to ask these ladies and most of the time we'll get the answer.
We are just a small Museum. We are struggling (and have been for some time now) to get our non-profit status secured with the State so we can begin to hold fundraisers. For now, we'll continue to work with what we have and hope that someday soon we'll have so many volunteers and donors that we won't know what to do with them.
To tell the truth, we DO know what to do with them! Bring 'em on.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Dad; sometimes the rascal
Continuing down into Northern California on our trip, we ended up at Ship Ashore, a decommissioned ship turned into a gift shop (it's still there as of 2013!). Dad, as you can see from the above photo, was quite taken with the mermaid at the entrance--notice where his hand was placed! Mom was not amused, needless to say. We kids thought it was hilarious!
Dad was rarely funny--his life had been hard; he almost died several times in his life, beginning with babyhood. His family suffered during the Depression; he told me that often times they had flour and water gravy with bread for dinner; sometimes edible weeds were all they had to eat. So it's easy to understand why life wasn't a joke for him. But there were those times that his funny bone would get tickled and it was a joyful occasion for us to see him happy.
He passed from this life in 2007, age 92. I sure hope he's up in Heaven, having a laugh for us still stuck here down below.
Happy Father's Day, Daddy.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Coast-in'
My first visit to the Oregon Coast was when I was about 9 years old. It was the biggest trip of my life up to that point, that I remembered. Our move up to Klamath Falls when a baby was bigger but of course I don't remember!
We headed north and reached Bend in time for lunch. We stopped at a store to get cold cuts for sandwiches. Next thing I remember was reaching Portland. I was overwhelmed--the big city! We went to Lloyd Center, which was fairly new then. The escalators almost undid me! I was terrified.
The next morning we hit Hwy. 30, on the road to Astoria. Oddly, the only thing I remember here is Dad explaining the Tillamook Burn to us. You could still, at that time, see the scars on the hills where the fire wiped out the timber.
Eventually we arrived at Winchester Bay. This was a big hit with my Dad--we have the most pictures of our trip from here. Tons of pictures on the docks near the boats. I think we must have photographed all of them!
Down towards Gold Beach, we stayed at a little motel on a hill overlooking the ocean. I remember the smell of the air; the crispness of the breeze; and of course the everlasting view. Heavenly! I firmly fell in love with the Coast here, I do believe!
Since then I've been back many, many times to our Coast. I've been the entire length of Hwy. 101 several times; I consider myself deprived if a year goes by without my "coast fix". I especially love Astoria, Lincoln City, and Bandon. But anyplace on the Coast is a good time!
Now I want to go...who's with me??
We headed north and reached Bend in time for lunch. We stopped at a store to get cold cuts for sandwiches. Next thing I remember was reaching Portland. I was overwhelmed--the big city! We went to Lloyd Center, which was fairly new then. The escalators almost undid me! I was terrified.
The next morning we hit Hwy. 30, on the road to Astoria. Oddly, the only thing I remember here is Dad explaining the Tillamook Burn to us. You could still, at that time, see the scars on the hills where the fire wiped out the timber.
Eventually we arrived at Winchester Bay. This was a big hit with my Dad--we have the most pictures of our trip from here. Tons of pictures on the docks near the boats. I think we must have photographed all of them!
Down towards Gold Beach, we stayed at a little motel on a hill overlooking the ocean. I remember the smell of the air; the crispness of the breeze; and of course the everlasting view. Heavenly! I firmly fell in love with the Coast here, I do believe!
Since then I've been back many, many times to our Coast. I've been the entire length of Hwy. 101 several times; I consider myself deprived if a year goes by without my "coast fix". I especially love Astoria, Lincoln City, and Bandon. But anyplace on the Coast is a good time!
Now I want to go...who's with me??
Monday, June 10, 2013
Mom & Company
Mom was born in Chicago in 1922. That's her, second from the left. Her family consisted of, from left to right, sister Irene, Mom, sister Jean, mother Jenny, brother Bill, father Peter, and "Uncle Pete", not really an uncle but a friend of Peter's who came over from Belarus with him. He paid to have the picture taken, which is why he's in it.
Mom's mother came from Warsaw, Poland. I've seen the ship manifest in which Jenny and her family are listed as being on board the S.S. Brandenburg, sailing from Bremen and arriving at the Port of Baltimore in November of 1905. Jenny was 11 years old. She only lived until 1938.
I've yet to find much on Peter's arrival, after years of searching.
My interest in Russian history stems from Peter. I never knew him; he died years before Mom even married. So why the interest? I suppose it's the mystery; why did he leave Belarus (in pre-Soviet days it was called White Russia)? Did it have something to do with the Bolshevik Revolution? Or the civil war that erupted between the Reds and the Whites afterwards? Was it to escape being conscripted into the Russian Army during World War 2? I may never know the answers. But it's something I'll keep searching for, always. Maybe I'll get lucky someday!
Friday, June 7, 2013
A quick note
As I am new to this blogging thing, I really want to reach out to you all out there. So please feel free to email me, link to my blog, add me as a friend--in other words, help me connect to you by connecting to me! Thanks a lot and have a great weekend.
Friday
Friday on a hot almost summer day. So nice as we don't get too many of those here on the High Desert.
I've got so much on my mind today; money (or lack thereof, as usual), a job (also lack thereof), projects I want to get done around my place, etc etc. I won't bore people as I know everyone has their own set of problems. We're not here to talk about that!
I suppose I should explain about my profile picture; after all, that's history, isn't it? LOL! My history, anyway. It's my brother and I. I still remember these pictures being taken, even though I couldn't have been more than 4 years old so that would have been about 1963 or so. It was at the old Mayfair Market in Klamath Falls (Sherm's Thunderbird took it over years later). They had a traveling photographer who had set up a makeshift studio over by the bakery. I guess Mom and Dad thought there should be some good pictures of the two of us as there weren't any done before (or since!). There are shots of my brother alone, me alone, and together. Why would I remember something so clearly at such a young age?
I had a very sheltered childhood. I was at home with Mom, all day, every day. We never went anywhere, unless you can call the weekly shopping trip somewhere. We never had a babysitter; the folks didn't believe in that. Which is good in a way; they took their parenting very seriously. On the other hand, never being exposed to different people and situations made me very shy and fearful. When those very rare new things happened, like the photography session, it made a big impression on me. Heck, I can even remember one day Dad bringing home a bottle of 7-Up for me and brother to share; that was a big thing!
Anyway, every time I look at that picture of us I am reminded of the person I used to be. I hope I am a better person now, although I know I have a very long way to go. It'll be a life-long learning session.
I've got so much on my mind today; money (or lack thereof, as usual), a job (also lack thereof), projects I want to get done around my place, etc etc. I won't bore people as I know everyone has their own set of problems. We're not here to talk about that!
I suppose I should explain about my profile picture; after all, that's history, isn't it? LOL! My history, anyway. It's my brother and I. I still remember these pictures being taken, even though I couldn't have been more than 4 years old so that would have been about 1963 or so. It was at the old Mayfair Market in Klamath Falls (Sherm's Thunderbird took it over years later). They had a traveling photographer who had set up a makeshift studio over by the bakery. I guess Mom and Dad thought there should be some good pictures of the two of us as there weren't any done before (or since!). There are shots of my brother alone, me alone, and together. Why would I remember something so clearly at such a young age?
I had a very sheltered childhood. I was at home with Mom, all day, every day. We never went anywhere, unless you can call the weekly shopping trip somewhere. We never had a babysitter; the folks didn't believe in that. Which is good in a way; they took their parenting very seriously. On the other hand, never being exposed to different people and situations made me very shy and fearful. When those very rare new things happened, like the photography session, it made a big impression on me. Heck, I can even remember one day Dad bringing home a bottle of 7-Up for me and brother to share; that was a big thing!
Anyway, every time I look at that picture of us I am reminded of the person I used to be. I hope I am a better person now, although I know I have a very long way to go. It'll be a life-long learning session.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Discovering Oregon
While an OSU student, I became acquainted with the books of Ralph Friedman. For those who don't know, he was a prolific author of books about, natch, Oregon. I fell in love with his stories about Oregon lost towns and people. I think my favorite book (and I have all of them!) of his is "In Search of Western Oregon". It's literally a guide to all things Western Oregon, with a little of Central Oregon thrown in. Friedman gives you a road map of sorts in which you can select any route into and out of towns and cities, even ones that don't exist anymore.
Hubby and I would use this book on weekend explorations around the Willamette Valley. If, for example, we wanted to go to Alsea Falls (not that we needed directions as we'd been there many times), the book would give detailed instructions on how to get there. What we really loved were things along the way that would be described whether still there or not. Like Glenbrook, on the way between Alsea Falls and Alpine. It was once a branch terminus of a railroad, according to Friedman; now it's just a sign on the side of the road. Little delights like this make the book a wonder. We always had the book in the trunk of the car, ready for the next excursion.
Friedman wrote many books and after "In Search of Western Oregon", I eagerly awaited a hoped-for sequel, In Search of Eastern Oregon. But if that was ever in Mr. Friedman's mind, it never materialized. He died in 1995. His collection of books are definitely worth looking into. They are timeless.
By the way, today is the 69th anniversary of D-Day. Fly your flag and remember those who served and gave their lives so that we might remain free.
Hubby and I would use this book on weekend explorations around the Willamette Valley. If, for example, we wanted to go to Alsea Falls (not that we needed directions as we'd been there many times), the book would give detailed instructions on how to get there. What we really loved were things along the way that would be described whether still there or not. Like Glenbrook, on the way between Alsea Falls and Alpine. It was once a branch terminus of a railroad, according to Friedman; now it's just a sign on the side of the road. Little delights like this make the book a wonder. We always had the book in the trunk of the car, ready for the next excursion.
Friedman wrote many books and after "In Search of Western Oregon", I eagerly awaited a hoped-for sequel, In Search of Eastern Oregon. But if that was ever in Mr. Friedman's mind, it never materialized. He died in 1995. His collection of books are definitely worth looking into. They are timeless.
By the way, today is the 69th anniversary of D-Day. Fly your flag and remember those who served and gave their lives so that we might remain free.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
My story cont.
Visiting the Lava Beds only increased my desire to learn more and travel to the places that I read about. However, life intervened. Life in the form of...earning a living or going to college? I tried the first but eventually opted for the second so I could improve on the first!
So I attended OIT in Klamath Falls and got a Secretarial Sciences degree and started work at KMSB, a now-defunct medical insurance company. I held several different jobs there in the course of about 7 years. By this time I was living in the Willamette Valley.
My then-boyfriend (now spouse) was attending OSU. He took me on a campus tour and I was enchanted. Not only is the campus beautiful, but there's a lot of history there! Not only in the form of the campus itself, but also in Milam Hall, home of the Department of History. I felt like I was home.
Eventually I succumbed to History's song and became a full-time student. And totally LOVED it! I took courses on the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Indians, Russia, Western Civilization (basically World History), really anything that excited me. And finished with a BS (no pun intended!) degree in History.
Until tomorrow...
So I attended OIT in Klamath Falls and got a Secretarial Sciences degree and started work at KMSB, a now-defunct medical insurance company. I held several different jobs there in the course of about 7 years. By this time I was living in the Willamette Valley.
My then-boyfriend (now spouse) was attending OSU. He took me on a campus tour and I was enchanted. Not only is the campus beautiful, but there's a lot of history there! Not only in the form of the campus itself, but also in Milam Hall, home of the Department of History. I felt like I was home.
Eventually I succumbed to History's song and became a full-time student. And totally LOVED it! I took courses on the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Indians, Russia, Western Civilization (basically World History), really anything that excited me. And finished with a BS (no pun intended!) degree in History.
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Back to Back
Well, after a lot of soul-searching and a lot of, well, just messy life, here I am again.
So what, you may say? I guess I just need to have an outlet for my life. Having said that, let's back up to the beginning.
I'm Bonnie, in my 50's, 2 teens and husband, living in Central Oregon.
What am I most passionate about? Well, several things.
I love to create things. For example, I enjoy crocheting, painting (as in, grab the spray paint!), decoupage.
Also love to camp and travel, although I don't seem to do much of that these days.
I am also an avid gardener, when the short growing season here in Central Oregon permits.
But I suppose what I love most of all is history.
I got my love of history from my Dad. When he had some spare time, he'd lay on his stomach on the floor, his favorite magazines spread out before him. These included hunting and fishing magazines, but especially Western history magazines. He even bought books and encyclopedias about the Old West. As a kid, I spent many an hour looking through the pictures and drawing and later on, reading the stories about Western characters like Chief Joseph, Captain Jack, General Custer, and John Fremont, to name a few. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned later on that I was living right in the state where many of these famous people visited, lived, and died.
In 8th grade at Altamont Jr. High in Klamath Falls, Oregon, we set out one day to visit the Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California. It just so happened to be the centennial of the Modoc Indian War that year of 1972. I was interested in the Caves, of course, having never been in one before. But I was more interested in the story of Captain Jack and his band of Modocs who held off the U.S. Army for months in the Lave Beds.
More later!
So what, you may say? I guess I just need to have an outlet for my life. Having said that, let's back up to the beginning.
I'm Bonnie, in my 50's, 2 teens and husband, living in Central Oregon.
What am I most passionate about? Well, several things.
I love to create things. For example, I enjoy crocheting, painting (as in, grab the spray paint!), decoupage.
Also love to camp and travel, although I don't seem to do much of that these days.
I am also an avid gardener, when the short growing season here in Central Oregon permits.
But I suppose what I love most of all is history.
I got my love of history from my Dad. When he had some spare time, he'd lay on his stomach on the floor, his favorite magazines spread out before him. These included hunting and fishing magazines, but especially Western history magazines. He even bought books and encyclopedias about the Old West. As a kid, I spent many an hour looking through the pictures and drawing and later on, reading the stories about Western characters like Chief Joseph, Captain Jack, General Custer, and John Fremont, to name a few. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned later on that I was living right in the state where many of these famous people visited, lived, and died.
In 8th grade at Altamont Jr. High in Klamath Falls, Oregon, we set out one day to visit the Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California. It just so happened to be the centennial of the Modoc Indian War that year of 1972. I was interested in the Caves, of course, having never been in one before. But I was more interested in the story of Captain Jack and his band of Modocs who held off the U.S. Army for months in the Lave Beds.
More later!
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