Taste of Ashland

Erin and I spent the weekend in Ashland doing the walk, drink and eat thing. Ashland always seems to pick a great weekend. The weather was sunny, and just warm enough to be comfortable. We hit all 17 galleries and had some wonderful food. And I have to say, the wine wasn't bad. I really liked the Frizze and Pinot Gris from Cuckoo's Nest Cellars in Cave Junction, Oregon.

After nibbling all afternoon we had sushi for dinner at Kobe. That was followed by ice cream at Mix. And finally a trip to Dutch Bros. for Erin's coffee and my cinnamon cocoa. What can I say, we ate all day long.

On the trip home Sunday we stopped in Sutherlin for a bite of lunch at a place called Bronx Begals. It was yummy.

Lunch and Sake

Erin finds some of the most interesting activities. Today we drove to Forest Grove because there is a sakery (distiller of Japanese rice wine). Since I knew nothing about sake, my response was "I'm up for it."

We started with lunch at McMenamin's Grand Lodge. For those of you who don't live in Oregon or Washington, and/or have never visited a McMenamin's establishment...Get there. Seriously. Their restaurants, pub theaters and hotels are fun, historic and quirky. The Grand Lodge is a former Masonic Home, Edgefield was a county poor farm...you get the picture. Check out their website. They have consistently good food, and they brew their own beer.

After lunch we went to SakeOne. I really didn't know anything about sake before our stop today. Now I know a little more. The crew in the tasting room was really knowledgeable and helpful. Personally, I like the Plum Sake and Raspberry sake best, but if you're ever around Forest Grove, check it out.

Jaci

I'd barely finished the final edit on the last post when my mom called to tell me that our cousin Jaci had passed away. She'd been to Palm Sunday services with her husband, and died very suddenly afterwards.

It was a weird week, knowing that Jaci was gone, but not really feeling it. On Thursday I saw the obituary and it came a little closer. But yesterday, that was the clincher, for me.

Yesterday her family, friends and congregation gathered to say goodbye and celebrate her life. It was a wonderful service, but so hard to embrace her husband and her children, being sorry for their loss and thanking God that I wasn't in their shoes. My cousins M & C, hugged me and and held on so tightly. M later told me the future she expected is gone now. I can only imagine.

Jaci, we'll miss you.

Sunny, Happy, Palm Sunday

Today was beautiful, sunny and the temperature hovered in the 60's. In other words, it was Spring. And it was a beautiful day for church. Palm Sunday has always been one of my favorite services. Today was no exception. The Lenten Witness message on prayer was excellent, and a baptism was celebrated. That baby was so good, and quiet. I just walked out feeling so good. Positive. After the last few weeks of stress and worry, I feel like things are improving.