Remembrance

May 26, 2024

This Memorial Day I am dog sitting in Forrest Grove. I met my partner and friends at the celebration on Friday at Dauntless Winery’s tasting room on Main Street. The band was great and the crowd was happy.

I’m proud to support this business which is veteran owned and operated. The non profit organization has a mission to train and equip veterans to translate their talents from the field to the farm. The wines they produce are excellent, and they are positively active in the community.

An agricultural grant was awarded during the intermission. One of band members was the recipient of money to cover his first seeds for a garlic business he is starting. I signed up to be a customer of the soon to be in existence Gaston Garlic. The farm is in my neighborhood.

On the solemn occasion of Memorial Day we made a new veteran friend and farmer. It was a rewarding trip to town. I wish all my gentle readers a good holiday.

Retrieve Lost Treasure

May 25, 2024

Sifting through a pile of paper records

To find the missing piece of evidence

I’m sure will have power of persuasion

To make permanent the state of affairs

It’s futile to search for lasting solutions

To ever changing circumstances

The key is to forget the restrictions

But remember the liberated spirit

Chief Inspector Darwin

May 23, 2024

I’m taking care of a 15 year old mixed breed shepherd dog named Darwin while his owner is on vacation. He has a keen interest in his neighborhood and everything that happens in it. He’s famous with all the neighbors, knows everyone, and keeps the UPS drivers from getting too complacent. Darwin has extremely keen curiosity that keeps him active.

He is one of my favorite canine characters. He’s slow because of his age, but always ready for adventure. His stamina is impressive and his personality is very sweet (if you don’t drive a UPS truck). He lives in a beautiful neighborhood where it’s a pleasure to walk in all seasons.

I started pet sitting during the pandemic. It is a very rewarding job. I decided to do it because when my dog was old I had no way to find a proper sitter, and it was a strain on my lifestyle. I put my profile on Rover and started to serve pet owners. It is a super rewarding way to spend time and serve the community. Darwin is one of many sweet and loving pets I know. Essentially I have a lot of therapy animals that sometimes depend on my services. It’s a good gig.

Compared to What?

May 21, 2024

If the moment you find yourself inhabiting

Is not what you have in mind as ideal

Be sure to check out the answer to this question

Red

May 20, 2024

Bright red makes powerful statements

Calling all hummingbirds and cravers of fame

Standing out from the background crowd

This energy is ready to make strong moves

Bold and satisfying ideas are conjured up

Wearing the brightest of primary colors

Alien Invasion

May 19, 2024 — 1 Comment

The annual UFO Festival in McMinnville, Oregon attracts many folks who enjoy costumes. The event includes a street fair, dog costume contest, and a parade. It’s a full weekend of high class entertainment, no matter how one participates.

A good time for all ages and walks of life.

A weekend without political meaning of any kind!

Strawberry Season

May 18, 2024

Strawberry season floods my senses

Bright red berries fill the air with aroma

To send my appetite into a proper swoon

For the tantalizing moment I taste the fruit

Kramer Vineyards

May 16, 2024

In summer I live in rural Oregon, in the Willamette Valley. My neighbors make fantastic wines. My personal favorites are the sparkling wines made by the Kramer family. The vineyard is beautiful and makes the perfect place to picnic while we watch the grape crop mature. I visited yesterday to pick up my sparkling wine club allotment.

The vineyard and tasting room are in a secluded spot near our home. A warm welcome and a glass of wine greet the visitors. I love to take a stroll around the vines in all seasons. These sprouting plants will provide grapes for the alchemy of harvest and winemaking. It’s a spirit filled place.

I’m an enthusiastic member of the sparkling wine club at Kramer because it’s always fun to share these wines with friends. They make any party an elevated experience. These bubbles enhance virtually any gastronomy. Our company looks forward to being poured a glass of excellence.

If you are planning a visit to Oregon wine country be sure to include Kramer Vineyards for a special treat. They produce a variety of delicious wines.

Looking Up

May 16, 2024

Iris is an optimist with the ability to focus

Exclusively on the heavens and stars

The earth under her feet is solidly supporting

A never ending cycle of higher aspirations

Attached

May 15, 2024

Seasonal images burn into memory

Places leave indelible impressions

The smell in the air, the sound of woodlands

Come into bloom and beat fruit

Beyond the obvious sense of balance