KC and I went to visit Aunt Martha and then to the Eugene Airport. My first trip to the Eugene Airport and thank goodness KC knew the way. She was very calm when I almost ran a stop sign and nicely pointed out several times before I really heard what she was saying. Yep we stopped in time but barely. And much to the chagrin of Sid, I made it back to Bopcha's in one piece. Ha.
It has been nice having family in town. Bill and Noah were just here and got to see the famous baby geese. We like to call Judi's bathroom "the nursery". I have also gotten to see Murray and Tory more than I have for a long time. It has really been great having family in and out.
Aunt Martha's cucumber plant has actual cucumbers. Mine are doing okay but no cucumbers so far.
Actually all the sisters are my favorite sisters. It's just a matter of highlighting one sister at a time. I actually feel really lucky to have the four of you as my sisters, and then on top of it I have my sister Rossana, how could I ask for anything more? I know it sounds sappy but it's really true - no kidding.
Thanks for your message there KC, it was actually really funny.
Uh-hmmmm. This is aunt and loving sister KC asking how it is that Diana is now best aunt and sister!!???? I'm sure aunt and loving sisters Kay and Judi also have questioning looks on their faces. Humph!!
Meanwhile, we loved your tale of the UPenn's efforts to keep your office nice and cool. We laughed in sympathy.
Here is a picture of a very common Oregon insect - the earwig. It doesn't actually go into your ear, but I suppose it could if you put it there. Mostly it likes to hang out in apples near the stems. I don't know why it does that because I don't think it eats apples. Hmmmm..... I don't know what it eats!
Thank you so so much for the many birthday songs. It really made my day. It is so nice to get all that attention. I cherish those moments.
It sounds like you have all been hearing about the Philadelphia heat. Well just want to let you know that it is as bad as it sounds!!! Truly! My office situation has been really interesting. Without knowing it, my workplace (only my office) has integrated a "fitness" program into my workday. What has happened is that since they can not seem to repair the coolness/air conditioning issues in my office, they have brought in a huge industrial cooler that looks like it is from outer space (Alex and Sid would love it for its aesthetics). It has a huge tube that looks more like a tunnel and it is supposed to be attached to the ceiling to suck the hot air out. I should point out though that the tube has come out several times. I got inpatient with the Facilities person so I fixed it myself. Since my office is next to the cafe, I was able to "borrow" this strong plastic container that carries milk and I blocked the tube in the ceiling with it so that it can not fall out. The outer space device then has two smaller tubes that stick out of the middle and also look like something that is going to be used to blast into space - this is where the cold air comes out.
But the fitness part comes in where I have to empty this big heavy water tank every few hours so that the device does not shut off. Seriously I do! Luckily I have the good fortune of being located in an impressive place like right next to the hospital cafe so I have a sink nearby. So several times a day, get to lift the heavy tank and dump out the water into the cafe sink. Now I don't need to go to the gym to do weights. See employers always complain about how expensive it would be to incorporate fitness programs into the workplace. But we are just much more efficient than most, we engage everyone in the process of cooling offices, and as a result there are many secondary benefits. I am a living example of that.
My arms will be so strong by the end of the summer and it has all been accomplished without me even leaving my office. I know this is a really long story, but this is the short of it - I did not even fill you in on all the events leading up to the School being kind enough to bring in this highly practical device. By the way this object that is "cooling" my office has the added benefit of being a noise maker. So I have that nice numbing, buzzing, humming sound going ALL DAY. I think this is part of the fitness agenda - the noise was intended to create the same affects as that of Yoga. Again all these health benefits acquired while sitting in my office and working.
Impressed yet?
Yesterday I got to see Nina and Alex. My sister, the kids and I headed to my mother's. Nina put a dress on her bunny and brought it to my mother's. Alex brought his bunny too. I know it sounds really insane but it was actually really cute and quite comical I should add. It is really cute to see how protective and concerend Alex is for Nina. I fill you in on the details some other time. Yesterday Alex asked me if in Oregon I had ever seen a type of bug never seen on the East Coast. He is fascinated with bugs. He asked me if bees were considered insects. I said I did not think so but I could not explain why.
In his expertise on bugs, he explained that insects wings fold inward and that is how you classify insects. Did you all know that? Actually I am sure lots of you in the family already knew that. I on the other hand did not.
In closing, I also think of everyone in Corvallis and always try to think positive thoughts. I hope the weather is becoming more summer like so you can all enjoy some sunshine. I plan to come out soon, probably in a week and a half.
My family here asks about you all the time Bopcha as well as all the siblings. They send lots of love and hugs to all.
I have been walking to church lately (takes about 1.5 hours with a hill at the end). Today I am thinking of biking instead. Now that it is summer, church starts at 10 instead of 11 and I don't know if I'll have enough coffee in me to leave the house at 8:30. Biking will be faster, but on the other hand, if I bike, my hair will be in the shape of my helmet!
Yesterday was beautiful. I worked at the office until noon, did yard work with Bill until about two, sat on the patio in the sunshine until three, then ran errands until late. Noah needed a new phone, so as soon as he got off work we went to TMobile and got him a new phone. The guy at the desk was really nice and took one look at Noah's old battery and told him it was close to exploding! Eeeeeeek! It was bulging a bit, true, but ...
My prayers, my thoughts, my love and my focus is all on Corvallis. I wake up confused about where I am every morning.
But ... keep your eyes peeled. I will be back on Friday the 2nd of July - with a pair of trail running shoes. I plan on running the farm (a small portion of it anyway) to test them. Sandra, you should come and run it with me. I don't mind eating your dust.
Bopcha is resting. Diana and Jessica went home today and KC arrives this evening. Judi is out doing yard work and Sid has just made a pharmacy run. When he returns, I will head to the vet in Philomath with my dogs for some needed shots. It is warm here today and I do not anticipate spending anymore time in the sun than is absolutely necessary.
Bopcha - you look wonderful!! Sid does too. What a very VERY nice picture to see. So glad you are home. I really like how that blue outfit looks on you too. Makes your hair shine. Love from the wilds of Colorado, Tom and KC
I finally have an itinerary. I am arriving on July 9 to the homeland of all my favorite sisters 
