Missing Germany A Little Today

Gratuitous Pet Picture

My two birdwatchers. Funny how a common goal can bring enemies together.

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Thursday: Guess what? It's raining again in the northwest. Who'da thunk? 

We had to go get some dog food today...if you remember from an earlier blog, Derron left 50-60 lbs of some behind in Bush. Fortunately it's in a sealed container and should be fine when we pack up the house. We tried to get the dogs to eat grass, but go figure, they turned their noses up at it. So off to Petco we went. $54.99 for 27 lbs of food. We were a little shell-shocked because we accumulated points/money at Camp Bow Wow for doggie daycare...and always used those points/money for their food. 

On the way out of Petco, Derron spotted a buffet. Oy. I hate buffets. Too many surfaces, too many people, too many opportunities for germ transfer. But all morning Derron had worked on reorganizing the RV. He did an exceptionally good job. So I sucked it up and in we went. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. I guess that is all that matters.

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Sharon from the RV park office stopped by yesterday. Seems we're getting a lot of mail here...well, yes, we did have it forwarded...so she suggested we get a box so we could get our mail even when the office is closed. So we did. Living in this tin can feels so much more permanent now. Arghhhhhhh!

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Friday: Beautiful day in Salem. We took the dogs to a dog park in Independence. Closer than the one in Keizer. They had a ball. Literally. Derron played Chuck-it with Hazelnut and I tossed a ball, emphasis on "a" ball, for Nutella. She took it from there. She is the most entertaining dog when she has a ball. She had me laughing and almost falling over. Good therapy after a rainy day in the tin can the day before.

After dog time we took a drive to Mount Angel for their annual Wurstfest. Beautiful drive...lots of fields with mountain views...orchards, hazelnut groves, and blueberry farms. Mount Angel is a small town devoted to its Swiss/German heritage. The Wurstfest was held in the town's Festhalle. They also have a large Weingarten, several German restaurants and pubs in town, and a large Benedictine Abbey overlooking the town. Later in the year they host an Oktoberfest and a Hazelnut Fest. Guess which one we'll be sure to attend?

We shared a table at the fest with a couple of nice, old ladies. One tried to talk us in to moving to Alaska. She'd moved there when she first married her husband, thinking it was just a phase he needed to go through. They wound up staying 38 years! She gave me her card and said to stop by next time we're in Gresham (near Portland). She said..."Just remind me you're the nice couple I talked to about Alaska." How sweet.

Here's Derron in front of the Mt. Angel Festhalle.

Inside the Festhalle...beer and food to the right, polka band in front, and vendors to the left. 

The mural in the front ran the whole length of the hall. 

Not for nothing...but are these not the cutest cookies you've ever seen?

Today Was a Good Day

Gratuitous Pet Picture

Now that we have a view out back, Nutella's decided the best place in the tin can is between the big, overstuffed pillows on the bed.

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We had to move the RV (again). The space we were in was meant to be temporary - a sort of shelter from the rising river. Surprisingly, the first space we were in, never flooded. So never needed to move in the first place. But...we're suppose to be good in this space until June. God that seems so far off.

Here are some pics of our new home. We're in front of the levee...a great place to walk the dogs. Behind the levee is a walking trail - even better for the dogs, but it is still under water in places so it will be a while before we can use it.

Decorated the old homestead with a tiny shamrock windmill...for St Paddy's Day and our 14th wedding anniversary! Birdie -- yes, those are the two plants (on the side of the RV, behind the stairs) you fostered for me. We had them in the shower but I decided they needed air as well as light. Derron brings them in every night like a good boy.

We need to get a couple of bird feeders for our new home. This area is full of songbirds. Derron wants to put one right outside the back window so Gracie can sit on the bed pillows and watch them.

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Was missing my girls today so went to pick them up from day care an hour early. I was so pleased when Shelby told me Hazelnut had a great day! She seemed to trust everyone there and relaxed enough to play with all the dogs in the room. 6 visits...that's what it took. She was so cute when they brought her and Nutella out...she jumped up and gave me a big kiss -- well a big kiss for Hazelnut! Poor Nutella looked like she wanted to go home and take a nap...which she did...all wrapped up in her favorite fuzzy blanket. 

They both have become such cuddle bunnies. Hazelnut never cuddled on the bed. Now she rearranges everything on the bed to suit her. Even if it means burying Nutella under a pile of pillows (which by the way, suits Nutella just fine). The other night I got up to use the bathroom, and when I came back, she'd jumped into my spot and hunkered down. It's no easy feat moving a 65 lb dog, but I did it. No way she was pushing me out of the bed!

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Today (Thursday) is rainy...surprise. But tomorrow is suppose to be warm and sunny so we are going to Mt Angel for the day (thanks for the tip, mom!) for their annual WURSTFEST!

Keeping An Eye On The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

3+ more months in this tin can. Whatever will we do? The dogs want to run outside every time they see someone...as they always did in Bush. We took them for a long walk this morning but nothing seems to be enough. Poor pups. We broke down and took them to the dog park in Keizer. They had so much fun. We met a guy there that was stationed at Hahn Air Base in Germany, just before we got to Ramstein in 2001. Great conversation on German culture, herding dogs (he has a miniature Aussie), and the evolution of Hahn into an international airport.

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I miss my comfy couches...and better lighting. I've never been one to lie on a bed and read or watch TV. Just not comfortable enough. But the couch in the RV is sooooo uncomfortable.

When we do laundry, we go sit in the park office for the 30 mins the wash cycle takes...I bring my book and curl up in the big leather chairs there. Something like home...We've been running errands for the dryer's hour long cycle, but maybe next time I just keep on reading.

We're still trying to find things to do, cheaply, during the day. We're going to check out a second run theater this week...I miss those kinds of places. Didn't have one on the northshore. One is playing Hitchcock's Suspicion and another his Rear Window. I've seen Rear Window many times but never on a large screen.

There are a couple of museums here we plan to check out as well...couple of old homes that have been preserved and a Mental Health Hospital museum -- creepy.

We wound up checking out a bunch of thrift stores today -- Erin/Mari/Mom -- when you come down we will have to hit the UGM store, Restore, and Resale 2U. Lots of great stuff...if only I had the room to work on them and store them.

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What a difference a couple of days and some sunshine will do. Here's a before and after picture of the large dog area here in the park. Couple more days like this and we'll be able to take the dogs down there. 

 

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We found a little hole in the wall Mexican place we want to try. We had a great one in Covington and miss it a lot. Here's hoping Garibaldi's on Edgewater measures up to El Porto!

In the meantime we keep looking for and applying for jobs. Derron's being considered for one with the Jefferson School District. Keep your fingers and toes crossed! I am working on an application for one at a local community college...managing an international program. Again, fingers and toes!

The Reality Begins To Sink In

Interruption before posting: We've sprung another leak.  That God we're not a boat! Derron's on it and back to his usual vigilance. He'd slacked off after fixing (we hope) the first one.

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If all goes accordingly with our house sale, we'll be living in this tin can for another 3 months at the least, possibly longer depending on how long it takes us to find jobs, close on the house, turn our VA paperwork around, and find a house. Once we get to the point when we've found a house, Derron or I will return to Bush to supervise packing our belongings...If we've already closed on the house by then and have the keys, furniture or no furniture, I'm moving in to it.

If it were just the two of us here, we would probably spend good parts of the day out of the tin can. But with the dogs with us, we're kind of stuck here so they can get their walks when they need them. Thankfully, they go to The Dog Bark tomorrow...just when the rain is suppose to return. We've had 4 days of sunshine and are feeling spoiled. We're going to move the RV next week...where we are is great for access to the bath house, but the views are not as good as in other parts of the park. If we can get in a row near the levee, walking the dogs will be easier. I think part of the problem I've been having with my back lately is related to walking them...well, rather the way they pull me along on their walks. I just mentioned this to Derron and he's vetoed it (again). Obviously I have some more convincing to do.

There seems to be a rhythm to this park, as I am sure there is one for every park. Everyone seems to sleep in. Derron and I are up typically around 7 or earlier. When we take the dogs out in the morning, there is not a sound to be heard.

Yesterday was the very first day we saw anyone milling about. Some people were readying their rigs for departure, others were moving to a new spot, and still others seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.

We never see anyone in the evening. We've run into 2 people in the laundry room but that's about it. Maybe things will change closer to summer...Dear GOD don't wish for us to still be here in the summer!

Our realtor is continuing to show our house. We can take back-up offers should the one under contract fall through. They did their inspection on Friday...we're waiting to see the report. Wonder who they used...the guy that did ours when we bought the house emailed it from his phone when he was done.

I mentioned the sunshine...so naturally it started raining. We walked the dogs down by the levee. The fence to the large dog area is barely visible again. The water had been receding at a good pace. Hopefully rain today and tomorrow won't have much of an impact.

I threw my back out again this morning...just shifting in bed, nothing more dramatic. I think I need to start doing some exercises to strengthen my back. I'm tired of all the strains and pulls...

All Work And No Play...

Gratuitous Pet Picture

Bored dog is ...bored.

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I told you yesterday he was on a tear...he's obsessed with moisture now.

He looked up tips yesterday...one being crack the vents at night. WORKED! No condensation on the windows this morning. But we had to run the heat all night because the temperature had dropped. 

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Thursday:

We spent all morning applying for jobs and gathering info on employment agencies here. We've decided every morning will be spent job-hunting. So now we're ready for "play"...specifically, a trip to the Cinebarre to see The Monuments Men.

Arghhhhh! I hated Monuments Men! Sentimental schmaltz!!!! Someone out there tell me the book does not read like the script from a Hogan's Heroes episode/Indiana Jones movie. I think the attempts at humor took away from the dignity of their task. 2 hours of my life gone...gone...gone!

But fortunately we found a Lebanese fast food place beforehand so I didn't have to endure it on an empty stomach...I had the Mama Ghanouj. Stuffed grape leaf, falafel, baba ganouj, hummus, and salad. Hummus was creamy and garlicky! Baba ghanouj was a tad bit underseasoned but still good. Yummy grape leaf and falafel.  Derron had a chicken kebob. Not bad for fast food.

Later in the evening I went to the monthly Marion County Democrats Central Committee meeting in downtown Salem. Nice bunch of people...smart on the issues. A representative from Ceasefire Oregon spoke about current legislation. The governor's Communications Director was there too and had a lot to add to the conversation.

I made some contacts and will probably get involved in some way. They seem to need the most help with communications and social media. They have no Twitter account...yeegads!

Friday:

We woke up to sunshine this morning so we decided to find a dog park and let the dogs run for a while. We found one in Keizer, just a short drive away. But the address of the park and our GPS didn't mix, so we had to pull out maps and find it the old fashioned way. 4 acres of grassy area...the dogs were so happy. They ran and played until their tongues dragged the ground. And then they rolled over and over in the dirt. It's ok...they're dogs, what else would they do?

They're sleeping soundly now!

This morning, I applied for a job with Cover Oregon, the Oregon implementation program for the Affordable Care Act. We'll see what happens. I figure (1) it keeps my resume current, (2) gets me out of the RV, and (3) allows me to do some more networking.

I think we'll take it easy the rest of the day...maybe walk down to the gym and do something for 30 mins or so.  Then watch a movie on Netflix. The dogs will be down for a while...so no worries there.

Condensation Is Your Enemy

Gratuitous Pet Pictures

Gracie gives Derron computer advice.

Is that sunshine on the cat? Yes, Gracie basks in the sun in her new favorite spot...the driver's seat.

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Mack, my friend, you've created a monster. Every morning Derron is up checking every surface, crack, and crevice for moisture. It's only a matter of time until he rolls me out of bed and onto the floor to check the back window!

The rain stopped for a while this morning, so he got outside, dried the areas worrying him, and sprayed away with clear colored Flex-Seal. Then it started raining again. Hopefully it was on there long enough beforehand. If not, it's suppose to be clear Friday...when no doubt, he will start again. In the meantime, I keep wiping every trace of water off surfaces before he sees them and goes berserk. 

On another note, I lied when I said we didn't buy anything at Ikea. We stocked up on candy bars...3 for $2.49. Who could resist...Hazelnut Chocolate Bars.

Here are some promised pictures of our new location (post-high water warning) in the park. Not as picturesque as slot number 113, but when it's pouring rain...close proximity to the bath house is nice.

Yes, that is sunshine bouncing off the Tioga's window.

Later in the day there will be a huge Snap-on Tools truck parked next to us. He leaves every morning at 7...lights a-blazing!

That is the bath house on the right.

Well, the pups are at The Dog Bark today. We had enough of walking them in the rain yesterday...and wouldn't you know it, mostly clear skies today. Surely when we have them home tomorrow, it will be pouring again.

We took a ride through West Salem today...looking at neighborhoods and taking note of houses for sale. We have decided this is probably the neighborhood we want to live in...close to amenities and just 5 minutes to downtown.

Lots of craftsman-style houses there. Not craftsman...but craftsman-like. And lots of earth tones. Houses are close together, not necessarily something we're looking for, but choosing a house is all about compromise, yes?

Stopped in at Hawaiian Time for lunch. It's an Oregon chain of Hawaiian-themed fast food restaurants. Pretty good. I had the Honolulu Plate...essentially Beef Bulgogi. Well seasoned. Derron had the Mauna Loa Chicken (in a sweet and spicy lava sauce). It's the first really spicy dish he's had in a good while.

Living in a small, cramped space truly is difficult. In every house we've lived in, Derron and I have had our separate space and separate bathrooms. So not having that luxury is rough. I can go into the bedroom and be alone, but I have to put on headphones to drown out the TV Derron has to have on all the time. I watch two TV shows, and I can view both online...so having the TV on is not important to me. I prefer the quiet...or watching Netflix with my headphones on.

We fight a lot and complain a lot. And we have 3 more months of this. Fortunately the exercise room re-opened today (after some maintenance). So we have that place to retire to...on our own so the other can have some quiet time in the RV. Also as the weather improves, we can move outside. We brought deck chairs with us...We also have the car. I am going to a Marion County Democrats meeting tomorrow night to meet some locals and network. It's difficult juggling the job search, time with the pets, RV maintenance time, time together, and time apart...but we have to find a way...or we'll kill each other. Then who will take care of our pets?

Finished Season 2 of House of Cards. No spoilers. Enjoyed it thoroughly but don't believe it's a real reflection of typical DC politics...maybe more of the exception. As a former federal civil servant, I can attest to the fact that the American people give our government far too much credit (regarding what they are capable of). Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are the most diabolical couple on TV. Period.

I also watched the Mitt movie on Netflix. I'll leave it at that. Everyone should watch it.

Not sure what I will start next...reading a Michael Connelly book now. Picked it up at Salem's awesome public library -- there's a cafe in the library!

Also found a great used book store in West Salem, Readers Guide. Am going back and picking up these two books from a crime series based in the French countryside. The first one sounds familiar so I may already have read it.

Angie Called It...Things Will Happen

Gratuitous Pet Picture

Doesn't she look like we caught her commandeering the RV? Looks like she trying to figure out how to pilot it back to Bush.

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Dropped the dogs off at The Dog Bark. Day three. We were hoping Hazelnut would have calmed down more. She did but was still reluctant. Shannon, the day manager, who's been off for a few days, took control. She told us to leave and she'd get Hazelnut into the dog room. And she did.

Stopped at Don's Restaurant for a quick bite before heading to Portland for the day. Derron had the Berlin omelette - German sausage, onions, peppers, and cheese. I had the standard breakfast and I am happy to report...they can make soft scrambled eggs here in Salem!

So on to Portland. First stop........IKEA! I shopped at Ikea occasionally in Virginia when I lived there, but it was while we were in Germany that I became an IKEA-holic. I love their kitchen area and textiles. We didn't buy anything because, really...where would we put it?

We met my sister Erin in the St John's neighborhood. Driving in Portland reinforced to me why I prefer Salem...less traffic and congestion! And Portland has so many bridges. Did I mention I am scared of heights and certain kinds of bridges really put the fear of God in me?

We managed to get to Edelweiss so Derron could pick up the bacon stuffed bologna he'd been wanting. We picked up a couple cheese wurst too. I'd had them there before and while they are good, they are not as good as those our friends Chris and Silke get from their village butcher in Germany.

And now to why I titled this post as I did. My friend Angie and her husband Mack are RV aficionados. And they graciously gave us lots of advice before we left Louisiana for points west. The piece that sticks in my mind is one that Angie passed me in private...things will happen. Derron found a leak in the trim over the RVs cab. Mack warned us - based on recent experience - that we need to STOP any leak ASAP. So guess what? Off to Ace hardware again. Third time in two days. Lady at the check-out recognized us...and made fun of the fact that we didn't enroll in Ace's savers program YESTERDAY! We're idiots.

We had to take everything out of the overhead, clean it well, then put everything back...but everything had to stay forward so the damp area can dry. We picked up a sealer, after careful consultation with a store clerk (I pulled her aside and asked her to PLEASE help my husband so I wouldn't have to come back). But we cannot use it until it stops raining. Boy if that isn't a kick in the pants. It hasn't stopped raining for any real length since we got here. I'm so hating this.

But on a positive note...Derron gave the bacon stuffed bologna two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Another positive note...when we picked up the dogs, Hazelnut let Autumn put her leash on and gave Autumn a kiss. Three days is a record for Hazelnut. She usually takes a couple weeks before she accepts someone.

On a humorous note, my friend Mary Wilson passed me a link to a blog about little house living...in particular, this posting on full time RV living. I was hooked until I realized they were living in a 400 sq ft RV...ours is less than 200 sq ft. What I would give for 200+ more sq ft! I could teach them about real little house living!!!!