Springfield, OR

I thought the sunset was really nice last evening so I took some pictures. They turned out rather different than I expected. My camera, although it can be set, has automatic focus, exposure, etc. Because of that, the pictures taken of the sun, came out a lot darker than I expected and gave a rather "unworldly" effect. I hope you enjoy these.

I hope you liked these.

I got a call yesterday from my 6 year old granddaughter. She is the apple of her Grandfather's eye and knows how to make this gruff (sometimes) old man melt. I took her and her little brother to Disney World just after New Year's and am their favorite grandparent.

Now, I don't know if Disney World earned me the title or it is just because I am so warm and cuddly, but whatever the reason, I like it.

She called because she has to write about her favorite grandparent for a school assignment and needed to interview me for the assignment. She needed to know my favorite hobby (I said grandchildren but it is probably fishing with grandchildren), my favorite book, The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour and my favorite food, chicken.

Then I thought about this song and hoped that the time would come that she would ask me the questions that Naomi was covering in it. I can remember asking my grandmother questions, but never enough to really know what it was like growing up in the 1800s. I did talk to my dad about what it was like to travel places in a horse and wagon. But my grandkids can never imagine what it was like growning up without a bathroom in the house. I was 7 before we got one.

I remember what it was like to watch TV that only came in black and white in a dark room (that was the day you did it back then.) I remember walking to school (1.8 miles) until I started High School, because our elementary school didn't have busses. Besides that, the school only had 4 rooms for 8 grades, plus a cafeteria and a gym.

Now, I have difficulty walking but love strolling with my girl. I would not like being a parent in today's environment. There are too many things that can hurt your kids out there, so I love and worry about my grandkids all the time. May they have the best of life, I think they may just earn it. BTW, she called because they live in Kentucky, a whole country away. I miss them and I miss my other grandchildren in Salem and Idaho. Family!

To all the other grandparents out there, Happy Grandparents Day!

Bright Oak Meats, on the corner of 7th and Main Street in downtown Springfield Oregon is a real find. I didn't know about it until word of mouth reached my ear, and I had driven by it many times. See, I am not just about flowers and vegetables. I like meat too.

Local meat and different meat than you find in Safeway or Albertsons is what is available at Bright Oak Meats. But, what brought me in the door was the jerky. I love jerky and they make their own. Also, they have several different flavors of jerky.

Great price on the scales, but that is for pepperoni, not jerky. Fast, friendly, helpful service. My favorite flavor of jerkey is the sweet and spicy. Although, I tried the buffalo last time and it was very flavorful, if a bit on the dry side. Now, that is funny, jerky on the dry side.

They also serve up steaks, roasts, hamburger and the like. I tried their New York strip and it was outstanding. I also had a boneless rib eye and it was also good, but surprising, the strip was better.

So, my recommendation for meat is to try Bright Oak Meats on 7th and Main Street in downtown Springfield. Let me know what you think.

Springfield Mayor Sid Liken was supposed to open the new Bob Straub Parkway this morning at 9:15, but I beat him to it by driving on it at 8:45. Got some strange looks from the workers setting up the Grand Opening, but it was fun. There weren't any road closed signs on my end of the street.

This will save a few minutes each day from my drive time and I know the people at the other end of it will be very happy for this shortcut from Jasper. I just wish they had left the name as the Jasper Extension. What can I say, I just never like Governor Straub, and I haven't changed my mind over the years.

Congratulations Springfield for the new addition. It should help open more area for expansion also.

Herrick Farms, a great place for fresh produce

I love this time of year in Oregon. There is nothing better than fresh sweet corn on the cob and fresh field ripened tomatoes. Add a bit of cantaloupe and peaches for desert and you are in heaven.

There are several places in and around the Eugene/Springfield area to get your fresh produce. The most advertised and well known are Thistledown Farms and Lone Pine Farms (no not loan pine).

It is a long drive from Thurston to get to either of them and still quite a jaunt to get to Johnson Farms off of Game Farm Road. But, it is just a little way down to road to get to Herrick Farms in Walterville. Just head out 126 toward the mountains and right after you cross the McKenzie River, look for Herrick Farms on the left.

The have great produce all through the summer into the fall. The great taste of Bodacious Corn or Hermiston Melons is a summer treat. See you at the Farm.