Dreaming What Ifs...

Camping Scenarios

We just returned from a 3 night camp out on the southern Oregon Coast in a beautiful little spot called Sunset Bay.  It was a bit chilly and damp in the evening, but otherwise we had a great time. 

Being a people watcher, I was in for a real treat this year.  The camp ground is quite compact and allows for little privacy from the neighbors.  So, I was able to watch and listen with relish.....

#1 - Campsite C-5 was full of estrogen.  Two older women (sisters, friends, lovers?) with five teenage girls.  They were quiet, but what amazed me was their ability to pack.  When they left, they drove out in two VW Toureg's, looking like they were on a leisurely Sunday drive.    Where was their crammed roofrack?  Where were the piles of backpacks and pillows in the back windows?  I was impressed.

#2 - Campiste C-2 contained a mild-mannered grandfather all alone with his two young grandchildren, ages 5 and 3.  I was shocked and impressed that grandpa took the charge of bringing those small kids.  (albeit he had a motorhome).  But, as dusk fell, I happened to be walking by and saw into the lit up Coach:  Two small children gorging themselves on donuts and Fruit Loops while grandpa lay stretched out asleep on the couch.

#3 - Campsite B-27 seemed to be a happy young couple.  I didn't pay too much attention because the neighbors trailer blocked most of my view.  But Sunday morning, they each carried a bag to the garbage and I heard the man say, "Well, considering we spent the entire weekend camping together, do you think I can have your phone number?"   (I thought, "how cute - they must be newlyweds and he's just joking with her.")

The young woman laughed and murmured something incoherent.  Then I watched as they each got into their separate cars and drove away.   Made me rethink my earlier vision.

#4 - Campsite C-3:  A California couple pulled up late Friday evening and unpacked a butt-load of supplies.....tent, table, canopy, clothes line, dog crate (with one horribly noisy little yapper), coolers, camp stove, chairs, and even a rug to lay down in front of the tent.  When I returned Saturday from my morning beach walk with the dogs, they were gone....disappeared with all of their stuff.  They put in a lot of effort to haul out and set up for one measly night.

#5 - Campsite C-1 contained a family of five.  The youngest child was crabby and out of sorts.  His mother was freaking out, afraid he was going to trip and fall into the fire during one of his temper tantrums.  So, when the dad lit up the lantern Saturday evening, the mom just happened to be in position to make shadow-puppets on the neighbors trailer.  When this entranced the youngest child, mom started a show...animating the song, "Little Bunny Foo-Foo" with her shadow fingers.  Soon, all three children were transfixed and quickly agreed it was their favorite moment of camping.  Who knew I had such a talent?

 

What can $50 buy?

Things happen in threes, or so I've been told. 

First, we purchased our new furnace.  This high efficiency gas furnace was a pretty penny, but much needed considering out other one was original with the house (+35 years old and really struggling during cold snaps).

I cried when I wrote the check and depleted my bank account.

Secondly, we remodeled our bathroom just a bit.  It all started with peeling wall paper (which I had re-glued several times).  I didn't mind the ivy green wallpaper but it was peeling horribly and we needed to repair the wall in a few spots.  Not to mention a few other things that needed replacing. 

I cried when I wrote the check and depleted my bank account.

So, when our dishwasher suddenly went KAPUT, I freaked out and was determined to spend the next year washing dishes by hand and try to ignore the gaping whole next to the sink.

But Dave hopped on Craig's List and searched for Dishwashers in the surrounding area.  

And lo-and-behold, there were dishwashers!  After making a few calls Dave left the house and came home with this simple little beauty.  The owners had recently remodeled their kitchen and had upgraded to a fancier model.

I smiled and happily wrote the check for $50.  My bank account was not depleted.

An Interesting Pickle

Uncle Tom retired earlier this year and decided to spend the rest of the summer in Portland playing grandpa with his new granddaughter.  Since his son, Tony, has a small house, Max, my mother-in-law, offered a room in her home for the duration of his visit.  It has worked out well.  She has her brother for company and he has been able to help her with some chores. 

After Max came in from her garden with an armload of cucumbers, Uncle Tom asked if she would make her "Open Jar Pickles".  They are a favorite of his.

"Sure!"  She replied and sent him out to the backyard to pick some dill growing in one of her backyard planters. 

Uncle Tom looks back and remembers thinking the dill smelled kind of funny to him when he picked it and wondered what type of dill she had planted.

Max wondered why Tom had chosen to bring in the dill without the seed head but made the pickles anyway, using the dill leaf, knowing it still had flavor.

When Evie, my sister-in-law, came over a few days later she was excited to see the "Open Jar Pickles" and was the first person to break them open.

"ACK!"  She gasped after the first bite.  "Why do these pickles taste like licorice?"

It was then that Tom and Max realized he had picked the Fennel instead of the Dill.

Now they are the laugh of the house.  And yes, they do taste a bit like licorice-y pickles.  Very interesting to say the least....but not half bad.