Day One - Jul 24
Mike and Nick arrived from West Virginia and spent the night at Tim & Connie's.
Day Two - Jul 25
After resting for the night, the four of us headed south. Of course we stopped at the hamburger joint at Rice Hill for the traditional ice cream treat famous the world over. (Hint: Don't order anything larger than a 'small' or you will regret it.) We proceeded on down to northern California and set up camp at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This is where our family came for vacations nearly 40 years ago. Mike and Nick stayed at the renouned Hiouchi Motel, just outside the park gate. Kelly and Randy flew in a little later and spent the night in Salem. Pat and Doug flew into southern Oregon to allow them time to do a little touring. Patrick & Tayaka, along with kids Rebecka and Joel (newborn) arrived a bit after us and set up camp along side our tent. Campfire and smoke in the eyes - who could ask for more?
Day Three - Jul 26
Mike and Nick came over for a real camp breakfast: Chorizo and Eggs. We heard that the rest of our group wouldn't be in the area for a few hours so decided to check out the Smith River, bordering the park. It was scenic and clean, although every bit as chilly as it looked. Tim dove in and immediately exited the water. Mike and Nick went in further and even explored a bit. At one point, Mike started to climb atop a rock, considering a dive. Did anyone tell him he is now over 50? The ladies soaked up sun and Patrick tended to the kiddies. Tim and Connie's good friends Steve and Mitsuko Walker arrived to join in the memorial celebration.
As the day wore on, we finally got in contact with the rest of our party by on again/off again cell phone coverage. We decided to meet up in Crescent City for dinner. On a surprise note, Randy announced that Mac and Barb had allocated funds for all of us to go to dinner together. After our arms were twisted severely, we all acquiesced. We went to the Harbor View and had a wonderful feast together. Some did seafood, others beef, others still did various forms of pastas, salads and way too many onion rings.
That evening, we all retired to the campground for the campfire, smores and card playing. Because of bears spotted in the area, we had to put all food and edible supplies into a large steel vault. No incidents and all was fine.
Day Four - Jul 27
This was the day we had been awaiting. Mom's wish was that her and Dad's ashes be spread in the woods at Jedediah Smith. We all arrived and carried our materials to the designated place. A beautiful clearing was selected with several spectacular redwood trees forming a natural cathedral in the woods. Decorative woodsy urns were placed among the soft ground cover, along with a photo of Mom and Dad, a quilt Mom had made, some lawn ornaments Dad had made and a decorative hanging candle.
As our group gathered, a recording of Mom's favorite song, "Smoke Gets in your Eyes" was played. So as to not forget Dad, we played a recording of him telling his favorite joke. "What did the little baby chick say when he saw his momma sitting on an orange? He said 'Ooooo look at the orange marma-laid'." We then listened to a recording of a fun day spent at Jedediah Smith nearly 40 years ago. It included songs, comments and memories of a very rainy day, when we had nothing else to do but huddle in our tent trailer and do sing-alongs.
Tim made a few opening statements and led our group in a prayer. Everyone that wanted to, then shared a few memories of Mom and Dad. There were a few tears, but mostly it was a very warm feeling and a sense that what we were doing was very, very right. Pat and Kelly then graciously poured the two urns into a larger urn to blend the ashes. Tim and Mike scooped small amounts into green glass bottles and stoppered them so that each sibling could take a portion home with them. Grandson Patrick read the 23rd Psalm, then he and grandson Nicolas took up the common receptacle while those that wanted to scooped and scattered ash among the redwoods and undergrowth. Some of Mom's original green cups were used for scoops, as seemed appropriate. Mom and Dad now rest where they wanted to.
In the afterglow of the memorial ceremony, we all packed up and headed back to Salem.Day Five - Jul 28
We lazily awoke on Wednesday morning - at least Connie and I did. The rest of the folks were from further east and were up at the break of dawn - having already consumed a pot of coffee. Randy needed to head to a work obligation so the first order of business was for Kelly to get him off to the airport. We had nothing planned in the early part of the day so enjoyed many hours in Tim and Connie's newly remodeled basement playing pool, watching movies and just keeping out of the heat. Now mind you, the temperature was really only around 85, but after the overlong winter of 2010, it seemed quite warm.
Late that afternoon, we had a wonderful barbecue in the back yard. STEAK was the entree of choice, with baked chicken a close second. Mike and Pat wanted it medium rare. Tim thought that meant a little pink. Mike explained that it needed to be bloody and mooing. It turned out medium medium. Oh well. Everyone helped out preparing the side dishes and Tayaka baked fresh rolls and made a delicious potato salad. The dinner went on for quite a while, followed by more pool and movies. Do we know how to have a good time, or what?
Day Six - Jul 29
This was our only planned event back in Salem. We had hired a limousine to take our party on winery tours (also courtesy of Mom and Dad) in Yamhill County, which is Oregon's wine country. Oregon's wine industry is growing and gaining worldwide recognition - much like Napa Valley during the 1970's. We had decided to sport Hawaiian shirts. I suppose it was so we wouldn't look so much like tourists.
Sunshine Limousine Service pulled into the school across the street and we crossed over, picnic lunch in hand. The limo was furnished with various soft drinks and a bottle of champagne. After toasting Mom and Dad, we headed out. Our first stop was Vista Hills Vineyard in Dayton, Oregon. It was about 30 minutes away. With a spectacular view of their vineyard and Willamette Valley beyond, we shared a bottle of Pinot Gris as we enjoyed our lunch of cheeses, crackers, and fruit.
Next stop was Anne Amie Winery on top of a hill in the Dayton area. Sitting on picnic benches beneath a heavily overgrown grape arbor, we enjoyed the 360 degree vista and warm, clean air. Because a number of our group was still hungry following the picnic lunch, we decided to have the driver deliver us to a classy joint in Yamhill County's wine country. We found a Jacque en le Box. This was apparently a treat for Mike and Nick as this franchise is not present in West Virginia. 
We then took a side trip to Sleighbells gift shop in Sheridan. Mike picked up a scented oil burner for Kay, who was unable to attend. Nick tried his hand at the "5-minute challenge", a chance to put a puzzle together in 5 minutes to win a choice of prizes (he didn't do it, nor did I). Kelly and Pat surprized Connie with a Gouda ornament (you had to be there).
We made one final winery as we neared the end of our trip. Duck Pond Vineyards in Newberg. Here a few wines were sampled during the 7 1/2 minutes we had available. We didn't taste many. On the way home, we sang many many songs from our childhood. The driver probably thought we were soused, but none of us had drank much and were just feeling sentimental. A great time, with great company, in beautiful country.
Day Seven - Jul 30 Friday was an unplanned day for us, except for Patrick and Nick. After many phone calls and a bit of frustration, they were able to travel over to Ontario to visit Tim Jr. Because of some complications, Tim Jr. was highly doubtful he would get a visit. His brother and cousin persevered though, and endured the 7 hour trip (each way), in order to have a two hour visit, before returning home. Tim Jr. was so appreciative for the visit and expressed much thanks and relief that they had been able to make the trek. Tim Jr. and Nick had not seen each other in about 8 years. The trip to and from was filled with highly intellectual conversations about World of Warcraft. Whatever could one discuss about a computer game for so long? Armor classes? Super duper weapons? Hit points? New expansions? Geek stuff? I suppose. They ended their trip with dinner in Portland.
The rest of us took it pretty easy Friday. The girls (Connie, Pat, Kelly) went into downtown Salem to experience the wonders of a quilting and bead store. The guys (Mike, Doug, Tim) decided to do some garage sale-ing. We got a few good deals, but nothing major. Mike and Tim also hooked up a cable so that Netfilx can now be enjoyed on the TV.
Day Eight - Jul 31
This was the final day of our gathering. Pat and Doug had an early flight so were gone before any of us were up. I think Mike was awake and watching TV so got to tell them good bye. Kelly was next and took off around 9 am. The rest of the day was spent playing pool and watching movies (this is starting to sound familiar).
Late in the afternoon, Tim Jr. called and was elated by Patrick and Nick's visit. He also had some good new: He had been relocated to a new area, which was much better. He thanked me profusely for making it happen. I was tempted to tell him, "you're welcome", but told him the truth that other then prayer, I hadn't done anything yet and had been planning to make some calls on Monday.
Finally, around 8 pm, Mike, Nick and Tim headed for the airport. Their flight wasn't until after 11 pm and their arrival in Pittsburgh would be around 7 the next morning.
A wonderful week and frankly, I don't know how it could have been any better.
