Oregon here we come

We woke up to a sunny, clear California day, said our goodbyes to the CA McMullen Ladd bunch and got an early 7:40 start. Windows down, breezin' along, we felt so lucky to escape the AZheat. Got back on I 5 and ended our day in Salem, OR at 6:15 pm. A long, gorgeous day! 

Stopped near Redding to do some quick office stuff( Joe finds his little niche wherever we go).

I actually drove a bit today! I was so excited to see some familiar sights like Mt. Shasta! That drive was so awesome with Shasta always the stunning centerpiece!

We were surprised to see how drastically low Lake Shasta's water level has fallen. It used to be a summer mecca for sailing, houseboats and water skiing. Hardly anyone there, but I have to remember that school is still in session here. 

Took a pic coming into Oregon. I'd been napping only to wake up and see Joe ready to take a picture while driving! I took charge of the camera, but it's a bit blurry.

Joe was surprised that they have full service gas stations here. They should serve full meals, too, as the price for gas is about four dollars a gallon! 

We agreed to not have a big breakfast so that we could stop, walk around and have lunch in one of my favorite spots in Oregon, the city of Ashland that features the Oregon Shakespearian Festival.  Many happy memories there!  In my former life, (before Joe), we'd stay at the Stratford Inn, splurge for a babysitter service and see a play! Then the next day we'd walk around the town and have lunch at Lithia Park where Allison could run and play.

Sometimes my girlfriend, Sandra, and I would do a girls trip there. Love, love, love this place. When Alli was 9 mos. old I put her in a baby backpack ( and yes, Alli, it probably was a leg dangler but u loved it!) and we did an all day backstage tour of the indoor and outdoor theater and the smaller Black Swan Theater. Everyone was so impressed with how good she was in that backpack taking in the sights. She was the center of attention in the wardrobe area. They kept putting funny hats on her! It is no wonder she's so good with clothes today. She had an early start! 

We had lunch right near the theater in this quiet (once theater-goers left) restaurant. Good Italian sandwich and tomato caprese salad.

Afterwards, Joe and I went down numerous steps to walk hand in hand thru Lithia Park. Beautiful day and wonderful way to end our stay in Ashland! 

Now I'm sitting in a peaceful outdoor patio writing and reflecting on the day, eager to see my best friend, Sandra, tomorrow. No matter how much time passes between visits, we just take up where we left off and fill in the gaps together. Hoping for wine and great pizza at Nonna Emilia's tomorrow!

Sleep tight and ill hold you all close in my prayers tonight.