Laugh until You Cry

Greta arrived in Portland this morning. So wonderful to see her and I am excited to share the week with her. She and I laughed until we cried on our drive to Sherwood.

We then embarked on a trip to the Columbia Employee Store with Cathy as our hostess and guide. I was happy to find a new pair of hiking shoes as mine started to fall apart. They had served me well for many years. More laugh insured as one cannot help but laugh with Cathy as her laugh is contagious.

Next on the agenda was a wine tasting at the Allora Vineyard down the street from Cathy and Steve’s home. We drove their Kubota RTV, fondly named “Kevin.”

The scenery was lovely, rolling hills covered in vineyards with mountains in the distance. There was a smoky haze in the sky. The wine was splendid and the food scrumptious. Stories were shared and laughter abounded

Cathy gave Greta a tour of her garden which is an array of breathtaking beauty.

The evening ended with dinner with Cathy and Steve, delightful conversation and more laughter.

Yesterday I honored my mom’s Danish heritage when visiting, Ole Bolle the Troll at Nordic Northwest. Ole was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish Recycle Artistic. His trolls are a part of the Public Art Project by the Scan Design Foundation to support Danish-American relations with a focus on environmental sustainability. Ole is made of recycled pallets and recycled wood.

It has been delightful to spend time with Cathy and Steve, who are such gracious hosts. It has been refreshing to reminisce, to renew old ties and to treasure the richness of long time friendships. I am grateful!

Tomorrow Greta and I head to Bend and then will make our way to the Oregon and California coast.