Oh, Poop!

Wedensday I worked the land with Chris, Laci, Amanda and three students. We painted the trunks of the orchard trees with a three-part mix of water, clay, and cow dung using big brushes. The poop was flying! We did similar duty the next morning with different students.

They're saving the rest for Parent's Day on April 14th. "Welcome back from Spring Break!"

Cynthia and Catherine were cooking back at Rockrose with one of the other students, and we were rewarded for our morning efforts with a wonderful soup.

We were treated to a concert in the afternoon by the student and some of the coworkers. The evening was a time for a walk around the property and quiet repose.

Peace to you from Pennsylvania.

Mallards in Flight

Phil and Bernice are on their way. Soon we shall be as well. See you, Chris and Catherine, in Philadelphia Tuesday night. We're looking forward to being a part of the Camp Hill family for a while.

Another reminder...

Phil and Bernice came by the neighborhood today. They were wandering around in the street early this morning, almost as if to say "Hey this is the road... let's get going to Pennsylvania."

I hope Phil and Bernice show up at Soltane when we arrive.

Pennsylvania or Bust

We're excited to be headed to Pennsylvania Tuesday morning to see you guys, Chris and Catherine!

Four days and counting...

In the mean time we wait, just like Phil and Bernice.

A day at the coast

Today we went to the coast for my birthday. We took Ani Zirngast from Switzerland with us, because she's never seen the Oregon coast, and we haven't gotten to spend any quality time with her since she's been in the states. We worked our way from Lincoln City to Newport. Here are some of my new friends waiting for a booth to open up at Kylo's for lunch.

We enjoyed excellent weather. The sunny skies were unexpected, as the forecast said rain. We were glad the forecast was wrong.

Here's Miss Cynthia with Ani happy about everything.














We went to lunch at Mo's in Newport (the one at Devil's Punchbowl isn't going to be open for two weeks and we didn't want to wait.













We went to Yaquina Head (which is pronounced yakwinna, not yakeena, since it's a Native American name, not a Spanish one) and took the light house tour. Very cool.

We spent time at the world's shortest river, the world's smallest harbor, and sunbathed (fully clothed) on the beach below the light house. We visited a couple of gallery shops, bought caramel corn and taffy. We stopped for chinese food at China Delight on the way home.

A great day by any measure

missing you

Micah awaits your return...

So for weeks now, everytime I walk by Micah in the lobby at church he asks "When is Chris going to be home?" I tell him the latest arrival date in weeks from that day, and remind him Chris will only be in town for a day or so, so maybe they won't see each other. Then I ask "How about if we copy some of your cartoons and I'll put them on our blog so he can see what you're up to?" He always changes the subject after a hesitant "I don't know..."

This week after the same conversation, he grabbed the paper out of my hand, turned it over and started drawing in ink. "I don't usually draw in ink first. I hope this is OK." I left him to his drawing, and went on my way, looking foward to a drawing just for Chris.

A little later he came up to the business office with this photocopy in hand. I asked for the original, and with a little negotiation at least got a copy of my original paperwork that he had drawn on the back of. So here's that picture for you Chris. Please do not let anyone copy this.

And I hope we can get you guys together when you visit.