Oregon Country Fair Weekend

Well, it's Oregon Country Fair weekend. If you have never been to it, don't let the name deceive you. There aren't any carnies, whirly twirlies, or zippers or even a marry-go-round. On the other hand there are lots of faries, some other types of twirlies, a lack of zippers and a lot of merry to go round.

We'll start with location. The OCF is located in Elmira about 15 miles west of Eugene. The best way to get there is by CRAMMING into a city bus. Lucky for us it was a little chilly this year. Last year's bus smelled of 100 people who had been camping for weeks. The 1/2 hour bus ride takes you to what seems like the middle of the woods filled with love and joy and the smell of pot all around.

It is very peaceful at OCF. One can play an oversized game of chess or listen to a number of local bands, or one man bands.

That's as normal as it gets. While eating lunch there may suddenly be a 100 person parade, orr some folks strolling by on stilts.

Did I mention clothing is optional at OCF? This may become apparant, for instance while watching the following band. Or, looking to your left while watching said band.

This was the most common attire of the day, paint.



It made us fully clothed people giggle.

The number one prize for outfit of the day however, goes not to the lady in the pink below with her paint outfit, but rather, yes look again, her partner in crime the walking bush.

The OCF closed down at about 7:00 which gave us time to head back home and build a fire pit for roasting some hot dogs and building smores. We chatted and roasted while listening to some good tunes compliments of AJ and Kari entertained us with some live fire art.

Palkie Family Vacation/Staycation

Mom, Dad and Meg came to visit for a pre 4th of July celbration. It was a fun filled weekend of hanging around the house and visiting with friends from the past!

Dad played with the girls and then he slept. Gabby wasn't done playing and politely tried to wake him up.



Mom made us her famous Chicken Salad. We were all allowed one taste before it went into the refridgerator for the next day. We all made the most of our ONE spoonful!

We played LOTS of Wii fit and Wii outdoor adventure. We also did a lot of simultaneous Facebooking.

On Sunday we drove up to Seattle to spend the day with old friends. First we stopped for lunch with the Bath family who we knew in Hawaii (late 70's) and Virginia (84ish). Mom, Dad and Meg had 20 some years to catch up on, and the stories were flowing.

After a lovely, long lunch we headed a couple blocks North to meet up with the Swales family who we knew from our days in England (in the Early 80's). Of course there was more food and festivities.

As per usual, that was a fantastic reunion!

Mom, Dad and I took advantage of some nice weather and had a long walk along the river in Eugene!

We visited the Portland Rose Gardens. Beautiful!

Another Fantastic Visit with the Fam! Wish they would come more often!