Olympia

Today we left Sandy Riverfront, our home outside Portland for a month, and headed north to Olympia to visit some old friends, Tom and Nanci Rowe. When we arrived, we just had to see everything before we took the time to park our rig. Tom had just finished a new fence in time for our arrival, so that the homeowners' committee wouldn't be offended by the sight of Venture parked in front of his rig in his backyard. His new workshop is a handyman's dream--Mr. Fix-It is at home in his castle.

We got a tour of the spacious yard, too, with all the plants adjusting to their new homes. Each tree, bush, and flower has a story. Some were gifts from Tom's sister, who is a Master Gardener. One of the highlights of the backyard is the birdfeeding area (which also has a squirrel feeder). A variety of birds visits the feeders and birdbath--so many they are eating our friends out of house and home (especially the starlings, which have invited all their relatives to join them in the feast).

One end of the back yard.

Venture in front of Tom's workshop.

Inside the house is open and airy, full of light and charm. The dining nook off the kitchen has a view of the backyard, so that Tom and Nanci confess to having breakfast and just sitting for a while to watch the birds and other wildlife that frequents their yard, which is bordered on the back by a wetlands and on one side by a storm pond.

It was wonderful to see our old friends after more than a year. It felt like it had been no time at all (even though it's been sixteen months since the going away party in Orange County where we last saw them).

Ken did a great job of backing the rig up the driveway and through Tom's new gate, and soon we were all set up in our great spot with water and 30 amp electric--all the comforts of home. We were invited to a spaghetti dinner and had a grand time catching up.