Leaving Home

Mom is putting on a brave face as she leaves her home of over 60 years for the last time. Terry and Diane spent most of the day helping with last minute things to do, and Bill and I tried to make things as easy as we could for her. Mom traveled with me to her new home in Keizer, Oregon where she met the care givers and the other residents. She was quite cheerful as she sat to have dinner with them, and I proceeded to set up her furniture and to decorate her room with the things she picked out. I helped her to bed and then went home and "crashed!" She is well cared for, and we make visits often. We have Mom over for visits, for the holidays, and other family members and friends visit her as well. She celebrated her 85th birthday soon after moving in and received MANY bouquets of flowers and lovely birthday cards! We are grateful she is in a warm and caring home and that she is close by so we can tend to her needs.

Betsy's Flowers

Mom's flowers were beautiful even into the fall. These are just a few: Lily, Black-eyed Susan, Naked Lady and Sweet Peas. Each time I watered them for her, I encountered this female spider tending her web. I tried not to drown her as I watered, and finally I ran into the house and grabbed my camera to capture her antics :-).

Surprise Visitors on Tillamook Bay

One day Mom and I drove around Tillamook Bay toward Bay Ocean. We saw 7 Egrets fishing along the shore! It's not such a surprise to see an Egret on the bay, but it IS surprising to us to see that many in one place! I couldn't resist this heron perched on the pilings :-).

Evening Sun at Garibaldi Boat Docks

Late one afternoon Mom and I parked by the boat docks in Garibaldi. We grabbed a shrimp basket and a chicken basket at Dairy Queen and feasted on the food and the view! We enjoyed this silly heron fishing off of a big pipeline. It was pretty comical when he had to lean way over to catch his fish!

Betsy's Visit to Twin Rocks

Recently I lived at my Mom's for two months. It was difficult to watch her to move from her home, but we also had some special times together. We went to Twin Rocks in Rockaway, Oregon where Mom watched me run down to the water's edge. She can no longer walk on the sand, but she enjoyed the view and the opportunity to be in the sun.

My New Grandson, Oliver William Summers

I finally have an opportunity to add some pictures of my new Grandson, Oliver! He's much bigger now, but I wanted to share these pictures from his "Blessing Day." His middle name is after his Papa Bill. Bill and I enjoyed a sweet moment with him. It's also pretty special to have a picture of him with his Great Grandma Griffin!