A Little of Everything

Whew, summer is getting right along and I have to admit that I am looking forward to the winter months so I can recuperate! When you live at the beach like I do, your grandkids seem to grow roots in the sand! My youngest grand daughter is now 11, so I can look forward to them ALL GROWING UP and realizing that sand is supposed to stay outside.

I took my grandkids home and spent a few days in the city. One very interesting thing I did was visit Chestnut Lane, the assisted living facility for the deaf, and deaf/blind in Gresham, Oregon. It was my very first visit and I am NOT familiar with Portland, so I sweated a few bullets just getting there.

I was very, very impressed with the whole place. I enjoyed the friendly, smiling staff (one of which used to be a student of mine!). Everyone appeared happy and contented. One thing I noted is that life moves more slowly there. Even the elevator takes forever, (it seems) because of the wheelchairs and the walkers moving in and out. I finally asked where the STAIRS were because I became bored with waiting. I did not attend a meal, I chose to take my friend out for Chinese. I learned a great deal that day, including how to fold up a wheelchair and put it in the back of my car, etc. Man, those critters are heavy! I must be in good shape! My Subaru Forester came in handy, as did the leather seats for sliding in and out! It was a great day and I hope to return, perhaps next time with the help of The Max so that I do not have to swallow other drivers' insults! (Not that I am above returning my own).

Mark, I enjoyed myself with you and hope we can repeat the day over and over again and soon! You look great, and Chestnut Lane needs you!

On another note. I have had deaf people complain to me about being "locked out" of their motel rooms. It has happened to me and it is not a fun activity to have to go up to the desk and try to make yourself understood that you are unable to get into a room that you paid so much money for! Well, this time I lucked out and got a clerk who EXPLAINED. She told me that our cell phones (with text) ERASES OUR ROOM KEYS. So the next time you go to a hotel, keep your room key away from your text phone! Do not put them both in your purse or your pocket together. They do not get along!

Lantana