Go RAYS!!!

Source:  Ray's Facebook Page

Source:  Tampa Bay Rays Facebook Page

What a night last night was for baseball.  They are calling it historic.  To make it short and sweet, from what I understand, the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers were in the play-offs for sure.  If the Boston Red Sox won the game over the Balitmore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays won over the Yankees, then the Red Sox and the Rays would play one game to see which one of those teams would go into the playoffs. 

It was a tight game between the Red Sox and the Orioles, and that was the game that we were able to watch on t.v.   To make matters worse, there was a long rain delay.  The score was 3 to 2 for a long time, and Boston lost the game with two outs at the bottom of the 9th inning.  So, Boston will not be going into the playoffs.  

The Yankees were ahead by 7 to 0 over the Rays for the whole game.  At the end of the game, by some miracle, the Rays caught up and then won!  Good job Rays.  I wish that I was able to see that whole thing.  Some people, even NYY fans are saying that the Yankees threw the game and allowed the Rays to win so that they wouldn't have to face Boston.  Well, if that was the case, which I highly doubt, it was all for nothing anyway, since Boston lost.

Who would have gone to the playoffs if the Rays and Boston both lost?  I don't know; I haven't looked it up.  But now, those who are in the American League playing in the 2011 playoffs are the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers. 

Below is link to an article that tells you everything, including the status of the National League peeps.  I'm not a sports reporter, but last night was a big deal and lots of fun.  Plus, I love Johnny Damon, who has a HUGE heart and has played for Boston, NYY, the Tigers and now for the Rays.  You rock, Johnny!  And, Evan Longoria was last night's hero.  There are so many quality guys on this team.  Gotta love 'em.  Maybe after they win the World Series, they will get a new stadium.

"Historic Night of Baseball"

Source:  "Nate"

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
 

Sepia Saturday: Beauty and The Bull AND Phil Loves Marilyn

Alan's picture this week for Sepia Saturday is of a lady on the cover of a magazine riding a rocking horse.  I found this photo of a pretty young woman riding a bull:

Source:  Lane County Historian, Vol. 44, No. 2, Summer 1999

The post below was originally posted in January of this year, but I thought that my Sepia Saturday peeps might enjoy it this week.  It is on theme, I do believe, of beautiful vintage ladies! 

When you are all through here at Oregon Gifts, please "CLICK HERE" to see neat old pictures from the past.

On Sunday night, January 26th, we went to the little Central Oregon town of  Chemult, which is about a 45 minute drive from our home.  We were going there to meet Kylie's train (which turned out to be 6 hours late, but we didn't know that was going to happen), and we got into town at 9:00.  Only a couple of places were open, The Pilot Travel Center (thank God that it is a 24/7 joint), and the Chalet.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

If you have ever been to the Chalet, you would know that the owner, Phil, loves Marilyn Monroe, and has a great collection of Marilyn looking gorgeous.  If you have never been, well, I took some pictures so that you can see it for yourself:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Marilyn gives Phil a kiss.

Now, let's take a little stroll down Marilyn Monroe Blvd.:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Of course, Ms. Monroe is the original Blonde Bombshell (I think), but there is also a microbrew of that same name made right here in Central Oregon, by the  Cascade Lakes Brewery.  I didn't have any of that though; I stuck with my Merlot.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

These are actually life-sized cardboard cutouts of Marilyn:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

This vintage metal shampoo sign was cool:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Here are some photos of photos/posters that were on the wall:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Another great poster; it is easy to see why the guys loved her:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

More wall photos:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I really liked this one:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

What a vintage find:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Phil's friend is getting a little fresh here:

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

My Best Friend Husband is more respectful.  Of course, he knew that this would eventually end up on my blog:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I want to give a shout out to Connie at the Chalet, for staying open later for us, and for visiting and listening to me chatter on about my book idea.  She was a goldmine of information, and is setting up a railroad friend of hers for me to interview.  Connie got me going again, yay!  Plus, she remembered my Grandma and Grandpa's little store on old River Road, and it was so neat to talk with her about that, and about everything else.  Thanks, Connie!

Last, but not least, this picture of Cary and Marilyn was taken at the wax museum in San Antonio, Texas a couple of years ago:

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
 

This and That Wednesday:

Hello, Friends!

What's up?  Well, around here, the main excitement is getting ready for the carpet cleaners.  It actually is exciting, because that job has been put off for way too long.  They will be here in the morning, and I have been moving things out of the way in preparation.  This led to me deciding to rearrange the living room furniture after they are all done cleaning.  If I'm lucky, they will help me move the couches right then and there, and Cary can help me with the t.v. when he gets home.  

So, I have been deep cleaning as I go along.  I seem to have bothered my shoulder with all of this work, but it is worth it.  It seems funny that I have removed so much from the living room and it still looks very full.  Yesterday, I set up the little vignette below.  I haven't put up pictures and wall hangings prior to moving the furniture before, but I think this will work out nicely.  This little end table will go between the couch and love seat:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I want to use the bottom of the hutch as a t.v. stand, and needed to find a new place for the top of it.  There really was only one spot that could support it safely, and that is the dresser in our master bath.  I am very pleased at how this room has turned out.  It is non-traditional, but this has to be the best and prettiest bathroom that I have ever had!
 

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

So, this is my view as I am soaking in the tub.  It makes me happy to have all of this cheery ME stuff!  To see the post when I reworked the bathroom this summer, please "CLICK HERE".

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I'll show you the living room and dining room when they are all done.  It is nice to get the house clean before winter hits.

My son Nigel called last night and told me that when he tested for his Microsoft Word and Office exam in the Job Corps a couple of months ago, he got a score of 1000 out of 1000.  Yesterday, he received a certificate and a letter of congratulations for being number five in the whole nation to accomplish this!  Way cool, Nigel, we are so proud of you. 

Have a wonderful day everybody, and God bless ya! 

Kathy M.

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
 

Cascade Lakes Highway: Photos of Wickiup Lake, Devil's Lake and Soda Creek

These were taken last Friday, as I looped around Cascade Lakes Highway in Central Oregon.  I will give these areas their own blog posts soon, but I wanted to include these teaser pictures for this week's edition of Watery Wednesday.

Wickiup Lake Near South Twin Lake:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Devil's Lake:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Soda Creek, Near Sparks Lake:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

That is the South Sister in the background.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

If you enjoyed these pictures, I think that you will also enjoy this post on Elk Lake, and this one on Lava Lake

For many beautiful water photos from around the world, please visit T. Bruce over at Watery Wednesday!  Please consider joining the rest of us by submitting your watery pictures too.  It is easy, free and we would love to see them.  To get there, just "CLICK HERE".

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
 

Tell It Like It Is Tuesday: Making an Impact

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Today is Tuesday, where I tell it like it is.  

This week's topic is change, dealing with it, and making an impact with your life.  The future is not ours to see, and as the song goes, whatever will be will be.  We can try to make the best of whatever is though, as changes that come our way.

We never really know what is going to happen.  We can make plans, follow them, accomplish things and then everything seems to go to hell at one point or another.  People die, people get divorced, people get into accidents that cause life altering injuries.  People throw fits, get entangled with drugs and alcohol, and spend time in jail.  Over the past two weeks, I've seen all of these events happen to one person or another.  Some of the people I know personally, others are as we say on Facebook, friends of friends.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

It is kind of funny, but the most positive thing that I pulled out of the above events came from the person who died.  I attended his memorial service on Saturday.

 
Bud was my first husband's brother-in-law; my girls' uncle.  Though I didn't get the chance to spend much time with him or know him very well, I always enjoyed being around him.   Everybody did.  There were around 250 people gathered for his service in the small community where he lived most of his life.

Bud and Mary Ann's grandson spoke at the service.  One thing that he said really made me think.  He said, "My Grandpa knew how to raise kids and grandkids.  He had remarkable patience.  He spent time with us, and taught us what he knew."  If we all could only have or be grandparents like that!  Bud handed down a legacy of love.

The life that Bud and Mary Ann created was truly based on the American dream.  They married young; each others first love.  The two recently celebrated 52 years of a wonderful marriage.  They settled into a delightful small town, where he ended up retiring from the company where he worked his whole life.  They had a girl and a boy; each growing up to be happily married with two kids.  They all lived close by each other; sharing camping, fishing, hunting, enjoying car shows, childcare, and their lives.  This is a family who was totally invested in one another.  To me, they are a family who did things right.  A family where things worked out.  An old-fashioned family, and an example for others.  Rest in peace, Bud, and thank you for the impact that you have made to those you touched.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Change is going to happen.  Whatever will be will be.  I guess it is a matter of making adjustments, offering forgiveness when needed, setting boundaries, and lending a helping hand.  Comforting the hurting; loving those around us.  

Last week held many surprising and unforseen events.  The story that got to me the most was the story of a co-worker of my sister, who went on a hike with her boyfriend and slipped down a ravine 150' and broke her neck.  Her boyfriend hiked out for help after going down to check on her, and the National Guard brought in a Black Hawk helicopter to rescue the lady.  (Please keep her in your prayers.)  Never for a minute when they left the house that morning, did that sweet couple imagine that their day would end like that.  We just never know how our lives are going to change.

So, today, please be kind to others, be encouraging, and try to celebrate the good things in each other.  Forgive, love, and hug those who come across your path.  Thank you.

God bless,

Kathy M.

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
 

Cascade Lakes Highway: Lava Lake and Lava Lake Resort

Cascade Lakes Highway:

Last Friday, I drove the Cascade Lakes Highway, beginning in La Pine and ending at Mt. Bachelor.  One of my stops was Lava Lake, a place where I had not stopped to visit before.  I drove through the campground and the resort.   There is also another lake right next door, Little Lava Lake, but that road looked a bit isolated, so I didn't venture down there by myself.  I'll need to go back there sometime when Cary is with me.  Here is a link to more info regarding Little Lava Lake (Visit USA.com).

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Lava Lake Resort has a lodge, dock, two boat ramps and an RV park.  They also offer showers and a dump station. The campground has 43 campsites, and Little Lava Lake has 17.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I'm sorry to say it, but during my brief visit, I didn't feel as welcome here as I did at Elk Lake.  The signs were bossy, like, stay off the grass, 15 minute parking only, and if you are not staying at our RV park, don't come past this point.  How would I know if we wanted to stay at the RV park if I couldn't check it out?  I didn't go inside the store.  I couldn't find a website that belongs to the resort.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

The views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor were beautiful from Lava Lake.  South Sister still has a bit of snow on it.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

That is Mt. Bachelor.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

I mislabeled this photo, it is Mt. Bachelor, not South Sister.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

There is South Sister and Broken Top.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

It is a beautiful and peaceful spot.  The speed limit is 10 mph, so this is a fishing and swimming lake only.  If you would like to read a great report about the age of the lake, the kinds of fish that live there and more, please check out this comprehensive website: Explore Central Oregon.com: Lava Lake.

Source:  Trip Check.com

I think that there is enough blue in this post to qualify it for Blue Monday ... especially the pretty sky that day.  To see more beautiful blues, please visit my friend Smiling Sally over at Blue Monday by "CLICKING HERE".

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.