HARVEST GOODNESS

About the time I was almost half way to Walla Walla, WA Craig called me from Eugene, OR with the happy news that he was in a dock and preparing for the loading of the ice cream. He would have a full day ahead of him once he was loaded, driving almost 550 miles to French Camp, CA. About 10pm last night, I received the phone call that he had arrived safely and was heading for bed. I was hardly able to keep my eyes open myself, as I had had a full day myself.

I arrived in Walla Walla just before noon, and quickly got to the hugs and embraces of missing my dear friend way too much over the past 8 weeks. Much to my surprise, she had a gift waiting for me on the kitchen counter and encouraged me to open it up. I was deeply touched by what was inside. A set of coasters, which we have badly needed over the past year, but I just couldn't find the right ones, until there they were staring me in the face. Cori hand made these tile coasters and had transferred four photos which I had taken during our first year out on the truck. As I stared open mouth at this wonderful, touching gift, I was transported back in time to each place I had taken the pictures, rattling off States and Cities, and falling in love with the coasters, our love of traveling in the big rig, and at a loss for words in which to thank Cori for such a gift. But all too soon, it was time to check out the garden and the bounty in which Cori and her family were going to gather for our evening meal. For this city girl to go out and watch for the first time potatoes being dug out of the ground, and then onions, carrots, lettuce, and finally fennel, well it was just a great joy to know that I would soon be enjoying this bounty, fresh from the garden, in just a few short hours. The evening meal was a true success of eating off the land. This is the first year for them to try their hand at growing their own vegetables, and no doubt they will cultivate what they have learned this year and make next years garden even better. If we had a little bit more space at our place, I wouldn't mind trying my hand at it when we finally settle down in the future, but no doubt Craig would gleefully remind me again about that lack of space. I know Cori will not mind a visit from the two of us to get our fresh veggie fix.After an evening spent watching Mike and Cori's two children, Jackson and Allison, practice flag football with their teams at the local High School, it was time to call it a day. After the last couple of weeks of being by myself, this flurry of activity today tired me out a bit, but not so much that I couldn't quickly snatch my camera and take a photograph to remind me of what a great day it had been with friends and enjoying the bountiful harvest of goodness they had so graciously and warmly served me!