The Great Southern Oregon Give-a-way has come to a close and congratulations to our winner, Betsy. Thank you to everyone who entered – we had an incredible 595 entries!
A package arrived yesterday. I’ve been eagerly anticipating it’s arrival. Inside there was a book and a pair of socks. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. But this was not just any book, nor just any pair of socks.
It hits me every year – just about this same time, getting ready to turn the calendar page from July to August. I call it hitting the brick wall. August, for me, is the ultimate work week Wednesday hump day. Only instead of 2 more days in the work week, I’ve got 2 more months before I get a day off. I’m not whining complaining (well, kinda I am) it’s just fact.
It’s about this time each summer when I’ve grown weary of the high temps because while Abi enjoys the heat, it sucks the life out of me. Give me a cool crisp fall day every time. I see people out and about wearing flip flops and shorts, they’re sporting tans and people are tossing the Frisbee in Lithia Park. It’s all very summeresque, but it’s not for me, unless of course I’m poolside in Cabo San Lucas with a margarita on the table next to me. But here in Ashland, it’s too hot for this girl! I hole up during the day; only venturing out after the intense heat of the sun has subsided. Does that make me a bat?!
Congress Avenue Bridge – Austin, TX. We were in Austin at the wrong time of the year so we didn’t see the bats fly. Photo credit: carriereducation.com
My brick wall is a metaphor for I’m hot, I’m tired and I am aching to hit the road. I am surrounded by travelers passing through our B&B on a daily basis, reminding me of adventures to come. In the meantime, while I stand over a hot stove each morning, I dream of fall and all that it will bring; the crisp cool air, the glorious reds and golds of leaves changing color, my favorite cardigan sweater and thoughts of being on the open road. And then I catch a bacon grease splat in the eye and it jolts me back to reality. It’s a good reality, I can’t deny it, but I’m always thinking two steps ahead of myself.
Standing in Oregon and looking at snow capped Mt. Shasta – in California – and the the valley floor blanketed with the gold colors of fall
But back to the book and the socks. In just about 6 weeks from now, we’re going to make a BIG announcement. We’ve got some major plans in the works and while I’d like to spill the beans right now at this very moment, I cannot. No, no, don’t beg, everyone likes a good cliff hanger. But I can drop a couple of hints. The book. The socks.
The book! And why I need the socks!
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Congratulations on the more than 500 entries to your contest. I understand looking forfard to October being a Floridian. I can’t wait to hear about your future plans!
Michelle recently posted…Visiting the Beautiful Liechtensteinklamm Gorge in St Johann, Austria
Thanks Michelle!
Very exciting Patti. Looking forward to reading about your future adventure in your blog. This too is on my bucket list.
Kerri recently posted…Caribbean Cruises: Island Fun and Adventure for Families
Thanks Kerri – we are cooking up some great plans! We’ve both got a couple of good cliff hangers!
Oh, I’m so looking forward to hearing your news and plans but, if the book is a hint…Camino de Santiago is one of my ultimate hope-to-do-before-I-die wishes and I’ll be following your preparations and adventures with great interest!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…Plundering, Protecting The King’s Gold And Pirates: Fort San Lorenzo
Thanks so much Anita!
It has been an especially hot summer so far in Oregon. I try to remember how dark and dreary it was back in February and March and not complain too much about the sun. Last September the hubs and I did the last 65 miles on the Camino to celebrate my 65th birthday. It was an amazing experience. Even those few days and I will be back for a longer trek – after we complete a few others like Hadrian’s Wall and the Cinque Terra (I hope). Can’t wait to follow your adventures!
Do you close the B&B when you are off galavanting the world?
Nancy Thompson recently posted…The Big Float ~
That was a symbolic 65-mile trek, I’m sure. From mid November to mid February, Ashland settles in for a long winter nap, which is when we travel so it makes it practical for us to shut down the inn.
Exciting Patti – I think I know what you’re planning and it sounds awesome 🙂 It must be hard being so busy and watching other travellers pass through your doors everyday but keep planning your own adventure and it’ll come around in no time. Can’t wait to hear more about the trip!
Amy recently posted…Life in London
Thanks Amy! There will be more news to share, stay tuned!
Those better be good socks 🙂
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted…Bananas for Beer Nuts
That’s what I’m trying to figure out, if the socks can cut it.
We all need something to look forward to . . . .and will you be taking to “one road” in another language?
I should have paid better attention in high school Spanish I and II. But when you grow up in a tiny town in Nevada, you can’t imagine you’ll have a need to speak Spanish. Ha!
Oh I know the hole you speak of. I am the same way.
I’m not a sun person at all! You won’t find me sweating it out under the umbrella if it’s humid either. It tends to feel like the heat just sucks the life out of me!
Now about those socks and that book …. Hmmmm
I like a pretty sunny day, I like floating around in a lovely pool, but I hate being “hot” and feeling as if I’m in an oven. Yuck! Yes, about the socks and the book!
As long as your plans involve getting out of the kitchen and on the road again, it’s got to be a very good cliff hanger!!
Getting out of the kitchen is the key! And there is SO much more to tell, I’m just getting warmed up!
Unless that hint is a red herring, what exciting plans you’ve got coming up! Looking forward to a trip like that is enough to make the work and hot summer days easier to take, I’m sure. Also, congrats on the successful giveaway — awesome! Congrats to Betsy, too. 🙂
Cathy Sweeney recently posted…Discovering Nova Scotia Wine and Food
Nope, not a red herring! Ewww…. Lots of plans to make and more news forth coming!
A big congrats to Betsy with your contest, Patti! Oh my gosh I have two friends who did that whole Camino de Santiago last year! They took months of planning with outdoor gear and exercising to prepare. That will be a blast and good for you two to do it! That’s going to be so much fun. Someone really ironic totally cool about that Mt Shasta picture?? I can see it too from the peak of Mt Rose on a clear day here in Reno 🙂
Mike recently posted…Top 10 Matt Damon Movies, How Do You Like Them Apples?
Thanks, Mike! That’s so cool about Mt. Rose, I’m trying to remember if I ever knew that? Probably not. As a teenager I probably would not have given it a 2nd thought, now I think it would be great to see for myself.
Well, walking the Camino should definitely inspire you!
Carole Terwilliger Meyers recently posted…Sights to See: Kauai, Hawaii
Ssshhh… I haven’t made the announcement yet! 😉
Probably you’re not a bat, and just need to embrace your inner Spaniard and Siesta during the heat of the day 🙂 Looking forward to your adventure – I want to do the Camino some day!
Shelley recently posted…Top 3 Secrets for Saving Money on Flights
Especially since bats creep me out! But the siesta is a good idea!
DO IT!!!!!!!!
Okay!!!!!! 🙂
I love summer, but now you have me yearning for the fall colors and temps too. I’ve been trying to think of what I could buy my sisters that they would need. You gave me a great idea – socks! You can never have enough when fall does get here.
Bats? I wouldn’t go out of my way to see bats and your borrowed picture is fine for me. Reading Stellaluna to the grandkids is my favorite bat book and can’t wait to hear more about your surprise
Neva @ Retire for the Fun of it recently posted…We Found A Second Niagara Falls Out West
I’m not a big fan of the actual bat, I just relate to hiding out from the heat of the day. Stellaluna is a great book!
I’m looking forward to hearing about your BIG adventure. If the book is a clue, I’m assuming the Camino is part of it. My sister plans to do that in September. If I weren’t in the middle of moving house, I might have considered joining her for at least part of that. And I would need very good socks.
Donna Janke recently posted…Images of Vancouver
Yep, it’s all about the socks!
Congratulations on the new book! How exciting!
Irene S. Levine recently posted…Win an Eagle Creek Adventure four-wheel carry-on (contest ends 8/31/14)
Thanks! I’m savoring the pages!
Whoa, what a fun challenge, sounds like it is going to be an amazing experience walking the Camino, good luck. love that photo with the bridge, bats and sunset!
noel recently posted…Plaza de Espana, Seville – Travel Photo Mondays
Thanks! I can’t take credit for the sunset photo, but I thought it was pretty cool and explained my feeling of batness! 😉
Wow, what a book that is! I walked part of the trail on a food press trip and vowed to return and try to walk it from start to finish. I’m looking forward to hearing more!
Michele Peterson recently posted…Green bean fritters: recipe for tortitas de ejote from Guatemala
You must have enjoyed the experience of walking part of the trail, hopefully, you’ll find your way back one day to finish.
Van a recorrer el Camino de Santiago!!! I’m guessing in Spanish, so I don’t give anything away — to anglophones anyway;-) I’d like to give it (or at least “part” of it) a go sometime. I’ll love following along your journey if I guessed correctly. We did a 5 day hike in New Zealand one year. Socks become your best friend—-or worst enemy.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Montecristo (and His People) Visit Brigantine and Philadelphia
So glad you responded in Spanish to help keep everyone in the oscuro!
Congrats to Betsy on winning your fabulous draw 🙂
And that book looks mighty enticing!!
Looking forward to hearing when and what it could ever have to do with your socks? 😉
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted…“One Special Summer” – The Travel Journal of Jacqueline & Lee Bouvier
All will be revealed, Linda, stay tuned!
Thank you so much for the lovely prize! Can’t wait for you to share more of your “secret” plans. I’ve got a feeling they are an item on my own bucket list. 🙂
Betsy recently posted…Kutna Hora: Beauty and Bones
You’re welcome – lucky pick of the draw! Good for you!
Congrats to Betsy! Sorry I didn’t win though 🙁
Funny, we’re in Austin and have seen the people lining up to see the bats, but haven’t gone ourselves. At least we’ve eaten plenty of good Texan food.
I’m SOOOO jealous if you’re walking the Camino!
Carmel recently posted…I COULD SEE MYSELF HERE
We ate ridiculously well while we were in Austin – amazing food haven! Actually, we ate way too much, but OMG it was good! Now why would you think we might be walking the Camino?! I can’t imagine! 😉
Oooooohhhh!!! Wonder what that could be? Gee no rest for the wicked hey Patti? I hope Abi will be piggy backing you 😉
Sarah Somewhere recently posted…A note from eternity
Ha! Ha! I’ll have to run that by Abi, Sarah, see what he thinks of the whole piggy back idea! 😉