Author: Luis Menchu

Our little one helped take care of arrangements for her birthday party this year. She wanted a swim party and then went ahead and won a contest at the community center for a swim party. We were planning the party anyway, but the girl saving some dollars for us along the way is welcome. (I’m sure she’ll expect the favor returned in the way of gifts.)

There is a new child, it has no name
There is a new life, as of yet, no shame
Where shall we go? What shall we do?
Enjoy the journey, life untamed

Unseen and nameless, this child remains
But still our hearts, she entertains
Where shall we go? What shall we do?
Enjoy the journey, life sustained

Luis Menchu

Enjoyed part of an evening face painting little ones for the second year in a row at my daughter’s school. Last year was a first, my quote after hearing about being volunteered for this duty… “We’re going to do what? Have I ever done this before? No.”

Fortunately it went well the first time and again this year. Last year one girl even commented that I was the best. Not sure if this speaks well to my abilities or to the abilities of the other volunteered sports. We all had fun and it is rewarding to see the anticipation in their eyes and that sparkle of joy upon seeing the magic on their face.

Of course you start with a list of ‘approved’ artwork but the kids have their own ideas and the face is joined by the hand and arm as canvas.

Words of advice to anyone else volunteered for face painting without the requisite art degree:

• Go buy your own quality paintbrushes. The ones provided will undoubtedly limit your creativity, but become a helpful excuse.
• Make sure the organizers are strict on the schedule and breaks are in place. Even though their little faces are precious, it can be tough face painting for three hours straight with no food. (Things were better this year — we learned.)
• Put the child in a chair a little higher than yours, it will save your back. You’ll be sitting in little first grade chairs anyway so this shouldn’t be too hard.
• Don’t ask questions when you see a child later that you would swear you painted but now has a nice clean cheek. Rest assured they made a mess of themselves while gorging on food you’ll never see and their parent made them wash up.

A good chunk of a tree fell in our yard yesterday after a couple of windy days. We got to see it last night after coming home but just saw a bunch of leaves and tweaked clothesline supports.

Today was spent cutting and carting the remnants for recycling. Fortunately the garage was missed, the lawn furniture was just barely out of range, the fence only has slight damage and no one was around when it fell. The five-wire clothelines took the brunt of the fall but two wires managed to stay fastened and were cradling part of the branch. Last year an even larger branch broke off, also from a Liquid Amber tree, in the front yard. Again, no damage and another find after getting home.

The family enjoyed a wonderful afternoon bike ride at Champoeg State Park this afternoon. After the necessities were taken care of — food and restroom breaks — we were off. As usual the birds in the park were amazing, closeups of the violet-green swallows on the way out and fun watching the condors soar in, land and then take off again on the return trip. There were plenty of frisbee golf players — didn’t realize it was quite the same as golf with a different club (aka, frisbee) for each shot. Sorry, I’m simple and cheap one frisbee is enough and fun either way.

What shall we do? What shall we do, with our Japanese exchange student on a free day. On a sunny day the answer is easy, head to the coast. Off we go, eventually, out the door on our way to the Cannon Beach area. It was a little worrisome in the coast range as clouds built up and the windshield got sprinkled, but some positive thinking and a little luck rewarded us with a wonderful day.

Ecola State Park was our first destination. Taking in the sites at the viewpoints and then taking the 1.5 mile trail to Indian Beach. After the warmth of the sun during lunch, the shaded walk with its views was welcome. The beach was nice — if a little busy — but our entourage had fun playing in the sand and water. Yes, as usual, the water is cold but that doesn’t stop anyone. Sure the surfers have on wet suits but they are in the water longer and completely. We just wade in and play.

We checked out the tide pools on the south end of the beach checking out the little inter-tidal creatures. Our exchange student enjoyed seeing the clams, barnacles, crabs, starfish, anemones and other critters. Back on the trail found our littlest adventurer feeling pooped but a game of “I think I can” quickly distracted her attitude. She did quite well considering how strained people looked when we saw them earlier headed the same way. She even gave some women the incentive to move on, seeing a six-year-old easily marching on.

Then, of course, we had to hit the town. We — well, they — had to have a little bit of shopping, a little ice cream, a little more shopping. This in between a few stops at the restrooms and all followed up with a some dinner before the drive home.

Once again headed down the hill while the crows migrated the opposite direction. It was a peaceful walk and surprisingly warm. I stayed too late but was watching the hurricane news — quite devastating. We had our little bit of rain here today — we need it — but the walk home was a dry one, though, the clouds were threatening.

Friday evening I took a shortcut through the woods bushwhacking through the brush looking to exit before dark. Along the way I discovered where the crows congregate in the evenings. The discovery was not one of hearing and seeing the crows but more viewing evidence splattered on the undergrowth. Fortunately I was meandering through before the gathering.

Stopped at the teriyaki joint to eat and read. Still dry after and a nice short walk the rest of the way home.