But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night

Last week was spent packing our home of nine years, then loading it onto a truck to be driven 722 miles to Vancouver. Late Thursday night, we headed over to PetSmart to pick up a couple dog beds and encountered sticker shock. The bed size that fit our large dogs were $75 a piece! We then drove over to Wal-Mart to maybe find a cheaper alternative, but realized the beds at the pet store were the best option. We went back, and while debating which colors to pick, an employee walked by and mentioned the beds would be on sale the very next morning for 50% off. My eyes filled with tears as this was a small blessing. I've felt like we're bleeding cash at times, and this small gesture (and stretched emotions) almost got the better of me. Friday was spent packing all the items that the movers would not, which is every chemical and product that could potentially create a leak and ruin possessions. We boxed the last minute items too and loaded everything into our 30' trailer in a 5' space to allow room for our Honda, thus creating one tightly packed possible bomb. Saturday morning the dogs were then placed in the back of the truck with their kennels creating a makeshift dog run with the beds and bones for chewing. We finally headed out of Logan at 11 am. It was so foggy, we weren't able to get a backwards glance in. And honestly it was probably a good thing as we were still teary eyed from our final video of our home. The drive went well and we arrived in Boise at 4:30 pm. The hotel was pet friendly, and we opted to pay the extra fee to let the dogs sleep in the room with us. Sunday morning we awoke early. While walking the dogs, a guy stopped us and asked if he paid us some money could he use our cell phone. Jax started barking, so Bryan said we'd left the phone in our hotel room. The whole thing seemed weird any ways, but when Jax went off we knew something was not right. We got on the road by 9 am. About 17 miles outside of Ontario, Oregon the unthinkable happened. For those who have flown, when preparing to land there is a loud noise as the pilot opens the doors to allow the landing gear to extend. This is exactly the type of noise we heard come from the rear of our truck. The left rear suddenly dropped some, and Bryan gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles as we slowly pulled to the right hand side of I-84 to stop. Just before stopping, there was a loud explosion and our tire started to roll down the highway. In the ensuing panic and shock, I quickly unlatched my seat belt and jumped out of the truck and pelted after that tire. I did not want any traffic to hit it and cause more chaos, nor did I want the tire destroyed. Once I rolled the tire to Bryan (it's a 33" and extremely heavy), I noticed our wheel was laying in the middle section between the east and westbound freeway. Yes, I did look both ways, making clearly sure it was safe and then ran across to retrieve it. When Bryan looked up to see what we should do next, he saw me in the section for authorized vehicles only and started to panic. As there is not much traffic on the I-84 I was able to cross back pretty quickly, and then told to sit in the truck with my seat belt on. I had the task of sitting in the driver's seat warning Bryan every time a semi went by so he could brace for impact just in case. One car got my middle finger as he passed within inches of the truck, when he could have moved lanes as no one was around him for miles. Bryan was able to put our spare tire on, which was low on air. The process took about 30 minutes. We then drove 20 mph a mile down the road to the Stinker Station (I'm not making this up). As the accident had sheared three of the eight lug studs, we had to borrow a lug from each wheel to put the spare on. We stopped at the Stinker to see if they possibly had any lug nuts, but they didn't. Knowing that Ontario was only 15 miles away or so, we decided to push on. The town had a tire center and hotels. We figured it was our best chance. We drove at 35 mph with hazards flashing for 15 miles, then missed the exit and had to drive another mile to turn around and head back. We pulled into Les Schwab which was right off the freeway but as it was Sunday, they were not open. We tried calling, thinking they may have an after hours emergency number, but no such luck. Instead we listened to the ringing of their phone on the obnoxiously loud intercom. Knowing we were stuck, I told Bryan to drive over to the hotel, which looked really nice due to how new it must have been (it was built in 2008). While he stayed with the truck trying to decide if we should just drive really slow all the way to Vancouver, I went inside and spoke with the hotel manager. He did have a room available for only $77 (which was cheaper than the hotel I had reserved in Vancouver). He also had the home phone numbers for the Les Schwab manager and Big O Tire manager. Both did not answer, but he left messages and told me if we were able to get help that day, he wouldn't charge me for the room, even if we did use it for sitting and laying down. He even offered the use of the hotel's pool and spa, which made me wish I had packed my swimsuit with me. After driving to the hotel, Bryan found that the drum had been barely crushed out of round once the wheel had fallen off and impacted the concrete. We weren't limping anywhere. He called around to several parts stores, and found the closest drum was in Boise. After that was Aurora, Colorado. We unloaded the Honda and he headed back to Boise to get the necessary parts, while I stayed in Ontario to do laundry and be with the dogs. Unfortunately, Bryan's hour and a half drive was extended to 2 and a half due to road work. He was finally able to get the parts and drove all the way back. We had dinner at the Sizzler across from the hotel and then went to bed, beaten to our very core. In the morning we awoke to freezing rain, a new sensation for us. It was so cold, and extremely slick. We drove to the Les Schwab and were smacked with a rude dose of corporate lawyer crap. We told our story, and the Les Schwab employee told us he would not use the parts we had obtained and we would have to wait 2-3 days for the drum to show up. Bryan said "Thanks for NOT helping us, we'll give our business to the Big O, and where is that exactly?" I couldn't believe it, but the guy actually gave us directions and we walked out in a huff. When we arrived at the Big O I was afraid we'd get the same treatment. But Brandon and Mike were not Les Schwab. They listened to our story, how rude Schwab was and immediately went to work helping us figure out what we needed. Even though they did not have enough wheels nor tires in stock, they did have one steel white wheel that would work. They mounted the tire that I had chased down, then called around town and found a mechanic that could fix our drum. We were once again afraid we'd find additional damage to the rear end differential. Lonnie at Justus Auto located in Fruitland, Idaho fixed the drum in a couple hours. When we went to pick up the truck, Lonnie chatted with us about mechanicing and how he specialized in rear ends. We drove the truck back to the hotel to pick up our trailer and reload the Honda. We were finally fixed and ready to go. For the next nine hours we drove at 50-55 mph in fear of hearing that horrible loud skimming noise followed by an explosion. When we got past La Grande, and found ourselves on Cabbage Hill, we were awestruck. The beauty of the frost and grandiose view left us speechless. We pulled into Vancouver around 10 pm, safe and sound.

It wasn't until later that the reality of our situation really hit. Bryan was able to keep steady hands and not roll our truck, with the 30' trailer that had our Honda. All three would have been totaled, meaning we wouldn't have a vehicle to call our own. Nivia dislikes the loud exhaust of our truck, so sits over the left wheel well, getting as far away from the noise as possible. When the wheel failed, it split in half around the wheel, like cutting out a donut. The tire could have easily been sliced and cut into the rear quarter. If you've ever watched a NASCAR race and seen a rear tire blow, it quickly shreds the quarter panels to bits. Somehow the tire stayed in tact, which kept Nivia safe on her perch. I wouldn't have been able to bear the thought of burying a dog. Bryan and I were both wearing our seat belts, something I've always been good about, but Bryan has a bad habit due to all the in n' out when working as a mechanic. We were also so close to a town with decent amenities, and good people. The hotel manager, John, Mike and Brandon at Big O, and Lonnie. We had the good fortune of having a mechanic fix our rear end that specialized specifically in that. Last was the final drive over Cabbage Hill down into Pendleton. If the wheel had waited until then to fail, it wouldn't have been a quick coast on a long stretch of lonesome highway. The tight hairpin turns, steep cliffs and miles of 15' snow mountain sides would have meant instant death. A guardian angel had been with us on that drive. He made sure our truck stayed straight, that our baby girl was safe, our possessions didn't explode into the cold freezing rain, and our lungs were still filling with precious air. Every prayer I've said on this trip has ended with thank you for this opportunity. The opportunity to live in Vancouver, to be with my family safe, to stay in a hotel instead of a hospital, to have my life.

And that maybe, just maybe, (although we didn't make it Mulligan free) the stay at a Holiday Inn Express that night made all the difference in the world.

Sasquatch

The panic has begun. This morning I woke with my mind ablaze. I had a million thoughts bungled inside my head and laid there slowly working myself into freak-out status. To help, I did what I do best, create a list. I sat down with my sasquatch notebook (the first week I was here in Vancouver, I needed a notebook. I went to Fred Meyer and started looking through all the office supplies. Once I found the notebooks, I spent several minutes trying to decide which one would work best. Then I saw the sasquatch one. Talk about a genius market idea, and a little predictable. Of course I had to have it. Besides, it came with a pocket in the front as well, handy for all the business cards I've been given in the last 3 weeks). I then made a page for every day this week, and started listing what needed to happen for each one. At first, my list had the calming effect I was needing. However, it slowly turned into sadness and delved into slight depression. It's the beginning to many lasts. Tomorrow, Bryan and I fly back 'home' for the last time...a few things will be fixed by us for the last time...it is our last week in our first place...I will clean my home for the last time...
We bought our home in the fall of 2001. Not long after 9/11 when the world had lots of uncertainty. Yet, we were at an age when the world was ours to conquer. I knew this would be our first home, but thought we'd only live there for 3-5 years. The 3-5 turned into 9 years, 1 month and 1 day. The spring after we moved in we borrowed a camcorder and made a tape of our first place. Now we'll load our camera and tape the end. Instead of big smiles and silly laughter, it will contain long faces, bright eyes and detailed explanations of what we accomplished.
Old age brings new uncertainty. Will the choices I made in my twenties have good lasting affects for the choices I am making in my thirties? Will I have the good sense I did at twenty with buying a home in a wonderful neighborhood with lots of potential into my next home? Life is full of new goals now. In November 2001 it was all about proving to ourselves and the world (mostly our parents) that we could be responsible adults. We would own a home, and take good care of it. We would create a family atmosphere that all would want to be a part of. We would set the foundation for our retirement. We would be self-sustaining. Now, in November 2010, it's all about adding to those original goals. Still being the responsible adult, and making wise investments. Investments that will allow us to help those we care about. To continue the home that is inviting to all, just in a new location that may become adventurous vacations for our extended family. Most of all, adding a new layer to our cornerstone. On paper all our plans and goals look sound. But that was the easy part; making that list in the comfort of our habits. Now that our habits have been jumbled up, I hope I'm able to wade through the mess of packing, hauling, and signing to see the end goal clearly.
So armed with Sasquatch, I will link arms with my thirty-something comfortable life, and allow the young twenty-something to emerge and conquer this world.

And some more

While viewing Lucia falls a bald eagle swooped in with a salmon in his clutches. He was about 100 yards away so I wasn't able to get many good pictures as I didn't have a tripod and couldn't get closer. Halfway through his meal he accidentally dropped his fish. He turned around and stared at the ground for a minute looking heart broken then flew away.

Connoisseur or Food Snob?

Not that far back, a good friend of Bryan's told him he was a food snob. Huh?! Not possible! We have great taste, but now the seed of doubt has been planted and it makes me wonder...are we food snobs?
In the beginning, Bryan introduced me to all types of food. I was an extremely picky eater. Although I'll eat at most restaurants, I usually detail my order to have items removed and/or added, and then once it's delivered I pick off anything to my disliking. At first, I hated Mexican food and would usually opt to eat somewhere else. Then Bryan took me to Lorena's in Woods Cross, Utah. I ordered a ground beef flour enchilada. I know, why don't I just get the cheese enchilada, as I pull out all the ground beef? Well, the flavor just isn't the same without it. The enchilada sauce at Lorena's is AMAZING! I love it and have tried to replicate it since. Only recently did I receive a recipe from a friend that comes close to the real deal. Most enchilada recipes have salsa in them, and enchilada sauce does not, I repeat, does not taste like salsa.
Next I was introduced to Ho Ho's Chinese in North Salt Lake, Utah. Bryan had eaten here with coworkers from Willey Ford, and had been shown to order the chicken chow mein pan fried noodle style. I absolutely love this. We have become such regulars for this particular meal that when we do order, the elderly gentleman who owns the restaurant takes the time to come out and see us and say hi.
From there, I was given Iggy's with shoestring beer battered fries. Sadly, Iggy's sold out to a couple of brothers who turned it into a franchise and no longer has the fries. But I've grown to love the Chicken Philly With, but minus onions and cheddar and add mushrooms. And it must come with the rice pilaf. Bryan also opened the world of sandwiches to me, like Caruso's deli, Grove's market and Bob's deli.
Once we moved to Logan, the world of restaurants became small. There is not much for dining in Logan, but over the years we have found our favorites. The Italian Place makes a great hot sandwich, but you do have to overlook the lack of hygiene in the place. For a germaphobe, this is difficult. We love Hamilton's, and will go there for prime rib whenever we can. Cafe Sabor works for decent Mexican, but any chance I get, I still go to Lorena's.
In the traveling we've done, we love going to new restaurants, and finding mom & pop dives. In San Francisco, there is a Greek restaurant that we found by accident on our first trip, and have spent countless hours finding it again each time just to have the rice pudding and homemade lemon rice. In North Carolina, we found Carrabba's and Sticky Fingers. Both are large chains, but are very worthy of our good food stamp of approval. But England takes the cake for food. I know, how do the Brits do it with their pie of every kind, gravies and yorkshire puddings? But that's home style cooking at its best. We ate in the local pub of every town we stayed in. The Welsh pub hands down was the best. I had a chicken & leek pie (which I've successfully recreated about a month ago), and Bryan had a steak & ale pie that we have recreated several times with great results. I actually posted the recipe to that one a while back.
Since being in Vancouver, finding good food has been a little difficult. It's hard to navigate this town, as it is sprawling and there's not really a defining neighborhood for food. On Sunday, I did a search for Greek food, and even though we never found the restaurant (I think it's no longer there), we did find Bruchi's cheesesteak & subs. It wasn't bad at all. Then on Monday at lunch, I noticed a Greek restaurant inside the mall as we were finishing up our pizza. So yesterday we went back, and had yummy homemade lemon rice. The first week I was here, we went restaurant hunting, and found Gustav's, a German restaurant. I've never had German cuisine so we decided to try it out. We got the sampler plates and found it to be pretty good. Definitely a cuisine I wouldn't want to eat every day, but it's not something I'd boycott. Then Monday night, we went out to the east end of town and found Roots. It had a menu that was a little over the top, with some higher prices. The decor didn't really fit the place either. They had paid a lot of attention to detail, but then used cafeteria style chairs and cheap faux wood top tables. It just wasn't jiving.
In the end, I find I now go to restaurants and critique everything. From the decor and cleanliness, to the service and smiles, to the food and presentation. I find myself noting areas that could use improvement and wishing I could speak to the general manager and head chef about the food and service. I will without hesitation leave a note on a receipt letting a restaurant know if the dining out experience was great, or what needs improvement. I love when a restaurant has a card asking for constructive criticism, as I give it my heart.
When Bryan was first called a food snob it was because he had called into question a Marie Callendar's pie. I was appalled that this label had been given to us; I just like good food and will not pander to those who don't make it. But now that I've allowed my mind to wander on the subject, maybe I am a food snob. But I think I prefer to call it food connoisseur.

Astoria, Oregon

I arrived back in Vancouver late Friday night. Bryan said it had rained from the moment I left, and it was still raining when I got here. We stopped at McDonald's for some comfort food and then crashed at the hotel. I awoke Saturday to the sun lightly shining in. It was partly cloudy all day, but it made for beautiful scenery and gorgeous pictures once again. I decided we were going to have some fun, so we drove out to Astoria. In 2004, we took a road trip out to the Pacific coast and then drove north to Seattle. We passed through Astoria with lots of rain, crossed the giant bridge and headed straight for the freeway as we were sick of winding roads. Along the way was a covered bridge that we missed. I decided we should try and find that covered bridge. We drove north and turned at Longview. Originally this was the location for the store we had applied for. However, due to oddball circumstances, Bryan was passed up, mostly due to his rookie status. Our first pass through was in the industrial part of town. It was near the port and pretty rundown and dirty. We then drove along the highway, and missed the turn off for the covered bridge. Along the way we saw a gargantuan eagle in a tree. He was a mottled brown and white. After zipping past, Bryan said we should have taken a picture. I said why not, so we screeched to a halt, three point turned and went back. But he was gone. Darn. We three point turned again and kept heading west. It wasn't until we saw the signs for Long Beach that we realized we had gone too far (no, not Long Beach, CA). Luckily, there was a sign for Astoria, so we turned there. We happened upon Fort Columbia and took a short drive through it. I don't know why we didn't get out and take pictures there. It was beautifully sunny, and there were some great views. Must have been one of those zoned in focused moments where you're too hungry to realize you're seeing something wonderful. We continued on to Astoria and crossed the giant bridge that goes over the mouth of the Columbia, which spills into the mighty blue Pacific. We chose to go to Astoria Column and climb the steps to the top to get panoramic views. The top of the hill is the tallest point in Astoria, a whopping 600 feet above sea level (we live at 4700 feet in Logan). Halfway up the stairs I started to panic. It was very cold and windy, and there were a few people running up the stairs towards the top. This caused the stairwell to shake some and me to shake a lot. I told Bryan to go slow, and he kept saying don't look down or up. But that wasn't my problem. I'm not really afraid of heights, but I am afraid of rickety staircases. And of a platform that sways a little in the wind. Besides, I do not enjoy being cold whatsoever. So after a couple minutes hugging the side of the column, I told Bryan I was heading back down. It wasn't til I got to step 6 that I felt 'safe'. I was very happy to be back on the 600-foot hill, and not at 725 on top of the column. Bryan got some amazing pictures. Next on our list was lunch. We headed east on the 30, and ended up halfway back to Longview before we found something, a small restaurant that served huckleberry pie. Lunch was surprisingly good. Bryan had a reuben and I had a BLT on sourdough, mm-mmm! And of course it was finished with yummy pie. We bought some huckleberry syrup for when we finally have moved into home and can cook up some delicious waffles. On our way back, we stopped in Longview and went by the store. Everyone in Vancouver tells Bryan he's lucky he didn't get Longview as it is just a town of hicks. We were sad; this town reminded of us so much of Logan. Too bad the circumstances didn't work out. We would have felt extremely at home in this small town. Maybe in the future one day. We passed a turn off for Mt. St. Helen's, but we'll have to do that once it's spring again and the snow has melted. There was also a sign for tourist information, pointing out a bulb farm is located here. We will have to definitely check that out. We have probably over 300 bulbs in our current yard and I love springtime. I have everything from tulips and daffodils, to mini irises, gladiator aliums, star of nature, crocuses and on and on.
Today we were able to go by the house and see the progress that has been made. The driveway in front of the garage has been poured, the trim work around windows and doors is complete, most of the cabinets are in place, and the travertine bathroom floors are laid. Today, the landscapers are working on the sprinkling system. Our driveway for the shop will now be concrete, as you need hot days to lay asphalt. We will also be getting a thicker granite countertop, as there was not enough in the color we picked for the thinner size. The wood flooring is inside the house acclimating to the temperature, and will probably be laid tomorrow. Our appliances should be delivered on Friday, and carpet should be going in next week, and sod should be laid by end of week too. It's all coming together and we hope to be moved in by December 10 like promised. I can't wait, as hotel living is...hotel living.

More to see

Astoria

So much to see, plenty of time

We went for a drive while the realtors were looking over our offer on our house. We just picked a road and kept driving. The amazing thing about this area is the number of things to see. Here are some pictures from just a 1 1/2 hour drive.