Frank in Norway: Short trip to USA

I had to see my older brother in Dallas, Oregon, last week. John lives in a "group home" in Oregon. He is well taken care of. John and I have an uncle who lives in Salem, which is about 20 miles away from where John lives. Bob and his wife, Pat, routinely visit John and take him out to lunch. John is quite lucky to have such caring people in his life.

Since I had to go to Oregon, I wanted to stop in Chicago to visit my children and grandchildren. The timing was not great, though, as Devon had made plans to go to Seattle with Graham to throw a surprise baby shower for one of her best friends (and her maid of honor at her wedding). But at least I got to see Devon and Graham the evening I arrived. I wish I'd taken more pictures.

Graham was feeding himself.

Sweet Piper

Piper tries on the Hello Kitty back pack that Oldemor Kitty gave her.

Piper with the pendant and dress that we gave her and the backpack

After less than 48 hours in Chicago I was off to Oregon. John and I stayed in a hotel in Salem. I had made DVDs of our home movies from 1949 - 1967 for John. I gave him a portable DVD player so he can watch them whenever he wants. Bob and Pat invited us for dinner at their beautiful home in Salem. John is usually reluctant to visit anyone at their home, but he quickly accepted the invitation. We sat out on their deck on a beautiful evening and really had a good time.

After I dropped John back at the group home, I visited Aunt Karen and Uncle Roger in Silverton. I got to see Juliet, who is Karen's granddaughter born just one day before Piper.

Juliet (from Melissa's FB page

I had planned on just spending an hour or so at Karen and Roger's, but I enjoyed chatting with them so much that I was there for hours. Long enough to still be there when Karen's daughter, Juliet's mother, my cousin Melissa arrived there after work. Melissa and her husband Dave are staying there while waiting to move into their new home in Silverton.