Getting out of the house

smelling the lavender at Mt. Hood Lavender.



Our favorite winery, Mt. Hood Winery is now more than just a shack, evidently it's the favorite of others now as well with a large outdoor deck to look at the mountains and ponder the meaning of life.

On the way to the fruit farms with a beautiful mountain in our way. After a very stressful first week start, we decided to take a day off from putting things away, and head out on an adventure. The clouds cleared on our way out to Mt. Hood and it was beautiful. We did part of the "Fruit Loop" which has a number of organic farms and fruit stands, as well as the lavender farms and wineries. We need to preview them all before you all come out here so we know which are the best to send you to!

I head to Seattle this week for work and have a busy travel schedule. Eric should be starting school here in about a month or so as he is on the quarter schedule.

ceremonial homecoming

fitting with slovak tradition, we kept the evil spirits away and welcomed "ourselves" into the home by throwing salt over our shoulders and carrying a broom and bible. And yes, i know where my bible is.

Home at last.............

"homeward bound at last! no more carrier. ah, the space, the stairs!!"

2700 miles!!!

We have arrived! We are officially in the new place and are settling in - as much as we can without our stuff. The truck arrives on Saturday at 1pm to unload and then the work begins. Tonite, we celebrate with a bottle of wine or 2 that we drove 2700 miles to here.

pulling into Portland

we are going to push to get the keys tomorrow so we should hopefully be in our new place on Thursday night!

Roxi's big day

this about pushed her (and us) over the edge. 105 degrees in a black bag waiting for the geyser.


kitty's first restaurant experience. just don't tell anyone. with nothing besides table service and the car at over 105 degrees, we hid kitty in her bag.

at the mud volcano.

our fearless leader

and his companion......kitty. (in a bag).

Stopping traffic

just another local ass...


the local decided to stop traffic today. we had an awesome front row seat (of the rear view).

driving into Yellowstone

Tuesday we just hit the tip of Yellowstone, driving through Bighorn forest. We're staying in Cody, WY tonite, the rodeo capital of the country. And no, we're not going, but we might hit a steak restaurant as beef is rather popular around here. I don't think vegetarians are very welcome.

Mt. Rushmore!

yes, that's eric carrying a pink bag with a little meowing black fur ball in it. as if the pink bag doesn't attract enough attention.

and yes, i'm still getting the hang of the strap thing that is blocking the right side of the camera.


the day family at mt. rushmore.

a traveling pro

"Is it over yet?"
"Nope, not yet. Might as well take a snooze."


After realizing that we weren't on a 12 hour drive to the vet, the car sickness magically went away. Now, she just sleeps and gives Eric the evil eye if he takes a turn too fast.

the corn palace

this was the highlight of Monday - it boasted that it was entirely made of corn. that's not exactly correct...it's facade is.


either way, these guys were across the street at the local Dairy Queen.

Roxi's first hotel stay!

i am a well traveled cat. no motel 6's for me.

Illinois and Iowa

lots of corn and nothing else.

Roxi and the car ride

who sleeps in their litter box? chlor trimaton works miracles.......

Loading Up!

well, this was a VERY interesting experience. first, our packers liked to take a lot of "pop" breaks, (exchange a 't' for the 'p' and you'll know what i mean) and then there wasn't enough room on the truck! Our experienced movers, Elvis and his nephew, however, fit the puzzle together and made it fit. 12 hours later.............the apartment was empty.

Roxi recovers from the party

"too much party! thank god i have my house back. i can stop hiding under the bed..........back to peace and quiet" (until the movers show up and the suitcases appear).

Bon Voyage Sendoff BBQ!

it was great seeing everyone before heading off to Oregon! What a turn out.

Our new home

ahhhhh. the space. brand new!