🌿 Our Final Stop

Ashland was our fourth and final stop, and by the time we arrived, we were ready for a slower pace. We settled into the charming Historic Carriage House, hosted by Julia — a cozy, welcoming space that felt instantly like a place to exhale. Between all the goodies Opel sent us off with and the supplies Julia provided, we were set for dinner and several breakfasts. She even left us eggs, a thoughtful touch that made us smile.

Our friends Mark and Cindy live in Talent, just a short drive away, so this part of the trip was all about reconnecting and enjoying time together.

🎭 OSF — Come From Away

Our first outing with Mark and Cindy was to see Come From Away at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival,(OSF). Jay and I had seen it before in Newfoundland with Elizabeth and Hughie, so we were especially excited to share it with them. Both productions were wonderful in their own ways, and experiencing the story again with friends who would appreciate it made the evening feel even more special.

The musical tells the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers on 9/11 when U.S. airspace suddenly closed. The show follows both the townspeople and the travelers as they navigate fear, confusion, kindness, and unexpected friendship. What makes the production so moving is its blend of humor and heart. In the middle of a global crisis, people find small moments of connection — sharing meals, music, stories, and comfort. The townspeople open their homes, schools, and community spaces, and the travelers slowly begin to feel safe again.

It’s uplifting without being sentimental, and it reminds you how extraordinary ordinary people can be when the world turns upside down — and honestly, this kind of generosity is simply the norm for Newfoundlanders.

After the show, we went out for a nice Mexican dinner — excellent food at a place we’d never visited before, and our first meal together on this leg of the trip. We settled in early afterward, happy and full from the day.

🌞 Friday With Everyone

Friday was our full day with Mark and Cindy — and the day their daughter Ellie would arrive from Eugene. We hadn’t seen her in many years, so having her there felt like an unexpected gift. We spent the entire day visiting, catching up, laughing, and playing Zilch, the dice game with an array of rules, including Uncle Bob’s rules. It was one of those easy, comfortable days where time slips by without you noticing. That evening, Jay and I went to see You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World! at OSF

🎭 You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World

The play was quirky, funny, and surprisingly touching. It follows Greg, who receives a terminal diagnosis and becomes obsessed with climate change, convinced that his fate and the planet’s fate are intertwined. His wife Viv wants to savor their remaining time, while their grown child, M, narrates the story with humor and heart.

One moment stayed with us long after the curtain fell. The characters debate whether saving a single empty plastic water bottle actually makes any difference. It seems like such a tiny act — almost laughably small in the face of global environmental problems. But the play doesn’t let you dismiss it. Greg argues that individual choices matter, while others point out that the biggest environmental damage comes from large corporations.

It becomes an ethical dilemma you’re left thinking about: Does saving one bottle matter? Or is it symbolic — a reminder that we’re part of something larger?

The play doesn’t give an answer. Instead, it nudges you to sit with the complexity, to consider your own choices, and to recognize that both personal responsibility and corporate accountability shape the world we live in.

🍑 Saturday — Peach Pie & The Scorebook of Honor

Saturday was our peach‑pie day. We headed back to Mark and Cindy’s house and spent the day talking, laughing, cooking, and even making a trip to the farm to get more peaches. Ellie was still there, which made the day even sweeter.

Cindy made a beautiful peach pie for my birthday, served  with vanilla ice cream — absolutely perfect. We played more Zilch, and this time both Jay and  I won. They keep a “scorebook of honor,” a notebook where everyone records their victories, and we got to sign it. A small thing, but it felt like being welcomed into their traditions.

We stayed as long as we could, savoring every moment with the three of them before heading back to the Historic Carriage House to pack up and get ready for the drive home in the morning.

🎨 A Sweet Goodbye

On the day we left, Julia, our host , came over with her daughter to say goodbye. Her little girl brought us a beautiful painting she had created, and she also brought along another painting made by her younger brother. He didn’t come to the house, but he sent a video message wishing us safe travels home. Both children were adorable, and Julia was truly one of the best hosts we’ve ever had. I would absolutely stay at the Historic Carriage House again.

🚗 The Drive Home

The drive home felt familiar — a route we’ve taken many times over the years when Ashland was our annual getaway for OSF shows. I have actually managed to see all 39 plays in Shakespeare’s canon over the years — but please don’t ask me to enumerate them. Still, knowing I’ve seen them all adds a little sparkle to every OSF visit.

The drive also gave me a chance to replay the moments of the trip in my mind, grateful for the people we saw, the laughter we shared, and the gentle rhythm of days well spent.

Jay did what he had done on our drive from Idaho to Washington State — he watched the final FIFA game on his phone, keeping up with every play. It added a little excitement to the ride, a modern twist to an otherwise familiar journey.

We’ll spend the rest of the summer at home with family and local events — our granddaughter Keira’s graduation party, birthdays, and all the small celebrations that make summer feel full.

I wish everyone a happy summer!