Life In Smith River

    Thursday I took The Old Gray Goose to an RV repairman a few miles up the road. The problem with the slide was a loose ground wire, easily fixed. The repairman took measurements for the covers on the storage compartments, and is fairly sure when he straightens something under the unit, the fiberglass will pop out. He ordered a new antenna as well, and will call with an estimate. It will take a little longer than I had hoped, so I’m here at least two weeks. 

    I set up again, relieved that we have space to spread out a bit with the slide-out. Jayleen and I went to the Fred Meyers across the line in Oregon. Fred Meyers is Fry’s in disguise (I even earned gas points on my Fry’s card), and I found everything for some nice meals with ease.
    We were in the frozen food aisle when my phone rang; Brandie, the paralegal for Breyer Law, the attorney handling the claim against the driver who ran over Gracie and me. Did I have a moment to talk to Alexis Breyer? They were able to obtain a second settlement for underinsured motorist coverage! More money to fund my amazing journey.
    I have had a beautiful and calming week. I wake at sunrise without an alarm, exercise with Margaret (groan!) on DVD, shower, eat breakfast and walk Gracie on the beach. There are hundreds of seagulls, egrets, cormorants, and turkey vultures swooping and posing on the rocks. The harbor seals splash and play or lounge on the island a few yards out. Gracie splashes in the frigid water. I read (love my Kindle!), surf the internet, walk Gracie, talk to Jayleen and relax the rest of the day  Daytime highs are in the 60's, and nighttime lows are only a few degrees lower. We haven't needed the furnace. 
     Sunday I walked to the liquor store across the street for Sunday newspapers. One afternoon Jayleen’s friend and my neighbor Karen joined us on a dusty walk down a country lane lined by late-summer wildflowers. Jayleen and I each fix our own dinners (she’s vegetarian) and eat surrounded by her troll doll collection in her neat little home. Last evening we made reservations up the road at The Nautical Inn for crab-stuffed shrimp, the most delectable dish on earth, and watched the sun set over the ocean.
    The blackberries are on the vines in abundance, and I have picked a couple quarts to freeze and eat. Yesterday Jayleen joined us on our berry-picking expedition, and taught Gracie to eat blackberries off the vine! Gracie was sucking up every one she could reach. Good thing they don’t seem to have affected her digestive system.
    Today I am packing up and taking The Old Gray Goose down the road to begin the repairs. Thursday my mail should arrive from the forwarding service. Life has its own peaceful rhythm here, and the effect is healing.