Eating Grapes in Heaven

In the Wallowas spring comes late. I know this and yet every year hope but not spring is eternal within me.  There are many signs spring is lurking; yet, in my heart I know that more than likely it will pass and suddenly...summer.
One of the many signs that gives me a slight hope spring may be upon us is the Golden and Bald eagles, who gather together in a field--like a clatch of old gossiping women--fighting over a still glistening cow afterbirth. I've seen 6 to 8 of those magnificent birds at any one time there.
And on the prairie buttercups have been out for weeks, struggling to stay abloom despite the blasts of freezing winds and spitting snow showers.
The fact that the first batch of newly dropped calves here at Full Circle Ranch have been branded and are ready to go out on spring pasture tells me that a new season must be on its way. But you wouldn't know it by the temperatures here.
And then there's the fact that I meet myself coming and going. (That's always a sign of the season too.) I am too busy and it is a tired worn out excuse, I know. This spring is no different, except the added responsibility of teaching a literature class for the local Christian School Coop. In addition to that (and many other things) each Tuesday I take care of Christi's two youngest children so she also can teach at the Coop. It is a day I cherish and the reason I've suddenly shaken my writing lethargy to repeat a Bellaism (Isabella, my 5 year old granddaughter) uttered yesterday.
She informed me that if Mimi (my mother) died, it would be okay because:
She would go to heaven and eat grapes with God and drink the best wine.
If this is true, I believe my mother will be sorely disappointed...she does not drink wine, under any circumstances...
Now that I've conquered the white (as we writers say), did I ever tell you about the time in France when I had to climb over the wall of our 5 star Chateau in order to get back to our room for the night? NO?! Well, stay tuned...

Du, Du, Du Lookin' Out My Backdoor

When it comes to views, I have to say, there's nothing like the view out the back door of our destination restaurant, The RimRock Inn.  It sits on the breaks of Joseph Creek Canyon here on The Shire in Northeast Oregon.  The RimRock is thirty-four miles from Enterprise on Highway 3.  It's a twisting, turning track--more rattlesnake than road--linking Oregon to Idaho. The scenic pathway throws your senses into overload.
So the big news I hinted about in the last blog?  Well, probably no surprise, it's about the RimRock. Last week we made the decision to list it for sale on Loop Net, an online website that features motels and restaurants for sale.  It was a tough decision too. But, the Hostetters are slowing down and it feels good, though bitter/sweet! We've loved this property, its beauty, peace and tranquility, not to mention the wonderful food and camping experience.

If you've never taken a peek at this incredible spot, you really should before the website comes down! (But just in case, I'll post some of our favorite photos for all of you who read this blog and haven't seen our beautiful corner of the world.)

Honestly, I was struck anew, as I was posting the for sale listing, on just what a truly special  place The RimRock is. We will miss those hot summer nights on its deck, sipping the best Northwest wines and marveling at the ever changing panorama of the canyon at dusk.

We will miss the stunning views of hand painted, authentic tipis studding the canyon's ede.  We will miss the smell of sage and pine while dining on the deck and those hummingbird wars, where six or more of the tiny sippers could show up, jockeying for position at their feeders.

We will miss the extraordinary music events like our son-in-law's blues guitar, internationlly known musician, Eric Bibb, or a friend, Danny (a tenor with the San Francisco Opera).  One of his impromptu visits sparked an impromptu solo on the deck during a hot summer night. We will miss Chef Otto's melt in your mouth Filet Mignon.  In short, we will miss dining on the edge!  It is an awesome place in the truest sense of that overworked word! 
But, the times...they are a' changin!  And so are we.  Becoming debt free and  jump starting Rahn into semi retirement (in the not too distant future) is our highest priority. And besides, other adventures are calling...I can just feel it!