| We took a drive yesterday over to Salem, Oregon. It
is Oregon's capital, and we went over to register our new business
name. As of that date, "Alaska Internet Resources"
has become "High Desert Web Design."
We could have mailed it in, but decided that it would be best to do this
in person. Sometimes things like that seem to take forever if you
don't do them in person.
Salem is across the Cascade Mountains, about a two-hour drive, more or less, and we have been having some beautiful weather, so it was a beautiful drive. It takes you up over Santiam Pass, and follows along a lovely mountain stream. All the wild dogwood trees were in bloom crossing the mountains, and much of the scotch broom was blooming at lower elevations. There are still patches of snow near the summit, and the devastation of a recent fire are now visible, since the mantle of snow that was covering them is now gone. It was not enough to detract from the glorious views, however, and we thoroughly enjoyed the drive. We stopped for lunch at a small town called Gates, at a place called Frontier Country. On the sign out front it said there was a live bird exhibit, but we weren't prepared for what was inside. Windows all along one side were between the restaurant and a bird aviary that was full of beautiful, exotic birds. We enjoy watching birds anyway, and spend as much time as possible watching them outside our place here in Oregon. We have a lot of the usual small birds, some larger bluejays, mourning doves, blackbirds and a lot of quail. We also have bluebirds, and a few we have not been able to identify yet. At this aviary there were some exotic pheasants, French doves or pigeons, African finches, some woodducks, and many other brilliantly colored birds. There were a lot of small finches, also, that were hilarious to watch. With so many birds in such a confined place, and all of them wanting to make nests this time of year, the competition for nesting materials is fierce, and although the food was great, it had to take second place to the entertainment. Once we were on the valley floor, it was a riot of color. This is rhododendron country, and they vary greatly in size and in the color of their blooms. Many of them are blooming already in almost every color imaginable, along with pink dogwoods, roses, and many of the fruit trees are still in bloom. Jim and I have both been very busy, and although we had business to take care of, it was almost like a vacation to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful weather. We are looking forward to taking a short trip next weekend, unless a storm blows through, or something. I have been missing my mother a lot, so it has helped that I have had to keep very busy lately. May is also the month in which my son died, so this is not a very happy time of year for me, although it does help that it is the spring of the year, and there is always a lot to occupy me at this time of year. There has been a delay in my taking Iressa. It seems that Medicare does not cover it, and at a cost of $1800 per month ($60 per pill), the doctor's office is searching for programs I might be eligible for that would cover the cost of it. I can't understand what a pharmaceutical company could be thinking of, to price a medication so high. How could anyone afford it? Or even half that? At 50% it would still cost $900 a month, in addition to the more than $300 in prescriptions I already have... and I can barely afford them. That does not even take into consideration the medication that Jim has to take. Well, (I keep reminding myself) I do not have to worry about it. If the Lord wants me to have this, He will make a way. He always does. And, if he does not, all the worrying in the world will not bring it to pass. I hope all of you out there are enjoying the beautiful spring weather the Lord has been sending our way, and that you will keep us in your prayers. Until next time, Marcie Copyright © 2004
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