Gary-Summer: March 27, 2026

Friday, March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026 - Salem

Title: March 27, 2026 - Salem
Description : Extra Photo'

Description:

The Helical Planter

I seem to be making a habit of getting up at 7:20. I guess I am looking at what kind of light there is. My CGM says that I have low blood sugars, but the meter says I am OK. Everybody says to rely on the meter. I still have my granola breakfast. Lawrence goes off to work. Then Andrea gets up about 8:30 followed by Sherri at 9:00.

We had brought lemons from Fresno. Some of them are getting a bit soft, so Sherri is making lemon bars for the Salem group-which temporarily includes Sherri and I.

As Sherri is working on the bars, Andrea and I continue working on her planter. I look at what pieces we need to make the under the sidewalk piece work, Andrea continues to fill up the planter with dirt-actually augmenting the soil, trying to add nutrients and breaking up the clay.

Then it is off to Lowes for supplies and parts. When we get back, the pipe goes under the sidewalk and the various pieces and parts go on it to bring it to the surface. Then the irrigation line goes through the pipe. Lawrence and Andrea will put the soaker house and connect to the water supply later on. My part gets done by covering the whole with the dirt I took out of there. It almost seems like I knew what I was doing on this little project.

We have lunch at 12:30. I finish off the remains of yesterday’s lunch at Word of Mouth. Very filling. Then I take a rest for about 40 minutes.

Next up is a walk over to Oregon State Hospital. This is where One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was filmed. There is a small museum which has a combination of information about this place, its history, the history of confinement for mental health, as well as sections about the movie. The museum is proud of serving as the backdrop for it. At first there was a strong dislike for the book, but as the director saw changes in care for those under his care, he realized that the book’s portrayal could be very beneficial. It was an interesting time there.

We got back to the house about 4:20. Andrea has a 5:00 book decorating appointment=not sure that book need to be decorated to be attractive, but she is thrilled to go to it. Lawrence comes home shortly afterwards.Sherri gets my muddy clothes soaked and washed.

Then the question is where do we eat? Lawrence said that he had not been to Wolfhound’s Bar and Grill. So that is where we go. Andrea meets us there. I am not terribly hungry after my lunch-just like yesterday. Sherri and I split a Shepherd’s Burger which comes with tater tots. Andrea has the same thing, only the whole burger. Lawrence has a Wagy Burger which is a slider. Sherri ordered a side of brussel sprouts-which the three devoured. Also Lawrence and Sherri have a ginger shake-there is oohs and aahs over that.

What is Andrea doing to her father?

After eating, we took a trip down to the Capitol Mall. The cherry trees are in full bloom and even though it is after 8:00, the mall is crowded with people strolling, enjoying this scene of nature. Salem has strung Japanese lanterns, which cast a subdued light on the blossoms. Oregon’s Gold Man stands tall above the Capitol building.

It is time to go back to the house as Lawrence and Andrea need to get ready for their 20 mile walk tomorrow at Silver Falls. Sherri and I try to leave them alone so they can get ready-we can get ready tomorrow morning. Then it is time to say good night and good bye as they will leave well before we get up. I get to bed about 10:20.