Tag Archives: OR

Day 92: The Grange Co-op

7 Jul

Today I was thinking about working in my yard. While I am not much of a gardener, I do try to take care of the area that we have. I’ve dug up my share of weeds, planted a few vegetables, mowed, mulched, and tended to a compost bin. And at each juncture, I have relied on the advice from the staff at the Ashland Grange Co-op. Immediately I knew that I would bring a pie to these fine folks.

Growing up, I do not remember anything like the grange and so I was really pleased when we moved to Ashland to find a place where I could learn more about gardening. The staff there really wants to help you find the right product for your needs. A few years back, I wanted to improve the lawn in my backyard and I went to the grange for some grass seed. The gentlemen who helped me asked me a lot of questions: what was my goal, what was the soil in my yard like, how much sun did the area get, etc. Only after he knew enough about my situation did he suggest a plan of action and the products to achieve my goal. And my lawn is much improved because of his help.

Raspberry Peach Pie

Today when I went to the grange to deliver my pie, Karen was at the register. I told her that I had brought a pie for the staff. She asked why and I began, “You know how when you have a problem with your yard….” and immediately she said, “Tell me what you have done so far.” “Exactly!” I said. “You all seem to jump right in and ask questions to help. I really like that.”

Finished Raspeberry Peach Pie

Now this might not have been what Karen was expecting, but I can tell that she really appreciated my gesture. It is a simple way to thank the men and women at the Grange who spend their time everyday finding solutions to our garden (and pet) needs.

Day 84: Joanie

29 Jun


If you’ve lived in Ashland a while, you probably knew Joanie. When I came to Ashland in the fall of 1986, I began hearing about her from her friends and co-workers at a restaurant called Geppetto’s. Joanie had painted a mural and her artwork was on the menu and the awning. It was easy to sense her presence even though she was not around. And it was hard not to be impressed and a bit in awe of her.

Joanie and I didn’t share a lot of history – I arrived in Ashland after she had moved away and was amazed at the wake that she had left behind. When I finally did meet Joanie, I was a little bit intimidated, but I loved how she was not afraid to speak her mind. That is not something I was encouraged to do.

The biggest bond Joanie and I shared was my daughter, Alexandra. They shared a kindred spirit and a fearlessness that I cannot fathom. When we attended Joanie’s wedding in Seattle, my daughter (who was 2 1/2 at the time) was restless in the pew and fought to be set down. I gave in and put her down and turned my back for a moment and when I looked again, she was gone from my sight. I didn’t know what to do or where to look for her and then I heard laughter. My daughter had left me and gone up to the alter where Joanie and Tucker were, and she was picking up rose petals, oblivious to the audience that was there.

Today is Joanie’s birthday and this morning I brought an apple crumb crust pie to the Jefferson Public Radio studio at Southern Oregon University to honor her memory. May she forever live on in our hearts.

Day 57: Livia

3 Jun


The “old” Theatre

Perhaps you know that tomorrow there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the “new” Camelot Theatre in Talent, OR. The “old” Camelot Theatre was a converted feed store that served as a theatre for many years. There were countless problems with the old building but somehow Livia Genise and her team made it work.

About eight years ago, Livia directed my daughter when she played the role of Annie at Camelot. It was an amazing experience for her. It was also important for me to see my daughter working and interacting with a group of dedicated people for several months during rehearsals and performances. And this was when she was in the eighth grade!

A scene from Annie on Broadway

I have attended quite a few of the shows at Camelot over the years and am pleased and excited that they have made their dream of a new theatre a reality. Today I brought a triple berry pie to Livia to recognize her tremendous efforts to get this venture off the ground. She and her team have done a fabulous job and I wish them all the best in their beautiful new theatre.


The “new” Camelot Theatre