I need to make a public apology for the wheel ruts I’ve created on the highway between Powell Butte and Prineville over the last few months. Our trusty highway maintenance personnel have re-paved much of my destruction as of late, and I don’t blame them one bit for shaking their fist at me as I whiz by with yet another batch of kids on my way to yet another football or soccer practice. Even though I’m fortunate to belong to a highly-skilled and well-staffed carpooling club here in Powell Butte, I still manage to leave plenty of tread on yonder highway. And for that I’m sorry. But, never fear, it’ll be over soon, because the Fall-sporting-events are winding down. After which, I plan to sequester my children in the house, by the wood stove, for some much needed rest. Once the car has had a rest too (and some new tires installed) my wheel ruts will be headed in the opposite direction toward Mt. Bachelor. ‘Cuz folks, in case you haven’t noticed, there’s some screamin’ deals on lift tickets this year!
The farmers in Powell Butte are also bringing in the last of their hay harvest as they eek out just one more cutting before the wheel lines freeze permanently to the ground. My personal drive-time entertainment involves passing by the McKinnon family farm. Mark and Casey and their two small children work hard all year long to make a living. I often see Mama Casey running the rake while telling stories to her little ones in the cab of her tractor. Her very clean tractor, I might add. After all, she’s a Mom. Which means the glass cleaner and Armour-All are always close at hand. As I drive by, I can see blankets spilling onto the floor and little feet pressed against the glass door. The song “She works hard for the money” wafts through my mind, making me laugh the rest of the way home. Thank you Mckinnon family for the alfalfa-scented air that passes through my open windows all summer long. Your hard work for the harvest doesn’t go unnoticed!
Speaking of harvests! Don’t forget to follow my wheel ruts into Powell Butte on Saturday, November 1st for the 62nd Annual Lord’s Acre Day. The Powell Butte Church has been a bee-hive of activity as everyone prepares the wonderful pies and candy and cinnamon rolls, quilts and crafts and smoked sausage for your shopping pleasure. Why not get there early and join me for the 5K/10K run or walk at 9 am? We can follow it up with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll chaser! Now that’s my kind of work-out!
Make it a point to stop and smell the pit barbecue and pumpkin pie at Lord’s Acre Day, because these folks know how to roll out a shindig where the food, music, homespun love and hospitality are for real. And I know I’m not the only one whose craving a little more of what’s real these days.
Last, but not least, my wheels are happiest when parked at home in my driveway. So, here’s an idea you might take for a spin at your house: Make some really good soup. Add a loaf of bread and maybe a nice bottle of wine. Invite a few friends over and ask them to bring their voter’s pamphlet (yes, both volumes). Then discuss each ballot measure, endorse your favorite candidate, bang your fist on the table a few times and call it a Voter Pamphlet Party! Don’t forget to set a few ground-rules first though (like, no spitting and check your weapons at the door). Our household is preparing to host our fifth Voter’s Pamphlet Party and I know our guests are still our friends because they always buy us a yummy pie at the Lord’s Acre pie table, right guys?...guys?...hey, what are you doing with that pie?!
