Staying at Wolf Tree Ranch and the Christmas Tree Lighting

My daughter and her husband have a beautiful plot of land and built an amazing home on it. The scenery is gorgeous and it's always such a wonderful stay when we come to town. The ranch has been given the name, "Wolf Tree Ranch", and the title fits due to a large Douglas fir tree that grows on the property close to the home.  

The day began with the breathtaking scenery that captures the eye every time. Waking each morning and watching the sun set over the hills and mountains around the vicinity means experiences that are stunning artwork for sure. I didn't catch the early sunrise this morning but did snap some cool photos of fog sitting along the valley floor below, while the hilltop remained clear. 

All of us went on a hike down to a quarry. The quarry has a pond in the center of it, which adds some beauty especially during the months it may snow. It's a place where ducks swim and those who live on the hill may spend some time there taking in the views. Flora growing around the pond thrives because of the pond water. We had to stop and pose for my daughter to take this photo and a couple of others. 

Terry and I were (and are still) on a bit of a high because of the marriage proposal offered by Terry the night before at our Thanksgiving dinner. We had that excitement and then the events of today in staying at the ranch. We always enjoy the moments on the ranch and visiting my daughter and son-in-law. Such a beautiful place and the company of family is great. This trip to see the family was something I felt I needed, and I know Terry really enjoyed the journey as well. He was able to visit with the members of the clan one more time to get to know them better, especially now that he is one of us.  

We enjoyed the hike, the pond, and other scenery as we walked along the gravel path. Douglas firs mixed with deciduous trees lining the hillside, making things even more spectacular. The fresh air was wonderful. It felt good to get up in the woods to enjoy nature. The scent of the tall pines filled the senses and created a relaxing energy nature can usually provide when we get out in it. 

After the hike, my son-in-law brought up some wood, built a fire, and invited us to relax in the warmth. It's always so nice to sit out by a fire on Wolf Tree Ranch! Sitting around talking and enjoying the day, we decided to take a quick break and head to the house where we served up bowls of steaming hot white chicken chili my daughter cooked in the crock pot. The chili definitely hit the spot on a cold day!

It was getting to be around the time we had planned to go to the downtown Eugene area where the 5th Street Public Market had a Christmas tree lighting, snow fall, and a light show offered. The big guy himself was also slated to appear. We headed into the house to get ready. A few family members were going to join us for the festivities. But first, we had to get the dogs ready. Yes, I said, "dogs."

Meet Franklin. He is a beautiful Saint Berdoodle pup who is about four months old now. A Saint Berdoodle is part Saint Bernard and part poodle. They don't shed and are intelligent, laidback pups. Franklin is a big goofball that is making a huge impact on our hearts. My daughter trains her dogs as therapy dogs, and Franklin is no exception to that role. Franklin is also going to make a big impact on the house. He will weigh in at approximately 120 to 140 pounds, easily. Very large dogs, but super loving. He will make an outstanding therapy animal. 

Decked out in a Santa suit, we loaded Franklin and Charley Girl (labradoodle) into the car and headed downtown. Arriving on the scene, we found that the parking lot was pretty full. Christmas was kicked off the day following Thanksgiving here, as it is most places. Drinking hot chocolate from the Euphoria Chocolate store, we enjoyed a walk and speaking to everyone who saw Franklin and Charley and chose to stop, take photos, and chat. It was fun to see how many were smiling due to the happiness Franklin and Charley sparked. 

My granddaughter and her family drove in to enjoy the Christmas theme in the market. She wanted to take a photo of Terry and I in the market, so we stopped and posed in front of the small tree, lit snowman, and Santa's mailbox before traveling on. The market was decorated beautifully, making it easy to smile from all the cheer throughout. 

The event drew in quite the crowd. This is only a tiny section of the actual group of people who came. We were all outside, waiting impatiently for the tree lighting. 

The tree was eventually lit, and the "snow" began to fall on our heads. Pipes along the side of the building were filled with soapy type imitation snow. We enjoyed the snow, however we tired of it rather quickly. The wind was whipping through the small alleyway between the buildings, and it made it almost impossible to actually "feel" anything or see a real good snow fall as I thought it would be. We moved on into another alleyway, called the "5th Street Alley," where we were supposed to witness a light show. We found a table underneath the warmth of the infrared heaters lined along the ceiling. 

A couple family members went inside eateries to grab a bite as we waited. It was nice to have the family there, enjoying another day of fun together. My biggest wish is that they have time to really get to know Terry. They do enjoy being around him so far, and everything is good. He has been accepted as part of the family; however, it always takes a while to really know someone. They know I'm happy and that's the most important aspect of any relationship they look for. 

With my great granddaughter in attendance, more photos had to be taken. Between her little elf outfit and Franklin's Santa suit, we were filled with giggles and joy over the sight. They both brought smiles to everyone's face, including other visitors to the market. The evening was definitely fun. 

My great granddaughter, Zyrah, and her new pal, Franklin, were hanging out in their little outfits, bringing smiles to everyone walking through the market area. The two were adorable together! 

After about an hour, we heard the announcement that the light show would begin soon. Once it did, we were jokingly referring to it as a big miss on the market's part. The lights were not as beautiful as we thought they would be. I was expecting a light show, not a Christmas tree light dance. The lights were pretty, but they could be seen anywhere. I guess we were expecting something more dramatic and special. 

The evening went well, and it was an absolute blessing to hang out with family again before returning home. Such an amazing trip back "home" for the two days of Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for! My family, our fur babies, the life we are given, the food we eat, the roof over our heads, clothes we wear, our ability to walk, talk, see, hear. There is always something to be grateful for. I'm super blessed and grateful to have found Terry and to be blessed enough that he would join my family and I in all of our adventures. 

From our family to yours, happy holidays! We hope they are filled with great things for you and yours. Blessings are always there. We simply need to consider the blessings instead of taking for granted the things around us that are special or even miracles. Happy Holidays from Terry and me!