When the World is Still

Hello again, readers! We hope your Thanksgiving went well and was filled with happiness. Now it's Saturday and we are headed into the next holiday season with Christmas. The big guy in the red and white suit making children cry throughout malls across America. Good times. 

The weather has been very cold in Roseburg, Oregon lately, as I am sure it is in other places as well. I love the cold as long as it's accompanied by snow. Snow is beautiful and the world is so peaceful and quiet when covered in a blanket of the white stuff. Typically the winters in Oregon only carry a bit of snow, if at all. In 1969, Eugene had a three and a half to four foot snowfall, causing an extended Christmas break of an extra two to three weeks. It shut the city down. 

Large flakes began to fall a couple of days before we were to return to classes. Then beautiful, large flakes fell from the sky like an answered prayer. Our Christmas wasn't over. Not just yet. Weathermen were surprised, to say the least, as were parents who had to get to work and who wanted to send their restless, bored children back to class. For days the snow fell. It was a beautiful sight being a child who did not really wish to participate in classroom activities. Not just yet. There was TV to watch, foods to munch on, and friends to visit. Who wanted to sit in class where teachers could tell you what to do and what not to do? No math. No spelling. Just cold, puffy, fluffy hills of snow. We had a job to do, building igloos, jumping from rooftops into the piles of snow, and snowmen don't just create themselves. 

Mom and dad still traveled to work. All was well with parents or at least my parents. Our nanny would still arrive each morning to care for the youngest of our brood, but only a few days had passed and the snow plows were sent in. Eugene had to hire plows to take care of the streets. We simply were not prepared for such a snowfall. 

Our backyard in the early days of the snowfall in 1969. The snow was just beginning to fall and fall it did!

The photo above was taken by my mother on the third day of our snowy adventure. Above that is a photo I took in about 2018. Snow had fallen and covered the old well we had sitting in the front yard. That day, all was so quiet. Peaceful. You could close your eyes and hear faint noises from far away but around you, the silence was perfect. No cars. No people. Silence. Such a sweet space to be in. When stress leaves your body, it feels heavenly. Snow days seem to bring that peaceful, stress free feeling about. That's why snow and I have a good relationship. 

But enough reminiscing for now. We are sitting only 60 minutes away from our game. Oregon Ducks versus the Oregon State Beavers. Rival game or Civil War as most call it. I just call it game day. Not everything needs to be compared to battle or war as it often is in this country. Everything is a battle or a war or you're going to "kill" your opponent. I'm not saying bring in the unicorns and rainbows here, but I do wish people would lighten up on the war references when they are competing to make the best cupcake or to get the most goals in a game. 

Terry and I wanted to prep ourselves for the game. We went to the new WinCo to get items for dinner and to get anything we wanted to munch on during the game. On the way to the store, Terry thought I might enjoy a drive through the cemetery again to see if there were deer hanging around. I love to see the deer, geese, ducks, and anything else that is feathered or furry in existence in the area and my husband likes to accommodate that love for animals.  

I was able to witness a squirrel's antics as he or she tried to get to the trunk of a tree. There were also geese. Geese everywhere! They were crossing the green grounds of the cemetery, swimming in the water, and running across the street. 

The air held a crisp, cold feel. It has been very cold at night and early morning, warmer during the day. That time of year where you layer your clothing because you're not quite sure what the day will hold. The grounds were beautiful, as usual. Such a bittersweet visit each time I come, although I do admit it is quiet and lovely here. 

We did take in all the beauty surrounding us but found it disappointing for it being the second time we drove through, without a deer in sight. But, what can you do? I guess they were napping off the feasting syndrome from yesterday too. 

The tough part comes when looking at all the headstones of those veterans who have passed, whether of old age or of a brutal death in war. Like I said, it is a bittersweet trip through the Roseburg National Cemetery each time we come. White headstones shooting up from the ground in memory of those who were taken from their families, and so many of them. The photos show only a portion of the graves of veterans.  Seeing all the headstones keeps us in thought about our own mortality, as well as the loss of each person laid to rest here. May they rest in peace.

Now, for the game. We can't wait! Oregon has lost one game this year, so far. The Beavers of Oregon State seem to give us grief fairly often. They can be having a horrible season, but when it comes to meeting up with the Oregon Ducks, it often seems as though they kick it up a notch. The excitement and sometimes shock of the Oregon versus Oregon State game is always a great way to end our season. Last year the Beavers won. They won in Reser Stadium, their home turf. We'll see how they do this year, against an Oregon team that is doing well and this time, it's in the nest of the Ducks. 

After the game:

The game was awesome! It ended with an Oregon Duck win with a score of 31-7. The Beavers really fought, as they usually do in these rival games. Last year they captured the win, but this year the Ducks took their win back. Because of this win, the Ducks are going to play Washington (Huskies) again next week. Our one and only loss for this season. Now we have a second chance to kick them to the curb. Terry and I are hoping for the best with that match up. Exciting season for the Ducks!

At halftime, I cooked up the recipe for pasta frijole that Terry's dad made for years. My husband loves this dish and I love it too. Each time I make it, I think of his father and mother, two people I wish I could have met. 

We ate dinner while watching the final half of the game. Sweet man and I spent a couple of hours chatting and then off to the kitchen we went for munchies. A bowl of chocolate ice cream for me and two Boston creme doughnuts for Terry. Another fast moving day came to an end. A good meal, dessert, and each other's company. Perfect way to end the day. 

Tomorrow we will pick up Mallory and Hayden, to drive them into Eugene with us. The 5th Street Public Market is hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, along with the "snow" event. Terry and I went last year, right after we were engaged. Time was spent with family and it was an amazing day! While the lighting and snow was a bit of a disappointment, it did get us into the mood for Christmas and spending time with the family was awesome. 

Until our next post, take care of yourselves! 

Our beautiful great granddaughter, Zyrah