Summer Newsletter
What To Do in the Good Old Summertime!
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Hi Friends,
I’m writing to you from the second floor of McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon. This magnificent 1911 structure was once a “poor farm” that transitioned into a nursing home. Hard to imagine, but at one time, the building was slated for demolition. Brave souls fought to keep and restore this historic site.
And I’m glad they did!
We were fortunate to stay in one of their 100+ guestrooms. There is much to see and do here including hostel accommodations, restaurants, a library, a soaking pool, a spa, a winery, a brewery, a distillery, a golf course, a movie theater, and a concert area.
Tucker enjoyed greeting everyone. Sniffing the beautiful flowers growing all over the 74 acres was the highlight of his stay at McMenamins. Don’t worry, he didn’t make us explore all 74 acres during our two-day visit!
Speaking of Tucker, he’s got a new tail to tell!
Hello!
I can’t believe it’s been almost two months since I’ve told my tail, so here goes:
Never thought I’d say this but I’m enjoying regular baths. I have a blast jumping out of the tub, running helter-skelter through the bathroom and shaking off water as I go.
Once I’m fairly dry, Bert and Erma let me outside where I race in figure eights all through the backyard. Since the grass is dry, there’s no fear of me getting dirty again. Just happy!
Earlier this month, I visited with my cousins. We didn’t get a picture of me with Indie and Monroe, but here I am with Luca (Buddy was too busy to be photographed).
Bert and Erma put anti-tick oils on my paws and tummy, which is why they look dirty (last time I visited with my cousins, I brought home 3 ticks. Nasty buggers!
Anywho, Erma mixed two essential oils, clove bud and oregano, in castor oil to protect me. It worked! No ticks! If you’ve got other suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
I am decidedly not a warm-weather animal. When Bert and Erma turn up the a/c, I’m a happy camper! I also do not like thunder and fireworks—neither the long, low rumble and bang, nor the ear-piercing sizzle! If I can cuddle up between Bert and Erma, I can almost tolerate those sounds. Otherwise, color me cranky!
Since Bert and Erma have upped their morning walks to forty-five minutes most days, I’m back in my happy place. I love exercise … almost as much as the sniffs and smells along the walk. Sometimes I meet a new friend, which is always nice.
One of my favorite things on our walks is teaching Bert to give me treats. I stare up at him, and he's beginning to understand the signal to say “heel.” I stay close and right in step with him. He’s learned to smile at me, reach in his pocket, and give me a treat. He’s a fast learner! I reinforce this behavior by repeating each step, then rewarding him several times throughout the walk. He’s such a good boy! 😊
Well, I’ve enjoyed talking with you but it’s time for my nap.
Until the next time, happy tails to you!
One of my favorite things to celebrate America’s birthday, besides time with family and friends, BBQ, going to a parade, and watching fireworks, is to bake her a cake. I’ve varied the recipes throughout the years, from the enormously tedious to the simple yet scrumptious!
Here are two tried and true desserts – one looks and tastes fabulous. The other tastes far better than it looks, I promise!!! 😊
Every year, I like to come up with a trivia game about America using little known facts. Let’s see how many of these you can get right. NO CHEATING!!!
Ready?
1. This United States city has a greater population than 38 states. Which is it?
A. Miami, B. Detroit, C. Chicago, D. NYC
2. Which U.S. President had the most children?
A. Theodore Roosevelt, B. John Quincy Adams, C. F.D. Roosevelt, D. John Tyler
3. The Constitution is four pages long. How many words are on those pages?
A. 4,794, B. 4,367, C. 4,543, D. 4,681
4. This U.S. state has the highest mountain in the USA. Which state is it?
A. Hawaii, B. California, C. Maryland, D. New York
5. Which four states have produced half of the U.S. Presidents?
A. VA, OH, NY, MA — B. NY, PA, VA, OH — C. MA, NY, VA, IL
6. How many pounds of cheese do Americans eat per year?
A. 39, B. 47, C. 51, D. 42
7. What’s the percentage of Americans that own pets?
A. 33%, B. 66%, C. 50%, D. 72%
Looking for correct answers?
You can thank www.rd.com/list/america-fascinating-facts for them! 😊
Announcing the release of…
Journaled With Love
by
Erma M. Ullrey
Coming to Amazon July 16, 2025
Lost words, found love. A misplaced journal may spark a happily-ever-after in this You’ve Got Mail-style Rom-Com
For endorsements, reviews, and more information, please go to Amazon or Goodreads, and watch the video below.
THANK YOU!
I had such high hopes for my To Be Read pile this quarter. The good news is I had lots of fun with family and friends, but still made a dent in my pile! More good news? I found many more books to add to the pile!
In no particular order, here are my reviews:
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
This is a classic! I love the old school writing … kind of a tangential, go-with-the-flow style. IMHO, it said something and nothing at the same time. Maybe just me, but because the book came so highly recommended, I expected more from it. I gave one to my 13 YO granddaughter hoping she’d get hooked on the series.
The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley
I’d read another book by Ms. Kelley, so knew her style and what to expect. It was an easy read and not too many surprises. The food made me hungry (great descriptions!), the wine was a bit overkill, and the characters were mostly endearing.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
My book club read this for our June meeting. I enjoyed the writing and the story. What I found difficult were the living conditions, how people treated each other (prejudice), and yet it’s a snapshot of what has and continues to happen in parts of America and the world. (Recommend this for 18+ YO)
Here's my TBR (don’t get scared now!):
BOOKFUNNEL SWAPS!
This is a new segment. New to me, anyway. For more about these authors, check out the links below:
A Heartwarming Story of Second Chances, Faith, and Unexpected Love
Fans of sweet, clean, inspirational romance will fall in love with this poignant, uplifting romance of second chances and the power of faith.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON Kindle Unlimited, and for purchase in eBook and Paperback formats.
Love lost is one thing. Love fought for is another....
After walking away from Max Ashford—and the company he now controls—Charlotte Weiss is determined to build something of her own. With her closest friends by her side and the unexpected support of her mother’s new suitor, she leaps into a new future. But their children have other plans.
and now… BOOKFUNNEL PROMOTIONS!
Running June 25th - July 25th
Link: Clean & Christian Romance
Link: The Best Christian/Sweet Beach Reads for 2025
Here’s a shocker: nearly half the year is over! The next newsletter greets the last quarter of the year! Until then, I’m praying you enjoy this summer, and find lots of joy in the little, everyday things! <3
The following activity calendars are generously provided by https://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar and may not reflect my lifestyle choices.
Before I go, have you remembered to feed your Joy Jar today?
