11June, 2020 - Allergies & Hot Springs

Dear, Mom - 

Absolutely lovely to see and chat with you this afternoon. I understand you were tired because you got up early. I know how that feels. Sometimes our bodies just aren't ready to get out of bed, but the day tells us we have things to do; responsibilities. If it weren't for Elsa the dog getting me up in the morning, I would probably sleep in a lot later. That's definitely how I felt this morning.

When I got home from work, I went over to check on Birgit. We talked for a bit until Paula came home from work. After that, I decided I should go home and get some work done. That is until I realized how sore I was from yesterday and figured I should give myself and afternoon of rest (and ice cream :). I did get the rototiller delivered from my neighbors today. If the weather is good tomorrow afternoon, I am going to start rototilling areas around the house that need the soil turned.  There are quite a few places, so I hope I don't wear the durn thing out before I get it all done! This is close to what the tiller looks like:

So, you can see that it isn't one of those big ones. It is just big enough for me to do my flower beds and borders. It will be so much easier than picking the weeds out one by one, which is what I seem to be doing now. All the beds I had cleared of grass are now growing grass. I end up walking down each section and pulling it out strand by strand. Not the best use of my time by any means. 

My allergies are going crazy. My right eye felt like I had a piece of sand in it. I am pretty sure it did not as I have not been to the beach in quite a long time. My eyes seem to suffer the brunt of all the negative benefits from my allergies. I am taking 24 hour allergy medicine every 12 hours! I'm still sniffing and rubbing my eyes and blowing my nose and sounding like I've a stuffy nose. I shouldn't complain because it could be much worse. But I guess I just did, so...too late :()

Kim sent me a note today telling me that our favorite place to go in southern Oregon, Crystal Crane Hot Springs, has been renovated while most businesses have been closed. The hot spring is east outside of Burns and extremely rural. It is actually in the town of Crane. I believe long, long ago, Aunt Grace taught at the residential school there. I don't remember for how long, but I've always wondered if the building she taught school in is still around. I think I will ask next time I go there. Here is a picture of the hot spring where you can have a relaxing soak:

The last time I was there a couple years ago, it was all just gravel around the outside. It would poke your feet to walk to the water because of the gravel. Now they have put in really beautiful brick work all the way down into the water and they have made is it accessible for people with disabilities. They never had a separate pool for children, but now they do. I love this place. It is so special to me. I really hope I can go there this year sometime. I will take you with me!

I hope you get well rested and I look forward to talking to you soon. I love you, lots, Momma. Hang in there and I'll give you a kiss and a hug soon!!! Your Third Daughter, ---Sally Ann