08-15-2025 Visiting Melody in Brownsville

Parked in Melody's driveway in Brownsville

Daughter Melody writes to me fairly often in private text messages. Recently, in one of those messages, she was bemoaning the fact that she was going to be spending several weeks alone throughout the summer. Her husband Robert is in great demand for his technical expertise in places all over the country and in a few remote world locations as well. I mentioned this to Mo and she said, "Maybe this would be a good month to visit Melody in Brownsville?" I agreed wholeheartedly. Why wait for her August birthday when I can jump in the car and be in her driveway in just under 3 hours. Mo agreed to hold down the fort at home, and I left for four lovely days in lovely Brownsville, Oregon. Actually, I spent one of those days in Newport, but that bit of this story will come later.

I think Melody is happy that I am there

Brownsville isn't nearly as hot as Grants Pass and Melody's dahlias thrive

Melody and Robert decided to skip the water hogging grass in the tiny front yard

In addition to LOTS of talking and sitting on the front porch, painting toenails was on the agenda

One thing is certain, whenever visiting Melody there will be plenty of good food on the agenda.  Melody had tons of cut up fresh fruit and veggies and supper perfect to a hot evening with just the two of us.

Grandson Axel and his spouse Py came over the next day for more food and visiting

Melody and I spent time talking, knitting, eating, watching silly TV and watching flowers grow until the next morning when I asked Melody if the short drive to the coast might be in order. Getting to the Oregon Coast in an hour or two is one of the things I love about living in Oregon. Colorado is gorgeous, and Northern Idaho was home for years. Daughter Deanna's place in Eastern Washington is lovely. Each of these beautiful places is too far from the ocean for me anymore.

Don't ask me twice, Mom, you know how much I love the coast

The iconic bridge over the Calapooia River that runs through Brownsville

The road to Newport from Brownsville is an easy route with just a bit of winding, two lanes of lovely countryside and on a weekday not much traffic. The thing to keep in mind living in Oregon, however, is that hot inland almost always means it will be chilly at the coast.

Great breakfast, Mom, but it is cold!

In addition to the big fuzzy warm shawl on my shoulders, I have a warm blankie on my legs

Charlie and Miranda Prince have been two of Melody's very best friends since they all lived in Albany more than 20 years ago and were part of the Albany Civic Theater together.  They have since moved east, but come west for visits.  They just happened to have a rented AirBnB in Newport on the day that I requested a coast visit.  No wonder Melody was so quick to say yes!

The apartment was gorgeous, with many stairs to navigate and a tiny view of the ocean through one window.  Melody loved how well-appointed the kitchen was.

See the ocean??

Melody and I walked around Newport a bit, but didn't go down to the old part of town where the tourist shops are located.  It was just too darn chilly!

My youngest child, Melody

It was a short visit, but precious.  This girl of mine is funny, brilliant, creative, incredibly smart and so much fun to be with.  We love sharing family time but the special memories made with one-on-one visits like this one are treasured.

Mattie thinks I was gone long enough