Mouse!

We were both so excited to see little Mouse today. For the two years we lived in Oregon, our house was like a second home for her, and we sure miss that little girl.

We drove to St. Helens to Randy's house, where Mouse greeted us with her usual charm and enthusiasm. Lots of licking! After catching up for a bit, we headed downtown for lunch. We found a perfect little spot with outdoor seating in the shade--a blessing since the forecast promised 100 degrees, the hottest day so far this summer. 

Adam joined us not long after we sat down. Randy set the tone with a root beer float appetizer (yes, appetizer), which made us all laugh.  

Randy's Root Beer Float appetizer

Mandarin Chicken Salad

Chef Salad

• Randy and I both had the Mandarin chicken salad
• Ira went with the Chef Salad
• Adam tucked into a hearty sandwich and a couple of beers 

Once we finished I got my favorite treat--time with Mouse!

Mouse with her new beads

We're a little obsessed, so you'll just have to indulge us with some extra photos. 

Hot Mouse on my lap

Mouse giving Ira the side-eye

Adam and Ira stuck with beers, but Randy pivoted to dessert with a Brookie (brownie-cookie) à la mode. I envied his ability to dive into such decadence without consequences. He was heading up to the mountains for a collecting trip anyway, so he'd burn off the extra calories in no time.

After lunch, Adam headed home and told us to text when we were ready to see his newly finished tiny home. Meanwhile, we headed to Randy's tree farm. I included the photos of Randy's farm for our bonsai subscriber--Melissa, that means you!

Randy's tree farm

Collected trees waiting to become bonsai

By then, the heat was intense. Randy hosed Mouse down immediately, though she was dry again in minutes. 

Mouse making her feelings about the heat very clear.

I agreed with her completely, so we all piled back into Randy's truck for some cool air and a drive-thru stop. 

Mouse, of course, is an expert at drive-thrus. She knows there's always a treat waiting.

Mouse at the drive-thru

Back at Randy's, we admired his trees and koi pond. 

Tree sitting in the side yard by the garage

More bonsai sitting out

Randy's Koi Pond

After hugs and kisses, we said our final goodbyes to Mouse.

Final Goodbye to little Mouse

Next stop: Adam's house. As you drive up from the main road, you approach the front of his cozy little home in the woods. 

Front of Adam's House

Walking around the back, you're greeted with even more charm.

Back of Adam's House

Inside, the living room opens to a wall of windows, making you feel like you're perched in a treehouse. The space is calm, airy, and peaceful--the kind of place where I imagine the sunrises must be breathtaking.

View from Adam's Living Room

After our visit, we headed back to Kris and Russ's for dinner: salmon patties, leftover cheesy potatoes and salad. I saved room for dessert--mixed berry cobbler with ice cream. Even better the next night!

A dopo