These past couple of weeks have been pretty busy. At least on my end. (Jill's) I got a job. The week before Jonathan got here! I'm working for Herald and News local newspaper. It's temporary.... seems like that's what keeps coming my way! It's very different than what I'm used to, very fast paced and high stress. It's fun because it feels like finals week almost everyday. Everyone has fun and chats and yells something across the room to get someone's attention or crack a joke, but we're all stressed and trying to hurry up and get the projects done before 5pm to get it to the press for print the next day! Everyone I work with has such a fun personality and I've even made 2 new girlfriends! both are married and our age.... so we've hung out a couple of times...

Actually the first time we hung out was the day Jonathan got here (Tuesday-Aug. 26) and we all went bowling. Dollar bowl! I've been dying to go bowling since Brian and I have been dating... and finally got him to go! AND... of course.... he was way better than I!

Jonathan actually stayed here a full week! Brian and I both enjoyed him being here sooo much! Wednesday and Thursday night we hung out here at the house and watched movies and fixed yummy suppers. Friday, Brian and Jonathan took a trip to Crater Lake (a must, if you come visit us) and decided to hike up the highest peak... Mt. Scott. The smoke almost ruined the view, but the wind changed and they were able to see farther out. We decided to hang low over the weekend, although Sunday we went to a blues concert at the local resort.










But since Monday was Labor day, we had to take a trip down to the Lava Beds National Monument. Mine and Brian's second trip. Since there are so many caves to choose from, we didn't even have to see the same ones; making the trip more fun and interesting. Jonathan really enjoyed finding lava rocks with all sorts of weird designs. He's been collecting rocks from everywhere... and these were by far the best! SWEET!


























After a GREAT visit and much cherished, Jonathan left Tuesday. It was truly a special time. I just can't wait to have more family and friends come see us!



Brian and I decided to attend my first Pow-Wow.... hmm... it was interesting.... we didn't stay long (if that says anything about it) So we then decided to go read a book next to Wood River. I just love how there are soo many beautiful places to see and enjoy. And, since I'm married to Brian, I am now obligated to read more. Although I'm STILL reading the same book... (Sorry Chris, I haven't finished it yet, I'll send you Son of the Witch as soon as I do... probably Christmas?! hahah)









Well, last week Brian decided to start his home brew. A very fun experiment for him. So he took several hours reading up about it and finally got to play with his new toy! After the first week he had to transfer the yucky smelling almost beer to another container. In about 2-3 days it should be ready.... and guess who is now in charge?!!!











For those who don't know... Brian left yesterday to Umpqua Valley, Oregon for a 2 week fire detail. BIG DEAL!!! We're REALLY excited! BUT..... I got stuck with his project. He was sad... and so was I! I'm sure we'll let you know how it all turns out.

This past Saturday we went on a 14 mile hike. man, we were tired after that! I think we both felt so old. By the end of the trip we both had aching knees and Brian's hip hurt! We set out around 11am to see what the Oregon Desert had to offer. It's located about an hour NW from here in the SKy Lakes Wilderness Area. So it was very secluded and very beautiful. However.... once we finally reached this so-called desert, I didn't know we reached it! I was expecting a DESERT! Oh no, it looked jsut about the same as everything else we hiked through. So on our way back we decided to take a side trip down to a creek. Some previous hikers left a note saying how pretty it was. Well, they must've been through during sprintime, because all we found was a hole with black water in the ground. We had to hike back up the VERY steep trail to back onto the trail we were on. Finally after 14 miles of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, injured bodies, dirty feet,and dark was fast approaching, we were so glad to be back to the truck!








Thankfully we went to bed early that night because the next morning Brian got the call to go out! I am so blessed to have made very sweet friends.





Tomorrow, I will have lunch with our Pastor, Faith, who has been so special to me and later this week, dinner with another friend! I'm sure I'll be taken care of. I think Brian's more worried about me, than I am!