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One of the things I am looking forward to is getting to know more of my family.  It will be nice to say I have all these wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.   I have a great aunt and uncle who live in Eugene.  I have another great aunt (related by marriage) who lives in Washington.  And more.  Of course, these are all on my mom’s side of the family.  My father’s side is shrouded in mystery.  They are all dead or have disowned the family and don’t keep in contact.  It is safe to say that I am the last one on my father’s side.

This last weekend, George and I drove down to Eugene to visit with my great aunt and uncle.  I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I have seen them.  The funny thing is, they have been more supportive of me in this move than anyone else in my family.   In fact, they gave me a substantial amount of money to aid me in moving down here.  That said, it was a big deal for me to go visit them for the Fourth of July weekend.

The drive down on Saturday was fantastic.  The weather was great.  Warm, but not too hot.  The directions she gave us were straight forward, therefore it was not a huge hassle to find their place.  We did drive past their drive because I was too busy gawking at the huge dead squirrel in the road to notice the numbers.  When we realized what had happened, we turned around to discover the roadkill was actually right in front of their drive.  We drove up and found a huge house, barn, and a  guest house.  Absolutely beautiful!

We made it just in time for “toddy time” where they sit around and visit while having a drink.  I had a glass of wine and it allowed for a good meet and greet.  Their friend who rents the guest house had her brother and his friend visiting.   After feeding the horses it was time for dinner.  On one of my visits when she lived in Cali, we went out to dinner at a very fancy restaurant.  I had the pesto chicken with pine nuts and thought it was absolutely amazing.  She managed to recreate this dish and that is what she made for dinner.  It was fabulous.  I now have the recipe!

After dinner we sat around outside by the fire pit drinking coffee.  It was very nice and relaxing.  It allowed for good conversation between the four of us.

When arranging plans for the trip, my aunt had asked me how many bedrooms George and I needed.  I was unsure how to go about answering that.  I didn’t know how old-fashioned or religious she might be.  I decided to take the diplomatic approach and tell her that because he and I live together as a couple, one bedroom was sufficient for us.  However, if she would like to give us each a room that would be perfectly fine.  We got one room.

The room was very nice.  It had a connecting bathroom that connects to another guest room.  It also had it’s own little balcony.  Tiny, but perfect.  George and I laid in bed and gazed at the stars.  It was so peaceful and relaxing, away from the city lights and noise.  That is now going to be our relaxing weekend get away once in awhile.  We were told we are invited anytime.

Sunday morning I woke up early and showered.  I wanted George to sleep in and it gave me time alone with my aunt and uncle.  We discussed everything going on with the family.  My uncle.  My sister.  Their children and grandchildren.  We also discussed financial matters concerning my property up in Juneau and they are going to help me get everything settled so I can sell it and be done with it.  Amazing.  I didn’t even ask, they just offered and said they will do it.

After George woke up we took a walk around their property and it allowed for a chance to take some pictures.  We saw snakes and lizards.  I wanted to play with them but they were too fast for me.  I’ve always loved lizards.  Snakes are a recent interest.  We had a nice bbq with their friends.  I got the steak I had been craving.  It was wonderful.

After dinner it was time for George and I to head back home.  We said our good byes and left.  I know we will go back again.  My aunt also comes up to Portland every other month to catch a play.  I will be spending a lot of time with her and uncle.  It will be awesome.

It feels nice to know that I have more family.  I can get away from just the “my parents are dead, my uncle is like my father but he’s an alcoholic, my sister lives in Anchorage and I have only seen her a few times in the last 10 years.”  That is my family.  But now I have more.