An Interview with Frodo Baggins....Post Views....20,831

        This is SO exciting. I don't know where or how to begin....
I have been blogging for almost 4 years and this is the GREATEST yet!

   I could hardly believe it when it was rumored that Frodo Baggins was going to be flying through PDX on his way to San Diego for official business on 
Sat. Oct. 31.  I was also on my way to San Diego that day.  Might he be on the same flight with me?? Well, it was just a rumor....but, still.....one could hope. 
     As soon as my ride parked and we walked out from the garage I started glancing around.  Maybe, just maybe........

                                                       WHOA!......


As we walked across the access bridge I spotted a smallish figure wistfully looking around.
FRODO BAGGINS??..  
I think he was taking in his surroundings...maybe comparing the greenery to The Shire he left so many years ago.  I wondered what his thoughts were.







Once again before he entered the terminal he paused and looked around.  Probably intrigued with modern day travel provisions.

I stayed somewhat back.  I wanted to get pictures, but didn't want to make that obvious or to make him feel uncomfortable.   He was traveling alone and probably simply wanted to blend in.  

Inside I saw him talking briefly to airport workers, then they all chuckling as he looked at his feet.  I hoped they weren't making rude remarks.  


   He met up with a couple locals, had a meal with them and even consented to a photo with them!!
   (At the time I didn't know that he would grant me an interview a few days later in San Diego. Then I learned they are his blood descendants living in Vancouver, WA.  What a legacy!!) 

  At this point it is probably easiest to print out the interview to tell the rest of the story.
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Mr. Baggins, what brings you to Upper Earth after all these hundreds of years where you have been dwelling in Elysium?

Please, Grandma G, call me Frodo.  This is a relaxed visit, though official.  I am here on behalf of King Aragorn of Middle Earth  to welcome a new royal princess born in San Diego, who happens to be a blood descendant of mine.  This is a rare occasion for me to return from Elysium to visit Middle Earth and my first time to experience Upper Earth.  

Well, tell me, Frodo, how was your journey from Portland to San Diego?

 Travel was much easier and totally more enjoyable than my last journey from The Shire to Mordor.  Just no comparison.  Air flight is such an improvement over walking and horse riding for miles and miles through mountains, caves, haunted swamps and fiery volcanoes. 

(He continued as he talked at length about his time in the Portland airport.)

  I was startled, but later laughed, when I went to  "check my bag".  The young worker shook his head and declared my suitcase was just TOO new. (I had purchased it the day before.)  That it was too clean and the scanners could not pick up the weight.  (I was concerned that I had caused a security breech of some sort.) He said I had to take it outside and roll it around in the dirt.  When he saw my alarm he laughed and said he was joking.  I was relieved and laughed too. 
    At one point a couple airport workers looked at my feet and declared I need to wear shoes in the facility.  When I looked confused  and showed them the black hard bottoms of my feet they chuckled and let me go on. 
   On the whole most travelers and workers did not seem surprised to see me.  I had heard that Portland, OR was used to the unusual and accepted that as normal.  In fact, I understand that they pride themselves on "the weird" .  (Confidentially, Grandma G, that is why I picked PDX as my port of entrance.....less chance being singled out.  And the opportunity to visit with my blood descendants was priceless!)   

Mr. Baggins....I mean, Frodo, how was your experience going through TSA security?  

You know, Grandma G, that went smoothly.  The officer at first looked concerned, then amused and finally impressed as she checked all my documents.  I was allowed to pass through "prescreened" .  Must have been some diplomatic agreement.   

  I waved goodbye to my progeny and excitedly headed to the aircraft.   





On board  his first aircraft flight......





( A little blurb about MY time on the flight.  As I boarded I noticed that Mr. Baggins had a window seat.  There was a passenger in the aisle seat....the middle was EMPTY.  For a brief moment  I considered sitting next to him.  But I would be beside myself..... So, decided not to.  I did sit close enough to sneak a few photos.)

Frodo, I continued, how did you enjoy your first air transport?

It was totally enjoyable...for the most part.  Ascending from Portland was fun.  The surroundings with the rain and clouds reminded me SO much of The Shire in autumn.  (Made me feel wistful, lonesome and grateful all at the same time.)























      

Once we "reached cruising altitude" we were allowed to watch entertainment.  I had obtained a copy of  a movie based on historical events involving ME.  It was "weird" to relive those challenging months when I was assigned to destroy the ring.  

I felt some PTS as I watched the shadow trying to overtake me. 

Frodo continued....
One incident happened when an attendant told me I couldn't use "electronics" without something called headphones....little nobs one plugs in one's ears.  I told her I didn't have any.  She nicely said she would check if there were any on board.  I was concerned about pay since we don't use money. She came back and simply handed them to me.    
(At this point I snapped a few photos.  I think Frodo caught on cause he appeared a bit annoyed and serious.  Just had to catch a picture of his feet....)                        












Frodo continued to tell me that he was relieved and refreshed when an attendant bought him a snack of pretzels and tea. Hobbits do need to eat often.  Someone had given him  an organic orange/dark chocolate bar made locally in Seattle, WA.  Very yummy and nutritious was his description.












So, Frodo, how was your arrival in San Diego?  Was it all you hope it would be?

Grandma G, the view of the Pacific Ocean, the sunshine and blue skies was fantastic.  It almost paralleled the beauty of Elysium!  Once on the ground and out of the airport, the total blue sky, warm (almost hot) air was refreshing.  Late someone told me the unusual looking trees were called "palm trees".  My ride arrived in a timely fashion and snapped a souvenir (for me) photo with the airport in the background.  

 I was keen on meeting our new royal princess.  That was the goal of my diplomatic mission  (besides "hanging out" with more blood progeny).
But, you know, Grandma G, I had a bit of a shock at first. (I don't always understand earth amusement and humor.)
 I was AGHAST to see that the new little royal princess was a..........MERMAID!?!  
                                                 
The royal parents laughed and assured me it was only clothing to make her look cute.  Relieved, I was!  

Then totally satisfied to finally hold and officially welcome...
Princess
Berklee Evergreen KingSchmidt....

She put a huge smile on my face....

The Royal Family.....
Amanda, William, Princess Berklee
___________________________

 As Frodo and I continued  our interview in the San Diego airport I learned a little more of his visit here.  At this time I was waiting for my flight back to Portland.  He didn't volunteer to tell me where he was heading.  Security concerns, I suppose.  I had a few more questions for him.

Frodo, what else did you do while here in San Diego? Can you share that with me?

Grandma G, I actually have other blood progeny here a little north of San Diego.  I was granted a few extra days to visit with them and to enjoy the beach.  This was great time, but I certainly wondered about my descendants.  They seem to be a bit unusual.  I don't understand where this deviation came from.  










                    Mad Hatter


Hashtag:Zombie Prom Queen

 Flintstones Family....

There was also something peculiar about the 25 hour day.  I thought earth days were 24 hours.  

It must be something about this time of year on earth.  Perhaps next time I will visit in the springtime.  





Frodo, this has been a marvelous opportunity for me.  I do confess that I am a fond admirer of you and all things Hobbit.  In fact my yard at home is designed to be a hobbit village.  I am having a formal Hobbit party soon.  May I be so bold as to invite you to come?

Thank you, Grandma G!  I am flattered that you want me to attend. I will seek permission to again visit here on Upper Earth and will hopefully enjoy your party.  

Thank YOU, Frodo, for this wonderful interview.  It will be the highlight of  my career for a very, very long time.
___________________________________

This has been a good "Frodo interview" day in the life of Grandma G. 

"A cheerful heart is good medicine..."  (Proverbs 17:22)

She Could Have Danced.....Post Views...20,794

      Ah......Grandma G has been preoccupied lately.  It is probably because sunny, mild, early autumn is morphing into rainy, chilly late autumn.  The wind has shifted to usher in the last 3 months of the year.  I think we all go a bit berserk as we try to squeeze in all the things we hope to experience THIS year and get ready for the flurry of holidays overtaking us.  
     The following post happened two weeks ago.  ( I have been having such fun with recent social interactions that I am too tired to blog in an orderly fashion.) 
     But you don't want to miss this one.....
__________________________________

She Could Have Danced......

...Almost the whole 2 hours...
AKA....a matter of misinterpretation...

     Earlier in the week, while we were relaxing in the hot tub after water aerobics, Julienne invited a few of us ladies to join her to listen to a piano player at the senior center on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4. (A cost of $4, but free coffee and donuts included.)
I responded I would like to, though I will probably be jealous that he plays piano better than me.  Nancy and Georgia (the other Georgia) wanted to go also.  We agreed that morning that I would drive Nancy and Georgia, then we would meet Julienne there since she was already in the area for church. 
    Skip ahead to Sunday.....
    I was up early (for me) to get to my church service by 9:15 so we could have worship team practice with our new worship leader. That all went well and our service proceeded on from 11:15 until 12:45.  I usually stay around and chat awhile.  However, this day I had a commitment so headed out right away.  
   I got home and had about 10 minutes to grab some tea before picking up the ladies.  I stopped by Jo's house, but all seemed quiet so I drove around the corner to Nancy's and got her.  As she was getting in Ted (my little SUV) I told her that Jo didn't seem to be ready.  So Nancy called Jo to see if she was ready.  For what?  Jo replies.  For the piano concert at the Luepke Center.  Oh, says Jo.  I didn't know about it but I will go....be ready in a few.
  Nancy and I figure Jo simply forgot.   We pick her up and off we go for a 20 minute ride to the center.  
  While we are driving along and conversing about many trivial, yet important matters, Nancy says....well who did we forget?  You were going to pick up 2 ladies and that didn't include Jo.   Oh, now I am concerned.  We are half way to our destination and someone is waiting at home for a ride that will never happen.  I think back on the week and envision various scenarios, but can't come up with a missing face.  Nancy says the discussion was at water aerobics, so she had to be someone there.  Jo hasn't been going to aerobics. Suddenly Nancy says, Georgia!  I respond, what?!  No, says Nancy.  Georgia T.  Oh....that Georgia.   Yes, I can see it now....the three of us in the hot tub and me agreeing to drive Nancy and the other Georgia.  So.....now what?  Nancy tries calling her but the call won't go through.  
   Now we are at the Luepke Center and I call Georgia on my phone.  She answers, Who is this!?  I say, Georgia, the other one.
I'm sorry but we forgot to pick you up for the concert.  Oh, that's OK, she responds, I've only been home for 10 minutes, we had a speaker at church and the service ran late.  Catch you next time....
Yay....that one resolved....
   Once inside we pay our $4.00, see tables set up and spot Juienne with 2 other ladies.  We go over to sit, meet Juienne's friend who is now our friend also.  The 3rd lady left....a bit annoyed we chose that table to share.  
   Turns out that the piano concert is actually a dance with music provided by Charles and His Angels.  Charles plays a 2 level keyboard and has 3 ladies who sing and play tambourine.  He plays a variety of "oldies" while the couples have fun dancing. 

   Oh, My....I think.  Here we are, 
5 ladies and no gentlemen.  Looking around, I spot only 2 or 3 guys that seem to be loners.  With the first dance they are swept out onto the dance floor, but not by us. 

Seems I was vocally expressing my frustration and desire to get dancing cause before long a lady comes along with a gentleman who is interested in dancing.  His name is Desi.  Oh, oh.....now I guess I need to dance, but forgot how to "2 step".  Where is the polka or waltz?  (I haven't danced in years, except for a partial polka a few weeks back.)

 Desi and I danced away into the night.....I mean...the mid- afternoon.  Danced most of the 2 hours, we did.  He danced one with Nancy and one with Jo. 

We didn't exchange much social info but I did ask his nationality. The name, Desi, seemed to me to be of Latin origin.  He said he moved to
Los Angeles from Hungary many years back.  

    
Charles and Nancy...




                Sunday Fun.....    

The Sunday afternoon dance must draw the same crowd from week to week.  We were greeted with, "We see some fresh faces here", referring to our table.  

Soon 4PM rolled around.  Our table was the last to clear out after visiting with Charles a bit.  
Desi and I exchanged phone numbers.  The story to be continued.....

We 3 ladies headed home after a stop for a snack.
Fun was had by all......except Georgia....the other one..... 
____________________________________

 

The story continued...... 
When the dance ended on Sunday Desi says, "I like you".
Come Monday I was totally tired from dancing for 2 hours.

                                     On Tuesday Desi called to invite me out for dinner.  I accepted.  He greeted me with a dozen roses and we went to a local restaurant.  We had a nice, cordial visit.  He is 78, first wife died of an aneurysm 8 years ago.  He remarried and since divorced.  He is lonely and looking for a close relationship. 
                                     On Wednesday late in the afternoon he left a message to see if I wanted to go somewhere with him that evening. I did what any unsure, polite lady would do.  I ignored the message.
                                     I have not heard from him, other than last Sunday's dance report from the ladies that he was at the dance and dancing the 2 hours away with various dance partners.  
                                     I have concluded that for the moment I am content as I am; not ready to add a gentleman into the mixture of life.  
                                     Ah.....the sweetness of autumn romance! 

This has been a good 2 "she could have" days in the life of Grandma G.

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to lone one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."  (Romans 13: 8)

PNW Healthy....Post Views...20,768

    On Wednesday last week (10-21) I went to Milwaukee.....um...make that Milwaukie....a town in Oregon.  (When I first moved out here I kept getting confused when folks would talk about going to Milwaukee...I mean, Milwaukie.)  

    Donna, the lady who leads our water aerobics class, has a favorite pumpkin cookie that she buys every year about this time. They are baked by Bob's Red Mill company which is located in Milwaukie.  She invited a few of us to go with her, and that we did. There is the actual mill and also the Red Mill Store.    

  The cookies are a seasonal special and were scheduled to be out that day.  Donna had her approach all planned out.  As soon as we get there she will buy several packages of the cookies, then we have lunch and more shopping.  I was eager to obtain some of these delicacies as well.  

  We arrived there about 11:30 and .......no cookies.   Hmmm.....

With some inquiry we were told that the first batch will be ready at 1 PM.  So lunch was next on the schedule.  We'd have enough time to eat, shop a bit and buy our cookies at 1 PM, fresh out of the oven.    

Nancy, Jo and Donna

 I had half a turkey sandwich and very tasty potato soup with whole grain and black bean chips.  (The tricky part about "healthy and organic" is that most items are made with sea salt which I happen to be allergic to.)  


Browsing the store was educational.  It is full of every kind of "healthy".  
I found a few sea salt free healthy foods to buy.  


Shortly before 1 PM the longed for pumpkin cookies were stocked for selling.. Yay!!  

Bummer.....they are baked with sea salt....

   We had another stop right across the street.   

Dave's Killer Breads.....
This store was much smaller...kind of like going from a mansion to a single room apartment.  But killer, healthy breads he had there...all made with sea salt...

  I did find some cookies.  
Soft ginger and 
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE made with a bit of espresso.  The checkout lady commented that she couldn't eat the chocolate ones....they are too chocolate overloaded.  
They are sitting in my pantry waiting for just the right moment to be consumed....Oh, Ya.....

So...if one buys healthy ingredients, then one should cook those ingredients.  

Monday I checked over the recipe on the back of the black bean and barley soup mix, sorted through the beans,rounded up the vegetarian items, opened the Red Mills bean seasoning packet and started cooking.  The recipe calls for squash (remember, healthy) among other foods.  I figure mushrooms make most everything better and there is a chunk of ham in the freezer.  All that simmered for 90 minutes. 


The result?  A tasty black bean chili with ham and a bit of a squashy flavor.   

Next time?  No squash, no mushrooms (the texture makes me think that a slug fell into the bulky mixture.  Hamburger rather than ham.  The hoped for result?  Black bean chili with hamburger. 

(A word of caution.  When they say to sort through dry beans because they are natural product, be sure to sort through them.  I did and I did find a little rock...Well, rock my world!!)

   What better way to make healthy healthier than to add grated cheese and sour cream?
  

Except to finish off with apple crisp made with all natural ingredients, including a half cup of butter. And real home-whipped whipping cream..and sugar.  Yum!!

   Oh....the roses?  The pink plumbing truck?

You'll have to check back if you really want to know.......



This has been a good 4 "PNW healthy" days in the life of Grandma G. 

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7)