Peonies and Potluck Pinochle Party - Sat., May 31

With sunny skies and a temperature hovering around 70, Mom and I headed to Brooks, Oregon to do a 5K (3.1 mile) Volksmarch in the Adelman Peony Gardens. 

The walk started off in a display garden showcasing peonies, hostas, columbine, delphiniums, allium, lobelia and clematis. The walk then wound up and down rows of peonies until we returned to the start point. 

Mom in display garden with peonies and delphinium

Adelman Peony Gardens

Volksmarch through peony fields.

A beautiful walk!

Winter wheat field we walked by.

Mom and I.

Columbine in display garden.

At the end of the walk, we were able to see vases with cut peonies identified. We made a second pass through the display garden after we finished the walk.

This bouquet is shaped like a heart.

On the way home, I took Mom to lunch at Oswego Grille in Wilsonville. We then spent the afternoon hanging out at Mom's house before driving 20 minutes to my sister's house to play pinochle. 

When we lived in Oregon, our group had a three-table potluck pinochle party once a month (except summer). Over the years people moved away or lost interest. I think it was great that my sister organized a party with family and friends while I'm here. Thank you, Jan.

When my brother, Frank, and sister-in-law, Gina, arrived at the party, they brought my sister, my Mom and I each a bouquet of pink carnations. What a thoughtful thing to do. The flowers are beautiful and much appreciated.

My brother, Frank.

Frank and Gina

Mom, me, Jan and Frank

My son, Mike, and I

Playing pinochle was fun, but my hands were terrible. I ended up second from the bottom. Gina pulled ahead of everyone at the end and won the top prize...$20. We had a good group: Mom, me, Jan, Frank, Gina, my son, Mike, our friends Margaret, Larry, Jo, Debbie, and Jan's friends, John and Jane.

Pinochle players deep in thought

My sister's two cats, Jake and Prince, made an appearance. Jake was the most sociable so he gets to be in my blog. 

Jake

My carnation bouquet with mom's
peonies and a rose.

Mom's carnation bouquet from Frank and Gina.

Another very enjoyable day today.