Entries about hops

After Daniel's Grandma and Aunt Jackie left for San Jose, we went to the river where the backhoe had been left. Daniel's Uncle Peter wanted to show us how to operate the machine. Catherine took pictures while Daniel learned to drive the tractor and operate the bucket and backhoe. He drove it back to the house, and Peter placed some rocks on the ground as targets to reach with the backhoe. It was a very interesting experience.

A beautiful mountain, black against the bright blue sky.

Catherine's brother Michael had recommended a brewery/ restaurant in Ashland. She didn't remember the name, but Peter said that there are only a few. One that he mentioned was Standing Stone, which uses his hops grown at the ranch in their "I ❤️ Oregon" ale. When Catherine checked with Michael, Standing Stone was the one he recommended. We ate there before going to the play, and we both tried the beer with hops from the ranch. It was very good. We also enjoyed our meal, a homemade veggie burger, garlic fries, and a delicious rhubarb crisp for dessert.

The Elizabethan Theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. We saw The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which was unique because it had an all-female cast. This was odd, especially because the roles were unchanged, and it simply seemed like women playing male characters. It was perhaps less innovative and transgressive than the director had intended. However, it was fun to go to the play and to experience the Shakespeare festival that we've heard so much about. The theater had an interesting backdrop, and apparently was made to at least partially reflect the design of real Elizabethan theaters.

Our stay at the ranch has been wonderful. Tomorrow we will go to Portland. We are hoping to stop by Mt. Angel along the way.