December 31: 123123123 and So Grateful!
I can’t think of a better way to end the year than riding beautiful backroads past vineyards and orchards to Oregon’s oldest family owned and operated coffee shop, enjoying a great breakfast sandwich and piping hot cup of tea with steamed milk, and then splurging at the Harley Dealership with a Christmas gift card.
Leaving home this morning temperatures were hovering at 40 degrees, the ground was wet from overnight rain, and a thick blanket of fog covered the area. Grateful for my electric gear and bright fog lights, I kept to a moderate speed, breathing in the crisp winter air, and savoring the feel of the wind on my face.
I headed west on Scholls- Sherwood Road past a multitude of vineyards and orchards, leaning into the curves, powering up the hills, and gliding down the straightaways. Despite the thick blanket of fog settled on the surrounding fields and farmlands, I was still able to make out the many layers of colors around me -- vibrant light green grassy carpets blanketing the sides of the road, darker green gnarled vines wrapped around trellises, thick brown branches of filbert trees lined up in rows, and bright red sides of barns and roadside stands.
Arriving at BJ’s coffee shop in Forest Grove, I stepped inside to find a homey welcoming eatery filled with locals conversing over coffee at small tables, working on laptops in little alcoves, and lining up for coffee and treats at the counter. I ordered the breakfast special with a grilled fried egg, home sliced ham, melted Swiss cheese and a buttery toasted English muffin along with a cup of breakfast tea topped with whole milk.
After warming my hands and body with the delicious food, I headed east on backroads past more beautiful rolling hills towards the Paradise Harley Dealership. My bike was alerting me to the fact my fob battery was low and I wanted to pick up a replacement battery along with a gas cap to replace the one that was rattling on the bike and a visor to replace the one I scratched in Norway this summer.
While in the store, I couldn’t help noticing a stunning red Harley hoodie and black jacket combination embroidered with red thread that took my breath away. I was so excited by the colors and the fit I almost had to wipe drool off my face in the fitting room. Although I normally wouldn’t splurge on such an item, I had a generous gift card from my older son with me and decided to treat myself.
As I happened to be in the store at 1:23pm on 12/31/23, I asked my favorite clothing salesperson, Brittany, to take a picture with me commemorating the moment. She also took my mileage down while I was there, making this a truly full-service pit stop.
Riding home to join my children, all of whom are home for the holidays, I reflected on how very blessed I am. What a great year this has been!
