Monday on the Oregon Coast! Rockaway Beach and My Friend, Phyliis!

We left Seaside this morning and drove down Highway 101 to Rockaway Beach!

This was my first view of the Pacific Ocean on our road trip.

The Oregon coast is stunningly beautiful!

Guess what I found on the way down?

Hope Chest Thrift Shop!!

I pull over for thrift stores!!

This apple tree in the church parking lot was a bonus!

Louis Dean and I loaded up with a bag or two of treasures.

I asked the lady how long it would take to get to Rockaway Beach and that we were going to a friend's house for lunch. She said it was about 15 minutes and that they had a sister store there and be sure and stop in.

Now little did I know that my friend, Phyliis, had recently retired from her work with New Hope!

She was instrumental in their establishment and had been a big part of the organization for several years. Had I only known......I could have told her just who we were having lunch with!

Meet Phyliis!!! 

She has followed and read my blog for the last two years and we have exchanged a few emails.

I see a firm relationship between us. And Louis Dean and she are now the best of friends!

She is an amazing woman!

We both loved every single minute of our visit with her!

Her home is 100 years old and I would love to live there!!!

Who wouldn't with these views??

I would spend hours out here on her deck - just as she does!!

Everywhere I looked - another great view!

THIS is my favorite!!

I was standing in her living room looking out.....

Louis Dean was in heaven talking music with Phyliis!

I was admiring her denim sofas!!

Her house was warm and fragrant with the good smell of pulled pork in the crock pot!

We were gobbling up the food before I even thought about taking pics!

However, I remembered in time to show this apple cake that was so good.

Warm and cinnamon spiced with nuts and topped with the BEST ice cream and butterscotch topping.

She sent some home with us all wrapped up in foil for us to eat later.

Plus Phyliis makes the best coffee!

We sat and talked and talked some more.

Phyliis and Louis Dean share the special language of music......

he was in heaven. Bless his heart! He was SO happy!!!

While they spoke their music language, I went out to explore a bit.

What a gifted gardener Phyliis is!!!

Flowers are everywhere!

I went down the path and found this gate.....

oh, my!

I hope the sound is okay because I wanted to take you on a walk down to the beach with me.

Gorgeous!

I loved everything about this walk.....the cushy ground covered with pine needles....

A view of her home from the beach.

When I walked back into her yard, I noticed this picnic table with its treasure of beach rocks and shells.

Remember the New Hope Charity Shop?

I'm wearing my new to me Skechers - $2!

I came in and they were still talking!

This was such an important visit for Louis Dean.

He's been out of his comfort zone and to be with someone who enjoys music as much as he does -

it was wonderful!!

She played for him and he sang a bit.

I loved all of the pretty 'debris' in her home.

I could have spent HOURS there! Days!

None of us were ready for the visit to end and Louis Dean kept saying he wished he could talk to her some more. They exchanged emails and I am certain there will be lots of conversations in our future together!

We drove a mile or two down the road and checked into our motel for the night.

Summer keeps finding us great places to stay!

This one is right on the beach with a view from every room.

Louis Dean and I walked down to see the sun set and have a little walk on the beach.

It was spectacular!

Crazy beautiful!

We had such a good day.....

The wind was blowing and it was cold and I loved it all!

Phyliis sent us off with a basket chock full of good stuff!

Our dinner tonight!

I am so grateful for each and every day of this memorable vacation.

Thank you, Phyliis, for giving us this magical visit!

We came to Rockaway Beach because you invited us to lunch.

I am so glad you did!