long time, no see

Sorry for the super-long lapse. I have no good excuses, I guess I've just been so busy around the Oasis playing skip-bo and cleaning the kitchen, I haven't had time to sit down at the old computer and update this thing.

Last night was the fourth of July and we here at the Oasis had a blast. Lots of folks went down to the waterfront to watch the fireworks, while some of us snuck up to the third floor and watched them out the window. It was pretty cool.

On the heels of all that fun, I asked the folks in group tonight to write about their most memorable summer experience. Here's what they wrote. Enjoy!



The Fourth, By Andy

Last night was comparatively one of the best fourths I have had. We got to the waterfront early enough to find a good spot on the grass. We were all in a good mood, and all the people around us were as well.

Very relaxing, lots of laughing and joking around. Meeting new people, just all around good times. Lots of people watching.



The Summer Imposition, By Greatness

Summertime is considered one of the most favored times of the year, mainly, this really held true when, being in school, it definitely meant more leisure and personal activity. Since I have been on my own and self-sufficient (or without direct support from my parents) a memorable time or instance has yet to happen.

Indulging some of life's basic and common activities, such as cycling, swimming, or simply maxing and relaxing with the preferred consumption of the bountiful fruits summertime tends to proffer. I cannot complain thus far, given an immediate reflection of the fireworks spectacle held on the waterfront. Many different people and walks of life and more so since all other times I've attended the occasion.

So to all summers to come: may they be heartfelt and fun.



Rafting, By Anonymous Woman

One of my favorite activities during the summer is rafting down the Deschutes River and going through Box Car Canyon. It's one of the wildest parts of the Deschutes River. As you go through the day, it's not uncommon to see bald eagles and other birds of prey. The last trip I took was a couple of years ago with my husband, I think it was summer of 2001.

We took a guided trip that included lunch and in the morning part of the trip there was a place where everyone could jump out and body surf the rapids. I was the last one back in the boat and it was hard to get me in. I started to float underneath the boat and my husband had ahold of my life jacket. The pull of the current and the pull of him started making me freak out and so I said "Let me go!" But he wouldn't. Then the guide came along and started jerking on the other side of my life jacket, telling me to kick and so I did. The next thing I knew, I was in the bottom of the boat and everyone else was in and ready to continue the ride.

One of the best places to ride is in the front, that's where you see the most action and get the wettest. By the end of the day you feel like you've had enough of the water and sunshine, but it makes you want to come back for more. And also about Box Car Canyon, this rapid is so much fun it makes you think your boat is going to flip and there's a photographer that sits on a rock above the area taking pictures of people coming through. You can buy the pictures later. This is one of my favorite places to go during the summer, however it's not uncommon to walk away at the end of the day ready for a restful night of sleep and wearing a sunburn.