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A visit from the daughter By Peggy Dover Oct 16, 2022 12:15 AM A A My daughter, Emily, lives in Portland. She’s the merchandise manager for Pink Martini and music talent booker for The Old Church. I feel busy until I look at her schedule and realize I’m just old and tired. We schedule special visits when we can. Recently, we sampled a few jewels in our valley preceded by a beloved classic movie (“To Kill a Mockingbird”) and popcorn in the old homestead where she grew up. We began with dinner at Eagle Point’s Talon Grill by the golf course. A large patio was ours for the taking with a view to the greens and a gorgeous sunset. Our server, Deserea, facilitated our evening capably. We ordered a glass of Di’Tani, a delicious red blend from nearby Kriselle Cellars. For our meal, we each chose chicken Marsala with salad. I don’t usually dwell on food here, but that chicken Marsala served with garlic mashers and grilled green beans was perfectly cooked and utter heaven. Emily, the foodie from foodville, was impressed. So kudos to whoever is now chefing at Talon Grill. Long may they reign. The next day included a trip to Jacksonville so I could show off my new old office at the Visitors Information Center. Most shops were open on a Monday, which was a happy surprise. We snacked at Good Bean Coffee and strolled into the Cotton Broker, a personal favorite, where Emily surprised the heck out of her mammy by buying me the most beautiful raincoat. It’s a work of art. I have it hanging where I can gaze on it longingly until fall actually lands here. Hint to nature. Thank you, Alex, for your excellent choices in wearables. We visited Rebel Heart book store, where I bought a favorite edition, “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, for Em to read while on her upcoming PM tour, then to the Pot Rack for Christmas ideas for her. By then, the sun beat down and naps beckoned, so we checked into our room at the 1916 (Judge) TouVelle House, where life just kept getting better. James Soule, co-owner and consummate host, led us to the third floor and our cozy Rogue River room with windows overlooking the thickly wooded grounds. A sweet claw-foot tub highlighted the private bath, with fun amenities like lavender bath salts and plush bathrobes. After naps, we walked to the iconic Jacksonville Inn, where we had dinner reservations. I think the JI staff was surprised by the number of Monday night diners, as we waited a bit for service. The wait was worth it once our cocktails and food arrived. We were ravenous at this point. Em had a smoky old-fashioned and I, a strawberry mule, with a kick. Again, we were thinking alike and ordered filet mignon a la carte (tender and delicious) with a couple of sides to share — mac and cheese and a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. Oh, my. We walked back in the dark, tempted to detour to the old cemetery next door, but it was closed, and I never would have made the hill without rolling backward. So back to the TouVelle, where we talked late into the night while listening for owls. Even the extra fold-out bed was super comfortable, and we slept with the windows open to the peace and quiet. James is not only a great handyman, but he cooks! Our three-course breakfast began with pumpkin bread with pear butter from their pears. Next, he set a perfectly scrumptious bruleed grapefruit half before us. Finally, a ramekin of delicious egg concoction with onions, Gruyere cheese and a touch of nutmeg. My, oh, my. We chatted with another couple and retired to the homey front porch, lounging on cushions hand-sewn by James’ talented mother, Damaris. By then I was feeling hopelessly spoiled. This lodge has been lovingly restored by someone who knows how. Do yourself a favor and take someone you love. Last, we drove to Gold Hill to subject ourselves to the topsy-turvy world of the Oregon Vortex, a special location of puzzlement discussed in my family since I was a child. Emily had never been. Google that one. I’m out of space, again. From there we said our goodbyes until the next adventure. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/author. Reach her at [email protected].