Salem Day One - Friday, October 4

I slept so well! I woke up at 4:45 and was concerned I wouldn't fall back asleep since it was 6:45 back home, but I managed to doze off quite quickly and didn't wake up again until 7:45! I must have been sleeping deeply because when I got up, the foyer had been cleared out. I joked with Holly that she had been robbed. It turns out she had rearranged everything to its proper place after I had gone to bed. I didn't hear a thing!

Holly made us breakfast for us this morning, an egg bake, apples, and zucchini bread made by her new landlord, Denise. Everything was delicious! I don't usually have breakfast, and I joked with Holly that I might just move in with her!

After breakfast we started unpacking. My project was the kitchen and pantry. As someone who is organizationally lacking I was pretty proud of the pantry!

Holly had an interview this afternoon, so Dee and I visited the Oregon State Mental Hospital. The hospital is still in operation, but the museum is housed within the original hospital building.

We were met at the start of the museum by a docent. I am usual not a fan and prefer to just go on my own but he was very good. He worked there for a long time and was interesting to hear how things changed through the years. Sadly he told us of the 650 or so 'patients' all but about 50 have committed crimes and have been sentenced here. So basically a jail...

One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest was filmed here. They had an area dedicate to the movie and the filming. Interestingly Jack went back and watched from the back of the room when the movie was screened at the hospital. I guess it was important to him what they thought of the movie.

During a remodel, nearly 5,000 copper pots were discovered in a storeroom. These contained the cremated remains of patients who had passed away at the hospital and were not claimed by relatives. The remains have since been respectfully stored, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families. I believe that only about 100 have been claimed. A memorial now exists where the old copper pots are exhibited, and canisters containing the remains are placed within a memorial wall. Unoccupied spaces signify remains that have been claimed. We were quite surprised that some remains were from young children. Was a very beautiful memorial! 

We met up with Holly and we hit Homegoods and Target to pick up some supplies for the new house. After relaxing for a while, we headed to downtown Salem for dinner. Holly chose CoinJam, a super cute spot with vintage posters, video games, and pinball machines. They had Paulaner Hefeweizen (which I love!) and the food was scrumptious. I enjoyed a chicken Caesar wrap, Dee had a chicken schnitzel sandwich, and Holly opted for the BBQ pork nachos. Everything was superb!

After we finished eating we played a couple games. It was a fun night! Good choice Holly!!!

I kicked Holly's butt at Tapper!

They were too cheap to pay for two games so they quickly switched spots about halfway through.

We made it back to the house despite Dee's sketchy driving. She claimed it was Holly's car... Chatted a bit and off to bed.