Yesterday I traveled from my home in Southern Oregon up to the Willamette Valley for a gathering of three generations of women of my family greeting little Aniya, one of two brand-new additions to our group. At eight weeks old, she admirably entertained all of us for four hours by doing nothing more than sleeping peacefully while being passed like a football between us all, yawning, frowning, smiling and peering quizzically at all the strange, loving faces surrounding her. Our party was hosted by Aniya’s “grammy”, my sister-in-law, and I have to say that the journey to her home, a 100-plus-year-old farmhouse perched on an oak-and-fir-cloaked ridge commanding views west to the Yamhill Valley and Coast Range, was a delight in and of itself. After departing Interstate 5 in the capital city of Salem, we ventured northwest into farmland and hills patchworked with blocks of plowed brown earth, forest, green fallow and vineyards, some still bright gold with turning leaves.  All was lightly veiled in mist and light fog, adding a touch of autumnal melancholy and atmosphere. How quickly we left the city behind and found ourselves turning back the clock as we passed weathered old barns and family homesteads. Over the last 20 years, much of what had for more than a century been dairy pasture and grain fields has become prized vineyards, and we passed a number of signs beckoning us to turn off onto gravel roads leading to tasting rooms and wineries that have been an enormous economic boon to this part of the state. They must wait for another day — or several weekends, judging by the number of them — as our meeting with my tiny great-niece this day was far more enticing. One of my greatest joys is just this: spending time with my large, boisterous, fun-loving family. On this occasion, as on most, new stories and “secrets” were revealed while we also rehashed favorite old tales and embarrassments. I enjoyed just sitting back and observing as cousins who only a few years ago would run off to play Barbies together now share experiences of their study abroad programs and offer advice to one who will be exploring that experience next fall. Later, several of us shared more “sister” time over dinner at a local restaurant, just catching up on our lives that rarely permit these rejuvenating and life-affirming get-togethers. Just one more thing for which to be thankful this month! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor