A Mini Vacation

If you haven't visited Astoria in it's unique and historical setting, do consider a get-a-way. We did at the urging of our son and daughter-in-law. They suggested that we see the Columbia River Maritime Museum. We were not disappointed and learned so much about the importance of the Columbia River to our economy as well as the dangers for cargo ships crossing "the bar". It is the most dangerous water in the world because of the immense amount of water from the river meeting the Pacific Ocean.
The ship in the background is a retired light ship which required a crew of 17 men. It was stationed to warn ships of the bar.
This is a retired coast guard boat capable of going end over end but always "righting" it's self.

We headed south along 101 and enjoyed the beauty of the Oregon Coast (before the fog rolled in!) The beach below was used as the road for many years before a highway was built.
A kind stranger took our picture for us.

RECYCLING

Re-making would be a better term for making something new out of something old. I love heavy crocheted lace but not the price so it is fun to check out our local thrift stores for someone elses "junk" so it can become my "treasure". These curtains were re-made from a queen size bed ruffle and cost just a couple dollars because it had accidently been decorated with a splotch of blue paint. There is enough fabric left from the flat center section to make 2 nice pillowcases as well. Now you try it!

So Much To Learn About This Big World!

A walk is always more fun with a little person...they find great enjoyment in small things like a shoe falling to the ground or a pretty purple flower.....and yes, it did almost make it into her mouth in the next split second......isn't that how you REALLY enjoy something at this age? I believe this abundant wild flower is called "Heal-All" and it is edible and medicinal so it was safe in any case....eaten or enjoyed=)

Pup In the Pile

Speaking of piles of laundry..........which I just read about on another blog........guess who found mine just 5 seconds out of the dryer? Eddy is no dummy when it comes to comfort!

Ridin' High In The Saddle

Mother's Day 2011

A delightful dinner, wonderful company, sweet cards and gifts.....Thank you family! Oldest son carved out a beautiful cedar bench.....Eddy likes it too.

SUMMERTIME EVENTS

We have enjoyed some very special times with family and friends: a Saturday morning brunch with cousins, aunts and uncles and g'amma, a short visit from oldest daughter, a hike to beautiful McDowell Creek Falls, fishing in the pond, driving the jalopy jeep.........the cool and rainy June weather hasn't kept us from a good time! There are hot days just around the corner....maybe!

Bulbs and More Bulbs!

Just a comment about the picture at the top (tulips and daffodils) of this blog. My sweet daughter-in-law was my inspiration. She got right busy her first year here in the valley, and planted bulbs and bulbs and more bulbs! You can guess what her yard looked like that coming spring....BEAUTIFUL!! She adds a few more every year and it truly is stunning. I found myself very drawn to bulbs last fall...hmmmmm....it's catching. Thank you Laura!

A Building Project

Packing tables and gear to target practice is over.... the guys now have a shed to call their own. It all began with rough sketch and then many nails and lots of boards later.......a pretty neat little nook with a built-in table and adjustable stools. It was a great "shop" project for Donny and he learned a lot about construction from Dad. I think they need a coffee pot..... then you just might find me out there on a rainy day.

Another Rug

Rug making is a good project to do together since we can both be on the floor!

Making a Frame With Pebbles

Pebbles from Libby Creek in Libby, MT made a great little momento of our last visit to see Anna. She inspired me to do this fun project after admiring the frame she made. The boys went pebble hunting for us and we had a great time with glue gun in hand. It is sprayed with a fast- drying clear coat several times to give it its satiny appearance. I chose to frame a picture taken around the Libby area.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS IN MANY WAYS

Donny began this birthday season with dinner at Bing's Kitchen with the family.
Miss Liesel helped to wish her mommy a special day!
Ashley enjoyed a gift from Anna sent from Montana! Anna also had a birthday but we weren't there to take her picture.

Spring?

Just when you think it's turning to spring....it SNOWS!! and that is beautiful too!

The Arrival of Spring

You know spring is coming when the local stores start carrying posies and it's hard to resist adding new fresh flowers to old pots! It truly is time to rejoice at the coming season when we are surrounded by so many colorful blooms after a long gray winter.

A Little Rocking Chair History.....

Miss Liesel is enjoying a piece of history...the same rocking chair given to her daddy for his first Christmas by Uncle Wes and Aunt Sue! As you can see, he enjoyed it just as much 28 years ago!

A New Hobby

After watching daughter Anna enjoy the art of rug-making, I was inspired to try it and this small hobby has blossomed into a BIG and enjoyable one. I LOVE IT! As you can see, Eddy loves it too, especially those soft fluffy piles of newly washed sheets from the thrift store. (They are your "best buy" since a yard of fabric doesn't go very far!)

Christmas Catch-Up!

We enjoy a fun tradition of baking goodies and delivering them on Christmas Eve around our neighborhood.