Snap-Smith

SUN AT THE CAPE

2012-01-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day~~Looks like we've returned to our previously warm December weather before we were so rudely interrupted by Mother's Nature's fury. The rivers and fields can return to their normal containment, critter's can gorge, and we can warm our spirits and bones in the warm winter sun............ In that order.......

My mind is so focused these days with this summer's Alaskan cruise, that if I keep this up, it's going to be a veeeerrry loooonng summer! I ordered a new ultra wide angle lens yesterday and am excited about that, too. Then the lens called for a new polorized filter........the list keeps growing! Time to rein in for awhile.........darn it!

These two photos were taken a few days ago out at Cape Blanco on a day between rains. The waves were showing off their 'bridal veils" but surprisingly it wasn't all that windy up on the bluff. Usually I can barely stand upright and I understand from others that a few days before that you couldn't even open the car door. Winds 110 MPH does that kind of thing! That along with 11.50 inches of rain within on 24 hour stretch definitely does flood a lot of places! We're up high enough to not worry about flooding, but the thought that our house could slide down the canyon has entered my mind every so often when I want to worry about something. Can't actually do anything about that so there's no point in even thinking on it.

This Sunday is Norm's and my 39th wedding anniversity. Wow! That is a long time! Seems like only yesterday in one regard and a lifetime in another. And he's been my hero for all 39 of those years~~bar none.

So, wishing you all a happy weekend.........maybe get out and garden a little, huh?? Don't fall for the mid-season sucker-hole, though. The warm sun makes us think we can plant some pretty little flowers or start some spring/summer seeds. We did that a number of times back when.....only to have the freezing weather return; sometimes even snow.

Whatever you end up doing be safe and enjoy the beautiful respite.

WHAT?? RAIN IN OREGON, YOU SAY??

2012-01-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Wild return to winter we're having here on the South Coast, huh? The rain has been heavy today and a few times the wind has really roared. I hope everyone has stayed safe through all this. I guess we still have more coming, but it didn't sound quite as intense. Then there was the snow of about a week ago......just a dusting really........but then it froze. I drove very carefully but still managed to hit some black ice when I tried to stop for a stop sign. Thankfully, there were no cars coming because I just sort of 'cruised' across the intersection. I try very hard to not go out in snow or ice. I don't know how to handle the car well in increment conditions like that. I've heard all what you're supposed to do but I'm pretty sure I'd probably just react impulsively and the results would be poor.

And that's what watching this 49'er and Giants play off game is.....overtime and intense and it doesn't look too good for the Niner's...........Darn!! It again makes me wonder why I get involved in rooting for ANY team in ANY sport..........Such angst!!

I have some future plans that I'm soooo looking forward to. Next August I'm going to return to beautiful Alaska with my friend, Karen. I have been there before and a few of the same ports of call but this time it's with my Nikon D-90! Can hardly wait! And I really did love the cruise part too........On any travel tours via bus, you see and do a lot, but they're a grueling way to go. If I travel all the way over to Europe or beyond, I don't want it to be for just a week and all castles start looking alike. But this trip will be just right. A bit more traveling to get to our boarding port, but we're going the day before so that will cut down on any jet lag and also give us time to take a look around the city of Seward. I heard it has a lot of charm. You'll all probably be hearing about it up to and after the trip.

Oh........I almost forgot to mention that the photo above is from an old file. It's always been one of my favorites..... I just haven't been out braving the storms and wind this year. But there are some beautiful photos being taken and shown by Randy Sholten..........great really.

Oh, Booo! The Niner's lost......Well, that settles who I will NOT be rooting for during the Superbowl!

Tomorrow the rains will still be with us so all that need to get out, please stay safe......and dry.

Have a great Monday!

HUMBUG STATE PARK

2012-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Over at Humbug State Park last Saturday for the White wedding, the sun was out........ a few clouds and no rain drops to spoil the day. These were a couple of scenes where the ceremony took place.......Humbug State Park is really a beautiful spot on Planet Earth! Waterfalls, bubbling creeks, tall evergreens, groomed but not too perfect. We do have to allow our Oregon moles the right to move about and up and down, right?? The top photo was the little bridge over the creek leading to the green......What is it about the bubbles in a creek that always have me wishing to take off my shoes and wade...no matter what time of year or how cold.....Like wanting to break the ice on a mud puddle. Go figure.......

One last photo of the happy couple that I'll share, besides with them. I was so pleased that the camera caught the special connection you see in their eyes during this moment. Beautiful, huh? I hope everyone had a happy Monday and good beginning to the new week. The day was a little cool and dreary. A good day to make up a pot of lentil and sausage soup. A new recipe and it was perfect......thick and hearty. Add some home-made bread and a salad and this equals A+.

BTW........as long as I'm on the subject of cooking. Does anyone else notice how pale and tasteless the strawberries are this time of year? I stopped buying them for our breakfast. But I received a new cookbook and in it a recipe for using just this kind of strawberries. It's for risotto....It was delicious!! Chicken broth, white wine, shallots & garlic, of course parmesean cheese, add strawberries and a dash of balsamic........oh...........so good! If anyone wants the recipe, let me know and I'll share it with you.

One more item to mention and that is about the moon the last few nights.......pretty impressive, don't you think?? There have been some fabulous photos shot by various photographers.....the moon through the trees, shining on a lake, setting into the ocean, etc. Right now I'm looking at it through some bare tree branches and it has a halo of mist around it.....looking ghostly and mysterious. That means it's going to rain, doesn't it?? So.......ok, there's your weather forecast for Tuesday......possible rain. And now you know.
Have a great rest of your week.........

ROSES IN JANUARY??

2012-01-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Really??? Roses in January?? That's what the beautiful Rotary's "Good-bye to polio" rose is up to these odd un-winterlike days. This afternoon the rain returned but yesterday I did manage to get a partically opened cluster of blooms. The second photo below, I played around with some texturing.
This time of year, these flowers are a genuine treat to the senses~

Is everyone recovered from the holiday madness?? I sent the last of my Christmas cookies on to be eaten by some friends who can afford to eat them......I obviously can't.

I've had the best experience with Amazon~I was having trouble with my first Kindle not downloading a book I'd ordered. Today I got a new, free replacement Kindle along with the sticker to mail it back via UPS.....also free. With so many large corporations cutting services and increasing problems and greed, it's really refreshing and encouraging to have a postive, friendly experience. Come to think of it, I've never had a bad experience with them that hasn't been worked out to my satisfaction. I'm definitely an Amazon fan!

This last photo is of two ornamental acorns that my niece, Lauren, has given me for Christmas. The one of the left was from last Christmas and the one on the right, this year's. I like them so well, they don't get wrapped up and put away until next Christmas..........out they stay all year.

Thanks again, Lauren!

Have you tried out the new Chinese restaurant in Bandon? Asian Garden with the owner and chef coming from Thai's Dynasty in North Bend. If you like Thai's, you'll like Asian Garden. Same delicious dishes. Norm's Peking chicken was fantastic!

I have a movie to recommend...........Snow Rose and the Secret Fan. It's a woman's movie, I think.......Norm thought so, anyway. The story is of 2 young Chinese girls who were born on the same day, had their feet bound on the same day, lots of sames....... they have a ceremony that calls them sister's in soul for eternity. There's a Chinese name for this but I can't remember it.........The film is brutal in some respects but the sensitivity of the love these girls, and growing into young women, have for each other, shows the devotion, flaws and unselfishness of growth, creating a bond and love that continues to grow ever more perfect. It is an excellent remedy if you need to wash out your tearducts and sinus'!

Enjoy your up-and-coming weekend!

SAYING FAREWELL TO 2011

2011-12-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

So, the end of another year.....wiping that past away and making way for the new. A time to reflect on what's been, what is and what will be by being aware that the NOW is where we really are and that will creatively influence our future.
I've been reading the most wonderfully delightful book by, Elizabeth Griffin....."A Taste of Grace".
She writes her story beginning with her life from Seattle and finally over to Trieste, Italy......dramatic, humorous and certainly holds various episodes in her life that we can all relate to. Also, interspersed are Italian recipes lovingly created by her husband, Mauro. There are meditations and Italian words and phrases along with the phonetic pronounciation. There was an explanation of what must be an Italian cultural view in how the Italians view 'breezes'. And I take it that one of the worst things that can happen and must ALWAYS be guarded against, is the Dreaded Draft! So, the people are always noting if it happens to be a windy day.......Take Care!! Her examples are pretty funny. Now for followers of my blog, you might remember quite some time ago that I mentioned re-connecting with a friend I went to high school with.....and her Italian born father's misuse of some of our American terms. As teenage friends, we loved to find something to giggle about regarding our corny and 'so-out-of-it-parents'. So, where the Italians will say "What a breeze"........Mr. Tuccori would say "What a windy". So hilarious did we find this that even now, my husband and I will comment on 'what a windy' when our Port Orford coastal winds get roaring..........and when I talked to my old friend after so many years, one of the first things I said to identify myself was "What a windy!!" We laughed and laughed as if it were yesterday. I'm so loving Elizabeth's book and if you have a chance to take a look at it on Amazon, it might appeal to you too. American meets Italian culture plus a whole lot more! And Elizabeth's own personal journey through health crisis and into a beautiful spiritual Awareness that she readily shares with all.

The photos I have posted here were taken a couple of weeks ago. The first one was of Meyer's marsh up in Bandon. There are some photos that have too much 'nature' in them too make a good photo. This is where I really appreciate my Topaz software. It can soften all the features so they aren't competing with each other.
The below was taken on a very windy day (where IS Mr. Tuccori?) and the sea looked more turbulent than I like.........again Topaz softens. I know this look isn't to everyone's liking but for the time being, I'm enjoying it a lot.

So, I'll give you my Happy New Year's greeting and advice to stay safe if out on the road. May everyone have a great weekend and an even better 2012!

It's raining in Port Orford and "What an incredible Windy!!"

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

2011-12-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had as lovely a Christmas as Norm and I did. Norm is always like a little kid on Christmas morning.......waking me up early (by mistake, of course.... NOT). So, the coffee was already made and I fortified myself with sips as I dug out all the gifts for each of us to open. Great fun and many wonderful surprises........plus some needed items that went under the tree "From us" "To us".
Following breakfast were the family phone calls, everyone giving thank you's and how are you and what the plans for the day were. We all had plenty to do so the Sunday calls were a little abbreviated......at least for my sister's and I. Now, Norm.........he can get on and off the phone before the person at the other end even knows who they're talking to! 8-))

We had been invited over to our friend's home for Christmas dinner at their beautiful Bed & Breakfast, The Compass Rose. It was like stepping into a Currier & Ives scene. The house was so beautifully decorated.......everywhere. Outside, inside and in every room.............Even the bunny hutches~~! So inviting and cheerful. And the aromas in the kitchen!!! Ohhhhh..........Not one person thought of keeping any piece or particle of a diet. That can be postponed until Jan 2nd I guess. So, in the top photo we're greeting by our wonderful host and hostess.......Doug and Karen, in front of their Noble pine Christmas tree.

The crown pork roast pictured here was every bit as delicious as it looks. Moist, full of flavor.....just fantastic. There was also stuffing, great tasting broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, to be followed by a number of decadent and scrumpious desserts made by Karen. A fruit pie, a lemon cake, and a chocolate cake. I had the chocolate.............ohhhhhh, was it ever good!!!

The cheerful lights below were something they made up and it just showed off it's own holiday warmth in the dark powder room. I can't do all the various scenes justice, even if I could post them all on this blog. For more, you can go to Facebook, but still, you'd have to have seen them in person.

We arrived at Karen and Doug's at 1:30 and were driving home a 9 that night~I couldn't believe we had spent that amount of time............It was so much fun and time passed so quickly. We were tired and I can only imagine how our friend's were enduring! And Karen had to work Monday!! Later, I found out that Doug was up and out burning limbs and fallen junk down in the woods. Gesh!

So, as our Christmas leads into New Year's and the close of 2011, it's now time to look at the past year and be grateful.........for gifts but also for lessons learned even if they didn't quite feel like that at the time. Everything has value and some time or another, looked at with appreciation for what it held. All evolving into who we are now. With more to come! So bring on 2012 and let's all try to make the world a more peaceful experience for us and our children.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

To all my friends and family, Norm and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may 2012 bring peace to all, in mind and spirit...........

OAK TREE STUDY

2011-12-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

Are you all having a good holiday week?? The count-down has begun and it's only 6 days until Christmas. All my baking is done.......all packages gift-wrapped and under the tree......tomorrow off to Coos Bay/North Bend to deliver some gifts to our doctor's offices and maybe pick up one or two things if we can muster enough courage to combat the rest of the shoppers. My week promises to be a good one with meeting up with friends and sharing some cheer. And our weather continues to cooperates with the promise of plenty of sun.........with just enough cold bite to the air to remind us that it is, indeed, still December.

I loved this old oak tree down on the Elk River and decided to experiment with a few various editing applications. I like them both........they each have a 'frosty' look, don't you think?

Watching the Monday night football at Candlestick Point........twice the electricity went out, delaying first the beginning of the game, and again in the second quarter. What a mess........at least no one in the audience panicked. Must be hard on the players, though, to stop, start, stop, and start again. No wonder it's such a low scoring game.

Speaking of start and stop activities...........I just spent an hour talking on the phone and words have now lost their appeal for me, so I'll close this up and start getting ready to end the day.

Night all..........

A DAY OF WINTER WANDERINGS

2011-12-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was great to go photo shooting with my friend, Karen. We were both just driving with no particular destination in mind, and stopping to shoot whenever something appealed to us. It was fun.....all the places that aren't on the menu when the trips up to Coos Bay don't offer the opportunity............no husbands, in other words! The rivers and surrounding areas, marshes, cattle.......and you can see below that I finally got a few pictures of the beautiful white bulls that I've been trying to capture. They are just magnificant and powerful animals. When we got out of the car and (carefully) treaded our way through the soggy grasses....over to the fence....and all the cattle were watching intently. The younger cattle were in a group off and away from the bulls. Something about our presence finally spooked them and they all went charging over to the white bulls. The bulls never moved a muscle even with the rest of the herd heading to gain some sense of safety with the older 'gents'. I call them gents because in the small panic that the younger ones felt, one felt he needed to gain some reassurance by trying to climb one of the white bulls. The bull seemed to realize that this wasn't really going to go anywhere and he actually looked bored with the whole business. Instead of putting the younger one in his place.......it was more of a "ho-hum".

That top photo was looking down from Hwy 101 onto the Sixes River. There was some kind of big cement block........maybe the left over from a bridge. I think my straight photo was pretty uninspiring so I played around with my Topaz until I thought it was softer. It appealed to me more.

We went on to Bandon Old Town, drove around and explored. I have a ton of new photos but can only post a few on this blog. I'm putting more on Facebook and Flickr if you want to view more.

Today I returned to A Course In Miracles group after almost a year away. It felt like returning home. And I had just met a young woman an hour earlier, whose son had just died. I felt so badly for her.......as well as the man who brought this to my attention. No words could ever be adequate at a time like that........only a hug might convey my sympathy and empathy. So young.....and at Christmas time it seems even more painful. So, if any can remember this young woman and her son in your good thoughts and prayers, please...........

EARLY DECEMBER

2011-12-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

Not a very original title today, huh? But it WAS an originally beautiful morning. We got the last of our Christmas gifts mailed off and on their way. The white bull I want to shoot (camera-wise) down in the Sixes pasture, was not near the fence like I'd hoped. The only time I see him is when I don't have the time to stop. But here was the Elk River looking perfectly photographable......If you look closely you can see one lone fisherman down there wearing a red shirt. I got the impression that he didn't care whether he caught a fish or not, but was just enjoying the quiet, sunny morning. Course, me not being a fisherperson, I am probably interjecting my own thoughts.

Got the last of my Christmas cookies made up today...........lemon shortbread, my two favorites, Snickdoodles and Chocolate Lumpies. I think I like the names more than anything. "Chocolate Lumpies" just says it all, doesn't it?? 8-))

The next stop we made yesterday morning for these photos was out at the Cape. I thought it might be less windy than usual.......HA! I could see the whitecaps over my the Hughes House and as usual, had to find something to brace myself against to try and keep the camera (and me) steady.

Our Christmas tree is an artificial one that we bought a number of years ago. The last real tree dried out so quickly and dropped needles all over that I was afraid of a house fire. The time has come for a new artificial tree right after Christmas.....hopefully at some sale price. The tree we're presently using is probably a 6' and if around this area, you readers know of anyone who might give our old tree a new home please have them get in touch with me. If I don't hear of anyone than towards the end of the month, I'll probably put out the word on Facebook or emails. Sorry, it can't be before Christmas since it's being used right now.

I hope everyone has a great weekend........the weather looks like it might be changing soon, so this is the weekend to get out enjoy..............

Happy Christmas season..........

WINTER'S PRESENCE

2011-12-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Here on the south coast we all have a pretty good idea that winter is here......even if the calendar is a little behind the time. We went over to Roseburg a couple of days ago and the fog over in Coquille was thick and mysterious looking. I love the various effects that it gives nature. Oh, there was one sight that I wish I could have had my chauffeur stop for so I could take a quick photo........It was a grove of trees, completely bare of any leaves. In the gray fog, it gave the mystical appearance, but in the middle of the group there was one large tree not only holding all it's leaves but they were bright gold.........really showing off a great contrast. Beautiful!!

How are your plans and activities coming along towards Christmas?? I managed to have most all of my gifts just waiting to be wrapped up and some mailed off. I put up our Christmas tree yesterday and all the trimmings around the house today. Ahhhh............it feels good!! You might call it smug.......and you'd probably be right. *-))

A couple of weeks ago Norm and I were shopping up at WalMart in Coos Bay. We had finished and I needed to visit the ladies room before heading home. As Norm was waiting for me a younger man approached him and said, "Thank you for your service, Chief." with an outstretched hand to shake. He was in civilian clothes so there was no knowing if he was in the service, but probably so since he knew Norm's rank by the USN-ret SCPO cap he was wearing. It might seem like such a simple gesture, but it meant so much!!! I imagine that particular baseball cap might just be his favorite one to wear now. And if he forgets I'll remind him. I felt so proud of him!

Well, cold weather tonight and tomorrow night.........keep warm and be carefull if you have to drive anywhere.......Enjoy the season!

IN BETWEEN STORMS

2011-11-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? We had some good friends over and I cooked.......and ate too much! As I'm sure most of you did, too. And some wild, wild weather before Turkey Day!! Wow! They said it was 85 MPH winds.........I'm surprised there wasn't a lot more damage. Even our electricity stayed on.
One set of friends were away for the holiday week and Norm and I would go over and feed and do what petting we could for their bunnies. They were fine the whole time, but I did worry that something would break into their cages and have rabbit stew.......or one would get sick on a hair ball.......or the wind and rain would somehow scare them to death. Obviously, nothing like that happened at all...........they were fine, enjoying their banana chips, alfalfa and apples....or carrots. and the pets...........Very lovable little bunnies.

Another friend of mine had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at Redfish here in town. That's my plan for next year. Maybe some friends and relatives will be able to join us. The only problem would be not having the turkey leftovers. Today I finished making up gallons of turkey soup for the freezer. Coming home from a day of shopping, add some vegetables and bake up some fresh bread..........all set!

Tomorrow we need to go up to Coos Bay and replenish our food and hopefully get some Christmas shopping done. I don't do the Black Friday shopping. It just sounds too crazy for me......Although I doubt that there are too many pepper-spraying shoppers around. That was just bizarre. But rare, I think. I had thought I was ahead in the Christmas shopping for this year.........suddenly the reverse seems to be true and I need to hustle!!

Well, hope everyone has had a restful and long holiday weekend and are all rested up to begin another new week. It's still raining so drive safe and stay dry.

TWO RECENT FAVORITES OF MINE

2011-11-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

These both look better against the black of my 'real' blog page......for those of you who subscribe and get them on a white background. The first is of some vine maple leaves set on a glass table top. A gold speckled ball added an extra color and the processing led to what looks like a background of blue velvet. Edited using Topaz..........

Below photo is of a painter down on the beach at Brookings. He seemed completely oblivious to me and/or my camera. That's the way to really get involved in your art......completely right brain ingrossed........and my right brain loves that unbrella~

A DAY IN BROOKINGS

2011-11-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

My friend, Karen, and I went on our own little shopping jaunt last week. We hit the Fred Meyer's in Brookings. I hadn't been down there in years and I was so happily surprised to see how large it was. They had a great selection of women's clothing up on the second floor and there really wasn't enough time for me to take it all in. Perfect reason for a return trip! I've been wanting a number of particular items and had no problem in filling a few shopping bags!
Love Norm to pieces but this was just no place for him!

These two photos were taken on our way down........somewhere between Gold Beach and Brookings, I think. The day was perfect with not a cloud in sight and no breeze. Maybe the water wasn't quite THIS placid since I did play around with editing, but it was beautiful. It was even a little warm in the afternoon.

We had a nice lunch, a few errands and then headed home. There was a forecast of possible rain and it seemed the weatherman had to be wrong but as we closed in closer to Port Orford we could see the lineup of clouds offshore, and it wasn't too long after we got home that the drips started in.

I have more photos of our day plus an album of Doug and Karen's new bunnies at the Compass Rose posted in a photo album on my Facebook page.

Hope you're all having a good weekend. Thanksgiving is probably on a lot of people's minds.......only a couple of weeks away now. I have a partial menu planned and most shopping done. I've even started in on my Christmas shopping. This holiday season is so different for me than last when Norm was in the hospital or newly arrived home. He's so better than ever now.....and I still feel incredibily blessed.

Happy soon-to-be-Monday.

'DOCK' ADD ON

2011-11-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

NOVEMBER AT THE DOCK-

2011-11-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

Had a good lunch and great and long-overdue lunch with my friend, Pat, last week. I vowed to order something unfattening..........does fish and chips count? I ate very few chips and that was only when I wasn't thinking about it. I'm sure you've all done the same thing, right?? I hadn't been down to the dock in quite a while and here are a couple of photos from that day. I have more that will follow but I'm having trouble downloading them again.......The day was fairly gray with plenty of clouds so everything look fairly drab anyway. Just the time to use black and white......and with the wisps of clouds and mist around Humbug and the off-shore rocks, I think it enhances it nicely. If you double click on the photo it should take you to a larger sized photo where I think the effect shows better.

This fish float and net are hanging on the old grayed wall behind Griff's Restaurant. I like it.....and one similar that's done in a painterly look is a favorite of mine also. I'm posting it separately.

Rainy and windy out tonight............we did still get in a bit of a walk (Good for us!!) Tomorrow I'm making up a nice big pot of split pea soup with rustic boule` bread. I think I make this comfort food up just to let the house smell so good!

Have a great Sunday and travel safe on these wet roads if you are going out.........

FIRST RAIN OF AUTUMN?

2011-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Or is it? It seems to me it's the first autumn rain.......it was enough for me to start baking bread again. I changed a few recipes of mine and the loaves came out great. I've been making Irish soda bread for years but for some reason last year every batch I made up just wasn't very good. Anyway.......I realized this year what I had changed and went back to my old way and "Oh Yum!" and I added a handful of millet which gives a little more crunch. More Yum~

I met up with a good friend who I hadn't seen in too long and it was wonderful to catch up, see how good she looked and sounded. She's a fellow photographer and sounds like she's moving on-ward-and-upward at full speed. Is putting my lazy self to shame! So, I thought I'd better try and get back with the program. And I actually enjoy shooting more in the fall and winter anyway. More diversity.

My family had a death in the family about a week ago. It was too far for me to travel, and I hadn't seen this cousin in decades. Still, she was the last of the older generation and my thinking was set to honor the past memories of our family's shared history. The good and not-so-good...........it all helps make us who we are and I like to believe that THAT's a good thing. We all have so much more to us than what we realize. I know I always seem to have a higher opinion of others than they do of themselves.......even by what they do or don't say. There's a saying that I think of every so often......"Who you are speaks louder about you than what you say and do." And people do do the best they can with what they have, at the time of their lives that they are, don't you think? This lady who passed on was a strong woman with strong convictions and a softer heart than I think she let many see. Her life was filled with many years of her own share of struggles, successes, losses and joys........ and much courage. And she passed through her final life phase still caring about others while demonstrating dignity and grace. I picture her rejoicing in happy reunions with past family and friends and wish her God-Speed.

So, these are some early autumn snaps that I took a couple of days ago. The one above I tinkered around with a little editing but it is a late still blooming hollyhock.......vivid pink which I only gave a hint of. When viewed on large it's amazing that there's a whole other world down deep in that flower........Guess that's why some people enjoy macro photography so well. The photo below is of one of our Japanese maples. It's so happy where it's planted.......(not too far from over the septic tank). I don't need to elaborate anymore on that. This last shot is a closeup of a barrel full of mums. Cheerful little guys! After the rain I expect them to look a little weathered so I'm happy I snapped while they still looks photogenic.

Well, hope everyone is having a good weekend...........lots of football games and did you see that World Series??!! Wow~! That was something special this year!!

Have a great Sunday!

BUNNY B&B IN THE MAKING!

2011-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

For those who know of Doug and Karen Hansen's beautiful B&B, The Compass Rose, there's going to be an extension built on that will offer space for future bunnies that need rescuing. This has been a long-time dream of Doug's (and Karen) and I hope that the rescue hutches will open the way for more in the future. But maybe it's best to not get ahead of ourselves...........especially by those 'selves' who aren't doing the building and tending. So this first photo on top is Doug measuring something for one of the next steps towards completion. It will have a place that will be protected from our sometimes fierce and blowy Port Orford winter storms. (That's my Norm with him, taking it all in)

And here are the furry little darlin's themselves. They don't know yet that there will soon be another couple to be moving into the neighborhood. For the photos, I fooled around with Photoshop..........cause that's what I seem to want to do right now.

I have to admit that I can never remember these little guys names. I'm pretty sure the boy is PJ, who's this little brown-haired one. I refer to the white lady of the hutch, as PJ's Mrs. Hopefully there will be more photos in another week or so of the occupants of the new Bunny B&B.

SOME OLDIES

2011-10-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

At least some older photos from my files. Seems that time is short these days for going out and getting new shots. These were from my sister-in-law Lucy's garden during her memorial. And the top shot was a beautiful and colorful presentation at the table.......among many other yummy things to eat.

I should have taken a photo of the apple-crumb pie I'd made today. Norm's been wanting me to bake one so today was the day. Good day for it......Sunday's always are. Now I'll be walking double time for the next week wondering if it was worth it...........Oh, Yeah!!

Did anyone see the San Francisco 49er's win today??!! Another "Oh, Yeah!!" Maybe their time has finally come. And the sun was sort of out, the sky was pretty and the air was crisp..........all in all a good day.

So, now that most of all the doctor's appointments are pretty well behind us for a while, maybe this week I can grab a little time to take more photos. Norm has been having to use a cream on his face for some basil-skin 'thingies' (because we disagree as to what to call them, 'thingies' will do for now). He's staying low as much as he can since he doesn't like his appearance right now. It really isn't that bad but I understand how when it's YOU that your feelings are more focused and self-conscious. Anyone over the age of, well, you name it, can remember how we used to lie out in the sun and tan, tan and more tan........thinking we looked so healthy and great. I used to lather on the baby oil or whatever the newest fad was at the time. Oh, all the dead gnats that would collect on my limbs as I baked to a nice crisp brown.........Now we pay the piper; at the very least added wrinkles and spots. Those spots that we call freckles for as long as we can get away with it.

Norm remembers when his father recommended he smoke cigarettes because it kept you from getting TB......especially if you smoked the menthol. Amazing, huh?

So.......stay out of the sun and burn up those cigarettes before they burn you!

And have a great week!

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT!!

2011-10-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days where I just can't get this Blogger to download more than one photo at a time..........and then it delivers two of the same thing..........Arrrgh!! Very frustrating!

But what todays post is about is the additional light and beautiful view we have now. Jerry and Blake White came and finished up the tree thinning and trimming. Wow! What a difference...........I can't wait until the skies clear and we can see down to the ocean again. As it is now we have a beautiful view of the canyon just below our decks although I don't know if it shows up all that well in photo form!

And the amount of light coming into the house gives me hope that maybe Emily's orchid WILL actually bloom someday. Hope springs eternal!

So, Norm and I thank you, Jerry and Blake.........you guys did a beautiful job and we really appreciate your friendship, as well. Exciting futures for both of you and we wish you all kinds of good wishes!

AUTUMN COLORS

2011-10-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Aren't the warm colors of autumn beautiful? My favorites........the reds, oranges and browns with an occasional dash of yellow...........mmmmm. The photo above can't help you not think of apple pie or apple sauce. Add a bit of cinnamon and "oh, so good". Warms the soul.

This second shot is of our trumpet vine. It is the main attraction for our one remaining hummingbird. I hope it gets the hint that it's time to move to warmer weather, though. I can't help but remember one spring in finding one little frozen hummingbird in a branch of pyracantha who was done in by an exceptionally cold storm. That was back in California though. Such an awful thing couldn't possibly happen here on the south coast, right??

Today the sun was out and the weather a little nippy but lovely, I think. I got my walk in and Norm seems to want to bar-b-que for one of the last times for a while. So, the chicken is ready for the grille and we still have plenty of veggies from the garden that haven't made it into the freezer or been turned over in the garden yet.

Add an older "who-done-it" movie for tonight and you know about our day. Nothing earth shaking but filled with contentment. Hope your's is as well.

AUTUMN DAYS

2011-10-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize that I haven't blogged in a little while........soooo, I'm back.....
Birthdays, doctor appointments, canning and freezing.......all the trappings of getting ready for cooler and wet weather. We've burned a few fires (pant-pant)
made soups and comfort foods. Next will be breads but the days are tight and time is short. That will change before too long......and it's not too soon to start initial planning for the holidays. Thanksgiving will again be my favorite. A year ago at this time, Norm was feeling very bad and would soon be feeling worse. A couple of serious surgeries done Miracle-Quick would fix that. It took a lot out of him but he's made remarkable steps back into good health. Still, lots of doctor's appointments coming up from all his doctors to make sure he stays that way. He's doing well enough to complain loudly about it, which I see as a positive.

So, these two photos were taken on a little jaunt up the Sixes River Road last week. I'm in the mood for some black and white, although with the autumn colors turning more beautiful by the day, I expect I'll be shifting my attention to the technicolor world of the south coast before long. In fact, there's a certain friend who is graciously allowing me to go and take some photos of her beautiful home overlooking the Sixes River. Bubbling stream and wonderful big boulders have me looking forward to a couple of nice days........at least not raining.

This Wednesday those who wish to exhibit their photos at South Coast Hospital in Bandon will deliver their works. I'm really looking forward to seeing the different creations that will be shown. So......those of you who live or will be traveling around the Bandon area, try to stop by and take a look. The exhibit will hang October thru December.

Hope you're all having a great week~

A FEW LOCAL SIGHTS

2011-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Norm had an early blood test and we ate breakfast up in Bandon. This sight at the Bandon marina had me stopping and taking a couple of photos. I don't usually see boats this big in Bandon. Then the seagulls and pilings attracted my attention more than the boat. I've only put a couple of them here.......

This apple tree was loaded with it's bright red fruit. On our own trees at home a spring storm blew off every last one of the blossoms and we have not one apple this year. But the fruit season was not a complete loss.........we did get 2, that's T-W-O! pears. Wow! Don't everyone get all envious at once, now..........

If you view this photo on large you'll get a better look at the fruit. I did work it with Topaz in hopes of letting the fruit stand out more.

TREE TRIMMING WITH JERRY & BLAKE

2011-09-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

Waaaaayyyy up there you see Jerry White hanging around in a place not too many of us would want to be. It doesn't seem to bother him, though. Norm wanted some of the tall trees in front trimmed up for winter and Jerry and his son, Blake made it look easy. Well, all except the climb up there and back. He obviously knew what he was doing and his work was smooth, agile and experienced. Blake is a senior in high school this year and he helped his Dad with eyes from below and the hauling of the cuttings. The finished 'product' looks so neat...........the trees look so much taller and allow a lot more light onto the front. In another visit the two will take care of other areas of over grown trees and let more sun onto the vegetable garden. It sure cleans everything up! Thanks, Guys~!

I wasn't able to get all the photos I wanted to download on my blog tonight. Sometimes that happens and I don't know why. So, tonight's pics are divided into two postings. The one on top is Jerry surveying the area and the second is Blake, his son. Great smile, huh?

In the below posting, that's Jerry in a longer view so it shows just how way up there he is. (Pass the parachute, please!)

Today Norm and I picked up a couple of items from the new Mexican restaurant in town, "Don Rey"........Very good and we recommend it for a tasty and filling meal. I ordered a couple of tamales...........delicious. They reminded me of my favorite when I lived back in San Francisco. Our family used to go down to Taravel Street and get the huge corn husk tamales. Memories seem to increase in fondness as time goes by, but really, Don Rey's were just as good as I remember from my childhood. Norm ordered an Adobada Burrito. Since I never heard a word from him and his burrito disappeared at mock speed, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say he enjoyed it.........a lot.

We seem to be getting our Indian Summer.......at least today. It was beautiful! I picked blackberries, huckleberries, cooked up the last of the chard and the first of the string beans. Those beans were wonderful! So tender! Blue Lake or something like that is the type. We have to plant them again next year and they're much easier to pick (pole) than the bush bean that we usually plant.

So........that's been our day.........hope yours went well as well as the rest of the week~

Happy Monday!

CONTINUED TREE TRIMMING

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

BELATED SPRING POPPIES

2011-09-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

I was going through my older files and came across these Icelandic poppies and thought I'd fool around with them a bit. Along the way, it occurred to me that it's been a little while since I wrote on my blog. The summer continues to wind to a close, the blackberries are picking-ready and so are the huckleberries. I thought I might try drying the huckleberries this year. I read up on it and I don't know how much time it would save over freezing, but it would save a little space in my freezer.
I'll let you know how it works........have any of you tried drying them? If so, let me know how it worked for you.

Our veggie garden has really been producing this year...........and I know many others around our area have as well. Norm should know better, but he planted waaayyyy too many tomato plants this year. Most of them are cherry tomatoes. Some are the orange tomato which is new to us this year. Very good~! Thankfully, I know people who are happy to help us eat them up.

Today I received an email about how to decorate your Christmas holiday table! It's too early to start in on that, although I have seen a few things with the holiday spirit (I use that word reluctantly) up in some of the stores. The idea actually was to promote a new holiday DVD for the group, Pink Martini........but still.....Wow! I'm so not ready!
We haven't even had frost on the pumpkin yet!

Next month there will be a digital photography show up at the South Coast Hospital in Bandon. They're so great with the arts........always having one kind of an exhibit or another...........Should be fun. There are so many expressive things you can do with editing on your computer now. I'm looking forward to seeing all the results. It runs from October through December, I think. For the coasties......be sure to stop by sometime on your way up to our own 'Bay Area'.

Seems that most of our gold finches have moved on.........and the hummingbirds were here one day and just gone the next.........not even a 'good-bye and thanks for the summer syrup'. How's that for hospitality? More nuthatchers though. And I think the junco's should be arriving in another couple of weeks. The Canada geese also. I love to hear them honking and looking up and seeing their V-shaped arrival. Then I know for sure that autumn is here! Hope you're all enjoying the changes as much as I am.

BETWEEN SEASONS

2011-09-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

A little change from the Rogue River shots..........at least for this first one. Norm made this portable rustic planter. We planted some petunias a couple of weeks ago......... add water and sun and 'voile'! Pretty, I think......the only petunias we planted this year. What has been taking over the limelight on our deck this summer is the calendula..........bright, bright orange and yellows!

But backing up the river just a little.........The homeward trek on our jet boat. One of my favorite shots of those I took is this one here below. If you see the two fishermen and see how dwarfed they are by those surrounding hills and mountains, you see how it can really allow you to feel humbled. God's own Creation that we're blessed to live in~!!! You can get a better view by clicking on the photo to see it in a larger image.

And for those of you who live here on the south coast, you'll recognize the bridge crossing over the Rogue just before it empties into the Pacific. The waters just beyond the bridge was crowded with sports fishing boats......all shapes and sizes. I don't know how they did in their luck with fishing. I didn't see all that many holding up their trophies this trip. But maybe it was just a poor day..........But not for me~It was a great trip and now it's time to think about what's around the homestead for a while.

Enjoy your weekend and the turning season...........it's here!

FURTHER ALONG UP THE ROGUE

2011-09-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Little folks are friendly up the river. This little guy was just all charm~his dog, now, he's a different kettle of fish, isn't he? Fido was fishing also, but he came up with a rock. Not like the serious fisherman here in this second photo. I think he looks pretty cool. Including that great and probably good-luck fishing hat.

This third shot is the best I could get as we drove by these two bald eagles in the

oak trees. They always look so majestic don't they?? And I enjoy the lines of those oaks. They match in majestic dignity.

I talked to my sister today, twice actually. Most of the photos I took of her and Nick, didn't turn out very well. Darn! There is one that I might put up next posting where Nick, whose reputation for 'bonking' his head as a little kid spoke for itself, is over on his back when somehow the chair he was sitting in up-ended. It's some of that continuity of life that I love.

Hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day holiday tomorrow and the shortened work week ahead.

UP THE LAZY RIVER

2011-08-27T15:51:00.001-07:00

Such busy summe days!! While my sister and nephew were visiting us we went up on one of the jet boat rides on the Rogue. I've been a number of times and it's always different and always beautiful! This was the first time I've actually seen any bear but the view was so distant and camouflaged with trees and brush, I actually see the furry critters much better up here in Cedar Terrace. This first scene was of some Park Rangers who were pulling a large net so they could count each fish to see how the Fall Chinook were running. We stayed around a few minutes for the show. I'll probably be showing a few more from the counting. I think they were having a lot of fun......along with posing for the camera/s!

This second shot is of a peregrine nest waaaaay up at the top and the home-owner there off the the left keeping a sharp eye for anything eatable I suppose. We saw a number of them all along the river that day.

This happens to be one of my favorites of that day. We were just heading up the Rogue and the fog was hanging around making everything look soft and mysterious. I was afraid this photo wouldn't turn out because of the sun in the frame, but the fog softened it beautifully. Reminds me of a Currier and Ives. As to the rest of my recent days, there has been tons of food baking and canning and freezing since our garden is more prolific this year than the past number of summers. I'll be glad come this winter but as for now, I groan everytime I see another zucchini, beet or carrot come into the kitchen. And you can tell every day that summer is coming to an end. Leaves tuning and a new bit of chill to the air. This is my favorite season coming up. Love it and the cozy fire and comfort food.

That's it for now............Hope you're all having a great summer!!

BURRO times 2

2011-08-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Almost every week we drive to Coos Bay via Seven Devils Road and we always look for the two Mediterranean burros that are sometimes in sight in a small narrow pasture. It's been more than a year since I've seen them; in fact I thought they might have been sold. We came screeching to a stop when I saw one right up by the fence line. When I got out of the car and was getting my camera from the back, the burro wandered over to disappear in the brush and shadow. I talked in my best burro-enticing voice and pretty soon not just one, but two, burros came over to the fence. They were very skiddish about the camera but after I let them smell it, they sort of settled down. I snapped, rubbed their noses, snapped, chatted, snapped and discovered they weren't too happy with their ears being scratched..........snapped some more. So, here are a few that I've played around with and am sharing with you.

Busy weekend........my sister and nephew are coming up and we have fun things to do everyday. Saturday night we're going to try Edgewaters for dinner in Bandon. I reserved the table in the corner and facing the Coquille River. Sunday, Sherry Pelton will be playing her newest piano composition at Unity Church in Bandon. I'm reading the book, "Anam Cara: The Wisdom of the Celts", which was the inspiritation for her piece. On the way home we'll stop by the news shops in Langlois; Jeffrey's, Simply Delightful and Inga's. Then on Monday we have a jet boat ride planned on the Rogue River...........I've been on a few times before but not with camera. I have my fingers and toes crossed that I see lots of neat stuff. I can still picture the man standing knee deep wate and playing a fiddle or violin and wearing a floppy hat..........unfortunately no one else but me saw him, hence, the funny looks I get when I tell this. Would I love to see him again, this time with my camera! Who knows? Maybe..........

You all have a great weekend and travel and play safe!

ONE BY LAND, TWO BY SEA

2011-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

One by land is an photoshoped squash blossom.........The true color, in the overhead sun, was so garishly yellow that it didn't look real. The garden is doing so well this year.....Norm's veggie's that is. My flower gardens are still cottage-jungle. The abundance of blooms right now, thankfully, outshines the unwanted and untamed look. I hope. Norm brought in our first 2 of the season-barely ripe cherry tomatoes. Yum! We've been so patiently waiting. Nothing like sun-ripened tomatoes! Lots of produce from the garden lately to be prepared and frozen for fall and winter. It's keeping me busy.

These two photos were taken up at Charleston. I never seem to get close enough to an ordinary egret. This one wasn't too close either but I was able to crop it enough and then give it a painterly look. Still not what I'm aiming for but, oh well.

The below sunken boat has only been sunken a few weeks. I had taken some photos of it a year or so ago and while it had clearly seen better days, at least it was afloat...........now it'll be in the running with the Mary Hume down in Gold Beach.

Sad, when you think of how it was at one time some fishmen's hope and dream.....and pride, I'm sure. It looks like it was a beautiful boat when at it's new glory. Be interesting to know the story behind it.

I had lunch with a couple of my friends at Siren's today. A later lunch than usual due to a work schedule. Since I had already had 1/2 an apple and some juice, I wasn't 'that' hungry but needed to have something. So......I did happen to remember that I've been waiting since the day Siren's Cafe got their ice cream (over a year ago, at least) that I've been wanting my coconut cream ice cream cone. I was excited when I got there and saw that they had it in and ordered a double scoop in a waffle cone. Ohhhhh..............it was sooooo good! Then one by one, my friends joined me and we all had a little of what is so good for the soul (once in a while). I'm still enjoying the memory of it~

NORM AND SISTER LUCY

2011-08-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Smith's have all loved their gardens. Lucy, Norm's sister, had gorgeous gardens and her daughter Ann had it looking like a page out of great English garden magazine. Roses blooming and clematis getting ready.....ferns, shrubs and a lawn that looked like a thick green carpet. This top photo is Norm watering his own veggie garden and surrounded by blooming hollyhocks, daisy and red cornus. I fooled around with my new Topaz and it looks like a painting now. Softer, which seems to match the mood I feel in this scene.

Lucy's memorial lunch was a beautiful tribute to her.......her daughters and other family and close friends, supplied everything they could think of that Lucy loved. Everything from Goldfish crackers to fried chicken and delicious blackberry pies. There were many photos of beautiful Lucy and two from her earlier life are the photos I took, above and below. Well, the one above was of Lucy.......beautiful, no??

and the lower was a poster from the Aquacade back in 1940. There were funny and heartwarming stories of Lucy to share as well as plenty of catching up with family. Many family members continued on down to the Klamath River for a family reunion.

A good weekend having a friend for dinner last night and today, just lazy and enjoying the summer day............Hope yours was good and your coming week even better!

TRAVELS ON TUESDAY

2011-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well........who do we have here?? Mr. Blue-eyes exactly as I like 'em. I love this particular smile of Norm's. He was telling me a joke or something and it was taking forever to finish it.........so I pointed my camera at him and started clicking. I now know that if you start taking someone's picture, they stop talking.......
Discovered a handy little tool!

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but have you noticed how there are a few maples that are getting a blush to their leaves?? And our vine maple rapidly turning color. That's always been the case with that one though...........it marches to it's own drummer.

The two flowers here are the same as one I posted a few days ago. I still don't know what they are but do know they're bulbs. Different colors might make a nice photo set for future printings.

I tried a new place for lunch today. Pat S. told me about it and we decided to give it a try. Very good sandwiches. They also have a variety of pizza's as well. The name is something-Kat's or Kat's something........I should have paid more attention. It's located in the old Wild Rose Bistro in Bandon in old town. I recommend you give it a try.

Norm had yet another birthday lunch at Redfish, compliments of Steve Roemen.
One of these days Norm's birthday celebrations will finish up!

Thursday we head on over to Eugene for a memorial lunch for Norm's sister, Lucy. She was a wonderful lady and a strong, beautiful woman. I wrote about her sometime last year when she passed. Lucy was in the Aquacades at the World's Fair in San Francisco, along with her long time friend, Esther Williams and Johnny Weismuller of Tarzan fame. She's missed and is leaving a wonderful legacy in her wake........the value of a life is when you leave the world a better place than when you entered. Lucy's life had so very much value!

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a fun-filled weekend!

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

2011-08-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying some new creative explorations. Let me know what you think of them if you have a minute.............

I've had the good fortune to have 3 different meals at Redfish this past week. One day with some of my women friends.......that was the carmelized scallops. Friday was Norm's birthday and he had an enormous and delicious burger while I tried out the crab cakes........ohhhhhh...........SO good!! Then on Sunday night I had the lamb dinner. Yum!! some finger potatoes that were really wonderful! And the view from Battle Rock when we left was fantastic. There was a low sun glow reflecting on the wet sands of the beach. I was kicking myself for not bringing my camera. And I naturally thought of Randy Sholten..........HE'd never find himself at that time of the day without HIS camera!! Well, hopefully there will be a next time and I'll do better.

The other night I heard racoons out on the deck........I hadn't known before that their sound is sort of soft chatter. Almost like a purr. I turned on the deck light which had them trying to look cool and calm and they turned around and headed towards the woods. A racoon walking away doesn't have a very graceful gait, have you noticed? They hunch over........very poor posture.........but they're neat to watch in climbing something where they appear almost liquid in their movements. Interesting little guys.

Hopefully this week will lack the animal trauma of last week. One of our little chipmunks got caught up in netting and had been twisting all around trying to get loose. All he did was wind the netting around and around his tail. We cut him down and clipped away most of the netting but he got away with some remaining around that tail. I was so nervous that Norm was going to cut off his tail instead of the netting! I was holding the little animal who was trying with all effort to escape and he did. Just slipped away........ Some friends told me that he should have been able to gnaw away the remaining net. Hope so or else I think he's going to be in bad trouble. I keep looking for the chipmunk but they all look the same.

I'm thinking of trying out how some of these above photos might look printed on canvas. Might be an interesting effect.

Hope you all have a great week. Couldn't ask for better weather lately, huh??

Enjoy.......enjoy!

THURSDAY IN JULY

2011-07-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Drove out by Garrison Lake today for a couple of photos. This one of Tseriadun shows off those wonderful ghost trees. I love their wind and rain washed glow. I noticed that the lake grasses and dune grasses are all at their peak right now.

This flower below is beautiful, isn't it? It was over at my neighbor, Nanci's, for one day only. Then it was 'gone with the wind' as frequently happens in Port Orford.
I don't know the name of this flower.......anyone??

A recommendation for those of you going to lunch at Redfish anytime soon.....at least before they change their menu. The carmelized scallops were fantastic!! On top of a bed of sauteed baby beet greens in some delicious liquid........Oh Yum! And tomorrow will find me back there again since this was Norm's choice on where to go to lunch for his birthday. Opps.......I understand from a friend of his that he's been telling, when asked, that his birthday isn't for weeks and weeks. Ha!
Anyway, I think I might try the crabcake sandwich.............doesn't that sound unusual?? And I love crabcakes so I don't think I can go wrong. Feel free to envy me............

Have a wonderful Friday and a safe and fun weekend!

JULY SURPRISES

2011-07-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

More summer treats in the form of blooms and thanks to all that endless winter rain we had.........Norm has been clearing out some of the jungle that was once our garden and came across this enormous and deeply purple butterfly bush flower. Even "he who yields a ruthless set of clippers" knew enough to save this for a floral display. I soooo appreciate him for his gardening help..........which had very distinctly passed long ago the 'cottage look' and moved into wilderness of Oregon chaos. Truly an act of love on Norm's part since I'm not able to get out there much lately.

Now this little group of flowers is actually the rose compion, hybrid style. The last few years I had both the white and the deep pink. I would throw the spent flowers over the fence below the deck where it is free to do what it will. I ended up with these varigated flowers, both pink (a lighter pink) and the white.

Recently I asked a Facebook friend about a particular book that I've had but hadn't gotten around to reading yet. I asked her what it was about. She has set me on a new path with a wonderful group of spiritually minded people and I can barely keep up with it all. They all have so many great and uplifting thoughts, words and quotes. And many more books. I have a definite weakness for books! Almost as much as bubblewrap! And the list just keeps expanding. Takes my breathe away!!

Well, my Monday has begun great and promises to get even better. Hope your's does the same. This Friday is Norm's birthday........One year ago at this time I was going crazy planning his big #80 birthday. That seems like about 5 years or so now......so many things have taken place over the past year. Mainly his surgeries and health challenges. For those of you who have known of this, you'll be happy to hear that he's just getting better all the time.....feeling good (although at this moment he's fast asleep in his chair pretending to watch one of his favorite programs, even though the sound has been on 'mute' for the past 10 minutes! 8-)
Ahhhh.....he must have heard me cause he just turned back on the sound.

His birthday......he wants me to take him to Redfish for his birthday. OK.......that's hardly a hardship for me!

Enjoy our sun!!

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!

2011-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

My niece up in Beaverton was still getting rain today, but I think a return to summer is coming to Oregon.

Today had me putting some of my photos down at Dorothy & Denny Dana's 'Trading Post".........their delightful little gallery of this n' that. It's always fun to see your own work up in a new display. If you get a chance, drop on by, take a look and let me know what you think.

The black and white photos are from my files.......I seem to still be in my B&W mood. These were taken at Garrison Lake while ago.....maybe last summer or fall.

I had a special treat arrive in the mail today from my friend, David. I had posted a silly little thing on Facebook about how important bubblewrap might be in one's life. It was a spoof, of course and there were some silly comments written in reply. So, today I received a package from Amazon......it even had a big smiley face of the box. Inside, was 30' of (unpopped!) bubblewrap!! And it was wrapped in an orange satin ribbon!! When I first opened it I hadn't read the message and didn't know who it was from......only pretty sure (?) that I wasn't the one who had ordered it. So, in my confusion and until I could figure this out, I automatically began popping that wonderful bubblewrap............that IS what it's for, isn't it?? Too help me in my more confused moments?? Times of stress?? It gave Norm and I some good laughs and reminds us of how sometimes giving an unannounced and nonsensical surprise gift, for no other reason than to make someone else smile, warms the hearts of all concerned. And if not, well, I'll just go pop some bubbles! 8-))

SUMMER RAIN~~just a hiccup

2011-07-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

I had some black and whites that seemed appropriate for this rainy day. At least it's a soft rain........still July warmth to the air. It's supposed to be like this through Tuesday so all you garden lovers will have to find something else to do. Today in the late afternoon, I put out a breadstick that was left over from last night. It was for the chipmunk or a young squirrel that hangs around........still trying to figure out how to get to that birdseed. During dinner Norm says loudly and with great gusto "There's a #@*!! raccoon on the deck~~" Said raccoon wasn't just on the deck he was looking in the window at us. As soon as Norm got up and open and slammed the door (rudely), the raccoon ran off. I guess I won't be putting anything more out on the deck. Next thing will be a return of the bear and we definitely don't need that.

I like the way these shots from Cape Blanco turned out........every once in a while I enjoy black and white. I follow a great photographer, Cole Thompson, and he works exclusively in black and white. You probably can time his newsletters by my own attempts at monochrome, be it ever so humble.

Today I made up about 100 more photo cards........tomorrow it's zucchini-rosemary-lemon bread. Yes, our zucchini is starting to produce and I need to start using it up. The rain reminds me that autumn and winter will return.......but not yet. This is just a little hiccup.

MID-SUMMER, SOUTH COAST STYLE

2011-07-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

I've been away from posting on my blog for a little too long. There was another photo garden show + fashion show in Langlois. That kept me a little tied up for a while. These are a couple of the photos I took during the show. This first photo is of Tim Belmont's darling little pup, Blanche. She is tiny but with a very big and fun-loving heart! Loves almost everyone and especially perks up when she hears the click of the camera. A true Princess, I think. ~~~~ Princess Blanche. It has a certain ring to it, don't you think?

The garden itself isn't terribly large but a beautiful semi-casual-but neatly-maintained circle of healthy and manicured bushes and florals. In the early evening light, the low sun just set off the colors with a warm glow. The long shadows adding their own touch of suble drama. This white rose was one that just stood out. Flawless. This rose must have believed that she was part of the fashion show..........one of many beautiful models.

SUMMER ALONG THE ROAD TO BLANCO

2011-07-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well, has everyone recovered from their 4th of July celebrations?? It seems to have left a lot of people sort of turned upside down in their time and space. I did get to the parade which is always fun.........love looking for different things to photograph and I'm never disappointed! Especially with the children. They are so cute and very funny! It brings me back to when I was shooting the Saturday Kids Art Program. They're just so natural and innocent in their approach to everything.......and so much is new and untried. Including their feelings about everything. What you see is what you got! And if not.........well, they're the sad ones.

These are a couple of photos I took on the way back from Cape Blanco the other day. Beautiful this time of year, hmm? The lovely wild parsnip in this one directly above.........such an abundance of it! And the top image is really of that wonderful pine that's been bent by the winds. All who live in our area know what kind of winds can be found out on the Cape. I still resent the fact that it took my favorite baseball hat I brought back from Scotland! Grrrrr...........

Simply Delightful, Jeffrey's Salon and Inge's new shop are all combining energy this Saturday for another garden show and exhibit. This one will have a fashion show with articles from Simply Delightful and Jeffrey's. And I might be running ahead of myself regarding Inge's. We'll have to wait and see. Inge is an extremely talented seamstress as well as maker of other hand crafted items. There will be music, food and drink, the fashion show and lots of fun. Photo exhibits will again be shown with Pat Stannard of Langlois, Lois Miller of Port Orford, and myself. Hope to see you there...........that's Saturday evening from 6pm to ?? Again, in the lovely little garden behind the Piercy Sweet Suites. Come have fun!

CAPE BLANCO VISIT

2011-06-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

What beautiful afternoon it turned out to be. I needed a new photo of Cape Blanco and it was perfect today.......little wind, clouds but blue sky. There were so many different wild flowers on the way.......in thick profusion were yarrow, foxgloves, lupines, daisies and of course, the dandelions. I even saw a wild iris or two still blooming. The wild azalea is one of my favorites and along the way to Langlois there is a spot......Floras Lake Loop.......where they grow all over on both sides and all corners of the highway. I look for them every spring/summer.

OK....here is one of the photos I took today of the lighthouse. Pretty, huh?

It's one of Norm's favorites and I'm going to have it printed and framed.

Below is looking south from the cape........the pinnacle rock and looking further you can see Humbug Mountain. In the foreground you can see the lupines all blooming. One of those days where I so appreciate where we live.

I hope you all have a super 4th of July weekend..........be safe and enjoy!

A PERFECT EVENING FOR A GARDEN SHOW

2011-06-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone had a good time! Lindsay and Katie, owners of Simply Delightful floral and gift shop in Langlois, hosted a wonderful evening. There was flowers both as florals for sale as well as in the surrounding garden. Once the wind died down it couldn't have been more perfect. There were 3 of us photographers who had been invited to display some of our work and Lindsay and Katie had set up not only a very functional but so attractive areas set up for each of us. Separate but in the circular garden, it was enhanced by a feeling of comfortable familarity. There were delicious snacks and sandwiches as well as all kinds of drinks....wine, lemonade, water........Everything was displayed so beautifully. A perfect evening for one and all.

The photo above is Lois Miller in front of her fantastic bird photos. You can see why her work is so popular.

And below is Shayla Richards with her display. I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting her before this night. What a sweet heart! and her work is just great. She's going to be photographing Lindsay and Sean's wedding this summer. I know her work will make many beautiful memories for the happy couple.

2011-06-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Norm is here helping me put up my display of photos. And our coastal breezes weren't making things any easier!

Here's Lois Miller standing next to the beautiful florals that were for sale.....made by Lindsay Dougherty and admired by all.

LAST DAY OF SPRING

2011-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

It started off beautiful......sunny, warm with promises of even warmer and maybe humid weather. Then.....something happened that wasn't expected............mysterious pause inserted here..........fog and overcast came to ruin everything~~So, now Norm is out bar-b-quing with his jacket on and I'm running around closing up windows and turning on the heat. Time to put some shoes and socks, too. I had been planning on titleing this post 'The First Day of Summer'.......but 'Last Day of Spring' seems a little closer to the truth. Well, tomorrow's another day and we can only hope!

Had a great lunch today at Redfish. A new menu to study and I'm wanting to try everything. Wonderful cranberry-walnut bread with turkey and swiss cheese was great......and the roasted potato with a dizzle of truffle oil. So good! Lots of people there, too! Some local and some tourists.....Lots of bustling around and much chattering background sounds. And our table of 4 women did our share of contributing in that regard! Never a silent moment!

These posted photos are again from my shoot out by Garrison Lake. The first one is of some grass blowing in our famous breezes. I like the bit of yellow peeking through from the dandeloins. And the second is of a dead tree that was down a hill and meeting up with some reeds in the lake. If you can look at it on large, it's a nice contrast of textures and like one friend said, it almost looks like a pencil drawing.

Enjoy your first day of summer.........may the sun re-appear with

much anticipated warmth.

LOOKING AT SPRING....I MEAN SUMMER??

2011-06-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure which season it is.....but it feels good! This last week was good in my corner of the world. A very special visit with an old friend....meeting a new one. Sharing the day with them and catching up on news and reminiscing of old times. Some tears......but more laughs....and HOPE in spite of recent loses. I love that word! HOPE

And another get-together yesterday that was also very special where getting together, feeling comfortable with old friends........and, again, new ones, was filled with meanings of the heart. I met a lovely lady from California that I think we all hope to see again and that was a treat. It was so gratifying to hear of her first impressions of Port Orford. They echo my own feelings as a new-comer, once upon a time. Thanks, Char

You've seen my post of a few weeks ago about the new floral and gift shop in Langlois.......Simply Delightful. Well, they're starting a new tradition, I hope, where some of the consignment contributors will have a special evening to display their work and products. This Friday evening from

6-8, Lois Miller, Shayla Carpenter and myself, each of us photographers, will have our work out for all to see. Lindsay and Katie, proprietors of Simply Delightful, will have blown balloons where 3 will have coupons inside for various discounts towards items in the shop. All you have to do is show up and pop your balloon......I think. Hope to see as many of you as can make it. There will also be beverages and snacks. Should be fun!

The photos above were taken out by Garrison Lake.....The day was a little cool and breezy.....the lake colors really were that deep. I enjoy the sun-bleached dead wood against the lake blue. Nice contrast

The second was of a great little cluster of foxglove. I thought the yellow Scotch broom off to the side gave it that extra little pop.

Can't believe it's already Monday tomorrow! The beginning of another beautiful week..........I hope for all of us.

THE GARDEN PARTY

2011-06-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

The garden party.......so many blooms wanting to be seen and heard......iris, rhoddy, columbine, lillies, trees, shrubs, and more flowers, small, medium and large. It just woke up and delighted all the senses.

And today it's been foggy and not just overcast, even a little drizzle here and there. I'm glad I went calling with my camera yesterday.

Today was a good day to have the spagetti pot simmering most of the day, catching up on reading and writing and my Sunday phone calls. Just a "hang-out" kind of day.

The other night we saw the movie, The Tourist. It wasn't the best I'd ever seen but lightly enjoyable. I did like the ending a lot and that almost made up for the lack-luster script and un-chemistry between Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.

For any of you who read my blog and would like to see more of my photos from Emily's garden, you can check out my photo album on Facebook. I couldn't put them all here because of space, although I might post others here from time to time.

OK........everyone go out and have a great Monday! Whatever it is you're going to do, do it with a happy heart!

FLORALS ON FRIDAY

2011-06-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Lots going on today...........this morning I spent an hour or so wandering around Emily's beautiful garden. To my way of thinking, it's the kind of garden that's picture perfect.......that you might see in a garden magazine. Many little areas of plants and flowers that compliment each other not only in color but texture. The right amount of various garden decorative touches like pots, urns, birdbaths, bird feeding stations, etc.
So, within the next week, I'll be posting some of those scenes. Oh, also of Nicki the kitty, who was NOT about to be overlooked!

For tonight, though, I wanted to show off a couple of my favorite blooms from my own garden. The first above photo is the "Goodbye, Polio" rose. It normally has a light pink blush that blends into the white. Maybe because it's the first bloom off the bush, the pink is strongly streaked along the rim of the petals. And why this would happen, I don't know.....it just sounds like a reason to me.....8-))
And I liked the reflection in the glass table the vase sits on.

This second photo has not had it's color "tweeked". This iris is really black. When I did try to lighten it up on Photoshop, it shows a deep blue, but to the naked eye, this is it. Pretty remarkable, don't you think??

Norm and I attended the 'official' grand opening of the new Tri-Angle Square gallery. I liked the former one also, but this has enough differences to make it's own mark. And for fans of Joyce and Doug's great art, we can still enjoy that at Denny and Dorothy Dana's new Trading Post, the former Coast Candle Shop next to the Hawthorne Gallery. Lots of new stuff happening in our little town! Many, many talented artists.
And it's the weekend and the sun is out so you can enjoy taking a little walk around the south end of town and looking at some of these new sights...........and I know you wouldn't hurt their feelings if you decided there was something that would look wonderful in your own home and you couldn't live without!! Go for it!!

THE HANSEN THUMPERS

2011-06-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

What a great side show we enjoyed yesterday with our coffee and visit at The Compass Rose
B & B with friends, Doug and Karen. There was a steady stream of entertainment from their bunnies, birds and deer. With the sun shining and temperatures warm it was the perfect time for the tame little bunny couple to go for their playful exercise in the fenced vegetable garden. They have their favorite little "hidie-holes", tunnels and shaded shelters that Doug has made up for them.

This first photo is of them (I don't know their names, I'm sorry to say) taking a rest together after spending about 30 minutes or so of racing around on their own. I love the 4 points of rabbit ears reaching for the sky!!

Isn't this second one cute?? There was quite an interaction between these two. The bunny would leap up in the air and charge at the deer, or at other times, just hop on over to check it out. The deer was even more curious about the rabbit and would look and come over to the fence when ever this little guy would make moves. The deer knew we humans were there, knew it had nothing to worry about and just continued to graze as if we were all just part of the surrounding forest.
The birds were busy with the squirrel-bear-raccoon-etc.-proof feeder that Doug made up. The gold finches looked beautiful against the blue sky and they'd fly across the garden and land in a hawthorne tree, where they just blended in.

This last photo was of the male bunny.........He really was the main attraction of the show. The Mrs. likes to hide out in the herb garden and dig and tunnel. But the Mr. here...... aren't his little white tail and ears so darn cute?!!

It was a very special visit to be a part of this. The whole package.......good friends, wonderful atmosphere, friendly furry critters, good timing for a coffee-cookie break and we loved it!

A COUPLE OF NEW STUDY'S

2011-06-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I really like the way these experiments on florals have turned out. It's fun to try new things when they turn out well............vs............not-so-well. These two are among my latest favorites and hopefully, my wall sometime soon.

Had a great visit today with a dear friend who lives half the year in another state. So good to re-connect with those you're just on the same wave-length with. One of those friends where we just pick right up where we left off. A good day. I had a catch-up phone call with one of my grandsons. That's ALWAYS good.

We saw the newest Harry Potter movie last night. I've tried but just can't seem to have been able to get into the Harry Potter movies. They're dark, as in light and dark to see what's going on. Good eyesight isn't one of my strong suits, anyway. Dark screens don't help. The sound goes up and down and just when you've adjusted to one level, softer, then Norm can't hear so up the volume goes. That's about the time when they BLAST you out of your chair with some traumatic scene. You miss the point they're trying to make because you're so caught up with trying to return your heart to normal...........Next scheduled from Netflix is "The Tourist" with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. I don't think it's supposed to be boring though........listed as a 'thriller'. Anyone seen it??

The rest of the week seems to be filling up fast...........lots of odds and ends. I hope to get in some more photo shoots but if not, I have plenty to post instead.

Have a great Tuesday!!

HAPPY NEW WEEK

2011-06-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Took a side trip to Battle Rock the other day...........the sky was fantastic. Big fluffy clouds.......otherwise known as 'chance of rain'. I edited one in black and white. It makes Humbug look like it's an erupting volcano, doesn't it??

This second one is just a different effect......closer and in color. In case you hadn't noticed. 8-)

Norm and I received the nicest surprise the other day in the mail. A friend of mine from high school was taking a guided tour over the Memorial Day weekend to the 'mothball fleet' down in Suisun Bay in California. He made a great CD of his day and tour and sent it to us. This area in Contra Costa County, was one of our old 'stomping grounds' when we had a nifty little cabin cruiser. We'd go around that area about every weekend for years. Listen to the creaks and groans of these beautiful old ships while fishing for sturgeon and catching lots of mudfish instead. The mothball fleet is now home for the USS Iowa, aka The Big Stick.
I say home, but it's awaiting donation as a not-for-profit museum. It has a long and illustrious history, from WW II through the Korean War and beyond until 2006...... that you can look up on Wikipedia, if interested. It was such a nice thing to do, David......and we thank you. I can only imagine how special that tour was visiting over Memorial Day weekend.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and are ready to GO for the new week, full of steam and gusto!!

LITTLE MARSH

2011-06-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

I saw this little marsh the other day but wasn't able to stop and study it for photo ops. It's a beautiful little pond of water..........the one above reminds me of a Monet painting. The wild rhoddy was blooming and so was the water lily. I see some scotch broom blooming to the back up there. Pretty, huh?

Below were some unfurling ferns. When I edited it a little those beautiful colors popped up. I liked.

I hope everyone's week was good............our's was. A little more quiet than last week: the week after Memorial Day and all the many activities that went with it. I have an idea that a good many bar-b-ques were altered by our unseasonal weather. My sister went to spend a nice warm week in Tahoe........only to have to deal with snow instead of sun! Hail up in Portland, rain and wind in many places throughout the west. I'd much rather be dealing with our weather than the heat that is already hitting places in the east........and the terrible tornadoes. What a lot of tragedy.

Norm's challenges with Maxillian continue..........So far, Norm is still ahead but Maximillian is a very persistent guy. Many have asked for some photos of Max trying to balance on the greased PVC pipe. I never know when he might try it, though. Once each day he gives it a try. If he gets too close to success, out goes Norm to grease up the pipe some more. And now the blue jay's are playing with him. Personally, I think the jay waits until Norm sits down to eat then has the fun of watching Norm jump up......wave his arms around......go for his b-b-gun.....open the door......then Jay flies away before Norm even rounds the corner. Norm sits back down to eat......Jay returns.....and so it continues for 4 or 5 rounds. Norm gets his daily exercise.

We have one little bird house in the corner of our deck that Norm built more for decorative effect than to use. But a couple of chickadees have taken up residence. Norm saw that the racoons got into the birdhouse and ripped apart a nest. I thought that would discourage them. Not so. And they're so secretive that I didn't know they'd set up another nest until it was a done-deal. Well, last night I could hear some creaking on the deck which meant that some critter was around out there. Probably the racoons. It was close to midnight, Norm was fast asleep. Careful not to wake him up, I went out to the dining room and turned on the deck light and checked over at the birdhouse........Sure enough, there was a racoon leaning over the back of the house and trying to reach inside the opening. I went out and clapped my hands. He ran off a little down the top of a fence but kept looking back at the birdhouse. Probably knowing by now that there was something good to eat in there. I kept clapping my hands, telling him to go away. He just stared and stared at him, alternatively looking back at his source of late night dinner. So........I did finally get him to take off and up over the roof by getting the water hose and putting it on 'jet'. That did it. Norm and I were trying to figure out how to permanently protect the chickadees until they hatch and raise their youngin's. Can't do anything too drastic or we'll have Ma Chickadee deserting her nest. As it was, I peeked in last night and saw a little head and beak staring back at me. Anyway, Norm got out his good old can of grease and slathered it all over the top of the birdhouse. I hope that will discourage the racoon..........which will probably be back tonight. Maybe the nest is far enough towards the back of the house so it can't be reached. Oh, the trials we go through for these birds~! We know that all the animals have to eat, too, but we don't want to be the ones that set the birds on a platter, so to speak. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Hope everyone has a happy Friday and an even better weekend!

MORE DELIGHTS FROM LANGLOIS

2011-05-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

More photos from Simply Delightful in Langlois............If you're being kept from your gardening and want to get out to see something new.........then make your way to Lindsay's new floral and gift shop. (do I sound like someone doing a commecial on the radio?) While you're there you can also go into Tim's aka Jeffrey's. These two shops compliment each other so well but you'll have to find that out for yourself. Above photo is some of my framed photos for sale at a very reasonable price. Then below you see a number of items..........some cute clothes, accessories, beauty products.........herbal I believe.

And lastly, this is one of Lindsay's beautiful florals along side some goodies for consumption.

I love the Victorian plant table that holds this display! I don't think that's for sale and if it is, I get it!! 8-))

OK..............I hope you all have a great Memorial Day.........safe travels for those of you on the road. And if you're on the south Oregon coast, stay dry!!

SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!!

2011-05-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Simply Delightful"!!!! That's the name of Lindsay Dougherty's new floral and gift shop in Langlois. I love it! It has a wonderful, intimate atmosphere with something new and delightful everywhere you look. Plus..........wonderful sandwiches and other assorted goodies to tempt the palate. Next door at Tim Belmont's salon, Jeffery's, Tim gave me a bit of the great chicken sandwich on a croisant he had from Lindsay's............Really, really good!!
OK.......back to Lindsay's. There are some very cute clothing items; from their family business, Poverty Ridge Cranberry Farm, there are cranberry vinegars, dried cranberries, and more;........Lovely necklaces and matching earrings at a very reasonable price;........lots of nick-nacks, which I always love. And Lindsay has my greeting cards and some framed prints that she said were being well received. Lindsay herself, has a warm and wonderful smile and manner about her.......and professional while retaining the youthful enthusiasm that just, well.........it just feels good to be around her. Do try to stop in and take a look, grab a bite to eat and OMG!! how in the world can I forget to mention her gorgeous florals!!! Beautiful flower arrangements made up by Lindsay also, who has FDC training in her background. I can't fit any more photos that I took today and for lack of time and space so I will continue with more photos tomorrow so you, also, can be simply delighted!

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

2011-05-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

I understand that the new Tri-Angle Square gallery will be open for business this weekend for the Art Walk . The new owners, artists Karen Auborn and Elaine Roemen, have had their doubts if they'd open as scheduled, but it looks like the job got done right on time. When I saw it, there was still lots to be done, but then again, sometimes the finishing touches go a lot faster than you realize. I think it's going to be so nice. They're keeping those wonderful multi-colored cement walls. They have a wonderful patina. Two back rooms will give each of these talented artists their own work space where we'll find them during open gallery hours.
I think the little patio in the back is going to be lovely, too. It's protected from the winds and it's going to be fun to see what changes they bring for their own personal new look. There will be some changes on the front of the gallery also. All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing it tomorrow and I hope that everyone who takes in the Art Walk and Cedar Fest makes it a point to go see what new and exciting attractions our little burg is offering these days.

Elaine Roemen

NORM'S FRIGHT

2011-05-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

There we were at the Hwy. 101 overlook down by Rocky Point. I was happily focused (excuse the pun) on taking photos of the glorious views I saw in every direction. Especially looking down the cliffs. Norm said............"Be careful you don't fall off the cliff." And of course, I had climbed over the guard rail to look close at different perspectives. The cliffs down to the sea were blanketed with wild lupines~beautiful! Norm was watching fairly closely but eventually started to collect some rocks from around the parking area for putting some in our birdbath at home so the birds had something to stand on. When he looked up, no Donna. He didn't know that I had stooped down behind a little hill, to get a closer shot of some flowers. All he saw was that I was gone. He thought that it could happen just like that............there one minute and simply gone the next. And I suppose if I had fallen over the edge that would probably be accurate. He was starting to race over when I stood up, having gotten all the photos I had wanted. He was shaking and scared out of his wits. I felt so badly, never thinking that my squatting down could have given him such panic and fear. Later, I mentioned that the overlook was a great photo opp place to go and I can't print what his vocal reaction was.........I leave it to your imagination and the knowledge that this was a career Navy man. He expresses himself quite clearly.

Isn't it great to see our spring weather returning? The rhoddy's are just stunning this year. All these spring blooms are just so full and lush this now. And I've never seen so many gopher holes as this year down in our yard! Really a lot, so obviously there must be a lot of activity among the earthworms and like. Got my weed whacking done today and so I can look and admire for a little while now. I planted some new plants and rootings last week and the usual high hopes and determination to tend to them with lots of TLC this year.

Hope you've all had a great weekend and are ready to face this new week full of zip and zest!

Don't go near any steep cliffs............

"When we are really honest with ourselves we must admit our lives are all that really belong to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines the kind of men we are." Cesar Chavez

THE NEW SECRETARIAT! aka THE NEW TOY

2011-05-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here is "Big Red" ........for those of your who haven't seen the movie 'Secretariat', that was the horse's real name. When Big Red began racing, it meant that he needed to have a serious racing name. Norm had missed this fact when I came up with the Big Red name......then went onto Secretariat. No wonder he didn't think my suggestion was clever......
So.he's been wanting a larger cab ..............he's tall enough where the Tacoma was nothing but a problem for him to climb into. Now he has his new toy. . For any of you who follow my blog and have seen the parade of cars and trucks that have graced our garage and driveway, you'll enjoy laughing with me at Norm's statement, in all seriousness, that "this would probably be his last truck".... Oh, REALLY?? Time will tell.
I'm having computer problems and will just shorten this posting tonight. Everyone have a great Thursday....Time to start making your plans for the weekend.

RE-VISITING THE LAMBS

2011-05-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Driving by the pasture where these lambs romped and play about a month or so ago, you sure notice how quickly they grow! These photos were obviously taken when they were much smaller........but sooo cute.

I've fallen a little behind in shooting new material. The next couple of days I hope to make up for that...........going for our weekly run to Coos Bay tomorrow and I have places to go and people to meet the rest of the week. I'm sure I can find new photos to take of this anti-Spring. (that means that we aren't really experiencing a spring this year on the south Oregon coast......just on-going winter........) Actually it hasn't been all that bad, has it? Unless we get some wild hail or wind storm, we're going to have a record crop at our place for blueberries this summer. I have roses that are breaking bud and so are my bearded iris. Soon I expect great things from them!!

I love this last photo. After running wildly with his buddies, he's sticking close, now, to Mama-Ewe.

Some strange looking creature was close by and pointing a clicky-box thing at him. Can't figure out what it was but it's gonna give him nightmares for sure!

"So may his flock increase, an grow

To scores o lambs, an packs o woo'!!"

The Death and Dying Words of Poor Maillie by Robert Burns

A SPECIAL DAY

2011-05-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

A sweet smile from the past came to visit today. Wonderful little Megan. Megan used to come to pick up our grandson, Jorma, when he lived with us for a while. She would never join us for dinner, but would politely sit over on the sofa and wait for Jorma to finish eating and then off they'd go. It was so 'colorful' to see them together since they were both into coloring their hair some wild color every other day. One day it would be turquoise......then green, maybe bright pink or maroon. Bright blue was always a favorite. Then Jorma went to live elsewhere and Megan returned to southern California. I saw her briefly at Jorma's memorial service. She said that she was going to stop by but.........you know how it goes. About a month ago I received a facebook note from her saying she'd be traveling up this way and wanted to stop by to see us. We were surprised but very happy that she'd want to come by to see the Grandma and Grandpa. She came for lunch and we spent the next 3-4 hours catching up with more things than I realized we had in common. And of course, it gave us both a chance to remember Jorma........some chuckles and some tears. Megan's had a bit of a rough stretch in the last few years, but she's just bounding upwards now. Full of wisdom from the past, optimism and energy for the future.........she's a very loving and giving young woman. It was just a joy to spend the afternoon with her. It was a very special visit for me and I hope for her. And I wish her every opportunity and joy that life may offer her. I just hope the next visit comes again soon.

This little chipmunk, along with the rest of it's family, have come to visit since we've put up a couple of bird feeders. Here you can see him studying the situation over and trying to figure out how to get ALL the seed. So far the chipmunks haven't made it onto the feeders and they do get their fair share from the seed that falls onto the deck and ground. I've counted a family of 3 of them so far. And since we don't have Willie, our kitty, with us anymore, the birds, squirrels and chipmunks have free reign during the day. and Wow! Can they ever move fast............Quick 'zips' all over the place! Then a sudden STOP..........then they're off to the races again.........Fun to watch...

Last night we watched "The King's Speech". Excellent movie. Colin Firth's acting ability was the best I've seen him perform ever. He deserved the Oscar. And the movie did win Best Picture, I think. Isn't it amazing how quickly the winners names fade so quickly from our memories? I think I enjoyed Secretariat a little bit more............and we saw Burlesque last week also. I loved that!! I'd never paid much attention to Christina Aguillara (might have that spelling wrong) but she was a good actress and a great singer. She has a new fan now.

OK............Hope you all have a wonderful Monday and a great week! Look for the sun!! We know it's up there somewhere!!

A BIRD IN THE HAND............

2011-05-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

We're trying to feed the birds again this summer. I've mentioned here and on Facebook how the bears did a lot of damage a few years ago, so we just gave up. Now, we bring in the seed feeder at night and we keep the large sack of sunflower seeds in the garage. We had once kept it on our deck in a covered container, which the bears, a sow and at least one cub, happily ripped apart, trailing bird seed down the deck, through the yard, over the fence and down the trail into the canyon. All the sweet little creatures of the forest happily munched away for days on their discovered feast. Unfortunately, though, we haven't seen any goldfinches that have discover the sunflower seeds. We used to use flax seed but thought we'd try something less expensive now.........anyway.....no finches. Today we did get what I think is an oriole........these are the photos I caught through the window. I wish I had gotten a shot of the hummingbird that was over checking out the oriole. Seeing who's new in the 'hood'.

I hope that other birds eventually show up........I didn't think they could see me taking their photo, but by the looks of this pose, I think I was discovered, don't you??

"Let your heart's light guide you to my house.

Let your heart's light show you that we are one." Rumi

MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well, let me wish every mother who reads this, a very Happy Mother's Day!! In keeping with this day and it turning out to be a beautiful day here in Port Orford, weather-wise, it seems appropriate to post a couple of photos of spring flowers. This first one on top is my weigelia at the top of it's game! There is another a few feet away that is in the same flowering mode. Pretty spectacular this year, huh? And we had some rain earlier which gave a lovely weeping look to the shrub.

This second shot is of one of our apple trees. I think apple blossoms are among the prettiest. Their delicate pink is such a beautiful pastel......

We saw a couple of great movies this past week for any of you movie lovers. "Secretariat"........I think I might have already mentioned that. It made watching the Kentucky Derby a lot more exciting yesterday. Then the other night we watched "Runaway"........Denzel Washington in the stress-filled story about a runaway train. It was very good!! You might want to check them out in your local video shop or Netflix.

Hope your day was great and your coming week just as wonderful!

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people." Thich Nhat Hanh

LOST AND FOUND

2011-05-05T19:52:00.001-07:00

These two photos are from my "abstract" folder and help express what my last 7 days have been like of late. The first one says.........'windswept, whirling thoughts and feelings, chaos, unstable and grasping for meaning and control.' So, Betty was found. Course, everyone is angry at her and I'll just leave it at that, other than to say, yes she was OK. Not dead somewhere, with all the ugly thoughts and images that went along with it.

And, here is where I'm trying to find myself now............'Reflections of puffy, pastel and gentle clouds on the placid waters.'

Thanks to all who sent support, prayers and offers of help. It meant the world and I love you all.

Let's practice being kind to one another.........

"Listening is a form of accepting."

Stella Terrill Mann

BETTY

2011-05-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is a far different posting on my blog than what I usually do...............sorry about that. I do always try hard to keep my writings and photos on the upbeat. There's more than enough unhappiness to go around in the world these days. In this case, though, it's a bit more of a serious and immediate situation. Betty, the woman in the middle in the above photo, is my step-daughter. The twin on the left was Jorma, her first son who left us more than two years ago. Betty has now disappeared. She had lived many years in Port Orford, where Norm and I live. She was living lately in Eugene, Oregon and in transit to return to live in Oakridge, Oregon......that's just up the hill about an hour east of Eugene. Somewhere between Eugene and Oakridge she just vanished. The police have been notified of a missing person, as had the state police. The news media might become involved soon. In the off chance that she returned to Port Orford, I'm asking that if any of you should happen to see or hear anything, to please call either Jory Smith 541-337-3554 or Donna & Norm Smith at 431-332-1300. Thank you and prayers and good thoughts are more than welcome as well as any info there might be.
I always feel so frustrated when a situation arises and then I never hear the outcome. I will tell all of you as I find out anything.
God Bless...........

"You are never asked to do more than you are able without being given the strength and ability to do it." Eileen Caddy

HAS SPRING FINALLY MADE UP IT'S MIND??

2011-05-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, Say it's so!! Today was cool and breezy and sunny. Just like the spring and summer weather pattern is on our coast. The blooms are a-bloomin', the birds are a-nesting and there's just a feeling of renewed energy. Today I was up in Bandon having a great lunch with a friend. We were at a restaurant across from the Bandon wharf. The Coquille River was a little churny with a lot of splashing whitecaps.........very pretty.

Tomorrow I plan on getting out in the garden. I got my weed whacking done the other day and that always inspires me to go further into the weed patches, eliminating as many as I can. I'm giving fair notice to all those weeds.........prepare to make your exits!

I've heard a couple of pieces of news the last day or so. For those that enjoy the Chinese food at Thai's Dynasty in Coos Bay, there is a chef from Thai's that is opening up a new one in the old Fraser's in Bandon. Norm is soooo excited! Must be a happy reminder of his days in the Navy spent in Far East.

The second bit is there are great sounding new shops that are going to be added to the old hotel where Jeffrey's Salon is located in Langlois. The garage in the back is being renovated into a nice shop that will have a large variety of things for sale.......children's clothing, hand made rugs, consignment, some art, all kinds of things........ Next to Jeffrey's will be a cafe with sandwiches and other goodies, along with other gifts and children's cloths, shoes, I think............I know Tim is pretty excited about it. The owner of the hotel, Sue Musser, has done such a great job in restoring the beauty of that old hotel and it sounds like it's just getting better and better. I think these additions are due to arrive around the 1st of June.

There is something else and it slipped my mind......so maybe it'll come to me while I write about how everyone is the area is looking forward to the new Farmer's Market that will be starting on June 18th at Redfish. It will be THE place to hang out on Saturdays! And if you're needing some nourishment from all that shopping of fresh good stuff, you can rest your weary bones and have a bite to eat at Redfish, cup of coffee or some other liquid refreshment. After you've regained your strength you might go in and look around at the fabulous art in the Hawthorne Gallery.

Dianne's Siren's Cafe is adding pizza to their already great menu. They have the new ovens and were doing some re-modeling last week getting ready to offer some mouth-watering selections for us to try. Yum!

Also, new to our Port Orford will be the re-opening of what was Tri-Angle Square Gallery. The new owners are wonderful artists, Karen Auborn and Elaine Roemen, and you'll be able to see their wonderful oils on display. I've heard that there's some other new places in the art fields but I don't know enough to tell you about it just yet. But there are lots of new changes coming to our area. Sounds like a good summer coming up!

"Look only for the good in everything, that you absorb the quality of beauty."

Paramahansa Yogananda

ASK.COM NO MORE

2011-04-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Don't ever get suckered into getting a game on your computer where you have to download something called 'ask.com'. I've spent hours trying to get it off.........but OFF it finally is! Arggg!
It was not only ask.com but a lot of other arty kind of downloads that attached themselves.....and weather station, too. Ask.com tried and was taking over my home page with no way to delete it. Finally I did the 'restore computer' a couple of times. Had to be a couple of times since the first time it took off my McAfee too. What a hastle! But all is good now. Just be forewarned!

Saw a good movie last night........"Hereafter" with Matt Damon. Norm fell asleep but I enjoyed it. It was produced by Clint Eastwood which shows what he might be mulling over in his head these days.....That time of life comes to all eventually.

The top photo was taken of a flower arrangement that sits on my table. The pale leaves almost look like flowers themselves.............and the second are some dried grasses from a friend's compost pile in her garden. Anything that has the look of unusual grasses and I'm attracted to it.

Can you believe that it's Friday again, already?? This week has gone by waaaay too fast. Did manage to get more gardening in despite dodging the rain showers. Earlier in the week we were up in Coos Bay. It rained the whole way up and pretty heavy at times. But everytime we had to get out of the car to run in somewhere, the rain would stop. Then start in again........out we'd be......the rain would stop........and so it went the whole day. Weather made to order! Just the way we like it!

I wonder if many other enjoy 10 year old boys as much as I do. I have been getting so many chuckles out of weekly emails that my nephew has been sending out. The typo's are hysterical as are the workings of a young boy's thinking. He makes up these crazy things each (brave) person is supposed to do...like eating pickled eggs with maggots. When one of the dares was to jump down from a chair, I realized that these activities were probably not for me......no parachute allowed, I assume..........Or...........Tell your Mom that you are moving to Spain and walk out the door. On and on they go. So cute........

OK........that's it for this week I guess...........Hope everyone has a terrific weekend!

A VISIT TO THE DOCK

2011-04-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

We had some time to kill this morning and the dock is always one of our favorite drop-by's. You might think that it would be the same old dock, never any changes. But if you live or spend anytime on any coastline, you know that it's never the same. Everything atmospheric guarantees change every second......even my mood influences the photos I choose to take, how I edit them, and which ones I post.
This first shot is looking down at the dock from up on one of Port Orford's overlooks. The sun was trying to break through the gray skies and was making some progress.....enough to make the sky dramatic. Same thing goes with this flock of pelicans that were heading north..........I always find migrating bird flocks very moving and very amazing. And I always hope they all make it to where they're heading and will be returning again next year. Sort of like our tourists! 8-))

Norm and I stopped in Siren's this morning for a cup of mocha. Yum! As always!! Carrie showed us the new kitchen equipment that is in place and getting ready for the addition of pizza to the menu. We're all looking forward to it and wishing Diane and crew much success. Yum!

Is anyone else having as much trouble this spring with allergies as I am? All around our place and especially noticable on the cars, is pollen. I don't know what kind, probably from one or more of the trees. The wind has been up a little which really riles it up. Kleenex and allergy tabs are the order of these days.............Sneeze, cough-cough.

Hope everyone had a beautiful Easter Sunday and have a great rest of the day and tomorrow!

COUNTRY ROADS

2011-04-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it back to see those poplar trees that I'd wanted to photography. Along the way there were all kinds of neat opportunities for other shots, as well. Like this top one of an old corral fence alongside part of the poplar grove. I 'tinkered' around with it looking for another unique effect that brought out the fence wood more than the background trees.

And below is a peeking along a path that goes through the poplar grove to the country farm house beyond. Again, I fooled around with different filters for a different effect. Sort of a 'wispy' look.

After doing as much photo shooting as I'd planned (and more!), we went over to Coos Bay to run a few errands. We had a very good lunch at a new place I'd been wanting to try...........Margarita's Mexican Restaurant on Ocean Blvd. It used to be a Taco Bell, I think. I enjoyed the charm of the place and the food was very good. The young women who owned and operated it were full of charm and smiles. I liked that they didn't pile on so much cheese, which can be over-wheming, and the portions were reasonable rather than piled on too high. I really don't like to have food thrown away (voices from the past about the poor starving children of the world). And it's usually more food than I'm comfortable eating, which I don't need anyway. It's become my new "Favorite Mexican" food restaurant. So, those of you that travel up to North Bend and/or Coos Bay, give it a try. So..........

Friday, already!! Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? If not, it's not too late to make some............have some fun in spite of more sprinkles heading our way over the weekend. See you Monday!!

"Life is the movie you see through your own unique eyes. It makes little difference what's happening out there. It's how you take it that counts."

Denis Waitley......The Winner's Edge

MIDWEEK MUSINGS

2011-04-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm planning on heading back over towards Coquille to hopefully get some of those photos that we couldn't stop for last week. I hope the weather cooperates. It was nice today, huh? A little on the cool side but the wind seems to be coming from the north which is our summer cooling system, so things are a'changin....

These are a couple of shots from last week or so. The first one is the beautiful azalea hedge in front of Dr. Soper's dental office up in Bandon. It's right on Hwy 101 and I think it will still be in bloom. Try to catch a glimpse if you drive by.

The second photo is easily to recognize by south coasties.........Bandon lighthouse across the Coquille River. Aren't those clouds something else?? Our beautiful skies!

I got some new shoes recently...........Sketchers. I really haven't had any trouble walking in them....in fact they're pretty comfortable. They say that these shoes "may" firm you up and help you lose some weight............Haven't seen much of that yet! But one of my grandson's called Sunday and asked me if I'd go skydiving with him this September. Told him, probably, but I could lose a little weight first. Maybe the Sketchers will also help my landing so I don't do an imitation of a pelican instead of a swan for this next dive. The first one was less than stellar but at least I did come out of it in one piece!

"Thoughts are like Boomerangs."

Eileen Caddy, 'The Dawn of Change'

So let's all try to keep them positive. The world is in enough turmoil these days!

PASSING THROUGH COQUILLE

2011-04-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

The first photo here is a beautiful red rhoddy from my neighbor's front yard......really something, huh? It really shows off it's right red color when not in direct sunlight. No problem there lately, right?

These are few shots I took while we stopped at a couple of rest stops.......one in Coquille, above. Love the children playing in the background. And the one below was on the way back home through Riverton. I didn't know that they had a little park........It's also has a launching pad. The river was pretty high..........but it wasn't flooding (yet!)

When we were back on the road and a little closer to Bandon we passed a grove of wonderful trees that might have been someone's poplar grove. The trunks were what I was interested in. We had just come from Costco and had so much to put away that 'you-know-who' couldn't stop. So.......I think we have a pretty clear calendar this week and I plan on driving back over and seeing if they were as much of a photo op as I thought.

Did any of you watch the first episode of "Game of Thrones"? We did and I think it will be standard Sunday night fare for us for a while. Beautiful sets and countrysides. A little on the gory side but still better than a lot that passes off for entertainment these days. Hope you all have a great week ahead! I think we're finally going to get more gardening weather so you know where you'll find me.

"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it."

Thich Nhat Hanh

VIEWS OF BANDON

2011-04-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Norm needed to have some new eye glasses checked out the other day up in Bandon. While there, the sun was out and it was turning out to be a nice day so we took a tour down by the jetty. There were a lot of beachcombers and I wondered if any of them were looking for some objects that might have come over from Japan. This first photo was one I took of some of the seastacks from behind the grasses. I like the soft focus of the rocks in contrast to the sharpness of the closer grasses. The second photo was one of a couple of men who looked to me to be pretty experienced agate hunters. They had their round sticks that they would roll over the rocks and with eagle eyes, ready to catch the milky look of the agate.

Today we went back up, this time for Norm to actually see the optomotrist. I don't know if any of you have seen the story that has recently been making the rounds through forwarded emails and on Facebook about the woman at the airport. She had bought a bag of cookies to eat while she waited for her flight. The bag of cookies sat down on a seat beside her. A man was sitting on the other side of the cookie-occupied seat. She took a cookie.........he took a cookie...........she took a cookie.......he took one. You get the idea. She was mildly annoyed and more so as finally there was only one cookie. He took it, but broke it in two and placed the remaining half back on the seat.

But she was so outraged that he had eaten half her cookies, then the insult to take the last one....she huffed off very angry. Once on her flight she settled in and then opened her carry-on and there was HER unopened bag of cookies. It had been his that she had been eating. One of those times,like those that many of us have had during our lives, where we wish we could go back and undo some act, some words, some behavior..........

Well, with that story still somewhat fresh in my mind, today as I waited in the outside office for Norm to see his doctor, an elderly, robust little man came bustling through the door. Over to the desk, where he was welcomed warmly and a little chat followed. Very short chat, though. It was obvious this man had places to go and things to do! There is a plate of cookies sitting on the counter for the doctor's patients and the man asked which were the cookies that had NO nuts? The receptionist got up and pointed out which ones were nut-free and offered him a napkin. He took the napkin, carefully patted his mouth and helped himself to a cookie. He asked them when they wanted to see him again and was answered........"anytime you'd like, Mr. ......." So, he happily turned around and headed for the door, knowing he had been appreciated and was more than welcome to return. I was sitting by the door and as he neared me, and he did have a most lively bounce to his walk, so....he started to open the door then looked over at me and said "Want a bite?" with a big grin on his face! It made my day! Simple little human encounters and heart to heart encounters. We just never know when the smallest word, the tiniest smile might mean more than we know to someone we don't know.......or better yet, do know. How great it would be for me to remember this ALL the time. And a bite of that particular cookie was really, really tempting!

INTO THE GARDEN

2011-04-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing quite gives me a feeling of satisfaction as does the back garden being weed-whacked. It makes such a difference in the over-all look of the garden. At the same time, as I wandered around in my 'whacking-mode', I did see how much needed still to be done. More than the last time I made that same statement. I also began some cutting back of last year's left overs and some that didn't escape damage after our snow days of this past winter. By the look of some of the other blooms, in spite of the neglect they've endured, not only suvived but are showing off gorgeous colors and a healthy growth that give me an enthusiasm for more "getting out there" and doing. So, here I am ready to go and the weather has done another switch. It's not raining (yet) but it's a cold wind that's blowing. I did replant some mint that had taken over one of Norm's pots that is designated as a future home to one of his tomato plants. He's been a good sport about roses suddenly showing up in many of his planters, but not so much now that he's tending to his little veggies. Otherwise known as his babies or creations. So.....no more sneaking new plants or cuttings into any of his vegetable pots.

The first photo up there is of my grape hyaciths that have such a beautiful color...........as does one of my favorites, the flowering current. I love this shrub. It grows wild here, although I transplanted the couple that I have from other locations. They're one of the very first announcements that Spring is here.

Norm and I are going to over to do some shopping in Roseburg this week. It's been a number of years since we've been there and I'm hoping that there will be some photo opportunities for me. It's predicted to rain, but you never know. I'm looking forward to seeing some different landscape than where we've been.....although our changing weather and the diversity of it always has a different face on Mother Nature. Still, I'm prepared to enjoy something of a change.

In the meantime, I hope you all have a good week with plenty of optomistic spring to your step!

UNTITLED

2011-04-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm drawing a blank for a title tonight..........too much rain, I think....... This top photo was one I think I missed posting a while back when I'd snapped all those beautiful cows and calves. This one looks a little sleepy while her calf is looking for a little snack, I think. We're having a return to some cold weather tonight, I guess. It should last only another day or so...........so the weatherman says. I do have some roots, seeds and such to plant before they start sprouting in their bags. And it would feel good to work off a little of the winter duldrums for an hour or so. I managed to go for a walk today just before the winds went wild and the skies opened up. Just enough to set off a craving for more of the outdoors.

This second photo was taken a few days ago over at my friend, Nanci's, garden. This particular blossom has opened up now in it's pure red color. Here, they were in their beautiful opening stages. Pretty, huh? Nanci's rhoddy's have the biggest, fullest blooms and then big fluffy flowers! They're enormous! I'm jealous!! For all the good that does! 8-)

I'm beginning a new project of painting a celtic design from the Book of Kells on the bench that Norm built me. It's a painting bench but I dare anyone to use it for that after I spend hours and hours working on it. Maybe I can get him to make up another one for practical use. When I was painting the bathroom it was perfect for standing, fitting into the bathtub and was very sturdy........I felt very safe on it which isn't how I normally feel on a ladder. Think of that if/when you attend the Port Orford Rotary dinner dance and auction. There is one of those beautiful painting benches that Norm made that will be there for bidding. For one lucky bidder! Could be you.

Around Port Orford, have you heard that we'll be having another couple of art galleries in town?? More on that as those plans solidify.

In the meantime hope you all have your usual fun plans laid out for the weekend. See you soon!

OUT LIKE A LAMB??

2011-03-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

So marks the end of March. In like a lion..........certainly a wet lion. And I did see a bit of weak sun today so we'll call that the lamb. I even saw the possibility of some sun next week according to the weatherman that I want to believe.

This first photo above is of some pear blossoms on our Bartlett. Rarely do we get pears that are worth saving. If the winds and/or hail doesn't get them, blight does. One year we had a good delicious crop along with it's neighbor, the Asian pear. We're always hopeful, though.

This second one looks better if viewed on large. I like experimenting with black and white. I saw a fabulous black and white photo the other day that was looking down on a very ruffled lettuce leaf. So many great photographs out there!!

"Common friend to you and me,

Nature's gifts to all are free." Robert Burns

AROUND WATER

2011-03-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing I live around a lot of water since most of my shooting revolves around the wet stuff. I needed to run a few errands yesterday and found ourselves driving down Paradise Point Road to the beach. The ocean was beautiful that day......big, big waves and the ebb and flow of them was beautiful to watch.....each one seemingly more spectacular than the last. You can see all the way up the coast to Cape Blanco in the above picture. The photo below is from the marsh that's a part of Lake Garrison. The moods of so many of the picturesque places around here change rapidly from moment to moment depending on all kinds of natural changes that are going on. Clouds, wind, rain, sun, mist, heavy fog, tides and at times an animal or two. ............. Oh! I just saw that the marsh pic didn't make it. I'll include it as a PS so it will be above. Went to the dentist this morning and on the way back we drove around the Bandon Commons off of Beach Loop in Bandon. I sure like that little neighborhood. It's quiet, set back from the busy traffic along the Loop, and the landscaping is welcoming and fairly established in a manicured way. I'll have to go sometime and ask for a walk-through. Hope you're all having a good week and staying warm and dry. It's good weather to sit by the fire.........or like me, indoor chores like the on-going paint project. Make up some soup or stew, get a good book and keep warm. Dream of sunny days ahead. "People talk about nature. As the water moves, it makes its own sound. As the wind blows, it makes its own sound. When fire burns, it makes its own sound. In the same way, all of us have that music going on." Swami Chidvilasananda

ANOTHER NON-DROUGHT DAY

2011-03-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

I won't mention today that the wet stuff is again leaving us moist...........maybe this summer we'll be happy for these non-drought days, you think?? In spite of our lack of sun and warmth, my Pieris Andromeda is blooming. A few sprigs for indoor cut flowers will be welcome.

Today I enjoyed the best quiche! I think Dianne at Siren's baked it up today because I asked if she would be having one today (Friday) since I love them and would be meeting a neat lady for lunch. So when I walked in the door, there it was.......a big, beautiful golden brown quiche! Yum!! It was great and I thank you Siren's.........great crust, too.

As I left there and swung out onto Hwy. 101, only in Port Orford, did traffic stop to allow 2 turkeys to cross the highway. One of the things I just love about this town......Quirks galore!! Even with the wildlife. Love it! 8-))

OK, as promised.......this is the painting bench that Norm built for the Rotary dinner dance and auction. It only stands about 15" wide and 3' wide. It's very sturdy and supposedly a painter designed it. This photo doesn't show the open oval in the center too well, but that's for easy carrying. Actually, it has many uses. Mine will be a palette for some surface painting rather than for standing on to paint. Or maybe both. I don't think I speak from prejudice when I say that anything Norm builds is always very well done. (well, maybe a 'wee' little bit of prejudice.....but not much......

It almost officially the start of the weekend and I hope you all have great plans and fun things to do............See you Monday!

THE ART OF BEING A GOOD SPORT

2011-03-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know what the art of being a good sport is........I'll be honest and say that trying to be a good sport about all this spring rain but it's actually getting a bit old! But I'm giving it my all. Well, maybe not my complete ALL, but a stab at it, anyway. It's not only the rain but it's darn cold out too! Coming back from Coos Bay the other day and from way up on Seven Devil's Road, I could see the distant mountains with lots of snow at fairly low elevations. Great for the skiers but not so much for those that want to get in the garden.

In the meantime today, I had a delightful coffee break with a good friend, ran into other good friends, all while in one of my favorite places for a delicious Cafe' Mocha......Siren's. Then I got down to work when I came home fully charged up, to climb up the ladder again and do more of that painting that is waiting ever-so-patiently for me in the bathroom.

The first photo up at the top is of some lemons in one of my favorite dishes. The dish was inherited from a relative and is from Bavaria. I love the cheerfulness of it.

The second photo is a bowl filled with rocks and shells in water. A few times a week, I have to pick up all the shells that have been pulled out and checked out by our wandering raccoons. You'd think they would know by now that there's just nothing in those shells from them to eat, but I guess 'hope springs eternal' for Rocky Racoon and his band of marauding bandits!

Tomorrow I hope to post a photo of the cute little painting bench that Norm made for the Rotary Auction, to be held on April 9th. He made me one too and I'm looking at different ideas to paint on the surface. I'm getting an urge again to pick up a paint brush........NOT the kind I've been using lately on the bathroom walls! I thought I might try some under-the-sea "stuff". Great word, "stuff"........it covers so much ground, don'cha think??

Well, that's it for tonight..........Have a great Friday and stay dry.

SPRING BREAK WEDNESDAY

2011-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's now official.........Spring season is here! And what better way to acknowledge that than taking time to photograph some flowers. I love the allysum that has been growing in a protected flower box on the deck. And most of my daffodils have disappeared but there was ONE! Count it! One! and here you see it. It even had a lovely fragrance. I need to remember next fall to buy more for planting.

Lastly, is the beautiful hyacinths..........I absolutely love them. The kind of fragrance that makes you want to inhale only. Exhaling is such a waste! They really have been beautful this year.

Along with celebrating spring flowers comes spring cleaning. I've tackled painting a couple of rooms in the house. Discovered some muscles that had rusted over the winter, but it feels good to see the difference some simple paint can make. Today I also bought some mold-killer that doesn't damage plants so that's another project coming up soon...........Lots to do this time of year. Course, I have no illusions that we won't see a bit more rain, but let's hope the heaviest is a thing of the past for this year, anyway. Right now, as I write, the sun is out and it just gives such a jump of optimism. And this poor old world can definitely use a good dose of that these days, huh? So, go out and smell a flower, paint a room or pull some weeds and enjoy and smile!!

YES, THE SUN REALLY DOES SHINE IN SOUTH OREGON!

2011-03-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Driving through Bandon on the way home from Coos Bay and the sun came out for a few minutes.....long enough to cast beautiful light over the very busy Pacific. The wave action was incredible and you can see more of it in the first photo than the second. You can also see the rain on the horizon in the above. The second was taken just a short time before and it's amazing that the light can change so rapidly so quickly. It was a very pretty ride home.........in our new car. The new RAV4 is very comfortable, smooth riding and lots of leg room for Norm. Not a problem that I share...........

It was a good day. Norm had a doctor's appointment and had such a good "bill of health" that his still-amazed doctor doesn't need to see him for another six months!! Such good news!

I'm hoping to have the opportunity to get more photos shot tomorrow. The weatherman says showers but around here you never know.............but fingers crossed!

Hope you all have great plans in the making for the weekend. It's coming up fast!!

"Life is sacred. Life is art. Life is sacred art." Gabrielle Roth

A TIME FOR DREAMING GARDEN

2011-03-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

That's where I was mentally today........out in the garden in the sun....SUN!! Hear that Mother Nature?? Course with the way you've been acting out lately, I ask in the utmost courtesy.
I'm picturing blooming flowers, lush vegetables bearing plenty of food for eating and storing. A weed-free and beautiful garden like the kind I've been seeing in spring magazines. Hmmm......dream on, Donna!

I've dug around in some of my older files for some photos to post. The first one was obviously when the much-missed sun was out and the air was still so we had beautiful reflections.

And the second I liked in black and white and it's a view from up on Coast Guard Hill. I love that old snag hanging over the cliff.

Tomorrow we have places to go and people to see so we'll be driving the new RAV4 for the first time. Looking forward to it..........And to get away from the continuing trauma that goes on in Japan. So awful. Hopefully, there will be no more disasters for those poor people.

And so with thoughts of Japan and it's people.........

"You find true joy and happiness in life when you give and give and go on giving and never count the cost."

Eileen Caddy

The Dawn of Change

A QUIET DAY-THANKFULLY

2011-03-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hasn't this been a wild weekend, huh? Starting off with early morning phone calls on Friday, sirens, alerts, helicopters flying over more frequently, more phone calls, sirens and alerts.......Ending the weekend with a pretty intense thunderous rainy day yesterday. One thunder boom seemed to rattle the ground and continue for what seemed like a veeerrrry long time. Right now it's blessedly quiet.

The tragedy in Japan reminded me of the occasional nightmares I get. They ALWAYS involve me standing and waiting for an enormous tsunami (thank you, Hollywood!) that will be engulfing me....nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. After we moved here, me thinking I'd escaped the "Big One" in California, only to find out that we live on a land plate similar to Japan's and supposedly due 'any second now, to rupture into the worst disaster ever. Hopefully, our own coast line will stay in place for another few hundred years or more. And my thoughts and prayers do go out to the many who have suffered because of this terrible event, as I know everyone else does.

So, it was a good day to re-visit the Hwy 101 animals from Morgan McKenzie's pasture. This second photo I like so well and it's a shame I can't remove all of the residule of the wire fence line right across her face. I love her expression. She is definitely NOT in a mood to be amused!

Norm has been thinking of turning in his truck and getting something different although he hasn't had his Tacoma for very long. He's too big for the truck, though, and says he's "too old to be bending in two to get into it." We should have our new Toyota RAV4 delivered tomorrow morning. Followed shortly, I'm sure, by maybe a Prius in exchange for my Honda. I like the idea of a hybrid considering all the gas ups and downs that don't sound as if they're going to disappear to me.

So, that's my world over the weekend with a fairly quiet week coming up. Hope you are having a great Monday along with the rest of your week.

TONI & LAMBS A-LEAPIN'

2011-03-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be charmed by the sight of baby lambs running, leaping and jumping with the joy of being alive and free. As Norm says......"they're just full of prunes~"
Especially when the sun is out, shining and warming the spirit and heart.

A woman I went to high school with died very unexpectedly yesterday and many who knew her and were close all these many years, are greatly affected by the shock of this news. When death comes to the door of someone who is your own age, then it becomes more personal and our own mortality may feel threatened. Our memories of shared history becomes both a blessing and a sad re-living. There is as well, the heart felt pain of those who loved more intimately and are in deeper mourning......So in that spirit, the free and jubliant little lambs that run in the pastures with such joy might represent the faith that some will, hopefully, find comfort in.

May you rest in peace, Toni. God-Speed.

"No soul that aspires can ever fail to rise; no heart that loves can ever be abandoned."

Annie Besant

COWS & SMILES

2011-03-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere that a cow almost always makes people smile. I know it does me. Course, there could be that unfortunate non-smile if one of these very large animals stepped on you. And I'm always really amazed when I see a cow up close as to how enormous they are. Anyway, the best of my trip up to Coos Bay today was that both the cows and their calves were close enough to Hwy 101 that I could stop and get out to take some photos. I've been wanting to for a couple of years and not only the cows, but about a mile up the road........the baby lambs. Now they definitely bring a grin to anyone's face! In today's shots there was that annoying wire fence to try and eliminate, and the results weren't as clean as I would have liked but I'm not going to allow that to spoil my fun. I just have a very good reason to go back and try to get some more shots. They were very curious about me and the funny clicking noise they kept hearing from my direction. There is one belted Galloway that I'd really like to get a shot of but I think she's being kept in a far pasture this year.

The first photo up on the top is not a calf, as you can see, but a mama that kept looking from me back to over her shoulder at her calf to make sure nothing of danger was lurking around. After a few minutes she gave me the OK by ignoring me completely. But not before I caught a full facial shot of her. A good Mama.....

The second were 2 calves that kept imitating each other in their movements and poses. They were so cute. Undoubtedly I'll be showing you more in the next week or so since I just love cows. Almost as much as I love photographing grasses.

Tomorrow we visit the sheep and those darling, frolicking lambs. What little characters!

Have a terrific Thursday and start making your plans for a great weekend!!

Ooops!

2011-03-08T21:14:00.001-08:00

I didn't realize until I'd already posted tonight's blog that the photo off the dock was a recent repeat.............Ooops!!

RE-VISITING THE DOCK

2011-03-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

I was going through some of my older photos and since today wasn't exactly without rain, I'm using these. Getting tired of the rain about now........ready to get back out into the garden since there's still an awful lot more to be done. Yesterday I was down at the dock, but having a delicious lunch with a good friend at Griff's. Shrimp and cheese.....Yum! It was raining then, too.

Today we stopped by one of the newer business' in town, "Twice Upon A Time". A consignment and second-used store. Already, Lloyd the owner, is enlarging for more furniture. They have a little of everything; books, clothing, knick-knacks and such. There were a few items that I would have liked to have had the time and talent to pursue........a couple of nice looms, a piano,
raw wool, although I didn't see a spinning wheel. It's located in the garage part of the Port Orford RV Park on Hwy 101 across from True Value Hardware. And Lloyd is a very friendly and interesting man and enjoys conversing without over-whelming. Stop in and I bet you'll find something you can't live without..............I did.

Up to Coos Bay tomorrow and guess what?? We're supposed to have rain!! One upside of all this wet is that we enjoy hearing "the frogs of winter", as I call them. Upside down from when I lived in the Sierra foothills of California. Then it was summer when we'd hear the little guys. But never as loud as the chorus we listen to up here. Guess there's always an upside to everything when we look for it.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" Helen Keller

ABSTRACTS AGAIN

2011-03-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

I was just playing around some more on a couple of images. I've seen some photos that have been done up beautifully using textures. Maybe some day............

Hope you all have a great Tuesday..........

A SHORT SPOT OF SUN ON A SUNDAY

2011-03-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

It started out as a beautiful morning. Another sign of spring coming on is this pussywillow in the top image. I took the photo last week at Lake Garrison. And another sure sign is that I've been seeing the ever-graceful-in-flight turkey vultures again. I always mean to look up in which direction they migrate to, but they're coming back from where ever. Too bad their faces and nasty cuisine aren't as beautiful as their soaring in the skies. Well, there is that distasteful job of clean-up for Mother Nature, I guess. Someone has to do it.

This morning I was going to do some painting.......not the fun kind.....a couple of rooms that need some "spiffing-up". Instead I found myself doing some gardening out back. One weed led to another; one pruned rose bush led to a couple more; more dead-heading led to more sore muscles and stiff back than I'd wished but oh, well. That's also part of the spring ritual, isn't it?

This second photo was also taken at the lake.......my love affair with grasses continues...I love the look of these against the beautiful blue of the sky. We do have wonderful, clear air here on the coast.

Hope you're all rested up after the weekend and look forward to a great week ahead! And if you find yourself bored with nothing to do, I have some weeds you can help pull. 8-))

What?? No takers??

BREAKING FOR BLUE SKIES

2011-03-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

I hadn't been down to this part of Lake Garrison in a while and I managed to click off 375 photos! Course, a lot are duplicates and some to experiment with, but there were a lot of beautiful opportunities down there. This first one is looking across the lake at a bit of the sand dunes, which separate the lake from the Pacific. The dunes just stood out so beautifully with the light hitting them just right. I'll probably show a longer view of them in the next couple of days.

And a few weeks ago did I actually say that the only birds I seemed to be able to photograph were our seagulls?........Ha! Here, we have some ducks!! Something different, although the gulls are much braver and you can see this little trio paddling like mad away from the me. I did play around a little with this photo so it has a little of a paintery effect.

I spent longer at the lake than I'd planned but still got home in time to make up a ham and leek pie. It was good. In some circles it might be known as a quiche...........but never let it be said that I'd feed any man in my home a "girlie" quiche.......Real men eat hearty PIES!! Or so I've been told.........over and over and over again. 8-))

Are you making fun plans for the weekend?? It's coming up fast and here in Port Orford we'll be having rain............but we're ducks, aren't we? Ducks are happy in the rain. Right??

Have a great weekend, whatever you decide to do.

"The world of reality has it's limits; The world of imagination is boundless"

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

RIDING THE WAVES

2011-03-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

And that's exactly where I think yet another of my camera's lens cap is! Seems everytime I go down to the dock during windy and blustery weather, I lose a lens cap. I return to look for them but, of course, never find anything. I think they must slip through the planks of the dock. So, I ordered another one and thought I'd gotten such a bargain in price! Only $3.24 compared to many higher prices I saw. Then I saw that the shipping and handling was $4.99!! More than the 'bargain' price for the lens cap. Oh, well. It's a done deal now. One of the minor inconveniences of living in small communities, I guess. There's more than enough to off-set these times, thankfully. Beautiful country, beautiful people...........and more.

The seas were really whipping up today with the newest storm making it's way onto the coast. Very rough seas and high winds. The kind of wind where I need to lean against something to hold the camera steady. Hmmm........maybe that's what happen to the lens cap.

"You must remember that man is noble, man is sublime, man is devine, and can accomplish whatever he desires." Swami Muktananda

BACK TO NORMAL??

2011-02-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

And what, I may ask, is normal?? This winter has been just crazy with the wild swings between balmy spring in the middle of winter to frigid temperatures now that we have a lot of spring blooms showing. But the sky has cleared....sort of........and most of the snow has melted although it's been cold enough to keep ice in protected areas. And someone asked..........."just where IS this global warming we keep hearing about?"
It's ok since I spent the day painting, nursing a cold and staying warm. And thinking how my garden needs to be fertilized. Nurseries and such are starting to get in different garden supplies and the catalogs are sending more than me dreaming of their spring and summer garden. This year is my year to win over all the Oregon Green that insists on growing where it's uninvited. In other words, 'weeds'. I've included a small miniature rose portrait that has inspired me in it's own little small way.

The other two photos are some from our recent 'snow-day'.

Well, hope everyone's having a good weekend. Mine is fairly quiet. Guess we need those every once in a while, huh? The next busy week will be here before we know it so enjoy your Sunday!

SOUTH COAST DRESSED IN WHITE

2011-02-25T14:40:00.000-08:00

It finally got here!! The weatherman has been redeemed in my sight now that his promise has arrived in the form of beautiful white flakes raining down from the skies. This photo below is from last night when it actually started. It looks more like outer space than outside my back door.
The above photo shows what we woke up to this morning.........this view is from our deck to Gold Creek canyon. Pretty spectacular, I think! A friend of mine was writing to friends and family about the Port Orford snow and she said that "yes, she knew that they were all a lot more experienced with having a lot of snow, but that this was OUR snow". And that makes all the difference, doesn't it?? I haven't heard of anyone being too inconvenienced by the white stuff and from all the photos and writings on Facebook, there are an awful lot of "inner children" coming out to play!! 8-)) Have fun, Kids!!

WHERE'S THE SNOW??

2011-02-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

I know they're getting it up north in Sequim, WA. and Beaverton, OR. Although Beaverton seems to get some pockets of blue sky too. I guess tonight and tomorrow will tell if the weathermen are on target or not. There wasn't any storms to be seen when I took these two photos out at Lake Garrison the other day. The reflections were just beautiful.........so calm.

Pretty, huh? If you look carefully at the second photo you can see, in the lower right, some of the vegetation under the water. Looks clean.....Course, I'm not going to get into that debate.

In spite of the question of winter snow, there are so many signs of the impending spring........the manzanita blossoms have popped out all over; the Japanese maples have little nubs on the ends of their branches; some spring bulbs are beginning to break ground and some even blooming like crocos and daffodils. Course the gorse is blooming like it thinks it's actually welcome here! Not so......at least not around our place! Bet that was one they used in the Inquistion!

OK...........everyone enjoy the novelty of tomorrow. And if you can't enjoy it remember that warmer weather is just around the corner. Either way, you can't lose!

'ROUND ABOUT

2011-02-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

A couple of spots I took some photos of recently. This day the weather was so calm......no wind, plus tides and somewhat overcast. Which is what I generally prefer. The colors and light tones are soft and muted. So the first photo above is of Lake Garrison, where I still have my love of grasses addiction fix............8-) I happen to prefer this is black and white so the color doesn't take away the focus on the perfect reflection on the water. This is one I will be continuing my experiment with painting on photos on. If it turns out as I hope, I might post in later in the week. No promises, though.

This is another photo of the Coquille River. I was able to park off on the south side of the bridge and walk back up towards the bridge itself. Trouble was when I walked to the end of the bike lane, and before the little sidewalk of the bridge, I was really walking against the on-coming traffic coming over the bridge. I thought to myself...."this is not a good position to be in." And I was a little embaressed for doing such a dumb thing.......to counter this, I refused to look at any of the on-coming drivers. Something like an ostrich hiding it's head in the sand.
I shortened my shoot and decided to not walk to the middle of the bridge like I'd wanted. Common sense reminded me if I lost my balance on that narrow sidewalk, the results would not be good......and I was getting nervous. I did like the somewhat wider view of the river than I've usually gotten........and better than trying to snap a clear shot while driving at 60....no, 55 MPH. Still, I wish I could have gone further up........maybe another time.

Hope you have a great tomorrow and don't get caught in the snow that's been promised. Build a snowman!! Than take a picture of it. Send it to me and I'll post it on my blog!

MONDAY-MONDAY

2011-02-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

A few more photos that I took last week. There was one evening after some rain when the late afternoon sky was just incredible. That's what this first photo is all about. Looks like Heaven is speaking, huh?
Speaking of weather (sort of.....) have you read where we are supposed to have quite an artic blast coming down from the north mid-week. Snow is forcast for here in Port Orford.... Possibly....no probably, it won't amount to much or stick around very long, but I do remember the snow and ice storm when we first moved to Port Orford..........Everything shut down, except everyone's water pipes that broke. This one is supposed to have record lows so you might want to be prepared.
I'll be cooking up a big pot of split pea soup. That's nice comfort food for a cold day......

This photo was taken on a very calm day up on a portion of Davis Slough, outside of Coos Bay. I'm going to print it on pastel paper and try out some paint or pastel on it. I"m still in my "experimenting" mode.
So, tomorrow we have mail delivered again and the work week starts anew. Have a good one everyone!

PRESIDENT'S BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

2011-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite historical figures has always been Abraham Lincoln and all that he has come to stand for. My father and his twin sister, Dorothy, shared that birthdate with Honest Abe. I still have a very old doll from an aunt's collection that is of Lincoln......made of cloth and plaster. One of my family treasures. And of course, George Washington, being our first president and born in February also, shares in the celebration. I have to admit that most President's Day, I think little if anything about what the holiday stands for, other than it's one of our national holidays......no mail and a day off from working (back when). It's an added bonus of writing my little blog that it gave me reason to think about it.........So many things that I and maybe others, take for granted with hardly a passing thought. A friend mentioned to me recently about striving to "embracing the moment". I loved those words! Another much loved family member talks about how joyful it is when she's able to live in "the Now". And maybe that would include being a little more thoughtful of what President's Day stands for. Both of these photos are more explorations of mine. The first is of a dried and bedraggled by winter, thistle. I purposely tried blurring it.........I had no problem there! 8-) Then lighting it against the faded background. The second is of another dried grass stem..........I like the flow of it as well as the depth of focus. Like I said........just experimenting.......seeing what might work and hope that I don't cringe when looking back at these in another few weeks!

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday tomorrow!

SNOW DAY~~~ALMOST

2011-02-16T14:07:00.001-08:00

It's COLD out!! I can't imagine what the folks back east have to endure!! The outside thermometer lowered to 38 degrees and that's usually when it starts snowing........not sticking just yet, but definitely some of the white stuff coming down.

I thought I'd show you what I've been experimenting with the last couple of days.......painting on some of my photographs. There are a number of various mediums that can be used and so far I've only used oils and acrylics. I have a couple of new ideas rumbling around and will see how those experiments work out. I've been wanting to try this for almost a year and had some black and whites specifically for this purpose. I'm starting out with florals since I think I might really get some interesting images incorporating both the photograph and the paint. Seems like lately I've had an urge to pick up a brush again and this is the perfect way to merge two artistic art forms into one. Things need to be perfected still, but I'd like to hear what you think........

And in the meantime, it's a good way to forget all about how cold it is and how antsy I'm getting by becoming completely engaged in right brain fun.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2011-02-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's in some unique way. Some of you might have had dinner out, received a beautiful card or even a spectacular kiss!! Our Valentine's Day can also become special by thinking with love towards someone special who might not be able to be with us right now.......however you spend it, may yours be filled with affection, friendship and love!
These two photos were taken from up on Coast Guard Hill here in Port Orford. I was happy to see that they were blurred because that wind was whipping up into a wild frenzy, letting me rockn'roll!! The first photo is viewing Humbug Mountain with "her head in the clouds"......that always means rain.
The second is from the lovely coastal garden of Karen and Jim Auborn. Love the contrast in color and texture of the rosemary and grass, don't you?
So, hope your Monday is off to a good rest of the week...........stay dry and hopefully earth-bound...........It sure is windy and wet!!

ABSTRACT SATURDAY

2011-02-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

These two photos were fun to take and play around with, editing. I'd seen similiar abstracts by other photographers and have been wanting to try this for a while. I liked the way the forest above turned out. I have others that I'll post every so often as fill ins. The forest photo I simply moved my camera up and down while snapping. I don't know if this was moving the camera up or it was a down-shot. Doesn't matter, really. The one below of the grass, I twisted the camera.

We had to make a trip up to Coos Bay today. I'd forgotten how traffic was pretty heavy on Saturday's. We stayed away from driving through Charleston since they were having an annual crab feed and we know how packed that little town can get!! And then there were the couple of drivers moseying along on 101 at a whopping 30 MPH!! Makes you understand how road-rage can take over some drivers.

But I did accomplish returning the first Kindle and getting another that will, hopefully, give me no problems. I should have a book downloaded before the night has passed. In fact, I need to do that now........

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone, and if you do go out in this blustery weather be careful to not become airbourne! It is windy!

And a P.S. to friends Karen & Doug.........the bagels were wonderful!! Thanks for thinking of us. Yum!! I'm now a 'bagel-believer'!!

BEGINNING OF WINTER (AGAIN!)

2011-02-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hasn't this weather been just wonderful??! Such spring-like, balmy and warm days....Norm's lettuce seeds are beginning to sprout in the greenhouse. I saw a magnolia tree in full and glorious bloom up in Coos Bay yesterday and many early blooming fruit trees are showing color, too. In addition to that bain-of-all-allergy-sufferer's: the acacia trees. Too soon!!............looks like a return to winter weather with increasing cold, wet and windy conditions, day by day. So, don't pull out those shorts and tank tops just yet.

I allowed impulse buying to bite me yesterday..........while getting a new mobile mouse for my laptop (I think I hear 'someone' yelling Halleuja!) I saw a Kindle reader. I've been wanting one for a while but hadn't researched it yet. But the price was pretty good and I bought one, all excited in registering it with Amazon and ordering my first book. It was supposed to come through in about a minute..........nothing.........I waited 10 minutes.......nothing. Seems I need to have a Wi-Fi to receive it. Do any of you share in my resistence and confusion about all things electronic?? So, as I understand it, I'd now need a special router to make this Kindle work. Which I don't want to do. So, this weekend I'll be heading back up to return it, go over to Fred Meyer's to buy the correct Kindle.........It costs a little more but I think will eventually pay for itself over and over considering the money I spend now on ordering books plus postage and handling, of course. And I don't want to even know what I'd need a Wi-Fi for!

So..........the photos: This first one is of our own Battlerock standing like a monolith in the Pacific and under pretty ominous looking clouds. If it wasn't for that green grass in the foreground, you'd almost think this was a black and white, huh?

This second photo was of our Port Orford working dock. See the fishing boats off to the right of the dock involved in some activity. And the dock itself looks like it's fairly busy to me......cars, boats.....and I know that Griff's was handling their usual lunch crowd although you can't see it here........the parking lot up at that end was filled with cars. Locals and tourists, alike.

Tomorrow's Friday already!! I hope you all have great plans for the weekend. You might be able to get in some outdoor chores and fun (that's better!) before the rains return. Enjoy! With an emphasis on "Joy"!

TUESDAY AT THE KIOSK

2011-02-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

We went to pay the electric bill today and I just so happened to have my camera with me! What are the odds?? We drove on over the our beautiful mosaic kiosk, compliments of Port Orford fantastic artist, Cheryl Morse and those clouds were too fantastic to pass up. Before I even aimed seaward, this pretty little seagull decided to pose for me. Those who don't live in Port Orford might not know how many really talented, prolific and fantastic bird photographers there are here. I photography seagulls......pretty much ONLY seagulls. There are a lot of them.....they aren't afraid of me and like this one, will even land close by. They're the perfect birds for me to shoot. And someone needs to elevate the status of one of our most common feathered friends.

This second shot was looking down towards the dock with one fishing boat coming in for the day. I liked this one a lot and it cleans up very nicely when viewed on Large.

Then our friend, Rick came over for another afternoon of trying to straighten out my new computer.......not 'try'.........that would be me. He actually DID it. Norm and I call him Mr. Wizard. And it's wonderful the have all this working as it supposed it........Thank you, yet again, Mr. Francona.

SIGHTS ON VISTA

2011-02-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

A few photos from a walk on Vista...........

EXPERIMENTS

2011-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

I have a new laptop computer and am trying to get used to it....especially for my photos. I'm very surprised to see a tremendous difference in the color, clarity and depth of how they look when they're posted and away from my editing software. Lots more experimenting and work to do! It's been a long time since I've been able to post my blog and thought, what the heck......I'll just go for it.
I wanted a laptop so I could sit with Norm in the evening and work on my photography and not leave him all by his 'lonesome' while I was in the other room. We're watching the Superbowl right now......what an exciting game!! Right down to the wire with the Packers packing it in! And the commercials were great.....almost all of them...and there were a lot. Even the new car commercials.

Both of these photos were taken down on Arizona over Garrison Lake. BTW, is it Lake Garrison or Garrison Lake? It was another one of those beautiful afternoons we've seen a lot of lately. My evergreen clematis is beginning to burst open in bloom....some have already. Tomorrow I'll put some shots of them up and share a little bit of our Oregon coast early spring.

And now I need to get back to my photo editing and see how I can improve these. Hope everyone has a great Monday ........ another start to a new week of opportunities, huh?