SUNSET CONTINUED

These are two remaining shots from Sunday night on the way home after dinner. As I mentioned yesterday, the 'blaze of color' sort of fizzled, but I was able to make a little out of it anyway, I think. This first one was around that rib restaurant of the sick-but-now-better-Mom. I really do like the silhouette.

This second shot was out at Lake Garrison with this soft reflection on the water. The water was so calm and occasionally we'd see a duck dive under for dinner and then he's 'bob' up again. Then repeat the process......

This morning looked like it might be another warm day so I took my walk early (for me!) carrying my ever-present camera around my neck. I've ordered a little snap n' shoot that should be arriving any day now. It might be handy for places then my heavier camera is awkward.......like these daily walks. Course, I can see where there will be times that I could kick myself for not having my heavy-duty with me. While on my walk, there was one stretch where the air was just thick with flying ants or termites......I'm never sure what they are.......except that they hatch and fly out of their ground nests this time of year. Always seems to be rather warm weather, too. They fly blind and there's always some that fly into me.....I remember to keep my mouth closed at this time. I was wondering where the dragon flies were today.......In past years, they float and dart through the air grabbing up these thousands of flying beasties. Nature seems to be off-kilter this year in a number of ways.........this being one of them. I haven't seen too many butterflies, dragonflies, or Rufus-sided tohees. There have been some but not as many as pasts years.

Well, get ready for a great Wednesday everyone.........think of me tomorrow morning as I suffer in the dentist's chair.....8-((. No, actually, I'm lucky to have few dental problems compared to many. And if it gets too uncomfortable, I just go somewhere else in my thoughts. I did this once so well I fell asleep and my dentist had to wake me up because my teeth were wrapping around his fingers.......Ouch!!

Have a great day!!

MONDAY MADNESS

I've spent most of the day putting off and dreading calling for tech support to get online again. Some kind of computer glitch.......Do any of you have the same love-hate relationship with your computer? Well, as you can see I am back in business but I'm sure my blood pressure is elevated. And I commend the poor man that had to help me.......I panic when I can't hear what's said........rummage around looking for numbers on equipment I can't name. It's just a major nightmare in my description of things!! (OK, Donna.......calm down. It's over now.....sigh.
Ommmmmmm..............)

Today we're having a little 'Indian Summer' weather.....pretty warm and sort of humid. Maybe a pretty sunset tonight, huh?? Last night's promised to be colorful but instead just sort of 'grayed out'. The first photo here was taken on our way to dinner along Bandon's Beach Loop. It was my birthday yesterday and Norm took me to brunch at Redfish.......very good, by the way. I had their European quiche and Norm had Eggs Benedict. Then for dinner we went to Inn At Face Rock in Bandon and enjoyed that meal and our cutest little waitress ever. Very sweet and of course, she laughed at Norm's jokes.

This second photo here was in a trailer park in Charleston and someone's own little garden design. It's pretty clever, don't you think?? Not many flowers but clearly a fishing town theme.

Picked the last of the basil for this year. I love it's pungent aroma. Since I think I have enough pesto made up and frozen for the next year, I'm drying what I picked today. Especially in this warm weather, the scent is filling the kitchen area. Makes me think of my nephew Nick. He loves pesto..........actually he loves food, period. I'll have a pesto dinner for him when he visits next month.

Tomorrow is Tuesday and I expect it to be better than today.........at least as long as my computer remains working. Fingers and toes crossed..............

All of you enjoy and have a great day!!

MORE ODDITIES

This sign is at a south coast restaurant between Port Orford and Bandon. It's a rib house and they have enormous bar-b-ques out in front that they fire up every weekend. A few weeks ago they closed with a hand written sign announcing to all who passed by on Hwy 101, that Mom was sick and they were closed. Then about a week ago you can see in this photo that they're telling everyone that "Mom is better". Still closed, but for all who passed by and were concerned for Mom, rest assured that she's OK!! 8-)) Just thought you ought to know...........This second photo is one that I cherish every year........the return of the geese!! It absolutely thrills me every autumn and I always consider it Mother Nature's birthday gift to me. I know what they sound like when they fly overhead and if in the house, all that I might be doing comes to a dead-stop as I rush out to wish them on to whatever adventures they're off to. I welcome them back every year, same as their annual return. And in late spring I feel a real sadness as I see many flocks in their 'V' formation as they honk their way to the north, carrying my "God-Speed!" with them........And then I await until the next autumn for my annual gift. Hoping everyone has a gorgeous and healthy weekend!!

ODDBALL THURSDAY

Today my camera caught some fun and unusual sights between Port Orford and Coos Bay. Everything was catching my eye today. It was one of those mornings that if we had stopped to take a shot of everything I saw that was worthy of an photo image, we'd just now be arriving in town to do our shopping. I just happen to love everything I saw this morning.

This first one is of a spider web. (Duh!) I've been wanting to photograph it for about a week or so. It's much larger and thicker than the usual spider webs we see around our area. I'm thinking that it might be a mite web that the state brought in to combat the gorse that is taking over the south Oregon coast and into the valleys. That was pretty much a dismal failure, but every once in a while I see the thick webs enclosing about a foot of branch. Anyway, this is pretty interesting when viewed on large. And it has it's own beauty......... The traffic was pretty light today, which was a treat for us. And the amount of shoppers was fairly light also......double treat!! We had a bite to eat at The High Tide in Charleston overlooking the bay. The boat traffic was heavy.........the bridge had to be raised at least three times that I saw. And crossing the rivers....the small boats were lining up and down all fishing for salmon, I guess. The first rains are supposed to bring them up river to spawn........and it spawns fishmen, ever hopeful and nets ready.

This second shot is a goofy one, huh? I had stopped in Bandon on a high bluff to take shots of the Islands. There were pieces of crab lying all over the place and it occured to me that this gull wasn't going to fly off until he ate all his dinner. You see the look he was giving me.....haha! 8-))

He got the last laugh, though. On one shot I knelt down on the grass........and something did not smell right. 8~( Enough said.

Huh......I just got a phone call from a carpet cleaner who said I won a contest and he's coming to clean 2 rooms tomorrow for free. Norm thinks it's a scam........and truthfully, I don't remember entering a contest to have carpets cleaned. So......I'm preparing my "NO!" word in case they think they can "offer" more. Stay tuned tomorrow........

Everyone have a great Friday and prepare for an even better weekend.

Laugh and smile...............

WEDNESDAY WHIMSEY

No, I didn't see the flush of autumn color that I'd expected, but as you can see, I made due with the few bursts that I did see. Makes it all the more 'worthy' of enlarging and admiring these few leaves, huh? More to follow......... I was up in Langlois this morning getting my hair done and it's always a treat. This morning, Tim gave me a piece of his delicious quiche........soooo good!! He's another one around the area that is getting an abundance-plus of Valley Flora vegetables. So, he sometimes worries that they might be spoiling there are so many, and he gets up at midnight to bake a quiche or two. Now that particular kind of thinking is as foreign to me as anything I've ever heard!! I don't know whether to call him an early riser or a late night-owl. How about crazy?? But it must work for Tim because it was one of the best quiche's I've had!! It definitely worked in my favor. He has more new items in his salon........scarves from Arabia are among the newest and most beautiful. Some gorgeous and reasonably priced knits from a lady who uses her own wool and brings it to it's product forms as socks.......beautifully colored! Also makes placemats, table runners and aprons. I bought myself an apron, as a matter of fact. (Just in case I ever lose my mind enough to get up at midnight to bake up a quiche, don'cha know!) 8-))
Tim will be carrying some of my greeting cards. I brought in a couple dozen today and Tim and Maria bought enough so that I already need to supply more. And I'm not complaining!!



This second photo is again of the stream that feeds into the Elk River. Isn't it a perfect representation of what the Pacific Northwest is all about? The green, the moss, water and more water, those rocks.........I love it! The untamed land.

Well, enjoy this beautiful autumn weather.........at least it's beautiful right now on a late Wednesday afternoon. Tomorrow might be another story.......but whatever it is, enjoy it anyway!!

SOFT GLOW ON THE FLOW

This hardly look like the same river as yesterday's postings. The water seems like a gentle flow, barely moving. If you look a little further upstream, or in the background of this shot, you can see a little rush of white water as it runs over rocks. The water here is fairly shallow......right now. I'm sure it will be a torrent after we get some healthy, hardy rains. Isn't the reflection of the golden trees nice on the water??

We watched the last episode of Pillars of the Earth tonight. Yep!! Those bad guys got their come-up-ins. All others lived happily ever after..........or as happy as life could be back in the early 1100's. Pretty grim, all in all. It seemed that life was cheap......and the lifespan certainly wasn't all that long for your everyday person. But the love of family, pride in God, self and country has been there throughout the centuries. Course, those were, and are, the basis for many wars and personal battles. And still we all have hope for a more peaceful world.....Maybe we should look to ourselves first. Can't give away what we don't possess. When I re-look at these photos and remember the peacefulness of being there, it seems so easy. The trick is to carry that memory around with me when I drive back down to Hwy. 101 and someone cuts in front of me in their car!! That's the test!! 8-))

In looking at the second photo, you can see I'm still enamored with trees. These two stately alders were growing up on a steep hill across the road from where we were parked. Love that white bark.............Almost as much as the new lemon risotto I made tonight.......Oh, it was SO good! Even Norm liked it, and Norm never likes rice of any kind much. I have some left over and thought I'd try risotto patties tomorrow night. Yum!

Tomorrow.......Wednesday, and I have an appointment with the "Hair Wizard" as Norm calls Tim, of Jefferies Salon. My morning of treating myself to enjoy the company and conversation with one of my favorites. And all of you have a great Wednesday......the half-way point of the week and if I'm not mistaken, the first (official) day of autumn. Time to find brightly colored leaves.......and acorns. One can never have too many fallen acorns!

MAPLE LEAF COUNTRY

Up the Elk River this afternoon.......I thought there would be more color but I guess I'm going to have to remain patient a while longer. There were some leaves turning color, but I really got side-tracked when I discovered a little path down a short hill to where a stream fed into the Elk.
But first........look at this beautiful old tree. That wonderful moss with some maple leves, still fairly green, surrounding it. I also took a wide angle shot, but I though this image showed off the lines of the tree more. I wonder how old it is.

As you can see, I'm still working on getting that slow shutter, silky look on moving water. I thought this one was fairly good. Of course, I didn't have a tri-pod so instead I plopped myself down on rock or ground to try and remain motionless. There was quite a bit of water flowing......more than I'd have thought from the little rain we had.
When we were driving back towards Hwy 101, I saw where the man who is looking for gold was still at it. I don't know if I mentioned him or not when I was up there about a month or so ago. He was in a diving suit with goggles. There's some kind of machine that's in the water, too, and I'm just guessing about what he's doing but that's the only thing that makes sense to me. Be interesting to find out how much, if anything, he's finding.

My poor old kitty Willie is just getting so old. I'm not sure, and I hope that whatever the problem is passes, but I think she's acting like she's in pain. This is the hardest thing about having a pet.......at least if you have it in your mind that the pet is part of the family. I've had to put other pets down and it always evokes feelings in me where I again realize how precious is life. Our own or those who wander onto our paths. Then again, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with Willie's appetite, so maybe she'll get to acting a little less pained. I really hope so.

How was everyone's Monday?? Mine was pretty good. I even got out and did a little bit of pruning in the 'Backyard Jungle: The Movie'. Speaking of........we've finished the wonderful 'Doc Martin' and are now watching 'Pillars of the Earth'. It sure isn't a comedy. Life was cheap back in the 1st century.....I think that's about the time period. The church and everyone else was corrupt and so far it appears the bad guys are winning. There are a number more episodes to watch and hope that those evil villains get theirs!!

Tuesday should be a good day for one and all........Have fun!!

TWO MORE SEPIAS

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was quiet and generally low-key. It made a nice match with the rain we've had the last couple of days. Not anything too significant in the amount of rain, but it was one more definite annoucement that summer is now over. I baked bread to go with some good rainy day comfort food.......spaghetti. Tonight, lamb stew.

This first photograph was at the north end in Old Town Bandon. I've always found the rotting pilings to be picturesque. There are generally large numbers of gulls and maybe geese hanging around there. The water is fairly shallow and the tide brings all kinds of gull-goodies for them to feast on. In this shot, the sky was filled with the birds as they fly and soar through the air, for what or why, I don't know. It always facinates me though. We didn't make our Gold Beach trip as we had hoped. We'll just postpone it which is just as well since Saturday was raining pretty good. Maybe I can get Norm to drive a little ways up the Rogue River. A friend of mine traveled recently along the Umpqua and the maples are turning the most beautiful colors now. It was a fantastic photo she took and now I want to do that too!! 8-))

This was shot from the car again, looking at the south side of the Coquille River from Hwy 101. All this grass was doing a slow waltz in the faint breeze we had that day. Mesmerizing! The color was a little flat the day both of these were taken and I thought the sepia was a fairly good way to bring a little definition to the sky and thin clouds.

Here's hoping that your new week is full of new energy and enthusiasm for life!!

Go get'em!!

A DAY WITHOUT RAIN

Did not the weatherman predict rain!! Does he not know where of he speaks?? So, with that in mind, I decided to make my own 'lack of color' day by posting these photos. This first one you probably recognize as Charleston Marina again. I noticed all the triangular reflections and shapes in the foreground. They seemed to get lost with color because of the busy lines of masts and lines of the boats. I see they stand out more in black and white. This is one of those scenes I seldom get bored with.......mainly because of the Marine Biology cabins in the background. They look like they belong on the eastern seaboard. Where's the lobster??? We had to bring Norm's truck in for servicing and some recall problem with the gas and brake pedals. It gave me a good chance to just sit, sip coffee and read a print out I had on photography tips. Nice way to spend a morning.
Have many of you eaten at the Blue Heron in Coos Bay? We've only been in a few times, but we do like it. Good food........although maybe a bit too much. It's mainly a German menu with Norman Rockwell posters all over the walls. German with a large dash of Americana. Our waitress was very cute........and she laughed at all the right times in listening to Norm's jokes. An extra tip for that gal!! I took this shot, from the moving car, just on the north side of the Coquille River. The clouds are starting to get interesting and in this one I particularly like the contrast of the silhouette of the trees. No chance to use a tri-pod here.

Tomorrow we head down to see one of Norm's Navy buddies who is staying in Gold Beach. I'll visit with his wife and if there is no rain, the two guys will go out to do some Rogue River fishing. I noticed that the rivers were filling up with hopefuls for that "big one" that might have gotten away last year. Although, now that I think about it, don't the salmon that are going upstream die once they get there?? Well, whatever Norm and his bud bring home I hope they remember to clean it.........I eat it fish. I don't do fish cleaning.

Friday tomorrow!! Happy plans for the weekend?? So have a great time of it!

HARVEST TIME

The rains are beginning, so they say. It sure feels like the weather is turning. Everyone over the age of.........fill in the blank........has their arthritis kicking up. My niece is looking forward to all things cozy........I get that nesting feeling every fall, too. Time to hunker down and prepare for the time of winter-quiet and contemplation. Here is one shot of late harvesting of our cherry tomatoes. They have been exceptionally tasty this year........high acidity and soooo good. I thought I'd get some of the roses and zinnias that were blooming before the rain gets to them. It made a nice little autumn looking bouquet, huh?? Along with some of Norm's prize onions.
A few days ago he planted more beet seeds and they've broken ground and are on their way. They're a cool-weather crop and I hope I get them to pickle in spite of the cooler temperatures that are coming.

So......rain is coming now for the next number of days. I don't know if that means very heavy or just constant or mostly cloudy. It's Mother Nature's surprise for us. But remember that the roads will probably by slick so take your time and drive carefully. And have a wonderful Wednesday!

THAT OLE' FICKLE SUN

My visit this morning with my friend was really nice.....as it always is when we get together......we 'solve' the problems of the world by recognizing that probably the best we can do is recognize that there are problems of the world. But we explore our thoughts and feelings and trust each other to know that even when what we say might be a little un-understandable to others, that's OK. A very accepting and unconditional respect we have for each other.
When I arrived though, I was hoping to get that shot of the dock through the trees that I mentioned in yesterday's posting. The view off her deck was fine, since it was up close. And here are those wonderful peeling trunks of the madrona trees again. Pretty against the green, huh? Then you see what happens when I zoom out towards the dock.......I'm showing this in black and white so you can fully see how socked in downtown Port Orford was today with fog. Viewed on large you can better see some of the filtered trees and I think, Coast Guard Hill in the upper left corner. I happen to really appreciate the 'mists'. Not in this particular photo, but many times it creates interesting moods and lets us see the world in another way that allows us to maybe dream and see through the eyes of imagination. Think British Isles and the Little People......Sometimes in walking in the winter when there might be heavy fog and in looking into the woods, it's very easy to see how there might be an entirely different world somewhere out, or down there. Lots of possibilities!!

In this last one, the deer moved and so did I.......Perfect for playing with my editing software again. This way I can say that "no, I didn't take a poor photograph........I did that intentionally in order to create through my artistic sensibilities". HA!

Tomorrow..........I've been away from a group that I meet with on a fairly regular basis and looking forward to seeing them all tomorrow. Isn't it easy to have one thing, then another, then another, interfere with what's REALLY important? And before you know it way too much time has come about. One of the top items on my self-improvement list.

Everyone have another good Wednesday. Think what is REALLY important to you. I bet it involves other people. A pain and a joy, huh?

SOME FALL FLORALS

Boy! Today has been one of those 'I feel like a slug' kind of days..........Slow, slow and slower.
OK, I guess.......nothing all that pressing to accomplish this Monday. Baked some bread and made up a new batch of dough for future loaves. Other this n' that around the house. This first photo has to be viewed in large to appreciate the light......And I have noticed how much I like, lately, looking at the world of flowers from upside down. Don't know what that means and maybe that's for the best, huh? 8-))

Tonight we get to see the final episode of the season for "True Blood". All those fangs and that blood-sucking......now there are shape shifters, werewolves and faieries. A great escape and tonight we'll find out if Eric is destroyed by seeking the sun or will he return for another bite?? Funny thing about fantasies and how far they stray from reality. Last night I was telling of our first (and last) attempt at slaughtering (Norm's job) a pullet hen, cleaning (my job) and cooking up chicken (my job) for dinner. I think I've told the story here before.......needless to say, a disaster from A to Z. So, thinking about it today I realize that I would never, never make a good vampire. The smell of dirt and blood remained with me for a good week. Now that's a little bit in information about me that I'm sure you'll find useful.

OK....the last photo is a macro look down at a bloom on one of the trumpet flowers, a late blooming vine perenniel. It took years before it finally began blooming and now is just loaded with heavy flowers every late summer into fall. The hummingbirds love it! Me, too.

So, what's going on with your Tuesday?? Tomorrow morning I meet with a good friend for coffee and chat. She's only here for the summer months and we haven't gotten together nearly enough this year.......I'll bring my camera and see if I can't get some new interesting shots to share. She has a beautiful view throught the trees of the Port Orford dock. Come back tomorrow and take a look. And enjoy your day!! You can make it the best!

SIGHTS THAT MAKE A SHOPPING DAY WORTH THE TRIP

This first shot was taken from one of the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, the jetty in Bandon and even the Bandon lighthouse, if you look closely. Those clouds were so beautiful and I actually like it more in the sepia since the vivid blue of the sea that day, distracted from the clouds.....in my opinion. Black and white just didn't do it justice this time. And....I am having a lot of fun experimenting lately with my editing software.

I hope everyone had a good weekend.........Ours was great! Wonderful food and wonderful friends. It all blended together to give a great, happy shot in the arm. And our weather has been great, huh? Sorry for those who live elsewhere who might not be able to experience southern Oregon autumn weather. For any who are planning a trip and haven't made up your mind yet.........think of Port Orford or thereabouts, for the perfect fall get-away. And sunsets to die for!! This second shot I was trying to be clever........not that this is an original idea. The reason it didn't land in the 'delete file' was how the blue sky in the background contrasts with the almost black and white look of the mirror reflection. This was taken at the Charleston Marina boardwalk. It was very busy that day......lots of cars, tourists and fishing boats coming and going. Hard to imagine how quiet it will seem in just another couple of months. By the end of October, in most years, the tourist traffic seems to stop abruptly.........almost like they closed off Highway 101 at the borders.

This lovely weather is making it almost impossible to find reasons to not get out at least an hour or so, into the garden and tackle the ever-annoying fall pruning. I managed to cut back one enormous lavendar bush. Hopefully, it won't die this winter from shock since I cut so much off. If it does, I'll just plant another.......or maybe something that requires no pruning.......or watering.

My list in narrowing.

Willie the kitty is back in fine form.........maybe too fine a form. How easily she adapted to the extra attention and is taking advantage. This morning I had stripped the bed to change sheets. Norm walked into the bedroom just in time to see my sweet Willie turning circles on some blankets....making a nest for herself in OUR blankets. Willie might be old but I saw where she can still move mighty fast when survival in the name of the game.

OK.....everyone have a great Monday..........tell a couple of jokes.........laugh at anothers. It helps you wake up. After that cup of coffee!

SEPTEMBER 11TH EXTRA

I was listening to the TV today and of course all news stations were telling of the plans for and the history of 9-11-01. I guess I'm still not over that terrible shock and grief that overcame our country......and a lot of the world, too. But I do remember that along with the horror of that day, I was so concerned for my twin grandsons whose birthday is Sept. 11th. What a legacy and rememberance to have every year. So, I decided to remember and honor the victims and heros of that day, but also to celebrate life.........those twins are so precious to me. Jorma passed on a couple of years ago, but Jory blessed the world by giving a beautiful daughter, Kylie, born on September 11th also!! I guess 9-11 will always contain mixed blessings for me......death and life. Thankfully, the death is remembered for a shorter duration and the life is there growing into new experiences, loves and lessons. And that deserves honor also.

CHARLESTON-OR MURDER, SHE WROTE?

When Norm and I first contemplated moving to Oregon we seriously considered Charleston. We loved watching "Murder, She Wrote" and how Jessica would figure out the newest murder mystery in her little quaint little town of Cabot's Cove. It was on the eastern seaboard but looked an awful lot to us like Charleston. If it weren't for a completely disinterested realtor, we might have been living there instead of Port Orford. I'm glad now it didn't work out that way, but still it's an interesting and colorful little town. This first photo, I was playing with black and white and that contrast between sky, clouds and water. I like this photo a lot. Maybe some of you do, too. The more I study it, the more I see things I like in this image. This second one is quite a bit different in color and busy-ness. But, those clouds!! They really were something! I think this winter, I'll be playing around a lot with black and white and cloud formations. They can be so dramatic at times.

Well, my poor Willie kitty was attacked last night by something tougher than she is. Not hard to do these days; she's pretty old now. So, here she is plopped on my lap, grooming herself while I try to type. Naturally, she thinks what's she's doing takes priority! She feels a little poorly today.....doesn't want to go outside without me and is lapping up the extra attention I'm giving her. Even NORM, if you can believe it, is giving her a little consideration today. For those who don't know about this, Norm is not an admirer of Willie's. She just arrived as a stray and eventually worked her way into my heart. I don't know why because she was more trouble than she was worth in the beginning.......part feral. Norm

even tried to bribe me once into getting rid of her............as if!!! Hopefully, she'll be back to her usual ornery self soon.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.........Sleep in late and enjoy not having to get up early. Then go have fun!