tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823116531573461282024-03-13T15:06:12.402-07:00Aimee on the Mountainside: Climbing Life's Mountainaimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.comBlogger896125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-60099686058875210042022-04-28T16:23:00.009-07:002022-04-28T16:26:00.856-07:00Garden Goodness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It’s so hard to believe that so much time has passed since I last posted, but it has. A lot of time with a lot of changes and a fair amount of challenges - I’m sure we were not alone in that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But today I’m just going to focus on the garden goodness God has sent us this Spring. These are just iPhone pix but they bring me joy and I hope they will for you as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycDO1joJIslsKipi376UqDrnr7vqpnJTQn1TtDkCopUKTcIdsElRLu72nk06JaJSe3qJwIvg7no8Ib1_3adppXc-SvDQa3IIm7rmc5Voq1PWIJoRzmjyIaC0Z3OPBNKonuZdexWNT71COW4OC5pzhTq7KUqqMx7ZLdAbvaWfmpeq-C94YOpllJqR3/s2068/A8A4E92E-4A73-435A-901D-2F8CC1A47680.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="1835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycDO1joJIslsKipi376UqDrnr7vqpnJTQn1TtDkCopUKTcIdsElRLu72nk06JaJSe3qJwIvg7no8Ib1_3adppXc-SvDQa3IIm7rmc5Voq1PWIJoRzmjyIaC0Z3OPBNKonuZdexWNT71COW4OC5pzhTq7KUqqMx7ZLdAbvaWfmpeq-C94YOpllJqR3/s320/A8A4E92E-4A73-435A-901D-2F8CC1A47680.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rhubarb blossom </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVMncjANAVrxhB12gW3tCFD3D2m731pS_WoPzFMQn-R6anePKmtYx6C_lZsWs4af_2YwEs178MhwcEEjR4_GLnN-oDri_uM7_H2tMIoYyWa2kMyEb0dw-DelVGPpBOssG1dm987hq4UATxhMOmGp2vkaMVvlIusE_lwSmuvglemn2BveVzMWK4iWG/s2370/B07D2411-748A-460B-94E9-12CCA7827C95.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="2370" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVMncjANAVrxhB12gW3tCFD3D2m731pS_WoPzFMQn-R6anePKmtYx6C_lZsWs4af_2YwEs178MhwcEEjR4_GLnN-oDri_uM7_H2tMIoYyWa2kMyEb0dw-DelVGPpBOssG1dm987hq4UATxhMOmGp2vkaMVvlIusE_lwSmuvglemn2BveVzMWK4iWG/s320/B07D2411-748A-460B-94E9-12CCA7827C95.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Rhododendron bloom (the heatwave of last summer did a number on many of our plants). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6FjbiTdJRfY0cNne77D98y1aTnQ8B2WZ7RRtHoZqx1LHvFdFbg9JE-rdSMc6adakGq-KGXCY6zLwP_PvV9ezOl4HUTA-dytcdvn99-LIHxYsT-jVTYGxOCIhdg5D0tjr89M2fxWP7METgMH5vKdq5HBiKPoGfnqIk9kaYDjmOWKXePishbZQILd-/s2840/E06CBEFB-863E-473F-99E0-93FC6F2DA184.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="2579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6FjbiTdJRfY0cNne77D98y1aTnQ8B2WZ7RRtHoZqx1LHvFdFbg9JE-rdSMc6adakGq-KGXCY6zLwP_PvV9ezOl4HUTA-dytcdvn99-LIHxYsT-jVTYGxOCIhdg5D0tjr89M2fxWP7METgMH5vKdq5HBiKPoGfnqIk9kaYDjmOWKXePishbZQILd-/s320/E06CBEFB-863E-473F-99E0-93FC6F2DA184.jpeg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crabapple blossoms - love these!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraRbdR94xzuTm7jz6VzGXZXRkV5aiPAOtsb7Q3OnFUZ4Hkr7upHcAEqocPtv4Q2eVM7HL-wRneLf20WwAFC2zGFik8jaawU-vKixw4Hpq-zX_hkRvhPRNDcVDNVG0cm7BOYZJDTR7alyv3U2sqdryDRSRG2DqSgGRV9d8_ZfGQfzZTgpDFfjBHsmo/s2470/6D22BF3C-BB62-4F19-B340-1CF637048D65.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="2470" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraRbdR94xzuTm7jz6VzGXZXRkV5aiPAOtsb7Q3OnFUZ4Hkr7upHcAEqocPtv4Q2eVM7HL-wRneLf20WwAFC2zGFik8jaawU-vKixw4Hpq-zX_hkRvhPRNDcVDNVG0cm7BOYZJDTR7alyv3U2sqdryDRSRG2DqSgGRV9d8_ZfGQfzZTgpDFfjBHsmo/s320/6D22BF3C-BB62-4F19-B340-1CF637048D65.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady’s Mantle after the rain. Photography has been a challenge between the abundance of rainy days and wind, but I love raindrops on certain plants because they’re so sparkly!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-QblD_BnN-FLHnFhwA3la9r0Pq9V6j75fwCi9LiEaBC98dJgbN4SDuAt3878-Dj4jxzqRiuCHHOVwDa0yUllyjNQZwUfuewvlIeV2p2GEqZqK_CkKMM3-Xt5E1eKIS1aUATaVT57GqW_mvWy2sWeXj-JNwl8pcjyo4Z3iZGepYuH1AK9riXa6B3I/s2567/63CB6602-40A4-4CA8-892D-ACB066BE539F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2375" data-original-width="2567" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-QblD_BnN-FLHnFhwA3la9r0Pq9V6j75fwCi9LiEaBC98dJgbN4SDuAt3878-Dj4jxzqRiuCHHOVwDa0yUllyjNQZwUfuewvlIeV2p2GEqZqK_CkKMM3-Xt5E1eKIS1aUATaVT57GqW_mvWy2sWeXj-JNwl8pcjyo4Z3iZGepYuH1AK9riXa6B3I/s320/63CB6602-40A4-4CA8-892D-ACB066BE539F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camellia </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FHzDk-3dCyB9qYZC3lW23A6UnUuaQkj6NpEFt3YkRhTlwFZgI5P5zxDx1-YioK9v6vPBeanKiE57rBQkFKeNJ_9xbjv_VWDSWzNu8D69LMPpHUwQl-f5ZcQymGG6JprQNBD_EZSaa73Y3vR5h9eHiIPh_sJheXLw7Ooh_RCo9CJnARu5gxQGEkKi/s2755/709A7B99-AC93-47BD-AF2B-150DA5784054.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2755" data-original-width="2652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FHzDk-3dCyB9qYZC3lW23A6UnUuaQkj6NpEFt3YkRhTlwFZgI5P5zxDx1-YioK9v6vPBeanKiE57rBQkFKeNJ_9xbjv_VWDSWzNu8D69LMPpHUwQl-f5ZcQymGG6JprQNBD_EZSaa73Y3vR5h9eHiIPh_sJheXLw7Ooh_RCo9CJnARu5gxQGEkKi/s320/709A7B99-AC93-47BD-AF2B-150DA5784054.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dogwood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, for a first post in forever and a first phone post - which seems to be a bit more challenging then it does on my MacBook, I’m going to cut it short. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to post trip pix and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peace, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aimee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">II Thessalonians 3:16 KJV</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-21781833815410219752019-03-02T20:41:00.000-08:002019-03-02T20:41:27.980-08:00A New Beginning: Part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Another week has passed by, and I find myself feeling a bit better having gotten a taste of spring while exploring a new locale in the valley that family had told me about. The lovely blue skies and a bit warmer temp definitely helped raise my spirits!</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Meanwhile, while we are waiting for spring to really arrive, I want to share some more winter photos from the past few years...</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGL-OxFW8z0/XHtP4lX1onI/AAAAAAAAMLk/RCWBhjqYqeo-TKekC0tLyQ8ziktb9quyQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1600" height="387" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGL-OxFW8z0/XHtP4lX1onI/AAAAAAAAMLk/RCWBhjqYqeo-TKekC0tLyQ8ziktb9quyQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0903.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b>A bit of snow on the hillsides and trees. </b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b>It has been an interesting winter for sure!</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtkD7An0vh0/XHtP_y9ke7I/AAAAAAAAMLo/S7vMCGhOL088_c86OBjqWSKropJPiIAFQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1139" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtkD7An0vh0/XHtP_y9ke7I/AAAAAAAAMLo/S7vMCGhOL088_c86OBjqWSKropJPiIAFQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0358.jpg" width="580" /></b></a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b>Christmas decor in Taft (one of the cities that make up Lincoln City). </b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qUm85669ok/XHtQBupCR2I/AAAAAAAAMLw/kb7xVBlHUlI_6CGk_g2E4q0z92EhvvDeQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qUm85669ok/XHtQBupCR2I/AAAAAAAAMLw/kb7xVBlHUlI_6CGk_g2E4q0z92EhvvDeQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0490.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>King Tide at Bayview. </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>King Tides in Oregon take place in the winter months and are very high tides. </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>(link below has more info)</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFskIKXjb5k/XHtQYnLqI8I/AAAAAAAAMMI/GEvWWiqF9K8tIBuFlpjFU-d2Y2DIIwX0ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="1309" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFskIKXjb5k/XHtQYnLqI8I/AAAAAAAAMMI/GEvWWiqF9K8tIBuFlpjFU-d2Y2DIIwX0ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0329.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>This VW Bug is often decorated on the different holidays. </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>I always look forward to seeing how the residents decorate it!</i></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZSgARZa-nw/XHtQPMw__EI/AAAAAAAAML4/eOF5BGI7iCoS523IQS2SLYntyvnvBddfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZSgARZa-nw/XHtQPMw__EI/AAAAAAAAML4/eOF5BGI7iCoS523IQS2SLYntyvnvBddfQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3597.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>No parking at the RV park in Clackamette Park. </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Interesting to take photos of though. </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwOBrMxjvXM/XHtQBeQb6TI/AAAAAAAAMLs/rSQ9SKhhAgARh5oznaSK_HkIgzXnRTK3wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1555" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwOBrMxjvXM/XHtQBeQb6TI/AAAAAAAAMLs/rSQ9SKhhAgARh5oznaSK_HkIgzXnRTK3wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0930.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i style="font-family: inherit;">Each year we </i><i>leave some</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> fruit on our trees, bushes and vines. </i><i>Who</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> would have thought that robins would like kiwi? But they did and were pretty energized feasting on the hanging and </i><i>fallen fruit</i><i style="font-family: inherit;">. </i></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF_vSZrO4qY/XHtQ8XtULeI/AAAAAAAAMMU/SSsaMBlJJh08Rx_tw29kWqx1-EWYt2PMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF_vSZrO4qY/XHtQ8XtULeI/AAAAAAAAMMU/SSsaMBlJJh08Rx_tw29kWqx1-EWYt2PMgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6899.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i style="font-family: inherit;">King Tide at one of the day areas at </i><i>Barview County Park. The tide was so high it covered much of this area. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i>Well, that's it for this week. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i>Wishing you a new week of peace, joy and love. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Aimee</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Links:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="https://www.oregonkingtides.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">King Tide</a></i></b></div>
<br />aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-27235104176520193682019-02-23T20:37:00.001-08:002019-02-23T20:37:42.114-08:00A New Beginning: Part II<b><i>Since it seems like our "good" friend, Punxsutawney Phil hasn't been altogether honest with his forecast of an early spring this year, I might as well continue winter on this blog as well--even though every fiber of my being longs for sun, springtime and warmth! </i></b><b><i>But, with each passing year, I realize just how precious every day is, and that, though some of them are gray and cold, they are still gifts to be cherished and lived to the fullest. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Since I am so late in posting this week, I'm going to keep this post rather short. Hope you enjoy it though:)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7lOLL_af0g/XHIVk2XXTJI/AAAAAAAAMK0/NtKc5Vygo3UTIiGFPWeEPaF90sgGzBcSwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1514" height="546" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7lOLL_af0g/XHIVk2XXTJI/AAAAAAAAMK0/NtKc5Vygo3UTIiGFPWeEPaF90sgGzBcSwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A winter's walk at a favorite wetland :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tE9ZdIuYts4/XHIVwrLAF5I/AAAAAAAAMK4/ifNbfxxmNnkVx5hNUftJ4HpDVoxrbj_UACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tE9ZdIuYts4/XHIVwrLAF5I/AAAAAAAAMK4/ifNbfxxmNnkVx5hNUftJ4HpDVoxrbj_UACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A fun first for me (and our youngest granddaughter) on one of our favorite beaches. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQn7Y4pU1s/XHIWygNW_9I/AAAAAAAAMLQ/ZcPQgFYkZz0_McnJQuHa_MlxJ1s18VOkwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQn7Y4pU1s/XHIWygNW_9I/AAAAAAAAMLQ/ZcPQgFYkZz0_McnJQuHa_MlxJ1s18VOkwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teepees alongside I-5 during a winter trip to southern Oregon. When I was younger my parents used to take us to Kah-Nee-Ta, a resort in central Oregon where you could stay overnight in one, ride horses and swim in their lovely warm pools. Such good memories. Sadly the resort closed this past September. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJsbX_qUBbI/XHIW6HztTHI/AAAAAAAAMLU/Y7ydspsXWeUF98bDIwHjtDhzbaUrF_MPwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJsbX_qUBbI/XHIW6HztTHI/AAAAAAAAMLU/Y7ydspsXWeUF98bDIwHjtDhzbaUrF_MPwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0162.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nation's largest black cottonwood reflected in the waters of Mission Lake, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Willamette Mission State Park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wishing you all a week of joy, peace and love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-80413412506799210052019-02-15T00:44:00.001-08:002019-02-23T19:39:09.401-08:00A New Beginning <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Hello again! Long time, no posts. Perhaps it is time for a new beginning?</i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<b><span style="color: #454545;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Actually, it just so happens that the word I chose for this new year is "new", and along with that comes the idea of fresh, new beginnings. So now that I am home, now that I have easier access to the </i><i>Internet (thanks to my youngest son) and also since I would very much like to post some old to me, new to you memories in photos before I add a couple of years more of even newer photo memories, here I am. Oh yeah, speaking</i></span></b><b><span style="color: #454545;"><i> of my word for this year, it actually came from my key/theme verse for 2019--you'll find that at the end of the blog post today. It speaks to this idea of newness and so far has been a real blessing to me since the year began. I hope it </i></span></b><span style="color: #454545;"><b><i>will bless you as well. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">It’s been so many months since I last posted, and even longer since the events posted actually occurred. And these 2 1/2 years in time</i><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> have been filled with </i></b><b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">a multitude of emotions and experiences--way too many to </i></b><b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">try and </i><span style="color: #454545;"><i>catchup with in just one post, and some photos are simply not organized to the point </i><i>where</i><i> </i><i>they're even ready to post--or edit. That is what happens when you are as crazy as I am about recording memories :)</i></span></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><i>So where to start? I've thought about this quite a bit and </i></span><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>just</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> don't have the </i><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>energy</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> or time right now to go back to </i><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>where</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> I left you--in Utah, in the </i><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>autumn</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> of 2016 (the real date for the pictures from the last post). So, instead of </i><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>continuing</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> our first journey to the South, I am going to post a few favorite pictures I've taken and then, at another date, </i><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><i>continue</i></span></span><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> -- in some way -- with that journey. At least with access to the Internet being easier now (it wasn't then) I might actually get us to the South before we're back there in real life --LOL :)</i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><b><i style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">To start off, I think I'll post by season, </i><i>and</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"> since we just </i><i>happen to be in winter, I'll start there. Now to be honest, winter is not my favorite season of the year, but it does have its own special beauty...especially at two of my favorite places--the coast and the wetlands. These are a few of my favorite photos from winter 2016-2019--some are not as sharp as I would have liked, but all hold a special place in my heart and in my mind. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGGpfapANFg/XGZuH4Bnm7I/AAAAAAAAMJk/xbNWpvp4W_c82xRxCzdHBQTOCbPlnDZIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGGpfapANFg/XGZuH4Bnm7I/AAAAAAAAMJk/xbNWpvp4W_c82xRxCzdHBQTOCbPlnDZIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Early morning at Cape Kiwanda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSVgayOQJIs/XGZuQMccVmI/AAAAAAAAMJo/GSgg0At2TzE28Y7VO0DIZQsxkfC42m_FQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSVgayOQJIs/XGZuQMccVmI/AAAAAAAAMJo/GSgg0At2TzE28Y7VO0DIZQsxkfC42m_FQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Netarts Spit + Netarts Bay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6rNEVYy94/XGZvCRSP3_I/AAAAAAAAMKA/eAAQikjTZQ0CYd9JKKuEB8LRdO4n6slEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6rNEVYy94/XGZvCRSP3_I/AAAAAAAAMKA/eAAQikjTZQ0CYd9JKKuEB8LRdO4n6slEACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sandlake Estuary (the new state park is on the left/south side of the photo)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIjHxV7Gezs/XGZvZa0ov0I/AAAAAAAAMKI/D2P51tO5z9Q0JeHtuOrjPSfDm48koIbEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIjHxV7Gezs/XGZvZa0ov0I/AAAAAAAAMKI/D2P51tO5z9Q0JeHtuOrjPSfDm48koIbEgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Barview Jetty. Love the winter waves :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1sEq4RDDnA/XGZueQfnBxI/AAAAAAAAMJw/Hd2uFEjpZpYDQ4ejtTWdQ3oJGu-aRCSRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1sEq4RDDnA/XGZueQfnBxI/AAAAAAAAMJw/Hd2uFEjpZpYDQ4ejtTWdQ3oJGu-aRCSRgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View from Erratic Rock (the actual rock would be behind me in this photo)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVPOVILpAhY/XGZ1Y_cAdvI/AAAAAAAAMKU/ur_FJ-DqgG0A-gTVBTKyeZ26LLvSsoxXACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1315" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVPOVILpAhY/XGZ1Y_cAdvI/AAAAAAAAMKU/ur_FJ-DqgG0A-gTVBTKyeZ26LLvSsoxXACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Winter camping entertainment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mYB7n5MZJ0/XGZ3soSU_iI/AAAAAAAAMKg/YjeUbOi53rwBTN1Z1ygoxdXqVP8FcGcFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mYB7n5MZJ0/XGZ3soSU_iI/AAAAAAAAMKg/YjeUbOi53rwBTN1Z1ygoxdXqVP8FcGcFgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another early morning beach view. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A new day has started here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A new beginning for me, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a new beginning for you too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish you a day of peace, joy and love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I leave you with my Bible verse for this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
II Corinthians 5:17 KJV</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><i style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<i style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<i style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 23px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 19px;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-64912565124148145232016-12-15T15:02:00.002-08:002016-12-15T15:02:14.826-08:00Utah: Part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While we were in beautiful Utah, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we had a chance to see this little one...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_VB54PXm0/WEzC6JE29lI/AAAAAAAAMIc/20VhmOVYuTMLCnpOJXGIZeyOkuu1NPAgQCLcB/s1600/Sweet%2BBaby%2BGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_VB54PXm0/WEzC6JE29lI/AAAAAAAAMIc/20VhmOVYuTMLCnpOJXGIZeyOkuu1NPAgQCLcB/s640/Sweet%2BBaby%2BGirl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our VERY precious and adorable great-granddaughter!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Makes me wish we lived a LOT closer to see the milestones in her life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJtNKVogz5I/WEzC57g9XnI/AAAAAAAAMIY/50dgz1mvnl0cywU5quHXE6BYk8_X9rRwQCLcB/s1600/First%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJtNKVogz5I/WEzC57g9XnI/AAAAAAAAMIY/50dgz1mvnl0cywU5quHXE6BYk8_X9rRwQCLcB/s640/First%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amy's DMIL made us some amazing meals and, as I have said, has one of the sweetest hearts I've ever known! This simple dish tasted INCREDIBLE!! I wanted to keep eating and eating and eating; it was THAT good! And that tortilla right there? Well, ladies and gentlemen, that is the first tortilla I ever made with a press! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It turned out MOST yummy-although it wasn't as perfect as my teacher's were:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVRxPkQju8I/WEzC7K-DfrI/AAAAAAAAMIg/W6twb_olm9I6BiXhVHZtP1OUC1VPuDbrACLcB/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVRxPkQju8I/WEzC7K-DfrI/AAAAAAAAMIg/W6twb_olm9I6BiXhVHZtP1OUC1VPuDbrACLcB/s640/IMG_1733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later on, my DD's DMIL and my teacher, presented me with a birthday gift!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was SO touched and deeply humbled. This is her very own personal tortilla press-the one she used all the time. I can hardly wait to use it and bless my family the way she does everyday:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whenever I look at it, I remember her and it makes me feel blessed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAQ93hywQPA/WEzC4Ay1LlI/AAAAAAAAMIM/33MredYtYbIA3qUT_cMsJUkvJ-g1YQqdgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAQ93hywQPA/WEzC4Ay1LlI/AAAAAAAAMIM/33MredYtYbIA3qUT_cMsJUkvJ-g1YQqdgCLcB/s640/DSC_0783.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way to see my son in 2007 or 2008, we went through a beautiful area in Utah. I took lots and lots of photos then, only to lose them. On the way back home, we went through that same area...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and, again, I fell in love with it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this time, I am getting some photos posted SO I can always look back and remember:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT1FAOitvXc/WEzC4IwNQyI/AAAAAAAAMII/PkFaKETQxHcB6Di952s_OM5UibPz578UwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT1FAOitvXc/WEzC4IwNQyI/AAAAAAAAMII/PkFaKETQxHcB6Di952s_OM5UibPz578UwCLcB/s640/DSC_0806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The canyons of Utah blow me away. Since I had moved into the front seat by now, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
photos were a bit easier to take. Yea for autumn color :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEYJeH0Hug0/WEzC4FjiIJI/AAAAAAAAMIE/b-hXmX8khAsmuBOSN67QJVgaXCEbMOS8ACLcB/s1600/DSC_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEYJeH0Hug0/WEzC4FjiIJI/AAAAAAAAMIE/b-hXmX8khAsmuBOSN67QJVgaXCEbMOS8ACLcB/s640/DSC_0810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the interesting places we passed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like the lizard-beastie of Idaho, I would love to know more about this log cabin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NEED more data time:) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xoF9NY_eRAs/WEzC489S17I/AAAAAAAAMIQ/BTI4qdipndIe9tz46Nu9WBqYVnI4XkGlACLcB/s1600/DSC_0828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xoF9NY_eRAs/WEzC489S17I/AAAAAAAAMIQ/BTI4qdipndIe9tz46Nu9WBqYVnI4XkGlACLcB/s640/DSC_0828.jpg" width="569" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the many, many water towers we passed going and coming on our journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y3JBnUK1No/WEzC40pXzQI/AAAAAAAAMIU/Buz2oldPx_sC-U_i-jbSWahfs7HY_wQQACLcB/s1600/DSC_0830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y3JBnUK1No/WEzC40pXzQI/AAAAAAAAMIU/Buz2oldPx_sC-U_i-jbSWahfs7HY_wQQACLcB/s640/DSC_0830.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And another one...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xxmninQbc/WEzDirvO39I/AAAAAAAAMIo/kSrwXf4vyp4sEotvml7FNGlFJROfcZaegCLcB/s1600/DSC_0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xxmninQbc/WEzDirvO39I/AAAAAAAAMIo/kSrwXf4vyp4sEotvml7FNGlFJROfcZaegCLcB/s640/DSC_0917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the cornfields we passed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the many, many cornfields we passed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7QHR2QtkY/WEzC7J1LTWI/AAAAAAAAMIk/D9uBtQJLoGAGZnJaxXP7kORrmmjl0Yz0gCLcB/s1600/UT-aspen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7QHR2QtkY/WEzC7J1LTWI/AAAAAAAAMIk/D9uBtQJLoGAGZnJaxXP7kORrmmjl0Yz0gCLcB/s640/UT-aspen.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Past their peak color, but always beautiful-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my beloved Aspen trees. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do I love thee? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me count the ways...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next: Wyoming</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some links of interest:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">America the Beautiful Senior Pass</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/gosp/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Golden Spike NHS</a></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-17730469602745368542016-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:002016-12-10T18:50:22.130-08:00Utah: Part II<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank YOU for all your kind comments on my trip posts! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you'll continue to enjoy touring the country with me (and hubby of course). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I got to thinking, that at my very slow-maybe once a week posting of the trip pics-it'll be spring before I get them all posted. Plus, I have SO many photos (taken since our return) of wetland waterfowl and the coast (of course) that I am eager to share with you too...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I decided I need to increase my posts to maybe 2 or 3 a week. We'll see, with limited data and a crazy, crazy life and possible Christmas visitors coming...who knows? :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's post will be a bit of a potpourri of things we saw and ate in Utah. I miss seeing these places already...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRfEloU5r0/WEucUTUH1xI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/U4ybf68MypER1KYFGpURr9TpTBCFB-PSgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRfEloU5r0/WEucUTUH1xI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/U4ybf68MypER1KYFGpURr9TpTBCFB-PSgCLcB/s640/DSC_1049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The mountains of Utah always captivate me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDXZJGucXWo/WEucUUZfmgI/AAAAAAAAMHY/oVASDr-mF2oQ5ykvJdnuyyBAiu5VIvt0QCLcB/s1600/DSC_1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDXZJGucXWo/WEucUUZfmgI/AAAAAAAAMHY/oVASDr-mF2oQ5ykvJdnuyyBAiu5VIvt0QCLcB/s640/DSC_1054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took this photo during one of the photoshoots I did for my DD on our return to their home from our trip south. The colors were incredible--I finally fulfilled my dream of being in Utah in the autumn. Now, I just want to be there <b>every </b>autumn! This was taken at about 5200 feet in elevation if I remember correctly. Oh--I did get to spend some time admiring my beloved aspen trees and I took several photos of them too (but not the photo above).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od3tuQui0gg/WEucUXvSjyI/AAAAAAAAMHU/SJZnUefHDx0XHVvZgh8PhEjDcsuuyexZgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od3tuQui0gg/WEucUXvSjyI/AAAAAAAAMHU/SJZnUefHDx0XHVvZgh8PhEjDcsuuyexZgCLcB/s640/DSC_1095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Up in the mountains (canyon) still. There's a pretty lake close by here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdoi19mUqR4/WEucUiJsymI/AAAAAAAAMHc/uN1Tjl5Q698bc3GfM10oQyV8YwWsZ7evACLcB/s1600/DSC_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdoi19mUqR4/WEucUiJsymI/AAAAAAAAMHc/uN1Tjl5Q698bc3GfM10oQyV8YwWsZ7evACLcB/s640/DSC_1131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another view of my beloved Utah mountains. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the better with a bit of icing (snow) on them, don't you think?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyhwTxWoeEY/WEucVwBS-oI/AAAAAAAAMHk/vDQaQWO3ztoF5f9LI1Uzqy-KiA0MjbsSACLcB/s1600/IMG_1620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyhwTxWoeEY/WEucVwBS-oI/AAAAAAAAMHk/vDQaQWO3ztoF5f9LI1Uzqy-KiA0MjbsSACLcB/s640/IMG_1620.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the many cornfields of Utah. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Early morning is made even better when you're out in the middle of nature!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pYDF09k8o8/WEucVxUI0aI/AAAAAAAAMHg/yhmjCJk1GJ4WcKbKTrBcMf5LkyqWicvAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pYDF09k8o8/WEucVxUI0aI/AAAAAAAAMHg/yhmjCJk1GJ4WcKbKTrBcMf5LkyqWicvAgCLcB/s640/IMG_1678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was taken at Golden Spike National Historic Site up in the Promontory Summit area (which I totally fell in LOVE with). Had a very enjoyable time up there with our <b>dear</b> son-in-law, who played tour guide for us, and his <b>incredible</b> mom (who has one of the sweetest hearts I have ever known).<br />
<br />
This was one of the two places we used my hubby's <a href="https://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">America the Beautiful pass</a> at. The pass is an excellent buy if you are a senior (62+) as it's only $10, good for a lifetime and allowed hubby and his visitors (the three of us without passes) in for FREE! We were all very happy our neighbors had told us about the passes before we set off on our cross country trip!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LaIi5CuJig/WEucWwVCjuI/AAAAAAAAMHo/Uz3ZG_ehtVEVUf5RdunEV9wMUNMjVcWtgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LaIi5CuJig/WEucWwVCjuI/AAAAAAAAMHo/Uz3ZG_ehtVEVUf5RdunEV9wMUNMjVcWtgCLcB/s640/IMG_1731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A "spa" (natural hot springs) my son-in-law took us by. The water was quite warm, the decor unique:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99VChSnZfEg/WEucXHM5GQI/AAAAAAAAMHs/djC23Y6vx5sCAGA829MyV88qeGzHwVV8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99VChSnZfEg/WEucXHM5GQI/AAAAAAAAMHs/djC23Y6vx5sCAGA829MyV88qeGzHwVV8ACLcB/s640/IMG_1765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My DD made this for me. She knows it's one of my favorite meals! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are NO words to describe how awesome it is...but I'll try. LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fabulous, flavorful, great, wonderful, totally yummy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
makes me hungry just looking at it again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a Mexican seafood soup.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YUM!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0GDjIEyDk0/WEucgM-IzGI/AAAAAAAAMHw/skvpHs1pnXs4V-5BzRG0l1a_ts8q84kOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0GDjIEyDk0/WEucgM-IzGI/AAAAAAAAMHw/skvpHs1pnXs4V-5BzRG0l1a_ts8q84kOwCLcB/s640/IMG_2443.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another photo that makes me VERY hungry is this one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, this is an Amish buggy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, this is in beautiful Utah. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And yes, I only wish we lived a LOT closer to this store which is filled with shelves of the yummiest preserves and about everything else to eat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're ever in Utah, in Willard or Provo, I highly recommend a stop at Apple Creek Bulk Food Co. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and Apple Creek Amish Market. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nom nom:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh and yes, my dearest hubby just finished our jar of pumpkin pecan butter last night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a link to their site should you be interested. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.applecreek.biz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.applecreek.biz</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By the way, this store--though they don't know it-was an answer to one of my prayers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It just so happened that I wanted to bring back some Amish jams for friends at home. and never really got a chance to stop down South at one of the several places that have Amish made products. Then the same day we landed back in Utah, I found out about this store when I did a search for Amish jams on the Internet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, it just so happened that my DD was heading out on an errand to meet someone and asked me if I wanted to go with her. And where you ask was she going? Yep. the place I had JUST learned about on the Internet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The place that had <b>everything</b> I had prayed for!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coincidence? Nah. She doesn't even live in that area. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God is VERY good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-89402942738619282122016-12-07T20:57:00.001-08:002016-12-07T21:55:22.755-08:00Next Up: Utah<div style="text-align: center;">
Moving swiftly along (surprisingly for me--LOL)...<br />
<br />
Okay not so swiftly after all due to it being a bit crazy here...<br />
But onto Utah!<br />
<br />
After one very, very long day of traveling, we finally made it to our first destination-Utah!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arriving after dark was somewhat a challenge as we had never been to our DD's new home before. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We finally solved the problem by having her give us turn by turn directions over the phone as we drove through the darkness. Can I just say it was SO good to be stopped for the night and SO good to see her and the family again? There's just way too many miles between our two families and my heart longs to live closer to them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morning found us surrounded by cornfields with a lovely view of the mountains--we would see LOTS of cornfields on our trip as well as a few mountains:) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was lots to see--goats, dogs, cats, chickens, cats, burros and best of all horses! In fact, there were 4 horses and 2 of them were Arabians, which I happen to be particularly fond of. For the next week or so I spent lots of times loving on these beautiful animals-it was wonderful!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My DD asked me to do a couple photoshoots while I was there-one that involved the horses. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was quite fun <strike>getting them</strike> trying to get them to pose with my DD and her hubby:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did have a bit of excitement while there when a very, very nasty storm hit the area. In fact, after reading the warning that was issued I headed inside the home with rain blowing sideways, heavy wind and lightning like you wouldn't believe. My hubby, of course, stayed in our RV...<br />
checking for leaks he said :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The family, who have lived in Utah for quite awhile now had never seen anything like it, and later I learned there had been some tornados further away. I will always remember the sight of one of their horses lit up by the lighting standing frozen in their fenced area and the next day we found one of the other horses had jumped the fence and been injured. Scary. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now some photos..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSCQWyfKmmU/WDFUhmMuHCI/AAAAAAAAMGY/t0qOYtT2okg4mBtx5u_GKutXJTlLsweIgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSCQWyfKmmU/WDFUhmMuHCI/AAAAAAAAMGY/t0qOYtT2okg4mBtx5u_GKutXJTlLsweIgCLcB/s640/DSC_0930.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so tempted to take the little guy home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just KNEW he would fit in our RV. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly it was not to be, but I did get to spend lots of time with this cutie!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChDYn9tE0EQ/WDFUhyd1BCI/AAAAAAAAMGg/JfnF3YAymR4pWhNMPKj0TZOb50uwmBOHACLcB/s1600/DSC_1027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChDYn9tE0EQ/WDFUhyd1BCI/AAAAAAAAMGg/JfnF3YAymR4pWhNMPKj0TZOb50uwmBOHACLcB/s640/DSC_1027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the sun rose after the big storm we found a lot of standing water in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the paddock area and damage to the fence. My hubby helped them repair it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7X23kGdZPY/WDFUhuZR6CI/AAAAAAAAMGc/Q8pcu29sQl4X5xW26OuPm1wP34LACZRgwCLcB/s1600/DSC_1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7X23kGdZPY/WDFUhuZR6CI/AAAAAAAAMGc/Q8pcu29sQl4X5xW26OuPm1wP34LACZRgwCLcB/s640/DSC_1038.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Their dogs always made me smile when they put on their mournful "Can I come in look?" </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhzmsTcrAqM/WDFUilGQR1I/AAAAAAAAMGk/vHxgG3tm-OodaYUHDbCaUhzsglEv3-FUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhzmsTcrAqM/WDFUilGQR1I/AAAAAAAAMGk/vHxgG3tm-OodaYUHDbCaUhzsglEv3-FUgCLcB/s640/IMG_1659.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My hubby, who is a regular Dr Doolittle, become best buddies with their very temperamental cockatoo. It was great fun to carry on conversations with her:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFRfMhuzhlA/WEj0H87fYEI/AAAAAAAAMG0/hHur1_rAcXo1tC_KoJcwZLkyNsnquGZfQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFRfMhuzhlA/WEj0H87fYEI/AAAAAAAAMG0/hHur1_rAcXo1tC_KoJcwZLkyNsnquGZfQCLcB/s640/DSC_0913.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple of my DD's goats. I wanted to take one of her goats home too:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3QSgriCfPU/WEj1R1Q3t7I/AAAAAAAAMG8/_z9QXI1JDuA6wLbxOmaMoFM1d-tKwDLGgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3QSgriCfPU/WEj1R1Q3t7I/AAAAAAAAMG8/_z9QXI1JDuA6wLbxOmaMoFM1d-tKwDLGgCLcB/s640/DSC_0866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my daughter's beautiful Arabian horses. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this fella:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next: More Utah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-30886337417887126292016-11-19T23:21:00.001-08:002016-11-19T23:21:13.060-08:00On Into IdahoCrossing over the Snake River we entered into the state of Idaho. Here's a few pictures I took during our time there-not necessarily in order of course:) Since I was still in the dining area of our RV and since the windows were still icky...well you know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYh_dr6zfzY/WC0r_voQKCI/AAAAAAAAMFw/XJL6OOuEmLYUCoGn3Nz0T9CXbs7Yr1H0gCLcB/s1600/DSC_0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYh_dr6zfzY/WC0r_voQKCI/AAAAAAAAMFw/XJL6OOuEmLYUCoGn3Nz0T9CXbs7Yr1H0gCLcB/s640/DSC_0874.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I always enjoy seeing the windmills of the Gorge, Wyoming and Idaho. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These things are huge!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyYF15aIyP0/WC0r_mNttkI/AAAAAAAAMF0/CUm09nnB4RcrFRqzgbOL2IOpC3NoM3zuQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyYF15aIyP0/WC0r_mNttkI/AAAAAAAAMF0/CUm09nnB4RcrFRqzgbOL2IOpC3NoM3zuQCLcB/s640/DSC_0875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somewhere in Idaho. I liked the colors. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj3gYycFKgg/WC0r_kyrHuI/AAAAAAAAMF4/1H8PgTzK1S49BIPbSR8J9Z4BdYIziF1QQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj3gYycFKgg/WC0r_kyrHuI/AAAAAAAAMF4/1H8PgTzK1S49BIPbSR8J9Z4BdYIziF1QQCLcB/s640/DSC_0888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We ended up in Glenn's Ferry this time through and it was fun to see this historical town! It would be on my list of things to see should we go this way again. Also it would be fun to see the Three Island Crossing State Park area sometime. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(if you guessed that black thing in the photo as being our rear view mirror,<br />
give yourself a big pat on the back. LOL).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJV9__E9GsI/WC0sAhdGzBI/AAAAAAAAMGA/eUNzMWvNF14g5eNxPH4QnwCwlndc90mYQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJV9__E9GsI/WC0sAhdGzBI/AAAAAAAAMGA/eUNzMWvNF14g5eNxPH4QnwCwlndc90mYQCLcB/s640/DSC_0889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A closer view of the wagon and another part of our RV in the photo...LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqjS3V5DOX0/WC0sAikKsrI/AAAAAAAAMGE/lej3IMfAkvgvVXHXDJGAcgq6-oKQ8_VHQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqjS3V5DOX0/WC0sAikKsrI/AAAAAAAAMGE/lej3IMfAkvgvVXHXDJGAcgq6-oKQ8_VHQCLcB/s640/DSC_0896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
More Idaho. Not sure when I took this particular photo,<br />
but the lighting in the very early morning was just beautiful-both here and in Wyoming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydet6DtF88/WC0sAkY7BtI/AAAAAAAAMF8/86NUjc7P4HwS2FjLGyena_inCUrcKB92wCLcB/s1600/DSC_1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydet6DtF88/WC0sAkY7BtI/AAAAAAAAMF8/86NUjc7P4HwS2FjLGyena_inCUrcKB92wCLcB/s640/DSC_1048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spotted this guy somewhere between Boise and the border on our way back through Idaho.<br />
Isn't he adorable? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Haven't been able to find out anymore about him though...<br />
anyone know?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClDhKRMI_xA/WC0sFHWA1_I/AAAAAAAAMGI/oB0xj6mEAoICFLcakr7oviBY8VqPfXyQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClDhKRMI_xA/WC0sFHWA1_I/AAAAAAAAMGI/oB0xj6mEAoICFLcakr7oviBY8VqPfXyQgCLcB/s640/IMG_1616.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next up: Utah!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A final note-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Many years ago, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after a VERY distressing incident brought on by MY own actions, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made a decision to keep this blog a politics-free zone </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and have done so for the last three Presidential elections. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since then, incidents in my life have </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
confirmed that this was the right decision for <b>me</b>...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in fact, given the often very stressful circumstances of my life and my personality, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was absolutely vital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want this blog to be a place of peace--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I NEED this blog to be a place of peace--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a place anyone, no matter their political affiliation, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no matter their personal convictions and beliefs, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
can feel comfortable, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
can feel welcome, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
can feel loved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I need that for you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I need that for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you will understand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-80294994941177995892016-11-15T21:46:00.002-08:002016-11-15T21:55:20.224-08:00First Things First: Oregon<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Sorry about the delay in posting but we were enjoying another RV adventure-<br />
albeit a much shorter one:)<br />
<br />
Continuing with Aimee's Cross Country Adventure...<br />
All adventures have a starting point--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we'll start our little trip here in the lovely Columbia River Gorge around sunrise. Since we traveled a lot in the pre-dawn hours, I saw a LOT of sunrises-a lot of gorgeous sunrises!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h24jQr-7qxs/WB7Ptq98DLI/AAAAAAAAME8/QbWACl1fgYA6owrAjHUzkURgs43g23dqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h24jQr-7qxs/WB7Ptq98DLI/AAAAAAAAME8/QbWACl1fgYA6owrAjHUzkURgs43g23dqQCLcB/s640/IMG_1576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pre-dawn photo of the Columbia River Gorge</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8hF9fEq6c4/WB7PtO2jY5I/AAAAAAAAME0/3dALBa7Tpkkm9-wiCithj3YBc9o-6krNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8hF9fEq6c4/WB7PtO2jY5I/AAAAAAAAME0/3dALBa7Tpkkm9-wiCithj3YBc9o-6krNQCLcB/s640/IMG_1578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Early morning fishermen on the Columbia River</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since most of the photos in Oregon were taken from my chosen seat-in the dinette area of our home on wheels-and since there was some kind of icky film/scum on the windows, the photos are a bit imperfect (okay a lot), but hopefully they'll be sufficient to give you a taste of the beauty that can be found east of the Cascades...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUYwNjZMwc/WB7PtsmwZ1I/AAAAAAAAME4/2dUsNX_AfZEg__RJ1w09-i9vQJLPvKCiQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUYwNjZMwc/WB7PtsmwZ1I/AAAAAAAAME4/2dUsNX_AfZEg__RJ1w09-i9vQJLPvKCiQCLcB/s640/IMG_1598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The famous poplar tree forest in the Boardman area. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sigh, the famous soon-to-be-cut poplar tree forest.<br />
BIG sigh. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A trip through the Gorge won't be the same without it-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it has already changed from several years ago.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOMpu8YtIyA/WB7TIzQtczI/AAAAAAAAMFQ/-nI_D6HtFOAzsIl73Ho2pGXa2Swgfp6VQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOMpu8YtIyA/WB7TIzQtczI/AAAAAAAAMFQ/-nI_D6HtFOAzsIl73Ho2pGXa2Swgfp6VQCLcB/s640/DSC_0810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The also famous (I could say infamous) Emigrant Hill - AKA Cabbage Hill.<br />
A lovely trip up, up, up into the Blue Mountains and<br />
on the way back,<br />
a lovely trip down, down, down-past 2 runaway truck ramps. It's a trip you'll never forget...<br />
(an older post with more pics is <a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2014/08/headed-southeast-towards-blue-mountains.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPWPLq1yG7Q/WB7TI6iHPUI/AAAAAAAAMFM/eVuT4Z9T4M4so3MynBJPDQjP7QR8uXE7wCLcB/s1600/DSC_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPWPLq1yG7Q/WB7TI6iHPUI/AAAAAAAAMFM/eVuT4Z9T4M4so3MynBJPDQjP7QR8uXE7wCLcB/s640/DSC_0816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A quick photo at the top-our reward for making it up the hill:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8ZqneAAOEU/WB7TJPc-zxI/AAAAAAAAMFU/Fo-E8T5ICH8lbmSY4U80iHlk9W_oGBSIACLcB/s1600/DSC_0828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8ZqneAAOEU/WB7TJPc-zxI/AAAAAAAAMFU/Fo-E8T5ICH8lbmSY4U80iHlk9W_oGBSIACLcB/s640/DSC_0828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Autumn color in the Blue Mountains--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we saw a LOT of autumn color on our trip.<br />
I LOVE autumn!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mCjrSQOd4/WB7TJjF8AhI/AAAAAAAAMFY/fU12tFOcRXgcWswu2m_ER9NNQ317G0eCACLcB/s1600/DSC_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mCjrSQOd4/WB7TJjF8AhI/AAAAAAAAMFY/fU12tFOcRXgcWswu2m_ER9NNQ317G0eCACLcB/s640/DSC_0853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love Baker City but sadly there was no time to explore it more on this trip. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day I am going to make it to the Oregon Trail Center here though--one day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kNHOgy-_Tk/WB7TJpsL72I/AAAAAAAAMFc/bQ7N2zNs2D8VL1m938k4DXsS_oW4nDBYgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kNHOgy-_Tk/WB7TJpsL72I/AAAAAAAAMFc/bQ7N2zNs2D8VL1m938k4DXsS_oW4nDBYgCLcB/s640/DSC_0855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the old buildings in the area east of Baker City</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzJ6Z3gc_kY/WB7TJ98wTPI/AAAAAAAAMFg/zQPkO15MXOUMgtw9su6vKF3v68vuNFkwACLcB/s1600/DSC_0873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzJ6Z3gc_kY/WB7TJ98wTPI/AAAAAAAAMFg/zQPkO15MXOUMgtw9su6vKF3v68vuNFkwACLcB/s640/DSC_0873.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was glad to see the old mysterious plant at Lime wasn't ALL gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next: Idaho and Utah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-47245206078961282692016-11-05T23:08:00.001-07:002016-11-05T23:21:05.259-07:00A Dream Come True: Aimee's Autumn Cross Country AdventureOh my, it's been a long time since I've posted, and a long time since I read and responded to your always kind comments. For the latter I do offer my sincere apologies, but I have an explanation :)<br />
<br />
You see, sometimes dreams DO come true and I have been living out my dream of seeing the Deep South and points in between this autumn! In fact, besides seeing places I had only DREAMED of seeing, I had the joy of spending extended time with my DD and her lovely family AND spending extended time with my DS#2 and his lovely southern girlfriend:) I even had the extra special dream come true of celebrating my birthday with them!<br />
<br />
<br />
There were SO many times I wanted to pinch myself because I felt that this had to be a dream NOT reality -- but it was all true and I am feeling SO blessed right now I can't stop smiling.<br />
<br />
<br />
But this dream all started several years back when my DH bought me an RV for another birthday...<br />
suddenly in late summer a plan rapidly developed that we would travel from our beautiful PNW to the lovely South. Before the trip my hubby went through, it seemed, every square inch of our home on wheels making sure everything would be in good shape for the many miles that lay between us and our goal and, it seemed he packed every tool known to mankind (LOL). Meanwhile I went to work organizing the wardrobe, pantry and other parts of our home for the next month+<br />
<br />
<br />
Then one morning, well before sunrise we set out on our adventure-an adventure which would involve aspens (my favorite tree!), lots of time with beautiful Arabian horses, learning how to make TRADITIONAL Mexican food (made by a woman with one of the loveliest hearts I have ever had the privilege of knowing), trips back in time (pony express, Oregon Trail and antebellum homes to die for)....<br />
<br />
It truly, truly was amazing! We traveled through/to 14 states, crossed countless rivers, climbed over the continental divide and survived (by God's grace) winds that blew us around as well as semis that did the same, a storm such as our family in Utah had never seen and missed out on seeing the Atlantic Ocean because of a hurricane! I met a cousin I had corresponded with for years (so, so COOL!) and ate a whole bunch of Southern food (but gained-at the most-only 3#), saw many sunrises and many sunsets.<br />
<br />
But perhaps you would like to relive our adventure? LOL--I know I definitely would so let's start! Let's call this an "appetizer" because I still have so many photos to sort through but I do have a little "dessert" for you at the end:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeZ7k-FQsz4/WB7CSUGds2I/AAAAAAAAMEE/i1BI9IBq9tY8sDThrDWNPb3egbd_a7heACLcB/s1600/CSC_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeZ7k-FQsz4/WB7CSUGds2I/AAAAAAAAMEE/i1BI9IBq9tY8sDThrDWNPb3egbd_a7heACLcB/s640/CSC_0327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alabama</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The butterflies were amazing there!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NC2XeLDhlic/WB7CSzKsYhI/AAAAAAAAMEM/LDlh8MXx86YkniZ_GlwT_-a8je_a35y4ACLcB/s1600/CSC_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NC2XeLDhlic/WB7CSzKsYhI/AAAAAAAAMEM/LDlh8MXx86YkniZ_GlwT_-a8je_a35y4ACLcB/s640/CSC_0332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alabama. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I FINALLY realized my dream of seeing a cardinal in person!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next time I will dream of getting a better photo of these lovely birds :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFxqovN9Kog/WB7CSwaef3I/AAAAAAAAMEI/4-XfJx61iJ0QWgs_dTlneaCQjAtxQxwiACLcB/s1600/DSC_0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFxqovN9Kog/WB7CSwaef3I/AAAAAAAAMEI/4-XfJx61iJ0QWgs_dTlneaCQjAtxQxwiACLcB/s640/DSC_0235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
St Louis, Missouri</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Gateway Arch -- around sunrise and the Mississippi River!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, I know this is an odd photo, but it helps bring back all the excitement of traveling through that city during the insane rush hour traffic! Needless to say, on the way back we hit the city well before dawn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LOL</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0K8I4kCLQE/WB7CTvvFzjI/AAAAAAAAMEY/hvYurctwgB0zVPJ8LxBanjyUNJnc8m9IACLcB/s1600/DSC_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0K8I4kCLQE/WB7CTvvFzjI/AAAAAAAAMEY/hvYurctwgB0zVPJ8LxBanjyUNJnc8m9IACLcB/s640/DSC_0352.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
REAL cotton in a REAL cotton field. Can't recall if this was in Florida, Georgia or Alabama, but I LOVED the fluffy white balls (bolls) that were in fields and - sometimes - in the middle of roads!<br />
One of the most memorable gifts I received while in the South was a cotton boll (the top of the plant) glued into a mason jar! Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE nature and-in fact-my hubby and I kept adding to our nature table display wherever we went on our adventure><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8osv2fm4xzc/WB7CTqggTvI/AAAAAAAAMEU/hgV4zn2u9YcEOk7cnq2AH7LjLSmFEcuvgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8osv2fm4xzc/WB7CTqggTvI/AAAAAAAAMEU/hgV4zn2u9YcEOk7cnq2AH7LjLSmFEcuvgCLcB/s640/DSC_0891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Utah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two of my DD's lovely horses! I spent LOTS of time petting them, enjoying their lovely horsey smell (better than the most expensive bottle of perfume to a horse-lover like me), watching them run, just BEING with them! Heaven on earth!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeqJTx5TOg8/WB7Gie16kWI/AAAAAAAAMEk/pbw8nkmPxcIEKAyPiDcRtT4qCO1BfcGagCLcB/s1600/IMG_1579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeqJTx5TOg8/WB7Gie16kWI/AAAAAAAAMEk/pbw8nkmPxcIEKAyPiDcRtT4qCO1BfcGagCLcB/s640/IMG_1579.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Closer to home--well sort of...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Columbia River Gorge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were blessed to see the sun rise over many beautiful places--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Gorge, the Continental Divide, Nebraska cornfields, the lovely Gulf Coast area of Florida--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so many beautiful places in our country!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now -- a bit of dessert. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year has been a year filled with countless blessings (like our cross country adventure), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it has also been a year of loss for in less than one year we lost all three of our white furry babies :(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little did we know that God, through our son and his girlfriend, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had a gift waiting for us in the Deep South--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a very, very special little gift who would always remind us of answered prayers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the kindness of family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the South. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet our new pup pup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Np_MgpRueAk/WB7CS_z_FUI/AAAAAAAAMEc/91f5sAS5CEAs7kzdzqddRS4JD1B0kpemgCEw/s1600/DSC_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Np_MgpRueAk/WB7CS_z_FUI/AAAAAAAAMEc/91f5sAS5CEAs7kzdzqddRS4JD1B0kpemgCEw/s640/DSC_0296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings for a new week, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PS: Since I am writing this at a rather late hour, I ask you to excuse any typos and other errors:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-58022238049647514052016-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-12T06:00:19.858-07:00Magical Summer Continued <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRf1iAicuYU/V6vMjubWW1I/AAAAAAAAMC4/aipYKu6Q-e0bsfO8XvHzp0EDSoRAGr3tQCLcB/s1600/B-DB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRf1iAicuYU/V6vMjubWW1I/AAAAAAAAMC4/aipYKu6Q-e0bsfO8XvHzp0EDSoRAGr3tQCLcB/s640/B-DB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One morning we got up really early and headed off to Depoe Bay. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Early mornings in a fishing community is magical too with the sounds and sights of boats getting ready to leave the safety of the bay for the open sea. It truly was an experience I won't soon forget!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BTW, do you see the little beach in the corner there? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In all the times I have been to Depoe Bay (and there have been countless times), I had NO idea there was any beach in the city at all:)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OJpaXpC-lI/V6vNkc1Ij_I/AAAAAAAAMDM/nLH05yJdmtw6-rn0Ypha_SCl_KUpQDGwACLcB/s1600/B-DW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OJpaXpC-lI/V6vNkc1Ij_I/AAAAAAAAMDM/nLH05yJdmtw6-rn0Ypha_SCl_KUpQDGwACLcB/s640/B-DW3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of the life to be seen in the tidal pools further north...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
incredible!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRhDAJnwoI/V6vNkC06PtI/AAAAAAAAMDE/QThowYQPyrIktDi56SAtuOSilcuLbC4hwCLcB/s1600/B-DW4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRhDAJnwoI/V6vNkC06PtI/AAAAAAAAMDE/QThowYQPyrIktDi56SAtuOSilcuLbC4hwCLcB/s640/B-DW4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the local residents--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I never tire of seeing them. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTUVTty_noc/V6vNkBWvF-I/AAAAAAAAMDI/Q81ynrIqZcow6DgvNOUPybuDCHeah5P6gCLcB/s1600/B-DW5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTUVTty_noc/V6vNkBWvF-I/AAAAAAAAMDI/Q81ynrIqZcow6DgvNOUPybuDCHeah5P6gCLcB/s640/B-DW5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Might have already posted this..apologies if I did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is looking northward from the tidal pools. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our visitors totally fell in love with them...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can hardly wait to show them the ones we recently visited--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no slippery rocks there :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2kYum4Vo0s/V6vNk2bBQVI/AAAAAAAAMDQ/gTPHRXRVGjgMOqEJQSokFao8DJk4gVpMQCLcB/s1600/B-DW6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2kYum4Vo0s/V6vNk2bBQVI/AAAAAAAAMDQ/gTPHRXRVGjgMOqEJQSokFao8DJk4gVpMQCLcB/s640/B-DW6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel like someone is watching me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shudder, shudder. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzohCP4tK4E/V6vNlr7b_TI/AAAAAAAAMDc/d4bhZaYuOfoIGMzNI2PdlR6aVJhQbvgCACLcB/s1600/B-SB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzohCP4tK4E/V6vNlr7b_TI/AAAAAAAAMDc/d4bhZaYuOfoIGMzNI2PdlR6aVJhQbvgCACLcB/s640/B-SB2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pink flowers! As you may know this girl LOVES pink. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did I tell you my sweet kids bought me a iPhone this summer?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, they made sure it was rose colored (technically rose gold)...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it is SO fun to be able to FaceTime them now and, not only hear them, but SEE them too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can hardly wait till my DD joins our bunch of Apple lovers:)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx9JSxxwT2s/V6vNlIU-80I/AAAAAAAAMDY/7y8Le09UllwLFGKwdfqOG0iNILcmy7YGQCLcB/s1600/B-SB-hs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx9JSxxwT2s/V6vNlIU-80I/AAAAAAAAMDY/7y8Le09UllwLFGKwdfqOG0iNILcmy7YGQCLcB/s640/B-SB-hs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
North of Depoe Bay, south of the tide pools, is the historic community of Taft (part of Lincoln City) and lovely Siletz Bay. And these guys are some of their more famous residents--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the Salesian Spit harbor seals. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were more active then I had seen them before and we enjoyed watching them move about on land and in the bay.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EabFoY0sXJ4/V6vNlAA66_I/AAAAAAAAMDU/uVuV_cCEiL80drRlFI8lKGco6KwrvyWFwCLcB/s1600/B-SB-hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EabFoY0sXJ4/V6vNlAA66_I/AAAAAAAAMDU/uVuV_cCEiL80drRlFI8lKGco6KwrvyWFwCLcB/s640/B-SB-hs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such fun we had--posting these photos brings back those days!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope you are making sweet memories this summer too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-64197246037865590562016-08-10T15:33:00.001-07:002016-08-10T15:47:33.716-07:00Magical Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This has been a magical summer. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">YES it has!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not too hot for the most part</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(always awesome for those of us who are heat intolerant), </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but still filled with many beautiful days.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Garden pickings have been plentiful enough for us to be able to stop buying fruit at the grocery store. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Figs, lots of berries, apples and Asian pears with more fruit on the way. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hubby and I have been eating MUCH healthier and losing weight (yippee!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and I am right on schedule to be my ideal, healthy weight in early autumn:)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that my DH is retired, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we've also been hiking more in varied locations</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(although I am sidelined today by a blister--boo!). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And hopefully, hopefully we'll be able to do some camping soon too. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has indeed been a summer full of blessings</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and I will be telling you more about them in the next few weeks</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(we upped our data plan and have figured out part of the tech trouble we were having)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And now for blessing #1: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you remember way back in May when I said I had some news?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well between tech problems -- which included phone issues on both of my smartphones--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just couldn't find a good pix of someone special who I wanted to introduce you to. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I definitely wanted a good pic because this little somebody is indeed VERY special...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then early one morning, about 0100 (1:00 AM for those who don't speak hospital or military time), I got the strangest text from my DD and it turned out she was bringing this special little someone, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and four other very special people to see us. Oh--and she expected to be here in about 6 hours.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, a bit later then the appointed time, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after a marathon 6 -8 hour all night cleaning session, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my house and we were ready to meet our guests:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, without further delay, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our newest special one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMQcW7ebLR0/V6ugs7OvqLI/AAAAAAAAMCU/0KWX4JbcQhYYIC992e-K1KG19Si-4Zu2gCLcB/s1600/B-GGD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMQcW7ebLR0/V6ugs7OvqLI/AAAAAAAAMCU/0KWX4JbcQhYYIC992e-K1KG19Si-4Zu2gCLcB/s640/B-GGD4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, we are totally in love with her--and with ALL of our special guests!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO adorable!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just like her adorable daddy and mommy:)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yg8w2omrLM/V6ugsxYm4_I/AAAAAAAAMCQ/4icvOtwpm-cucHoL2mavatlBQmqGQi_UwCLcB/s1600/B-GGD5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yg8w2omrLM/V6ugsxYm4_I/AAAAAAAAMCQ/4icvOtwpm-cucHoL2mavatlBQmqGQi_UwCLcB/s640/B-GGD5.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This special little someone is our very FIRST great-granddaughter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it goes without saying that she is cute, charming, totally well behaved </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and very, VERY special!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvtdoQ1sDs/V6ugswS1JLI/AAAAAAAAMCY/n8Dw-htH4LIVAhSIOkR9vT6ZOD2bJuzaACLcB/s1600/B-GGD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvtdoQ1sDs/V6ugswS1JLI/AAAAAAAAMCY/n8Dw-htH4LIVAhSIOkR9vT6ZOD2bJuzaACLcB/s640/B-GGD.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, though our family had been on the road for hours and hours...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew where they'd want to go...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I told my hubby before they ever arrived.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, yep, I was right...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they wanted to see our lovely sand and ocean right then. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So down to the sand we did go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BTW, THREE of our very special guests had never, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I do mean NEVER, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
been to a ocean beach before. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLHMXjmbejs/V6ug2tdK8dI/AAAAAAAAMCg/pm_7QyzdSxgZ60aG4DctuH0nwtsiOL8fgCLcB/s1600/B-DW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLHMXjmbejs/V6ug2tdK8dI/AAAAAAAAMCg/pm_7QyzdSxgZ60aG4DctuH0nwtsiOL8fgCLcB/s640/B-DW2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, over the next </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
--all too short days--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we beach hopped. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And had an AMAZING time!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPYMFmDscrM/V6ug2ibq7AI/AAAAAAAAMCc/B0aPpSmKx-IN3ISRGh4Um5aX4enCVnkugCLcB/s1600/B-DW7-fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPYMFmDscrM/V6ug2ibq7AI/AAAAAAAAMCc/B0aPpSmKx-IN3ISRGh4Um5aX4enCVnkugCLcB/s640/B-DW7-fb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I remembered, what I had seemingly forgotten, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that EARLY mornings are BEST spent on the sand...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(oh yea, one of my special visitors is on one of those boats out there)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nv74hxEZ7Y/V6ug3WQApDI/AAAAAAAAMCo/f-ipyepBa-YlGy6ukz1iyZZfWBbrwOVOgCLcB/s1600/B-DW9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nv74hxEZ7Y/V6ug3WQApDI/AAAAAAAAMCo/f-ipyepBa-YlGy6ukz1iyZZfWBbrwOVOgCLcB/s640/B-DW9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Though you can't really see, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the lighting is more magical in the morning, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the beaches and roads a LOT less crowded. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The atmosphere even feels different. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And when a minus tide and those early AM hours coincide?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee is in heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's the SAME way our special visitors felt as we walked the sands </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and explored the AMAZING life to be found in the tide pools.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God definitely blessed us this summer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and there were more blessings to come. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope this has been a summer of blessings for you as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photos: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lincoln City, Oregon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-37728974431867743942016-05-14T12:48:00.002-07:002016-05-14T12:48:12.834-07:00A Walk Among the Irises and Columbine<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee was VERY bad last month. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see Aimee is a VERY passionate person--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
especially when it comes to history. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, it just so happened that a LOVELY history research project developed in her mind </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
early in April</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that was it...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before long I was dragging my DH to a pretty little area in the valley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and spending a WHOLE bunch of time there and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the Internet doing research.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, soon, very soon--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
almost ALL of our allotted data time was gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No data for browsing your lovely blogs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no data to share my adventures with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NO DATA. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poor hubby. He suffered too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8te2ZEZTeA0/Vzd7tAshHlI/AAAAAAAAMB8/UzTBZCuz1tUtsavgadS0kJUugeU2yiFOgCLcB/s1600/SIG4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8te2ZEZTeA0/Vzd7tAshHlI/AAAAAAAAMB8/UzTBZCuz1tUtsavgadS0kJUugeU2yiFOgCLcB/s640/SIG4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, it's a new month. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And if I am really good, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I might be able to catch up with my pastime of browsing blogs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and, maybe just maybe, create a few of my own. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And if I am bad?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I found a public wifi I can use :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is our latest adventure...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a trip to a bit of heaven known as Schreiner's Iris Garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now the photos</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(data time is flying by)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85XaPZ_AX9c/Vzd7Plh9OfI/AAAAAAAAMBc/hgrHi5HkU60vxy6YIW7FvfNqs5rMaNU6wCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85XaPZ_AX9c/Vzd7Plh9OfI/AAAAAAAAMBc/hgrHi5HkU60vxy6YIW7FvfNqs5rMaNU6wCLcB/s640/SIG%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every time we go here, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am awed by the beauty and peace!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoYhbebh15A/Vzd7RYa_oTI/AAAAAAAAMBg/VVR33x_UVtINz_aW1JUAaU5kDreVTtJEgCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoYhbebh15A/Vzd7RYa_oTI/AAAAAAAAMBg/VVR33x_UVtINz_aW1JUAaU5kDreVTtJEgCLcB/s640/SIG%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So MUCH variety!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vJgPKGDiZw/Vzd7Z4SfIiI/AAAAAAAAMBk/uuZO4DdEcawPGYgj5Yh9HlU3jcWEC8iOACLcB/s1600/SIG%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vJgPKGDiZw/Vzd7Z4SfIiI/AAAAAAAAMBk/uuZO4DdEcawPGYgj5Yh9HlU3jcWEC8iOACLcB/s640/SIG%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truly paradise!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqYtHKpDGVU/Vzd7dJGWyXI/AAAAAAAAMBs/VOZ0wMWyJ4g6qq4oorCNiFw8rqGDUwMbQCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqYtHKpDGVU/Vzd7dJGWyXI/AAAAAAAAMBs/VOZ0wMWyJ4g6qq4oorCNiFw8rqGDUwMbQCLcB/s640/SIG%2B6b.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just incredible! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVikT7oAej8/Vzd7bvEtCQI/AAAAAAAAMBo/nU-Fq8JOneguI37qKS4Tlf-V3z2TdYGZQCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVikT7oAej8/Vzd7bvEtCQI/AAAAAAAAMBo/nU-Fq8JOneguI37qKS4Tlf-V3z2TdYGZQCLcB/s640/SIG%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Mom would have loved it here--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
she loved columbines. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do too and our home garden has many. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LOVE!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps-mywyF1RI/Vzd7mlFs9MI/AAAAAAAAMB0/mKUqxGs2G2w4mJc4QpMMx3NfHx3g4Ts8QCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps-mywyF1RI/Vzd7mlFs9MI/AAAAAAAAMB0/mKUqxGs2G2w4mJc4QpMMx3NfHx3g4Ts8QCLcB/s640/SIG%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A walk here always changes my focus--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it's like a breath of fresh air in the midst of a dust storm. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqXypxJPT6w/Vzd7m-7QwOI/AAAAAAAAMB4/kXfcdJtmr-oo6zud1OANGE-jfok9KvJbQCLcB/s1600/SIG%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqXypxJPT6w/Vzd7m-7QwOI/AAAAAAAAMB4/kXfcdJtmr-oo6zud1OANGE-jfok9KvJbQCLcB/s640/SIG%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A drink of cool water in the midst of a hot desert. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-nlP0FWFPQ/Vzd7mvn9tzI/AAAAAAAAMBw/tOHs9In-fLAeH2NvjOgPRKNLr_kWDiErACLcB/s1600/SIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-nlP0FWFPQ/Vzd7mvn9tzI/AAAAAAAAMBw/tOHs9In-fLAeH2NvjOgPRKNLr_kWDiErACLcB/s640/SIG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am crossing my fingers in hope that we make it back this way soon:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A lot has happened since my last post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Many road trips as always. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A trip back in time to the days of Beverly Cleary</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(the object of the research project I mentioned). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And there was unexpected news...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See ya soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Link:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
http://www.schreinersgardens.com</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(amazing, amazing place!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-31957703522715600812016-04-09T22:43:00.001-07:002016-04-09T22:43:37.287-07:00Abundant Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
So much has happened since last I posted, but first I would like to take a moment and extend a HUGE thank you to those who left comments on the sad passing of our little Eskie gal. She will be missed for <strike>a long time</strike> always, but we have a lot of sweet memories of her and lots of photos. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THANK YOU everyone--you are most KIND!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now for the main reason I have been absent for a long time...and it's actually a GOOD thing, one of those blessings this post is about. Not too long after THAT sad day, my eldest son gifted me with a new little toy to play with and that is what I've been doing these past weeks....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be honest, there were definitely some moments when it felt more like WORK than play, (that's what happens when you have to learn a totally different OS from what you have used FOREVER), but now I am <strike>pretty good</strike> still learning to do things the Apple way and I mostly LOVE my laptop! Of course it helps to have SO much info on the web and a son that does tech support:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Besides computer challenges and triumphs, my hubby and I have been taking a lot of day trips. We've been to beaches, bays, rivers, historical sites, lakes, wetlands and up hills. We have also been planning a few trips--some close, some further away. We'll see...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now a few photos...I still haven't transferred any of the ones on my phones and even the most recent ones on my cameras. BUT, and this is an important but, at least I know how to transfer the photos now to my laptop and somewhat edit and organize them:):) And, as of just a few moments ago, I can actually upload them--sort of--to blogger. LOL.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am just SO used to doing things the other, non Apple way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh well, challenges are good. I think:)<br />
Update: my phone, the phone I was going to transfer those photos from...<br />
well it's now decided not to respond anymore. Sigh. Good thing I had texted some of<br />
them to my e-mail awhile back--but some photos are probably lost for good.<br />
:(<br />
Now on a happier note...photo time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Still learning this new photo editing app so bear with me please.<br />
Suggestions welcome!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_2OSNeDM6w/VwYj-fidrUI/AAAAAAAAMAo/5eBmyTfuyc0pWAh5L95bc1rCyJIwd-_bQ/s1600/CSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_2OSNeDM6w/VwYj-fidrUI/AAAAAAAAMAo/5eBmyTfuyc0pWAh5L95bc1rCyJIwd-_bQ/s640/CSC_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day we came back from a wetland area to find we had some visitors of our own. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently these guys take their "free ranging" seriously! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWgQOhAzD4U/VwYkCKkaLpI/AAAAAAAAMAs/wQcgwCACzzw27Sknt3BLeJUZZd8diXE1Q/s1600/CSC_1673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="513" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWgQOhAzD4U/VwYkCKkaLpI/AAAAAAAAMAs/wQcgwCACzzw27Sknt3BLeJUZZd8diXE1Q/s640/CSC_1673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1406848778"></span><span id="goog_1406848779"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our wetlands adventures were many and we loved seeing all the geese, swans, ducks, eagles, egrets, heron and even beavers close up this winter! It almost made ALL the rain worth it (almost being the keyword here). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgD2eqo8MZA/VwYnY6oqQ6I/AAAAAAAAMBA/vlfg3UhtifoLEAKqwSJbEK0AQrMcj-w9g/s1600/CSC_1532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgD2eqo8MZA/VwYnY6oqQ6I/AAAAAAAAMBA/vlfg3UhtifoLEAKqwSJbEK0AQrMcj-w9g/s640/CSC_1532.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't they amazing? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nky7vLf78YE/VwYncIFPAPI/AAAAAAAAMBE/SmQUhS7UXxsgY-XqebIIMRz7V5snRooPw/s1600/DSC_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nky7vLf78YE/VwYncIFPAPI/AAAAAAAAMBE/SmQUhS7UXxsgY-XqebIIMRz7V5snRooPw/s640/DSC_0114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful on the ground, in the lake and in flight!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yt6j01qeDA/VwYneoSSDZI/AAAAAAAAMBI/Y0q4YTRbA6g36wuAvGkM-uFrlqHGYuRWg/s1600/DSC_1415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yt6j01qeDA/VwYneoSSDZI/AAAAAAAAMBI/Y0q4YTRbA6g36wuAvGkM-uFrlqHGYuRWg/s640/DSC_1415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One last photo for now--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is Depoe Bay on the central Oregon coast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The surf and sea spray was amazing that day spraying up onto the parking area...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a BIG blessing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yikes! I just looked at the time and it's way past bedtime. Hopefully by my next post I will have perfected the photo editing programs and can upload faster. Until then--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PS: Is everything in your yard in bloom right now? I can hardly believe it but we have roses--yes roses--in bloom! It isn't the first time, but it is still a bit shocking to see daffodils and roses all within a few yards of each other. Spring is AMAZING!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-14352207252350415412016-02-03T21:16:00.002-08:002016-02-03T21:16:40.681-08:00Weeping Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She became part of our family in 2003 --</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the last year all of our kids called the PNW home;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the year the changes began. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "runt" of the litter--a wonderful combo of white fluffy fur, emotions and energy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was <strike>perfect</strike> paw-fect and we knew she should make her home with us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNK4k68GU9s/Vd4i9G32V5I/AAAAAAAALu0/JHE-U2f2xBw/s400/A2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNK4k68GU9s/Vd4i9G32V5I/AAAAAAAALu0/JHE-U2f2xBw/s400/A2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the years passed she would become more sure of herself </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and in time took a more dominant role in her "pack". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ck5BeepXM/VrLI1kbpTJI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/jOrJiqfmYWo/s1600/Baby%2BGirl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ck5BeepXM/VrLI1kbpTJI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/jOrJiqfmYWo/s400/Baby%2BGirl.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She loved spending time with <br />
her aunts, who often would feed her treats...<br />
her human brother and sis who loved her...<br />
her nieces and nephews too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HHq2Hb23-aM/Sft_WF7Df4I/AAAAAAAAAzw/0mdRm1TxL_w/s320/MPL+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HHq2Hb23-aM/Sft_WF7Df4I/AAAAAAAAAzw/0mdRm1TxL_w/s320/MPL+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
but most of all, she loved spending time with her Alpha Daddy Dog<br />
(AKA Farmer Boy). <br />
He was EVERYTHING to her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e33OOSiUX4U/Vd4i84Vu1pI/AAAAAAAALuw/uU7_RGDt7fU/s400/A%2Bnew%2Bpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e33OOSiUX4U/Vd4i84Vu1pI/AAAAAAAALuw/uU7_RGDt7fU/s400/A%2Bnew%2Bpen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was an accomplished blogger, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
creating at least <strike>two</strike> three posts on this blog</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2011/07/dear-daughter-doggie-takes-trip.html">Dear Daughter Dog Takes A Trip</a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2014/05/if-only.html">If Only</a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2015/08/our-day-from-furry-one-national-dog-day.html">National Dog Day</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her favorite subject being HERSELF </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(of course). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was not one bit conceited</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(LOL)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or maybe she was just totally secure in our love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oH9vb9fxY/TipecITwwJI/AAAAAAAADzw/8a9kJOR_HJc/s320/P%2BDDT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oH9vb9fxY/TipecITwwJI/AAAAAAAADzw/8a9kJOR_HJc/s320/P%2BDDT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She could be sad, happy, shy, bold, curious, temperamental, manipulative, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
loving, cuddly, wanting to be left alone--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the one thing she never was--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
was boring. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNNEMBpH1LM/Uw1t8yZ-PTI/AAAAAAAAKSI/oqABUJDf0d0/s1600/P+FD+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNNEMBpH1LM/Uw1t8yZ-PTI/AAAAAAAAKSI/oqABUJDf0d0/s1600/P+FD+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She loved people food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She didn't like dog food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She hated chickens (the live ones). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She had a love-hate relationship with cats </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(but apparently learned one day they are best left alone). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She had a love-hate relationship</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with her doggie brothers too</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(especially if there were any chickens in sight or earshot).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She hated her picture being taken. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kind of like yours truly:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvMRIx-aKHA/Va3zl94LRTI/AAAAAAAALpM/htp2Ume63aU/s640/P%2BBO%2BTR2C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvMRIx-aKHA/Va3zl94LRTI/AAAAAAAALpM/htp2Ume63aU/s640/P%2BBO%2BTR2C5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was a good watchdog; </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
incredibly loyal to her Daddy Dog. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She trusted him implicitly and he never, ever let her down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was one of a kind; </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't imagine ever finding another pup like her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Could there ever be one?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3H3sEIBwM/U3EAroBE2PI/AAAAAAAAKeY/XpOj8tlH4ms/s1600/P+TB5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3H3sEIBwM/U3EAroBE2PI/AAAAAAAAKeY/XpOj8tlH4ms/s1600/P+TB5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She loved to travel and did so routinely--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from the heights of Timberline Lodge (Mt Hood)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZAaFg-ubeQ/T-_LxfqChaI/AAAAAAAAGFw/UKZ5rjLQghM/s400/P+MH22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZAaFg-ubeQ/T-_LxfqChaI/AAAAAAAAGFw/UKZ5rjLQghM/s400/P+MH22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to the sandy beaches along the Oregon coast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Forests, the Coast Range, the valley...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trips will not be the same without her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sad sigh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFcrJ8bPzo/T0CjTl47k-I/AAAAAAAAFC0/4HK_Z45Thlw/s400/P%2BWLCT47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFcrJ8bPzo/T0CjTl47k-I/AAAAAAAAFC0/4HK_Z45Thlw/s400/P%2BWLCT47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thank God for creating you my furry one and for bringing you into our lives. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thank Him for answering my prayer and letting us know, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>beyond a shadow of a doubt</strong>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was time to let you go </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(even though my heart is breaking from your loss). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1810144079"></span><span id="goog_1810144080"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QB7z901u1bA/U2f4oPMMtCI/AAAAAAAAKdA/lq887zO9E2o/s1600/P%2BDDD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QB7z901u1bA/U2f4oPMMtCI/AAAAAAAAKdA/lq887zO9E2o/s400/P%2BDDD.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Know that I will miss you intensely each and every day but </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
your paw prints will forever be etched in my heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Go with God now my Furry One. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Farewell and thank you for everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love Always, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In memory of our Baby Girl Eskie who died this week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2003-2016</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-73834171853444535492016-01-27T22:04:00.002-08:002016-01-27T22:04:39.515-08:00Wetlands Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
Like a hawk I have been watching...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for another rain break</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for a certain road closed by high water to reopen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week both happened </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we (hubby and I) set off towards a certain wetland I had been wanting to visit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
since I first heard about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG1eac2KAD4/VqmqJmERaVI/AAAAAAAAL-k/Xs3_pUnVEdY/s1600/P%2BFW32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG1eac2KAD4/VqmqJmERaVI/AAAAAAAAL-k/Xs3_pUnVEdY/s640/P%2BFW32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we arrived I was truly blown away by the tranquil scene before us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was better than a massage, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
better than dark chocolate, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
better than...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
well at least it was better FOR ME than a whole lot of things:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsMsoFIy4k/VqmqNI3c5rI/AAAAAAAAL-0/MANQzOhO84s/s1600/P%2BFW4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsMsoFIy4k/VqmqNI3c5rI/AAAAAAAAL-0/MANQzOhO84s/s640/P%2BFW4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot of the usual feathered friends were there...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
geese,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbGfsK1rG5s/VqmqNDk-cZI/AAAAAAAAL-w/IN91NsJpEHM/s1600/P%2BFW7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbGfsK1rG5s/VqmqNDk-cZI/AAAAAAAAL-w/IN91NsJpEHM/s640/P%2BFW7c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an egret</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I think he fit in well with the Oriental feel that part of the wetlands has),</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-447wJ856VaM/VqmqHgnx9gI/AAAAAAAAL-U/-sqg6lGi7pw/s1600/P%2BFW24b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-447wJ856VaM/VqmqHgnx9gI/AAAAAAAAL-U/-sqg6lGi7pw/s640/P%2BFW24b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
swans</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(A special thank you to Teresa for reigniting my desire to see these beauties this winter! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BTW, for some amazing close ups of Mirror Lake's tundra swans see Teresa's lovely post on "her" feathered friends here:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2016/01/lots-of-swans-swimming.html">http://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2016/01/lots-of-swans-swimming.html</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzqsuj49NvI/VqmqI6cq2QI/AAAAAAAAL-c/l9yhuzknMe0/s1600/P%2BFW34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzqsuj49NvI/VqmqI6cq2QI/AAAAAAAAL-c/l9yhuzknMe0/s640/P%2BFW34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The trail around the lake was amazing--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all except for one snake who was definitely NOT hibernating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(being that this blog is a no-snake zone, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not posting any of the 3 photos I took of the slithery one)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ui_Zo1PQqk/VqmqMd3VpMI/AAAAAAAAL-s/BkBkVM41MXk/s1600/P%2BFW44b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ui_Zo1PQqk/VqmqMd3VpMI/AAAAAAAAL-s/BkBkVM41MXk/s640/P%2BFW44b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The trail is mostly flat and only a tiny bit over one mile in length. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS6KsQ7-AXc/VqmvA3IQ0ZI/AAAAAAAAL_I/TLEnKjwPN20/s1600/P%2BFW41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS6KsQ7-AXc/VqmvA3IQ0ZI/AAAAAAAAL_I/TLEnKjwPN20/s640/P%2BFW41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, oh DH is up and foraging through the fridge in search of food. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Better go:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Night all!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-5623839604936665852016-01-22T22:43:00.001-08:002016-01-22T22:43:24.898-08:00Sunshine On My Shoulder Makes Me :)<div style="text-align: center;">
Every so often a miracle occurs here in the Pacific NW. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The gray, drippy and very dreary winter skies give way to blue ones <br />
(or at least partially blue ones)<br />
and...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee, sick or not, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
escapes to one of the many roads which -- sooner or later -- leads her to a wetland area. <br />
<br />
You see one of the TWO things Aimee <strike>likes </strike>LOVES about winter are the numerous wetlands<br />
and their amazing inhabitants<br />
(the other, as you may already know, is snow, snow and more snow)!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Farmer Boy and I set off to explore a wetland I had just learned about<br />
and another that we had driven by, but not stopped at before. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEF5xUOd_68/VqMS76EJ5LI/AAAAAAAAL88/rzwrgPcxbVY/s1600/P%2BWCW24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEF5xUOd_68/VqMS76EJ5LI/AAAAAAAAL88/rzwrgPcxbVY/s640/P%2BWCW24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A tiny chipmunk we saw.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Perhaps his name is Alvin?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFiz_iuLNbs/VqMTvJ4xf5I/AAAAAAAAL9I/_WVfrAnWrgI/s1600/P%2BWCW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFiz_iuLNbs/VqMTvJ4xf5I/AAAAAAAAL9I/_WVfrAnWrgI/s640/P%2BWCW3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"My" beloved geese. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7z1uK630Bx8/VqMUKLXLlLI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/ELKmujp7P6E/s1600/P%2BWCW23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7z1uK630Bx8/VqMUKLXLlLI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/ELKmujp7P6E/s640/P%2BWCW23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A mourning dove?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIVJAsFv0o/VqMUZFnm3NI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/Z36bNW4_0II/s1600/P%2BWCW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIVJAsFv0o/VqMUZFnm3NI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/Z36bNW4_0II/s640/P%2BWCW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A hawk who likes heights better than yours truly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsI-MCe-lJk/VqMVQ_XbLlI/AAAAAAAAL9k/GfglRsS4_Pk/s1600/P%2BWCW13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsI-MCe-lJk/VqMVQ_XbLlI/AAAAAAAAL9k/GfglRsS4_Pk/s640/P%2BWCW13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lovely snow white egret. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxeFxHx9e9k/VqMVkZ3LHjI/AAAAAAAAL9s/9NsD3wqFbVs/s1600/P%2BWCW15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxeFxHx9e9k/VqMVkZ3LHjI/AAAAAAAAL9s/9NsD3wqFbVs/s640/P%2BWCW15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guess who?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPIWcbWVH64/VqMcmAHliII/AAAAAAAAL-E/M3OpuAyODm8/s1600/P%2BWCW5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPIWcbWVH64/VqMcmAHliII/AAAAAAAAL-E/M3OpuAyODm8/s640/P%2BWCW5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the major challenges was actually being able to get there...<br />
we got turned back twice when trying to visit one of the areas I wanted to explore.<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRtIcxpedrc/VqMVzGza4oI/AAAAAAAAL90/2mGhJG9_Ig8/s1600/P%2BWCW16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRtIcxpedrc/VqMVzGza4oI/AAAAAAAAL90/2mGhJG9_Ig8/s640/P%2BWCW16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, sometimes one HAS to get out even if the skies aren't blue </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and we've done a little of that too. Those photos another time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-28010447168850042412015-12-26T17:14:00.001-08:002015-12-26T17:14:11.464-08:00Scenes Of The Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Life has been busy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8DRlCjokTI/Vn8sCXJ8h3I/AAAAAAAAL6g/0HD2l3xuR9Q/s1600/P%2BSOC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8DRlCjokTI/Vn8sCXJ8h3I/AAAAAAAAL6g/0HD2l3xuR9Q/s640/P%2BSOC3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First there was transitioning to the hubby being home, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then there was the getting used to the darker days of gloomy gray all over again, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then there was the rain, wind and more rain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(SO thankful we had a certain tree removed earlier this year),</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then there was the whole </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
getting ready for company preparations, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
attempting to find all the Christmas decorations I hadn't put up for 5 or so years</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and all THOSE other things that come with life:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BUT, then they began to arrive, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one by one...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(yep, those pictures are on my cell phone).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEb3aUMICHQ/Vn8sCVl-LyI/AAAAAAAAL6k/aYL1lHoU704/s1600/P%2BSOC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEb3aUMICHQ/Vn8sCVl-LyI/AAAAAAAAL6k/aYL1lHoU704/s640/P%2BSOC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, since some of them are still here, life continues to be busy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(in a very good way though) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But before the company we had time to make a little road trip to see some feathered friends</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a whole lot of flooding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I think I read yesterday was Portland's 25th day of recorded precipitation) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-W81yY_7Ug/Vn8si_l0qtI/AAAAAAAAL6w/eOCIfP1_RNo/s1600/P%2BSOC7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-W81yY_7Ug/Vn8si_l0qtI/AAAAAAAAL6w/eOCIfP1_RNo/s640/P%2BSOC7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were my beloved</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Canadian geese...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88Qs2kh7z5M/Vn8sjNXAHNI/AAAAAAAAL60/1QXfsqF_GIs/s1600/P%2BSOC9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88Qs2kh7z5M/Vn8sjNXAHNI/AAAAAAAAL60/1QXfsqF_GIs/s640/P%2BSOC9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and ducks in various poses!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAkRkuE3NAw/Vn8sjHfl7gI/AAAAAAAAL64/zIeJ-idlNyU/s1600/P%2BSOC10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAkRkuE3NAw/Vn8sjHfl7gI/AAAAAAAAL64/zIeJ-idlNyU/s640/P%2BSOC10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two bald eagles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(so much better a view through the telescope that was there). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuCNTQP0W8w/Vn8wLwsoP1I/AAAAAAAAL7k/hD9y-IshfIg/s1600/P%2BSOC8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuCNTQP0W8w/Vn8wLwsoP1I/AAAAAAAAL7k/hD9y-IshfIg/s640/P%2BSOC8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then there was the flooding...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnx0jgrfwkA/Vn8wJqwjS7I/AAAAAAAAL7Q/pG1_pYx76Gk/s1600/P%2BSOC12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnx0jgrfwkA/Vn8wJqwjS7I/AAAAAAAAL7Q/pG1_pYx76Gk/s640/P%2BSOC12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And more flooding--almost up to the road in places, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over roads in other places...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yk7Igg0s56c/Vn8wJYtlRVI/AAAAAAAAL7U/fdJN7heIkEM/s1600/P%2BSOC13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yk7Igg0s56c/Vn8wJYtlRVI/AAAAAAAAL7U/fdJN7heIkEM/s640/P%2BSOC13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were happy to see a certain famous couple survived the flooding though </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as a certain Small One was part of our expected company.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jO7ROhTSQg/Vn8wJfIBRnI/AAAAAAAAL7M/tAw6TZ8PNr4/s1600/P%2BSOC16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jO7ROhTSQg/Vn8wJfIBRnI/AAAAAAAAL7M/tAw6TZ8PNr4/s640/P%2BSOC16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was pretty good about not adding to my Christmas décor this year, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but couldn't resist these Swedish candleholders at Goodwill--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
only 99 cents each:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Couldn't resist some figurines to add to my Christmas village either...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also very inexpensive. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_tECXnlnTI/Vn8wLwkJ_TI/AAAAAAAAL7o/y9u272p4OVg/s1600/P%2BSOC18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_tECXnlnTI/Vn8wLwkJ_TI/AAAAAAAAL7o/y9u272p4OVg/s640/P%2BSOC18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of flooding,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we had a foot of water under our house at one point this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have I ever told you how thankful I am for pumps?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, one of my kids should be arriving back soon--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe spaghetti is on the menu for this evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I LOVE having kids that cook so very well)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So far we've had yummy </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beef bourguignon, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salmon chipotle and twice baked potatoes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas ham and all the trimmings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jalapeno poppers...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a beautiful lattice topped apple pie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(our oldest granddaughter made), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
homemade treats my wonderful SIL made...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am know I am going to have to diet <span style="font-size: large;">forever</span><span style="font-size: small;">, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after all this feasting, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but <span style="font-size: large;">NOT</span> yet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They're back so I need to sign off. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you all had a very joy filled Christmas!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My apologies for any typos and such, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no time to proof read--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-70049443500938284192015-12-04T01:07:00.003-08:002015-12-04T01:07:17.181-08:00Valley Views + A Very Special Blessing<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll have to excuse me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we haven't taken any interesting drives lately due to coming down with nasty colds Thanksgiving week (sometimes sharing isn't a good thing--LOL). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, I haven't put up decorations for Advent yet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(of course, I should confess that I never took all of them down last year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like being surrounded by Christmas trees, wreaths, nisser and reindeer no matter the season). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No baking, no garden strolls, no special meals to share with you either. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead lots of TV, time spent catching up with Bible reading </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(in Revelations now--yippee), lots of prayers, lots of changes, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some sadness, some anger, some laughter...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lots and lots of sleep...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, today's post is just a collection of photos -- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mostly from the valley I believe -- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I haven't posted yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oblf2ztXEZc/VmFC8zHPaJI/AAAAAAAAL5s/Sa5Qu8xt3Xo/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oblf2ztXEZc/VmFC8zHPaJI/AAAAAAAAL5s/Sa5Qu8xt3Xo/s640/P%2BClkCoPk30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another river view from Clackamette Park. I miss these colors already. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel the <strong>need</strong> for some lovely, bright white snow to color my world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(or a sunny day in the mid 60s to warm me up AND color my world).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWbsxdNbgPc/VmFC91D96kI/AAAAAAAAL54/hG9k7ip9sqo/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWbsxdNbgPc/VmFC91D96kI/AAAAAAAAL54/hG9k7ip9sqo/s640/P%2BClkCoPk31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tis the season...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love these guys!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKZ6bQS7ND8/VmFC8_r2p9I/AAAAAAAAL5o/xtiw4dvp1qE/s1600/P%2BMH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKZ6bQS7ND8/VmFC8_r2p9I/AAAAAAAAL5o/xtiw4dvp1qE/s640/P%2BMH2.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OK, Bigfoot most likely does not walk around with one of these.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, according to my hubby, Bigfoot does walk around here in the Pacific NW,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and he should know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You see he saw one </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on a quiet, forested mountain road some 40 years ago--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and his story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
has stayed <strong>totally</strong> consistent for the whole time I've known him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What about you? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you think they exist?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da87Wn1NlTA/VmFC7giiIWI/AAAAAAAAL5g/mLgMxfelbAQ/s1600/P%2BMH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da87Wn1NlTA/VmFC7giiIWI/AAAAAAAAL5g/mLgMxfelbAQ/s640/P%2BMH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfect location for a "Avoid Distractions..."sign. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you think?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fortunately Farmer Boy was driving, not his VERY mountain distracted camera toting wife. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHbhEX44iXE/VmFC-CpMfXI/AAAAAAAAL58/MA6Gf6h0qM0/s1600/P%2BMH5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHbhEX44iXE/VmFC-CpMfXI/AAAAAAAAL58/MA6Gf6h0qM0/s640/P%2BMH5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not quite the contrast of the day before when I was west of this area and the sky was a fabulous blue!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still a pretty scene though. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Jonsrud Viewpoint, Sandy)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now for the <strong><em>BIG</em></strong> <em><strong>announcement</strong></em> I kind of hinted at quite awhile ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just so you know, there's been a <strike>bit of a change</strike> <strong>whole lot of changes</strong> since this was taken...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sssdf4w4o9s/VmFMd3bGUlI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/1NDE7dTJXd0/s1600/P%2BBaby%2BM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sssdf4w4o9s/VmFMd3bGUlI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/1NDE7dTJXd0/s400/P%2BBaby%2BM.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep! That's right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our family is about to get bigger by ONE lovely little baby girl!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that means we're about to become GREAT grandparents for the first time:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Insert happy smiles here)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Told you it was a VERY SPECIAL BLESSING!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And with that special announcement I will close for this eve...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Advent Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-73470235914280218532015-11-25T22:07:00.001-08:002015-11-25T22:11:30.173-08:00Giving Thanks Down By The Riverside<div style="text-align: center;">
Difficult challenges in life can make you sad, depressed, hopeless, angry and bitter </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(been there; done that)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or they can make you think of all the things in life you are truly and completely grateful for...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kind bloggers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sunny days, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a pumpkin pie tempting me from our fridge right now, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a sandy beach during HIGH surf,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tl94dZwZQw/VlaX4DuZLfI/AAAAAAAAL4M/vLt-lPRNjXc/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tl94dZwZQw/VlaX4DuZLfI/AAAAAAAAL4M/vLt-lPRNjXc/s640/P%2BClkCoPk3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a certain lovely river and some of its feathered inhabitants. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ah, yes. It is THE season for a bird lover like me:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_hXQJY8WNo/VlaZRz5D5LI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/HeqoqmtzeSA/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_hXQJY8WNo/VlaZRz5D5LI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/HeqoqmtzeSA/s640/P%2BClkCoPk8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like my feathered friends at the beach, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the feathered friends here by the riverside make me smile...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvqsnVb9AD8/VlaZPc1xRRI/AAAAAAAAL4g/Hwiar_HVrCE/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvqsnVb9AD8/VlaZPc1xRRI/AAAAAAAAL4g/Hwiar_HVrCE/s640/P%2BClkCoPk12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cause me to admire their beauty and grace as they float with the current</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or swim against it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6VkcwlGPg/VlaZPjmJJoI/AAAAAAAAL4s/ldoD3MMWDTg/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6VkcwlGPg/VlaZPjmJJoI/AAAAAAAAL4s/ldoD3MMWDTg/s640/P%2BClkCoPk13.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And their unique characteristics cause me to be filled with joy and a deep sense of wonder!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J8WSBgeOaY/VlaZQBKz9MI/AAAAAAAAL40/aul4hkpvTvg/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J8WSBgeOaY/VlaZQBKz9MI/AAAAAAAAL40/aul4hkpvTvg/s640/P%2BClkCoPk28.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I may not like the rain of autumn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(though I am very grateful for it after months of drought), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I may not like the cold</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(though there is no snow without it and I LOVE snow).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I may hate the decrease in daylight hours...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I look forward each autumn to seeing some of the feathered ones </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
who only visit us at this time of the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Caj_d7-8Ezc/VlaZRB4erUI/AAAAAAAAL5E/vsWxo0d1YrQ/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Caj_d7-8Ezc/VlaZRB4erUI/AAAAAAAAL5E/vsWxo0d1YrQ/s640/P%2BClkCoPk29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, in my little unofficial beauty contest here, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which of the feathered ones is your favorite?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttJbN5aDhLY/VlaZO_WIapI/AAAAAAAAL4c/-dTzENh7-I4/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttJbN5aDhLY/VlaZO_WIapI/AAAAAAAAL4c/-dTzENh7-I4/s640/P%2BClkCoPk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So many to choose from--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ducks, Canadian geese, pigeons, gulls...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbDsZugHYw/VlaZOtw8cXI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/NwV-nEWnI48/s1600/P%2BClkCoPk10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbDsZugHYw/VlaZOtw8cXI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/NwV-nEWnI48/s640/P%2BClkCoPk10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't choose. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE them all!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing you all a very blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving no matter where you live. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photos: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clackamette Park</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(located at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers)</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-43374451973500276532015-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:002015-11-18T00:00:04.629-08:00The Feathered Ones (Part II Of Surf, Sand + Seagulls)<div style="text-align: center;">
From November 11th...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just because life continues to be challenging here </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(though I am feeling MUCH, MUCH better), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just because I'd rather be on the sands right now instead of home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(unless it's pouring down rain or freezing cold when you read this), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just because I can't get enough of the surf, sand and seagulls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(is it possible to get enough of those three?), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just because laughter is great for the soul and gulls make me laugh,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just because it's late and I don't have a lot of words tonight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(probably because I should be in bed at this time),</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bring you more of the feathered ones -- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with lots of thanks to the seagull-feeding strangers standing on the seawall above us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who without knowing it made these photos possible:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPfW_zPi1xw/VkMSPri6HyI/AAAAAAAAL3A/I_wbdGuQGeY/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPfW_zPi1xw/VkMSPri6HyI/AAAAAAAAL3A/I_wbdGuQGeY/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish seagulls could talk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean I know they do, but </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
since I don't understand gullish and they don't speak English,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just have to imagine what they are saying--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or in this case thinking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In this case, I am imagining that the bird, behind the one in front, is a girl gull </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and she is crazy in love with the guy gull.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, she is totally smitten. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile guy gull is totally smitten with the idea that there is food nearby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mOiYHjt5GQ/VkMSPFWtFAI/AAAAAAAAL24/lIi7GBO2w24/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mOiYHjt5GQ/VkMSPFWtFAI/AAAAAAAAL24/lIi7GBO2w24/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The message is out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seagull feeding strangers on the seawall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Come one, come all".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWdLR3hVGYI/VkMSPbEyRvI/AAAAAAAAL28/z5AcIx23DuI/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWdLR3hVGYI/VkMSPbEyRvI/AAAAAAAAL28/z5AcIx23DuI/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252815%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seagulls on the seawall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seagull sentinels. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlGB_c3-EEM/VkMUCTkGlBI/AAAAAAAAL3U/5XyzBnGd8h8/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlGB_c3-EEM/VkMUCTkGlBI/AAAAAAAAL3U/5XyzBnGd8h8/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_642823900"></span><span id="goog_642823901"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a regular bird convention it is. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oSFpnWGkHM/VkMU4yvZH9I/AAAAAAAAL3g/tF1KfBADpTY/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oSFpnWGkHM/VkMU4yvZH9I/AAAAAAAAL3g/tF1KfBADpTY/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25289%2529.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love these guys (and gals).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK2fQCi7HCQ/VkMVvg3MrDI/AAAAAAAAL3o/FjElH_zX6E4/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK2fQCi7HCQ/VkMVvg3MrDI/AAAAAAAAL3o/FjElH_zX6E4/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loved the foamy surf!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bePQVUlKOH0/VkMWUy58JgI/AAAAAAAAL3w/iXVnpn4fJwc/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bePQVUlKOH0/VkMWUy58JgI/AAAAAAAAL3w/iXVnpn4fJwc/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another fisher gull enjoying his (or her) catch of the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He apparently likes sushi as much as I do--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however he prefers his without the rice, the seaweed, etc. etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mmm. Sushi. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hungry!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXvwVBdpauI/VkMXecf1XbI/AAAAAAAAL38/a_P3Uz9CrtQ/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXvwVBdpauI/VkMXecf1XbI/AAAAAAAAL38/a_P3Uz9CrtQ/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252818%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The End:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-75011239478228806982015-11-10T01:24:00.001-08:002015-11-10T01:24:17.943-08:00Of Surf, Sand + Seagulls<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently -- in between a horrible bout of gastroenteritis, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some other kind of awful ailment,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
severe sciatica/back pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and numerous challenges, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we took time to enjoy the high surf at a familiar beach...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSTxguwPrys/VkGpLQBK5cI/AAAAAAAAL1U/Knd8XKg2VhU/s1600/P%2BSU%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSTxguwPrys/VkGpLQBK5cI/AAAAAAAAL1U/Knd8XKg2VhU/s640/P%2BSU%2B%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "regulars" were all there and we even had the bonus of sunshine--for awhile that is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The beach wasn't cold, the tide was coming in and we got front row parking--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a benefit of the less crowded off-season:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaiPN1BZWko/VkGqESRC8bI/AAAAAAAAL1g/P34INVTWWZE/s1600/P%2BSU%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaiPN1BZWko/VkGqESRC8bI/AAAAAAAAL1g/P34INVTWWZE/s640/P%2BSU%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the surf?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, the surf was glorious, captivating and beautiful!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCwzGc2pXNQ/VkGqcVkKq4I/AAAAAAAAL1o/Se9csp1w9-A/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCwzGc2pXNQ/VkGqcVkKq4I/AAAAAAAAL1o/Se9csp1w9-A/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The skies above were pretty awesome too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8_2r-k8cFQ/VkGrQ_pJEnI/AAAAAAAAL1w/yJgEQBa0sxI/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8_2r-k8cFQ/VkGrQ_pJEnI/AAAAAAAAL1w/yJgEQBa0sxI/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252820%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "regulars" were very entertaining... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujWSEuTnkcE/VkGr1fLgp-I/AAAAAAAAL14/iylTsxVIkik/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujWSEuTnkcE/VkGr1fLgp-I/AAAAAAAAL14/iylTsxVIkik/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of them, we discovered, were very skilled at fishing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LOL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2T3zZHZVKw/VkGso7-lCAI/AAAAAAAAL2E/O86aHYz2_lk/s1600/P%2BSGSU%2B%252821%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2T3zZHZVKw/VkGso7-lCAI/AAAAAAAAL2E/O86aHYz2_lk/s640/P%2BSGSU%2B%252821%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Others kept busy elsewhere.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3_da-liNmw/VkGtc8GfIGI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/qrTtuxsh9KA/s1600/P%2BSU%2B%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3_da-liNmw/VkGtc8GfIGI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/qrTtuxsh9KA/s640/P%2BSU%2B%252812%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Papa and the Small One seemed to really enjoy the high surf--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she also enjoyed watching the gulls, playing in the river and building a sand castle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(she also got her photograph taken by a REAL photographer--I can hardly blame him as it was pretty fun watching her and the wild waves)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4NalFW1RbU/VkGxX66PoLI/AAAAAAAAL2c/vagXMMLB7g0/s1600/P%2BSU%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4NalFW1RbU/VkGxX66PoLI/AAAAAAAAL2c/vagXMMLB7g0/s640/P%2BSU%2B%252815%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a wonderful time of peace and wonder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even now, as I sort through the photos, I am reminded of the beauty we found there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's nothing like time in God's creation to feed one's soul and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I definitely needed some "food" this day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came, I ate and I left satisfied. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalms 34:7-9 KJV</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-18912990222819920862015-11-05T16:11:00.002-08:002015-11-05T16:15:46.886-08:00Autumn Immersion <div style="text-align: center;">
When I was young, autumn fun didn't have to cost you as much as a fancy dinner out. No! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And before the end of October we set out--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small One in tow--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to prove that was STILL true. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fortunately, thanks to a wonderful farm family and some other people, we found it is!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBy9v5GW1r8/VjvfJ-LtW-I/AAAAAAAALz0/u218Lw2rm7w/s1600/P%2BJDF4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBy9v5GW1r8/VjvfJ-LtW-I/AAAAAAAALz0/u218Lw2rm7w/s640/P%2BJDF4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcS8hOn6vNw/VjvfKGrB1HI/AAAAAAAALz8/NWT0m2WDrK8/s1600/P%2BJDF5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcS8hOn6vNw/VjvfKGrB1HI/AAAAAAAALz8/NWT0m2WDrK8/s640/P%2BJDF5.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a couple of false starts, we headed towards a farm I thought </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would fit our idea for autumn fun quite well (link and info below).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a bit of exploring Small One and I tried out the corn maze</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(first photo). It wasn't hard to figure out, but it was great exercise and had some lovely views of the countryside and autumn color!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhP6IX9ba0A/VjvfNcPcLNI/AAAAAAAAL0I/4-o1db2SHdI/s1600/P%2BJDF8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhP6IX9ba0A/VjvfNcPcLNI/AAAAAAAAL0I/4-o1db2SHdI/s640/P%2BJDF8.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pumpkins were all over, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as were "cobwebs" and other autumn themed décor. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMj1ZmRhXkQ/VjvfJW21iJI/AAAAAAAALzw/DqvMYPlmyb0/s1600/P%2BJDF6m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMj1ZmRhXkQ/VjvfJW21iJI/AAAAAAAALzw/DqvMYPlmyb0/s640/P%2BJDF6m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small One, of course, wanted a really big--HUGE--pumpkin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the moment she found out Papa had one rule about choosing a pumpkin...just ONE rule...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can you guess what the rule is?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHE_X7rcuL8/Vjve_VoyAII/AAAAAAAALzc/ql2h2yFRPXU/s1600/P%2BJDF10m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHE_X7rcuL8/Vjve_VoyAII/AAAAAAAALzc/ql2h2yFRPXU/s640/P%2BJDF10m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does this photo help? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdTezNi9YNQ/Vjve_KsvPbI/AAAAAAAALzY/AFAQYMY2ato/s1600/P%2BJDF12m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdTezNi9YNQ/Vjve_KsvPbI/AAAAAAAALzY/AFAQYMY2ato/s640/P%2BJDF12m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small One finally found one she could pick up...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it was a very lovely one too. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Will get to that photo in a bit...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but, before the choosing of the pumpkin, came a VERY fun tractor pulled wagon ride which left us shaking at times, giggling at others and very thankful we had some here:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps I shouldn't post a pic of that as I don't want to give the surprise(s) away </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NahIlL7OPmI/VjvfC8XC6xI/AAAAAAAALzo/GTiMepizBKA/s1600/P%2BJDF14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NahIlL7OPmI/VjvfC8XC6xI/AAAAAAAALzo/GTiMepizBKA/s640/P%2BJDF14.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Total cost: Less than $3 for the pumpkin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We'll definitely be back!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHA026QAowo/Vjvkg9A_M5I/AAAAAAAAL0Y/PhY-GicK9OU/s1600/P%2BFP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHA026QAowo/Vjvkg9A_M5I/AAAAAAAAL0Y/PhY-GicK9OU/s640/P%2BFP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later on, we found another farm giving away FREE pumpkins!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We only wish the farmer had been around because we were so very grateful for this lovely gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePkjaIlA48o/VjvkhdnejlI/AAAAAAAAL0g/skJnIiezIvk/s1600/P%2BALPc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePkjaIlA48o/VjvkhdnejlI/AAAAAAAAL0g/skJnIiezIvk/s640/P%2BALPc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soon, we met up with a friend of mine, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my BFF to be exact, who I see all together too rarely since she has moved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Off we headed to a neighborhood park where our grandkids played for awhile on the playground equipment and then discovered another FUN and free pastime--thanks to a family there who apparently had the same kind of philosophy as I do re: autumn fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep! Leaf piles on a lovely bed of grass are always a recipe for LOTS of fun:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0D3xxWpIbg/VjvkhUSQe-I/AAAAAAAAL0c/V6RWYahrf3A/s1600/P%2BAL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="611" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0D3xxWpIbg/VjvkhUSQe-I/AAAAAAAAL0c/V6RWYahrf3A/s640/P%2BAL4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, the experience stays with you even after you leave. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Total Cost: nothing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home we swung by a place to pick up another necessary ingredient for autumn fun---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
caramel apples, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
specifically gourmet caramel apples. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No need to show you this one, but they were the most expensive part of our day and still under $10 for 2 of the most yummy treats known to man (or in our case--girls). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next up: pumpkin carving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JX8BhzKVVQs/Vjvp-JVjMJI/AAAAAAAAL04/1bd165VfTIM/s1600/P%2BAI9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JX8BhzKVVQs/Vjvp-JVjMJI/AAAAAAAAL04/1bd165VfTIM/s640/P%2BAI9.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of our two carved pumpkins--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
designed by Small One and carved with lots of love by a REAL Farmer Boy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which just happens to be a Papa too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although we had other autumn adventures including a mini birthday celebration for the Small One. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my load of dishes is just about done, so I'll end this post with another autumn tradition from my childhood...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvkuqspN-Q0/VjvtmMGvMFI/AAAAAAAAL1E/1SpNCxsSdOk/s1600/P%2BABc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvkuqspN-Q0/VjvtmMGvMFI/AAAAAAAAL1E/1SpNCxsSdOk/s640/P%2BABc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing you all a very blessed November filled with love, simple blessings and priceless memories. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Notes:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A HUGE thank you to the Jim Dandy Farm Family for the awesome time we had there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I am still smiling when I think of that GREAT wagon ride--teehee!). Thank you also for your kind permission to post photos taken there!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a link to those who would like to know more:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpkinpatch.farm/">http://www.pumpkinpatch.farm/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-50513688202814948442015-10-19T23:12:00.004-07:002015-10-19T23:12:55.800-07:00October Update<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted, but truth be told, with all the home repairs/improvements going on, we just haven't had time (or extra money) to take trips to the places that inspire me the most. However, if all goes well, and if nothing else comes up, and if the weather permits, <strike>tomorrow</strike> maybe next week I will be enjoying a <strike>little</strike> whole lot of autumn leaf immersion:)<br />
Meanwhile I am enjoying the changing colors on the mountainside, in our garden, at the grocery store<br />
and everywhere else!<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRLfaQGmfOI/ViKdCY2xyPI/AAAAAAAALyo/BY38KV8Z5uY/s1600/P%2BAD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRLfaQGmfOI/ViKdCY2xyPI/AAAAAAAALyo/BY38KV8Z5uY/s640/P%2BAD2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of home repair/improvement, our front deck <br />
is now a covered front deck thanks to my ever busy hubby!<br />
It's not quite done, but we really like it and it makes me wish we had done it years ago. <br />
<br />
Also speaking of home, our lovely 5 year old over-the-range microwave seems to be <br />
celebrating the month of October. Twice now, exactly one week apart and at about the same time, it's turned itself on. Pretty spooky! Apparently, self starting microwaves are not unknown, but it could have been something I did too. Anyway, it's now unplugged and, surprisingly, I have managed to function OK without it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0NBzL_DdzI/ViXRmDT-2MI/AAAAAAAALzE/3JzRpjl4148/s1600/P%2BMAP6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0NBzL_DdzI/ViXRmDT-2MI/AAAAAAAALzE/3JzRpjl4148/s640/P%2BMAP6.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
Since my last post, I have been collecting autumn leaves from here and there to preserve. Gracie, from One Saylor's Log (link on the right side of this blog), was my inspiration for all this--but, because I couldn't find my iron, I used a modified version of the old "leaf in the book" method.<br />
As you can tell, some turned out a bit more wrinkled then I would have liked, but I am -- overall -- pretty happy with my little project:)<br />
It's part of my goal to make early autumn last a long, long time!<br />
<br />
And, now photos...<br />
since I haven't taken any trips since August <br />
(sigh, sob, scream, BIGTIME cabin fever), <br />
I am posting photos from the lovely Siletz River Valley <br />
(Siletz was the location for the <a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2015/09/pieces-potpourri.html" target="_blank">Ilahee Siletz Pow Wow</a> we attended). <br />
I would dearly love to be there right now, enjoying more frybread:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VA4CAvJ0yU/ViKbXE0NtTI/AAAAAAAALx0/0EKVhuzv6_I/s1600/P%2BSRH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VA4CAvJ0yU/ViKbXE0NtTI/AAAAAAAALx0/0EKVhuzv6_I/s640/P%2BSRH2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Love horses!<br />
Did I tell you that I am now "grandma" to my DD's horses?<br />
And an assortment of other critters too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eY8D06w3i0/ViKbYNnLbHI/AAAAAAAALyA/-GGKVvjgSJk/s1600/P%2BSRH3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eY8D06w3i0/ViKbYNnLbHI/AAAAAAAALyA/-GGKVvjgSJk/s640/P%2BSRH3b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Can't get enough of our PNW's woodlands. Just like our drive along the <br />
<a href="http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2015/08/return-to-nestucca-river-scenic-byway.html" target="_blank">Nestucca River</a> earlier this summer, this area reminded me of a cathedral. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghXWpfHwRdg/ViKbYsqaddI/AAAAAAAALyE/bHC00tMQxiI/s1600/P%2BSRH8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghXWpfHwRdg/ViKbYsqaddI/AAAAAAAALyE/bHC00tMQxiI/s640/P%2BSRH8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My kind of bridge. Not too high, not too low and with some nice views of the Siletz River below. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yShVw-0uZFA/ViKcFCerPoI/AAAAAAAALyU/wcI8_bBQmO8/s1600/P%2BSRH9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yShVw-0uZFA/ViKcFCerPoI/AAAAAAAALyU/wcI8_bBQmO8/s640/P%2BSRH9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QaKFyGWff8/ViKcFxj4YJI/AAAAAAAALyc/s1naGwSRimA/s1600/P%2BSRH4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QaKFyGWff8/ViKcFxj4YJI/AAAAAAAALyc/s1naGwSRimA/s640/P%2BSRH4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love river valleys and I just learned about two more I want to explore --- someday:)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCpH428hLSo/ViKbYGQwfjI/AAAAAAAALx8/aWybYb9TC14/s1600/P%2BSRH-R3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCpH428hLSo/ViKbYGQwfjI/AAAAAAAALx8/aWybYb9TC14/s640/P%2BSRH-R3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And now it's time to <strike>check on those drying autumn leaves</strike><br />
<strike>go to sleep</strike><br />
research my latest idea for a road trip!<br />
<br />
Have an awesome week!<br />
<br />
Blessings, <br />
Aimee </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182311653157346128.post-73732056418539279082015-09-25T02:10:00.002-07:002015-09-25T02:10:12.513-07:00Summer Wrap Up: Junction City Scandinavian Festival, Scandinavian Princess Daybed<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has been busy again--mostly for my beloved Farmer Boy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My smashed car window is now repaired, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a pine tree has been felled (by a professional this time), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the roof is half done (with a temporary ridge cap between the new and old roofing), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the air conditioner has been taken down and stored, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the autumn leaves are wonderful, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the grapes have been ripe for several weeks now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND I still haven't seen any snakes:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh--and my ever busy hubby is now working on another project. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such a talented man with MUCH more energy then his wife. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK, that brings you up-to-date mostly in what has/is going on in our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now on to summer photos of the Scandinavian Festival. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whtoxjNROkk/VgT5rnSjQlI/AAAAAAAALw8/7fyEX46J_Ho/s1600/P%2BSF5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whtoxjNROkk/VgT5rnSjQlI/AAAAAAAALw8/7fyEX46J_Ho/s640/P%2BSF5.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Years ago we happened on to this festival totally by coincidence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of several Scandinavian festivals in the Pacific NW, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this one is held in downtown Junction City in the Willamette Valley</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Other festivals/celebrations take place in Astoria, Portland, Ballard and Poulsbo. Scandinavians were one of the immigrant groups to the PNW and we even have our very own fjord--the Hood Canal in western Washington)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhtNk6KB4S4/VgT5rsq1URI/AAAAAAAALw4/ohlyk0SXnQA/s1600/P%2BSF6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhtNk6KB4S4/VgT5rsq1URI/AAAAAAAALw4/ohlyk0SXnQA/s640/P%2BSF6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love the folk dancing! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids are a lot of fun to watch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This is a very kid friendly, family event with lots to see and do)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QghLxdnO9_4/VgT5pIlfGII/AAAAAAAALwU/y5wCV_M2KMg/s1600/P%2BSF11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QghLxdnO9_4/VgT5pIlfGII/AAAAAAAALwU/y5wCV_M2KMg/s640/P%2BSF11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yours truly loves the aebleskivers--Danish pancake balls. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are beyond yummy--as the Small One found out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I especially like them with lingonberry preserves but plain with a bit of powdered sugar is good too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
YUM!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(These are actually fairly simple to make with some practice and an aebleskiver pan)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also love lefse, meatballs and...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDzTvg7vTao/VgT_1yP3IuI/AAAAAAAALxQ/lvqkjEJXTrE/s1600/P%2BSF18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDzTvg7vTao/VgT_1yP3IuI/AAAAAAAALxQ/lvqkjEJXTrE/s640/P%2BSF18.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the not so traditional, but totally yummy cotton candy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mmm. It was sugar-licious and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so BIG that it took all three of us to finish it off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_o8zfCM1RM/VgT5pNHXP6I/AAAAAAAALwM/KLirf7pXW_Y/s1600/P%2BSF12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_o8zfCM1RM/VgT5pNHXP6I/AAAAAAAALwM/KLirf7pXW_Y/s640/P%2BSF12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped by to see the blacksmith at work...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they also have other crafters. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8pPDHIO7eM/VgT5p5TDmkI/AAAAAAAALwY/n7cJt-V7TxM/s1600/P%2BSF13b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8pPDHIO7eM/VgT5p5TDmkI/AAAAAAAALwY/n7cJt-V7TxM/s640/P%2BSF13b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Small One encountered some Vikings--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
fortunately they were very friendly Vikings and even let her hold one of their swords. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sadly we did miss getting a photo of the wonderful trolls wandering about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I suppose I should let you know the "decorative" cast on her right arm was the result of getting thrown off a horse at "summer camp". Fortunately she still LOVES horses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
YEA!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14LAbNZ8hDE/VgT5qBlmbjI/AAAAAAAALwk/ziMy9XaC_Uk/s1600/P%2BSF14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14LAbNZ8hDE/VgT5qBlmbjI/AAAAAAAALwk/ziMy9XaC_Uk/s640/P%2BSF14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I enjoy the different hairstyles the gals wear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Braids are so lovely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1x_pjI2EV0/VgT5qnC2eHI/AAAAAAAALws/tXQUSCBExtE/s1600/P%2BSF15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1x_pjI2EV0/VgT5qnC2eHI/AAAAAAAALws/tXQUSCBExtE/s640/P%2BSF15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love the rosemaling on different buildings also. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I almost always buy something to add to my collection...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FUu99wFNJM/VgT5o4s0cMI/AAAAAAAALwI/inElzWPjVCw/s1600/P%2BSF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FUu99wFNJM/VgT5o4s0cMI/AAAAAAAALwI/inElzWPjVCw/s640/P%2BSF.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, in keeping with my decluttering goal, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this lovely Scandinavian floral crown was all I bought and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it wasn't for me:) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, it's WAY past time for bed and I am about ready to fall asleep typing so...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aimee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh yea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I forgot to show you our little bit of Scandinavia...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the Nordic Princess Daybed Farmer Boy made his little princess MUCH earlier this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a photo of the finished project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrgxZ8HjgOQ/VgUD3316XiI/AAAAAAAALxc/dubG2CKCN4U/s1600/P%2BNB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrgxZ8HjgOQ/VgUD3316XiI/AAAAAAAALxc/dubG2CKCN4U/s640/P%2BNB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big enough for an adult</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I know because I slept on it for several nights when I was trying to avoid a moth), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yet cozy and very cool for a child. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do have a question for all you talented crafters out there though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have considered painting some of the Swedish folk designs that you see on the rug on the drawer fronts and possibly painting certain parts of the trim red. Good idea, bad idea?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're also OK with leaving it as it is in case we want to change the color scheme in the room later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have other pillows for the bed too but they aren't in this photo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Any suggestions oh gifted ones?</strong></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Link to Akerkulla rug in case you need to see the design better--http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20230627/ )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photos/Info:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Junction City Scandinavian Festival, August 2015</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Link: <a href="http://scandinavianfestival.com/">http://scandinavianfestival.com/</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scandinavian Princess Bed: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got some inspiration from Ana White's great website</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and her Lydia daybed: <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/05/plans/lydia-daybed">http://ana-white.com/2010/05/plans/lydia-daybed</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More from doing a search for photos of Norwegian beds with rosemaling. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, I liked the drawers on an Ikea daybed and another daybed...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but hubby ended up designing the bed because none of these, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
however wonderful, had all the elements we wanted to incorporate in the bed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh--did I say a certain Disney movie played a role in all this to? And a certain Princess?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LOL. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If anyone is interested in how we put together the bed, let me know and I can post photos of the process. It was a LOT of fun and we're really happy we chose to make one instead of trying to buy something. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok--bedtime. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255823818961459112noreply@blogger.com23