Aimee on the Mountainside: Climbing Life's Mountain

PNW Wildlife Refuges

2012-01-30T00:56:00.000-08:00

A few reasons why winter can be a good thing:

1. It is one of the best times to visit a wildlife refuge...

to see migrating geese and other waterfowl.

2. You get a whole new perspective on nature,

without leaves on the trees.

3. You get a chance to see new little critters;

I am told this is a muskrat.

Now that makes me think of the song Muskrat Love...

I think I am aging myself here.

4. You get a chance to explore new places...

without the 'crowds' of the warmer seasons.

And, as you can see,

the weather isn't always bad in winter...

but the views can be very interesting.

What new places have you seen lately?

Blessings,

Aimee

Photos:

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

rural Marion county vineyard

Grand Island seed beds.

Note:

PNW Flooding: Willamette Valley

2012-01-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

As you may know, the PNW has been the focus of some very odd weather this winter.

First was our very unusual dry December, one of the driest on record.

Then some snow--in areas of Washington lots of snow.

And then the rain...

and more rain...

and

well I think you get the idea.

All this combined to fill our rivers and create flooding.

One area hit particularly hard

(but not as bad as some previous years)

was the Willamette Valley,

so named after the river that flows through it.

Here are some photos several days after the peak of the flooding

in the northern section of that valley

(south of Portland, north of Albany)

Flooded orchard.

Flooding in a field.

I had wanted to visit here for quite a long time;

just not under these circumstances.

Park flooding--this park is located on Grand Island,

an island known for being a prime agricultural area.

Water on the road, water to the side of the road, water everywhere--

I hope the farmers here don't suffer loss.

Ferry crossing--but not today, for obvious reasons.

Can you see where the actual loading for the ferry is?

In the Ankeny NWR area, there is another ferry--

but due to the high water and road closure we couldn't get close enough to take photos.

Every bridge we took over the Willamette showed just how flooded the river is.

Along the Willamette on the way to the Independence bridge

(SW of Salem)

Not today though because of the high water,

the road to the bridge is closed.

Wise advice

and

we heeded it--all day long

and

time after time after time...

Sadly the flooding has brought tragedy to some families.

I pray that God will comfort those who have known loss this month.

Blessings,

Aimee

Looking Forward to Valentine's Day: Remembering My Mom's Love

2012-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

And as the days pass, moving us closer to the day we celebrate love, I think of my mom and dad--the first people in my life to teach (and show me) love...here is a post from my other blog Flowers for My Mother: Reflections on her life, love and legacy.

I found a photo the other day.
It was one I had not seen before.
It was my mother when she was in her 20's,
sitting in a chair, clothed in the attire of the 50's~

Young with long, wavy brown hair,
heart filled with sweet anticipation,
belly swollen with life,

face radiant with the glow of maternal love.

This woman; my mom.

The life within her-me.

On this day, I remember my mom's love for me--

a love that never dies.

I remember and am eternally thankful for the ways she showed that love to me...

Blessings, Aimee

The Word on Wednesday: Looking Forward to Valentine's Day

2012-01-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

As we grow closer to the day we celebrate the gift of love, I cannot help but think of the perfect love of God for us...

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean depths.

You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.

How precious is Your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter

in the shadow of Your wings.

You feed them from the abundance of Your own house,
letting them drink from Your rivers of delight.
For You are the fountain of life,

the light by which we see.
Pour out Your unfailing love on those who love You;
give justice to those with honest hearts.

Let Your love shine through me O Lord today and always.

Blessings,

Aimee

Source:

Psalms 36: 6-10 NLT

Photos:

Southern Idaho (and yes that shadowy area that looks like a heart was not added by me)

Colorado--Pike's Peak from the Garden of the Gods I believe; early AM

The Pacific Ocean - near the mouth of the Columbia River

Small town church in the PNW

Autumn Harvest bounty from PNW farms

PNW mountain range -- evening

Photo Potpourri

2012-01-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

The holidays have ended,

grandchildren have returned to their homes,

blue skies have been replaced by snow, rain, winds and snow.

It is January.

lots and lots of raindrops--

not on roses

a windy look at bamboo and winter camellia

perfect duck and beaver weather

or perhaps...

more suiting for huskies.

I know that is my preference.

It's the time between the Season of Christmas--

the season of the Light

and the day we celebrate love.

I am looking forward to it.

Are you planning anything special for Valentine's Day?

Blessings,

Aimee

Photos: a mixture of photos taken this month in our garden, at my sibling's and last---the delicious gift my oldest son surprised us with today. In a few minutes some of these yummies he baked will be history...

Scenes of the Season: Season of Discovery

2012-01-18T14:58:00.000-08:00

Oh to be like a child for just a few minutes everyday...

to be open to new discoveries,

to see new things,

to bring a little bit of spring into the winter of other's lives,

to be willing to try new things without any fear of embarrassment,

to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Let's do it,

let's take a few minutes every day to be childlike.

Blessings, Aimee

Photos:

exploring the world of the model train

(and -- not shown -- petting a cat)

watching a Japanese chef prepare food

showing grandma her masterpiece

(my beautiful oldest granddaughter's artwork)

wearing grandma's gift of a napkin scarf

rocking in grandma's baby rocker

Return to the Mountainside

2012-01-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Today the song of that mountainside again beckoned me.

It sang to me of waterfalls and rushing water.

It sang to me of that yet undiscovered site that had

beckoned me for months now to come, see and hear what I had only just seen in photos

and read about.

So after another fruitless search for that quilt,

a trip to pick up special food for Epiphany tomorrow

and a trip to a little bit of Scandinavia,

we headed up...

And I stood, in the same spot as in June

and drank in the beauty of the waterfall

as I listened to its strong, exhilarating, refreshing melody.

Its melody, spoke to me of Pacific storms,

the forests of the Coast Range

and of love.

It reminded me of the music of Grieg

and

Sissel's clear soprano voice.

I stood and listened as the music of the water

surrounded me

and filled my heart with joy.

But our journey was not yet over--

for there were many voices in that area...

more waterfalls and cascades,

the song of the peaceful, strong mountain and foothills...

the song of the moss--wet in the winter afternoon.

And,

the song I had most wanted to hear...

the song of my long lost, now found historical site!

Though man made,

it had a song to sing too...

and its song brought me much joy--

for it meant the fulfilling end of one quest

but not the end of my journey of water,

forest,

mountain

and song.

Tomorrow I will hear the song of Epiphany calling me...

it will not call me back to the mountains,

nor by the rushing waters--

instead it will call me to bring gifts to the Christ as those Wise Men

from the East did so many years ago.

I will not bring Him gold, frankincense or myrrh--

for He is the King of all creation and does not need them.

I will instead bring Him my heart

and ask Him to fill it with His song

as He filled my soul today with the music of His creation.

Blessings on this eve of Epiphany,

Aimee

Photos: coast range and foothills of Oregon, including historical dam.

To see other photos of this area taken this last June, see my posts here and here.

Of Quilts, Comforters + Puppy Pawprints

2012-01-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

Oh the joy and the pain of shopping for the house--

in this case the Master Bedroom,

better known as Dog-ville, USA.

So many things to consider...

long white fur,

long white fur all over everything.

And yet, I must also consider...

dirty, muddy puppy pawprints

and how that would look against a beautiful white comforter

that would hide all that lovely, long white fur.

It would not be a pretty picture, I am sure.

And black bedding that would hide all those dirty, muddy puppy pawprints,

would show all that lovely white fur--

I know that from our previous experience with a burgundy comforter.

It is days like this when I wish I knew how to make a quilt...a nice multicolor quilt.

Light enough to wash at home, multicolored to hide dirty puppy pawprints

and not show all that white fur too much.

I think I've seen at least 100+ bedding combos by now,

between online viewing and store browsing.

Out of those, I like a handful:(

Too bad it's more than 1/2 year before the quilt shows start again.

I KNOW I'd find one---or more---there;

in reviewing my photos, I've already found several.

But alas it is not to be...

and I am back to shopping.

Wish me luck -- I will need it.

Blessings,

Aimee

Photos: from the St Mary's Quilt Show, Vernonia, OR

Scenes of the Season: pt 2

2012-01-03T02:31:00.000-08:00

The season of Christmas continues...

Thanks to a sweet visitor, I will finally get to eat roasted chestnuts--

although they will be roasted in our oven and not over an open fire.

DDD (darling daughter dog) has done her best to keep Farmer Boy warm this week;

she was very excited that her 'Papa' got almost 2 weeks off:)

Outside the cold weather has taken its effect on the gunnera;

come spring it should be fine and able to resume its 'job' as petal and leaf catcher again.

Lots of seasonal colors outside here--

red leaves on our nandina,

rose pink on our camellia sasanqua (not shown)

and

all of our pieris are adorned in their winter finery too.

Outside our garden, winter is evident

as we journey on the many rural, suburban and urban roads

we find, not snow, but beautiful fog on the mountainsides

(of course, the higher mountains are clothed in glistening white snow).

All of the cold, darkness, fog and rain seem to invite extra naps--

or maybe it is all the leftover Christmas candy?

Speaking of sleep...

I think it is time for me to get some.

Night, night.

Blessings,

Aimee

Scenes of the Season

2011-12-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Advent has ended,

the season of waiting is over

and yet the celebration of Christmas has not ended.

Christmas carols continue here in the 12 Days of Christmas--

traditional melodies mixing with contemporary ones.

Simple decorations continue to be added;

memories of times gone by--

they bring a smile to my face.

New memories being made-

time with family,

awesome weather,

wreaths and garland,

special gifts

and

the smorgasbord that was missing the most important, quite essential food--

herring--

forgotten or lost somewhere in my rush to get everything else :)

The memory of a scrumptious, tender roast beef on Christmas Day

and

of course

sweets for the Farmer Boy

and I.

New this year--pizzelle (bought not made),

which reminded me, in ways, of krumkake.

Similar crisp texture,

also with a beautiful design,

equally fabulous taste.

The season has brought some journeys too-

this one up in the hills was on a beautiful foggy day

And lastly this season has been one of light,

and for that I am grateful.

How has your Christmas been?

Blessings,

Aimee

Christmas Blessings

2011-12-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

The hours are passing moving us ever closer to Christmas.

Seasonal carols and songs are being sung by the St Olav choir--

an annual program on the local PBS channel.

Outside a chill has settled on the land;

inside my mom's rose throw and the heat ward off the cold.

Our refrigerator, cabinets and countertops are filled with food that will soon become part of a Christmas Eve smorgasbord and

then a Christmas day roast dinner, complete with yummy savory yorkshire pudding!

Of course, seasonal treats will be served too--

some for the first time.

Gifts still to be given--my heart is already filled with delight at two received today:

an unexpected extra day off for my hard-working Farmer Boy

and

a card bringing news that a family in need will be receiving livestock given in our honor!!

~
I am so totally touched and incredibly blessed by the thoughtfulness of the gift givers--

words don't seem adequate!

I've already asked God to bless both these animals

and the family that will ultimately receive them;

I know God will bless the precious gift givers too!

And now, I bid you a blessed eve from the Pacific NW.

I pray that you will be filled with the joy and peace of God.

Aimee

Life

2011-12-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 KJV

Holidays can be a mixture of good and bad; stressful and peaceful experiences;
family time and memories of times past;
feelings of loss mixed with those of joy.
And so this Advent has been.
But through tears of loss and pain, through times of joy, stress, love, frustration;
I am thankful that Christ came to earth so that I might have life--
and I am reminded, yet again, to keep my eyes--my focus--on Him.

Advent Blessings, Aimee

Photo: from times past; too busy to upload more photos:)

An Advent Journey

2011-12-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

I have been on a journey this Advent.

Sometimes I have chosen the right path--
the one that led me upwards and closer to the Light.

But sometimes I have taken my focus off that goal and become lost.
~~~
Recently though,

I found my way back.

I found the way after I realized that I had, again,
been drawn away, by the allure of man-made things--
beautiful things, yes,
but things that ultimately failed to truly satisfy this deep thirsting of my soul and also

things that were quickly becoming obstacles in my Advent journey.

Now, I have learned that the beauty I was seeking this Season
is to be found only in Him and

that if I trust Him and keep my eyes on the reason for the Season,
that He will lead me
by His never-ending grace and mercy.

That He will show me more of the Living Water, if I take time to let Him,

and that when this Season of Advent is over,
I will find that my thirst has been quenched and my spirit blessed.

May you find blessings this Advent also.

Aimee
~
Note: Photos #4 + 5 were taken at the site of a man-made dam that failed decades ago.

December Roses

2011-12-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Jewel colored leaves still on many trees,

late autumn harvests,

days and days of dry weather

and now I present,

for your viewing pleasure and mine..

roses from our garden earlier this week!

You gotta LOVE Advent roses:)

Blessings,

Aimee

A Sunday Drive with DDD

2011-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

It was time for another drive with dear daughter dog-

after all her older brother is always going bye bye without her.

It all started out well--

excited daughter dog;

avid and equally excited photographer and dog loving mom.

Up-up-up winding, twisty, narrow mountain roads.

Past forests, past scenic viewpoints...

more winding road.

Note to self: DDD doesn't do winding roads;

DDD definitely doesn't do winding, twisty mountain roads.

Poor baby daughter dog--

getting carsick twice is no fun at all

and a doggie cookie will definitely NOT make it better:(

Aimee

December Leaves

2011-12-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to think anymore.

Sunny skies day after day are NOT part of late autumn in the PNW

(at least west of the Cascades that is).

And leaves?

Leaves still on some trees?

I don't think so--but this year they are.

All I can say is beautiful...

and amazing!

I wonder what winter will bring;

I wonder if we will have a normal NW winter.

I guess we'll soon find out--

don't let my neighbors know,

but I am hoping for snow.

Advent Blessings, Aimee

Photos: taken this weekend.

Fragrances of the Season

2011-12-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

As I surround myself with a little bit of Advent and Christmas everyday (both outwardly and inwardly) my mind turns to seasonal foods and of course two of my favorites--fattigman and Finnish pinwheels.
Awhile back I bought the equipment I needed to make fattigman and some other Nordic treats; this year I hope to be able to put them to use---even though I LOVE any excuse to go to Astoria--home of my fav bakery--I really can't go there everyday (or can I)?

What treats will you be baking this year? Do you have a family tradition of baking during this time of the year (or would you like to start one)? The thought of filling my home with the smells of cardamom, nutmeg and other spices makes me smile and makes me hungry too!

Advent Blessings from my home to yours,
Aimee

Photo: photo taken earlier this year after one of those trips to Astoria. Shown: one Finnish pinwheel (yummy prune filling) and several fattigmann. China tea things and lace 'tabletopper' (which is now being used as a valance in our kitchen) are from my mom's collection. Since her death I have tried to surround myself with special items that remind me of her.

Step by Step

2011-11-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

Step by step, little by little. day by day our home is changing--
taking on the elements of the season of Light.
Step by step, little by little, day by day I pray my heart is changing too--
becoming more like Christ--the Reason for the season;
that would be the best gift I could give to my friends and family this year.

Advent Blessings,
Aimee

Note: this almost finished wreath contains three things I LOVE: the colors light blue and white,
reindeer and snowflakes. What are your favorite colors to use at Christmas? What elements do you like to use in your home at Christmas time?

Welcome Advent!

2011-11-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

The beginning of Advent saw me at my sibling's home taking care of my dad. Together we spent many hours welcoming in this holy season, watching a Christmas pageant and other seasonal programming. Later that day, my DH and I made our way through a NW Oregon town where the town's firemen were busy stringing Christmas lights on the tall trees and putting out decorations which would be hung later. Finally, that evening found me savoring, with great delight, an Advent reflection in the Retreat book I am using.

I honestly must say, I am filled with great joy that Advent is here. As I put away our Thanksgiving decorations and begin to decorate the table with what will be an Advent wreath I cannot help but smile as I place items here and there. It is more than just the decorations--although I LOVE the outward things that mark the season; it is an inward joy at the chance to welcome Christ, again, into my heart and let His light shine through me to family, friends and those I meet.

How do you celebrate this season? Do you have snow yet?

Advent blessings, Aimee

Photo notes: No, we do not have snow yet--although the Cascades certainly do! But this past winter we did and this is a photo of the Old Scotch Church we went by on one of our historical church trips in the areas west and nw of Portland.

Thanksgiving 2011: The Day After

2011-11-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving dawned-

on a very sick Farmer Boy...
so we went with the flow and dined mainly on soup, apple cider and ginger ale.

Today saw my DH feeling a bit better,
so Thanksgiving meal preparations began and several hours later
our feast started .

We had
multi grain rolls (bought)

Herb-apple turkey breast
(there were just the two of us),
stuffing with cranberries,
mashed potatoes
(yea for potato ricers),
southern green beans,
cranberry sauce with orange zest
(I LOVE my microplane zester)

flavored butter
and

sweet potatoes topped with maple syrup-cranberry-hazelnut streusel.

And all I have to say,
besides thank you to God for all we have been blessed with,
is
hope your Thanksgiving was a great one
and
after all the clean-up,
it's time for a snack!

Be blessed,
Aimee

Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.
Psalms 118:28-29 KJV

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all

a blessed Thanksgiving!

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving…

Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

Psalms 69:30, 34 KJV

Be blessed,

Aimee

Of Lingonberries

2011-11-17T00:06:00.000-08:00

I wish this growing season had been kinder to our lingonberries.

I left them on the plants for as long as I dared...

but finally decided to harvest them before they fell off, rotted, were eaten

or we got a really hard freeze...

I LOVE lingonberries and couldn't bear to not try and save those I could.

Most of the itty bitty berries came off this bush--

it takes awhile to pick them as they are so small.

A few had already gone soft and bad,

some were still not fully ripe,

but still there are quite a few that are ripe.

Yield: about 1 cup of berries

Plan: perhaps a lingonberry whip or small pie.

Hope: that the 2012 harvest will be a better one-

for us

and more importantly,

for the PNW lingonberry farmers.

How's your Thanksgiving preparations going?

One week to go!

Blessings,

Aimee

Note: Balsgard lingonberries.

Getting Caught Up

2011-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

In the last two weeks I decided:
1. I will never, ever eat cookie dough with raw eggs in it again (sigh).
2. I am again spending too much time on the Internet and watching TV.
3. I can and will get caught up again with chores...and that momzoo's schedule is awesome!
4. That Thanksgiving is NEXT week and I better get to #3 NOW :)

Wishing you a blessed Tuesday from the (temporarily) blue skies of the Pacific NW,
Aimee

Giving Thanks: November 10

2011-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

I had a dream and yesterday it became a reality.

It was a dream of walking along the bank of a river.

It was a dream of seeing the waterfall there.

But the reality was so much better;

for in my dreams I had not imagined the

beauty of the rock walls which surrounded the falls.

In the dream I had not imagined the beauty of the fallen leaves which carpeted the ground

and were scattered over the rocks.

In my dream I had not imagined the tranquility of the pool below the falls

nor the beauty of this tree I found nearby.

A tree sculpted by the Creator.

Nor the ducks flying to warmer locales.
Yes, yesterday a dream come true;

a dream SO perfect it must have been given me by God.

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: taken along the Little Luckiamute River and near Baskett Slough NWR

Giving Thanks: November 1-3

2011-11-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the month of November

and I LOVE the holiday of Thanksgiving!

In fact, to tell you the truth, I can hardly wait for October to

end just to get to the month of November.

Thinking of November brings up many happy thoughts and one of these is being thankful for all the blessings we have in our life and that is just what Lime (one of my fav Norwegian bloggers) and some of my friends and family are doing. For the whole month they are posting something they are grateful for each day...because, really, we should be thankful daily.
SO I am going to try my best to do the same thing,

but, as usual, I am a bit (ha, ha) behind--having lost myself in the colors of this day:

the blue of the sky (in places), the color of the dogwood outside my window, a friend's adventures, my daughter's texts to me, the music on my favorite radio...

that's it!

November 3:I am SO thankful today that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me!

I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Refrain:

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Though I forget Him, and wonder away,
Still He doth love me wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms do I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

(refrain)

Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

(refrain)

Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree;
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!

(refrain)

In this assurance I find sweetest rest,
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blessed;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.

Yes today, and everyday, I am SO thankful that-

Jesus Loves Even Me!

And to catch up on my thanks-giving...

November 1:

I am SO thankful for a husband who God has blessed with SO many talents,

especially this week when our kitchen faucet handle broke off . TY Farmer Boy:)

November 2:

I am SO thankful for having been blessed with a mom who called Jesus her Friend, her Savior and her Lord. I am SO thankful to have been blessed with a mom that made her family and her God her priority. I am SO thankful that her legacy is written, not on some stone monument but on hearts and souls that will live on eternally. TY mom--we will never, ever forget you:)

Do you have anything you are thankful for today?

Blessings, Aimee
Notes on Hymn: Jesus Loves Even Me, Philip P. Bliss, 1870

For the entire lyrics and tune to this well known song, see this link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/l/jlovesem.htm

Be blessed--

and now I am on my way to our kitchen to make cookies to bless my Farmer Boy with this evening.

Autumn Morning: pt 2

2011-11-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

After awhile I went outside...

to stroll amidst the many bamboo,

to feed my soul with the beauty of God's creation.

To drink in the beauty of the season...

and this crisp autumn morn.

To savor the peace and serenity to be found in the garden.

Thank you Lord for autumn;
thank you Lord for life.
~

He has made everything beautiful in its time...
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him.
Ecclesiastes 3:11a, 14 NIV 1984

Be blessed,
Aimee

Note:
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Biblica.

Autumn Morning: pt 1

2011-11-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

One morning, last month, I woke up in a place not my own.

A place of angels and bamboo.

A place of warmth.

But I wasn't alone.

Someone else was there

and they

were watching me.

And I don't think she liked my camera.

Or could it be she is more an afternoon person, like me.

Good morning kitty; good morning to you too:)

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: at my sibling's.

Finding Balance: Update Healthwise, Home

2011-10-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING Momzoo's weekly schedule (having a specific focus in the home each day). Even though I have had to modify it slightly to fit my schedule and to play 'catch up' with household chores, I am getting more done and I am happier and feeling more balance in this area!

Regarding finding balance healthwise-I am eating less, trying to stop when I am full. Since I cannot use my treadmill here yet (that room is being used for storage right now), and since I do not want to go to a fitness center or walk along our road, I plan on using my sibling's recumbent bike and strength training equipment when I stay at their home twice weekly to watch dad while they are out of town. I did use it for about 10 minutes while over there earlier this week, but need to adjust it to my height:)

Progress on my other goals:

1. Ascertain the last date of labwork, bone scan, physical; take online health assessment (all regular screening done, 2004 + 2005; health assessment done).

2. Increase my steps to a minimum of 2,500 a day (see I told you my steps/day were BAD). If I remember correctly 2,000 steps=1 mile, but I will check on that. I'd like to see it at 5,000 steps but I can always work up to that and I don't want to set myself up for failure...baby steps, baby steps:) Research online programs for both weight loss and fitness through our health insurance (have not been tracking my steps since posting but will start that again soon. Have been researching online programs).

3. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruit I eat. Decrease the amount of sugar I am eating. Possibly eat more frequent, smaller meals as I have a problem with hypoglycemia and tend to go for the high carb foods when I feel hypoglycemic. Watch portion size (not much change in amount of veggies and fruit yet but have cut down on refined sugar and portion size. Need to increase consumption of water--as always).

4. Resist the urge to procrastinate. Be consistent! (trying).

Be blessed, Aimee

Photo: Oh does this room look different now---it will definitely be a major project for me to turn it into a craft/fitness room. Baby steps, baby steps...

Finding Balance: Healthwise

2011-10-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

The other day I signed up to access my medical record online.

Imagine my shock when I found out that it had been decades since I had tests that are considered vital for women's health.

Now because I have my health concerns addressed through two different health systems

(one private pay, one through our health insurance), I am not sure that this information is 100% accurate--but still I believe that it has been way too long since I have had a physical. No, I KNOW it has been.

I would have to confess, that with everything going on around me that in spite of my DH's not too subtle urging for me to go to the doctor, I have been putting this part of living in balance at the bottom of my priority list; it is time for this to change...

Another step in finding balance for me will have to be in the area of weight loss.
By the usual standards I am not a lot overweight (or maybe I am)--about 20 pounds or so--but my knees, feet and back are feeling the extra strain.
I know what to do about it--I know what it takes to lose these pounds. I know it will be a matter of choosing long term goals and gratification (better health, more energy) over instant gratification (sugar, high calorie foods). I know these things--so how much longer will I put it off? 6 months? 1 year? Things will only get worse; the time is now. And -- for me it is a matter of stewardship and obedience to God also.

Another area which must be addressed is fitness. Awhile back Patty, http://www.morningramble.blogspot.com/ addressed the use of a pedometer and how few are steps are daily as compared to those who work the land without the help of modern technology (the Amish). My sibling had an extra pedometer so I tried it out and was shocked, shocked, shocked at how few steps I take in a day...MUCH less than I did when we were tracking our steps through a program at work.
This got me to thinking---my sedentary lifestyle is only going to get worse if I don't take active steps to change NOW.
Relaxation is important, but we were made to be active--and if I want to keep healthy enough to travel to such beautiful places as these, I need to not put this aspect of living a healthy, balanced life off any longer.

So what will my next steps in this area be (let's say for the next week).
1. Ascertain the last date of labwork, bone scan, physical; take online health assessment.
2. Increase my steps to a minimum of 2,500 a day (see I told you my steps/day were BAD). If I remember correctly 2,000 steps=1 mile, but I will check on that. I'd like to see it at 5,000 steps but I can always work up to that and I don't want to set myself up for failure...baby steps, baby steps:) Research online programs for both weight loss and fitness through our health insurance.
3. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruit I eat. Decrease the amount of sugar I am eating.
Possibly eat more frequent, smaller meals as I have a problem with hypoglycemia and tend to go for the high carb foods when I feel hypoglycemic. Watch portion size.
4. Resist the urge to procrastinate. Be consistent!

Any suggestions?
What works for you?
Have you blogged about matters of fitness and health?
Feel free to leave a link to your blog if you'd like.
Be blessed,
Aimee

Word on Wednesday:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

Zechariah 4:6 KJV

This is the verse that came to mind recently as I was praying about a matter that was troubling me greatly. I tend to try to do things in my strength, especially in areas I feel strongly about.

I think God is letting me know that I need to realize it is not by my might or human power that this matter will be taken care of, but by His. I pray that I can 'rest' in this WORD and rely on Him.

Photos: Lee Wooden Park near Jewell, Nestucca River area (near Beaver).

Finding Balance: At Home

2011-10-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

For awhile now, I have had the growing sense of being out of balance--

as if I had wondered off the path I should be on.

When I was working, outside the home, my day had more of a pattern, more of a rhythm to it.

I had a huge amount of responsibility and I knew,

almost unconsciously what had to be done,

how it had to be done

and when it had to be done.

I worked 4 days a week and had 3 off;

it was a great work schedule.

And I was grateful to my employers for allowing me to have it.

But I missed being home--

so finally, after much prayer and my DH's agreement,

I left my job.

It was the right decision and I don't regret it!

I LOVE being home--

I love being free to talk and text with family and friends

when there is a need or just a desire to.

But, on the other hand,

I also left behind my innate sense of discipline as regards to work,

and that has left me increasingly stressed and unhappy.

I hope that makes sense.

Despite the many challenges I have in my life right now,

I just cannot put it off any longer---
I need to regain a more disciplined life again--

at home, because that is my work now.

Yes, I can and will still have freedom to stop and chat,

photograph a pretty scene, travel, smell the roses, etc;

but I think, no I know,

I will appreciate these things even more if I develop more discipline at home.

And this is where fellow blogger, Momzoo (Aimee) comes in.

I have been following her for quite awhile now and have found,

over these years that

I appreciate her honesty and kindness,

the genuine love she has for her family and country,

her down to earth manner

and her willingness to share her God-given gifts of cooking

and other homemaking skills with others...

Recently she posted her weekly schedule

and it fit SO well with my life and was SO simple,

that I knew this was the answer I was seeking...

and I began to have some hope again in regards to taming my beast (this house).

So...I have begun to follow her schedule,

albeit with a few modifications

due to the challenges I am dealing with right now

(staying twice weekly at my sib's home,

when they are out of town,

to watch my elderly father;

dealing with our house issues;

some fear/anxiety over certain circumstances in my life right now;

playing catch up).

I hope that soon I will be living a more balanced and

a more disciplined life

at least as far as work is concerned:)

Next task: Finding balance health wise.

Blessings, Aimee

Note: I know I've already thanked you Aimee (momzoo) on your blog

but I truly am grateful for your transparency and honesty and want to do it again here :)

Photo: peaceful sunset at Neskowin.

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

The trees

obey the call of the Creator to put on their autumn display.

And I

respond in grateful admiration.

Thank you God for the beautiful season of autumn.

Blessings, Aimee

Peace + Forgiveness

2011-10-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday did not start peacefully;

it started with angry words and untrue accusations.

It started with pain--the kind that only humans inflict on each other.

But then came peace--a walk alone in a forest.

A drive on a quiet rural road.

The blessing of God's creation.

Time by the sea.

Crossings over peaceful rivers on their way to the sea.

The relaxing sound of the surf.

Today I battle my heart to be able to forgive the offender.

To obey the Word of my Creator and not stir up the pain and anger I feel

into the flame of resentment;

the firestorm known as bitterness--

a firestorm not easily quenched.

It is not an easy fight,

for everything within me shouts out against the unfairness of it all,

as tears threaten to break to the surface.

But yet I know so well --

peace cannot be mine again unless I can find the grace to forgive as I have been forgiven.

Blessings + Peace, Aimee

"...Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. "
Matthew 18:21b-22

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:12, 15

"Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness."

Col 3:12-14 ASV

Photos: Upper Nehalem Valley, Cannon Beach, Nehalem River, Rockaway Beach, Tillamook area

Almost + Just Because

2011-10-19T15:31:00.001-07:00

It's almost

time to pick our lingonberries

and our blueberry leaves are a gorgeous red!

My cut artichoke flowers are still gorgeous

and I love to look at them in the autumn light.

Sorry I know this is a repeat

but I just LOVE the red of our blueberry leaves this year...

actually I LOVE their color every year!

And this is one of the pears which is now sitting in a glass baking dish waiting for me to

decide if it should become pear sauce, along with the Asian pears

or if my son, a gourmet cook, has a better idea:)

I wonder if he has any exciting ideas on how to use our lingonberries...

Do you?

Temporarily unable to work on my task of the day due to our 'lovely' weather,

Aimee

Note: the lingonberries pictured above are of the Balsgard variety.

Not sure what type of pear this is...possibly a Comice pear.

I am hoping I didn't wait too long to pick it...

Lazy Days of Summer; BUSY days of Fall???

2011-10-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Seems like every pretty well every autumn is the start of my DH's remodeling/building season and so it is this year...fortunately the current project is not stressing me out quite as much as some of our past projects have been known to and come winter I will be very, very happy with it!

Besides the DH project, which in a way is my project too, I am currently harvesting apples, pears and Asian pears (this whole growing season has been very, very strange) -- my neighbor used some of our Asian pears to make a chunky fruit sauce out of and so I am very excited to try her recipe out. Most likely with everything going on it will be done in the crockpot. Additionally the lingonberries will soon be ripe--they will go into the freezer until I decide what to do with them (LOVE lingonberries)!

Time to get working.

Blessings,

Aimee

Photo: a Columbia River Gorge waterfall. Probably the most viewed of all my posted photos--given that it was taken from a moving car, I am glad people seem to like it:)

I will try to have some photos later this week of our garden's bounty and possibly more trip photos--just too busy to do it now.

Journey in the Land of Vineyards: Kiwi

2011-10-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, a friend and I made a trip to the land of vineyards to see a real kiwi farm--

it was there I saw, for the first time, how kiwi are grown (the farm has several types) and it was there I had my first baby kiwi!!

Now, I am sure most of you are very familiar with fuzzy kiwi--

the kind you find in supermarkets.

They are delicious, of course

and we grow them at our home...

but baby kiwi are a bit different.

They are small, pop in your mouth, no need to peel

totally delicious fruit-

and once I had tasted them,

I knew I would have to return to get more.

So as part of our visit the other day, we stopped by HB & K Farms,

located in the Dundee Hills.

and picked some of the baby kiwi to take home.

After not too long our two buckets were full--

enough for both of us to share with some other family members!

These are mostly not ripe yet-

but in just a few days of sitting at room temperature on my counter they will be.

Besides our wonderful 'catch of the day' (the kiwi),

we had a great time chatting with the owner and two young people from the Portland area.

And now I am dreaming of all the things I can do with my baby kiwi...

if I have any left over that is:)

Be blessed, Aimee

Photos: taken at HB & K Farms located in Dundee, Oregon (SW of Portland) at 10794 Worden Hill Rd. There are signs in Dundee giving directions. Sorry I forgot to get the phone number...knew I should have picked up a business card:)

A BIG thank you to HB & K Farms for allowing me to take and post photos here! For those who are interested and live within driving distance of the farm, they expect to have baby kiwi available until the first freeze--early to mid November. I am going to try to make it back myself for another 'catch'!

Note: oh how I giggle when I reread my less than perfect grammar and oh how I wonder just what I was doing at the time I was writing:) :) :)

Journey in the Land of Vineyards: Grapes + Gardens

2011-10-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today's journey was a trip of definite highs and definite lows;

if is OK I think I'll share just the highs with you:(

I will also skip the first part of today's journey and move to our first major destination;

a beautiful garden nursery located high above the valley floor on a hillside.

BTW--our means a good family friend, my dad (who we borrowed for the day) and I.

Our first view of the nursery was this--
I never get tired of pinks and purples!
And I never get tired of this area's beautiful hillsides!

I LOVE this view--unfortunately this area was not at peak autumn color yet;
I think it is later than usual this year.
Still the view is wonderful
and my dad, who had never been here before liked it very well--
in fact he liked the whole trip,
especially the yummy frozen pumpkin dessert we all enjoyed at the end of our day trip:)
Yum, pumpkin!

I loved this very lush herb + veggie garden --

and this beautiful maple!
~
After the nursery---and a quick drive past their olive trees,
we went even further up the hillside and then to other nearby places!
It was fun being on the hilltops and, unlike, the trip to Mt Rainier I only got a little anxious for just a minute or two when we traveled up a very, very narrow road up one of those hillsides
(fortunately we passed only one car on that road and we had a little room to pull over so he could go by us--believe me the views at the top were well worth it!)
We traveled by many vineyards and saw many grapes--

and some very interesting sights besides the grapes
(we heard some interesting noises too--
apparently the birds also love the view and the grapes)!

Many, many hillsides filled with rows of grapes and beautiful red soil!

And then we bid goodbye to the grapes
and headed towards another vineyard and our second major destination--
a kiwi vineyard

But that will have to wait till part two.

Until then--be blessed,
Aimee
~
Photos:
Red Ridge Nursery
and other areas SW of Portland.
Note:
TY to Red Ridge for being such a great place to visit and for permission to post photos here! We'll be back:)

What is the Right Answer?

2011-10-14T12:43:00.001-07:00

I have become increasingly aware that I am spending way too much time on a 'certain' social network, on blogger and surfing the web...

That 'certain' social network is the main way I keep in touch with my out-of-state family and friends; I can't just say give it up completely--it's not like we live in the same city and I can see them in person:(

Regarding blogger--I LOVE sharing the beauty of the Pacific NW with others, meeting other bloggers and my blog serves as a semi personal journal (with the added benefit of photos). I also LOVE reading the blogs of others--sharing their lives, their interests, their thoughts.

Surfing---I know I can cut back some here; my surfing the Internet reminds me a bit of how, when I was a child, I used to spend hours reading encyclopedias--I have never tired of learning new things and there are always NEW things to learn on the Internet:)

So what to do...just thinking out loud (sort of). And now back to my real tasks.

Be blessed, Aimee

Photo: another favorite of blog visitors--enjoy! BTW, I LOVE this one too:)

A Perfect Autumn Day

2011-10-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

This day has been perfect--

filled with beautiful music from my favorite radio station,

filled with sunshine and showers...

my favorite grapes and the first lingonberry of the season!

Surrounded by stained glass--courtesy of the Creator above!

Gifts and blessings every place I look...

the changing of the seasons...

saying farewell to the last gifts of summer-

and embracing with my whole heart the gifts of the autumn.

Thank you Lord for the amazing beauty of the earth--

thank you for Your amazing grace!

Sights + Sounds of Washington: pt 4

2011-10-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

After we said goodbye to Mt Rainier,

we drove through Ashford again and I saw this...

of course we turned around

(my friend knows me VERY well)!

But how could I resist this bit of history?

I wonder if my grandparents ever stopped here on the way into the National Park?

I wonder how long this was in operation?

So many unanswered questions on trips...

And then another good thing happened-

my friend saw a sign and it said

(I) Huckleberry pie!

We stopped, how could we not?

After all - pie, candy, jam, jelly or ANYTHING made from this juicy 'jewel'

of the PNW mountains--

well it is something we who have partaken of huckleberries before CAN NOT resist!

By the way, the restaurant we stopped at -the Wildberry Restaurant-

is owned by the nicest couple originally from Nepal!

Sad thing--

my mind was SO focused on huckleberries that it wasn't till we were gone that I realized they offer Sherpa Himalayan food items on their menu besides the Yak burger listed on their sign outside.

Next time I will have to try some--I love foods from different regions!

AND I will, of course, order some more huckleberry pie because it was SOOOOO good:)

Another view of beautiful Mt Rainier--

in this part of the PNW you can see the mountain a lot!

When I got home, I found another area with a awesome view of Mt Rainier and a lake too;

we will definitely have to make a trip there too:)

Not too long after leaving Ashford we came to the small community of Elbe,

and my friend tells me she is turning around and THEN I see why!

A gorgeous little church;

another church for my growing photo collection of historic churches...

and this one was very, very special for

at least one of my ancestors was Lutheran and from Germany!

She was an amazing woman who survived so many things--I would love to talk to her!

Kind of off the subject here, but my favorite Communion--ever--was at a Lutheran church--

I will never forget it; it was that special!

Anyway, one of my next statements went something like this

(I) See we never would have seen this if we hadn't been pulled over in the park by the officer!

Of course, there was a beautiful lake nearby--

and we didn't have to cross over a bridge this time to see it!

In fact, we both liked this road the Park Ranger suggested--
beautiful mountain views, small towns, windy roads--no cliffs:)

After a few more pleasant side trips

(at one point we were even headed towards the coast to find another historic church)

and

more food

we arrived home--

tired but happy:)

I'll be back soon--I never can stay away long from my second home of Washington!

Be blessed,

Aimee

Note: a BIG thank you to the owners of the Wildberry for allowing me to take photos in their establishment and post them here! Should you be hungry for pie or something more--

they are located at 37718 SR 706 in Ashford. They have a website here: http://www.thewildberry.net

And now...time for me to get to work:)

Sorry if this post is a little rambling--my left eye is really bothering me today.

Note to Visitors

2011-10-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

I will be taking a short blogging break in order to devote more time to the last several days of my spiritual retreat and to get some very necessary projects done. I'll be back on Monday with more photos of Washington state, the Oregon zoo and whatever else God brings my way to share with you...Until then I leave you with one of the more popular photos on my blog (by the way it fascinates me what photos bring visitors here and the nations that visitors are from--there is something about seeing the world's different languages that is very exciting!).

For those who are cat lovers--enjoy! For those who are dog lovers--there will be more dog photos later; when you have three dogs there are ALWAYS more photos of woman's (and man's) best friend:)

Be blessed,

Aimee

Note: this is one of my sibling's 3 cats and as I have said before, my favorite:)

Sights + Sounds of Washington: Pt 3

2011-10-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon from the PNW!

Time to continue our trip ...

This is the National Park Inn at Longmire.

I just LOVE this place as I do all historic lodges, from the Old Faithful Inn
in Yellowstone to the lodge at Crater Lake in Oregon!

(the sun just broke through the clouds here--time out to drink in the blessings of today).

Ok I'm back...

our family has never stayed here, that I remember;

we generally stay in one of the nearby communities.

However we have eaten here in the dining room--and that was a lot of fun!

This time, though, we bought sandwiches in Morton on the way here and nibbled on them:)

This is SO neat! In addition to historic lodges I LOVE historic vehicles!

We once owned a 1949 Plymouth--I hated it at the time;

now I would LOVE to have one!

After Longmire the road climbs more as you head up to Narada Falls and Paradise.

On the right side of your vehicle there is a drop off---

after a bridge you would have heard me say something like...

(I) I don't like this,

I don't remember it being this bad (another word for high with cliffs),

we need to turn around,

yikes,

I'm sorry!

So at the viewpoint we did--so close to my goal;

but it was not to be for today.

(I) Why don't you take me back to Longmire and I'll stay there while you go see Paradise just like we did in Mosier? I WANT you to see it; I'll be fine at the Inn! You have to see it!

(My friend) No, it's ok.

(I) I just don't understand this...it wasn't like this last time.

(
(I) Snow walls--that's why!

Last time I was here there were walls of snow...

(I) If it hadn't been for that first road we got on I don't think this would have been an issue

(sigh)

On our way down we stopped to see Christine Falls--

the key word being 'stopped'.

(My friend) He's following us. I'm pulling over.

(Outside) Lights, siren.

(The Officer) Do you know why I pulled you over?

But it all ended well,

with a verbal warning and a (kept) promise that we would NOT stop on the park road anymore!

By the way, we did keep that promise--it seems like Christine Falls is the cause of many park visitors momentarily losing their common sense:)

The photo is of the upper part of the falls;

next time we will hike a bit and get a photo of the whole waterfall!

And NEXT time I will conquer my fear of the road to Paradise and Narada Falls--

with God's help-

just as I did this summer of traveling by a certain mountain reservoir!

Are there any fears you have conquered?

Be blessed,

Aimee

to be continued....

Sights + Sounds of Washington: Praise

2011-10-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy LORD to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!...

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship HIM in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Blessed + giving thanks on this feast day of St. Francis!

Aimee

St Francis of Assisi, Cantico di fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun (around 1225)

To see all of the words to this well known hymn "All Creatures of our God and King" and/or to see more of the history of its translation by William H Draper and first publication in 1919

please see this website: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/c/acoogak.htm.

Photo: Mt Rainier National Park, Washington autumn 2011

Sights + Sounds of Washington: Pt 2

2011-09-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

After 6 or so hours of travel by and over rivers and a lake,

road work, gorgeous view after gorgeous view and more...

we arrive:)

(I) Yea!
We enter under the Nisqually entrance gate, pay our fee ($15/7 days)
and are on our way to our first main stop...

Longmire---beautiful, wonderful, I LOVE it here Longmire!
After a stop at the gift shop for directions to the trail we're off--
with good wishes for a great hike!
Note to self for ALL future hikes: drink more and carry water!

Longmire was homesteaded by a pioneer by the name of-
well I'm sure you can figure that out.
There are many mineral springs in this area
(not surprising in that Mt Rainier is a volcano).
This is one of the springs--Soda Springs.

And this is the forest on the trail--
I LOVE this place:)
By the way, at different places on the trail you will also see
the meadow, other springs, Mt Rainier, a cabin and more!

In the 'shadowy realm' -- my favorite part! When I was here one time in late May all that could be seen up the hill (right side of the photo) was brown; it felt ancient. I will never forget the colors, the light, the dark, the feelings of that day! Today the feelings were different--the forest was beautiful (some trees are over 250 years old) but there was GREEN amidst the brown and there was dappled sunlight!
(I) but it was brown before...

A photo near the end of the Trail of Shadows--
an amazing, not too long hike through the forests and among the Longmire's homestead.
(I) water, water, water...
(My friend) I thought you were in better shape than I.
Note to self: I love it when your friend anticipates your needs
and brings a sport drink for you:)
~
I leave you with my favorite quote of the day--
"Trees recieve a most beautiful burial.
Nature takes fallen trees gently into her bosom-
at rest from storms".
John Muir
~
Thank you God for the mountains and the forest;
they are just a portion of what you bless me with each and every day.
Blessings,
Aimee

To be continued...

Sights + Sounds of Beautiful Washington: Pt 1

2011-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

(I) Ugh! The weather forecast was sunny today.
(my friend) We are by the river, it'll clear up.

(I) I think we're on the wrong road here
(said as we crossed a causeway built over the middle of a lake);
this wasn't the road my dad took--I'd remember this!

(both) Beautiful (or some similar adjective)!

(I) This is NOT the right road
(as we drove higher and further into unfamiliar territory).
(My friend) You got your directions from ------!
I should have known--you can't trust -----for directions.)

After we turned around, retracing our route, stopped at two mini marts, talked to local residents, bought one Washington map, picked up a free map of the local area, texted my poor DDIL that we were lost, found the right route and were on our way again--this time with NO cell phone coverage.
(I) I like this route better; it looks more familiar....well maybe not, but I like it better.
(My friend) Some of the trucks on the other road were being blown around; it is less windy on this road in the valley.
(I) Sometimes my fear of heights is a good thing.

(I) Wow!!!!

To be continued---
Blessings,
Aimee

An Early Birthday Gift

2011-09-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

My husband and best friend blessed me with a trip here as an early birthday gift.

It was the perfect day--full of the beauty of God's creation!

Blessings,

Aimee

More photos later;

been traveling all day from before sunrise to well after sunset and I am SO tired.

Time to sleep...night all:)

A Trip to the Valley: Early Autumn

2011-09-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

Recently my best friend had a day of errands;

when she mentioned where she was going,

I eagerly invited myself:)

One of our stops was in Mt Angel, Oregon--

this time we got to see the town's Glockenspiel in action among other things:)

My favorite parts were the Gregorian chants and the song Edelweiss;

I had never seen a Glockenspiel at work before-I really enjoyed it!

BTW this photo was taken at the beginning of the 'performance'--

the glockenspiel incorporates features of the history of the area,

starting with the Native Americans.
We also stopped by here--

We left with sausage and strudel; nice people here!!

The strudel came frozen and would be baked that night (it was SO good);

the sausage was for my friend who likes spicy food!
In town we also traveled by the dancing children fountain--

we always do when we go here!

The town, as always, had a lot of flowers--

I love that a lot of towns do now!

Along the way we collected a some produce and photos at a few farms in the valley...

My best friend is taking this home--

YUM!

How about these?

Aren't these artichoke flowers beautiful???

Yum, more harvest beauties--

it amazes me the variety we have available in vegetables...

look at the color of this broccoli!

How about these tomatoes?

In one town we visited,

we found people leaving excess produce from their gardens

on a table for those who can use it.

I really liked that idea;

we had picked up plenty from a farm in our route already

so we didn't need anymore though!

There were more in the trunk:)

More produce: here is a yellow cauliflower;

I'm not sure if I've ever seen one before.

I wonder if it holds that beautiful color when cooked?

Passed lots of onions...

if you look very closely you might also see the Cascade Mountains,

the range of mountains that run north to south in the PNW

and lie east of the Willamette Valley and western Washington.

And last, but not least, we passed a beautiful field of these...

black eyed Susans.

I LOVE this time of the year, don't you?

Blessings, Aimee

Notes: if you want to see more of Mt Angel please use the search feature to the right. They have a beautiful abbey, monastery and church there among other things. And a BIG thank you to the Mt Angel Sausage Co. for permission to post a photo of their fine establishment! Here is their website should you be in the area and interested in strudel or sausage: http://www.ropesausage.com/

Flora + Fauna at the Zoo: Pt 2

2011-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are having fall weather today in the PNW--

rain showers at times, wind gusts off and on,

cool and cloudy.

A perfect day to get caught up on some housework...

and bake the DH some cookies!

But if I am going to do that, I must get off the Internet--

so on with the post I wanted to share with you today:)
~

This summer, when my DD and grandkids came out,

the weather was much the same when we went to the zoo-

well minus the rain and wind:)

In other words--it was a GREAT day to visit the Oregon Zoo;

I only wish I had worn my odometer that day and every other day during my DD's visit!

Enough talk--let's walk?

I walked in socks as my sandals were not working for me;

you may keep your shoes on:)

I have a thing about white fur (hence our dogs have white fur), so today's theme is ...

animals with white (or some white) on them.

Our first stop is at the residence of the polar bears;

ahhh, it's nap time:)

Next--some brightly colored flowers;

I shall miss the flowers of summer,

but in a month or so our autumn/winter flowering camellia will be in bloom

and I will be so in love with it, I'll be OK.

Pretty!

In the PNW area, we met this guy (or gal).

Now it would be a dream come true to see one of these Mountain Goats in the wild!

One of my former co-workers has seen them and bear;

she gave me the most wonderful going away gift when I quit my job!

Knowing how much I love the mountains...

she put together a CD of some of her hiking trips for me to have!

I LOVED it and still do; it makes me smile just thinking of it:)

It is one of my favorite gifts ever!

Look at all that white fur!

I think he (or she) looks quite noble, though a bit ragged!

I loved this exhibit--

even if I did, sort of, get lost in here

(actually I knew exactly where I was...my family just thought I was lost.

When I am taking photos, it is all I think about--sometimes).

More flowers---knowing my camera,

these might have been more red then they appear:)

And now,

one of my favorite photos-

taken in their petting area...

I think I'm in love!

Have a blessed Monday!

Aimee

Photos: TY to the Oregon Zoo for permission to post these photos and for all the obvious concern they show for the animals entrusted to their care! I ask that you please respect my copyright on all of these photos and do not copy them unless you ask and are granted permission by me to do so. This is to ensure that the zoo's philosophy re: their animals, which I totally support, is adhered to. Thank you:)

My Hiding Place

2011-09-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thou

art my hiding place and my shield:

I hope in Thy Word.
Psalms 119:114 KJV

Last night I watched the movie, The Hiding Place-

an adaption of the late Corrie ten Boom's life during World War II.

When I was younger and living in Seattle,

I had the opportunity to see and hear this courageous lady in person.

Her story, is indeed one of courage, love, faith and forgiveness.

And as I watched the movie,

I asked myself...

Would I have reached out to save strangers knowing what it could cost me and my family?

Would I lose my faith had I been the one imprisoned in such deplorable and seemingly hopeless conditions (lice, hard labour, little food, cruelty, crowding, etc)?

Would I be able to forgive my 'enemies' as Corrie and Betsie were?

It is something for me to think about.

Be blessed,

Aimee

Photo: Siletz Bay and two of my five grandchildren:)

Welcome Autumn!

2011-09-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

I know this is a day late but ...

have a blessed Autumn (or spring if you are in the southern hemisphere)!

Blessings, Aimee

Photo: couldn't resist this little guy on my recent trip to the Quilt/Craft Show--I just love his little cordoroy pants and all:)

Paint + Pray

2011-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

First day of autumn-sunny + warm.

A day made for painting; a day made for praying.

'Powdered snow' on bare fir boards--protection for late autumn + winter storms.

Beauty and light for the coming darkness.

Prayers raising upwards to heaven; a weak child talking with her strong Father.

Asking; receiving.

Fear turned to peace.

A beautiful autumn day filled with heavenly light and heavenly gifts.

Be blessed,

Aimee

Photo: despite appearances, this is a gorgeous shade of white and I love, love, love it:)

For My Daughter Dear

2011-09-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Daughter Dear,

Someday, if dreams really do come true.

I will live by the peaceful bay

and you by the sea so blue.

We will laugh together as we watch the birds of the air;

we will dance like children under the colorful kites so fair.

We will drink in all of God's gifts to us--

blessings of the land and of the sea.

We will enjoy each others company daily --

if this is the dream God meant to be.

But whatever shall come, always remember, my beautiful one--

that dad and I love you--

from setting sun to setting sun.

Be blessed my daughter,

Aimee

20 Days + Counting

2011-09-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

20 days into my spiritual retreat and I am seeing that when I divert from my original plan--

decreasing TV time

increasing time spent reading (currently: Luke (NT) + other Christian books)

listening to music (mostly from my favorite radio station or CDs)

spending time in silence (just enjoying the sounds of God's creation)

prayer

Biblical meditation

that the results are not what I really, really want for the rest of my life's journey. Additionally, I am (still) researching into the practice of Lectio Divina -- although this method sounds similar to Biblical meditation, I recently read that some Christians have concerns over the contemplative prayer part of this practice so I just want to make sure that it in no way disagrees with what we find written in Scriptures before engaging in it. I am also rethinking (and praying) about some of the books I originally selected to read during my retreat for this same reason and finally I am still prayerfully considering an organized retreat during this time.

Well, now it is time to bake my DH some carrot cake cookies (sorry, from a mix), make a bouquet for me and clean, clean, clean!

Be blessed, Aimee
Photo: coast range waterfall--it, obviously, needs more of our 'refreshing' PNW rain:)

Yesterday

2011-09-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a gift-a gift from start to finish

(of course every day of life is).

It saw a friend and I sharing our love of quilts and good food,
peaceful lake views,

the beginnings of a changing color palette,

never ending coastal views of beauty,

some refreshing mist and rain,

and the joyful conquering of a long held fear.

It was a very, very good day:)

I hope yours was too.

Be blessed, Aimee

Photos: Vernonia, various coastal river valleys, the coast range and Oregon's northern coast

Of Quilts, Crafts, Food + Love

2011-09-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Ah! The joys of autumn...the calendar doesn't say it,

but we in the Pacific NW all know it because the signs are there:

leaves starting to put on their colorful fall finery, pears ripening on countertops,

apples nearing harvest time, rain, autumn flowers like these beautiful crocus...

and

a quilt + craft show in one of my favorite little towns--Vernonia, Oregon!

BTW, I also found out there is a lot of love there--

in this little church;

because I had the opportunity to see love in action while there...

Love was evident in all the quilts of every imaginable color, size and design,

created by hands that wanted to bless their church home

(and I think) bless those that would come through the doors of the show.

Love that put together an asssortment of birdhouses

(I was sorely tempted to buy the red one; I loved it!),

Love that put together other crafts and Christmas items,

love that did a lot of the things that go to making an event like this an enjoyable one--

things like the great lunch which we were soon to enjoy!

Quilts,

crafts,

plants

and lunch among the many, many, many quilts.

What could be better?

Yum!

Autumn--soup, craft shows,

a warm quilt or comforter at night,

rain,

autumn flowers

and love!

I think I like it:)

Blessings to my 2 'angels' of Vernonia

and blessings to all of you!

Aimee

Note: If you love quilts (and I do),

if you love crafts (ditto above comment),

if you are hungry for a good lunch

and you like small, mountain valley towns with great parks and more,

you might like to pay a visit to St Mary's Quilt + Craft Show!

You have three more days:)

Here is a link about the show:

http://www.vernoniachamber.org/community/events/7-st-marys-quilt-fair

Note 2: Should you want to see more of Vernonia---I have quite a few photos from there taken last year. Feel free to use the search feature located in the right sidebar. I will also soon be doing a post on the Blue House Cafe there---awesome Mediterranean food, friendly staff!

Flora + Fauna at the Zoo: Pt 1

2011-09-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer my very beautiful daughter and my very charming

(and very cute, very athletic)

grandsons paid us a visit for a whole week!

It was a week of good food, great fun and never ending surprises:)

It was also a week of travel--

trips to the coast, trips to an aquatic park, PIZZA (my daughter's favorite)

and

-of course-

a trip to the Oregon Zoo!!

Maybe you would like to accompany us?

It was a perfect day-

not too hot, not too cold

AND it wasn't raining

(just like today).

OK, go ahead and grab your best walking shoes,

because you are going to need them!

Let's go!

Another short trip---

(sort of)

and we are here.

After a nice, calf-building walk from the last parking place in the lots

and we are here...

at the wonderful Oregon Zoo!

Now, I have always loved the animals at the zoo--

well actually at any zoo, wildlife refuge or even our backyard.

But this time, I found myself falling in love with all the

flowers, bushes, trees and ground covers there too!

I LOVE white and cream colored plants. They stand out in the garden--even at night if there is any light. Unfortunately I don't know the name of this particular plant or I would be tempted to buy one and plant it.

But I do know the name of this particular animal; I'm sure you do too:)

By the way,

I LOVE this photo because it makes you take a second and maybe even a third look!
~

Another white plant that I LOVED but again that I didn't know the name of.

Help, if you can please!

Although not one of my best photos because of the reflection--

is that one of my grandkids?

And now another animal--I will let you know the name of this one. This,

ladies and gentlemen, is a caracal and I LOVE him (or is it a her)?
More---white flowers.

Again no name but I would love, love, love to plant some of these at my home.

And who do you suppose I caught eyeing me?

And I, of course, was eyeing him:) Just amazing, totally amazing!

And with this last flower photo I will bid you goodnight and peace.

I just heard something I couldn't believe; it was NOT a good thing:(

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: TY to the Oregon Zoo for permission to post these photos and for all the obvious concern they show for the animals entrusted to their care! I ask that you please respect my copyright on all of these photos and do not copy them unless you ask and are granted permission by me to do so. This is to ensure that the zoo's philosophy re: their animals, which I totally support, is adhered to. Thank you:)

Photos taken summer 2011.

I Should Be...

2011-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sleeping,

after being up almost all of last night.

Cleaning house,

if I am not sleeping,

after being up almost all of last night.

Working in our gardens,

if I am not sleeping,

after being up almost all of last night,

or cleaning house.

But...I'm not:)

What should you be doing that you aren't??

Blessings,

Aimee

Of an Octopus, Starfish and Marine Life

2011-09-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

How about a trip to the coast?

OK, let me take you on a trip to one of my favorite places on the central Oregon coast--

a place I have been visiting for many (and I do mean MANY) years:)

Wow-that was a quick drive!

It seems like it took no time at all

and here we are already on the southern side of beautiful Yaquina Bay!

Shall we go in and explore?

Ah!!! The famous octopus--so famous that he/she gets his/her own webcam.

You think I am kidding??

No and many people (I included) think that is awesome!

Anything that helps people understand, appreciate and then take good stewardship of our marine life is OK with me!

A favorite of mine--

did you know that starfish come in so many colors?

Which one do you like best?

And how about this fellow...

shhh, I think he is watching us.

I think he is rather good looking--kind of distinguished.

And this---beautiful!

It is amazing that there is so much color below the surface of the ocean

and in tidal pools.

Go ahead -- touch -- it is OK here.

And there are always great staff here to help and answer questions.

I like places where people like what they are doing!

BTW---I touched a fish when I was here--it was COOL!

Well--there is a lot more to see here (lots of exhibits)

but I do need to get a few tasks done today so...

outside we go.

You know if I had planned better we could have done the nature hikes along the bay

or gone to a lighthouse

or ??

There is a LOT to do in Newport, you know--

or do you know?

But for now we shall enjoy a few flowers and then bid goodbye to the coast

until next time...

LOVE this place:)

Blessings,

Aimee

Note: TY to the wonderful staff at OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center

and for permission to post these photos on my blog. If you get a chance to visit the Oregon coast I would definitely recommend a visit here, especially if you have kids. It is a place to see, hear, touch and learn more about the coast and marine life. Here is their main website: http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/

10 Days + Counting

2011-09-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am 10 days into my retreat now and am learning to embrace some changes I have made (but am also seeing other changes that would be good to make). Some changes I have made (and am loving) are:
1. Less TV time. Before the retreat started my DH and I had made a decision to cut way back on our satellite TV package--meaning all the premium channels and some other ones too. I have found that I do not miss them at ALL and it costs less too.

2. More time spent in reading. I have always loved reading--as a child I spent hours reading our encyclopedias, Bible Story books, Nancy Drew and books about horses (of course). During this retreat (and a bit before) I have already read 4 books or so and am in the process of reading more, including one on how to be thrifty (written in the early 1800's). A very interesting read -- some things just do not change:)

3. More quiet time. One of the blogs I read--morningramble.blogspot.com--talks about quietness a lot. Our house has always been filled with noise--but I am finding that I LOVE the quiet--especially the (relative) quiet of the night and early morning! By this I mean it isn't perfectly quiet at those times--one does hear the beautiful sounds of nature and maybe a passing car or two, but these sounds are peaceful ones.

4. More music/Christian radio time. Am finding that I like this much more then TV.

5. Practicing the 'presence of God' -- not just during Bible reading and prayer, but also when you are doing chores in the kitchen, outside or wherever. Still learning about this.

Still have some more goals for this retreat--but preparations for making these goals are still underway so I will wait to post about them:) And now--it is time to get back to today's tasks...

Blessings,
Aimee

Playing: Fireworks

2011-09-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

A little over one year into my new camera,

I am enjoying playing with its many features...

that is except for the

dreaded

zoom lens.

I just have this nagging fear of taking off my 'regular' lens

and then not being able to get any lens on.

I know, I know-

I will someday just do it and then wonder why it took me so long to try it:)

But back to the topic -- playing.

Here are some of the results of my play time this summer.

I had no idea what settings to choose,

so it was a guessing game...

but that also made it fun!

Come to think of it. I still don't know what settings I chose

unless I look at the specs for the photos.

Maybe by next year I will know what I am doing:)

Some of them remind me of how my hair ends get when they are really dry--

like this one and the one above it.

And my favorites? The ones with several different colors:)

Playing can be fun!

Blessings,

Aimee

To Strengthen Our Souls

2011-09-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

The first and chief need of our Christian life is,

fellowship with God.

The Divine life within us comes from God, and is entirely dependent
upon Him. As I need every moment afresh the air to breathe, as the sun
every moment afresh sends down its light, so it is only in direct
living communication with God that my soul can be strong.

Blessings, Aimee

Source: Murray, Andrew. The Deeper Christian Life. Fleming H. Revell, 1895

(This book is in the public domain and can be found on http://www.ccel.org/)

I Seek Thee

2011-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

With my soul have I desired Thee in the night; yea, with my soul within me will I seek Thee early...Isaiah 26:9a

Blessings, Aimee

Of Summer Veggies

2011-08-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today's errands brought a friend and I to a different farming area, this time unfortunately without my camera or cell phone . However, I did bring home something to remember our trip there....

So love small farmers, farm stands and farmer's markets!

Blessings,

Aimee

Photo: chocolate cherry and snowberry tomatoes (so yummy on salads!) and three varieties of summer squash (on tomorrow's menu). Not pictured but soon to be enjoyed: lavender honey and supersweet corn:)

Thy Face Will I Seek

2011-08-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

When Thou saidst,

Seek ye My face;

my heart said unto Thee,

Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Psalms 27:8 KJV

As the sun sets in the western sky my spiritual retreat begins.

Blessings,

Aimee

PNW Blackberries: Friend or Foe?

2011-08-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Much of our year the blackberry is a formidable foe,
invading gardens, woods and fields alike.
But then comes the time where our PNW foe 'redeems' itself and comes bearing gifts;
and for those few weeks we smile and bid it welcome
as we fill bowls and pans with summer's sweet fruit!

Tomorrow these priceless gifts will become a cobbler (or possibly 2 mini cobblers) by my DH's request. YUM, I am already craving it!

Blessings,
Aimee

A Visit To Farmland

2011-08-27T01:09:00.001-07:00

Recently, Lime (see her link in my bloglist) posted gorgeous photos of a Norwegian farm and it got me in the mood to make a trip to see some farm country. Sure enough, this week I had to run some errands in one of Oregon's farming areas....I was excited!!

It has been a tough year for farmers in the PNW. Our winter was very, very wet. Our spring was more like winter and, well, summer just arrived recently. Farmers are very busy right now harvesting some of the crops that are finally ready.

Speaking of busy farmers...on one country road we found the longest stack of straw bales I 've ever seen.

On another road, we found one field where no one was busy. This corn should be much taller by now--I hope next season will be a better one for our farmers and I hope our autumn is dry and warm enough for all the crops to ripen.

Of course, in farm country one sees a lot of animals and I LOVE farm animals:) BTW, I am still working on my hubby to get some goats...

but I would be OK with a horse too! Perhaps a beautiful Norwegian fjord horse or an Arabian like my sibling had for many years or??? Of course, we would need an arena and barn for that...it is not fun to ride in the rain.

Besides all the beautiful natural art, we passed some manmade artwork too! I LOVE the quilt blocks on this rural barn--so pretty! I also love the red of the barn!

Speaking of quilts-the countryside looks like one at this time of year! And look, look at the color of the dahlias! LOVE it:)

Such a pretty area--orchards, field crops, vineyards, trees, hills, mountain views, animals! I LOVE the countryside! Do you?

Wishing you a blessed Saturday~ Blessings, Aimee

Only a few more days to go!

The WORD on Wednesday: I'm thirsty

2011-08-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is...
Psalms 63:1 KJV

Routinely I neglect to drink sufficient water and end up feeling faint, exhausted and just 'not quite right'. Lately, I've felt that I haven't been drinking enough of the "Living Water" with similar spiritual results. One cannot truly live fully that way I have found out.
So, in less then a week, I will again walk the path I first walked a few years ago ---there I will kneel before God, follow Him besides the 'still waters' and humbly and expectantly allow Him to refresh my dry soul. I am excited!

Blessings,
Aimee

John 4:9-12
Psalms 23

PNW Peaches

2011-08-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today a large box of these beauties arrived here thanks to a good friend who agreed to pick them up for me! These are wonderful PNW Red Haven peaches and they, along with Elberta peaches, are my favorite peach varieties!

Tomorrow I will be freezing a good portion of these--the last of the crop for this year. I've decided to try a method I found on the Internet that uses orange juice and sugar; we will see how it goes. And the remainder? Ahh! Those are for snacking on and maybe, just maybe, making a cobbler similar to one my friend made for me and others earlier this week with blueberries. Peaches in summer=yum:)

Are you freezing, drying or canning any peaches this year?

Blessings,
Aimee

Of Mountains, Deer + Covered Bridges

2011-08-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

In the Pacific NW there is a little traveled highway that runs between Dallas and Wren.

It is known as the King's Valley Highway

and I must confess,

I have fallen in love with it.

The first time we met it was in winter and we were just making a quick trip to see the Rittner Covered Bridge located a bit south of Pedee, a small community on the highway.

But now, some 7 months later--I was back with the goal of driving the entire highway.

After all--how could I resist beautiful views like this?

And charming inhabitants like this?

And these?

And this

(hint--he is very hard to see since I didn't have my zoom lens on,

but he is on the right side of the photo)

And the much beloved cattails of late summer

(oh how I love thee)!

And the beautiful white of Queen's Anne lace?

(I love lace, even when it isn't something you can sew onto clothes)!

And then near the end

or the beginning, depending on which direction you are traveling...

the very quiet, very beautiful home of the Harris Covered Bridge.

I only wish you could hear the stillness of the area

and feel

the peace.

Ahh!

I just have to go back--after all there are still some places I haven't seen yet:)

Maybe soon.

Blessings + peace,

Aimee

Links:

My earlier post on the Rittner Covered Bridge and Kings Valley Highway

area can be found here: Polk County

And, if you like covered bridges as much as I do,

you can check out my earlier posts on some of the bridges

located in Linn County here and here. Enjoy!

So my question of the day is--

what is your favorite kind of historical place?

A Visit to Scandinavia (Sort of)

2011-08-15T02:46:00.001-07:00

Our day at the Scandinavian festival started beautifully

and very deliciously

with aebleskivers and Norse jam

(Note: it was worth the wait in line)! :)

It also began with flowers--

lots of cheerful, sunny flowers!

It included a lot of toe tapping folk dancing from all the Scandinavian countries.

My DH and I always enjoy the folk dancing;

I also love the embroidery and gorgeous hair styles!

A lot of people--adults and kids dance.

There are a lot of booths there too--

with rosemaling, wood working, Swedish weaving, wheat weaving and more crafts!

And, of course, what would any festival be without food?

This year I was very good and didn't buy anything but food

(although the crafts were so beautiful I was sorely tempted)!

Oh yes, I have told you about the beautiful hairstyles--

I love, love, love braided hair!

Wonder if my DH would be willing to help me do this with my hair?

And after the aebleskivers, sausage, dancing, admiring of all the beautiful costumes,

flower watching, photo taking, heavenly Celtic harp playing, lovely folk music

and more, it was time to leave...

but that couldn't happen without fulfilling my traditional eating of two lefse.

Two lefse with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.

YUM!

How was your weekend?

Blessings,

Aimee

The WORD on Wednesday: In His Steps

2011-08-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Eph 5:1,2 KJV

He that saith he abideth in Him ought also to walk, even as He walked.
I John 2:6 KJV

It's pages are brown and brittle with age; no wonder, it is over a hundred years old.

But its message "What would Jesus do?" is as relevant today as it has always been.
The other day I felt I should pick it up and

read it; so I did.

And as I read it,

I was thinking to myself--

what would my home be like if I treated each day as a gift from God

and asked,

what would He want me to do with it

and then did it?

And what would my home be like

if I truly, truly sought to do His will

and

not mine.

I wonder.

Blessings this Wednesday morn,

Aimee

Notes: this is one of the old books I was given by my dad; it is most probably from the 1890's and as soon as I finish it I will need to find an archival, acid free 'home' for it and the other old books I got. Should you be interested in reading In His Steps, it is widely available online...

be blessed:)

Early Morning Blessings

2011-08-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

I feel blessed

Although I have less marionberries this morning, I feel VERY blessed :)

Blessings to you, Aimee

Photos include: early morning view, one of two visitors, echinacea, cosmos, shiro plums

Another Summer Journey

2011-08-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

It all started because of a craving for these

and these!

Yep, a HUGE longing for these wonderful berries of summer led us to a farm

we had visited a couple times before...

A farm where they have 5 varieties of strawberries, 3 varieties of raspberries

and, if we are lucky enough to get there again this summer,

they will have marionberries and boysenberries

(actually. come to think of it, they should be ripe just about now--yum)!

AND, of course, since we were already going that way,

I just HAD to check out some of the historical places in the area near the farm.

A shady path in the historical, waterfront town of Butteville led us down to a river
where we found the remains of what used to be a riverboat landing

in days gone by...

and then, because we were hungry,

we stopped at the nearby historic Butteville store and had a

FANTASTIC lunch there!

We also had a nice talk with the staff there and

learned there was a pioneer cemetery close by!

BTW--the store is considered part of another nearby historical area--

Champoeg State Park and the two are connected by a nice trail which I have walked before!

Since we had berries to keep COOL and HAPPY,

we chose to drive:)

A photo of the covered porch--
doesn't this just say 'peace'

and 'old times' to you?

I SO wish I had listened to my DH years ago and put a roof on our deck

It is something I really regret!

Anyway back to the trip...

we passed this pretty view somewhere in the countryside near the farm

(but please don't ask for directions; a friend who knew the area was driving

and if I tried to describe our route I would only get you lost)!

St Paul's Roman Catholic church in a nearby historic town.

Once, a very, very long time ago I got to go inside of this church

and another historical one in Mt Angel! The interiors of both were incredibly beautiful!

BTW, I LOVE to go inside old churches-

I find that whether they are large or small, fancy or plain,

urban or rural they're all filled with an atmosphere of peace!

I LIKE THAT!

Speaking of which--it won't be long now till I get to go see some of my fav churches

in one of my favorite areas--I AM SO excited:)

Can you tell??

Flowers of the field--I LOVE the yellow and white combination, don't you?

We painted our youngest son's old bedroom yellow and I LOVE it

(of course I will better be able to appreciate it when it stops being used as a storage unit)!

Last, but certainly not least, an amazing rose garden we passed

in the area.

It was a wonderful trip and the berries were beyond scrumptious too!

Now back to work I go...have a great day!

Blessings, Aimee

Notes:

A BIG thank you to Koch Family Farm and the Butteville Historic Store for permission to photograph on their property and to post these photos here! TY:)

The rose photo was taken from the road alongside Heirloom Roses--we saw many, many gorgeous roses there! I will try to post more photos from there later (need to check with owners first to get their OK).

Koch Family Farm: 4745 Raybell Road NE, St Paul, OR (503)538-6834

Butteville Historic Store: http://buttevillestore.com/

The Land of Sea + Shore

2011-08-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

For over 100 years she has kept sentry here on the spit,

forever longingly looking northwards.

Caught forever in the sand,

she will never sail the cool Pacific again.

So close to making her goal of finding shelter within the calmer waters of the river.

only a few miles beyond this place of wind and warm sand.

Above her fly seabirds who call this place home

I wonder what they think about as they glide above the sand and waves.
on this warm but windy summer's day.

Blessings this early morn,

Aimee

Notes: photos taken at Ft Stevens State Park. See wikipedia's article on the Peter Iredale if you would like to learn more about this ship and see a historic photo of her.

A Photographer's Dream

2011-08-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day and THE perfect hour for photography!

The PNW sky was THE perfect combination of clouds and blue.

The lighting was perfection-

the mixture of shadow and light outstanding!

The colors, the tones...

The subject matter was interesting also-

livestock, historical places, blue rivers, green trees, small towns, a white snow capped mountain--golden hillsides, green corn fields--

truly it WAS

a photographer's dream

(even for a very amateur photographer like me)!

I took off the camera cap,

pressed the shutter...

expectantly

and dreamed of the beautiful image that would soon be mine to share with others,

with the world really.

And then...

NOTHING happened.

Nothing--

absolutely nada!

No reassuring shutter click, no image--

nothing,

nothing but utter blackness that is.

Was my barely 1 year old camera broken?

What could possibly be wrong?

And

then it dawned on me...

I had recharged my camera battery

and

forgot to put it back in the camera.

SIGH :(

Do you have a camera 'blues' story to tell?

Blessings, Aimee

The WORD on Wednesday

2011-07-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalms 34:18 NLT

God grant us peace.

Note: Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Photo: taken at Ft Vancouver, WA

A Summer's Day Journey

2011-07-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer we made a journey to a place of many hills

and at least one rooster-

this one!

Our journey started out on paved roads,

but then transitioned (making me very, very happy) to gravel ones.

We traveled past fields and many trees-both evergreen and deciduous.

It was a place of many hillside vineyards--this area is famous for them! We passed by one where I was surprised to see something you would not normally find on a fence! One wonders who put it there and why:)

In addition to the vineyards on hillsides,

we also found beautiful flowers of many colors

beside the (very steep in some places) road--

it was a fun trip!

There were many gorgeous views of the countryside below the hills.

This one I didn't see till I happened to glance in the side mirror and yelled at my DH to STOP--being the kind, patient, loving hubby that he is, he obliged me:)He also pointed out rabbits, the rooster, quail and other wild creatures--unfortunately I couldn't see most of them before they scampered away-I am not gifted with the 'eagle eyes' of my DH--

One vineyard we passed had planted beautiful roses at the start of each row of grapes

(I hope my 'drive by' photos give you at least an idea of how beautiful they really were)!

It was a great way to spend a summer day, even though DDD (darling daughter dog) was a BIT upset when we got home that eve!

Hope you enjoyed the journey!

Blessings, Aimee

Note: I am having a problem with the html formatting again--sigh--the challenges of blogging!Sorry if my grammar is off too--my DH and I are discussing directions right now and watching TV at the same time--sometimes multi-tasking should NOT be done:)

Summer Garden Blessings

2011-07-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

Life is hard sometimes.

Some news makes you cry and wonder 'why'.

When life is like that it helps when I walk outside

and see all the blessings God brings me

and

others.

Here are a few of the blessings brought my way lately-

I hope they will bless you too.

Ahhh! Juicy blueberries--

smallest harvest I remember but enough to enjoy

and still share some with my blueberry loving dogs:)

Beautiful, heavenly lavender.

Fragrant

and edible too

because this is one of many culinary lavenders we planted a few years ago.
And a bee! When I was a child I used to get stung at least once a year.

One would think I'd be afraid of bees after that-

but I have learned to know good bees

from those with an attitude!

This is a good bee:)

When I see this beautiful yucca plant

I am thankful.

Thankful that my DH planted it,

thankful that God created it.

I LOVE yucca plants,

do you?

Another garden blessing.

This is a lingonberry--one of 6 or 7.

I was very, very sad that there seemed to be no hope of a crop this year;

our spring and early summer were that bad.

But look!

It's doing just fine

as are the evergreen huckleberries!

I HAVE plans for their berries,

yummy plans:)

Another beautiful garden blessing--

the beginning of what is one of my favorite summer blossoms!

Ahhh!

I LOVE crocosmia-

they always make me smile!

What makes you smile?

Another thing that makes me smile?

All the blooms (you) in my cyber garden

and in the cyber gardens I visit.

May you be blessed as you bless me.

Blessings,

Aimee

Dear Daughter Doggie Takes A Trip

2011-07-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

Mom is very busy now getting ready for tomorrow

so I thought I would make a blog post for her-

I think she will be very excited to know that I have GREAT computer tech skills,

don't you?

Now I have many things I could blog about--

food,

cookies,

naps,

my onery siblings...

but I finally decided to blog about the recent trip my human parents took me on.

I think you'll like that best.

Besides it includes two of my fav subjects-

the beautiful PNW

and

ME!!!

I was very bored that day

and was doing my very best 'poor' doggie impression...

sure enough it worked and mom said I could go!

YIPPEE,

those acting classes are paying off:)

It was a beautiful day

(it wasn't raining for once)

and miles of road passed under our car's tires

and then

we were there!

We passed by beautiful pastures and hillsides,

old barns on hills,

wildflowers,

more wildflowers

and

even more wildflowers!

Yep,

everything looked beautiful

AND

I can tell you,

smelled even better than it looked!

A lot of the best time was spent on gravel roads that went up and down the hillsides,

into forests and by woodlands

over rivers where mom insisted on getting out of our vehicle to take photos..

but I could understand why,

because I really wanted to get out too...

and then it was over

and I was a very, very tired puppy

who was happy mom had brought a fuzzy, soft blanket that day.

Which reminds me it is past midnight here and I need to get to sleep.

After all,

mom and dad just might take me bye-bye tomorrow

or at least a dog can always hope:)

Blessings,

DDD for Mommie Aimee

Last Week Views

2011-07-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to be doing laundry, dishes and getting ready to take off for the night,

but instead I am browsing through photos of last week...

and remembering.

A trip to Astoria--

this is the detail on the historical Liberty Theater.

I LOVE old theaters!

Part of the remains of the Peter Iredale

and a local resident. This was taken on the beach at Ft Stevens State Park--

a favorite of mine!

It was beautiful there but very, very windy!

Wildflowers -

we saw lots of these on Sunset Hwy

but even more on Hwy 30 along the lower Columbia River.

I LOVE wildflowers!

Today I saw my first beloved Bachelor Buttons of the summer--

unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me:(

A flock of birds at Ft Stevens--

they weren't the only thing in the sky there:)

More about that at a later time.

At one of my favorite rest areas--who says that a rest area is just for resting?

More at the beautiful seashore...

The Astor Column from the town below.

BTW--if you would like to see more photos of Ft Stevens or Astoria you can use the search feature to find them on my blog; like I said

I LOVE Astoria:)

OK time to go and get ready....

sorry about being so rambling this eve but hope you enjoyed the photos.

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: Northern Oregon coast, summer 2011.

Tea for Two + Nordic Goodies

2011-07-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Last week,

while my beautiful DD + three of my adorable grandkids were here,

we traveled to a little piece of heaven---AKA Astoria, Oregon!

And while we were there, I couldn't resist stopping at my FAVORITE bakery

and stocking up on some of fav Nordic treats!

I can never resist stopping and shopping here because I LOVE this place!!!

Let me give you several reasons why...

all very yummy! Actually this is a photo from sometime ago...

this time I bought a loaf of cardamom bread (that I shall start on tomorrow),

a whole bunch of my all time favorite Finnish pinwheels-

most with prune filling and a few with lemon filling!

AND--

another favorite of mine, fattigman pastries (hope I spelled that correctly)!

Yes, life was very, very sweet here for several days as I munched happily on my Nordic treats!

But alas--all good things have to come to an end

and today I bravely faced an almost empy box

and decided a 'tea' was a fitting ending to my Nordic treat journey:)

And it seemed only fitting to do a tea for two,

because I had been wanting to do that for awhile.

And when it was all done and there were nothing left of my goodies,

I came my usual conclusion: I really need to go back to Astoria very, very soon!

Do any of you have a favorite Nordic or other national treat?

Blessings, Aimee

Bakery Info: Home Bakery, 2845 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon (503) 325-4631

http://www.astoriacinnamontoast.com/

http://www.astoria-usa.com/homebakery.shtml

A very BIG TY to the kind owner who gave me permission

to include info on their bakery here along with photos:)

As per my usual disclaimer, I am in no way associated with this business,

except that I have enjoyed their treats for many years now!

The Farmer Boy

2011-07-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is my Farmer Boy.

Why do you think he was wearing 'this'

and what is 'it'?

Blessings, Aimee

Answer: it was a blanket and he was wrapped up in it because it was SO constantly windy there at Fort Stevens (the beach with the shipwreck)

that we needed some protection for our eyes to keep them sandfree

and

for our skin to keep from getting even more sunburned!

Of Forest, Coast + Family Vacation

2011-07-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Small change of plans here---

because vacation time with our DD + family is here...

and that means the coast, of course!

you will often find beautiful kites like these flying high in the Lincoln City area--

the colors and shapes are truly amazing!

you will also find my favorite--

the seagull!

and piers-

which you can walk under when it is low tide in the Siletz Bay area

This may have been the first time I walked under this one--

I LOVED the pattern of shadows

More seabirds

and

now a few photos from the forest...

Beautiful!

Amazing!

So which do you like best?

The beach

the forest?

And while you are thinking about that...

Happy 4th of July to visitors from the USA

Blessings,

Aimee

My Week in Photos: A Preview

2011-06-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you know it? Lots of pictures to post and no time to do it,

hence this will be a preview of things to come.

This (almost) past week has been busy with trips to help care for my dad, an absolutely horrific night (no pictures, but it turned out OK thanks to some GOOD friends), a trip for strawberries and to see several PNW historic places, wildlife sightings (including here at home), time in the garden, etc.

But as I have already said, I have no time to post a lot, so here are a few photos to

-- hopefully --

whet your appetite for later :)

I call this "surfing heron"---

poor bird he is probably the most photographed heron this week:)

And this? Well I call this a blessing from the Creator, for we saw this baby here today!

And, yes, this doe is probably the most photographed deer this week:)

AND

I have figured out why I am not finding any ripe berries at home this spring...

apparently my wonderful,

formerly strawberry-hating DH

has had a change of heart

re: the absolute wonderfulness (is that a word??)

of our local strawberries

and

has been nibbling on ours:)

I LOVE it!

Sunday Blessings, Aimee

Photos:

heron seen on trip to a PNW historic area

a deer seen in our area

The WORD on Wednesday

2011-06-22T01:11:00.000-07:00

And Jesus said---"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9 KJV

Blessings,

Aimee

Photo:

Old Scotch Church, Oregon-built 1878.

Taken in late February during a trip through the area.

Someday

2011-06-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

Someday--

the sky will look like this for more than a day or two

the miniature rose garden will be as beautiful

as the daughter who it is named after--

as if that was even possible!

these raspberries will turn yellow and sweet--

and

these gooseberries will be part of a dessert

these blueberries will be ripe and delicious

(but will never make it into a dessert, because they will

all be eaten by my blueberry lovin' son who

this garden is named after.

That is IF he gets there before his blueberry lovin' mom--me!)

And someday--

my wildflower garden will look more like this one--

but not this summer I am sad to say.

And someday I will stop loving the garden in spring--

NOPE!

Hope you are having a beautiful spring wherever you live:)

Blessings,

Aimee

Photos:

Desert King figs

miniature roses, lady's mantle--there is also culinary lavender in this garden

Anne raspberries

gooseberries--we are thinking of adding 1 of the sweeter red varieties too

blueberries

a beautiful wildflower garden I passed earlier this week

a chives blossom

The WORD on Wednesday

2011-06-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make His face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

May the LORD God,

who created all the beautiful nature that surrounds us,

be with you as you travel through life's journey.

And may He,

who created you and I,

give us peace that will last through all of life's storms.

Blessings this Wednesday morn,

Aimee

Photo:

spring 2011, coastal foothills

A Historical Journey in Washington State

2011-06-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

It all started in a wooden shipyard in NW Washington state. Years ago, as we were driving along, trying to get a great photo of my fav Victorian in Port Townsend, we pulled into the shipyard and found to my delight, that not only could I see that home, but there was the most beautiful tall ship I had ever seen in dry dock there!

Now that was before the days of her fame

--in a certain Pirate movie--

and it was only later, that I found out MY ship was THAT ship!

This year I just had to go see her again (how could I not?) and I

figured out we could have a little reunion in SW Washington!

So after a wrong turn--or two--we found out where

the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain were docked

(as we got closer we could see the very tall masts rising up to the sky

and we knew that it was the right place)!

Needless to say, I took a lot of photos of both ships from both sides of the river--

and maybe someday another one will appear here.

And maybe, just maybe, I will someday see her sailing with her beautiful sails unfurled

that is one of my dreams:)

Of course, while we were in the area

we happened upon several historical places-

a Roman Catholic Church with gorgeous architecture!
And then there was this beauty!

I love homes with covered porches-perfect for a summer day

or a showery spring one!

Ahhh!

Love those historical homes:)

And then it was on to our next goal--Vancouver Lake!

But I am still deciding which pics to post so...

our next goal, besides food, was in a certain town further up the road...

And of course there is a story about this place too-

One time, when we were headed south,

I spied a beautiful old church on a hill above the river...and I quickly shot a photo

(because I cannot resist steeples and bell towers).

But when I tried to put a name to the church,

I couldn't remember the name of the town

and there are quite a few churches in this area of Washington!

Finally, I tracked the town down by using the business information

that was on a sign in the photo!

Tricky, huh?

And it worked-

soon I also had the name of the church too!

Anyway,

I wasn't satisfied with my quick photo

and the town wasn't too far away from where we were,

so off we went-

And there she was-

at the top of a hill,

next to a school.
Isn't she pretty?

I never ever get enough of historical churches--

I have pictures of many of them.

And, as always, I try to imagine what life was like when this land was first settled

and much later when this church, a little Roman Catholic one was built.

And I wish the door was open so I could take a peek inside

or maybe just sit

and be quiet for awhile.

But there wasn't enough time to do that

so we headed down the hill,

where we passed another church

with these beautiful stained glass windows,,,

and, of course,

I had to take a photo or two

and

then we headed south--

along the river.

But we will be back--because there are always new adventures to take,

new historical journeys to go on...

and besides this is my beloved Washington,

a place I never get tired of!!

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: Spring, 2011.

Lady Washington, one of the ambassador ships of the State of Washington

St James Roman Catholic Church

The Slocum House

St Joseph Roman Catholic Church

a church we passed in the same town

(not sure of the name)

The Columbia River