Of Wildflowers, Wetland & Food!

Summer ended in the PNW awhile back and now we are just waiting for the calendar to say it is truly autumn! But before I am willing to say farewell to summer on this blog, I want to create some posts for places we visited this summer!

Want to join us?

The first place we'll visit today is on the central Oregon coast--and it just so happens to be a wonderful place to eat (yes, the theme today is FOOD--since I haven't eaten since yesterday)!

But besides great food (you'll see my plate in a few)...I love this place because of the decor--inside and out, the wetland in the back---great for birdwatching from the sunroom where we ate--to the profusion of wildflowers--everywhere!

Come let's explore....

The garden is SO incredible that it was--in large part--the reason I wanted a wildflower garden at my home! Of course, I have a ways to go before I get anywhere close to the garden the owner has created here:) A very long ways!

Did I mention that the name of this wonderful eatery is The Wildflower Grill?

Even the name makes me think of beauty, peace and summery weather!

These are California poppies--they are one of my favorites (mom's too)!

I never get enough of them-along roadsides, in gardens...
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them:)

And how about this delicate pink? It is so romantic looking...

Beautiful!

Peaceful!

Pink!

And my favorite flower (or at least in my top ten from last year) crocosmia!

I WILL never get tired of them:)

I waited so eagerly for mine to emerge this year and

I intend to celebrate every moment of them till the changing weather puts them to sleep for another year:)

Hum, wonder where I put the photos of the wetland behind the restaurant....

oh well take my word for it, it's wonderful too!

And now--before I grab a quick bite myself...

the wonderful French Toast with blueberries that I ordered.

So incredibly yummy!

It makes me wish I was there right now!

STARVING!

The Wildflower Grill, should you be on Oregon's coast, is located in Lincoln City (before you get to the main town). Their contact info is:

4250 NE Hwy 101, Lincoln City

(541) 994-9663

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Yum!

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If you want to see some photos of this area on the Oregon coast please feel free to check out the posts under "coastal areas". Enjoy!

Blessings always,

Aimee

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Photos: all taken at the Wildflower Grill this summer.

Loved the cute decor inside too but have to find those photos:)

TY to the wonderful staff at the grill for giving me permission to post these photos on my blog. As per the usual--I am in no way associated with them, just a happy customer wanting to share a great experience!

Of Ancestral Places: Home, Sweet Home

My heart longed to go there-

to one of the places where I felt at home from the first moment I arrived there

many years ago now.
A place our family has ancestral ties to--

a place that was home for them;

a very Sweet Home...

Why the appeal to me?

Well it is a lot of things--

our family history, local history, the mountains, the foothills, the rivers, the parks

and the places I haven't even explored yet..but am very aware of:)

But much of the appeal the first time was-

the small town atmosphere.

with murals on many buildings...

Sorry the photos are so small--we had our mind on other things at this point.
The A & W drive-in that is not a drive-thru!

A drive-in like I remember, except no Papa, Mama & Baby Bear figures outside (sigh)

with friendly staff,

great root beer

and a good cheeseburger (yum)...

A town with lots of hanging flower basket and median strip plantings --

oh how I love a town that includes flowers in its design!

A hometown movie theater-

the kind I grew up with!

The kind that invites you to come in and explore its history--

not the new type which you know what to expect.

Technologically advanced but just too dull for me.
--

You know, I miss my childhood at times--

well except for the rotary phones and the computers which took an entire room.

Well and maybe a few other things.

(Can you tell I am feeling nostalgic this week?)

But back to the tour...

when you have passed all the way through the town and a bit further,

you will reach the lake..

and this little viewpoint/rest area/picnic area.

Great place for some photographs of the water with the mountains and foothills

in the background...

and if it is summer, the water skiers and boaters of course!

You should see it when the mountain is snow capped.

I love snow capped mountains!

In fact, I can hardly wait till we get more snow on the mountains--

although I am definitely not ready for snow elsewhere-

yet.

By the way,if you do stop here--you must take a look at the information area--

because you are going to want to go up into the mountains (Cascadia and the pass to central Oregon); I know because I've done that trip before and loved it!

Or cross this lake to even more natural wonders.

And another great reason to take a look at the information area?

So you can see the impressive and very beautiful artwork done by local children

of the flora found here--let me tell you, that alone is worth a visit to here!

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So what's it going to be?

Up to Cascadia where you will find one of the many covered bridges of this county,

a waterfall, hiking trails, trees and the mountains?

Or across the lake and up to Quartzville to parts still unknown to me and DH,

but probably well known to our ancestors?

You never know what history or wonders you will see no matter where you choose to go in this beautiful, historical area:)

Till next time...bon voyage!

Blessings,

Aimee

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Note:

A big thank you to the staff of the local A & W for giving me permission to post photos of their establishment. YUM! All photos taken in Linn County summer 2010 except the one of Short Bridge taken quite a few years ago.

I would love to give credit to the painters of the murals,

I posted photos of, but do not know who to credit...I apologize!

The Word on Wednesday

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.“ Matthew 6:9-10 KJV
--
“And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Mark 14:36 KJV
--

Do I really want God's will to be done or my own? Often, in all honesty, I want my own. I don't want the pain, suffering, loss, struggles and other difficulties that come with life on this earth. Sometimes, I just want life to be easier.

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And yet at the same time, I am aware, that I cannot see the entire picture as I am a finite human being--only God can, and what I don't want (because it is so painful), may be the exact thing I need to draw me closer to God, to make me more empathetic to other's suffering, to rid me of pride and other things that keep me from being the woman God wants (and I deep down want) me to be.

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Blessings this Wednesday morn, Aimee

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Photo: thistle at Thompson's Mill

A Walk Through PNW History: Thompson's Mill (pt 2)

So where did I leave you? Oh that's right..
inside the mill gazing out at the peaceful view of the pond outside.
Now, on such a gorgeous sunny day, I would be happy to just pull up a chair and rock there in that sunny place...but we have some more places to explore so we better get going!

The park staff will help guide you to the area across the river--you'll be glad they did! Then they will leave you to spend some time exploring the areas there.

I love reflections--they say peace to me,

and they provide a pretty easy way to see parts of the building you don't normally look at!

Down by the river---you can also see this area if you walk to the farthest side of the building.
Tranquil. I would LOVE to see this same area once the autumn colors really begin to show--

or after a winter's snowfall...or on a foggy day.

The mill from the 'other side'.

Oh and did I say there is a millkeeper's home here?

A QUEEN ANNE house...I LOVE Queen Anne houses!

A closer view--I don't think the home is open for tours yet, but I would LOVE to see the interior! Can you imagine sitting out on this porch on a warm day and having some tea?

And maybe a slice of warm, just baked whole wheat bread--milled just a few steps from your door? Yum, that thought makes me hungry:)

And for every Queen Anne home...there should be a carriage house, don't you think? And there WAS:)

Well we have come to the end of my tour of Thompson Mills--and although I've shown you a glimpse into it, there is no way I could show you everything---there is no way you could experience the sounds and the smells without being there! So if you love history, or mechanical equipment, or have a desire to know more about Oregon's past...well you know! GO visit!

Blessings,

Aimee

Notes: At the site you will find signs to warn you of the things one normally finds at old, historical properties--so be sure to watch for uneven flooring, roped/gated off places and keep your eyes open as you walk through a bit of the PNW's history...and enjoy yourselves!

More info on this site can be found here.

You will also find a video tour at that site.

Lastly, a BIG thank you to the park staff and volunteers at Thompson Mills for all their assistance, for their hard work in saving this beautiful piece of history and for giving me permission to post these photos. TY!

A Walk Through PNW History: Thompson's Mill

Not sure if it is my pioneer DNA,

or the fact that I love, love, love historical places,

or that the nearby town of Shedd is SO very close to my beloved Sweet Home...

but I just couldn't resist visiting this fairly new (2007) Oregon State Heritage Site!

Can I just say right something right now? I am so very glad I did!

Want to join Farmer Boy and I ?

We arrived at the mill one sunny Sunday morning and for quite awhile had the place to ourselves---except for the helpful park staff!

This is what it is all about!

Come to think of it...this would make a beautiful 'bouquet' for the table--

it's SO natural and earthy!

Old millstones used to grind the grain into flour; later they would use metal rollers instead of the stones...

I do love these though!

BTW--this mill is the OLDEST surviving gristmill in Oregon.

In fact, it opened not too many years

after some of our family's ancestors arrived in the PNW

and before Oregon's statehood.

Look at these old grain sacks..beautiful!

How would you like to get your flour this way?

And this amazing collection?

Beautiful--

and there was more!

Old posters, ads, photos are to be found on the walls --

throughout the mill, which is a really big place!

(BTW--they do give tours,

which I am sure would have been fascinating...

but we chose to do a self tour).

Whichever way you choose-

there are exhibits, machinery and equipment of every sort...

to help you understand the different parts of the mill, the equipment you are seeing,

the history and more!

Since my DH is very mechanically minded, he was able to help with info too!

(I love that about him)

Love this old building---

part of it is built over the water---and, have I said this yet, it is TALL and HUGE?
It was a high point of our trip that day--

and I am still enjoying it by looking through the many, many photos I took:)

A peaceful view...

why don't we stop and enjoy it for a moment?

See you for part 2 of the tour in a few ...

Blessings, Aimee

Of Squirrels, Oaks and Acorns in High Places

It was peaceful up there that day.

Over our heads was a mostly blue sky

with a few white clouds to add interest.

After a bit of a climb

we paused to take in the serenity of the place.

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Soon--

a friendly couple stopped to visit with us for quite a long time

as we sat on a bench overlooking the beautiful valley below,

and the mountain range beyond.

---

But later we

spied another visitor (or more likely a resident)

who didn't have time to visit--

A very cute visitor/resident

A very athletic one too

Guess he couldn't stop and visit because
he was on a mission--

a food gathering one.
And we, his amused observers wish him much success always,

because even though he didn't stop and visit,

he blessed us anyway!

~

Blessings from the PNW,

Aimee

A Touch of Germany--in America

I knew where I wanted to go on the Sunday of our recent 4 day holiday weekend-

it was a place I remembered well.

A place where I had spent some happy times

with friends and family many years ago...

a place proud of its cultural and religious heritage-

And a place where a little bit of Bavaria lives on,

in the heart of those whose ancestors came from Germany long ago

and

--for awhile--

in the heart of those who come to visit,

including this great-great granddaughter of German immigrants.

It is Mt Angel,

a town

located in the Willamette Valley

of Oregon,

between the coast range and Cascade Mts.

A pretty place

where you will find...

dancing children-

during Oktoberfest

and

always over the water in this fountain!

Unique public art--

like this decorated pole and...

a glockenspiel

(which unfortunately we had just missed)

Here is a closer look at the paintings on the tower though:)

Lots of flowers--
in window boxes

and in beautiful hanging baskets.

There you will also find a beautiful historic church.

A town resident told us that many places,

including this church,

had suffered damage in an earthquake in the early 1990's and had to

undergo a lot of repair work to make it safe to use again.

I am glad that the repair work was successful!

You can see the church from quite a few places in town because it is so tall

and because it was built on a slope above the downtown district.

This is the church from the rear.

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I do love historic churches

--from the small, simple, pioneer ones--

to those that are large and more ornate.

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I also love towns and cities

which make an effort to preserve their history!

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Do you have a favorite historic church?

A favorite town that celebrates its heritage?

Feel free to share...

Blessings,

Aimee

The Word on Wednesday

For those who mourn --

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2a, 4 KJV

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“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted…to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”
Isaiah 61: 1a, 2b, 3a KJV

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“ …for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13b KJV

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“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 KJV

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“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away..." Revelations 21: 4 KJV

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Recently, I was reflecting on how Christ too experienced the loss of a parent during His time on earth. That's right--Jesus' step-father, Joseph, His childhood protector and provider, almost certainly died some time before Christ began His earthly ministry or at the latest, before Christ's crucifixion. And although the Bible does not answer the specifics of Joseph's death-the when, the where, the how-we can be sure that his family would have mourned his loss just as we do today when a loved one passes away.

This knowledge comforts me--

Jesus really does know what my family and others are going through as we say our last goodbyes.

He has stood at the graveside of a good friend and wept.

He has seen--firsthand--the suffering and pain of those around Him.

And, it is clear from the verses above, that while there is still death, pain, sorrow and grief on this earth, that God promises to comfort those who will take His outstretched hand and draw close to Him.

Blessings, Aimee

Notes: My mom is still with us as I write this. She is receiving good hospice care and both my father and sibling are able to spend much time with her. A heartfelt thank you to those who are praying for our family at this time:)
Photo: An angel at a cemetery we passed earlier this year.

Travels in the PNW

Our Labor Day weekend travels brought us to many peaceful places--
to the top of mountains,
into and past woodlands,
past many fields--both empty and those with crops still not harvested,
over and beside rivers and creeks,
to places of PNW history and culture--
then finally,
to a place I knew would speak even more joy, peace and beauty to my soul--
a place also located on a 'mountain' of sorts.
A place where people have gone to for a long time to do the very thing I wished to do
But before we get to that place,
here are some other photos from our 4 day weekend--
hope you enjoy them :)

A small, historic church we passed during our travels

A field being worked-
I love the green contrasted with the gold and blue.
I love a lot about this photo actually-
I have a lot of respect for farmers,
my adopted 'dad' -
my best friend's dad-
was a farmer...
I miss his smile, wit and love of life!

Not too bad of a shot considering it was taken from a moving vehicle!
Not sure I saw the trees and field until I was processing it;
now I like it even more:)
I often find 'surprises' like this!

A view of the beautiful Cascade Mountain range that can be found in
both Washington and Oregon.
I took this photo, though, because I liked the lines formed by the poles --
I love the patterns and lines that are found all around us-
in nature, on buildings and just about everywhere you look!

And the last one for tonight
--maybe--
a beautiful town church as seen from a nearby field.
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Now this speaks peace to me:)
Blessings from the PNW,
Aimee
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I want to take a moment
to thank both visitors and those who have been following my blog!
Your presence here is always appreciated,
and my sincere hope
is that you will leave my little place on the web feeling blessed!
Peace always -- A.