May Garden

May is a very special month for me and recently I found yet one more reason for it to be special...however that story will have to wait for another time or place:)

Anyway, one of the reasons I love May so very much is it isn't too warm yet and the gardens are just bursting forth with color--lots of color!

Today, I actually got to spend some time outdoors and it felt like one of my wonderful, peaceful trips with bird songs everywhere, the sun's warmth on my skin and the fresh air! I and a friend mowed the "lawn" and worked on more plans for the gardens this year (extending the garden path and beds, adding more rock to the upper pond area, etc.)

And before she arrived, I planted my new swiss chard and scented geranium (pictured in Seashore Souvenirs post below). I am SO excited--my first planting of this year--yippee!!

Still so much more to do...but it was a start and I am eager to see what we can get done!

And then tonight, as I was browsing the web, I researched greenhouses....ah! The joys of the Internet combined with the joys of gardening:)

What is blooming in your garden?

Blessings, Aimee

Photos:

1. Prariefire crabapple (love this tree!)

2. Japanese irises--pre bloom (in the background are bluebells)

3. Cherry blossoms by the lower pond (I bought this tree and many of my plants from my 'second daddy' and they are VERY special to me because of that! He is with Jesus now, but everytime I see the plants he raised I think of him with fondness--I miss his wonderful sense of humor!)

4. Miniature rhodo I believe--(hum, just bought this last year and I can't remember the name. Do you see the little Japanese maple next to it? This year we have a bumper crop of freebies---from little pine trees everywhere to maples! Our garden is the garden that keeps on giving! Or maybe I should say that our God is the God who keeps on giving!)

5. One of our 4 red rhododendrons (Can you tell I LOVE red? This is a Jean Marie de Montague, actually I think it might be called the Honorable Jean Marie de Montague:) Try as I might I cannot capture the red of this shrub when the light hits it just right--it is the most perfect red and I love it!)

6. Evergreen azalea--Hino Crimson (there are three of them here, near the upper pond and one of them is just about covered with blooms! Again, I have not quite captured its beauty when the light is just perfect.)

Coastal Symphony

May you and I be a beautiful symphony rising to the heavens.

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: Spring 2011, northern Oregon coast

Seashore Souvenirs

Some people bring back shells and some tee shirts,

some bring back kites

and some salt water taffy,

but I brought back...

a lemon scented geranium

(I only WISH I could share the fragrance with you all!)

Rainbow Swiss chard

(yum, Swiss chard!)

and my favorite purchase--

white alpine strawberries!!

I am SO excited!

All in all-it was one AWESOME trip

and I will be savoring the memories all summer long :)

Have you ever brought back plants from your travels?

Blessings,

Aimee

Note: One of the first places my DH and I lived was a small, older house which had a whole lot of alpine strawberries planted in the side yard. It was there I learned to LOVE these tasty little morsels of sweetness! There is a lot of information on the web including photos should you be interested in trying some this year. Now I just need to decide where I will plant them...

Happy Birthday to You!!

Happy,

happy,

happy

birthday to you!!!

And many, many more!!

Love you:)

Aimee

Of Seagulls at the Seashore

Yesterday a friend and I went to the coast

it was just something I wanted--maybe even needed to do.

There were loads of seagulls there--and, as there always is, a tourist (or maybe a resident) was feeding them!

Whenever I see seagulls I think of my mom. She loved these cuties and often fed them too!

She also loved the coast of Oregon and Washington--it was her favorite place to go and that is why I think I needed to go there yesterday...instead of the mountains, the Gorge or elsewhere.

The coast reminded me of her and the memories were sweeter than Salt Water Taffy:)

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday and everyday Mom! Miss you!

Love always, Aimee

Photos: Cape Kiwanda (home of the Dory Fleet), northern Oregon coast, May 2011.

National Day of Prayer 2011

Prayer

Acknowledging God for who He is:
Creator

Savior

Holy

Loving

Gracious

Abba Father

Realizing who I am

His child, by His loving grace.

Seeking my daily bread,

a healing touch,

His protection,

forgiveness,

wisdom for problems--big and small,

His will.

Or just saying thank you for all I have been given.

Short or long,

a portion of Scripture;

a song that speaks to my heart's deepest needs --

a written prayer;

a thought directed upwards-

from my heart

to His,

rising like a fragrant offering to His throne in heaven.

Blessings, Aimee
Two of my favorite prayers are:

the so called Prayer of St Francis

and the Serenity Prayer.

A great book on prayer is: Richard J Foster, Prayer.

Love all his books and so did my mom:)

Photos: a few photos from earlier times.

Spring in the Columbia River Gorge: Pt 1

The Columbia River Gorge is another magical place for me, especially the part from Hood River to Portland. I love it because of all the green trees and ferns, waterfalls, history...well there are just a LOT of reasons why I love it! Why don't you come along with us and see, if by the end, you love it a bit too?

This is Crown Point--the little building (which is actually not a little building) is the Vista House. The views from up there are breathtaking, literally, which is why I was not up there this day:)

Two highways go through this area--the Columbia River Historic Highway (parts of which are open to vehicles; parts which are open to hikers only and some which are still not open if I recall). The other highway is I-84 which is the lower highway; this one runs along the river and also has great views.
The early morning light was unbelievable--this photo does not give the beauty of the area justice. It was SO beautiful, I kept shooting photo after photo; it was also really cold so some of them, sadly, were shot through my car window:(
Another major tourist attractions is the Multnomah Falls! Visitors from all over the world come to see the falls--some to hike the many trails in the area.

When we were there, we almost had the place to ourselves. Later in the day, when we drove by, the place was crowded. It is very green and shady in the area right by the falls. We could also feel the spray off the falls. I loved it and all the old rock walls and steps. I love the historic lodge there too, but you will have to wait until part 2 for to see that! As I have said, many a time, I would love to know what my Oregon Trail pioneer families thought of this area after being in the drier area of the Gorge. Unlike many other families, mine came the river route instead of the Barlow trail. The river was quite a different place then--no dams--so they would have seen Celilio Falls in the Dalles area and the Cascades (rapids) near Cascade Locks.

The Columbia River here is in a gorge that divides the Cascade mountains of Oregon from those of Washington. Some mountains and higher elevations had a lot of snow on them; some other areas less so--the lowest elevations no snow:) I cannot believe this spring--we just got snow at about the 2,000 foot elevation and Washington state extended their studded tire season till just a little while ago.

This last photo (below) is in the Hood River area. This is a big area for windsurfing! During the summer you can see loads of them and it is very exciting to watch! We didn't see any windsurfers that day-it was pretty calm, we did see a few boaters though.

Looking eastward--the next town would be Mosier. From here the gorge area becomes drier and less green.

See you later for part 2! One of my fav shows just started.

Blessings this day, Aimee

Photos: spring 2011, Columbia River Gorge (westernmost area). Sorry about the formatting--it has been very strange lately.

The WORD on Wednesday

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

O God, Creator of the natural world, Creator-Redeemer of me, let the words that come from my mouth and hand, the thoughts that I choose to reflect on, and my deeds, be as beautiful as Thy creation.

And, LORD God, when I become discouraged that they are not; that I have failed again--let me remember that it is You that gives me strength and it is You that has forgiven me.

Blessings this Wednesday morn, Aimee

Photo: The lower section of Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Spring 2011. I am still working on perfecting my waterfall photos; should probably have used a tripod :) Will post more photos of this area and others soon. Verse: Psalm 19:14 KJV

Flexibility

Remember I said it was important to have flexibility in making plans/goals? Right now that is being put to the test, as I was told by the ER doctor I must take it easy for several days and schedule follow-up with my physician so they can determine what caused the pain. SO just when I was making real headway in my spring cleaning and organization, it is time to rest and trust for awhile because good stewardship calls me to do that with the great and precious gift of life that I've been given.

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Teach me Lord to wait.

Blessings this early morn,
Aimee

Photo: white orchid azalea. Not blooming yet--but soon:)

Verse: Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV

Home + Garden Plans 2011

Recently I made some plans for the garden and our home. I must confess that part of me was a bit fearful and hesitant of making goals, as so many things changed the last time I did this...however life goes on and planning/goals are important as long as you remember to leave room for flexibility + to prioritize:)

Garden Plans (in order of importance):

1) Extend planting bed and paths in Japanese-style garden. Redo edging. Add daffodils, more Irish moss by bench, etc. Goal: simplify mowing and solve edging problems; provide a 'drier' path for the wet season, maintenance.

2) Redo edging in transitional (mixed ornamental/edible garden beds). Goal: simplify mowing and solve edging problems --yea, done:)

3) Add 1-2 half barrels near the Gunnera plant for lavender (yum), mint and/or edibles like veggies. Goal: soften the look of that area while adding more color there.

4) Add more wildflowers, lavender or daffodils in second raised bed (we don't use these for edibles as they were built with (yuck) pressure treated wood. The decision to use the first one for wildflowers/perennials was a good one as it seems to have attracted more birds and butterflies:) Also, add a second soaker hose and seating. Goal: add more color, attract more wildlife with limited water use plants.

5) Main Garden: redo compost areas, level, add path under arbor and by caneberries. Possibly add a non pressure treated raised bed or two on south side of garden. Goal: make area more user friendly while still providing wildlife habitat, new edibles area??

6) Deck maintenance, clean, finish east rail + planter box. Possibly add free standing deck -- perhaps with a gazebo off north deck.

Home plans:

1) Each week pick a 'focus' room and thoroughly clean, organize, sort + discard as needed, decorate it. Plan of 'attack': master bathroom (about 1/2 done now), public areas (family, living, dining rooms + kitchen), bedrooms, other. Goal: learned the hard way to divide up the heavy duty stuff due to back and health issues--this way divides up the task more reasonably:) Get rid of unneeded, excess stuff. Simplify cleaning and maintenance tasks.

2) Continue with personal goals in terms of clothing decisions and other items.

Well there they are--I will add photos as goals are accomplished. It kind of goes without saying, but I am trying to be a good steward of our resources in terms of both land and money spent on these projects:) Wish me luck!

Does anyone else have garden + home plans for this spring + summer season?

Blessings, Aimee

Photo: our manmade waterfall/stream (not as big as the ones I saw this last week in God's garden, AKA the Columbia River Gorge. However, I LOVE the one my Farmer Boy made us--it makes me + our koi very, very happy:)

Easter 2011

What more can I say this Easter morn?

I think this says it best:)

Thank you Jesus!

Blessings this Easter, Aimee

Notes: Above clipart from the following website: http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart.htm and is being used according to the 'terms of use' permissions found there. This specific art is from their collection: Public Domain Clipart Collection #44 Color ABC's~Per the above website: "Clipart have all come from sources published in the United States before 1923. They are therefore in the public domain in the United States, but they may be copyrighted in countries outside the United States." Please see the above website for further information, to view their collections of music, clipart, etc. and to comply with the terms of use for using the clipart collections they have there should you be interested.

Good Friday 2011

Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou my God shouldst die for me?

He left His Father's throne above So free, so infinite His grace--

Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam's helpless race:

'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

Blessings this Good Friday, Aimee

Lyric Notes: Lyric excerpts from 'And Can It Be?', John Wesley (Psalms + Hymns, 1738). You can read all the beautiful lyrics and hear the musical score that accompanies them here at nethymnal.org

Art Notes: Above clipart from the following website: http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart.htm and is being used according to the 'terms of use' permissions found there. This specific art is from their collection: Public Domain Clipart Collection #36 Bible cards 1904. Per the above website: "Clipart have all come from sources published in the United States before 1923. They are therefore in the public domain in the United States, but they may be copyrighted in countries outside the United States. " Please see the above website for further information, to view their collections of music, clipart, etc. and to comply with the terms of use for using the clipart collections they have there should you be interested.

Palm Sunday 2011

He knew the praises of the people would be short lived;

that within a few days He would be condemned to death.

He knew that even His closest friends would desert Him because of the fear of others-

the fear of man.

He knew how much He would have to suffer

the innocent Son of God,

the Passover Lamb,

the Good Shepherd,

and yet He still headed towards Jerusalem,

according to God's will as written in the Old Testament.

He knew but,

He headed there anyway because of obedience

and because of God's love for us-

rebellious, sinful us.

Today, as I was listening to the Stations of the Cross,

I thought of just how much God loves me

and

just how much He loves

you.

He didn't just say it;

He proved it.

Blessings, Aimee

Notes:

Above clipart from the following website: http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart.htm and is being used according to the 'terms of use' permissions found there. This specific art is from their collection: Public DomainClipart Collection #42 Bible Cards 1910. Per the above website: "Clipart have all come from sources published in the United States before 1923. They are therefore in the public domain in the United States, but they may be copyrighted in countries outside the United States. " Please see the above website for further information, to view their collections of music, clipart, etc. and to comply with the terms of use for using the clipart collections they have there should you be interested.

The Joys of Winter in Spring

Outside it feels more like winter than spring--

rainy, gray, cold!

But--thanks to heat and some flowers gathered from outside,

inside it is spring!

How's your weather?

Blessings,

Aimee

Ooops!

To err is human---

and we all know I am very, very human!

I was setting up posts to publish automatically next week

(Holy Week)

when I won't be doing posts

and I forgot one little, tiny, almost unimportant thing--

yep I forgot to change the date of publication before I pressed publish!

So if you are looking for the Palm Sunday post with the wonderful picture

OR

if you are thinking Aimee must not know when Palm Sunday is--

never fear,

I do

and that post will now publish at 12:01 AM this coming Sunday:)

Aimee

(of the blushed face now)

Scenes of Spring

Sometimes I leave the familiar

and travel to the not so familiar

and there I find beauty too

from halls of marble, wood and glass

to spring flowers under skies of blue

to steeples towering high above the trees.

-

When one's eyes are open to beauty,

one will find it no matter where they go.

Blessings,

Aimee

-

Photos: scenes of Salem

Birds of a Feather...

What do birds of a feather do?

I can tell you they flock together:)

Blessings, Aimee