Summer Wrap Up: Junction City Scandinavian Festival, Scandinavian Princess Daybed

Life has been busy again--mostly for my beloved Farmer Boy.

My smashed car window is now repaired,

a pine tree has been felled (by a professional this time),

the roof is half done (with a temporary ridge cap between the new and old roofing),

the air conditioner has been taken down and stored,

the autumn leaves are wonderful,

the grapes have been ripe for several weeks now

AND I still haven't seen any snakes:)

 

Oh--and my ever busy hubby is now working on another project.

Such a talented man with MUCH more energy then his wife.

 

OK, that brings you up-to-date mostly in what has/is going on in our lives.

Now on to summer photos of the Scandinavian Festival.

 

 

Years ago we happened on to this festival totally by coincidence.

 One of several Scandinavian festivals in the Pacific NW,

this one is held in downtown Junction City in the Willamette Valley

(Other festivals/celebrations take place in Astoria, Portland, Ballard and Poulsbo. Scandinavians were one of the immigrant groups to the PNW and we even have our very own fjord--the Hood Canal in western Washington)

 

 

We love the folk dancing!

The kids are a lot of fun to watch.

(This is a very kid friendly, family event with lots to see and do)

 

 

Yours truly loves the aebleskivers--Danish pancake balls.

They are beyond yummy--as the Small One found out.

I especially like them with lingonberry preserves but plain with a bit of powdered sugar is good too.

YUM!

(These are actually fairly simple to make with some practice and an aebleskiver pan)

 

I also love lefse, meatballs and...

 

 

the not so traditional, but totally yummy cotton candy.

Mmm. It was sugar-licious and  

so BIG that it took all three of us to finish it off.

 

 

We stopped by to see the blacksmith at work...

they also have other crafters.

 

 

Small One encountered some Vikings--

fortunately they were very friendly Vikings and even let her hold one of their swords.

Sadly we did miss getting a photo of the wonderful trolls wandering about.

 

I suppose I should let you know the "decorative" cast on her right arm was the result of getting thrown off a horse at "summer camp". Fortunately she still LOVES horses.

YEA!

 

 

I enjoy the different hairstyles the gals wear.

Braids are so lovely.

 

 

Love the rosemaling on different buildings also.

I almost always buy something to add to my collection...

 

 

But, in keeping with my decluttering goal,

this lovely Scandinavian floral crown was all I bought and

it wasn't for me:) 

 

Well, it's WAY past time for bed and I am about ready to fall asleep typing so...

Blessings all!

Aimee

 

Oh yea.

I forgot to show you our little bit of Scandinavia...

the Nordic Princess Daybed Farmer Boy made his little princess MUCH earlier this year.

 

Here's a photo of the finished project.

 

 

Big enough for an adult

(I know because I slept on it for several nights when I was trying to avoid a moth),

yet cozy and very cool for a child.

 

I do have a question for all you talented crafters out there though.

We have considered painting some of the Swedish folk designs that you see on the rug on the drawer fronts and possibly painting certain parts of the trim red. Good idea, bad idea?

We're also OK with leaving it as it is in case we want to change the color scheme in the room later.

I have other pillows for the bed too but they aren't in this photo.

 

Any suggestions oh gifted ones?

 

(Link to Akerkulla rug in case you need to see the design better--http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20230627/ )

 

Photos/Info:

Junction City Scandinavian Festival, August 2015

(Link: http://scandinavianfestival.com/)

 

Scandinavian Princess Bed:

We got some inspiration from Ana White's great website

and her Lydia daybed: http://ana-white.com/2010/05/plans/lydia-daybed.

More from doing a search for photos of Norwegian beds with rosemaling.

And, I liked the drawers on an Ikea daybed and another daybed...

but hubby ended up designing the bed because none of these,

however wonderful, had all the elements we wanted to incorporate in the bed.

 

Oh--did I say a certain Disney movie played a role in all this to? And a certain Princess?

LOL.

 

If anyone is interested in how we put together the bed, let me know and I can post photos of the process. It was a LOT of fun and we're really happy we chose to make one instead of trying to buy something.

 

Ok--bedtime.

 

Pieces + Potpourri

Wow has it been a busy and stressful (but very blessed) last two weeks!

Our repair job is progressing nicely, but was more challenging than originally thought

and some of it will have to be postponed till next year...

SO happy that my DH is part mountain goat!

SO happy that God truly does hear our prayers!

SO thankful for families that won't take no for an answer and

head over to help with huge tarps during windy days

(yep, they're part mountain goat too--unlike Miss Aimee)

 

Anyway, I don't want to bore you too much with details like

a smashed car window,

locked brakes on an RV,

NO snake sightings in like forever,

chopped down plants that have a tie to President Hoover

(more about that one on another day),

new (and MUCH) improved Internet service,

etc.,

etc.

Oh and someone you know is going to be a...soon:)

 

But I don't want to bore you with all the details that make up my sometimes crazy life,

so it's on to photo time. Here's a few photos from the Ilahee Siletz Pow Wow we attended in the amazing Siletz River Valley with the Small One--of course!

 

 

After choosing one of the shuttle pick up sites in Siletz, we were soon picked up

by a wonderful mini bus and driven to the Pow Wow grounds at Government Hill.

A long, long time ago I attended the pow wow here and just never forgot that memorable celebration.

The beautiful, symbolic regalia of the dancers,

the wonderful food,

the deep respect and honor that the Native Americans pay to their elders

(and the Veterans)...

the lovely wooded setting.

I was beyond thrilled (and almost in tears during the Grand Entry) for getting to be there again!

 



Did I say food?

Totally yummy, indescribably delicious food?

Well, yes I did and here's one of my (and now Small One's favs)--

Indian frybread.

Just thinking about it's deliciousness is killing me...

I had my first fry bread at Kah Nee Ta, a resort on the Warm Springs Reservation in central Oregon where we used to go frequently as kids and hang out with the bears at their super large heated pools.

It is one of my goals--should our projects ever slow down--to make it this autumn.

 

 

Small One and I ate our snow cones on a hillside.

There we were blessed to see some beautiful young girls practicing their dance steps.

It was incredible...

lovely young Native women continuing the traditions of their people to the deep,

pounding rhythm of the drums.

For our next dining location, we were on another hillside in another wooded area where we were entertained blessed by a lovely butterfly that was also dancing--but on the winds.

 

 

Fabulous day.

A lovely, hospitable people that I learn from every time I am blessed to be in their presence.

 

Well, duty calls so more on another day!

Blessings,

Aimee

 

Oh--before I go.

Some snake trivia for you.

Did you know that rattlesnakes used to live in the Willamette Valley?

Oh yes, and there are still some places where they can be found.

BTW, for other snake-phobes like me, beware as the link above has lovely

(or unlovely) photos of the slithery ones :(

It is interesting history though.

 

Another snake fact (maybe?).

I thought, though I may not have heard correctly, that on the news recently they said

snakes are more cranky in the autumn before they hibernate? Anyone know? Personally, I am hoping for an early snake hibernation this year:)

 

 

 

 

Our Day (From the Furry One): National Dog Day

Hi to all my furry, four footed friends and their owners  out there in cyber-land!

 

It's me---

the small, furry, extraordinarily cute, super talented and totally humble one writing to you

 from the lovely--about to receive a rain blessing--Pacific Northwest!

 

 

And why am I posting instead of Mom you say?

 

Well Mom is on a blog break right now, with a HUGE "to do" list,

and it just so happens that this is a VERY special day in America for us canine types!

 

And, since I am POSITIVELY sure she wouldn't have forgotten to post

 something for this VERY special day--

MY day,

and since she occasionally gives me treats,

I am going to cut her a little slack

and post about OUR special day myself--

being the totally talented pup that I am.

 

So a

HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY

to all my paw-d friends out there

and enjoy the photos:):)

 

This is me with my pesky brother.

He's the one I like to bark and jump at sometimes...

like ANYTIME there's something I can't get to that I don't like

(the neighbor's chickens come to mind).

 

And this is my brother again.

He is rather cute don't you think?

 

 

And, finally, this is our oldest brother when he was just a pup.

He's the one that got this whole thing rolling.

You see Mom fell in love with our types and one day came home with him in tow

and, within a short time, Dad loved him SO much --

well the rest is history

(or should I say our-story?)

 

Oh, oh.

It's time for our afternoon break.

I got to go

(literally)!

 

MOM!!!

 

Puppy love,

The small, furry, white one.

 

Oh, yea--please forgive the photo quality.

I may be SUPER talented but my photo editing skills are rather lacking:)

 

Scenes Of The Bay + Seashore For Your Saturday

Blessed Saturday to you all!

 

Today Farmer Boy and I are quite busy working on house repairs (him) and the garden (me).

Therefore I am going to keep this post rather short so I can get back outside:)

SO much to do...

 

 

As is always the case, my body may be in our garden on this Saturday,
but my heart is along the bay--
the beautiful, wonderful bay.

(Photo: another view of the Three Graces near Barview and the mouth of Tillamook Bay)

 

 

How I would LOVE to be anywhere along its shores right now...
at Kilchis Point Reserve,
Bayocean County Park,
Garibaldi,
anywhere.

(Photo: Garibaldi, Tillamook Bay)

 

 

How I would love to be eating some fish there right now or maybe a yummy shrimp salad.

But it isn't to be,
 and a almond butter and organic honey sandwich will have to do for lunch today.

(Photo: oyster shell "mountains" and seagulls along Tillamook Bay)

 

 

 God willing, it won't be too long before I will yet again
be walking the familiar sands of our beaches and bays,

(Photo: seagulls at Rockaway Beach--just north of Tillamook Bay)
 

admiring the lovely offshore rock formations,

(photo: Twin Rocks from Rockaway Beach)
 

or watching with interest the workers ready the historic train before she takes off along the shore.

(Photo: train at Rockaway)

 

But for now, all these lovely pastimes will have to wait till we take care of things here at home.

And, sadly, this blog will have to be put on hold for awhile too.
Hopefully by then I will be able to post more recent photos of raindrops :(

Until we meet again.

Blessings & peace to you,
Aimee

Links:
http://oregoncoastscenic.org/
(the train pictured above is over 100 years old!)

Return To The Nestucca River National Country Byway: The Canyon

Both Farmer Boy and I have fond memories of the Nestucca River

 from when we were younger...

 

I recall camping along it at least once, under the stars, with my then best friend and also of times spent at a park that was located at the base of a dam (no longer accessible).
My hubby recalls visiting the area of the Meadow Lake dam which failed in the early 60s, fishing the Nestucca River and also of a "swimming hole".

Not so very long ago it became our "mission" to find that somewhat elusive "swimming hole".

Just a note that I am arranging these photos from east to west so,
if you look at the links below,
you'll have a better idea of what to expect.

 

And now some green immersion for this warm summer day:)

 

 

The coast range is a wonderland of ferns, trees and more. I never tire of it!
 

 

Not too far from the site of historic Meadow Lake Dam
you'll enter into the lovely Nestucca river canyon.

 

 

Pretty overhead woodland canopy.

 

 

Our furry passenger on this mission on her way to her beloved dad.
Coming Papa!

 

 

The swimming hole from above.
Much prettier in person where you can truly enjoy the peace of the area.

 

 

Lovely, lovely green. Is it my Celtic DNA that makes me love this color?
There were places on the route that reminded me of a tree "cathedral"--so amazing!
I am constantly amazed at the artistry of our Creator!

 

A small detour off the main road brought us to this nice view.

LOVE (usually) those small detours--

of course there are those narrow, winding, cliff filled, car injuring forest roads

  that I am not too fond of:)
They are not too far from here.

By the way there are a number of waterfalls in this area--some easier to get to than others.

Can I also say that we had a very magical experience while in the canyon?
A beautiful butterfly accompanied our moving car for awhile--
almost flying through our open window.
Totally amazing!

 

 

Rural view as we draw closer to the coast.

 

 

Another thing I never tire of? Clouds, mist and fog on my beloved mountains and hillsides.

 

Good bye for now my beloved Nestucca River--

see you again.

Before I close this post--
in fitting with the beautiful creation experienced along this byway--
a bit of the WORD for your day (even though it's not Wednesday--LOL)

Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD...
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
Psalms 113:1, 3 KJV

 

Blessings, Aimee

Some info:
There are two routes through this lovely area.
One, the Bald Mountain road is a one lane paved road and, as you may guess from the "mountain" part of the name, it'll take you up in elevation. Later, you will turn onto Bible Creek Rd (two way paved road) which will--in time--rejoin the main route after the campgrounds.
The second and main route is the one through the Nestucca River canyon. On this one, the road is paved except for a few miles of gravel. As I have mentioned, you can also camp here along the river. Both routes are meant to be taken slowly and enjoyed :)
http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Nestucca%20River.pdf

 

My Collection --thus far--of Nestucca River National Country Byway Posts:

http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2015/03/of-unexpected-blessings-pt-ii.html

(Meadow lake dam)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-in-coast-range.html
(Bible Creek Rd, Lake, etc.)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-different-kind-of-exercise.html
(Bald Mountain/Bible Creek Rd Route)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2012/09/into-unknown-of-fear-and-detours-pt-2.html
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2012/08/into-unknown-of-fear-and-detours-pt1.html
(Bald Mountain/Bible Creek Rd Route--first time)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-journey.html
(Meadow Lake area and more)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2010/08/mountain-retreat-for-soul.html
(Meadow Lake area, viewpoint BLM)

And, somewhere, hiding in my files and possibly this website,
 are photos of two of the waterfalls along this route and
one of those narrow, winding, cliff filled, car injuring forest roads

  that I am not too fond of ;)

Coastal Collection (+ A Bit Of A Catchup)

Oh my have we been busy these past weeks.

 

Small One returned from her visit to summer "camp" and we had the pleasure of her company for several days, including a family reunion where we got to chat with relatives we hadn't seen in quite awhile! A lovely trip was made to my beloved mountains where childhood memories were revisited when we rediscovered a swimming hole. Time was spent along the always beautiful sea too where we enjoyed watching a historic train and ate a picnic lunch at a favorite place.

 

New memories were made at a beloved Scandinavian Festival in the valley,

 where a young one tried out folk dancing, and then just a day later, at a beautiful hillside setting, for a wonderful pow wow. These were some of our fun times.

 

More challenging times have been dealing with our house and its ongoing problems. Mature, beloved shrubs and trees had to be cut down---cut down with only a slight glimmer of hope that they will grace our life again. But there was no choice as repairs have to be made on the house before the autumn rain season begins and their continued presence would have endangered my Farmer Boy. Sigh, deep--deep sigh.

 

Speaking of rain--we badly need some. A soaking rain. Actually several soaking rains. This drought is really taking a toll all over the Pacific NW. With all this busyness and stress I feel a bit parched too and am thankful Elul begins this week--I badly need it!

 

And now, a few photos till I have more time:)

 

 

The Three Graces--near Garibaldi + Barview

(love, love, love these beautiful rocks!)

 

 

Neskowin Beach

 

 

Spoiled, cute, white, fluffy dog at Neskowin

 

 

Spoiled, cute, white, fluffy dog having some lunch at Neskowin

 

 

Local residents of Bayocean (bayside)

shot as usual during the not-so-golden hours

 

 

 Cape Meares Lake

and the Cape Meares community

(from Bayocean Dike Road)

 

 

A Neskowin Beach resident

 

 

LOL--love this one:)

 

Before I go, a WORD for Wednesday -- a good verse for Elul too.

 

You caused abundant rain to fall, O God.
When Your inheritance was weary You revived it.
Psalm 68:9 LEB

 

Revive us LORD.

 

Wising you all a joy filled August!

Blessings,

Aimee

 

 

Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible.

Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.

Between Bay + Ocean: Bayocean Peninsula County Park

Bay view from Bayocean Dike Road past the gate. If you look really hard
you can see the historic smokestack located in Garibaldi. Clicking on the photo makes it larger.

 

 

 

 I've written about Bayocean before and the role that the north jetty at Barview played in its demise. Well this last weekend, on a "nice" sunny,  HOT day we took a trip out there--to this lovely spot located between bay and ocean



 

After getting on the wrong road and ending up in Netarts, we put my phone's navigation software and GPS to work and found the somewhat elusive Bayocean Road. Yippee! (If you are gaining elevation, you are NOT on the right road. We saw no signs pointing us the right direction.)

  

Memaloose Point area

  The bay was beautiful--despite the fact that it was not, as usual, the "golden" hour...

oh well you can't have everything, right? :)

 

 

the natives were also lovely and added to our enjoyment of the approximately 5 mile drive out to the peninsula. One small segment even reminded me of the Hood Canal of Washington state and its small homes along the water!

 

View of the Bayocean Dike Road from the parking area. The lower road runs along Tillamook Bay and carries traffic towards the parking area; the higher road passes by Lake Cape Meares and carries traffic back to Bayocean Road.

  

 

 

 

The dike road (Bayocean Dike Road) was a piece of cake...as usual I fretted over NOTHING imagining a road with steep drop-offs into the lake and bay from a very narrow dike. That's what you get when you have the wrong perspective on something:)

 

 

With furry white one in tow we headed out -- at first -- on road that runs along the bay, but hubby quickly decided we should reroute to the beach. A visit to the townsite's original location would have to wait for now...sigh (bay pic at the top of this post is from this area).

 

Returning to the parking lot, we found the sandy trail and headed westward...

 

 

Looking southward from the trail

The scenery on the way was lovely! Scotchbroom (some which still had a few blooms on it), trees, grasses---loved it! But what wasn't so lovely was the sand on the trail was blazing HOT (and I do mean BLAZING)...sheer agony as I couldn't walk barefoot and the sand kept working its way under the soles of my feet because I had worn, not knowing, flip flops. OUCH, agony, pain.

 

 

But we persevered, extremely thankful for the grass at the sides of the trail and all shady spots. Talking to a couple fellow trekkers we gained hope that the trip was well worth it and then...

 

 one last hill to climb and we would be there.

Yippee!

 

Much cooler sand on the beach. Ahhhh. Lovely on the footsies!

 

 

 Beautiful view towards the Cape Meares area

(the community and headland)

Some buildings from Bayocean were moved to the town there...

 

 

Beautiful views to the north too

(Barview area, jetties and more)

 

 

 

The ocean (west of course)--always lovely

 

 

Eastward view towards the dunes and center of the spit. .

 

Was Aimee happy and was it worth it?

Oh YES...despite getting a friction blister. At least I no longer have the splinter, I had picked up earlier in the week, thanks to DH "doctoring" before we left to Bayocean:)

 

And the hike that seemed to be SO long?

Well, per the measuring tool on the most wonderful Google maps...

yep, it was about 1/3 mile one way.

 

But now I have another problem.

I have to convince my wonderful hubby to make a return visit :)

 

 Blessings,

Aimee

 

Links:

The Bayocean link above will take you to a prior post where I've listed some great websites on Bayocean and its fascinating, though sad, history.

Another excellent website I found recently is here:

http://www.bayocean.net/

(some of his posts have really given me a new perspective on Bayocean and its actual location)

Since this post was so photo heavy, I'll include some pictures of Cape Meares Lake at a different time. Heading south on Bayocean Dike Road it's to your right--

it was formed when they built the dike to reconnect the Bayocean spit which had, temporarily become an island in the 1950s due to winter storms and beach erosion caused by building (and later extension) of just the north jetty.

PDF map of Tillamook County -- will give you a perspective on where

the different locations mentioned are.

Once on the peninsula you can have quite the hike if you are up to it...