GrandmaBeckyL

Random Thoughts Tonight

2012-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today, the sun shone alot more than usual.
I worked inside
but I got to see beauty behind my sunglasses
on my way to the
bank.
I worked today inside,
with a throat that sometimes
made me choke when talking
to customers at
the register.
But I made it through the work day
with my voice intact
with a little scratchy throat near
day's end.
Hubby had warm homemade turkey hoagie
sandwiches ready to eat when I got home.
Delicious!
It's dark outside but the moon and stars
are shining which makes outside
colder.
No
clouds.

I am wanting a dessert that's more
than a cookie, or
ice cream.
No cake or pie in
the house.
I shouldn't be eating any
one of
those.
But sometimes I just feel the need
to eat
cake.
Must I wait til my
birthday?
In a week and a
half.
If I get
one.
Maybe I'll make a red
velvet cake.
But not tonight becuz
there's laundry to fold,
kitchen to clean,
Bible reading,
a Restaurant Disaster show
to watch.
Maybe this weekend...oh wait,
I have to make
cookies,
but there's always Sunday afternoon,
Super Bowl
or not.

Good
night!

Snow Photos

2012-01-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I took of a minor snowfall in November. We'd been to Snoqualmie Falls two days earlier. Another overnight motel stay put us closer to my sister's house. In the morning we woke up to a bit of snow. I had to go out after breakfast to take a few photos. It looked so pretty.

December Memories

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

December has come and gone but the memories still linger.

I've always enjoyed seeing the Dicken's Christmas Carol. I have 4 VHS tapes. I read this one and it was different. Did anybody else read it? If it's got aliens, I need to find out what's going on!

Phil's birthday was a week before Christmas. He's opening his gift from me and the kids. We ate lunch at Denny's since you get a free grand slam for your birthday. I had one as well becuz I wanted some of their pumpkin pan cakes! Later we had a berry crisp for his dessert!

Two day's later was Megan's birthday. Here's our mixed table decor. I didn't have any different birthday napkins. Megan said she didn't care.

Book I made for her about our fun day trip to Portland to see the ships. Dessert is a flat apple pie with chocolate ice cream. Pie recipe from Pioneer Woman cookbook.

Christmas eve we attended afternoon church service with Justin and Erin and my brother, David, who was visiting us for a couple days. Here's photos of Mt. Hood outside the church near sunset, after the service. Other photo through the window in the lobby of the church. Someone was playing the piano there as well.

After church we went to Justin and Erin's apt. for food and gift exchange. Here are my cutie grandchildren in the MnMs box I brought the gifts in. I also brought it for photos of them. What child doesn't like to crawl in a box? I made the deviled eggs and the veggie cheese quiche. Erin and Melody made the gingerbread cookies.

I made a bow and put on top of Owen's gift to see what he'd do. He ripped it off! I knew he would! In this photo, he's 11.5 months old.

The foamy gingerbread house the Melody made with mom's help. Erin knitted me a hat on her knitting loom. Too bad my head was too big for it. I love this color. The band was too tight. Measuring Phil's, Megan's and my head revealed my head was an inch bigger! Owen tried the hat on when I gave it over to Erin.

My two big kids with my two grandkids. Love them all!

Melody is wearing the sleeper we got her for Christmas. I just had to cuddle her before we left. As you can see, she's enjoying it! Christmas day photos coming soon!

The Great Adventure song

2012-01-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Our pastor played a video like this one at church today. The one that you are viewing is different but still has the same music. Listen to the lyrics of the music. Let it inspire you to live daily for the Lord.

Rainy Days

2012-01-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening I was eating dinner by myself since Phil was gone til late, gaming with our son and their friends, as in role playing games or board war games. Whatever they do that particular evening. It's something Phil has done for years. Keeps them off the streets and out of bars! Anyway, I photographed this scene at the table after a busy day at work. It was quiet and less hectic than half the work day. I enjoyed my leftover beans with an added hot dog and bread, that I did add butter and jam after this photo. My glass was gifted to me by Tamara at Christmas. I love it! Reminds me of England where I lived for 2 years while in the US Air Force. And Dr. Who!
There was alot of rain overnite on Wednesday. I didn't know how bad until I got to work on Thurs. a.m. On my way to work I noticed the golf course had a lot of water hazards. Within one hour and 12 minutes of being at work, I sold 7 sump pumps. Two were sold prior of my arrival. Total sump pumps sold that day were about 15! My boss ordered more since we have a warehouse just miles from us that could supply us with more. (A sump is a well or pit at a low point. When water enters, where you don't want it to be, like a basement or crawl space under house, the water needs pumped out. There is a float switch to keep the pump from running constantly.)

Early on, the phone was ringing and I had a line of customers that I felt I needed a secretary just to answer the phone and then call for the plumbing department man! He was kept busy and am thankful for co-workers coming to my aid at register when the line got more than 4 people deep! Later in the afternoon it calmed down to near quiet in the store, which was nice for awhile.

On Friday I went to see my mom in the nursing home. I decided to take my Canon Elph camera with me. Here is a scene I came upon in Aurora on my way to Canby. This scene boggled my mind. It's never under water. Oh goodness me! This is right before you cross the bridge over the Pudding River. As you can see, this property is part of the Pudding River for the time being. It's never been like this in the 22 years we've lived here. There are at least 4 horses that are usually in this field. They were tied up by the house that's on a bit higher ground by the road. Earlier in the day there were people moving furniture out of the house into horse trailers (as seen by a friend's co-worker on her way to work from further north). All the flooding happened over night.

This is property across the road.

A broken hub cap by the side of the road. A big puddle by the road that I didn't step in. I wasn't wearing boots, but should have since they were in the car but forgot to put them on til half way through my little trek to take photos.

A holly bush by a house in Aurora, right next to my car, where I parked and walked. I didn't want to park on side of road as other people did. I walked in a bit of slop for a bit to get to the spot I photographed from. My shoes are leather so I just need to clean tops of my shoes. My feet didn't get wet nor did I get hit by a car. I stayed close to side of road as I could.
This photo is near flood stage of the Molalla River in Canby. I drove into the park to see what it looked like there. There was a street sweeper working on removing mud and other debris there. Thus the beeping and machine background noise in the video.

It's been quite the storm this week. South of us, Salem and Turner and Corvallis flooded and people had to be evacuated. Further north, into Washington, they got slammed with snow then ice and some power outages. My sister lives near Tumwater and they were without power for nearly a day.

With all this rain I am mindful of the story and song from the Bible. Matthew 7:24-29....foolish man built his house upon the sand and it fell flat when the rains came and the wind blew. Wise man built his house upon and rock and rains and winds came it stood firm. Build you life on the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a beautiful day here. Warm enough to open our windows and watch birds in our lawn. Hopefully the waters recede soon as it's raining only occasionally. Prayers for the people affected by this storm appreciated.

Like Chocolate with Milk?

2012-01-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I went into our local Walgreens store to grab a gallon of milk. This is what I saw as I approached the cooler! Looks good to me but I refrained from buying the Milky Way candy bar to go with the milk. What a fun idea though and marketing person knows where to grab you! It's almost like asking someone if they want fries with their hamburger!?! Have a good week!

Pioneer Woman Show

2012-01-13T10:44:00.002-08:00

Many of you know I enjoy Ree Drummond. She is the Pioneer Woman. She has a cookbook. Another cookbook due out in March 2012. She has another season coming up on the Food Network on Saturday, Jan 14, 2012, 10 a.m. Eastern/9 a.m. Central/10 a.m. Pacific time.
I can't wait to see what she's cooking up. I will have to tape it because I will be taking care of my adorable grandchildren so, um, ok. I can watch it later and then again and again! I should have done that for last season as well and her Christmas special.
I have her cookbook as well! Do you?
I like her pie crusts, flat apple pie, macaroni and cheese, comfort meatballs, cinnamon rolls, just to name a few recipes. Did I mention the beautiful photography?
Enjoy the show. I know I will. When I get to watch it!

GrandsonOwen's 1st Birthday

2012-01-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

(Owen and his first snow in Feb and a photo from October 2011.)

Our little grandson, Owen, turned one on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012. You can see a birthday collage of Owen over at Erin's blog. (click)

Happy 1st Birthday, my dear little grandson Owen! God bless you and your family!

Fiftysecond Week List

2012-01-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

I have come to the end of my year of organization with help of Laura on OrgJunkie. I've learned a lot about myself! I need to stick with organizing and de-cluttering! It's an ongoing process. So with that in mind, I did what Laura suggested and got out a clipboard and wrote down places I needed to fix soon!

My dear friend, Tamara, gave me this Mary Engelbreit mini clipboard for Christmas so I put it to good use. One item's been crossed off. Yes, the pile of magazines on the coffee table in living room are gone! All the Better Homes and Gardens and Sunset....G.O.N.E.! Done with them! Have a few AAA and scrapbooking magazines to look at then purge them as well. FREEDOM!

I am more aware of what I am doing in my surroundings. If things start getting cluttered, I take a minute or two to fix it. I don't buy something unless I can use it. I seem to go thru my clothes more often and take out something I really don't like. I spot clean! We downsized our newspaper subscription to 2 days a week so there's less clutter of papers, less paper in our recycle bin, we save money a good sum of money and don't miss the paper that much.

Here's the pretty poinsettia I brought home with us on Christmas after church. They were giving them away and I wasn't gonna take one since I wind up killing them! But Dan handed this one to me and I couldn't resist. It's sitting where the magazines used to be piled! So far it's doing fine. I think I water mine too much. So far I've watered it once and it's doing fine!

Update on my Lilliput Christmas village with newly painted wall! It looks like blue sky behind it, right? And there's an addition to my train set. I have an engine! Thanks to a customer at the hardware store where I work, he found me the engine at a swap meet for $10 and may be able to get me a caboose as well!

This is the outside of our house with the twinkling stars for our Christmas lights. In my new year's post, the beautiful house shown there, is not my house. It is in Aurora, community some miles from my house that was decorated for Christmas. I only wish it was my house!

The 52 weeks of organizing has been fun and hope to keep you updated on my journey this year. The 3rd wall will get painted this spring. It's too cold right now to open windows! My computer desk and bookshelves are on my list as well and so it......you catch the idea. As I said it's a process to downsize and purge what I've collected over the years. I'm appreciative of all my new friends I've found through this journey and especially Laura for encouraging all of us! Hats off to you!!!

Christmas Flash Mob

2012-01-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a great Christmas flash mob at a mall. I find it wonderful! Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my readers, wherever you are. Thanks for staying with me and encouraging me. How are you celebrating the new year? We are going to eat some pizza and watch a movie, just the two of us! May your days be filled with good health, good friends, a smile for a stranger and may new people come into your life that will enhance it in good ways! May you feel God's presence in your daily walk in life; He is there for you! Reach out to Him and help others to know Him as well!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare Him room.
Let heaven and nature sing!

Day after Christmas.....

2011-12-26T21:32:00.001-08:00

Tis the day after Christmas. The silent stores that were closed yesterday are brimming with customers today. Some exchanging gifts that didn't fit or weren't liked or just out spending money on items marked down. Overspending? Not me! I was just out a bit. Yes I did exchange a gift hubby got me for a different size but same pretty red. And got another top as well with a bit of a discount. Off to Walmart later to see if there were any artificial Christmas trees left. Our tree is about 20 years old and it's showing some wear, as in hard to get together since the limbs don't want to co-operate like they used to. I found Colorado pine with pre strung lights for $20, which isn't too bad. 2 boxes of Christmas cards, and a few other things. Walmart parking lot wasn't as bad as the outlet mall. By the time I was leaving the mall, people were lining up for a parking space. Glad I was leaving!

It's always sad to see Christmas leave. There is such a build up....lights, music, Christmas cards to send out, partys, baking, wrapping, shopping for food and last minute gifts. It's a relief the hectic is gone but it's one time of the year I enjoy celebrating Christmas===Jesus' birth. I like the extra church services to attend, as in Christmas eve and then regular church. This year Christmas was on Sunday so that service was extra special. I enjoy the decor and the nativity we have at church.
There's also memories of Christmases past when both my parents were alive; eagerly awaiting the present opening; going to grandma's or aunt and uncles houses for a meal; having my mom at our table; our first Christmas together when we were in the Air Force, overseas in England; our children in their pajamas by the tree....it's good to reflect and be thankful for what I've had in the past.

Now there are new memories with grandchildren so dear; the 5 days before Christmas when my sister's dog, Abby, became lost. It pains me that Kerri is sad from the loss and no word yet. Where can Abby be? Memories of the church services we attended with family, the candles glowing from the congregation lighting candles and there is more light. How impressive and thought provoking. We are to be the light in the darkness for people that need to find the way to Jesus. Be like a city on a hill.

Jesus is the light of the world, who came down into darkness, open my eyes and let me see.

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!

my house at Christmas

2011-12-23T21:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a nice tree in the living room. Lights and Precious Moments ornaments I've collected over the years. It's right inside our front door.

Melody, our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter made the two gingerbread men ornaments for papa and grandma, the foamy type cutouts. Our first and oh so special. Then there's the ornament Christmas card of Melody and her brother, Owen. Love it!

I put some photo cards I got in the mail from friends, on the tree. A different thing to do. Another blogger friend put Christmas cards on hers. So I decided to put photos on mine.

This ceramic tree and children has been around awhile. I bought it at Ben Franklin craft store. Remember them? I painted the tree and Megan painted the little children. They look like they've had too much hot chocolate. There is a light under the tree and when it's turned on, the red "lights" are on and we enjoy it. My daughter in love calls them the children of the corn!

Phil and I outside the care home where my mom lives, Oct. 8, our 34th wedding anniversary. Lovely little garden area. Photo below is my mom, Francis, with Santa,Dec. 13. I went to the Christmas dinner they have every year for the residents and they families. This is the 4th year we've shared this meal together!

Celebrate Jesus' birth this CHRISTmas!
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

A Week B4 Christmas

2011-12-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we went to my husband's work Christmas party in downtown Portland. It was held at the Nine's hotel for a 3rd year in a row. I made sure we knew which street to take once we got there. Good thing I had a map to look at prior to driving up there. Looked at what street to come back on as last year we went to far but made it home ok. This route was much better and it's always easy to get lost in the city if you don't know where you are going. (i.e. Getting on the wrong side of the river, then find the right bridge to take you back over and find where you need to be. ) Besides all that, we had a good time and I am sharing a few photos of the evening.

Inside, 6th floor, when the restaurant is, were beautiful decorated trees and packages. I loved that there was purple! The Pioneer Courthouse and tree photos are taken from inside, through the window. I am amazed how clear and pretty it looks. They must keep the windows quite clean, inside and out.

Below the Nines, is Macys and I enjoy looking at their windows before Christmas. Oh, little children with no faces....interesting.

Looking up at the flags hanging from the Nines hotel. Man with back to camera is my husband. Looking down the street at Pioneer Courthouse Shopping center. We were waiting for our car to arrive from valet parking, which was paid for by the company! Nice and so was the food. We sat by our son and his wife for dinner and some other people. President of the company even came by, sat down and chatted a bit. That was nice. Prior to the dinner, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman and found out he's a retired Marine General! We had a pleasant conversation.

Fast forward a couple weeks and I've been shopping today for my husband's birthday present and birthday pie. Out in the cold fog again! Bought a couple pies at Baumans' where they have a wonderful bakery in their farm store of goodies. One pie for us and one for a co-worker who is leaving to move with husband to Oklahoma early Jan. I know she'll need some yummy food for now as there is so much for her to do. I dropped it off at work today and she was so happy! I will miss Jerry, worked with her for six years. She helped me learn my cashier job when I started and keeps me sane on Thurs. when we work together. I will add another day to my work schedule now that she's leaving ....4 days not 3, so that I will need to get used to that. I usually do some soups on Mon. and it's hard to do when I'm not here so make it on the weekend and put in fridge. But it's manageable as life always is when things change. Hubby's birthday is tomorrow and Daughter's birthday is Tue. Oh fun times so close to Christmas.
I am keeping positive right now even though I miss my mom being able to be out and about and here with us for Christmas. She is well taken care of in the nursing home but it's different and still wishing she was like some older women that are her age or older, that come into the hardware store and buy a few things and look so dear and dressed nicely. But life moves on and we deal with changes of parents losing some functions in their life, children growing up, having children of their own. I miss them being here in the house, helping me make fudge, decorate the Christmas tree as a family, making cookies. Looking and wondering about the presents under the tree.........so many wonderful memories. Now it's quiet and so different but I make myself happy thinking of Christmas as it should be. Celebrating Jesus' birth~Rejoice! Still being able to gather with our adult children for the holiday and loving the adorable grandchildren. It's a new phase in my life I am still getting used to. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Bright Christmas lights, star or angel on the Christmas tree.....ornaments I've collected over the years. These past two years I've used my Precious Moments ornaments. No cat or kids to run into the tree. Enjoying quiet time; watching the Muppet Christmas Carol; looking at lights on neighbors houses; reading Christmas cards we get from our mailbox.

CHRISTMAS!
Share some happiness and goodwill
Wherever you go!
Be the light to brighten someone's day!
That's a gift Jesus would like us to give!
No wrapping required!

Snoqualmie Falls

2011-12-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have resurfaced into the blog world. I have been busy with work, getting over my cold (finally) and Christmas projects. I just finished a photo book on Snapfish and ordered 3 tonight so they will be here next week. Two are for gifts. I can't wait to see them! Before I rush off to make a batch of fudge for my work Christmas party, I want to share a couple photos of Snoqualmie Falls, in Washington state. Phil and I visited there a week before Thanksgiving. The water was just thunderous and beautiful! Enjoy and now I must head to the kitchen! Good night!

I'm Tired

2011-12-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a long week. I've had a cold for a week. I worked 3 days as well. I'm feeling better but right now I don't care much about nothing! I was out this afternoon doing a bit of shopping (but couldn't find what I wanted for a decent price. So annoying and only bought some groceries at Trader Joes. I love going there! ) Had to pick up a CD that I won from a radio station.....now I'm just reading through some bloggy friends posts before heading off to bed. Tomorrow maybe I'll make cookies and go to a cookie exchange...or not. Will make cookies....hubby has a cookie exchange on Monday at work. Sunday we are taking care of the grandchildren later in the day. So have a busy weekend so best rest up! It's been low 40s F. all week and freezing at night. No snow. Dry. Fog for days and barely any sun. Oh wait, there was sun yesterday but it was still cold. Ice on windshield when I got off work. Stopped at a store on way home to look for a gift....came out, windshield was all iced over. But thermometer at home was 4 degrees above freezing. Must have been freezing particles of moisture in the air? Will share some photos when I get feeling better. Now the blankets of my bed beckon me. I can sit here no longer before I fall into........you know the rest. Oh yeah, sit ups too......
Later, my friends and have a good weekend. The Christmas tree is in our living room. I've not done much other decorating. Maybe tomorrow! Ok, bye!

Calendar Winners

2011-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Just as I promised I am having a calendar give away again this year. But as you can see there are 3 2012 calendars to give away. How about that? One is an ocean theme, from Bandon, OR trip in April, 2011. The second calendar is flower themed, all from around Oregon. The third calendar is from the Festival of Balloons that was taken in Tigard, OR June 2011.
OK winners of the calendar give away are as follows:
Erin--Ocean themed calendar, Crystal---flower themed calendar, Suzanne (Window on the Prairie)----Hot Air Balloons themed calendar. Now I just need your addresses....Erin, I know yours but you must answer to claim your prize! Email me at snapperbeckatgmaildotcom. Congratulations! Thanks for entering!

First Sunday of Dec...Music

2011-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

I saw this youtube of the Celtic Women singing The First Noel on a friend's blog post today. So I had to share it on my blog. Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus' birth. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanksgiving Highlights

2011-12-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving festivities were at our house this year. On Wed. evening I opened up a book and made a recipe for a pie that I'd not made. I had looked at it earlier that week to find something yummy. Paradise Pumpkin pie was yummy, a type of cheese cake. I bought this book and 2 later editions and found that I had not used them frequently enough. I have enjoyed reading it again. I'd found marked pages of items I wanted to make and did craft a few things but not enough. Talk about good intentions! I did make a pie though and last year I made a breakfast in bread recipe from one of the books as well. So here's the pie in front of the book after it was baked. The other photo is in front of the recipe, just cuz I wanted to.

On Thanksgiving, our grandchildren arrived with their mom and dad and so did our daughter. She had to leave early to go to work but was able to enjoy time with family. Here's a photo of Melody. She said:"I will stand still so that you can take a picture of me, grandma." I was kinda shocked to hear her say that but so cute! And she did stand still. As you can see, the stuffed rabbits and dolls are out being played with. Then there's her little brother, Owen, now 10 1/2 months old, with his dad's hat on.
Tradition in our family is to feed the baby a little bit of sparkling cider and get a funny face, and it worked on Owen. I was out of the room but Phil grabbed the camera. Years ago we did it to our oldest nephew, about Owen's age! Why? because it's fun and it doesn't hurt them.

I couldn't believe this happy face I got from Owen before they were to leave. Erin did something behind me to get him to laugh! It's hard to get a smile from him as he can be so serious. He doesn't like men alot, even grandpa. He will come to me though but if he's not liking something, he will cry. Hope he grows out of it soon! Then here's Owen and Melody ready for the ride home. One of 3 photos and none of them Melody's complete face but it's cute!

Melody is wearing the sweater I made her. I asked her earlier who made that sweater she was wearing. She said"I think you did, grandma." Then here's the last piece of pie, as you can see the cheese cake part on the bottom with the pumpkin pie part on the top. We ate the last piece Tues, splitting it cuz there were two of us here, to fight over it! It was still good! I think I'll make it again sometime!

After everybody was gone, Phil and I brought out the double twelve dragon dominoes we have had for years. We bought it in England at the base exchange. When I am tired but still want to play a game, we play this. It was fun. As always, we have to stand them up and make a big line up and push them from one end and they all fall down, before we put them away. Doesn't everybody?

Last Friday I'd written in my post about going to a mall for to see if I'd win $250 shopping spree and 4 Brandon Heath tickets. I had a friend go with me, after calling quite a few people, alot not home cuz it was Thanksgiving weekend. Anyway we went and had a nice time even though I didn't win anything. Here is the beautiful wreath across from Macys and above the ice skating rink. Years ago our high school choir would sing at this mall near Christmas. I went 3 or 4 years and it was fun. The mall wasn't enclosed then and the first year we wore our choir robes and nearly froze. The following years we wore our coats!

Here is Andy, the radio announcer and Laura, at the booth. Andy is the morning radio personality that wakes me (and many other people) up in the a.m. It was nice to meet him.

Here I am after Tammy and I did a bit of shopping. I didn't buy much but I love this little bag from Made In Oregon. It's so festive. I did take a photo of Tammy but I promised I wouldn't put it on my blog or facebook. Some people just don't like their picture taken. I wanted to prove I was there. It did get me into the spirit of Christmas a bit more. I love the decorations for Christmas.

My Black Friday

2011-11-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

I didn't go to the mall or stores today and encounter a crowd. I visited with my mom over lunch at the nursing home where she lives instead. We loved the sunshine that was apparent in the dining room, only sparodic fluffy clouds hung in the sky, not appearing to have any rain in them. We've had alot these past few days. I travelled a few miles to Costco and picked up some items that were on sale there. Bought two items of food and then a Pepsi for my drive home! AH! quiet, since hubby is working. The only Black in this day is that I didn't max a credit card. So far, no credit card use, unless I shop on line which I might at Amazon. I still have money in the checking account! That's a good thing,right!?
Checking my email gave me a surprise when I got home! I signed up for prizes from The Fish radio station in Portland. I am one of the 50 qualifiers for the grand prize of a $250 shopping spree and 4 tickets to the Brandon Heath concert next Sat. OH MY!!!! I am SO EXCITED! I just have to go to a mall up in Portland and go to their booth between noon and 2 tomorrow! Need to be present to win! Also other prizes! Can't wait! I will let ya know what happens!

(Photo above is from Pacific City, OR a few years ago. It's close to black as I could get from my arsenal of photos!)

GIVE THANKS

2011-11-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!
NAME THEM ONE BY ONE!
COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS,
SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!

We've Been Up To.....

2011-11-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

Life has been keeping us busy. On Veterans' Day, both hubby and I had the day off together. So we went to the biggest Veterans' Day Parade this side of the Mississippi! Seriously! Since it was the 60th year, it was a bit bigger. There were over 200 entries. We were on concrete for a long time, standing, saluting the flag and waving at people that waved at us when the parade passed by. We found a spot to stand that had some people from a care home sitting in front of us. So I was able to get some pretty good photos. There was one man that was a bit to the left of us, that stood up for the entire parade right by the people sitting down. Not nice! An older gentleman, a veteran of WWII was there with his wife. He would stand up and take a photo and stand and salute the flag. So neat. I'm sharing just a few right now.
First group to come by were the Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles. We could hear the Harleys coming! I think I saw a few of my friends in it. I was in this same parade on the back of a Harley a few years ago. The motorcycles are in the front because they can go a bit faster and not get held up in the slow pace that parades take at times.

Need anything from this guy? Dog on a stick, a flag, horns, weird hair?

This was on the truck bed of a Gold Star mom, who lost her son (photo on the right). Her brother died years earlier in the Vietnam war. Let us never forget them who paid the ultimate sacrifice!
National Guard Army Band and the inflatable soldiers got a laugh. The male one got behind when he stopped to shake someone's hand. He had to hurry to catch up and looked so funny wobbling. He nearly fell over as well!

Our National Guard soldiers who have served in Iraq, safely home. Thank you!
A Coast Guard helicopter fly over!
There was a F-22 fly over as well, but they were higher and hard to photograph.

I like this dress made from red poppies that the American Legion sell to people! I wonder how many hours it took to make it? Creative indeed!What's a parade without horses?

After the parade, we drove over the American Legion Post that was hosting a free lunch for parade participants and veterans. We enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner. Later that evening we ate at Applebees in another town for dinner. Free Veterans' meals there as well. Drink not included. We waited half an hour for a table. The couple that was right next to us started up a conversation with us, man being in national guard. It was a pleasant day. A day to remember...11-11-11.

The next afternoon we went to visit and care for our adorable grandchildren while their mom and dad went out for a few hours. Owen didn't like that too well. He cried but at least it wasn't loud. I finally got him sidetracked to where he'd quit crying. Then he'd cry again, but was ok when sis Melody was in her room and he'd go down there and pick up something to play with. He actually sat on grandpa's lap for half an hour without crying.

The drum toy that Melody is holding has been a favorite of theirs. I found it when she was just a baby and it's been a grandma house toy that's a go-to! Even Owen loves it. You can turn it and roll it and then it plays different music. Melody wearing grandpa's reading glasses. She looks so intellectual! She actually is a smart little girl. We had lots of fun.
Owen in a no cry time. I brought toys from our house that's for them when they play here. So they had fun with them and then packed them up b4 we left. Owen is 10 months and Melody is 3.5 yrs old. Yes, already. Owen is walking!

What we aren't doing......is going for a walk this evening as it's so cold outside. Temp didn't get above 40 degrees today.......hubby not going up on roof to work on cleaning out the gutters.

I did make chicken bacon soup this evening to warm us up! We were watching the second Crocodile Dundee movie this afternoon with blankets over us to keep us warm. I finally turned the heat up higher. I drank two cups of hot tea to warm my insides up.
We did go Snoqualmie Falls in WA state on Thurs.....got wet but enjoyed the roaring falls.....we did break a leg on my tripod.....it's now a bipod for now........we did enjoy ourselves even though it was a long drive up there.......we did eat at a restaurant that we've never eaten at........we did have a nice sleep at a Comfort Inn.....love staying in them......we did save money with AAA on both rooms, Thurs and Friday.......I will be sharing photos of it soon! Including a video that I took!

A side note: As a photographer I do my best to take photos without annoying distractions. The power lines and poles in the parade photos are annoying but there's not a thing I can do about it. Cutting them down wasn't an option! They were everywhere! At least there were some nice red trees in the background! Sorry for the annoyance if it does annoy you! :0)

Please Do Have a Great Week my friends and thanks for stopping by~God bless you one and all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

Autumn Afternoon Walk

2011-11-13T19:42:00.001-08:00

Two Sundays ago, my hubby and I were on our usual afternoon trudge. I don't carry my camera with me. Why? Because we'd not get the exercise that we need with all the stopping I do. On this particular day the colors were so beautiful that I got my camera after the walk then walked up to this point with hubby again and I photographed. He went on his merry way again, as his usual trudge. He goes a second time as he can walk faster without me but the first time around we go together at a bit slower pace so I can walk. Granted, not a snail's pace but I have shorter legs than he does. Catch my drift there? These colors were so vibrant~

but what I really liked were the leaves that had fallen. They look like they could be wallpaper! But that would be expensive to do. Just a photograph will capture the essence of a beautiful autumn afternoon. Raindrops on leaves make it even more fun.

Here are the two trees that made the beautiful leaves. Green is nice but so is orange and yellow. Today when we walked by there weren't many leaves left on the tree or ground.

Walking back home, I spotted this colorful hydrangea bush in a neighbor's lawn.

These are two trees at the end of our street. Nice and colorful. Now one tree has no leaves on it (yellow) and the other one is orange/yellow. It's fun to watch them change as the weeks go by.

Raindrops on a rose still blooming in another neighbor's lawn.

Update on our lawn. It looks so pretty. It's longer now and still has some clover in it but it's lush and thick. I walked on it today.

My faithful rabbit that doesn't desert me surrounded by fallen leaves. Actually he's in the garage right now. I put him away when hallowe'en approached and he's still inside, along with the dory fishermen. It's cold outside...but they will probably come back out this week.

On Monday,10/31 I opened up the fall M&Ms and put them in the jar on the counter. Megan and I were being funny with them, as you can see. I am protecting my stash so don't mess with this grandma! HA! This is a jar my mom had and I use it for M&Ms. It takes awhile to eat them but that's ok! I wound up putting 3 bags in there, 3/4 full! Love the new colors. There are Christmas ones out now. I got these when they were on sale for 2/$5 and I had a couple coupons for 2/$1.00 off. Then I grabbed a couple bags after hallowe'en when they were 50% off. I kept one, gave one to a friend when I gave them some homemade cookies (still grieving the loss of their daughter from a few months ago.)

Map questing to see where we are going in Washington soon. I use the internet for reservations but use a map to find the route. It's easier to find where we are going. Love my AAA maps. This one has a couple holes on folds but it will weather this next trip to photograph Snoqualmie Falls. I am looking forward to it. Plus we get to visit with my sister.

One Foggy Morning

2011-11-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Tuesday morning I went out to get the newspaper and send a letter. This was the scene I saw. Even though I needed to eat breakfast and get ready for work, I grabbed the camera and took a few shots.