Mountain Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:41:00 +0000

SEVEN YEARS OF BLOGGING

MY WINDING ROAD

There is a long and winding road

High in the wooded hills

Where deer graze silently in the trees

And a tinkling waterfall spills.

Nature's symphony the only sound

Whispers softly in the breeze,

Embracing me oh so gently

Caressing the tall, majestic trees.

Small pebbles on the dusty road

Crunch softly as I stroll,

A spotted fawn watched trustingly

From a fern enshrouded knoll.

The scent of wild blackberries

Drifts through this woodsy place,

Whilst Buzzing bee's polinate blossoms

With accuracy and grace.

The peace and serenity in this place

Quicken deep within my soul,

To the youthful years long gone past

When once I walked a winding road.

{Just so you know, my winding road was actually a long sort of winding lane that took us to my grandma's house.}

This month I celebrate seven years of blogging and chose to post one of the first posts I did on my first Blog, Holytornado. I am not blogging as much as I did in the beginning, Face*book takes some of my time now as well as many other things, but I still post occasionally and I frequently check out my friends blogs.
I have met some wonderful people through blogging and have seen it as a sort of ministry in a way because we learn who has a need and can pray for them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Kerri's flowers. Joyful Chaos has taught us about her Amish life, Merle has shared Australia and her loads of jokes with us, Susan has been a great ministry pal, and Nezzy has kept me in stitches with her wonderful way of writing. Pea and Mary have entertained us with their life in Ontario, and Ralph's jokes keep us in a good humor too. My friend Ken is not blogging at present but this young man is very knowledgeable concerning political affairs and much more.
Thanks to all of you including those I haven't mentioned. We touch so many lives with our blogs. I just pray that mine has had a positive influence on all my readers.
I hope to continue blogging as long as my computer will hold out.
I pray the Lord's blessing on each of you my dear friends.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:10:00 +0000

Sir Tudie is waiting for Santa~

Miss Tildy sleeps all curled up on a big mama dog pillow with her bone nearby.

I found Sir Tudie all snuggled down in MY bed. Looks like he is thinking, "don't make me move please!" His fur is not thick so he gets cold pretty easy and loves to burrow. He also loves the fleece coats I made him.

Sails in the sunset on Bellingham Bay.

lots of cattails at Lake Padden in Bellingham. I love going here. Did you notice there are no homes on this lake?

I like the clouds in this shot at Bellingham Bay. Better if you enlarge it.

I hope to be doing a lot more Bible Study this year. I have had a very busy 2011, and 2012 may be just as busy but we have to take time for some things and Bible study is a priority.

I hope 2012 will be a good year for you.

God bless

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:51:00 +0000

THE WORLD'S TALLEST CHRISTMAS TREE

Here I am with my sisters, Bonnie and Barbara . The picture of Barbara I had to photoshop into an existing picture. A year or so after this picture was taken was very exciting for our town of Bellingham, WA., because we were told that we would be getting the world's tallest Christmas tree. My mom and dad kept us hyped by frequently talking about it and at school it was everyone's favorite subject.

It was 153' tall and was hauled into town on a log truck, a very strong log truck I should add! This is one of the pictures that was in our local newspaper. Looking at it now, I seriously doubt any company would be allowed to haul it on the roads these days, but back then, there was less traffic and this was a huge event for our little town.

After a slippery ride over the icy roads, we finally arrived at Railroad Avenue and three little girls and their mom and dad stared in awe at the tallest Christmas Tree in the world. It was held up by heavy steel cables and on the very top was a large cross.
I think now of the significance of the tree and the cross and realize how blessed I was to have lived in a time when people were proud to call it a CHRISTmas Tree not a holiday tree, to have a nativity at their business establishment, or at home. To wish one another a Merry CHRISTmas, not happy holidays. To send CHRISTmas cards that tells of Jesus birth and His great love for us and not be concerned about offending anyone.
Yes those were the good days but let me tell you, here is one lady that will never be bullied into leaving Christ out of Christmas or any thing else. He is and should be first and foremost in every part of our live. I will keep Him there.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND MAY OUR LORD JESUS BLESS YOUR NEW YEAR WITH HEALTH, LOVE, PEACE AND JOY !

OH YES, A LITTLE CHOCOLATE WOULD BE NICE TOO. :)

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:29:00 +0000

WHY CAN'T I PUT PICTURES ON MY BLOG ANYMORE?

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:20:00 +0000

It's that time again!! I borrowed this picture because I think it's beautiful.I don't have snow yet but it has been cold out. My garden is harvested, canned and frozen. My Fuji apple tree was loaded with apples but they were small because I didn't get it pruned last year. My granddaughter got two boxes and my bro in law gleaned most of the rest and is making apple juice. He brought me a gallon and it is really good. I have had a problem with the Flickers pecking holes in the apples but today I learned they are not the only critters around here who like apples!

Here we have one of the the little furry thieves! LOL

This little critter looks like he's saying, "I found it first!! It's mine, It's mine!!"

*****

My friend Bob passed away on the 26th. I had spent several weeks at his place taking care of him but he had to be in a nursing facility for five days before he passed away.

Today I made lots of cookies for his service tomorrow. It's about a three hour drive to get there. My girls are taking me. I don't know what I would do without them.

I haven't been blogging much but hopefully can get back into it soon

Love you all and pray you are well and happy. God bless.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:12:00 +0000

THIS & AND THAT

I took this autumn shot yesterday near where I am staying. I have it as a background on my monitor now. Two of my girls came to visit me. It was delightful to have time with them. I am missing home.

I haven't been able to get out to do much photography but got desperate one day and found some toadstools under the walnut tree to photograph. They didn't complain. LOL

Here they are fully opened.

I've had some cute animal pic's in my photo's for quite some time and thought you'd like to see a few. I love how gentle this big hound is with the tiny kitten. How sweet! And the kitten is so trusting!! That dog could easily inhale the little thing.

You'll have to enlarge this to see it clearly. I have raised chickens and kittens too. I sure would have surprised me to find a nest like this!
Oops!! I just found out it won't enlarge. It's little gray kitties with the eggs. Some old hen is going to be surprised when they try to nurse!

I have been at my friends place for 5 weeks now. He is in the hospital again with a staff infection in his blood. He has pancreatic cancer which has spread and he has jaundice so has had a couple surgeries to put stents in to drain his liver. He is very weak. If you feel led to pray for him it is very appreciated. I know the Lord can heal him if it's His will, but it's so hard to see him suffering while we wait.

I hope all is well in each of your lives and Autumn has made your world as colorful as it is here.

God bless

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:14:00 +0000

DOIN' THE PUYALLUP FAIR!

The girls at the motel the night before we do the fair.

At the fair

Checking out some of the huge quilt display.

An Autumn display.

Milkin' Time

This little piggie went to market? No way! He found his faucet and ain't movin'. These little guys were only a day old. Interesting that they each have their own nipple and don't share.

Here's Kathy having a little break on this nice horse head bench.

What's a fair without a Merry-Go-Round? EEEEE-HAW!

We had a wonderful time, just like last year and hope to do it again next year too.

****

I haven't been posting much because I am not living at home right now. I am staying with a friend who was diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer. Lots of appointments etc., happening here. As usual I thank you for prayers for him and me too.

God bless all my dear blog friends.

Hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 03:06:00 +0000

SUMMER FUN

Monkey see-monkey do. Victoria, my youngest great granddaughter sees the ladies of her family with fancy coffee's from starbucks, mocha's etc. So while at a family picnic she filled a plastic tumbler half full of gravel, stuck a stick in it...

Handed it to me and said, "here's your coffee, Mimi." Of course I had to play along and said a quick prayer before putting my lips on the stick straw pretending a long slurp, then saying, Ohhh, thank you. This is delicious. Her comeback set me straight as she gave me 'that' look. "It's only rocks Mimi!" Love that kid!

Great Granddaughter Julia, age 13 conquered her fear of singing in front of a group, and did a super job of singing in front of over two hundred delighted family and friends. Way to go Julia!

Here Miss Victoria is running ahead of her grandma and I in the beautiful wooded grounds of her great grandpa an his wife.

At this outing they hired a gentleman and his beautiful horses to give wagon rides around the property.

This picture was taken at Boulevard Park here in Bellingham one evening when three of my girls and I had spent the day together.

Something so romantic about lovers in the sunset.

That same day we went to a bar in Old Town Bellingham for supper. I had driven past the Waterfront Seafood and Bar countless times but had never eaten there. This building is the last one in town that sits on piling over the water of the bay. I saw a very big seal while we were sitting at our table waiting for our order. It had long whiskers. Maybe it was a sea lion?

This is my plate. Prawns and salad instead of fries. I thought it would be a little healthier but believe me they loaded the salad with cheese, olives, croutons etc. It was all very good. I am hungry for prawns again and Old Country Buffet has a special...maybe I will get over there soon.

Here is my youngest great grandson, Colton Ray with his beautiful mama, Aimee. This little guy waved Bye-bye to me and he was only four months old then. Can you believe that?

***

That's all folks!

God bless

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:57:00 +0000

gettin' around

For those who are interested, my friend John passed away on July 16th. Not from cancer but from an antibiotic he was prescribed. Please do the research before you take them.
My daughter Cyndra took me for a ride a few weeks ago to Oak Harbor here in Washington State. This picture is Deception Pass Bridge. The view is beautiful but the waters are treacherous.

Another shot of the water and cliff side.

This was taken at Fort Eby at the gun battery. It was a cloudy day but still beautiful. I love how the tall grass bends and sways in the breeze.

We had lunch at a nice cafe on the water at Coupeville. Parking was non existent so we had to walk a ways.

Cute little toadstool in my yard growing out of the beauty bark. Either this one is very poisonous or the mice haven't found it yet.

I thought this was unique. When I first saw it I thought it had a bright yellow center but when examining it more closely I could see the sun was shining through the back.

Here it is more closely.

Three of my girls and I went to Wood's Coffee last week. We have done that a few times and it is so wonderful to have time with them. After the sun went down we came back to my house and had popcorn and a super visit with lots of laughs. The Lord only knows how much I needed that!

Some of you may recognize the Lady Washington. She's a beautiful sailing ship and most welcome on our Bellingham Bay.

I haven't been blogging because I just haven't had the heart to do so. I will try to visit soon.

Love you all.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:45:00 +0000

JUNE AT BEV'S

The rain stopped but left a multitude of raindrops on everything. A closeup of this rose proves it.

Same rose, just not so close.

The Lord knew I needed a wild daisy plant growing in my flower garden. The striking white and golden blossoms really brighten up the garden.

Just look at how intricately He designed the center of the daisy.

Betcha can't guess what this is? I love how the seed pods open to such a sweet looking Little chandelier.

Can't leave out Miss Pansy. Just look at that sweet face!

This is the seed pod of Blue Nigella, also called Devil In A Bush or as I prefer, Love In A Mist.

Here's the Blue Nigella in blossom.

This old fashioned rose has been here for many years. It was growing at the little house we moved to in 1950. I started a few plants from a piece of a branch and have enjoyed it all this time. Sure wish you could smell it.

Above is just one of my flower gardens. I have had to battle slugs, rabbits, deer, raccoons and you name it in order to keep this one going.

Dear little Calla twins. Interesting the deer don't eat them up.

Here is a large bush of roses like the one I already showed. It seems to like growing over the old chicken house. Probably all that old manure!

Here she is close up. I think these roses are just gorgeous!!

I can never resist a picture of my columbine taken from underneath. Just something about it.

This pink peony is about 6 feet tall but the stems are too weak to support the blossoms which are huge. I have a tomato cage around it which it outgrew, then I staked it but as you can see it just isn't enough support. It looks like my garden angel is trying to hold the plant up with her back.

Here is a closeup of the above peony. My Sweet Kathy gave me this plant a few years back.

This years vegetable garden is very slow. Our spring like last year has been cold and wet so things just didn't grow well. At least my strawberries are producing. I have put about five gallons in the freezer and canned a few too. If the sun comes out I'll get a lot more and later will have tomatoes, cukes, both English and lemon, Beets, onions and corn. Already I am getting spinach, red leaf lettuce and oak leaf lettuce, kale, spinach and radish.

Thanks for letting me show you my yard.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:18:00 +0000

TREE HOUSE

Down in the hollow my son has found

a tree with elbows close to the ground.

A kindly, talkative, child loving tree,

serving as a patient old nursemaid free.

Scattering sun into speckled shade,

arranging it's arms into shapes just made

for holding giant nest's of wood.

If my son looked closer I'm sure he could

In the biggest limbs find nails time hid

for I built a tree house before he did.

Author Unknown

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:31:00 +0000

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Kenneth Andrew Banks born

August 24, 1917 Ferndale, WA

Here is my dad. This was taken in 1918. Love the dear old buggy and that fat cheeked baby boy!

Here he is around three with a playmate.

With his mother around seven years old. I remember in the 70's my kids wore Seafarer jeans with the wide legs like this and don't you live dad's hat?

Aren't grandma's shoes cute?

He is around ten in this photo with some friends apparently going swimming or maybe running through a sprinkler.

This picture always tickles me because he is making a face. This was taken around 1938 when he was about 21 years old. He is with mother in this picture. The little boy in back is cousin Clyde.

Still in his 20's here. Love the hat. He liked it too.

This is how I remember dad. He loved fishing and was excellent at it. He fished rivers mostly. The Nooksack, Samish and Skagit rivers were fairly close by and gas was twenty five cents a gallon. See my little sister and me way in the background? He is about 35 here.

Here he is about the same age with his mother Lucy. My cousin Phyllis's little boy Ronny is on the floor. Christmases with our Banks family were wonderful and I cherish the memories. See grandma's petticoat is showing. She wouldn't like that but I think it's cute.

Another favorite picture of dad when he was about 36. That is a 62 pound salmon he caught in the Skagit river. I well remember that day. As we drove up to the river we looked down and saw a huge salmon rolling in a backwash area. There were several fishermen fishing there but when dad saw that salmon roll he said, "that one's mine" and he hurried to the water rigging his rod on the way and cast directly into the spot the salmon had rolled The huge fish took his bait and the fight was on. It took a long time for him to land it but here's proof that he did. I was positive my dad was the best fisherman in the world.

Dad is 50 here with mom at my sister's wedding. Dad didn't like dressing up. He usually wore jeans and plaid shirts, flannel in the winter and cotton in the summer so seeing him in a suit was very unusual. He looked nice but I think he was uncomfortable and couldn't wait to get home, change clothes and get a cup of coffee with sugar and cream.

Again at age 50

Dad died from a heart attack about three and a half years after this picture was taken at age 54. I was 35. He believed in the Lord so I'm sure he is with Him in paradise now. Mom joined them in 2001.

Someday there's going to be one heck of a reunion going on up there!!!

Thank you dad for all the days you worked so we would have food and clothes and a place to live. Thank you for the wonderful Christmases and the sweet gifts.

Thank you for the surprises and for teaching me how to fish and keep the hook in the cork handle.

Thank you for laughing with me and not at me when I goofed.

Thank you for caring for me even when I was a brat.

I miss you

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 02:56:00 +0000

WHAT'S BLOOMIN'

It's been a busy day here. I met with friends for lunch then came home, put on my shorts and went to weeding the gardens. This is never ending. I was doing just fine yanking the long mean buttercups up by the roots when I felt something crawling on me. I finally took time to look down and discovered I was standing in an ant nest and those little critters were creeping around on my feet and legs up to my thighs. One even bit me! Gosh I did a quick stomping dance and brushed them off but as I sit here at the computer I feel like they are still crawling on me. Just now I felt something in my bra and thought it was an ant but discovered a sesame seed that dropped in at lunch.

Now for some of my June Posies.

Here is my very fragrant Patty Rose. I still don't know the real name so call it after my daughter who got me the twig from the mother plant so could start this one

Here is a close-up. I sure wish you could smell it.

The Columbine have re-seeded profusely and I have hundreds of plants all over the property. They are even growing in the bricks. It's fun when they re-seed because you get such a huge variety of shades of purple and pink.

I love to take pictures of these delicate blossoms from underneath with the sky in the background.

Most of my Rhody's were beat up so badly by the Bucks during the last rut that some didn't even bloom this year but this one is inside my fence where the deer don't go.

Here's another Columbine. Notice the dark purple color. This is another that was reseeded. I don't know where this color came from. Must be a throwback! The busy little fuzzy-butted bee wasn't the least bit bothered that I nearly placed my lens on his fanny. Maybe because his eyes are on his other end. It's interesting how the wings look white in this picture.

This little girl in my lower garden holds her skirt up to catch rain drops for thirsty little creatures.

I've always been fascinated with Iris but the older I get the better I like them. They are so easy to care for, the deer haven't bothered them, I just plant the rhizome and let the earth care for it. Except for the slugs and snails it's pretty safe and gives me a great deal of pleasure year after year.

The Lithodora is doing very well this year. The small clumps I planted a few years back have grown a lot. This one is about two feet in diameter. Another in the back yard is about five feet in diameter. I love the true blue of this blossom.

Age must have something to do with the colors we like. Or maybe they just grow on us. My mom in law gave me this Iris as a small rhizome many years ago. I thought the color was weird but wanted flowers so bad I planted it anyway. It still isn't my favorite but there is something regal about it. Or maybe it's because I loved my mom in law so I love her Iris.

Yellow Pansy and purple violas. The pansy isn't doing much blooming, only one or two blossoms at a time. Maybe it's just intimidated by the profusely blooming viola. It sort of looks rather ashamed of itself hanging it's head down like that! LOL

My Paul II Clematis is really showing off this year and I'm loving it!! I have it growing between the house and the shed. The deer usually find it and eat the blossoms but this year I strung rope up so they will have to struggle a bit to get to this clematis. As a result, I am enjoying over 50 blossoms!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lovely purple Columbine in the sky.

Say 'cheese' Tildy! Who says doggies don't smile? Matilda Rose does it all the time. She laughs too. Really!

Here's my mellow yellow Day Lily. I don't know if it actually has a name. I've had it so long I don't even know where it came from.

I've only had this Iris a few years but it is definitely one of my favorites! It has a tiny bit of lavender but it's barely noticeable. I have two of these plants and one is nearly waist high. Talk about a show-off!

Here is a closeup of the same Iris.
I thought the yellow part looked like a colorful caterpillar so.....

I took a macro shot, then put it in photo shop and added another eye. If you enlarge this you can see it better. I think he makes a very pretty critter. Can you think of a name for it?

Fresh salad vegetables and hot oatmeal bread. Life is so good.
Thank you dear Lord, and God Bless You Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Mon, 16 May 2011 03:22:00 +0000

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL

Once in a long, long time someone does something so special for me that it totally hugs my heart. This time my great grandson Kenny has touched me to happy tears with the Mother's Day card he designed especially for me. The piece of blue paper on the bottom is to pull fast on then the card will open.

When it's closed it is a house. When it it opened it is a Church.

Here is the sweet message this precious child wrote to me, his words & spelling.
"Dere Meme I love you so much I code huge you (for) ever"

I don't know any grandma who wouldn't be delighted with such a sweet card. Kenny is a very inventive and talented child as you can see.
Thank you Kenny. You have made me a very happy grandma.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Wed, 11 May 2011 04:05:00 +0000

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor by the arrow that flies by day; Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you, Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. "Because he has set His love upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation."

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:18:00 +0000

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM

Irene Rosalind Ferris-Banks

March 31, 1919-June 26, 2001

She married Kenneth Andrew Banks on October 30, 1937 and they raised three daughters.

Mom loved God, family, babies, her gardens, fishing and rock hounding.

She worked away from home for many years and still was able to raise huge gardens, can the produce, raise and butcher countless chickens, turkeys and geese and make delicious meals.

She could fish the rivers with the best of them, scale, gut and cook her catch as well as Dad's.

She made home brew and wine and root beer that sometimes blew up in the attic.

She sewed beautiful clothes for her daughters and cut and permed their hair. She cut her husband's hair too but she didn't perm it. :)

She washed clothes in a wringer washer and hung them on the clothesline to dry, then sprinkled them with water to dampen them and ironed them to perfection.

She listened to everyone's troubles and laughed with them in happy times.

With dad's help she brought beautiful Christmases to our house even when money was tight. She made candy and sewed new clothes for last years dollies after giving them a much needed bath and worked hard to make our little cottage a celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

She taught us how to make colorful paper chains for the Christmas tree dad brought in and helped us drape them over the tree.

She created beautiful Easter baskets from round oatmeal boxes and colored crepe paper using flour and water paste.

She taught us to make do or do without. She was the 'mother of frugal' and she was generous and kind.

She would be 92 now and planting her garden if she were still with us.

I can only imagine the gardens she is planting in heaven.

Love you mom.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:08:00 +0000

WISHING YOU

A BLESSED RESURRECTION DAY

Listen to a great song.

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=sharebutton&utm_campaign=searchbuttons#Dolly%20Parton/all/1/775878417

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:47:00 +0000

APRIL SURPRISE!

Yes we got snow this morning, Not a lot, maybe half an inch to an inch but it was certainly enough to cool my feverish desire to get out and pull weeds and play in my gardens like I did yesterday! Temp was around 38 degrees. I had a hot drink and went back to bed!

I started my Ttuberous Begonias in the house the end of February and this sweet little thing decided to bloom for me even though it is still in the house. Isn't it pretty?

My Great Grandson' birthday took us to a ranch in the mountains. He is four now and a darling little guy. There were a lot of people there. I was able to escape for a while to take a little walk with my camera. Above is a view looking into the woods. Enlarge to see better.

There are some fruit trees on one side of the big house. This one has a lot of Moss and lichen hanging on it. I used to think this wasn't good for the trees but according to Master Gardner Cisco, it doesn't hurt them at all. Nice to know since my old Gravenstein Apple tree has an abundance of green moss covering the huge branches.

A sunset. This picture was found in my parents photo's. I think it is awesome.

~~~

An update for those interested. My 16th great grand baby was born on April 6th. His name is Colton Ray. You may remember last year at this time Colton's mommy lost a baby girl, Lillian Isabella who died before she was born. Needless to say we have all been very concerned about this pregnancy, but thank our merciful Lord, Little Colton and his mommy are doing just fine. I saw him the day he was born and am looking forward to having some time with him again. Great Grandma's arms need to hold a baby. LOL I will get permission to post pictures.

My friend John has several appointments coming up, one will be a biopsy to determine whether he actually has bone cancer or if it is just calcium deposits. They can look identical in the X-Rays.

Of course we are praying there is no cancer. Thank you for praying with us.

I pray you are all doing well. God bless you.

Hugs & Prayers!

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:46:00 +0000

BIRTHDAY, POSY'S & SUNSET

Tori is four and got the traditional train cake this year. Beautifully made my her mommy and uncle David. It was also a good bye Binky party. Click on it to see detail.

Here's our sweet, little birthday girl. She was a little shy when we sang Happy Birthday to her but she handled it very well and didn't hide under the table like her cousin did when we sang to her. LOL

Her special gift was this pretty pink bike. She got a little monkey too and put it in the basket.

Another birthday, that of this dwarf Iris. I saw the color out my kitchen window and had to go investigate. It's only about six inches tall but sure is a cute, sassy looking posy sticking it's tongue out like that!

Ah yes! The crocus always says SPRING to me.

And the sweet primrose can't be forgotten. Did you know that some of these are fragrant?

Looking at a Snowdrop from way down under! I love how the sky makes such a nice background for flower photo's.

On my way home from Tori's party I noticed the sun was setting. I had my camera so of course I had to pull over and walk up and down the Boulevard to find the right places to take pictures from. This is a shot of 'Sleepy Bellingham Bay.'

I think this one is especially nice. I love how the setting sun casts a golden glow across the water and wonder how it would feel to be in a boat and have that glow surrounding me.

I pray all is well with you and yours and you are enjoying the wonderful signs of spring like I am.
God bless

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:57:00 +0000

TAX TOKENS

Around sixty-five years ago when I was a little girl, I could take three of these babies to the corner store and trade them for a penny which could buy a gum ball, a long licorice whip, an all day sucker, a jaw breaker or any of a huge assortment of penny candy's.

WHAT HAPPENED?

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:19:00 +0000

It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong;

not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich;

not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned;

and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.”

~Francis Bacon Sr.~

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:01:00 +0000

I hope this link works. I saw this on my daughter' Patty Jo's Facebook and really want to share it with you.
God bless all these motorcyclists.

http://www.godvine.com/Christian-Veterans-Protect-the-Funeral-of-a-Fallen-Soldier-278.html

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:33:00 +0000

DEER & TRIVIA
I haven't been able to upload photos with Blogger so am trying with Picassa.

A doe gave birth to twins last summer. She kept them pretty well hid until the cold, hungry winter months. Now she brings them to my front yard to nibble the grass and what ever they can find to fill their hungry tummies.
I know I shouldn't be feeding the deer, but if you take a good look at this little fawn and see how skinny she is, and see the trusting, pleading look in her big brown eyes, well what would you do? She was looking in the window at me.

An apple a day won't keep the hunger away but maybe it helps a little bit. I'm pretty sure this one is a little buck. He is much more adventurous than the other. The fawns and their mother don't take food from my hand and I'm glad. It isn't a good idea for them to be too comfortable with humans. Not everyone would feed them.

This little guy is sticking his tongue out at me and I'm sure he is thinking, "When I grow up and get antlers I will come and destroy whats left of your shrubbery." But for now he is hungry and I have a mother's heart.

My brother in Law does some beautiful photography. He and my sister spend time in Eastern Washington which is where i believe this photo was taken. I love old houses and barns. My imagination goes wild thinking about the family who once lived here, the children playing in the fields and trees and mama cooking over a hot wood cook stove while Dad is out in the fields. Yes I do love pictures like this.

I hope I can get blogger to upload my pictures soon. I pray all is well with you and yours.

UPDATE ON JOHN: His second opinion doctor told him he definitely has bone cancer and gave him two years. However he didn't do a biopsy so I don't know how they can be sure.

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:57:00 +0000

I can't seem to load any photo's. Anyone else having this problem?

noreply@blogger.com (Mountain Mama) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:43:00 +0000

FEATHERS, FUR & BLOSSOMS OF HOPE

A little feathered friend.

I thought I would share a little of what's happening in my world this cold and dreary winter.

I keep birdseed in an old cookie sheet on the back deck and as you can see I have many visitors. Here a Dark Eyed Junco stands on the rail waiting for her turn.

I sat very still in front of the slider and took pictures through the glass. Any fast movement and the birds were gone in a flash of feathers and little bird poopies. This Stellar's Jay was especially nervous and no wonder. I have had a huge bald eagle hanging around.

Song Sparrows are such sweet little birds. Not the show off type but their song brings Spring to life in this lady's heart! I am fascinated at how birds can get a seed in their beak, open it to eat the inside and discard the hull. How can they do that? If I put a whole peanut in my mouth and try that, I have to spit out the whole thing! Yes I did try. LOL

The Rufus Sided Towhee is another shy little creature. It's brick red sides in contrast with the black and white coloring make this little fellow really stand out in the snow. His eyes are the same color as it's red sides. Enlarge the photo and see.

Ok, now for the fur. This doe (in the back) had these twin fawns last summer. She kept them quite well hidden most of the summer but now with the freezing winter upon us and so little for them to forage they are coming to my front yard to eat the grass and whatever else they can find. There is very Little nutrition in it this time of year, but it's something to fill their tummy's. The babies still have most of their fuzzy winter coat although some is gone.

Here are the kids, looking to see if I have apples for them. I can't believe I am feeding them. They will grow up and destroy more of my flowers and shrubs.

But for now, they are hungry babies and I have a mother's heart.

Believe me, it's awfully hard to resist these hungry brown eyes. They don't come close enough for me to touch them but do come within 4-5 feet, I think If I held out an apple they would take it from my hand. I will try that next time they come. A few days ago while sitting at my computer I saw something out of the corner of my eye and was very surprised to find mama deer walking up the stairs to my front deck. Patty said one day she will be knocking at my door.

LOL!

Mama and her babies have finished the apples and are wandering up to the old apple tree where several large patches of English Violets grow. I love the way Violets smell. Deer love the way they taste! I will put blood meal around them after the deer have other things to eat. That will discourage them so I will have a few violets to enjoy.

Another kind of fur

Sir Tudie says, "I want winter to go away!! It's too cold." Here he is burrowed down into my blankets, head on my pillow too. I bathe him and Matilda often because I won't want to wake up smelling like a dog. Isn't he cute though?

It has been quite cold here, in the teens with snow and ice all over. It's snowing again now as I type. A light dancing sort of snow, softly drifting whichever way the breeze carries it. It's a lazy day. I think I will do what Tudie is doing.

As I look out at the snow and feel the chill of winter, I remind myself that in about two months, just 8 short weeks, my Gravenstein apple tree will be blooming once again, just as it has for about seventy-five years. Blossoms give me hope. Hope for another beautiful spring, hope for my country, hope for all those I love.

THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER. I CAN HAVE HOPE IN ALL THINGS BECAUSE OF YOU.

***

Please remember to hold my friend John up in prayer. He sees his doctor on the 4th.