Run Baby Run!

These are some of my favorite photos. Not because necessarily spectacular--but because of the unexpected content!

My husband and I went to the Oregon coast for our 26th anniversary. The weather was spectacular, as were the sunset and seas . . . we were snuggling together, up on the side of one of the cliffs overlooking the ocean, when we noticed a photographer setting up his camera tripod on the rocks below. You can see him in the photo above, when you click for the larger sized photo.

As we watched his intensity, we became increasingly concerned for his safety--the waves were awesome, beautiful--the sunset was perfect--but the tide was coming in along with the surge from an incoming storm and HE was in danger--not to mention all that expensive equipment!

We watched in horror and disbelief as the waves wildly pummelled the rocks, closer and closer--sometimes splashing clear over his precarious perch.

We watched breathless as the photographer waited until the very last moment possible to dash to safety across the dangerously slickery rocks. The crashing waves missed him by a millisecond.

Watching we had felt so helpless--what would we have done if he had fallen? The photographer could not have known I was on the cliff clicking his dangerous escapade. What glorious photos he must have captured! What a relief he escaped unscathed.

Later looking at these photographs--I had to laugh--I know that feeling. Must stay to get that perfect picture.....Then run, baby RUN!

Nutty Squirrel

Here is our little friend who unexpectedly dropped to watch as I stacked firewood out back. I was able to click this picture of him before he scampered up the tree, humongous nut in mouth. He didn't seem to be very afraid and watched for the longest time. Interactive squirrel TV? I wonder.

As you can see he is eating his breakfast--a black walnut from our dastardly walnut tree in the back yard. I say dastardly--only in the fall, when I must take care of all those leaves which must be raked and disposed of--otherwise the grass will not grow. (Grin)

He is a little blurry, but I liked his pose and fearlessness. He was really enjoying that nut.

Cozy Napper

Crickette' is the other "woman" in my husband's life.

Though Crickette' seems to seek me out sometimes and even condescends to sit with me -- Alan is the true love of her life. She grooms his hair, kisses his lips (when she can get away with it), sits in his lap and hooks him with a claw to get his attention when he walks by. She demands treats and adores his bearded face.

And of course, as you can see, she's so darn cute she can get away with it!!!

Another great thing about this sweet little cat is she doesn't like to chase birds and such. It is beneath her. Perhaps, along with loving the same man, that is why we tolerate one another!

What is THAT?

Eola Inn Restaurant is located along the Willamette River near Salem. The view is better than spectacular. One can often see bald eagles and golden hawks along with geese, ducks and other birds, swooping and dipping along the river. And if the view weren't attraction enough, their tasty meals are incredibly reasonable.

We were having lunch with our friend Vern, when I noticed this awesome cloud. Of course, I had my camera along and no one seemed to mind when I leaped to my feet to press my camera against the gigantic glass windows to take a picture. It must be a common occurrence? Anyhow, here you see what I saw. . .I think it might be a space ship?! What do YOU think?

Sunset Stormin'

Heading on Highway 99 just before the small town of Dundee--I became so enthralled with the unexpected beauty of clouds and skies--I could not drive properly. So I pulled over near a great field and started taking pictures.

This is one of my favorites from that early evening sky show. I love this photo--an Oregon rainstorm sweeping into the sunset.

Unexpected Bounty

In late summer, when warmth still tinged the air, Clytie and I found this unexpected bevy of fragrant blackberries festooning a prickly pine tree.

I can taste those warm, sweet berries yet. And as always I yearn for summertime.

Daddy Update: Great news! Dad has formally been discharged from the wound specialist. The top of his head is completely healed. He has also been fitted for a more comfortable neck collar to support his still-broken neck.

However, Dad is still having flashbacks to his time in the prison camp--they are even more vivid than before. Yesterday Dad went to the VA Hospital for some tests to find out why. I would appreciate your continued prayers for the healing of Dad's neck and the cessation of those flashbacks. Mom would appreciate your prayers, too. This is all very hard for her.

Ice Feathers

The other night we had our first taste of frost. For years I've tried to catch the beautiful feathered designs spread across the window glass of my car. Here is the result of my most recent attempt. The colors and design are just exquisite! The ice faeries did a glorious job, didn't they?

If you look closely, I think you can see the profile of a little bluebird, complete with wings outspread in front of him. (grin) I know, I know--I have a GREAT imagination!

Rainbow Tears

My wise and wonderful sister Clytie once told me years ago--you can't have a rainbow without the rain.

This morning I found a most perfect quote given by another dear sister of mine. It suits this day of rainbows.

Almost any rainbow
Finds a place to start,
In a rain stained heaven,
Or a tear stained heart…
--Lillian Everts
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Take hope--sometimes sadness can result in beauteous joy.

Anna's Hummingbird

Yesterday I was out taking pictures of some amazing cloud formations streaming across the skies, when I heard a loud chittering. I answered back as I often do--and from there began quite a conversation.

Finally curiosity got the better of me and I stepped closer to the pond and overhanging branches to see who was making all the fuss. There was a tiny grey hummingbird. The little fellow tipped his bright eye at me and chittered to me. I answered back--both in hummingbird and human speak--and he flew a little closer. Then he sat on the branch and told me all about whatever it was that was bothering him. Whatever it was seemed quite important.

So I cleaned and filled the feeder for him. This morning I saw him flit past the living room window.

Apparently there is new research out about hummingbirds. It was once thought they did not winter over in cold areas--but flew south for the winter. Contrary to that idea, it appears these little birds are quite hardy, often braving temperatures way past freezing.

They sleep in dense evergreen foliage near houses and fences.

If you do have a wintering hummingbird, they advise that once you put a feeder out, you must keep the feeder going all winter--changing the elixer every six days. This is because the little fellows would have to forage further for food and might starve without the feeders in place.

Now I shall have to name my noisy little visitor. They can become quite tame and have been known come within a few feet of the people who care for them. When the feeders are empty, they will even ask for them to be filled!

I'm looking forward to getting to know this teeny little fellow. I can already see he has quite a huge personality.

Note: Abe Lincoln of http://mybirdsblog.blogspot.com who clicks the most amazing photos of birds in his back yard, believes this may be a female ruby throated Hummingbird.

The Beauty of Redwood

We were gone in total three nights. Our performances went very well. Our audiences laughed and they cried. It is wonderful and fulfulling to see how people's lives are touched and changed through such a small thing as a story.

On our way home along the Redwood Highway, we stopped at two Redwood Beryl shops. Both places were truly unique. The whimsical building above was built by a man who's imagination and creativity know no bounds. I was fascinated not only with the building, but with the beautiful things within. I had the privilege of meeting this incredibly talented old dreamer woodcarver. I had the joy of shaking his hand.

I loved this incredible jolly faced carving. I have to admit, I have a special place in my heart for craggy faces. The wrinkles of a face well-lived, are truly beautiful to me. They charm and delight my heart. I long to hear the stories behind such fascinating features.

These two faces were carved into the log supports for the building. I especially enjoyed the old man who's sticking his tongue out.

Here are two more wonderful carvings which were a part of an actual tree posing as a support in the center of this amazing place.

You can see why I loved this handsome crinkled face.

Here is a chair which was built by the son of the master carver. I sat in this one. It was amazingly comfortable. I would have brought it home with me, had I the financial means to buy it.

This wonderful carving of horses came from the second beryl shop. The owner of the shop had the kind of weathered face so filled with personality, a woodcarver might be tempted to put the man's likeness into one of the trees he loves so much.

The eagle was so graceful and fierce I was in awe of him.

I would have brought this saucy moose home with me if I could have--his ears are made from hollowed redwood beryl. I think he might have been flirting with me...what do you think?

Here is the entrance to the shop where I found the horses, eagle and moose. I LOVE those trees. I would love to have a few of them in my garden. I think the faeries who live there would like them too. (grin)

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These unusual places were like museums. Though I took a lot of pictures of mountains and clouds during our trip--I was so taken by the unexpected beauty of the carvings we found in these out of the way, incredible redwood beryl shops--that I wanted to feature them on today's blog.

Morning's Glory

I don't usually put up more than one photo on this blog. But this morning's splendor caught me by surprise . . . as did the news that our dear old friend Henry flew away to heaven last night.

He wasn't feeling too well--so to be free of the pain and weakness he had, must have been a revelation of glorious freedom.

His flight from this world into the next...

Must have been breathtaking.

Good bye, dear Henry. I will see you on the day I fly away to join you and so many others I love.
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In the meantime, oh, I will miss you. And I will smile when I remember you.

Sun Circle

I just went outside a few moments ago and was amazed to catch this unexpected glimpse of a rainbow circling the sun. Up until recent years, I had read about them, but had not actually seen one myself. Only a moment later and the rainbow was gone. I consider it a privilege and a blessing to share this wonderously colorful Sun Circle with you.