Random Challenge - Flowers!

We've decided to take a walk each day for our health's sake, whenever possible.  This morning was lovely with rare sunshine glinting through the tulip tree blossoms.

The dew was still fresh on the daffodils smiling from the edge of the sidewalk.

I have not seen this blue of a sky in what feels like forever!  Even we Oregonians, during this record-breaking rainy month of March, have grown tired of our gray skies.  This blue just fills my eyes.

Then more daffodils starring the gardens along the sidewalk--what a lovely sight to see!

Join us in the flower challenge at Random Challenges!

Blossom Tea

My darling Friend Lynn introduced me to Blossom Tea last week.  It starts out as a dry, tightly pressed ball about the size of a large marble.  When boiling water is added it begins to bloom--as you can see above.

Then suddenly a string of blossoms pops up from the larger bloom.  It was the prettiest thing I've seen in a long time, and the tea was delicious.

This is a closeup shot of the lower bloom.  I thought the bubbles gathering on the petals of the tea blossom were lovely.

All Keyed Up

Yesterday I was giving my four-year old niece a little piano lesson.  Perched beside us was Snooperz the Cat.  He watched a long time with great interest, then with a tentative paw he touched one key--then two.

To our utter delight, Snooperz the Cat decided to "play" along with us.  He seemed fascinated by the sounds, as well as small glimpses of the hammers plunking on the strings as he made his way along the piano keys.

After a long morning of "playing" piano, Snooperz decided to take a well-deserved nap.

What a dear little fellow he is!  I have missed the sounds of music booming throughout the house since the kids left home--now we hear, er, music in the house again.   When I told Clytie about our piano-playing feline, my brilliant sister suggested the perfect title to this blog entry--All Keyed Up. 

The Sea Captain

For years my husband told Sea Captain stories to our children.  The Sea Captain and his little friends had all kinds of adventures.

Only once did we think we might have caught a glimpse of the Sea Captain.  He came visiting one evening.  But we were not there.  The Sea Captain left a big pot of fragrant hot chowder on the stove along with some crunchy brown garlic bread.  His note said he was sorry he'd missed us, but had been called back to his boat because of an emergency.   (wink, wink, wink)

I've always had a picture in my mind of what the Sea Captain might look like.

Last weekend my husband and I traveled to the Oregon Coast.  We had a lovely adventure, including staying with Captain Grady and his lady Sandy.  You've probably already guessed, but Captain Grady is exactly as I have always imagined the Sea Captain might look.

The Captain and his deck hands fish for crab off the Oregon Coast.  We actually had the privilege of hopping aboard his boat, the Aquarius.  Learning how a real Captain and crew ply their trade was fascinating.

As are all Sea Captains, he is a wonderful storyteller. His stories about close encounters with modern pirates curl one's toes with fear!  There is an atmosphere, a mystique about the sea and those who seek her treasures.  It is a whole different world with its own wonderful rhythm.

What a charming couple are the Captain and his Lady.  I know we will be back for a hearty hug and a warm hello.

Beauty in a Mud Puddle - Weekend Reflections

It has been raining so much here in Oregon, that even for those of us who consider ourselves as having "webbed feet," are tired of it.  This has been the wettest March on record!

Setting that aside, it is amazing the beauty one can find reflected in a mud puddle.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Daffy Down Dilly Springtime - Weekend Reflections

Spring has arrived early this time around.  A few weeks ago, I took this picture when we were threatened with some light snow and freezing temperatures.  The snow did sprinkle the ground and the dew froze.  Here you see our garden's Springtime Daffy Down Dillies resplendent in gorgeous frozen dewdrop earrings.  It didn't hurt these miniature daffodils one bit--they're in full bloom now.  What a spot of bright color they make on this gray, gray day.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Heart of Bramble - Guest Heart Thursday

Walking in the woods of our childhood late last summer, Sissy and I happened upon this broken bramble--one of the leaves had browned and curled into this perfectly shaped heart.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Heart on the Mountain - Guest Heart Thursday

We were on our way to Puyallup to make our appearance at Gramma Gladys' birthday party.  We were only about a half hour away, when I spied a heart on the mighty Mount Rainier!  Can you see it?

Here's a closeup of the heart--that must be some canyon right there!

Happy GHT, eveyone!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Flames in the Skies

On my way into town late yesterday, the skies burst into glorious flame.  I had to stop to take this picture of this breathtaking scene.

Purples, blues, pinks, and gold streamed into the sky.

Exploding into a symphony of vibrant color.

If this sunset had been set to music--it would have been the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

Heart in my Potatoes - Guest Heart Thursday

I was carefully frying sliced potatoes in my wonderful cast-iron skillet, when I noticed this heart frizzling away in the olive oil.  I have to tell you--these potatoes were delicious!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Rainbow Opals in the Skies

Last week I was in my garden, checking to see what needed to be done before Spring really gets into swing, when I noticed the sun's light seemed different.  I glanced up to see some lovely colors reflecting into the clouds.  Of course, I took a picture.  The sun is much more sparkly from the camera's eye, but the rainbow colored clouds were the same.

Above you see a closeup of those vibrant colors--a sky opal to be sure!

Daffy Down Dilly Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

Spring is early in the Willamette Valley.  Flowers are popping up everywhere!   I especially love the cheery yellow blooms of daffodils.  They brighten my day, and fill my eyes.

For more wonderful artwork, photography and random hearts, visit Clytie, Queen of Hearts, at Guest Heart Thursday!

Heart in my Oatmeal - Guest Heart Thursday

I thought I'd get back into the swing of things with this unexpected heart in my oatmeal.  The funny thing is, I was eating breakfast that morning, talking to my darling Sister Clytie--Queen of Hearts.  I exclaimed and told her I had found a heart in my oatmeal...and we both laughed.  Laughter is good--sisters are wonderful.  Both laughter and oatmeal are good for the heart.  And so are sisters!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Good Bye Dear Bootz

Our precious Bootz flew away to Cat Heaven yesterday morning.  She seemed to be under the weather so I took her to the vet.  X-rays revealed our darling girl had an enlarged heart and a collapsed lung--with only hours left to live.  The Vet said she either contracted a virus, or cancer which had been coming on for some time.  Thankfully, up until yesterday morning, Bootz had no symptoms of pain or discomfort, whatsoever.

This morning in the twilight of sleep, I felt her snuggled against my side--I felt the warmth and the weight of her body there.  But as I awoke, I realized once again, our small companion has gone.  Our hearts are broken, but how grateful we are to have known her these six months.

Hole Heart - Guest Hear Thursday

I caught this heart at Fort Stevens in Washington State.  Fort Stevens is a mysterious place, full of underground passages and rooms--some of them are so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. There is a feeling about it I often sense at The Abandoned where Sissy and I walk together. 

Here the sea's salt has rusted a hole, through metal walls, in the shape of a heart.  This is my favorite of all the hearts I've found.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Office Cat

Here is Bootz the Cat sitting on my office desk.  She loves to watch squirrels and birds from there.  Bootz is a Ragdoll.  She's HUGE!  We are so fortunate to have found her.  She fills our home with laughter and fun.

It is true!  "A house without a cat is like a kiss without a hug!" - Sunny

Skillet Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

I was making breakfast the other day--and what did I see but an egg yolk heart staring up from the pan at me!  I'm back after four weeks of a very busy holiday season!  It is so GREAT to be back. 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.