Double Celebration

Yes, I've already posted a Valentine Day post. Maybe it has a different "slant" than you would expect but still worthwhile.
I also have to share with you that today is Arizona's 100th birthday! Yeah!

But did you know my other dear state of Oregon is also celebrating its birthday. Happy birthday dear Oregon...my home away from home.

Way to Go Cindy

My sister Cindy is so excited. She's purchased a new cell phone with camera function. And I was the lucky one to get her first photos.

Snow in Portland!!!

She told me the sun came out and melted it all away yesterday afternoon and then by early evening is was snowing again.

Love and happy, so happy for Cindy.

Love having the photos.

Happy and loving my Arizona winter.

Happy day, msk

Farmers Market

July

Oregon

Lake Oswego Farmers Market

Such favorite delights especially when you consider many family and one just like family meet and enjoy this together.

I look forward to this gathering (along with Saturday Market if I'm lucky enough to get downtown Portland on a Saturday) with much joy and anticipation.

We lived in Lake Oswego once upon a time and I'm still loving this area.

Me, dear friend Carma, sisters Cindy and Jody and dear niece Temple (Cindy's girlie).

We are fun gals.

We laugh alot.

We love flowers and all things growing...

and eating samples

Cindy holding her custom created bouquet her daughter Temple gifted her.

Strolling through the crowd. This is good

people watching territory.

Dear ones, I'm already excited just thinking of the next trip.

In the meantime, while don't you bail on that chilly Oregon

and come visit me in the Valley of the Sun.

We have farmers markets here too.

And we can stroll, and laugh and take pictures.

Happy day, msk

Cuz I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane. . .

I'm leaving Cindy, Jody and all their wonderful family today.

I'm leaving the gorgeous fall leaves

(the photo below was taken as I walked along Division Street Wednesday

after a fun day with Cindy).

I'm leaving beautiful farm visitas.

I'm leaving sisters laughter that I feel right to my bones.

I'm leaving . . .

but taking blessed memories until we are together again.

With a grateful heart, bye.

Happy day, msk

What a great and incredible day!

A day of free election. A great country too!

A day to "voice" your opinion...whatever that may be.

I made sure that I mailed in my ballot before I left the state last week. We had a HUGE ballot. Two long columns of judges on which to vote...so I called my good friend and attorney Kent C. for some info. I studied the propositions, read and reread them. I filled in all the "blanks" and sealed it up...actually SLK was going to look over who I voted for or not in the judge catagory and then he actually sealed and mailed it for me.

Election day here in OR was very foggy well into the afternoon.

Below is the view from the family room where I am crocheting yet another flannel baby blanket. I'll share pictures soon. I'm also making cinnamon rolls and cheese and broccoli soup for dinner. It's fun to have dinner ready for J&E in the evening.

Here is my footwear that keeps my tootsies toastie.

Yes, I look like a troll when I proudly wear them.
Wishing you all a . . .

Happy day, msk

Shades of Gray

Winnie the Po*oh would call this a

very blustery day!!!

And I'm loving it. So un-Phoenix.

I'm wearing sweaters alot and that's fun for me. I will admit to sitting right in front of the portable heater in the family room this morning between runs to the laundry room as I chose to wash all the table linens from the reception. It's a good thing.

Here are some random (what's new) Oregon shots.

The onions I harvested from Jody's garden.

I stepped out of the car yesterday when we got to church and was greeted by these fabulous leaves in the parking lot. Just had to whip out that phone for the pic.

Then I looked up and this was the tree under which we parked.

For an AZ gal this is pretty wonderful. Even with my photo session we were not late for church.

Spotted this at the grocery store bakery. Getting really high-end. Looked so cute.

More of Jody's harvest...heirloom tomatoes that taste out of this world great and more onions.

What's your weather like today?

Happy day, msk

TUESDAY:
Up well before dawn.
Breakfast of crackers, peanuts and spicy tomato juice.
Crocheting baby blanket edge by 7:20 a.m. and continued for 3 hours.
Chilly. Very chilly.
Putting on a Langlitz sweatshirt.
Fixing hamburger vegetable soup for dinner.
Pulling onions out of the garden (for above soup).
Adding another blanket to the bed.

Oh yes. . .

I FLEW INTO OREGON TUESDAY!

I'm baking tart shells today in preparation for this friday's wedding open house for Ben and Amber. I'll be filling the shells with lemon curd. Oh, we love lemon curd. You can find the recipe for this yummy at Knight's In The Kitchen.

FAMILY: Just the best.

Happy day, msk

P.S. LOVE Jody's fast computer.

Ready Or Not Here I Come

I leave for OREGON today!!! Jody reports that the raspberries are "on" and she knows where she can find me in the mornings. I was mostly packed yesterday and silly me has spent the morning transplanting flowers and consolidating plants to make it easier on SLK while I'm gone. He does his best with ALL the watering that is a must during our summers. I hope he and Kirby enjoy their peaceful time together along with the tomatoes, Bell peps and zucchini. Yesterday Kirby came upstairs and sniffed my suitcase. He always seems to get mopie when he sees luggage and I am sure he knows I am leaving. After sniffing it he went downstairs, retrieved one of his favorite toys and brought it upstairs and dropped it in my suitcase. I almost cried.

Remember these artichokes I bought 2 weeks ago to dry and use as decorations. Well, they have sat on the kitchen counter, drying nicely and have even opened up. They are very brittle and I was thinking what a success they were.
Can you imaging my SHOCK when 2 out of 3 bloomed!!! They are GORGEOUS. There is all this soft, vibrant blue "stuff" in the centers. Have any of you ever seen anything like this? I'm amazed, thrilled and loving it. That's me.

This photo is from my cell phone. My camera won't upload photos to my computer so who knows what pictures I might be able to share from Oregon. I won't be blogging as much but hope to communicate a few times. I may try posting on Facebook so the grand boys and I will be connected. If we're not friends yet on Facebook just add me. I do want to be your friend.

Please remember our darling little Hanna in your prayers as tomorrow is her surgery. Love and thanks.

I'll Give The Sign

I'm in the final week prior to my OREGON vacation. There are a lot of emails going back and forth regarding plans and happenings. One big happening and it has a date change is our dear Mandy's daughter Hanna will be having her surgery on July 1st. I mention it so we can all be united in prayer in her behalf.

One thing I notice often in my travels is the service men and women in the airports. I know I've shared this before but I just love it so much I'm sharing again. You can be sure if I see any service personal I will show my thanks.

It is not about politics.

It is about service.

It is about gratitude.

12.21.08

Good Sabbath to you. Today I asked Ben if he had any snowy photos of their place. I've heard from both Jody and Cindy about the local snow and wanted a personal peek. Ben shared and now you get to see what our family is seeing. Thanks Ben.

On Snowy Pond...

If I'm not mistaken, these are the solar lanterns on Jody's front porch.

Body the snow dog. Looks like icicles on his chinny chin chin.

Ben getting artsy here. I like it!!

B&W of pond. Very calendar Ben.

In the midst of the kitchen remodel. When is the projected completion?
My but I've had a ton of fun in this kitchen.

Now if you'd please hop over to Butte-iful Sisters you will see a wonderful Christmas message. Thanks for the visit. 3

Backwards

I'm trying to wrap up the Oregon photos but managed to post them backwards. I still have a few more to share but this is it for today. You may want to go to the end of this post and read upwards but that's not necessary. Thanks for your calls kids and appreciation for these vacation picks. Wish we were all together up there for a vacation!!

My feet after the wedding. I was the last out of the kitchen and saw this pile of ice someone dumped. Oh this felt good.

Skippie sewed she, Cindy and I matching aprons for serving at the wedding. You know what an apron freak I am and this was soooo great. Much thanks Skippie.
Linny flew up for the wedding and was part of the terrific kitchen crew. I can never get enough of my kiddos and grands.

Grapes washed, dried, snipped into portions, packed to transporting to wedding.

When it came to mixing all the ingredients for the chicken salad, I called in the muscle!!! Thanks Paul and Ben. How fun work is when with fun family. I so appreciated and needed that help!

Fun at the Clackamus County Fair in Canby.

We love the livestock at the fair. Emily "Aunt Mimi" loves being with her nieces and nephew.

Emily and Matt photo. Cute, cute.

After the parade to open the fair we walked back to Emily & Matt's house. Matt was in the front of the parade in the fire engine but we were late and missed seeing him.

Wonderful, small town America parade in Canby. Candy was being thrown everywhere and our gang left with bulging pockets.

What a combo...horse and flag!!!!

Crossing the river on the ferry-looking downstream.

Driving onto the Canby River Ferry. I love this!!!

After all the years taking my morning walks while in Oregon, this year there were actually yard/garage sales in her neck-of-the-woods. I got these planters at a steal. Yes, I'm with you...how do I get these home. Welllllll, maybe, Skippie and Garry might have room for them when they drive down in January. If not, and that is a real possibility, Jody, please, please hide them so Ed doesn't throw them away. I think I need help.

Self portrait hoping you could see how sweaty I am after an hour in the sun picking blueberries. This was a very warm three weeks for Oregon.

My gallon bag of blueberries. They are in Jody's freezer. I thought I might get around to making jam and then trying to jam to AZ but it didn't happen. Cindy and Jody also picked a gallon each and there was good visiting while we melted.

Cindy and Jody at a nursery by Jody's home. I took the sister's for their birthday lunch then we enjoyed the flowers and blueberry picking.

The end of todays photo-journal of the Oregon stay. Love and kisses kids. P.S. I managed to wear matching shoes on my walk this morning. Thought you'd like knowing that :)