I found a little bit of wi-fi floating around in the air here at the motel. So while we are doing this...
Water Park Moses Lake Washington
And eating this...
Beginnings of blueberry cherry ice cream
And hanging out here...
Top of Chinook Pass next to Mt. Rainier
Yours will be the only garden updates this week...rock on KinderGARDENERS!
I have learned over the years that boys never outgrow certain toys.
My husband will never outgrow these...
Baby Boy is headed for the same fate.
He loves things that go fast that have lots of chrome.
He picked out many favorites at last weekend's car show...they were always the ones with the exposed engines that had everything dripping in shiny chrome!
But being a typical 4 year old...
He is still partial to lamp posts!
So do you have a grown-up boy that has never outgrown his toys?
We love to hike.
And as luck would have it, we live in an area that has abundant hiking trails.
Some more beautiful than others...
This was Baby Boy's first 'real hike'. A hike that he actually had to use his own feet instead of riding in a back pack using mine! We hiked the 1.5 miles from Ecola state park in Oregon down to the beach which hubby surfs, Indian Beach. It is a stunning!
Over the years we have learned a few tips that make hiking with kids more enjoyable.
First and foremost...slow down.
As adults we forget it is not about the destination as much as it is about the journey. Slow down and take time to explore things along the trail. Just remember to pack your patience and flexibility!
You can count tree rings, identify flowers, listen to birds...
Look for monsters hiding along the way!
Of course when hiking with kids it is imperative that you pick a trail that is appropriate to the ages and endurance of the children. Aiming for a trail fit for the younger of the group... unless you want to be carrying the little ones towards the end.
Pick a trail with something that will interest the kids. Streams, boulder fields, waterfalls, large trees, wildlife, amazing views...all of these things will thrill the young at heart! As do steep drop offs...which of course do nothing but to give mamas a heart attack!
Remember that many trails are better at different times of year. The trail we took would have been impassible just weeks earlier due to mud. Some trails are inundated by pesky bugs at certain times and other times they may just be too hot. Ask locals about the best times for certain hikes.
Take a compass along and learn about direction and following a map (make sure it is up to date). Many trails have maps that you can download and take along.
Big brother is teaching Sweet Girl that if you keep going West across the Pacific you would bump into Japan!
If you go southwest you could swim to Hawaii!
Aren't there sharks?
Yes.
I think I'll take an airplane.
Good call!
Dress appropriately. Our kids always wear hats on hikes for both sun and insect protection. We dress in layers that can be easily removed or added. Many trails gain and lose altitude or wind in and out of deep woods making the temperature fluctuations rather large.
Comfortable shoes are imperative with thick socks.
Packing extra clothes is always wise because with kids...you just never know!
Pack plenty of water and food little ones get rather grumpy when they are hungry...ok so do mamas!
Remember to carry a first aid kit, flashlight, and cell phone...because again you just never know!
A safety whistle is a good idea. Our kids are too little to get far from us but it is a good habit to get into carrying a whistle so when they get older and start to explore a little on their own they will have one...just in case! (this is great for skiing too)
Carry a camera. I have found it is much easier to identify plants later with my books at home rather than trying to carry the books along and walking while leafing through pages trying to figure out what the heck that vine is.
While we are talking about it...does anyone know what this vine is? It has leaves like a squash plant that grow upright from the multiple stems , prefers full sun, has lots of tiny white flowers blooming in late June and climbs by wrapping around other plants with its tiny tips
It is important to teach kids that you should always respect both nature and other hikers.
Here are a few things that can also make the hike more fun.
Hiking with kids adds a whole new dimension to the experience of nature. You learn to slow down and begin to see nature from a whole new perspective.
You just never know what you might see!
I glanced out through the massive trees over the sea of sun dappled fern set out like a green carpet before me. My heart skipped a beat for there with pipe in hand I thought I saw a hobbit.
But that cannot be...we do not have hobbits here.
Or do we?
*****
If you have any tips for hiking with kids I would love to hear them!
I have a dear friend.
She is an amazing gardener.
She grows all kinds of delicious fruits and veggies but...
She also excels at growing flowers.
I must say that I envy her gardens...very much!
She has stunning baskets everywhere...I have to fuchsias that I cannot for the life of me remember to keep watered!
I have tried to grow clematis twice...twice failed.
Trying Begonias for the first time this year...we will see.
I can do Petunias...unfortunately so can my slugs!
Just lovely...again slugs.
Beautiful beyond words...poisonous...so not till the kids are older.
LOVE Lupin!
Have no clue what this is, but...
Its simply stunning from every angle!
Someday when I grow up I want to grow flowers like my friend Annette.
But till then I'll just have to make due with the flowers my kids pick from her yard...yep second hand daisies on old blue jeans is pretty much me for now!
So what about your garden? Is it overflowing with flowers and such? Or is it more utilitrian like mine, you know...if you can't eat it you don't grow it? Or is it the perfect balance of both?
We often go to the beach.
Living along the Pacific Ocean one can take the wild untamed edge of the continent for granted.
That is unless you take a kid or two, or three along!
Every rock, each wave, all the seagulls and each starfish is met with wonder.
And in case you all were wondering...no those are not my perfectly manicured hands holding the starfish. Those pretty hands do not scoop poop or build fences...they are much too lovely for that! Hey Jodi...nice nails.
And when those kids get to go to the beach with a friend then it makes life that much more fun!
Digging holes, flying kites, jumping waves and building sandcastles is always more fun with a partner!
Ahhh the joy of just being a kid at the beach!
And the joy of motherhood...getting the sand out of all those little cracks!!!
Yeah, I'm pretty much talkin' about you little mister.
We've been gone most of the week...missing among the sun and the sand and the surf.
The kids are gonna cry when we have to come home...
I might sniffle a little too!
There is just something about the mighty Pacific Ocean that washes all your cares away!
No matter how old our kids get...
No matter how big they are...
They never stop...
Giving their mama...
A heart...
Attack!
The end.
We went to the beach this weekend...Longbeach Washington to be exact. They have a trail there called the Discovery Trail that is for bikes and pedistrians that runs right along the mighty Pacific Ocean. I will get to more of the tomorrow. For today I'm just doing a little 'reflecting' on the weekend!
Come back tomorrow for a bike trip, a little rock climing and some beach combing!
Yes...we're at the beach again.
Soaking up the last few warm rays of summer.
Writing our names in the sand...
And etching memories in our collective hearts.
I hope you are having a great weekend too!
Your public playground and park is a great resource for kids.
It is one of the things your tax dollar pays for...you might as well use it!
Besides can you think of anything more fun than...
A head full of static to complete the perfect slide!
Or the feeling of accomplishment for getting clear across!
Ready...
Get set...
Jump!
Exploring...right side up.
And upside down!
Right side up...
And upside down!
So go find a playground near you and enjoy a simple pleasure of summer.
Ohhh and don't forget to take a picnic lunch to make it the perfect outing!
*****
If you need some ideas for some simple things to do to complete this summer here is a list that will keep you playing until summer is over!
*****
Did you know that the Master Gardener Program started in Washington State?
I did not know until I did some research for this post...I must say I'm very proud that such a wonderful program came from my home state! It started in 1972 and now has grown to include programs in most states and also internationally.
Tucked in the back corner of our county fairgrounds is a scrumptious little garden. It is the demonstration garden for the local Washington State University Master Gardener Program...it is fabulous!
Each garden area is labeled. Every plant within each garden is labeled with its common name, Latin name, and cultural requirements and growing habit.
They have done some lovely apple espaliers...
Cordon...
Belgium fence...a wonderful diagonally crossed espaliered pattern.
I found this to be a rather whimsical way of training a tree!
They were nice enough to hang a photo of their inspiration for this design! Notice how they are protecting their fruit?
The grape arbor is a perfect spot for a cup of tea...or as Sweet Girl said "this would make a perfect hide-out!"
Ohhh I love clematis!
Especially when it is grown up a support wire for a telephone pole...yes lemons into lemonade!
In the shady back corner of the garden beauty gives way to pure practicality. Compost bins are compared and contrasted.
Beside the compost bins is a little lath house...any guesses as to what might be in it?
It is the vermicomposting area...
Yep worm bins! The lath is to keep the little guys cool and comfortable.
I want to personally thank the Master Gardeners for the hard work and dedication to helping foster the love of gardening in our community and all the communities they serve around the world.
THANKS!
(note: I myself have been a WSU Master Gardener, I am no longer active due to the fact I keep having babies...but I hope to be active again someday in this wonderful and worthwhile program!)
This is another tale of small town life that did not happen...
While the kids and I were walking to the weekly concert on the lake in our small town...
We read this sign and did not grin and give each other high-fives while a group of surly teenagers with cigarettes looked on. My daughter did not wrinkle her nose and shake her head at them...no she is certainly that bold or judgmental.
I of course did not make each of my small children pinky swear that they would never ever take up smoking and did not end with "...it would break your mother's heart." No I would never try to use guilt to manipulate any of my children.
At the concert we all sat quietly listening...ahem.
My children would never, ever wrestle in public!
Nor would my Marine nephew show off his push-up skills with two children on board...
That would just not be dignified for a Marine to do in public!
And since I had packed a whole bag of healthy snacks my husband would never go and buy elephant ears for our children to eat just before going home to bed...
My children would never enjoy deep-fried dough with cinnamon and sugar on it...no they are way to health conscious for that!
(And I would never get a kick out of posting a goofy photo of any relative of mine.)
Fun was had by all (ok that part is true!)
*****
So who did you hear at the concert anyway?
Can you see him? Any guesses as to whom he might of sounded just like?
Here's a hint...
Country roads take me home, rocky mountain high, Thank God I'm a country boy!
Yep this guy looked just like him and his voice was very similar...of course the original can never be duplicated.
Rest in Peace John...
We are here today to share another of Summer's Simple Things.
No batteries, no tv, no usb...just good old-fashioned fun!
Today we go to the beach. Not the Pacific Ocean Beach but the beach along the mighty Columbia river.
This post is so simple and so purely summer fun that it is being brought to you not in technicolor but plain old-fashioned black and white.
May I present to you 'Girl on the Beach'
There are two things that Sweet Girl does when she goes to the beach. One is writing and drawing elaborate pictures in the smooth sand.
The other is...
DANCE!
Sometimes she even has a partner!
A little water, a little sand and a free spirit...the perfect summer combination!
We're gone for the weekend...
I'll give you three guesses where we've gone...
The first three don't count!
Hope you are having an amazing weekend!
*****
I'm also over Not Dabbling in Normal today sharing a rockin' review of 'the Flavor Bible'. A book that will take you on culinary adventures beyond your wildest dreams...
Seriously this book will rock your kitchen!
I have a dear friend and neighbor that I have known for decades now.
She has gotten eggs from our chickens for years.
She has finally gotten her own chickens!
She hatched them out in her homeschool room in an incubator.
She is now the mama to little flock of mixed breed darlings!
But back up a little...
When she told me that she was planning on getting chickens I told her that we could build a chicken tractor together...it would be fun!
As fate would have it her sweet hubby who happens to be an engineer got wind of a couple of girls building a chicken tractor that he would have to look at in his backyard and decided to take the project off of our hands...and considering we have 9 kids between us we were ok with that!
So here is what a chicken tractor looks like when an engineer builds it...
Aluminum and steel all welded together, built to last forever!
Unless there are grizzly bears wandering the neighborhood these little chickens are gonna be safe and sound!
Hi little chicks!
See the little door on the back? It will open onto a little nest boxes!
You can see the brackets for the future nest boxes right there...made from aluminum of course. This will making gathering eggs a snap.
It is also quite easy to move as it is on four large wheels. Great job Ferd!
And while we're talking...
As wonderful as the amazing chicken tractor is may I just say that I'm thinkin' it needs a little color. I know that being a guy that you wanted something that would blend into the landscape therefore the choice of drab gray paint.
But I know that I have some fuchsia paint somewhere...
I also have electric green and some lemon yellow.
I think that maybe I'll come over and paint a daisy or two on the sides...maybe a paisley or a swirl would be nice.
Just to give it a little girly touch!
Hello?
Hello?
Fernando are you listening?
Is this thing on?
In honor of Mother's Day weekend I'm sharing photos taken just recently from my mom's garden...which happens to be next door! Convenient huh?
And lastly my mom's favorite flower.
A rare breed of Black Lilly...
Hi Lilly...
*****
I'm also over at Not Dabbling in Normal sharing my apple upside down corn muffin recipe!
After losing our last hive in the fall we were sure that we could not imagine the farm without honey bees so...
We brought home our new little charges yesterday! I love a field trip, especially into farm country to buy bees!
The first think we saw when we drove up what a swarm of bees on a fence post...a good sign I would say that we were in the right place!
As we exited the car you could just hear the bees everywhere! As you looked toward the house you could see the garage was open and there were rows and rows of bees waiting for homes...now that is a good use of garage space!
Their garage was packed floor to ceiling with bee supplies...
The owner was very friendly and knowledgeable. Hubby and she discussed beekeeping while Sweet Girl was overwhelmed by all the bees flying around. Baby boy did not leave my arms the whole time we were there!
We tried to buy another box of bees but they said they were completely sold out...in fact they were oversold and would have to sell some of their personal colonies!
Aren't these just darling? They are nucleus hives...little boxes for beginning beekeepers, trays, and bees, and brood and all. And the colors are so cool!
Here are ours!
Hubby talking to them...he's sweet like that!
That's our van in the background. Its 19 years old with 276,000+ miles on it...I love that van!
Tucked safetly inside...Baby Boy wanted to know
The bees are riding WHERE?"
So now that they are home and tucked into their newly painted hive the farm again feels complete.
Welcome back little ones...I hope you will be very happy here!
*****
And if the camel gives you a hard time feel free to sting him!
*****
Come join us for the Children's Gardening Contest...prepare to get dirty!
*****
I am also participating in NOT ME MONDAY with the infamous Marinated Mouse Post...figured I needed to spread the love...ahem. Warning if you have not seen it and are of a weak constitution you might want to stay here with the bees!
Remember when I showed you pics of my hubby jumping off the sand dunes on the Oregon Coast? Well when all the fun was done Sweet Girl decided to run down that enormous sand dune...
You go girl!
Uh Oh !
Ughhh...somehow I just knew that was gonna happen.
Call it mother's intuition!
Astoria Oregon is a little town built overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River where she empties her waters into the wild Pacific Ocean.
Along the main road through town we often stop on the way to the beach to buy supplies and gas up at a grocery store at the beginning of town. When you step out of your car there are two things you notice...
First is the mouth of the Columbia just yards away directly in front of you, you can see all the way across to Washington and are awed by the view. Second is something you notice with your ears. A little ways up the river to the East is a strange barking sound, the sound that only a large number of animals gathered together could make. We often go down to the docks to take a look at these unique creatures...
Astoria's every present sea lions! The love to gather on the dock to nap, quarrel, and make a lot of noise!
Yes it is a hard life...being a sea lion!
As you stand watching the sea lions you can't help but notice much of Astoria's commercial fishing fleet anchored behind the sea wall. We usually wander down for a closer look...
As you walk down the sea wall towards the boats you are met by this stunning view. The Columbia, the amazing Astoria Bridge that connects Oregon and Washington. There are also alway ships passing up and down the river carrying their goods.
On the other side is the fishing fleet. It is always fun to see what the names of each ship is...
Vivian, Flamingo, and the Lady Rosemary
I always wonder how the fishermen come up with these names...my favorite of the day is
Delta Dawn
I could not help but wonder if this particular fisherman could not help but hum that very catchy tune every time he went aboard his boat.
Delta Dawn what's that flower you've got on...could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
I must admit that this song ran around in my brain for hours after this visit...and I'm sure it will again after this post!
Hard at work on the nets...
And there is always one more thing that you can't help but take notice of down here on the docks...
Any guesses?
Sea Lions stink!
And lots of sea lions stink...
A Lot!
So if you ever get to the lovely little town of Astoria Oregon and stop off to get gas or groceries at the new Safeway store...follow your ears...and your nose...down to the docks for some fun!
How is that for a title?
I was going through the photos of one of our beach trips and ran across these taken at Fort Canby in Oregon. They were next to a building surrounded by a white picket fence...as roses should be!
I am sharing them here...in the dead of winter...to tempt anyone who may have a rose fetish. And to torture those of us who long for the warmer months when thing are full of life and blooming to our delight!
And at the end of this post I have a mystery I hope you can help me solve!
We'll start out simply and work our way up to fancy!
If that doesn't make you long for spring I don't know what will... I can almost smell them!
***
Here is what I am hoping you can help me with...
Does anyone know what this little pretty is?
Until I know I'm calling it my Butterscotch Chocolate Flower...cause, well I'm always thinking about food, especially those that contain chocolate!
***
Have a good one...and think spring!!!
I am married to a wonderful man...I know everyone says that but in this case it is true, really!
We have been married over 25 years (I was a child bride), we have had a passel of kids together, he has worked exceedingly hard so I could stay home with said passel. He lets me take in stray animals, he puts up with our messy house, he loves my bread, and is a perfect fit for my fly by the seat of my pants personality!
Something I truly admire about him is that as much energy as he applies to his work he also applies to his play. The kids think he is very cool...so do I.
Keep in mind that my sweet husband is almost 50 years old and the following is not what dignified men of his stature and age do...
At the Oregon Coast near Seaside they have some big sand dunes, perfect for climbing...
Very Big!
King...and princess...and prince of the mountain. Now whatcha gonna do?
As I stood at the bottom (watching the bikes...no I was not too lazy to walk up there, I can't believe you were thinking that! ) I wondered if they were just gonna walk all that way up to just stand there, look around and come back down...
I should have known that that was not gonna happen.
What hubby did not do next...
No, my sensible middle aged husband would not carefully position his 6 year old daughter on the dune just so he could jump over her and off the dune...no he would not do such a thing!
He certainly wouldn't do it over and over again actually drawing a crowd of clapping onlookers...
I of course did not applaud this silly behavior...I am too sophisticated to find this kind of thing fun, and totally attractive!
Small children did not follow their daddy's cue...
As he walked back down that big sand dune with his youngest child in tow I did not think to myself...
Dear Lord I love that man...
OK, maybe I did...
Come join us to see what else we are not doing...
I am also over at Not Dabbling in Normal discussing buying through a food co-op...its a great way to save on your grocery bill!
During the same trip to the beach to see the hotrods we stopped at a local artisan's studio to take a peek and oh my goodness...
Guess what this is...it is...are you ready?
It is the middle of a beautiful blown glass flower!
There was a whole wall of the pretties...be still my heart! Flowers that never wilt, get bugs or require watering!
As we wandered about the studio I was in awe of the talent...
I was also terrified of my kids breaking any of it so Baby Boy was not even allowed to walk, he was firmly held by one of his older brothers for safe keeping. I had Sweet Girl with me, breathing at the back of her for fear she would bump something over!
There were glowing fish...
Funky birds...
And pumpkins..just look at those stems all curvy and delightful! I cannot even begin to comprehend what it takes to make glass do that...
And wait there's more...
Look at these beautiful little...
Cupcakes...with sprinkles no less! That's it...stick a fork in my I'm done. I am now a full fledged fan of blown glass art. Sign me up for a charter membership to the fan club!
What I am also is a fan of local artisans. Those ones that have their own little galleries, work in the back with their kids while their spouse minds the front. This is exactly what this place is...Meet said artist, John Cook of John Cook Studios
Hard at working making more pumpkins...the glass is glowing with the heat. Notice the kilns in the back ablaze!
His work space is raw and real and I was completely mesmorized by the process.
And there were colors of every imaginable hue...like a rainbow waiting to be discovered and lovingly created into something magical!
But I kept coming back to these...the flowers.
I want one...actually I want a whole bouquet.
Yes a handful of flowers just like this!
I would encourage you to stop at your local artisans galleries, take at peek at the local talent that is around you. Support them with your time and if you have it your money. Just pop in and tell them how awesome you think their work is...it makes the world a more beautiful place with people like this in it!
And here is my favorite of the day...not the most flashy but the sweetest most lovely flower in the place...
Did you purchase anything?
Well I did actually, but to the disappointment of my flower loving heart it was not one of these beauties. No for I have too many kids to risk something so precious in my house...I would not sleep for worrying about the little ones (or the big ones) breaking it with ball, bat, or lego being chucked across the room. So I settled for a charming little glass tile to sit on my windowsill. I hope that maybe someday one of these flowers will be mine, but for now I will have my photos and the memories of the little glass shop along the road on the way to the beach!
And if you ever get to Seaside Oregon stop in at the Glass Station and see what you find to fall in love with!
This weekend I"m mixing it up a little bit, instead of my usual 'Silent Saturday' I am going to share something that may surprise you all about me...
I LOVE Classic Chrome...as in old, vintage, classic cars! Love them I do, with all their chrome, clear coats, bullet head lights, hood ornaments and quirky loveliness! Besides what else can you take photos of that is so shiny that you can see yourself in each shot?
(For fun see if you can find the farmer in the chrome of most of the pics!)
But wait you say...you live on a farm and own a camel, you homeschool and can vegetables. Where do old cars fit in all of this?
Glad you asked...
My darling long suffering hubby puts up with my animal fetish and I have learned to love his corvette!
Over the years I have been to more car shows than I can count and have come to appreciate the unique beauty of classic cars and hotrods.
I completely understand why men find these things so sexy and irresistible...just look at that headlight, and that green, oh my!
Red...my favorite!
And flames abound...
Can you imagine the upkeep on this...wood on a car rocks! As do super wide white walls!
And the chrome...everything is dripping in shiny, brilliant chrome!
Surf's up dude...this car is so way cool!
I love how each car has taken on some of the personality of its owner! This one must be a little fun and carefree...and notice the cricket has a peace sign around his neck? A peace loving soul...or an old hippy!
The owner of this Ford highboy must be a little wild at heart, but classy and subtle...those flames are stunning!
And this guy? Well this guy is sure to be a couch potato cause who has a tv...with remote...in the back of his hotrod? He probably likes white bread too!
And me? Well here she is...my favorite...the car that rocks my world!
1958 Chevy Corvette, Fuel Injected, glacier blue (pretty sure), white coves...gorgeous, stunning, and oh so lovely! I would take her home, but alas I cannot haul manure in a corvette...
So there you have it, yet another strange little bit of trivia about the farmer chic...she loves classic chrome...a lot!
Stay tuned tomorrow when I reveal another of my passions, it is lustrous, colorful, fun, yet so delicate that I cannot have it in my house...sigh.
Any guesses?
