Oregon is So Beautiful

Three beautiful picture of the many I took of where we were today. They are breath taking aren't they?

Clay & I were exploring areas within 50 miles of our house today to see where we could camp sometime next year. We found many nice campgrounds although most closed now for the winter. There are many designated snow parks along the way for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and sledding.

We had a very nice day. Since we had never taken this drive I had to capture a few pictures of the scenery we saw. There are several lakes in our area, not counting Crater Lake which is only 54 miles northwest of us.

1. Lake of the Woods only 30 miles away

2. Hyatt lake which is really close to Howard Lake only 40 miles away. The Mountain you see in the background is Mt Mclaughlin.

3. Our Klamath Lake only 2 miles from our house. No camping here but fishing.

The lake lies along Hwy 97. The train also travels along this lake to & from Canada to California. The fence you see keeps any big boulders from rolling onto the track.

We had a nice lunch at Hyatt Lake Resort that remains open all winter. A beautiful day today enjoying the drive here in Oregon. We are both so happy to have these places within a few driving miles to enjoy.

We are building a fire pit in our back yard so I will post the pictures of the rocks we hauled home when we start the project.

My friend Stephanie

I want to take this moment to say Thank You to a very dear friend. She lives in Arizona and is
one of the most caring women I ever met let alone supervised while working at a Shelter for Women & children victims of Domestic Violence. The position as a shelter attendant is a very stressful and emotionally challenging job. Her love and understanding for the victims who passed through the doors of freedom , I am sure touched more than one woman and child.
She has her own crosses to bear, her husband of many years passed away last March. Her beautiful daughter has moved to Flagstaff to attend College.
She has supported me in all the decisions I had to make while working as the Domestic Violence Services Supervisor and then the Coordintor, often over extending herself to do whatever needed to be done. She was my right arm...and kept me organized and focused. I know she hated for me to retire and after I moved to Oregon, her job became even more stressful with other managers making decisions that she has no say in.
I love her and respect her and miss her every day. Today I got to speak with her and her voice was music to my ears. I made myself a promise to call her weekly, just to tell her that even if I am miles away I will be here for her. I know as she reads this she will feel embarrassed and yet I think, proud of who she is. Stephanie, you are Special and I know you have earned many stars in your crown. Dry up those tears & don't forget to Breathe and take care of yourself.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!

More Thriftstore Treasures

I stopped in at the thriftstore again Today, I am making a habit of this... I found the plant stand (not the plants) a few tins for Christmas cookies, a New family album, for me to record my family history, some heavy glass jars, a glass citrus juicer dish and an old cookbook "Womans Home Companion Cook Book" copywrite 1942- 1947

This is a favorite treasure now. (I was born in 1947)

I wonder what I will find next trip?

I will settle in for the night now in my warm comfy socks & flannel jammies and have a cup of cocoa as I read my MaryJane Magazine.

An Avacado is growing

I sprouted an Avacado seed ( with 3 toothpicks in a bowl)and Look how big it is now! Never have had one take off like this.

Also just wondering what's on your refrigerator door? among pictures & magnets are two pictures drawn by my grandsons. Mason & Peyton. Ya gotta hang them ya know.

My first official quilt blocks

Today was a fun day, I started a quilting class. It is a 6 week course and I am making a quilted bag to house my Quilt Cutting Matt. It will have a few more different blocks. Next week we will do a snowball pattern. The purple jumped out at me while looking for the perfect dark print. The lighter print is a soft sage floral of violets. There are such beautiful prints available to choose from.

I think it will look very nice when finished.

I have lots of ideas of what I what to do next for a quilt project.

I have a quilt that my Grandmother made years ago. It was all done by hand and quite a piece of work. I remember going to Grandma's and she, my aunts & mom would be quilting on a frame. Grandma made all her own aprons as well and I guess that's where my interest started. Grandma would be proud of me doing this I think if she were still with us. When my children were growing up I sewed a lot of outfits for them. I have done some strip quilting and made a vest and a handbag.. I am sure quilting techniques have changed over the years as well as materials used. I can remember my sisters & I would spread out a quilt on our beds and pick out pieces that were like dresses my mom had made us. My grandma made me a baby blanket of blue & white for my son when he was born. That quilt was used & laundered many times, when my first and only granddaughter was born, I took that slightly worn & faded quilt and cut it up and made a stuffed Teddy Bear for her out of it. I hope she still has it, perhaps she will pass it on to her new baby brother. Just thinking of my Grandma makes me smile.

Thanksgiving Day Farmgirl Surprise Box Giveaway.

Leave a comment here and good luck!

There's Snow in those hills!

It was such a pretty morning, Clay & I & "Buster" drove out into the wooded area about 15 miles from our farm. We were surprised that there was so much snow up there, Its only about 900ft above us. A great area to explore.

We were looking for some pieces of wood to burn in our (soon to be built,) fire pit. We also picked up some nice rocks to circle the pit with.

Our plan is to have a backyard wiener roast & marshmallows on the evening after Thanksgiving when everyone is still here together. If we do have snow there is plenty room for the grand kids * and those adults who refuse to grow up* to enjoy sledding, followed up with hot cocoa & hot buttered rums for those who care to partake.

I often plan these special treats as memory makers and somehow things do not always fall into place. So if the weather cooperates and its not raining, we can at least do part of the plan.

Of course as the Mother here..I will insist that everyone young & old participates as this is the beginning of the holiday season as well. I think its important to make these memories for the kids. We have all experienced loss in our livess as family members pass on, and unfortunately so do those treasured memories of when we were kids ourselves, It is my goal to start new ones for my grandchildren, they will be grown up before we know it and they hopefully will pass on these traditions as they add new ones for their children. No matter if it all pans out or not a family memory will be made.

And there is music to my ears!

I think I am getting pretty good at this blog building. I did it ! Now you can hear my music selection here. Reba is one of my favorite female vocalists so enjoy her while you relax here on the farm. I will change to Christmas Music closer to Christmas.. Gee this is going to be fun!

Clay & I made a quick trip to town to get a few things I needed for some Gift baskets I am making for Christmas, and to fill up my car with gas. I got a full tank for $25. I usually end up in the $35 range . Yippee!

Clay & I have decided to go to Washington for Christmas. We both have family there and since we have moved back to the Northwest we thought we would enjoy spending it with our families there, we are sure they couldn't all come see us so we are going to them. We have family living at CampSherman, and in Woodburn Oregon both on our way north.

Lots of cooking, baking preparation to be done.

My Nancy is almost 40

This is my first born daughter. She will be 40 in a few weeks.. I am very proud of her, she is attending grad school and will graduate in June from the University of Washington. She is married & has a very intellegent son Jacob. He will graduate from highschool with his AA as well. I am not sure he has decided on a college yet, but I think he has narrowed it to a couple choices. Nancy's husband just became an American citizen . This entry is not about him or her son, however.

Let me say that I never thought Nancy would become as domestic as she has proven to be. She does work full time at Boeing in Everett WA. as a project manager, working with mostly men. *That has been an interesting position for her* You can read all about her on her blogsite "My Home Cook N Blog " linked to this site as a follower. ( her site is hidden under that adorable baby picture she posted.) Did she know that is one of my favorite pictures of her?

She is beautiful and she has a wonderful sense of humor and some of the childhood memories will never be forgotten, *the teen age years were something I am glad are over*

We talk at least once a week and it is so nice to have her visit. She has great insight and wisdom for a young woman, ( takes after her mom.) Isn't it funny how when kids grow up they actually appreciate what you sacrificed for them? It's great that you don't have to say "I told you so".

I look forward to sharing Thanksgiving with her and her family when they join us Thanksgiving & to celebrate her 40th birthday.. oh My I really feel old now. Well, now that I have posted a tidbit about her I will have to tell you about my #2 daughter PJ on another future blog entry.

Fogged in

yes, we are.. It is very "Fall "outside.
Reminds me of the song lyrics "Over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house we go". We, as children (my 3 sisters )used to sing that in the back seat of the car on our way to grandma's house on Thanksgiving morning.. (oh what a nice flashback memory.)

No rain but a nice layer of ground fog. I am glad I have no errands to run today.
Will add some more flavors to the stew I made yesterday, fold some laundry and work on my Christmas card project & Read some more farmgirlsister blogs. There are some very clever farmgirls!

Thriftstore treasures

A few things I bought yesterday. The Debbie Mum turkey banner and the falls leaves are in my entry. The crocks were perfect for my utinsels in the kitchen.

I love them.

I am going to check out another thrift store this week if the weather holds. The snow has melted and we are expecting normal fall weather for a few days. We have a few things to winterize before the Big snow comes.

I am looking for Holiday decoration and getting ready for company.

Another beautiful snow day

Yes, it is snowing another day.

It is so pretty. Huge flakes falling.

The fields are becoming white again. I had to take a couple pictures to show how nice it is here on the Bluesky Farm. One is out the front door looking across the road at our neighbors farm, and the other is from the back door over the yard fence.

We just returned from town, I found a couple picture frames at Goodwill and will be looking for Holiday decorating items next week. I signed up for a quilting class starting next Monday afternoon, and will start planning for the holidays.

Ohhhhhhhhhh It snowed!

Oh and it is so cold.. Well 24 degrees is cold to me right now. No doubt it will get colder before Spring. It is really pretty even the couple inches we got. I have a few errands to do today. Take the dog to the groomer, & I have a hair appointment too.
We wanted to work on the garden area today, but..... now I can work on my Christmas Cards.
Snow is predicted to fall intermitently today & tonight. With rain so it wont be pretty white forever. Sure looks nice though and I must repeat again." we love it here".

My Farmgirl Badge is completed

Well here it is and I 'm proud to wear my shirt as farmgirl #309

It was fun to do and I love the Chicken buttons!

I sewed it on my levi shirt.

I think winter is knocking at our door

Brrrrrr We woke up to rain this morning and cold outside.
After taking a trip to town to get some 2x4s to have on hand ( to build the chicken coop & house ) when the sun comes out or when the rain stops.
Clay brought in the bale of straw that was at the end of the driveway with the Welcome autumn scarecrow, now disassembled an dstored the straw inthe garage. We will spread it under the apple& cherry trees and the berrry & rose bushes before the snow comes.
Snow could fall tonight inthe higher elevations it is forcasted. Hope 4200 is not what the weatherman predicted as higher elevations.

I am sure winter is coming sooner than later & I do not think I have enough warm clothing to make it to the winter days.
I'll have to drag out the winter duds & see. I did just buy a pair of "silkie underwear bottoms" and they are really nice. I wish I had warm hands right now and gloves are out of the question inside, I think.. The furnace is on and we have a nice pot of chili cooking in the slow cooker for dinner. I will make some cornbread to go with it and call it a nice pre-winter dinner.
I guess we will bundle up and stay inside for now.

Back in Oregon

Well it was a great trip, My heart is full of all kinds of emotions. Toppling over with loving memories and sadness at living so far from the baby. Sennsi promised to bring him to Oregon in the Spring.. And I am going to hold him to it.

Isn't he beautiful?

Clay picked me up at the airport and we spent the night with family in Woodburn, Oregon before leaving this morning to return home. It is really nice to be home. He kept the home fires burning and added some really nice plants inside and prepared the ones outside for the coming of winter.

We have many projects planned to hopefully accomplish before the snow falls. Thanksgiving is coming and my other two kids & their families will be here for the holiday. We look forward to them filling our home with laughter and more memories.

Bring the Holiday Season on .. I will be ready!

Boo! Happy Halloween

Hello everyone:
Tonight is not my favorite holiday.... if it is a holiday? I honestly never got excited over it. I know lots of people do. I went to Jo Anns last night & I swear there were 50 people crammed around the check stand, purchasing those last minute costume fabrics, trims & mask making supplies. Just tell me why did they wait til the night before halloween to make the costumes? It was 7 pm and I wandered over to Michaels store and Sure enough there were even more late shoppers there. I decided I needed a treat for me since I was tricked to think I could make a simple purchase of two items not related to Halloween, I went to the parking lot to get into my daughter in laws car and could not remember what kind of a car she had. I remembered it was dark blue/or green and a Toyota, but wouldnt ya know it there were 4 cars all the same color where I had parked. I did remember the baby seat frame was in the back seat fortunately so I peaked in all the windows & found the right one.... I was given instructions of how to get to Starbucks from Michaels parking lot and quickly ..and skipped over to Starbucks to be warmly welcomed & quickly served with a chai tea latte before returning to my sons house. That was my Treat for the night! until I got home to a very sweet baby waiting for his gramma to hold him... ( I assume he was waiting for me... wasn't he?) My son returned from doing a magic show and we were going to go eat out but as late as it was and decided by the time the baby was fed, mama changed his pants, get herself ready we could warm up some really good chicken soup that a nice neighbor had brought by earlier. So after full tummies & dry diaper we retired for the evening.. I had a nice treat earlier... Tonight I will accompany my son at a magic show presentation where he will preform.
I do like to decorate for fall with pumpkins fall leaves and scented candles and this is a great opportunity to open the Coming up holidays ( which I love) Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Visiting great friends

Well here I am , Still in colorado until Saturday. My dear son & his wife and our "Charlie" drove me to meet up with a dear friend in Lyons Colorado. We had a very nice lunch yesterday at PF Changs Restaraunt. Judie and I then did a short tour of Boulder downtown, I was able to purchase two dog bone cookie cutters to use for the MaryJane Doggie treats. I then stayed over night with them and Judie & her husband Mike are great hosts and have a lovely home nestled in a Norman Rockwell setting. What a gorgeous home. Took a few pictures to show Clay.

We had a fabulous dinner last night and sat and talked for hours. I wish my husband was here to partake in this visit, We did call him and spoke to him for quite a while and have made tentative plans for Mike & Judie to come to Oregon to visit next year sometime. Clay & I wil research the Lake Shasta area and they will join us for a really good visit.

I will meet up with my son around noon today to head back to Denver.
I have introduced Judie to Mary jane connection and as "sugarbeet" she will join the forums soon. Waiting to see her on the forum posting.

Day trip for Charlie

Today, Dennis & family will take me to visit my friends in Lyons Colorado. We will meet them for lunch and I will stay over night with them, catching up on life. I wish Clay was here to enjoy the time with them, But we will make arrangements to meet up in the spring sometime.
Charlie will be going for his long distant out ting. I think Dennis said it was about 30-45 minute drive. Dennis will come get me tomorrow after his CAPE job.
I will really like seeing Mike & Judie.
It was brought to my attention that my daughter did not know who Dr Spock was....with reference to her comment! Not from Star trek, Nancy.... ( I know you really did know that) but He was a 60's-70's pediatrician who thought he knew all about child rearing.. Some of his ideas were BUNK.. others of some value...I believe his books were as informative as the video is of "The best baby on the block" which could in my opinion be shortened to a 30 minute presentation. I did not have these tools, only common sense and a mom who had her own experience with 4 children. and the advice and guidance of her mom who birthed 10 children. Experience does speak volumes!
I think from that experience background & having had 3 children myself, and handling pretty much the whole process of a newborn through graduation alone the best message is Parenting by both parents is essential. My daughter in law is fortunate that my son is as involved as she is to caring for Charlie.
If only I had a husband who shared those early morning feedings and diaper changes. Let alone want to be involved in their daily care as well as allow me some sleep time.
Michelle is a great mommy for Charlie and is providing him with a great start in this world. Charlie will have many adventures and learning how to be creative and happy. I can see he is very contented and loved by both his parents.

REFLECTING

I have had time to reflect on the impactof grandchildren while here at Dennis & Michelle's, I realize that there have been many studies, tons of research on Childbirth and the early days of bringing a baby into a loving home, I don't know how I managed to have three healthy babies and care for them without all this knowledge, In my opinion.
I am sure that a lot of things we did with our children in the late 60's & early 70's with the help of our mothers who generally came to give a helping hand, is now old fashioned, but the love we showered a child with while attendling to his /her basic needs, food, diaper changes and allowing baby to sleep enough started them in life as we know it on as good a foundation as any books can teach young parents today. I realize that new modern techniques are coming every day and even as this new child developes there will be other new and better things. My hope is that Charlie and his parents will forgive me of any of the shortcomings I may have with regards to being a mom first and now a grandma.. I know Denns & Michelle will be fabulous parents and teach Charlie all the right things...to make him a healthy and happy child.
Probably, my most rewarding feelings come from seeing my son interact with his son. I am given proof I did somethings right because he never came with an instruction tag attached when he was born & I didn't even follow Dr Spock!