Our LilliAnne has the tea bug and is enjoying her new tea set! Notice the left hand is in the proper place and how she is into the moment! 
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Compare and contrast....
....from March of 2008............flowering plum trees...... 
...to ice laden plum trees.......in December of 2008.
The plan for this day after Christmas is to rest, regroup, and not go shopping!
...to ice laden plum trees.......in December of 2008.
The plan for this day after Christmas is to rest, regroup, and not go shopping! Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Snowing!
It began snowing last week and it hasn't stopped until today. I stood by my car to show the depth of the snow and had no idea of how much more there was to come!! 
Ice formed on every branch of every tree for miles around us! I even saw a spider web covered with a thick layer of ice!
Our farm quickly became a winter wonderland!
Limbs seem to explode and fall to the ground!
The goats have stayed inside but poke their noses outside to consider the scene!
Jim has been working hard to keep a trail cleared from our truck to the house. 
Each Christmas tree is covered with a blanket of snow!
Power lines are heavy with the increased ice and twice they have interrupted our power. We haven't been able to use the computer for three days and right now I'm taking a chance that the power will go out!!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May your heart take rest in the arms of Jesus!
Ice formed on every branch of every tree for miles around us! I even saw a spider web covered with a thick layer of ice!
Our farm quickly became a winter wonderland!Limbs seem to explode and fall to the ground!
The goats have stayed inside but poke their noses outside to consider the scene!
Jim has been working hard to keep a trail cleared from our truck to the house. Each Christmas tree is covered with a blanket of snow!
Power lines are heavy with the increased ice and twice they have interrupted our power. We haven't been able to use the computer for three days and right now I'm taking a chance that the power will go out!!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May your heart take rest in the arms of Jesus! Saturday, December 20, 2008
Let it snow!
It's been snowing on and off for the past week! We never know how much we will get but enough fell to build a snowman or two!! LilliAnne is making the most of the snow they got!!
We will let the pictures speak for themselves!
This picture made Channel 8 News in Portland, Oregon!!
Have a good weekend....whatever you are doing!
We will let the pictures speak for themselves!
This picture made Channel 8 News in Portland, Oregon!!
Have a good weekend....whatever you are doing!Friday, December 19, 2008
Willow just awarded me this Christmas Spirit Award! She knows me well!! I do love Christmas for all the meaning and tradition that revolves around this special holiday! May the true spirit of Christmas touch you this season! 
Here are the rules for Christmas award.
You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award.The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.
You must link back to the person who gave you the award.
You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space!
Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it's up to you. But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going!
Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.
My 6 things I love about Christmas:
3. I love getting together with friends and family!
Have a good weekend and do something nice for yourself!!
Here are the rules for Christmas award.You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award.The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.
You must link back to the person who gave you the award.
You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space!
Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it's up to you. But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going!
Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.
My 6 things I love about Christmas:
1. I love making an Advent wreath with greenery from the farm and giving it to someone special!
2. I love cutting a fresh tree from our field, bring it in the house, and light it with new red lights! It is also fun to unwrap the ornaments, one by one, and remember who gave them to us! Several ornaments are priceless because our kids made them. There are other ornaments made by family, and maybe they can find them....if they look close!
3. I love getting together with friends and family! 4. I love baking something from old family recipes, usually in the form of a cookie or candy!
5. I love spending time with my husband who makes everyday Christmas!!
6. I love Christmas Eve service at my church. We sing several Christmas Carols, light the Christ candle, light individual candles, and leave the sanctuary singing "Silent Night, Holy Night." No talking is aloud.
Please join in the spirit of Christmas and share the things you love about the season. I open it up to ALL!!
For many Christmas is difficult. It's not easy to walk around the stores, hear the music, keep tradition going, or much less make up a "love list." I have been in that place and encourage all of us to remember others with a smile, a kind note, touch, or a gift that says, "you are important!"
There is one more thing I'd like to share. The block print below was made by my nephew, Bruce Petersen. His art work is beautiful and done in the Orthodox tradition. I had the print framed and matted recently. It now hangs in our home as a constant reminder of Christmas, and the promise we can all realize. 
Here is a close up of the print. It tells the story from Josephs dream, the birth of Christ, and visit from the Maggi. The story of Christ's birth and life is found in the Bible, in the book of Matthew. 
Bruce is Silas (below) and Claire's (our great grand niece and nephews) daddy!! He has a few copies to sell if anyone is interested. They sell for $150.00 unframed. The print measures approximately 11x15inches and is printed on a fine rice paper. I will pass on your interest to Bruce.
Here is a close up of the print. It tells the story from Josephs dream, the birth of Christ, and visit from the Maggi. The story of Christ's birth and life is found in the Bible, in the book of Matthew. Bruce is Silas (below) and Claire's (our great grand niece and nephews) daddy!! He has a few copies to sell if anyone is interested. They sell for $150.00 unframed. The print measures approximately 11x15inches and is printed on a fine rice paper. I will pass on your interest to Bruce. Have a good weekend and do something nice for yourself!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Blue, Blue, Blue Christmas!
We saw this very tall blue Christmas tree while driving along a major highway last night. The tree is most beautiful in real life!! There are some of you who would love this tree even more than me...because it is blue!!
Blue dog in the snow.......
More Blue in the snow......
Flying Blue in the snow.......
.......the goats wonder what Blue is doing!! Do you think they would like to join him? Maybe not!
There are certain times during a dogs life when they have a first experience. Playing in the snow was a first for Blue this last week. He took off, didn't stop running, sniffing and frolicing for quite some time! We enjoyed watching him even more than he enjoyed himself!!
More Blue in the snow......
Flying Blue in the snow.......
.......the goats wonder what Blue is doing!! Do you think they would like to join him? Maybe not!There are certain times during a dogs life when they have a first experience. Playing in the snow was a first for Blue this last week. He took off, didn't stop running, sniffing and frolicing for quite some time! We enjoyed watching him even more than he enjoyed himself!!Monday, December 15, 2008
A TAG
Willow tagged me for this game:
Tag on!!! Ho ho ho!
You're supposed to do the following:
1. Open the 4th picture folder on your computer
2. Open the 4th picture and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same!
Tag on!!! Ho ho ho!
You're supposed to do the following:
1. Open the 4th picture folder on your computer
2. Open the 4th picture and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same!
Well, guess who? Mr. and Mrs. Willow! This picture was taken November 11, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona at the wedding rehearsal dinner for Dan and Jennifer. Composition was not considered or thought about. We photographed two happy parents and wanted to remember the event!
Four people to tag!
2. Bunnytrails
This was a kick to do and a fun to think back on sweet times!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A two day trip over the Cascade Mountians and into Central Oregon
Saturday we took off from our house and headed towards Mt. Hood, over the pass and down into Central Oregon. "The other Oregon," as it is referred to by Oregonians.
This picture of Mt. Hood was taken as we drove through Boring, Oregon and onto Highway 26 East.
We drove for three hours, entered the resort of Eagle Crest, where our daughter and her family were taking a much appreciated break! Of course our granddaughter was there, and one of the first things she wanted to do was go swimming! 
The delight on her face transcends happiness! She is a water baby. and even slipping underwater does not scare her or slow her down in the slightest. She made many attempts at getting into the big pool. but her daddy was able to keep that from happening.. just barely! 
Coming up for air.......
....and continuing to smile! 
Sunday was so beautiful and fresh! The sky was a show of blue and amazing white clouds. Central Oregon landscape is quite different from the Willamette Valley. There are wide open spaces, juniper, sage, and pine forests with no underbrush. In the valley there is a great deal of underbrush, more Cedar and Fir trees, which is a striking contrast to the high desert.
Before noon Jim and I decided to take a walk down along the Deschutes River. It was just below the condo we were staying in. The path was steep but flat once we got to the bottom. 
This was our view as we walked along the river. Juniper trees and sage brush smelled wonderful! See the high cliffs above the river.
The river is pristine, rushing through the rock formations surrounding it. 
As we look up towards the sky, on our side of the river, we see rock and more rock. 
The path had many deer tracks and evidence of other wildlife close by!
We found this tree that a beaver must have just finished cutting down when he heard us coming. No sign of the beaver but it was clearly a close intersection!
Here we are all bundled up in the sun and cold air. Thanks for following our short two day journey to Central Oregon!
As we drove home Monday before noon we could see the Three Sisters mountain formation, and Three Fingered Jack out towards the blue horizon!
This picture of Mt. Hood was taken as we drove through Boring, Oregon and onto Highway 26 East.
We drove for three hours, entered the resort of Eagle Crest, where our daughter and her family were taking a much appreciated break! Of course our granddaughter was there, and one of the first things she wanted to do was go swimming! The delight on her face transcends happiness! She is a water baby. and even slipping underwater does not scare her or slow her down in the slightest. She made many attempts at getting into the big pool. but her daddy was able to keep that from happening.. just barely! Coming up for air...........and continuing to smile! 
Sunday was so beautiful and fresh! The sky was a show of blue and amazing white clouds. Central Oregon landscape is quite different from the Willamette Valley. There are wide open spaces, juniper, sage, and pine forests with no underbrush. In the valley there is a great deal of underbrush, more Cedar and Fir trees, which is a striking contrast to the high desert.Before noon Jim and I decided to take a walk down along the Deschutes River. It was just below the condo we were staying in. The path was steep but flat once we got to the bottom. This was our view as we walked along the river. Juniper trees and sage brush smelled wonderful! See the high cliffs above the river.The river is pristine, rushing through the rock formations surrounding it. As we look up towards the sky, on our side of the river, we see rock and more rock. The path had many deer tracks and evidence of other wildlife close by!
We found this tree that a beaver must have just finished cutting down when he heard us coming. No sign of the beaver but it was clearly a close intersection!
Here we are all bundled up in the sun and cold air. Thanks for following our short two day journey to Central Oregon!As we drove home Monday before noon we could see the Three Sisters mountain formation, and Three Fingered Jack out towards the blue horizon!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Mt. Hood graces the City of Portland and other surrounding communities. While driving around our rural setting we see it, and when we drive towards the Columbia Gorge, there it is again. This photo was taken from my car yesterday morning. Yes, I was driving but I didn't focus....just pointed and got the shot! The most amazing thing about this picture is there are no electrical lines to look through!! Two days ago the mountain was grey, and now it is covered with new white snow. 
This afternoon Blue and I took a walk down the driveway, and out into the woods, to clip some greenery for decorating in the house. Blue is right by my side all the way! 
The goats are curious about what we are doing, so they peer out of their stalls on this sunny, crisp and cold day. It couldn't be a nicer day in the month of December!
The trees that had leaves are now bare and the evergreens are exposed to the sun rays! 
Here is a glimpse into the tangle of the woods, which is seen so easily at this time of year.
What's this? Salvia is still blooming! It is a new perennial variety that blooms it's heart out right into the cold days and nights we are having. We like the chartreuse color of it's foliage against the dark evergreen background.
I leave you with one last shot, taken just moments ago, out our front door. The pink sky indicates that tomorrow will be another clear day in the Northwest!
Have a wonderful weekend!
This afternoon Blue and I took a walk down the driveway, and out into the woods, to clip some greenery for decorating in the house. Blue is right by my side all the way! The goats are curious about what we are doing, so they peer out of their stalls on this sunny, crisp and cold day. It couldn't be a nicer day in the month of December!
The trees that had leaves are now bare and the evergreens are exposed to the sun rays! 
Here is a glimpse into the tangle of the woods, which is seen so easily at this time of year.
What's this? Salvia is still blooming! It is a new perennial variety that blooms it's heart out right into the cold days and nights we are having. We like the chartreuse color of it's foliage against the dark evergreen background. I leave you with one last shot, taken just moments ago, out our front door. The pink sky indicates that tomorrow will be another clear day in the Northwest!Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wreath making day...
Wreath making day is traditionally done the day after Thanksgiving at our farm. This year was no exception! My walking buddy and I met in the flower cottage, out by the barn, and began to weave fresh greenery into wreaths. Making a wreath takes a bit of time, energy and it pretty much ruins a manicure! 
We begin by snipping short lengths of fir, cedar, eucalyptus, holly, boxwood, bamboo and whatever else we can find. Then we make small bundles of assorted greenery, wire the bundles, and lay them on a wreath form, one overlaying the other. Soon we have completed the sphere. Then we add embellishments, like cones, bows, birds, nests, and berries. The wreaths above have been hung on home doors, and the wreath below is hanging over a window at our place of business. Wreaths are fun to make and we always make sure to have the Christmas music playing, a cup of something hot to drink, and a turkey sandwich to eat! 
Here I am with last years wreath. It was a large one and lasted well into January! 
We begin by snipping short lengths of fir, cedar, eucalyptus, holly, boxwood, bamboo and whatever else we can find. Then we make small bundles of assorted greenery, wire the bundles, and lay them on a wreath form, one overlaying the other. Soon we have completed the sphere. Then we add embellishments, like cones, bows, birds, nests, and berries. The wreaths above have been hung on home doors, and the wreath below is hanging over a window at our place of business. Wreaths are fun to make and we always make sure to have the Christmas music playing, a cup of something hot to drink, and a turkey sandwich to eat! Here I am with last years wreath. It was a large one and lasted well into January!
