Just looked at the extended forecast on accu-weather, temps for July are supposed to range 80's to low 90's for the entire month...We'll see what happens.
Yesterday we made a trip to LaGrande to see what they have to offer in the way of toilets and vanities for our bathroom remodel...Not a very successful trip...Vanities were okay, can be made to order but maybe we will keep the one we have, add new faucet and maybe some trim and call it good...For the toilets they tell you to look on line and they can order it for you...I can do that from Joseph!
Today will be spent outside deadheading, weeding and inside cleaning...Our last cord of wood was delivered yesterday so Herb will be stacking wood and watering...Hugs to all....OWAV:)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Clean Slate....54º
Up since 5am, doin' what I do, coffee in one hand computer with the other!..Just chatted with Bobi, she got Cienna on the bus bound for an overnight trip to Pacific University and Seattle, along with 29 other girls and chaperones they will tour Microsoft and Amazon.
What a different world these girls live in compared to the 1950's when I grew up...Just came to my mind that at the end of our 8th grade year, all of us "country bumpkins" met up with our new city classmates and took a one day field trip 100 miles away to Boise where we visited the "Boise Daily Statesman","The Boise Fire Station" and newly built "Black Canyon Dam" in Emmett, Idaho...We were looking at the latest in damming rivers for electricity, America was looking at a possible trip to the moon and now these girls are looking at a voyage into cyberspace...So I guess in comparison we were and they are getting a glimpse into the future!
I don't have anything on my list today so will walk at the lake with Pat at 10am, probably start sour dough bread this morning, figure out something for dinner, and admire whatever new flower that is blooming this morning...Sun is shining, temperature is moving up...That's the latest on Barton Heights...Hugs to all...OWAV:)
What a different world these girls live in compared to the 1950's when I grew up...Just came to my mind that at the end of our 8th grade year, all of us "country bumpkins" met up with our new city classmates and took a one day field trip 100 miles away to Boise where we visited the "Boise Daily Statesman","The Boise Fire Station" and newly built "Black Canyon Dam" in Emmett, Idaho...We were looking at the latest in damming rivers for electricity, America was looking at a possible trip to the moon and now these girls are looking at a voyage into cyberspace...So I guess in comparison we were and they are getting a glimpse into the future!
I don't have anything on my list today so will walk at the lake with Pat at 10am, probably start sour dough bread this morning, figure out something for dinner, and admire whatever new flower that is blooming this morning...Sun is shining, temperature is moving up...That's the latest on Barton Heights...Hugs to all...OWAV:)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunshine...38º
The thermometer doesn't say freezing but it sure looks like frost on the lawn out back, shouldn't do much damage though.
Interesting day at Write People, our usual stories, laughter and food...Arrived home after 2pm to fine LeaAnn and Bonnie (asparagus lady) from Walla Walla sitting on the deck and checking out the garden...It was a quick visit as a rainstorm approached, I dug a plant start for each of them and they were on their way to LaGrande picking up empty boxes from the asparagus that was delivered earlier.
Write people always wears me out but I did get outside to pull some weed and then vegged the afternoon away...Started reading two books The Weird Sisters (fiction) and A Stroke of Insight (non fiction)...Quite a combination.
That's all from Barton Heights this morning, forgot to charge the laptop last night so I'm running on low power...Hugs to All...OWAV:)
Interesting day at Write People, our usual stories, laughter and food...Arrived home after 2pm to fine LeaAnn and Bonnie (asparagus lady) from Walla Walla sitting on the deck and checking out the garden...It was a quick visit as a rainstorm approached, I dug a plant start for each of them and they were on their way to LaGrande picking up empty boxes from the asparagus that was delivered earlier.
Write people always wears me out but I did get outside to pull some weed and then vegged the afternoon away...Started reading two books The Weird Sisters (fiction) and A Stroke of Insight (non fiction)...Quite a combination.
That's all from Barton Heights this morning, forgot to charge the laptop last night so I'm running on low power...Hugs to All...OWAV:)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Rainy Day...45º
Awakened by pouring rain this morning, at first I snuggled deeper into the covers and listened, thinking about the the day ahead...The rain is welcome as long as it doesn't last too long...My hope had been to walk early this morning but the rain has changed that to maybe later in the afternoon...Write People at Janie's is on for this morning, so must make food to share.
Yesterday was a good day with lots of sunshine, little wind and time spent on the deck after serving at the local meal site and a walk in the park...That's it from Barton Heights this morning.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Yesterday was a good day with lots of sunshine, little wind and time spent on the deck after serving at the local meal site and a walk in the park...That's it from Barton Heights this morning.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday Sunshine...52º
High is 75º today, possible showers...Community service is on my calendar for today...I will be serving lunch at the Senior Center today...It is always a fun activity and I get to see another group of people and maybe connect with old friends...Also I enjoy being back in the commercial kitchen, brings back so many memories of the 17 years that I spent cooking at the Joseph School cafeteria.
The early morning hours where the cooking staff is starting to prepare lunch while most people haven't even had breakfast yet...The huge pots and pans, the twenty gallon steam kettle, where most entrees started, the bread mixer slowly kneading with little puffs of flour escaping, students poking their heads in wanting to know what is for lunch, or just wanting to "smell", sometimes looking for a sample and staff stopping by for a cup of coffee and filling us in on the latest news...Then all at once it was minutes before the lunch bell rang and the last minute rush to fill the steam table, don our plastic gloves, serving utensils in hand we filled the lunch trays with the food of the day....Would it be pizza, taco's, lasagna or just hamburger gravy on biscuits warm from the oven?..Then it was over as quickly as it started and we were left with all of those huge pots and trays to wash and put away...The dishwasher running through cycle after cycle until finally all the trays were clean...Everything clean, kitchen spic and span for us to start anew early the next morning...It was a good time! Hugs to All... OWAV:)
The early morning hours where the cooking staff is starting to prepare lunch while most people haven't even had breakfast yet...The huge pots and pans, the twenty gallon steam kettle, where most entrees started, the bread mixer slowly kneading with little puffs of flour escaping, students poking their heads in wanting to know what is for lunch, or just wanting to "smell", sometimes looking for a sample and staff stopping by for a cup of coffee and filling us in on the latest news...Then all at once it was minutes before the lunch bell rang and the last minute rush to fill the steam table, don our plastic gloves, serving utensils in hand we filled the lunch trays with the food of the day....Would it be pizza, taco's, lasagna or just hamburger gravy on biscuits warm from the oven?..Then it was over as quickly as it started and we were left with all of those huge pots and trays to wash and put away...The dishwasher running through cycle after cycle until finally all the trays were clean...Everything clean, kitchen spic and span for us to start anew early the next morning...It was a good time! Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Salin'....55º
Pat and I were almost first at a sale in Joseph yesterday morning...She quickly grabbed a bathroom faucet, brand new in the box $5.00 for me and I picked up a set of 3 cordless phones new in the box for another $5.00 and Pat got for herself a pair of leather driving gloves lined with cashmere for $3.00...We were on a roll...Left Joseph, headed for Enterprise where we checked out more sales, the carpet store and a small garden nursery...then back to Joseph to "Ewetemlaykin Heritage Site" and our daily walk...We trudged up the hills and meandered through the lush meadows and around Knight's Pond before stopping on top to enjoy the breathtaking view of Chief Joseph Mountain, still covered in snow.
Back home I fixed a dinner of leftovers for Herb and I and we spent the rest of the afternoon, partly on the deck or front porch or wandering the gardens looking for weeds...Much to my surprise I found 2 ripe strawberries and shared with Herb, nothing like strawberries, fresh and warm from the patch.
Chatted with Bobi and Cienna about Ci's week at "Science and Technology Camp"...Cienna's eyes sparkle when she talks about the fun and interesting things they are doing and the upcoming overnight trip to Seattle...So great to share this experience with her via the video chat....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Back home I fixed a dinner of leftovers for Herb and I and we spent the rest of the afternoon, partly on the deck or front porch or wandering the gardens looking for weeds...Much to my surprise I found 2 ripe strawberries and shared with Herb, nothing like strawberries, fresh and warm from the patch.
Chatted with Bobi and Cienna about Ci's week at "Science and Technology Camp"...Cienna's eyes sparkle when she talks about the fun and interesting things they are doing and the upcoming overnight trip to Seattle...So great to share this experience with her via the video chat....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
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| Lupines and Dames Rocket |
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Early Riser....58º
Awake and up before 4am this morning...Lexulous games are done...I have all of our documents for our Alaska Cruise ready to print...Now I have to make sure everything (Passports, Plane Tickets, Luggage Tags with our stateroom number on them and Boarding Passes for the Norwegian Pearl) are in a manilla envelope, labeled---Alaskan Cruise 2012 are stored in a safe place until our departure date arrives.
Yesterday turned into a nice morning....I wandered the gardens, deadheading and picking a lovely bouquet before Pat and I walked...then she treated us to an Iced Mocha at Arrowhead Chocolates...We had planned to go yard saling but instead we licked our chocolate covered spoons and waited for the Mocha's to arrive. Sipping and slurping and talking we were soon refreshed and ready to tackle the Barton Heights Hill and finish our walk.
This morning I looked back at a year ago, weather was similar, Patty's Plum was blooming and Niece Diane came for a visit.... Hugs to All.... OWAV:)
Yesterday turned into a nice morning....I wandered the gardens, deadheading and picking a lovely bouquet before Pat and I walked...then she treated us to an Iced Mocha at Arrowhead Chocolates...We had planned to go yard saling but instead we licked our chocolate covered spoons and waited for the Mocha's to arrive. Sipping and slurping and talking we were soon refreshed and ready to tackle the Barton Heights Hill and finish our walk.
Iris
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| Columbine |
Friday, June 22, 2012
Cloudy...58º
Our first warm night, waking up to a balmy 58º and cloudy...Thunder storms and cooler temperatures for a few days...Herb and I spent most of the day outside yesterday either moving water or relaxing on the deck, we have to take advantage of the sunshine and heat because it is very fleeting...Had a chicken salad for dinner.
I'm surprised that we haven't heard from Rusty this morning as he is usually an early riser...47 years ago today he woke us up at 2am and was born shortly after 5am...That was a quick trip to the hospital...Will celebrate his and Cienna's birthday when they come to Joseph in July.
Count down is on for our Alaska Cruise, our last notice said only 31 days until departure...It seemed like years away when we decided on a date and made the first payment!..My week at Summer Fishtrap is only two weeks away and our other July project, remodeling of the bathroom is moving along, will order supplies soon and maybe some of it can be completed while we are cruising...July is going to be a crazy month.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
My newest oriental poppy bloomed yesterday, one huge bloom with 4 more to open soon...Isn't she pretty?
I'm surprised that we haven't heard from Rusty this morning as he is usually an early riser...47 years ago today he woke us up at 2am and was born shortly after 5am...That was a quick trip to the hospital...Will celebrate his and Cienna's birthday when they come to Joseph in July.
Count down is on for our Alaska Cruise, our last notice said only 31 days until departure...It seemed like years away when we decided on a date and made the first payment!..My week at Summer Fishtrap is only two weeks away and our other July project, remodeling of the bathroom is moving along, will order supplies soon and maybe some of it can be completed while we are cruising...July is going to be a crazy month.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
My newest oriental poppy bloomed yesterday, one huge bloom with 4 more to open soon...Isn't she pretty?
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| Patty's Plum |
Thursday, June 21, 2012
WARM....45º
I was up before 4am this morning and have frittered away 2 hours, drinking coffee and catching up on Lexulous and yes playing solitaire...It is hard to type with a coffee cup in one hand but easy to play games.
It was a glorious day yesterday, Pat and I walked before it got too hot, then she headed home to finish getting ready for guests to arrive....I continued sorting the bookcase in our bedroom and rearranging clothing, started a bag for soroptomists...Soon the sun enticed me outside to sit on the deck and soak up the warm sun as well as the view from our backyard as Herb and I enjoyed dinner at the picnic table...Late afternoon I watered, took photo's and stayed outside as long as possible on the longest day of 2012.
Sometime in the afternoon the iPad jingled that we had a chat coming in...Who should pop up on my screen but Pat...The Adelhardts have finally gotten up to speed, high speed that is...Living at Wallowa Lake does have its drawbacks and one is the difficulty of getting a good internet connection...After first dealing with dialup, then a Verizon card that wasn't much better, they have hooked up with a new local company, with streaming capabilities!..This modern technology is beyond belief.
I must get moving, go for an early morning walk and back home to continue with my sorting until it is warm enough to spend another warm and wonderful day outside...Hugs to All... Oma with an "INCREDIBLE" View:)
It was a glorious day yesterday, Pat and I walked before it got too hot, then she headed home to finish getting ready for guests to arrive....I continued sorting the bookcase in our bedroom and rearranging clothing, started a bag for soroptomists...Soon the sun enticed me outside to sit on the deck and soak up the warm sun as well as the view from our backyard as Herb and I enjoyed dinner at the picnic table...Late afternoon I watered, took photo's and stayed outside as long as possible on the longest day of 2012.
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| Irises |
Sometime in the afternoon the iPad jingled that we had a chat coming in...Who should pop up on my screen but Pat...The Adelhardts have finally gotten up to speed, high speed that is...Living at Wallowa Lake does have its drawbacks and one is the difficulty of getting a good internet connection...After first dealing with dialup, then a Verizon card that wasn't much better, they have hooked up with a new local company, with streaming capabilities!..This modern technology is beyond belief.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Warming...39º
Morning temperature isn't any warmer but daytime is supposed to warm up and tomorrow it could reach 80º...And it should as the first day of summer has arrived...We need warm days and nights for the gardens to grow and produce, as fall comes early to Wallowa County...Yesterday was cold, Burrrr, enough that Herb built a fire in the wood stove.
My meetings are done for the week, Pat and I will walk this morning then, she has company arriving, so I will coast through the rest of the week with outside chores watering and weeding flower beds and garden as everything dries out quickly.
We are keeping in daily touch with our girls in Portland as Cienna on Monday started the first week of a 4 week Science and Technology summer camp at Pacific University...She commutes daily on Tri met (a new experience for her) and is already tearing into a computer to see what makes it work...The next 4 weeks will bring field trips to OMSI and OPB, an overnight trip to Seattle visiting Microsoft and Amazon, day trip to Vernier, and the last week, a day trip to Intel...What an exciting experience for our "Girl"...Read more about her at bobi.... Hugs to All.... OWAV:)
My meetings are done for the week, Pat and I will walk this morning then, she has company arriving, so I will coast through the rest of the week with outside chores watering and weeding flower beds and garden as everything dries out quickly.
We are keeping in daily touch with our girls in Portland as Cienna on Monday started the first week of a 4 week Science and Technology summer camp at Pacific University...She commutes daily on Tri met (a new experience for her) and is already tearing into a computer to see what makes it work...The next 4 weeks will bring field trips to OMSI and OPB, an overnight trip to Seattle visiting Microsoft and Amazon, day trip to Vernier, and the last week, a day trip to Intel...What an exciting experience for our "Girl"...Read more about her at bobi.... Hugs to All.... OWAV:)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Reminisce...44º
I need to get my writing juices flowing again...I seem to be at a spot where I need new ideas or a push to make me rewrite (and finish) some stuff and continue with the project of writing my memories of the past...We have this month to submit our last paper of this session to Katey for critique before we take a break for the summer...I have roughly 10 day before it is due and I don't have a clue what it is going to be about...I enjoyed writing the "anaphoras", but really don't want to continue with that style of writing...Panic is about to set in!
In July I'm signed up to take a memoir class at "Summer Fishtrap"...Fishtrap is a writers conference held here in Wallowa County, now celebrating its 25 year...I'm counting on the week, immersed with "newby" writers (like myself) and published writers from near and far to get me excited about continuing this project, sparking new ideas and thoughts for me to work with...I need to refocus on where I'm really going with this project and set some goals to work toward...This is all easy for me to say, now the hard part is to actually forge ahead and make it happen...But right at this moment I need to come up with something to read at "Write People" this very morning...Wish me luck...Hugs to all...OWAV:)
In July I'm signed up to take a memoir class at "Summer Fishtrap"...Fishtrap is a writers conference held here in Wallowa County, now celebrating its 25 year...I'm counting on the week, immersed with "newby" writers (like myself) and published writers from near and far to get me excited about continuing this project, sparking new ideas and thoughts for me to work with...I need to refocus on where I'm really going with this project and set some goals to work toward...This is all easy for me to say, now the hard part is to actually forge ahead and make it happen...But right at this moment I need to come up with something to read at "Write People" this very morning...Wish me luck...Hugs to all...OWAV:)
Monday, June 18, 2012
Sumpter Train...49º
Weather was perfect as we left Wallowa County for a day trip to Baker City and beyond to the Sumpter Valley Railroad...Pat planned the trip and she and Brian invited us to go along and celebrate Fathers Day 2012.
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| Sumpter Steam Engine |
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| Our Train was Robbed |
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| Gold Dredge |
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| Brian and Herb taking a Break |
Saturday, June 16, 2012
June Days...44º
Awake at 3:30am this morning, rested and ready for another sunny day in June.
Yesterday morning I was outside early working in the flowerbeds before a morning walk and then back home to make strawberry jam...I got 10-1/2 pints (jelly jars) of the amazing red jewel-like mixture, now stored on the cellar shelves, saved for toast, pancakes or biscuits this winter...We did keep one jar upstairs to enjoy now...This may entice me to make another batch as I love filling the cellar shelves and ten 1/2 pints doesn't go very far.
Mid afternoon "We Three" met at "Caldera" in Joseph...A small upscale restaurant, where we sat on the covered front porch, ordered "wraps", sipped a glass of wine and talked non-stop, covering many subjects...We look forward to a break in our writing classes for the summer but will continue with our monthly get togethers, that we have come to enjoy and look forward to.
Back home Herb was relaxed reading, and the cord of wood that I expected to be piled in the driveway was already in the basement woodshed...Sooo I joined him, unwinding from my busy day and later on I was outside spraying the nasty smelling "Liquid Deer Fence" to protect the new blooms.
Today is looking like a picture perfect day at home and tomorrow we will celebrate Fathers Day with Pat and Brian as we drive to Baker City, board the Sumpter Train for a ride and then to "Haines Steak House" for dinner.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Yesterday morning I was outside early working in the flowerbeds before a morning walk and then back home to make strawberry jam...I got 10-1/2 pints (jelly jars) of the amazing red jewel-like mixture, now stored on the cellar shelves, saved for toast, pancakes or biscuits this winter...We did keep one jar upstairs to enjoy now...This may entice me to make another batch as I love filling the cellar shelves and ten 1/2 pints doesn't go very far.
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| Strawberry Jam |
Mid afternoon "We Three" met at "Caldera" in Joseph...A small upscale restaurant, where we sat on the covered front porch, ordered "wraps", sipped a glass of wine and talked non-stop, covering many subjects...We look forward to a break in our writing classes for the summer but will continue with our monthly get togethers, that we have come to enjoy and look forward to.
Back home Herb was relaxed reading, and the cord of wood that I expected to be piled in the driveway was already in the basement woodshed...Sooo I joined him, unwinding from my busy day and later on I was outside spraying the nasty smelling "Liquid Deer Fence" to protect the new blooms.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Today's Event...44º
Have hosted Sorority in June or July for several years now, some flowers are in bloom, weather is supposed to be decent, I've decided to serve Root Beer Floats, simpler than strawberry sundaes...So this morning will be spent "uncluttering" the house and sweeping the deck...Maybe with the incredible view from our house the ladies will overlook the dust and clutter, that seems to have taken up permanent residency at 109 Barton Heights.
Early morning yesterday I got my annual exam over with and have a couple of tests scheduled for late June...Walked our uphill trek at the lake and can now make it with only one or two stops, catching our breath, before we continue...Much different from when we first started doing this as I gasped for breath with each step...Perseverance does pay off.
Milestone: Cienna has graduated from 8th grade, gave a speech about choosing friends in middle school...Never mentioning "his" name she talked about her best friend Sam, not a "boyfriend" just a very good friend that she has much in common with and they can laugh and talk and enjoy each others company...Bobi said she did a great job with the speech, even if she did try to "hurry" it a bit...We are so proud of our Cienna!
I must get dressed and moving....Hugs to All...OWAV:)
Early morning yesterday I got my annual exam over with and have a couple of tests scheduled for late June...Walked our uphill trek at the lake and can now make it with only one or two stops, catching our breath, before we continue...Much different from when we first started doing this as I gasped for breath with each step...Perseverance does pay off.
Milestone: Cienna has graduated from 8th grade, gave a speech about choosing friends in middle school...Never mentioning "his" name she talked about her best friend Sam, not a "boyfriend" just a very good friend that she has much in common with and they can laugh and talk and enjoy each others company...Bobi said she did a great job with the speech, even if she did try to "hurry" it a bit...We are so proud of our Cienna!
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| Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts! |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
OFF...50º
Off for annual blood work this morning, so drinking straight hot water out of my coffee cup, Yuk...Trying to keep hydrated.
I really pared down my activities yesterday, canceled write people (everyone busy on other things) didn't make the trek to Wallowa for garden club, because I had food to fix for Cathy's poetry reading last night at 6pm...She had a good kick off for her book and I was home by 8pm...Now only have to get through Sorority tomorrow, house cleaning and hope we can meet on the deck...Hug.....OWAV:)
I really pared down my activities yesterday, canceled write people (everyone busy on other things) didn't make the trek to Wallowa for garden club, because I had food to fix for Cathy's poetry reading last night at 6pm...She had a good kick off for her book and I was home by 8pm...Now only have to get through Sorority tomorrow, house cleaning and hope we can meet on the deck...Hug.....OWAV:)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Warming Up, Wood delivered....51º
Temps are warming up a bit this week, thunderstorms predicted...Lets say we warmed up the easy way yesterday as the first of four cords of wood that Herb ordered was dumped in our driveway, split and ready to go into the basement wood-room...Herb worked off and on late afternoon throwing the pieces through the basement window and I helped as the pile dwindled...This is a new experience for us as for all of our years together, we have gone to the woods for our winters supply of wood, doing all of the sawing, splitting, loading and unloading...Wood getting not only warms us for the winter but also during the process and also gives us much needed exercise...At this point in our life journey we have decided to take the easier way and purchase wood almost ready to burn, another load is expected on Friday.
I kept busy yesterday with weeding, watering and planting...Had a walk with Pat and lunch with Kathy Hunter...Spent time on the deck soaking up some sunshine and started reading this months book club book "Where the River Turns to Sky"...Subject--Nursing Homes, Care Centers, End of Life Stuff and possible alternatives, all fiction of course!..Also I'm reading a new book by a local author "Pure Beef" by Lynn Curry...It is a cookbook/kind of history, of beef via feed lots and local grass fed beef, from her perspective...Interesting with lots of recipes....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
I kept busy yesterday with weeding, watering and planting...Had a walk with Pat and lunch with Kathy Hunter...Spent time on the deck soaking up some sunshine and started reading this months book club book "Where the River Turns to Sky"...Subject--Nursing Homes, Care Centers, End of Life Stuff and possible alternatives, all fiction of course!..Also I'm reading a new book by a local author "Pure Beef" by Lynn Curry...It is a cookbook/kind of history, of beef via feed lots and local grass fed beef, from her perspective...Interesting with lots of recipes....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Busy Week....47º
Looks like I've managed to book way too many things this week...Lunch with a friend today, then tomorrow I have write group, garden club and an evening book signing to attend...Wednesday an annual doctor appointment and Thursday afternoon is a sorority meeting here on Barton Heights and everyday Pat and I fit in a walk..So much for the lazy days of summer!
That means I better take a deep breath and stick to the one-step at a time routine and somehow it will all get done...So much for today as I have to get dressed and get moving!
Hugs to All... OWAV:)
That means I better take a deep breath and stick to the one-step at a time routine and somehow it will all get done...So much for today as I have to get dressed and get moving!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Celebration time in the Allen household with Herb's birthday yesterday and our anniversary today...Pat and Brian invited us to dinner last night along with Wendy and Bruce Reininger, owners of Arrowhead Chocolates here in Joseph...We enjoyed wonderful food as well as conversation centered around past and varied history of Wallowa County and interesting life tidbits about all of us... And chocolate was mentioned a "few" times as we swooned over the new "Whiskey Truffle" that Bruce is perfecting and then after a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" we topped of the evening with Pat's decadent chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and ice cream on the side...All that chocolate must have been what kept us awake and talking way past our usual bedtime or maybe it was the exceptionally good company.
Today will be low-key as we spend a quiet day at home, reading and doing computer "Stuff"...Maybe we will get a few rays of sunshine before the day is over...I'll do a repeat of photo's like last year, of the day 51 years ago in McCall, Idaho where Herb and I were married...It was an unusually hot, sunny day in 1961.
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| Idella & Herb |
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Fun Trip...40º
Leaving at 7:30am and back home at 6pm...Our day started with the beautiful drive over Tollgate, fog in places but then dropping into the WW valley sunshine, with all the blooms, roses and other flowers everywhere...We shopped, Pat had a good checkup, lunch was a bit disconcerting as the place was busy and the waiter seemed to ignore us...Finally our lunch arrived and we soon moved on as our time was wasting...Driving clear to the East end of town and a stop at Clickers where we bought fresh picked strawberries, then taking back streets in a torrential downpour we arrived at Andy's to blue skies...As we left there it was sprinkling again and by the time we arrived at Close Farms for asparagus it was pouring down rain again!..A quick stop at Clay in Motion (pottery making) and we were on our way over Tollgate and soon back to Wallowa County.
A little sun is peeking through in Joseph this morning and I can hear the rumble of engines from Main Street as the annual car cruise starts for another year and a quilt show is just a few blocks away in the Joseph school gymnasium...We will probably spend most of the day at home, staying warm and cosy as the temperature isn't going to rise much today...Hugs to All... OWAV:)
A little sun is peeking through in Joseph this morning and I can hear the rumble of engines from Main Street as the annual car cruise starts for another year and a quilt show is just a few blocks away in the Joseph school gymnasium...We will probably spend most of the day at home, staying warm and cosy as the temperature isn't going to rise much today...Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Friday, June 8, 2012
Walla Walla...42º--Rain
Looks like a rainy day for travel to Walla Walla today...Only 65º for the high there today and showers likely...Shouldn't bother Pat and I much as we will be in and out of stores and she has a dermatology appointment.
The strawberries are just starting to come on, so will try to get some to make a batch of jam...We had lots of strawberry jam when I was a kid...Freezer jam made its debut and Mom made lots of it...We had it on toast, pancakes, waffles, and I remember ice cream sundaes made with freezer jam, sprinkled with nuts and topped with whipped cream...Over the years I grew tired of it, but lately have been thinking that it would taste good for a change, so will dig out the recipes and see what I can come up with.
Looking at the clock, almost 6am, must get dressed and ready to go!.. Hugs to All... OWAV:)
The strawberries are just starting to come on, so will try to get some to make a batch of jam...We had lots of strawberry jam when I was a kid...Freezer jam made its debut and Mom made lots of it...We had it on toast, pancakes, waffles, and I remember ice cream sundaes made with freezer jam, sprinkled with nuts and topped with whipped cream...Over the years I grew tired of it, but lately have been thinking that it would taste good for a change, so will dig out the recipes and see what I can come up with.
Looking at the clock, almost 6am, must get dressed and ready to go!.. Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Looking Back...37º
It is fun to look back at my blog one year ago and compare June 2011 and 2012...June of last year we (Herb, Rusty and I) made two trips into the forest with Becky and John to get wood for the winter...This spring, since wood is more difficult to come by and we are getting older, Herb called a number in the local paper and ordered 4 cords of wood to be delivered to our house...We may still help get more wood, because we enjoy the outings and yes the hard work is good for us, but we aren't totally dependent on trips into the forest for our winters wood...June of last year we hunted for mushrooms and Herb has already been out one time this year...Pat and I made a trip to Walla Walla last June and go again tomorrow for her Dr. appt...John and Becky's mule Clyde was born June 2011 and just a few days ago a new baby mule (another boy) arrived to make them a pair...Llama poop is stacked in our back pasture as it was last year and we have animals grazing the abundant grass in our field...Garden is planted, flowers blooming, weeds growing...Rusty has been here to spend time with us.
We talk to Bobi and Cienna regularly on ichat as we did in 2011 but this year, Cienna finishes 8th grade, then instead of coming to Joseph for a visit she will venture out, taking the "Tri Met" bus to Forest Grove and attend a Science and Math technology day camp for the next three weeks, and also stay in training for her summer swimming activities...A trip to Joseph is planned for July this year....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
We talk to Bobi and Cienna regularly on ichat as we did in 2011 but this year, Cienna finishes 8th grade, then instead of coming to Joseph for a visit she will venture out, taking the "Tri Met" bus to Forest Grove and attend a Science and Math technology day camp for the next three weeks, and also stay in training for her summer swimming activities...A trip to Joseph is planned for July this year....Hugs to All... OWAV:)
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| New Baby |
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Bare Calendar...35º
By bare calendar I mean; "Nothing" that says I have to leave the house...Of course a walk is always needed, Herb's hair needs cutting, our stash of bread in the freezer is getting low, dinner has to be fixed, I can make a trip to the bank or not, housework is always waiting to be done and weeds love the rain so are growing like weeds!..All this means that I could spend the day on the computer, reading a book, wandering the gardens or flitting from one thing to another without accomplishing anything and the world wouldn't come to an end.
Enough drivel for today....Below are a couple of nostalgia photo's... Taken at the ranch in Lake Fork, Idaho in 1952 or 53...Bears had been killing sheep in our small herd so this one was trapped and killed in the spring...Not a good time for bear meat because they were just coming out of hibernation but it made a good photo op... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Enough drivel for today....Below are a couple of nostalgia photo's... Taken at the ranch in Lake Fork, Idaho in 1952 or 53...Bears had been killing sheep in our small herd so this one was trapped and killed in the spring...Not a good time for bear meat because they were just coming out of hibernation but it made a good photo op... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
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| Daddy and Idella |
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| Mom and Idella |
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Animals...44º
A sunny morning yesterday was enjoyed as all of us spent time outside...More honey do's were finished, garden planted and a trip to Enterprise to look at more tile for the bathroom project...Rusty made chicken and noodles for dinner...Afternoon brought a cold wind and late evening turned to thunder storms and a torrential rainfall...We have more to come today with rain and possible snow showers.
Today I have the usual Tuesday Write People, Rusty will leave for Boise and be home in Bend by Thursday...We played cards last night and he wasn't satisfied until he really tromped me 2 out of 3 games.
Included in the lot our house sits on we have a small pasture out back...Over the years we have had sheep (Rusty's 4-H flock), steers we raised for beef and now for several years the grass is eaten off by sheep, llama and/or goats owned by friend Debbie...She arrives in early spring towing a horse trailer and we wait with anticipation to see what will entertain us for the next couple of months.
This year we have 2 young "Billies", 2 lambs and 1 llama, included to protect the herd...The goats and lambs are especially fun to watch as they chase and butt each other, cavorting from one end of the field to the other...The llama stands regally watching all of the action and occasionally joins in the fun...The two goats are super friendly and they took turns nibbling on my shirt tail yesterday as I was getting photos.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Today I have the usual Tuesday Write People, Rusty will leave for Boise and be home in Bend by Thursday...We played cards last night and he wasn't satisfied until he really tromped me 2 out of 3 games.
Included in the lot our house sits on we have a small pasture out back...Over the years we have had sheep (Rusty's 4-H flock), steers we raised for beef and now for several years the grass is eaten off by sheep, llama and/or goats owned by friend Debbie...She arrives in early spring towing a horse trailer and we wait with anticipation to see what will entertain us for the next couple of months.
This year we have 2 young "Billies", 2 lambs and 1 llama, included to protect the herd...The goats and lambs are especially fun to watch as they chase and butt each other, cavorting from one end of the field to the other...The llama stands regally watching all of the action and occasionally joins in the fun...The two goats are super friendly and they took turns nibbling on my shirt tail yesterday as I was getting photos.... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
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| Sam I Am, eating a dandelion. Don't you just love these ears? |
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| Filbert is King of the brush pile |
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| Ms. V keeps her distance. |
Monday, June 4, 2012
Sunshine...50º
Sunny morning, slight breeze, the first Monday in June. I've been up since before 5am, did a scrabble game and new games of Lexulous instead of the new glitzy scrabble. Also have been "playing" with photos taken last week in Flora.
Nothing real big on the agenda for today, maybe finish planting the garden, always weeding and deadheading to do...I think we will have chicken and noodles for dinner.
It's Rusty's last day here before he drives to Boise for a couple of days, then home to Bend...I think he and Herb are going to work on the back fence as the goats and sheep keep getting their heads stuck and have to be rescued...Wonder what other project I have for him to do?
Yesterday Herb and I made a brief appearance at the 65th anniversary party for Mike and Willa Mae O'Rourke. I worked with Willy for over 10 years in the lunchroom at Joseph schools and have wonderful memories of that time. The Catholic Parish Hall was over-flowing with their family and friends....On with my day... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Nothing real big on the agenda for today, maybe finish planting the garden, always weeding and deadheading to do...I think we will have chicken and noodles for dinner.
It's Rusty's last day here before he drives to Boise for a couple of days, then home to Bend...I think he and Herb are going to work on the back fence as the goats and sheep keep getting their heads stuck and have to be rescued...Wonder what other project I have for him to do?
Yesterday Herb and I made a brief appearance at the 65th anniversary party for Mike and Willa Mae O'Rourke. I worked with Willy for over 10 years in the lunchroom at Joseph schools and have wonderful memories of that time. The Catholic Parish Hall was over-flowing with their family and friends....On with my day... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Another Job Done...49º
Rusty and I did go yard saling yesterday...Started in Joseph at 8am and finished up in Wallowa, took a side road home for the scenic view...I made the big purchase of two books, although there was quality stuff at most places in Joseph, we resisted...We gazed at piles of junk filling a field in Wallowa, much of it covered with tarps but some of it water soaked from the torrential downpour overnight...Rusty mused as we drove away, "Wonder if the stuff under cover is any better than what we can see." "Doubtful," said I.
Back home, I puttered in the kitchen making chili and cornbread for dinner...The sun chased away the clouds, so Herb and I rearranged the barrels on the deck, then Rusty helped me with the planting...Now all we need is lots of sunny days to make them grow and bloom for the summer...Looks like we have freezing temperature forecast for Tuesday night, hope they are tough enough to stand it...Finished our day playing "Five Crowns" with Rusty coming out the champion... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Back home, I puttered in the kitchen making chili and cornbread for dinner...The sun chased away the clouds, so Herb and I rearranged the barrels on the deck, then Rusty helped me with the planting...Now all we need is lots of sunny days to make them grow and bloom for the summer...Looks like we have freezing temperature forecast for Tuesday night, hope they are tough enough to stand it...Finished our day playing "Five Crowns" with Rusty coming out the champion... Hugs to All... OWAV:)
Saturday, June 2, 2012
"The Deck"...55º
Yesterday started with Herb doing laundry, washing the dirt encrusted clothes he and Rusty had worn in Jim Creek...I was planting geraniums and Rusty started hosing down and cleaning the deck (one of the honey do's on my list)...A few hours later found the 3 of us taking a break on the deck, now almost dry because the sun was hot and shinning full overhead...Herb glanced around and said, "You know, if someone would go to the store and buy the stain maybe someone could get it applied in time to dry before the forecasted rain starts." Rusty picked right up on that and said, "Okay Dad, Mom and I will go get the stain and you can put it on." Herb knowing he had stumbled head-long into that one didn't put up much of an argument...He began to assemble paint trays and pads, Rusty and I headed for the store to buy stain...I knowing that all this work was making everyone hungry, busied myself in the kitchen fixing enchiladas for our dinner.
Herb and Rusty worked steadily on the deck, we took a break for dinner and they finished up while I planted tomato and cabbage plants in the garden...Later as we rested, drinking a beer we watched the clouds gather on the mountains to the west and knew that the forecasted rain storm was eminent...It was an early bedtime for all of us and when in the middle of the night we awoke to the steady rain outside the bedroom windows we knew it was an afternoon well spent.
Still cloudy this morning, I'm looking at the "list" checking out possible jobs for today...Russ just informed me he is going back to bed (just kidding) and Herb is busy on the iPad...AAAAhhhh, Maybe we will check out the yard sales... Hugs to All...OWAV:)
Herb and Rusty worked steadily on the deck, we took a break for dinner and they finished up while I planted tomato and cabbage plants in the garden...Later as we rested, drinking a beer we watched the clouds gather on the mountains to the west and knew that the forecasted rain storm was eminent...It was an early bedtime for all of us and when in the middle of the night we awoke to the steady rain outside the bedroom windows we knew it was an afternoon well spent.
Still cloudy this morning, I'm looking at the "list" checking out possible jobs for today...Russ just informed me he is going back to bed (just kidding) and Herb is busy on the iPad...AAAAhhhh, Maybe we will check out the yard sales... Hugs to All...OWAV:)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Planting Annuals...49º
Made a trip to Alder Slope Nursery yesterday, late afternoon...Picked up the bright red geraniums that I ordered early this spring. Then I wandered the green house, added more annuals, paid for my purchases and headed home to plant...I worked on the geraniums until Herb and Rusty pulled in the drive, hungry from their overnight trip as FS volunteers to Jim Creek...The rest of the planting would wait until morning.
While they showered, I sliced roast pork, made gravy, toasted homemade bread and steamed a bunch of asparagus...We were soon devouring our dinner and I was listening to stories of the elk and deer they had seen...Also while using the weed eater, knocking down the already long grass around the house, two rattlesnakes were killed...Then they helped John load horses and mules in trailers and bumped their way home over rough dirt roads...Both my guys were ready for an early bedtime last night and I soon followed.
A couple of photo's to share from our "Write People" outing, in Flora at Cathy's home on Courtney Butte.. Hugs to All... OWAV:)
While they showered, I sliced roast pork, made gravy, toasted homemade bread and steamed a bunch of asparagus...We were soon devouring our dinner and I was listening to stories of the elk and deer they had seen...Also while using the weed eater, knocking down the already long grass around the house, two rattlesnakes were killed...Then they helped John load horses and mules in trailers and bumped their way home over rough dirt roads...Both my guys were ready for an early bedtime last night and I soon followed.
A couple of photo's to share from our "Write People" outing, in Flora at Cathy's home on Courtney Butte.. Hugs to All... OWAV:)
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| Cathy giving a tour of the tree farm |
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| Another potluck lunch |
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