tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14191053632037030402024-03-14T00:18:26.791-07:00Forget-me-not DaysThis blog chronicles my thoughts as I raise my children, work in my garden, and try to remember the meaningful tidbits in our busy days.Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-51835756515023450212012-01-18T15:55:00.000-08:002012-01-18T16:29:55.607-08:00Snow Day<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLJjBqaCNKs/TxddkT6Z0UI/AAAAAAAABpg/89zjCiT8l7w/s1600/DSC02823.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9rY0SligoI/TxddRAcKyoI/AAAAAAAABoY/J5wDdIgABR4/s1600/DSC02804.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9rY0SligoI/TxddRAcKyoI/AAAAAAAABoY/J5wDdIgABR4/s400/DSC02804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126400217959042" /></a><br />We have had a rare snowstorm this week, and are enjoying being home in the snow. Our area will often get a bit of snow each winter, but we usually only get an inch or two before it melts and goes away. In our yard we have over 7 inches, and it is supposed to stick around for another day or two. We continue with some of our book work, but we also took some time out to learn about snow and have some fun. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx6noflUC7Y/TxddQ5LhUrI/AAAAAAAABoM/sX53Bkfs6nI/s400/DSC02803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126398269084338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>5 1/2 inches above the 2 we had from earlier</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ticoiDflGaA/Txdc1sZOvfI/AAAAAAAABoE/ISnyxu1bAVI/s400/DSC02809_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699125930980457970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">We've really been enjoying watching the birds at our feeders. We enjoy them from inside the warmth of our home but also sitting quietly outside in the snow and watching them fly over and around us. We can hear the whoosh of feathers and the calls and chirps they make.</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBQBTcs7Ms0/Txdc0SqZDlI/AAAAAAAABns/Ixyf6SFXOyk/s400/DSC02786_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699125906893246034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>We've had a Townsend's Warbler around, which we don't see very often. We like their bright yellow colors and their black masks.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnDQO5mPRZg/Txdc1SaWI8I/AAAAAAAABn0/nPVjVMHprZA/s400/DSC02808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699125924005815234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Lots of little footprints in the snow on the porch.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoYXjcWFXSo/TxddRnExdKI/AAAAAAAABok/Cl34yHtv-Zw/s400/DSC02800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126410588812450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Snow science</i></span></div><br />We found <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/">a neat website</a> that explains <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/primer/primer.htm">how snowflakes form</a>, and all kinds of information about <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/class/class.htm">their shapes</a>. We read about how they are usually 6-sided, because of the bonds of hydrogen and oxygen in water. We tried to interpret <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/primer/morphologydiagram.jpg">the chart</a> explaining which snowflakes form at which concentrations of moisture and temperature. Then we took our <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/class/snowtypes4.jpg">printed snowflake chart</a> outside to catch snowflakes on black card stock, to try to see what we were getting. Our snow was tiny needles.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnvpssO5NjA/TxddSGcKyJI/AAAAAAAABow/_zoUqa-NYSE/s400/DSC02801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126419008440466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Tiny needles of snow on black paper</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mz58yoCOdQc/TxddjI8we8I/AAAAAAAABo8/7pD4a6cGs1I/s400/DSC02818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126711739775938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>The kids pulled Daddy on the sled</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Finally, we made maple syrup candy, just like they did in the pioneer days (such as in the Little House series). We boiled the maple syrup to the soft ball stage, then poured it into waiting pans of snow. It hardened into candy! Not that great for fillings or braces, but oh, so yummy. I used <a href="http://quakerfarm.com/sugarsnow.html">quakerfarm.com</a> for the recipe, since it seemed to be the most basic.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1SygI2bR8Y/TxddjY0gUvI/AAAAAAAABpI/K7tcg4BzpLY/s400/DSC02821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126716000129778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Boiling maple syrup</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtnI_05Mgl0/TxddkHSoj9I/AAAAAAAABpU/SOrlEdqxUI4/s400/DSC02822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126728474529746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Poured onto cake pans full of snow</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLJjBqaCNKs/TxddkT6Z0UI/AAAAAAAABpg/89zjCiT8l7w/s400/DSC02823.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699126731862561090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i>Our finished candy, on paper towels to soak up the snow bits</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We've had a great day! Now I need to stoke the wood stove again, and get some warm stew cooking for dinner.</span></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-18118889361536882492012-01-17T22:19:00.001-08:002012-01-17T22:29:48.591-08:00Neglect<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Im6KV-czjU/TxZmAqlEp3I/AAAAAAAABm4/9nqH0eD-SJE/s1600/DSC02760.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Im6KV-czjU/TxZmAqlEp3I/AAAAAAAABm4/9nqH0eD-SJE/s400/DSC02760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698854540099757938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Rose hips covered in snow</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></i></div>Oh, my poor, neglected blog! It sits here, quietly waiting, while I am off living life and giving my love to my Hiker Mama <a href="http://thehikermama.com">website</a> and <a href="http://thehikermama.com/blog">blog</a>. Yet I feel the stirrings of more to come. I haven't wanted to shut this space down, even though no one except my Mom reads it, because I feel I am not done here yet. Can I keep two different blogs going? We shall see. I do want to spend more time here, though, capturing our days, especially the ones that don't make it onto thehikermama.com. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkCn5sEYAJU/TxZmBGV5UPI/AAAAAAAABnQ/DC3aEcBoCy4/s400/DSC02733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698854547552293106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Dude, you need a bigger shovel</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>We've had snow this week. This is pretty special. We don't have snow every winter here in Puget Sound, and when we do it is often a dusting one day and gone the next. We've been enjoying a few days of fluff in the yard. It should stick around for a few more, and then turn back to good old rain. We'll enjoy it while we can!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-181PJWYJ_As/TxZmA3VWncI/AAAAAAAABnE/_Qop5d9OuDo/s400/DSC02734.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698854543523487170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>The giant snowball that Daddy made</i></span></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-89782678781901262112011-10-28T18:35:00.000-07:002011-10-29T23:31:23.521-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiVmzh2mWsE/Tqzr42PrOYI/AAAAAAAABmo/g_070yxabHs/s1600/DSC01728.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTvYNjRaqVU/TqzrksZT77I/AAAAAAAABl0/VNVZclZkBVc/s1600/DSC01711.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTvYNjRaqVU/TqzrksZT77I/AAAAAAAABl0/VNVZclZkBVc/s320/DSC01711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165046577754034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>The kids at the pumpkin patch</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i><br /></i></span></div>I really don't like Halloween. My feelings don't have much to do with the darker spiritual aspects. It's mostly that I don't like the hassle of figuring out costumes and the expense of buying them and the candy. I don't like that most people see Halloween as a day to dress as gross as they can. I don't like having to deal with massive amounts of candy with my children and negotiating my way around that. But as my children are in the perfect age to be excited about this "holiday," I have forced myself to help them with their wishes of dressing up and celebrating with everyone else. Today I surprised them with a trip to the pumpkin patch after our nature walk. <div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj1xc0KtN2I/TqzrkByWdMI/AAAAAAAABlo/6IxQhKhuKl0/s320/DSC01708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165035140052162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>Pumpkin patch, playground, and corn maze</i></span></div><div>We even saw some good friends of ours there; we hadn't planned to meet them there, but appreciated the conicidence. The kids picked out the perfect pumpkins (it invovled walking to the farthest end of the field) and we brought them home.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Daddy came home early today, and he got involved in the carving. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-2zYfwXghA/TqzrldGQkYI/AAAAAAAABmM/OCUaFPxecuE/s320/DSC01722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165059651178882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>When the carver tool broke, Daddy got out the power tools</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiVmzh2mWsE/Tqzr42PrOYI/AAAAAAAABmo/g_070yxabHs/s320/DSC01728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165392819075458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>Daddy's Pumpkin - Cyclops?</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It's so cool to see the excitement of Annika - it's almost palpable. She could hardly wait to get started on the carving, and wanted to participate in each step. She thinks she picked a very scary face for her creation; I think that is part of the thrill for her.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Iw1HrXG9c/Tqzrk8kS1TI/AAAAAAAABmA/zObgX3pPSsA/s320/DSC01720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165050918786354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>Annika's Pumpkin</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>We roasted some of the pumpkin seeds, and we'll be snacking on them all week, I'm sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday the kids will dress in their costumes and we'll go trick-or-treating. They'll get candy, eat some of it, save some of it, and trade most in for some new art supplies. Gabriel can't eat most of it because of his braces, anyway. I'll facilitate it all because I love my children, and part of my job as mother is to create happy memories of their childhood. The holidays are an important part of that important role in life. So even though it's not a day I care about, because my children do, I'll try to make it special and fun for them. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jL7UZGpDhEw/Tqzr4mDti5I/AAAAAAAABmg/uuv4NLThNvE/s320/DSC01725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669165388473928594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc6600;"><i>Gabriel's pumpkin</i></span></span></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-30907053951765887592011-09-06T17:15:00.001-07:002011-09-06T22:07:31.896-07:00First Day of School<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsnGWSkOIU/Tmb6FyoHehI/AAAAAAAABlg/75k0RByrfrY/s1600/DSC01220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbXIaihA4Xo/Tmb5Y54aWTI/AAAAAAAABk4/O_MH_Zvf6no/s1600/DSC01199.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbXIaihA4Xo/Tmb5Y54aWTI/AAAAAAAABk4/O_MH_Zvf6no/s320/DSC01199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476988832471346" /></a><br />I had great plans and high expectations for this day. Some of it happened, some of it didn't, but we've made it most of the way through, and I thought I'd document our day here. I really wanted the day to be special, with a yummy breakfast and lots of fun in store. My breakfast didn't turn out so great - baking gluten free can be unpredictable.<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKUfWQeblVA/Tmb5CeDDTnI/AAAAAAAABko/q-jHEwY-Obk/s320/DSC01185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476603403783794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div> Well, at least my daughter was excited to start kindergarten officially. So what were all these tears for? Something strange was happening with Annika today; she just wasn't acting like her normal happy self. I dispensed lots of snuggles and tissues, and we made it through as best we could.</div><div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zj1LqjQojyU/Tmb5aJC23iI/AAAAAAAABlI/znWoYglh6Ac/s320/DSC01213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649477010082684450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>For math I had planned a few games instead of starting right off with worksheets (I need to get our curriculum tomorrow from school when we go in for our meeting). We had more tears from the youngest player, but then I sent her off to play with dice, so we were able to finish. Grammar was MadLibs for Gabriel and Annika and I worked on some reading exercises from the website that goes with the Usborne Very First Reading series. This series of books is the main tool I've been using to help Annika learn to read this summer. She was interested and motivated, so we do a little bit each day. It's amazing how much she has picked up from our causal yet consistent approach. She also worked on her printing, as I am trying to correct her formation of several letters.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had lunch outside on the grass, where we found a ladybug and observed hover flies buzzing around. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-bYxHM83OM/Tmb6FqFvzoI/AAAAAAAABlQ/s2A2pVbModc/s320/DSC01216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649477757687549570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>Being outside seemed to help with the mood of the youngest, and the afternoon proceeded on a more positive note. I am excited about a new geography curriculum I got for the family. It's the Trail Guide to World Geography by Geography Matters. There are several support books and atlases to go along with it, and we'll be able to incorporate many other subjects as we study our way around the world this year. Gabriel has a pretty good handle on basic geography and map reading, and finds it interesting, so we'll work on it a bit each day after we've gotten the other nuts and bolts out of the way. He will be keeping a notebook on his work, with information about the earth and each continent and many countries. Annika will tag along and learn what she needs to learn.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPxCsDkjFpM/Tmb5DBU5j-I/AAAAAAAABkw/FfUJL6x9oiA/s320/DSC01190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476612873883618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>We finished our school day with an art project using some sun print paper we've had for a few years and never used. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsnGWSkOIU/Tmb6FyoHehI/AAAAAAAABlg/75k0RByrfrY/s320/DSC01220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649477759979190802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>I thought we'd better take advantage of this Indian Summer sunshine while we had it. They turned out pretty good. The spaces in the day were filled with Lego building, reading, hula hooping, bike riding, and, after school, a video and a computer game. I had planned to take the kids to the beach for the afternoon, but the peaches I bought last Saturday for canning over the weekend didn't ripen very quickly, and now they all need to be processed. So much for my plans!</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kUzjgK-Pno/Tmb6F5mKnxI/AAAAAAAABlY/X0gi6uGmXio/s320/DSC01217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649477761850056466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>Since I wasn't able to get as much canning done this weekend as I wanted to, I took the time yesterday to make a raised bed for the garden.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUw3esl136M/Tmb5BwuvU-I/AAAAAAAABkg/D9ipaPNhpwU/s320/DSC01183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476591238992866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div> I had meant to do this last spring, but didn't have much luck finding free lumber until about a month ago. I used a power saw, a drill, and a screwdriver and put the thing together on the fly. I have to say it felt pretty good to wear a tool belt and spend a few hours on a type of project I don't normally do. You really can accomplish difficult tasks if you take it one step at a time and plod your way through them.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday I spent some time with Annika working our way through a Lego project. We were given some kits from a cousin who outgrew them, and the kids have been playing with them a lot. Annika likes to follow the instructions to build specific objects, so I helped her build a shark. She is really good at figuring out what to do, she almost doesn't need my help. But having me there helps her to feel more confident, I think. She stuck with it for over an hour, piecing it together on brick at a time. I'm so proud of her!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Il2w-NXn8o/Tmb5BgNCV0I/AAAAAAAABkY/1bLH1dhotN8/s320/DSC01181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476586802665282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So that's what we've been up to this weekend. Keeping super busy and occupying ourselves with worthy projects. I hope all my friends and family out there have a wonderful start to your school year!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxS6FTlC8nU/Tmb5ZTkRH9I/AAAAAAAABlA/h4eIrp898n4/s320/DSC01209.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476995727302610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-56870714704380869752011-08-17T22:06:00.000-07:002011-08-17T22:29:33.474-07:00Summer has finally arrived!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkBj-INTwys/TkyhLbxOqNI/AAAAAAAABkI/IhszQu7zBrM/s1600/DSC00816.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWwc2R0IKbo/TkyhLIAzhtI/AAAAAAAABkA/XSPbcUczht8/s1600/DSC00811.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWwc2R0IKbo/TkyhLIAzhtI/AAAAAAAABkA/XSPbcUczht8/s320/DSC00811.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642061645689882322" /></a>
<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span">Yes, you heard that right, summer has finally arrived here in Puget Sound. No matter that it's just in time for the light to start changing as the sun sinks lower in the sky. That's all in the future - it's warm this week, and we're enjoying it. </span><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-rINryS7jA/TkygS_8S2aI/AAAAAAAABjY/J-Xz3HH3z4Y/s320/DSC00804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642060681450805666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Neighborhood Park</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>We went to the spray park up the street from us yesterday. It's the first time it's been warm enough for us to enjoy it. I was a bit disappointed - it looks as if they have the water on only at half volume or something, the spray was pretty anemic. But Annika had fun, and Gabriel did for awhile. Then they played at the playground, and wouldn't you know it, they both learned new skills.</div><div><div>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu0bhnW9-Pc/Tkyhz83Ls6I/AAAAAAAABkQ/T5mTZHyE674/s320/DSC00805.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642062347071370146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Swinging on those monkey bars</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>Gabriel did the monkey bars for the first time, and Annika learned to pump from a dead stop on the swings for the first time.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8V0qBMWSijE/TkygTirs-5I/AAAAAAAABjo/4Br0wdL9yGs/s320/DSC00807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642060690776456082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Swinging, swinging...</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>So quietly, stealthily even, and they can now do something they couldn't do the day before. Is that how it's going to be, growing up, now? I almost missed it, I'm glad I was paying attention yesterday!<div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQsui7BYR0o/TkyhKttNrQI/AAAAAAAABjw/_duNODwLky0/s320/DSC00808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642061638628388098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>The front garden bed</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>The lilies in my front garden are spectacular this year. New baby plants sprouted this spring and got blossoms. They are so heavy they tipped over when I watered them the other day. I'm so lazy I can't be bothered to find something to prop them up with. Their fragrance meets me at the sidewalk; I even get whiffs of their scent around the back of the house sometimes! The rest of that plot looks silly, but those lilies, they steal the show.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4d96AHCpqY/TkyhK_8xfCI/AAAAAAAABj4/VppS9M_bJ6g/s320/DSC00809.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642061643525487650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Bowing lilies and geraniums</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>And I don't even remember where I got them - perhaps from the first neighbors we had when we moved in here, who got evicted and left me all their plants to take?</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkBj-INTwys/TkyhLbxOqNI/AAAAAAAABkI/IhszQu7zBrM/s320/DSC00816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642061650993260754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Beautiful moth</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div>We have also had our regular and some irregular moths appearing lately. I love this one, it's the faintest pastel green color. Someday I'm going to take a moth class and learn how to identify them. Or not. maybe I'll just start drawing them and appreciate them that way. Or just keep taking photos. So many things to think about!</div></div></span></div></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-53303362663703903992011-08-15T22:11:00.000-07:002011-08-15T22:28:45.487-07:00Basket weaving<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjnTZgFdP-o/Tkn_LT4tM6I/AAAAAAAABjQ/mWqTnjL0G3c/s1600/DSC00803.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjnTZgFdP-o/Tkn_LT4tM6I/AAAAAAAABjQ/mWqTnjL0G3c/s320/DSC00803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641320578040017826" /></a>
<br />School doesn't officially start here until after Labor Day (summer barely is in full swing, and, well, we won't even talk about the quality of this year's summer) but I am beginning to think about shifting our daily routines to be more in line with what we need to be doing next month. I am making a change to the rhythm of our days, desiring more structure and accountability for the children. To begin, I am instituting a morning devotional time, discussing a simple Bible verse or concept and building on a topic that will help my children develop their characters. I picked the fruits of the Spirit to start out with, since it lends itself well to several weeks of obvious topics. Today we introduced the verse, and after our discussion, we made baskets. The idea is that we will fill our baskets up with fruits of the spirit as we learn about them. I found a great tutorial for making baskets based on the African Tutsi style, and I thought I'd share what they looked like for us.<div>
<br /></div><div>First, I went to <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/paper-baskets1.htm">http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/paper-baskets1.htm</a> and printed out the instructions. There are simpler baskets out there if you have younger children, but I figured Gabriel would enjoy the challenge of this project. The instructions are pretty good, though I would appreciate a few more diagrams to go with them. The kids did really well following instructions. Annika needed a break in the middle, but she came back and finished after playing for a few minutes.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asU0W5D513o/Tkn_Kmevd4I/AAAAAAAABjI/Qyj7h_6usN8/s320/DSC00802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641320565851518850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div> One thing to be aware of is that you should make the strips the width and length in the instructions, or the weaving part will not work. Annika made hers too wide (I was trying to simplify things for her) and we ended up having to modify the strips after they were already glued together. She required hands-on assistance from mom, but Gabriel was able to do his with only verbal instructions from me. I was pleased with how the baskets turned out. This would be a good project to include if you are doing African studies or something. We had a fun time doing a craft together before I hit the chores and ran errands. I look forward to more crafting time with the kids as we begin the school year in a few weeks.</div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-29284068887086334262011-08-03T21:09:00.001-07:002011-08-03T22:03:52.847-07:00Vacation and Reentry<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnLk_Rw470I/TjohgbtpMmI/AAAAAAAABjA/NIdBzYcHYEI/s1600/DSC00593.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqXuC-lCys/TjohgFRVCtI/AAAAAAAABi4/XDaqvGDrfOw/s1600/DSC00581.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqXuC-lCys/TjohgFRVCtI/AAAAAAAABi4/XDaqvGDrfOw/s320/DSC00581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636854718661987026" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like I have spent a lot of the summer going away and coming back again. This time it was harder than usual to get back into my routines, because I spent a whole week mostly relaxing. No cooking, no cleaning, only one load of laundry (!!!) and lots of sitting in the sun, chatting and knitting. I even got a few hours each day to myself to think, read, write, and enjoy nature. You see, the kids and I were fortunate to go with hubby's extended family for a reunion at a most unique place. <a href="http://www.holdenvillage.org/">Holden Village</a> is an old mining community that was acquired in the 60s by the Lutheran Church and turned into a retreat center. It's very remote, and takes most of a day to travel to and from.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S44fWHyHCwQ/TjofWbvA7LI/AAAAAAAABhw/aX70UsBPpF8/s320/DSC00349.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852353870130354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>First you take a boat up the long Lake Chelan. No roads go into the area.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh4PsT96Ozg/TjofWoKxpyI/AAAAAAAABh4/vv-c9i_nNF0/s320/DSC00361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852357207795490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Then, you get on a bus for the ride 11 miles up into the mountains to the Village</i></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>There is no cell phone service, no land phone line, no internet (except for that required by the Village for registration and business purposes.) They prepare all the food, guests sleep in the lodges that were the old dormitories for the miners. There is programming you can attend, or not. There is a kids' program each weekday morning, built-in babysitting. And it was sunny all except for one day! The kids played hard all day, I went for a long hike without them (thanks Grandma for watching them), and spent a lot of time sitting around.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNXNFnIqYRQ/Tjohf97uOoI/AAAAAAAABiw/Xyyp9hCDRJM/s320/DSC00537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636854716692314754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Deer roam through the village daily. They are used to people.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9boEO8JVhZ0/TjoggLbgdqI/AAAAAAAABiQ/pmvmdtUFZ5c/s320/DSC00422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853620803663522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Railroad Creek runs next to the Village. You can just see the mine ruins on the hillside in the distance.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIYc_RLh5ro/Tjoggnt7StI/AAAAAAAABig/O9BurbKzVx0/s320/DSC00492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853628397112018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>I took a hike to Hart Lake. Of course, it was the only day of the week that it rained. But the waterfalls and flowers were spectacular.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEa88NJRBIA/TjohfaTbtxI/AAAAAAAABio/ng2IV2Alon4/s320/DSC00501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636854707128088338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The color of Hart Lake is deep teal green. Lovely!</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdQ7IFqUw5I/Tjogftm9GsI/AAAAAAAABiI/UqONPQy6iJM/s320/DSC00381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853612798614210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The views from the vicinity of the village are breathtaking. You just have to ignore the tailings piles.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJKwoti3cuM/TjoggXqDt0I/AAAAAAAABiY/BOjm2jrwGL4/s320/DSC00432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853624085919554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Indian Paintbrush were in full bloom - red, yellow, orange, pink.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b86TRlBAnWw/TjofW0XFcuI/AAAAAAAABiA/Tn7qWs6G-2k/s320/DSC00372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852360480649954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Lovely penstemon all over - big and small varieties.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnLk_Rw470I/TjohgbtpMmI/AAAAAAAABjA/NIdBzYcHYEI/s320/DSC00593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636854724686328418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel enjoyed a new journal he bought with his own money. He spent a lot of time writing and drawing.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>I found it tough for a few days to get back into all the work that comes with being home and raising children. I wanted to rest from all that resting (the travel day home was tiring). But now I think I'm back in the swing of things, cooking and cleaning, catching up on laundry, decluttering. I need to plan the kids' school for the next semester, which starts after Labor Day here. I'll have two officially in school now, so I need to figure out how to fit Annika into our day. I have a sneaking suspicion it will involve being more structured, but we'll see. Hopefully I can figure out how to work Kindergarten and Fourth Grade together as much as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's finally sunny here in Puget Sound, and I am enjoying the warmth. I've picked several pints of raspberries to put into the freezer for the winter.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWY_5TnitC0/TjofWCI3JVI/AAAAAAAABho/5teaVKB6j_0/s320/DSC00324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852346999219538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div>That's about all I have in the garden this year, except for some chives and rhubarb. Maybe next year I'll get my raised beds built and planted and have more crops, but you know, summers are so busy it seems tough to add gardening into the mix. Oh well, I enjoy what I did do, and the raspberries are fabulous!</div></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-69559220024942818402011-07-12T22:14:00.001-07:002011-07-12T22:30:56.096-07:00Back in the Saddle<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exqNnB19OxU/Th0suhdPnbI/AAAAAAAABhg/XHIO5i5o_QU/s1600/DSC09960.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exqNnB19OxU/Th0suhdPnbI/AAAAAAAABhg/XHIO5i5o_QU/s320/DSC09960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628704287049620914" /></a><br />Things have been pretty quiet around here lately. You see, I've been working on another project, and it has been taking much of my focus. I have also felt the need for a bit of a break from this blog. But I plan to be back now, and spend some time here each week keeping up with my home school adventures and knitting and gardening and such.<div><br /></div><div>My new project involves my passion of hiking with my kids. I have been hiking with them since they were babies, and have compiled a website of nearby hikes and tips for getting out with the munchkins. I'd love it if you hop on over to <a href="http://www.thehikermama.com/">www.thehikermama.com</a> and check it out. There is a link for <a href="http://www.thehikermama.com/blog">my new blog</a> there, too. Let me know what you think! I'll still be here, too. </div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-23893292391340016262011-05-16T21:56:00.000-07:002011-05-16T22:22:43.343-07:00Honeypot Luminaries<div style="text-align: left;">I have been remiss in telling everyone about the wonderful gift I won recently. I follow the blog of a lovely mom and her two children who live on a boat (withe the dad, too!). It's called <a href="http://zachaboard.blogspot.com/">Zach Aboard</a>, and it is fabulous and fun! She hosted a giveaway recently, and I was lucky enough to win. Soon after, I received a box with the most gorgeous candle inside - but that description doesn't tell it all.</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giQe39TskoE/TdIEnxyvEBI/AAAAAAAABhU/RN88ZFdSffI/s400/DSC09507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607549567457234962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><i>Our Honeypot Luminary</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>This Honeypot is a molded beeswax bowl, with carvings in the sides, and a beeswax candle inside. When the candle is lit, the light shines through to reflect on the wall nearest.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyquyIMZUqI/TdIEnnbSfsI/AAAAAAAABhM/aOsgnCmW-ik/s400/DSC09506.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607549564674539202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><i>A blurry photo that just gives a hint of the interesting shadows and lights that arise from the lit candle inside</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It is a fascinating creation, and we enjoy having it in our home. It feels so special when it is lit, and there is something warming and soothing about the light and the subtle aroma. This company makes other types of luminaries, some with flowers molded into the wax. I highly recommend you check out their website! Thank you so much to the folks at Bee Natural, and to Cindy at Zach Aboard for hosting the giveaway.</div><div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://www.beenatural.com/">Bee Natural</a></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><img src="webkit-fake-url://08CB5AD5-9469-4B06-8CFB-EEC33311FC76/homehoneypot.jpg" alt="homehoneypot.jpg" /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-89204608903797503552011-05-09T13:07:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:11:27.826-07:00Hiking With Children ClassHey everyone,<div>I know I have a few local readers, so I thought I'd let you know about a class I'm teaching next week. It's about Hiking with Children, and it's in downtown Edmonds at the Frances Anderson Center on May 16 from 7-9pm. The cost is $15, and kids under 12 may attend free with a parent. You'll learn lots of tips for hiking with youngsters, including where to go, what to bring, and budget-friendly tips for gearing up. Call the Edmonds Parks Dept. at 425-771-0230 by Friday to register. And let me know if you will be coming, it would be cool to meet some of you face to face!</div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-70691364710920526232011-05-08T18:43:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:07:58.898-07:00Black Canyon Field Trip<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-AuOEMVF5Q/TcdKQuhv2hI/AAAAAAAABgs/4JAu73D4gF8/s1600/DSC09316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9LiPUFXYSc/TcdKQCx_kUI/AAAAAAAABgk/9xzwrK-zbYw/s1600/DSC09299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9LiPUFXYSc/TcdKQCx_kUI/AAAAAAAABgk/9xzwrK-zbYw/s400/DSC09299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529900770791746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;">Black Canyon Road</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week I had the opportunity to leave the kids at Grandma’s for a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had some time to take care of appointments, a bit of work, and just thinking clearly for a few moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also got a totally free day to explore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I <s>coerced</s> encouraged a friend of mine to come along on my adventure.</div> <p class="MsoNormal">It took forever to get out of Seattle – so much traffic for the mid-morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Traffic was bad over the Pass, too, with construction and an accident and rain and fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But finally we made it out of the grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The clouds gradually lightened as we drove farther east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Suddenly, there was sunshine and blue sky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ellensburg was warmer but breezy, and we drove through and onto the Umptanum Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Up we climbed into the hills, the pavement soon gave way to gravel and dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bluebird houses lined the fences for the entire route, and I was ecstatic to see the first wild western bluebirds of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We took our time driving, stopping often to take photos and just soak in the scenery.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18BFpobyd0s/TcdJnSlnEoI/AAAAAAAABgU/mpr0E9E2tTo/s400/DSC09273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529200639185538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>Looking out over the sagebrush to the windmill farm and the Stuart Range</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eventually we made it to the turnoff for the Black Canyon road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I tried to make it up the road a bit, but my Camry protested, so I turned around and parked in a wide spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We walked up the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was such a relief to be in short sleeves with sun glasses after all the grey and wet we’ve had this spring. The air was dry and fragrant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were flowers all along the sides of the road.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-AuOEMVF5Q/TcdKQuhv2hI/AAAAAAAABgs/4JAu73D4gF8/s400/DSC09316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529912513813010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>Balsam Root on either side of the fence</i></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L407bh5R1-0/TcdLAuEZ4sI/AAAAAAAABg0/03Xb6SkMj2s/s400/DSC09337.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604530737024459458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>Sagebrush with insect galls</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">My friend got a good introduction to hiking with me, as I stopped every few minutes to take a photo of a flower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The bird song hung like a liquid golden curtain on either side, western meadowlarks and bluebirds fluttering out ahead and behind.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvQopofnarg/TcdJmrosLII/AAAAAAAABgE/2Zg1087UWg0/s400/DSC09282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529190183120002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>Desert Violets</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjJHT76UtNM/TcdJm3JUCsI/AAAAAAAABgM/ETyK9OWSeDI/s400/DSC09331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529193272740546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">We met another gal along the trail, and slightly envied her for staying the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We decided to stop and turn around at the true trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did want to go on farther, but we had a long drive home and my friend was ready to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We slowly made our way back down the road, finding a few flowers we had missed on the way up.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yE2sexzDf54/TcdKP9eVBDI/AAAAAAAABgc/c9DZxXNpNc8/s400/DSC09318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604529899346134066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>Ladybug on desert parsley</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">We realized that we had actually climbed pretty far up from the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The drive back home took less time, and too soon we were back into the rain and clouds of the west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sunshine and birdsong faded into the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But we’ll be back.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9OI6GHTf3M/TcdLBFcsBZI/AAAAAAAABhE/NZkG3TYBOSM/s400/DSC09369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604530743300326802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><i>A herd of elk, as photographed through the windshield</i></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>We saw elk, deer, butterflies, beetles, and lots of flowers and birds I couldn't identify. I have put a few pics here, but there are more on my <a href="http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7990825">nwhikers.net</a> post. </o:p></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ow3nlA3mnM/TcdLA-KFqvI/AAAAAAAABg8/hzhx8V9OI9w/s400/DSC09356.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604530741343267570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">Note to self:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Get the Best Desert Hikes book, and a desert flower book.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-74396287697325124682011-04-19T21:03:00.000-07:002011-04-19T21:34:43.262-07:00Cornell Urban Bird Count<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJEm-uYmQE4/Ta5fMrSCN8I/AAAAAAAABfM/V466WcrfKmo/s1600/DSC09197.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJEm-uYmQE4/Ta5fMrSCN8I/AAAAAAAABfM/V466WcrfKmo/s400/DSC09197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516058249541570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika Looks for Birds</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div>We went outside to count birds today. The <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a> has a program going on right now where anyone can watch birds and submit the data for what they see. The project is accessible to just about anyone, and is easy enough for children and beginning birders. <div><br /></div><div>First, download the information off their website, and order a <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration">Celebrate Urban Birds</a> packet if you'd like. You will find a simple data form telling you how to determine your study area. We decided to go into the greenbelt behind our house, and we picked a spot with a bench and lots of bushes around. Then we measured out 25 feet in each direction. That would be our study area. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-ZlA-z5Jj0/Ta5fMSy7PwI/AAAAAAAABfE/Cl5kLbVouWE/s400/DSC09195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516051676610306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Measuring Out Our Study Plot</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div> We reviewed the birds we were to look for. There are 16 birds the study is interested in, so that narrows things down considerably, and some we knew we wouldn't see in our particular environment. The we timed our observations for 10 minutes. That was it! The data form requires a yes or no answer - did you see this bird or not. A few questions about the study area, and we were ready to turn the information in. That's it! We have the option of doing another day or two before turning our results in. We will try to fit that in this week, because... we didn't see any birds.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6FCyNMNBVY/Ta5fZ0u2uhI/AAAAAAAABfc/atFJ_iowo70/s400/DSC09201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516284124641810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>It's Peaceful Waiting for Birds</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>One of the things about scientific studies is they need to be standardized to be statistically useful. There were birds all around us in the forest, but they didn't come in our study circle. We saw and heard other birds around us, but not the ones on our list. We saw and heard birds on our list both before and after the 10 minute study period, but not during. It was so ironic for me, because I know that half the birds on the list use our greenbelt. But the answer we will turn in is that we didn't see any of them! The website makes a point of saying that even zero is a good answer, it still tells researchers valuable information. But it's not quite accurate in our case. I'd like to go out in the morning and see if that makes a difference in our results.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYpkFDKjPVM/Ta5gAJvHqrI/AAAAAAAABf0/xvhkKaoVj4U/s400/DSC09202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516942597925554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika has a stick to encourage the birds to land on her branches</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>The results were only part of the reason why I wanted to do this. I wanted to also use it as a way to force us to get outside and into nature. I have had the hardest time getting us out this spring. We are officially in the midst of <a href="http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2011/04/are-springs-getting-worse.html">the worst spring on record</a>, and I find I have so many other things vying for my attention. I've been struggling with a vicious cold/bacterial infection since we got back from vacation, and that put me behind in getting Annika's birthday gifts made. There are so many other things that keep us in the house. It helps sometimes to have a specific project to force us to switch gears, if only for a few moments.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im4_P0NKdY8/Ta5f_6SFRYI/AAAAAAAABfs/wn_oIvhrcgg/s400/DSC09204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516938449601922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>A Rare Bit of Blue Sky Up There</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>I was glad we made the effort to get outside today. It was cold, but the air was fresh. The birds were fun to see, and it was good to stretch our legs a bit. Hopefully we can get through this dreary spring and get to some warmer weather soon, but until then, I will keep trying to find ways to get us outside.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBWq7brmo48/Ta5faYft0II/AAAAAAAABfk/tVGUrYvbF8I/s400/DSC09203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597516293724819586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-2218945497571243912011-04-12T11:38:00.000-07:002011-04-12T16:04:09.308-07:00Oregon Coast Adventure<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlzYY02k2S4/TaTK8olrsxI/AAAAAAAABcU/1p-H5rX0k6E/s400/DSC09014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594819780137431826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel and Annika pose in a giant shark jaw at the Oregon Coast Aquarium</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We took Spring Break and drove down to the Oregon Coast for a few nights last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The trip was too short, but we filled it to the brim with fun and adventure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We started at my parents’ in Vancouver and drug them along on our scheme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We began our first day driving down Highway 18 in the pouring rain.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgcgKglioiI/TaSdBE5tESI/AAAAAAAABZk/XCGyTggeH4M/s400/DSC08822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769278922199330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Chunky rain falling as we begin our journey</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">With the chunkiness of the downpour, we were afraid we’d be seeing snow over the Coast Range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Indeed there was some white stuff above us as we crossed the pass, but we came down to Lincoln City in plain old rain and wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We stopped at the first beach we could – D River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s the shortest river in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsXiKSjOGK8/TaSdBSlwOwI/AAAAAAAABZs/i9qmBO_MVVk/s400/DSC08825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769282596616962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The D River in Lincoln City</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We enjoyed the sand and the crashing waves as we ran around in freedom after the long car ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Oregon Beach is much different than Puget Sound, where my kids spend most of their beach days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sandier, long stretches of huge breakers, and no land on the other side – this is really the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The wind blew the brownish colored sea foam like dirty whipped cream, and the seagulls hovered over the lady trying to feed them.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMVdbkLAE2M/TaSdoW9XZNI/AAAAAAAABaE/Qu16oQx_azI/s400/DSC08837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769953784292562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Annika shrieked in joy as she ran and jumped and dug and made sand angels, while Gabriel took sticks and drew lines and designs in the sand.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKx87u-Het0/TaSdB_8DizI/AAAAAAAABZ0/p5UoFhYxtYg/s400/DSC08827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769294769752882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika makes sand angels</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-853X2qY_fG0/TaSdoPavBLI/AAAAAAAABZ8/BGeLcRvRkmc/s400/DSC08836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769951759991986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Whelk egg casings</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Thankfully we had my parents’ trailer to make lunch in, with a heater and a table and dry chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then we continued on down the highway toward our campground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the way was Boiler Bay, where we stopped to take in the waves and the sky.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7mfJ05tN1E/TaSdo-3bZ7I/AAAAAAAABaM/bg5hUtGxB0E/s400/DSC08842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769964496807858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">There was once a shipwreck in the bay, and the boiler of the ship is embedded in the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s visible at low tide.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWDuUGYjuBs/TaSdpLggstI/AAAAAAAABaU/wCVt5_7AzlM/s400/DSC08853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769967890346706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Looking North toward Boiler Bay</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We didn’t see it on this day, but it was so amazing taking in the crashing water and the wind and spray.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VDUfS6NFyo/TaSdpa1cndI/AAAAAAAABac/32xsI8dFwK4/s400/DSC08881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769972004691410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Looking South</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The noise of the breakers was so loud; we were oohing and aahing just like we do on the Fourth of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We watched a cormorant on the bay below bobbing on the waves, diving under just before they broke on top of it and popping out the other side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Then we went on to the campground where we were staying for the night – Beverly Beach State Park. They have trailer sites, tent sites, and yurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This would be our first time staying in a yurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was pretty cool – it had heat, windows, and even outlets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The heat was what sold me on the idea (plus they are cheaper than a hotel.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ours had a bunk bed and a couch/bed, with a little table and a couple of chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was surrounded by swamp – skunk cabbage, a stream, big spruce trees, and areas to play. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The smell of skunk cabbage drifted heavily all around, like thick perfume.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kW4jjg_UbUI/TaSfDPJRYxI/AAAAAAAABak/nnnGpVksZcw/s400/DSC08904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594771515054842642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Skunk Cabbage spathe</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> The kids practiced walking on logs and ran back and forth from Grandma and Papa’s trailer and the yurt.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crhBuKHUI4s/TaSfD097huI/AAAAAAAABas/hWGO-jRLK84/s400/DSC08906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594771525207820002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel walking on a log in the swamp</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvvuVa9Stw/TaSfELi3wGI/AAAAAAAABa0/3WK6jxlY5bE/s400/DSC08914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594771531268341858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Tree roots that had grown over a long-ago-rotted stump or log</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We saw and heard many birds in this park including pileated woodpeckers, downy or hairy woodpeckers, juncos, fox sparrows, Rufus hummingbirds, towhees, chickadees, and more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">In the afternoon, I laid down for a long nap, as I had started to feel a cold coming on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Aaron took the kids down to the beach, a short walk through the campground and under the highway.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8CmlQwRQ5Q/TaSf6NuGYJI/AAAAAAAABa8/15W47VL6EFI/s400/DSC08919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594772459565244562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The path to the beach goes under the highway, along Spencer Creek</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">There were fossils in the cliff banks and interesting rocks to find and, of course, sand to play in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wn_Ye5Y6YH8/TaSf6sS-wUI/AAAAAAAABbE/Jri6JFjDdA0/s400/DSC08921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594772467772997954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Shell fossils in the rock</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The sun came and went, and the rain came and went, and the wind blew and got calm and blew again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the evening, as it got dark, the frogs got louder and louder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They must have been thick in the swamp around the campsites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They scared Annika a bit; she was afraid they would come into the yurt and get her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We woke up in the morning to ice on everything outside, but the sun was shining, and Papa sent over hot coffee to help us warm up and get moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had a scrumptious breakfast of bacon and eggs, packed up and hit the road on our way to Newport and the Aquarium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Along the way we stopped at Agate Beach, but there were no agates, just huge expanses of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Msl0KK9CrI/TaSf7EYOybI/AAAAAAAABbM/AJC0oIr-XXM/s400/DSC08924.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594772474237471154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>No agates on Agate Beach</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We walked down to the water anyway, and chased a few waves before getting back into the car and continuing to the Aquarium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sun was still out – what brightness!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIMyQJYPrPo/TaSgwjuMISI/AAAAAAAABbU/PEzMMzzXiFE/s400/DSC08930.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594773393184137506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Deliberateness and exuberance</i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaDdPLZ8wbg/TaSgxD6geiI/AAAAAAAABbc/XaK9y3KzRKU/s400/DSC08943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594773401825737250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel in front of Trash Art</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Kid-level tanks filled with interesting creatures await discovery and observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qyzhPrxHNY/TaSgxjmhqrI/AAAAAAAABbk/WhJA1O9uCsQ/s400/DSC08958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594773410331863730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Grandma and Annika look at exhibits</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">There are some touch-tanks staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who help the kids with their animal encounters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAuhqay3x0s/TaTJSPLh11I/AAAAAAAABb8/Ft9XQiFpC8g/s400/DSC08971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594817952250713938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>One of the touch tanks - that's a gumboot chiton in the middle</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igjZznGaqxs/TaTJR9m3_II/AAAAAAAABb0/0oaMKv-ttP0/s400/DSC08961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594817947533573250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Moon Jellies</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MsgnJU1Xg0/TaTJRnVx1sI/AAAAAAAABbs/I14hpad8xMo/s400/DSC08960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594817941556287170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Sea nettles - I could have stood here half the day and watched them undulate</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The outside area has birds, otters, seals and sea lions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was a large enclosed area off to the side with two vultures in it; to me they seemed out of place, but Annika still talks about them as being one of her favorite parts of the Aquarium visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhwD1pdvWGw/TaTK7h7oqLI/AAAAAAAABcE/MNMJ3bLsKLg/s400/DSC08976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594819761170589874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The vultures are pretty quiet for now</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">One of the highlights for me is the large tubes you can walk through, with water and fish above and below, and around on all sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are different environments to walk through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The most mysterious is the one with the sharks and rays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They silently glide next to the glass and around the enclosure, their spooky patterns glistening in the half-light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NP8tn-YjWd4/TaTK72rdPLI/AAAAAAAABcM/9T3NaspaM3A/s400/DSC09010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594819766739877042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Leopard sharks - so beautiful</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We refueled in the trailer and drove on down the highway to our next destination – Sea Lion Caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Along the way we made a few stops, of course – there are waysides and state parks every few miles, and a variety of places to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the spots we stopped was Strawberry Hill, an interesting geological outcropping, covered by grass and strawberry plants (of course).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4f2N_L23wY/TaTMjOSAaeI/AAAAAAAABck/rVNL_2YQthE/s400/DSC09034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594821542602107362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Looking north from Strawberry Hill</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4iczm7Sxxk/TaTMi78p9oI/AAAAAAAABcc/_elqeE2YAtQ/s400/DSC09033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594821537680717442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Evidence of past volcanic events</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We watched the waves slosh back and forth, and though some folks had told us it was a good place to find agates, we didn’t see any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BH9eBV8qfU/TaTOyhggZNI/AAAAAAAABdM/Pf_X6si2j-w/s400/DSC09099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594824004484490450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Then it was on to Sea Lion Caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We paid the overpriced entry fee and boarded the elevator down 200 feet to the cave below the cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The cave was full of beasts on the rocks, their odor rising on the breeze.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIIKFtkzG8Y/TaTMjibGdCI/AAAAAAAABcs/pXloycmf3Z0/s400/DSC09064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594821548008961058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The most in-focus of the photos we took down there in the dark cave</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Their noises were funny – squawking, barking, growling, wheezing, bellowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We spent as much time as we could, exploring the platform with views up the coast to the north, and watching the video about the history of the cave, the geology of the rocks and biology of the sea lions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC-kIM8x00I/TaTN8gyYrSI/AAAAAAAABc8/eMRu25zoza8/s400/DSC09091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594823076578110754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We observed the skeletons on display and wondered about how the creatures survived the crashing waves all around.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ashB7u7AN7c/TaTN8_zjPrI/AAAAAAAABdE/hpL7ak6dLC4/s400/DSC09094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594823084904496818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Coming back up the path from the elevator</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzEEUw0zlTw/TaTN8ElXjUI/AAAAAAAABc0/qlPGEU7CeMI/s400/DSC09076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594823069007318338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Looking north - you can really tell all the sea spray that has gotten onto our camera lens!</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Soon, though, it was time to move on; the kids were getting pretty tired after all our sight-seeing of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We made one stop at the Darlingtonia Wayside, an area with a short path on a boardwalk where you can walk into a bog and see a huge mass of native pitcher plants.<span> </span>There is an interpretive sign explaining the natural history of the plants.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5sqUo-4-KI/TaTOzvLSUwI/AAAAAAAABdc/zqNX0_rbP2c/s400/DSC09104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594824025333453570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Live carnivorous plants in the wild!</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFyKaG4CiXc/TaTOy8K85dI/AAAAAAAABdU/mtALcZvqXdg/s400/DSC09103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594824011641841106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Aaron and Gabriel in the sea of Darlingtonia</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">At this time of year they are looking pretty scruffy, but soon they will be putting up flowers and fresh growth.<span> </span>I have never seen carnivorous plants in the wild before, so this was a highlight of the trip for me.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We drove down the winding coast to our next campground, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-8GqEjJoqU/TaTPt-5g9dI/AAAAAAAABd0/tUftGWZTJmY/s400/DSC09112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825025986295250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Umpqua River Lighthouse</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">This campground is smaller than the sprawling Beverly Beach CG, but the yurt was almost the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXvslYXbA_4/TaTPtaHzN1I/AAAAAAAABdk/eluEkvgOuHs/s400/DSC09110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825016114100050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The heat was already on, making a nice, warm haven for us to rest in before my parents finished dinner.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeTRq-eyp2s/TaTPthfsp2I/AAAAAAAABds/nNnsYTCQ-6c/s400/DSC09111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825018093381474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">They had stopped at a cannery in Florence and picked up some fresh snapper, caught the day before by a local fisherman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Paired with a pilaf and salad, it was a fitting meal for the environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We ended the day with a campfire, admiring the glimmering stars and the crescent moon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The next morning dawned bright and slightly warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had a long drive home, but I wished we had had more time to explore Lake Marie and search for the ospreys we kept hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We thought we’d like to come back to this campground and spend some more time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But on a trip this short, you have to make choices, and the Oregon Dunes were an important stop for me to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We decided to try out Honeyman State Park, and we were not disappointed.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw1jHJM-2CU/TaTQf58MzOI/AAAAAAAABeE/wXT5t7grL_g/s400/DSC09121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825883648838882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>One tough tree - some kind of alder, I think</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> (By the way, there are many Forest Service parks along this stretch of the coast requiring a NW Forest Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hadn’t even thought to bring ours, so we skipped those spots in favor of the State Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Honeyman SP does require a $5 fee for day use. )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are 2 picnic areas to choose from, and both are lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is a lake that is stocked with trout, and folks were fishing from the bank and the small dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ospreys hovered overhead, floating on the thermals, circling and chirping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We climbed up the huge dune next to the parking lot, two steps forward, one step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SibdiqOsA6w/TaTQflPrmZI/AAAAAAAABd8/MMOijDGrs8c/s400/DSC09116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825878093404562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The kids walking up the first part of the dune</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The sand was so soft and silky, shimmering in the sunlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We made it to the top of the first dune, where we could see the ocean in the distance, many dunes away.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3d3p3DsmPQc/TaTQgGANHnI/AAAAAAAABeM/fqMfrifMHV4/s400/DSC09129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594825886886862450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Almost to the top!</i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">We sat and enjoyed the warm sun, watching the ospreys soar over the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A bald eagle flew over once, too, purposeful and dark against the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The kids dug in the sand, pretending to be different animals and sand digging machines.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFgWaUuCyw0/TaTSmRt-xQI/AAAAAAAABes/qMb847BVgmI/s400/DSC09139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594828192134120706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel is a digging machine</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYR2EVgdKFE/TaTRq_jqOeI/AAAAAAAABec/FRtm7WOc_HE/s400/DSC09140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594827173646711266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">It was so peaceful that we stayed until hunger drove us back down to the trailer and sandwiches.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">I was surprised to see a small patch of pitcher plants right next to the path near the fishing dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While I was there, a fisherman caught a small fish, and one of the ospreys was right there, hovering just above, wanting the fish himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We also had the fortune to see the bald eagle come back around, and it pestered the ospreys, who noisily sounded the alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At one point, the eagle looked like it swooped right down on one of the smaller birds, a dramatic chase ensuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We felt like we were in true wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">After relaxing in this wonderful park, we realized we had better get a move on to get home that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We began our drive back up Highway 101, choosing its scenery over the speed and monotony of the freeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We made one stop just to the south of Strawberry Hill, since I really wanted one more chance to look for agates.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bBs5lxliAQ/TaTRrYA-45I/AAAAAAAABek/0gb7vFfuGbs/s400/DSC09165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594827180212151186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika and Grandma look at rocks and sticks</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The beach we stopped at was a great choice – I found several agates, and some other interesting rocks, some with crystals, some with shells, some jasper; and some large mussel shells - the largest I have ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I lingered, knowing it was probably the last stop we’d be able to make to enjoy the surf and sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DplOz4DayU/TaTSmqUIq6I/AAAAAAAABe0/2kI1UL9zCdA/s400/DSC09171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594828198736604066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">It was all so glorious - I wished I could package up the sounds of the waves on the cobbles and the wind and the smells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But we really needed to get going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We stopped one last time before heading eastward toward the coast range – we had dinner at Mo’s in Lincoln City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh, it was so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n3lhg6XTNY/TaTSnHJydFI/AAAAAAAABe8/hfG9j1PGHZQ/s400/DSC09179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594828206477833298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Then we motored on home to Grandma and Papa’s, making it there after bedtime.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">I’m so thankful for the week my husband took off from work, and for my parents being willing to join us on our adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 3 days at the Coast were full and are providing us all with fond memories to savor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will definitely be back to this wonderful stretch of coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-31949239319260071482011-03-22T14:09:00.000-07:002011-03-22T16:33:21.737-07:00Padilla Bay Outing<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcI6Pk-avIQ/TYkgCucd6iI/AAAAAAAABWk/UvM0ylL9u6o/s1600/DSC08640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcI6Pk-avIQ/TYkgCucd6iI/AAAAAAAABWk/UvM0ylL9u6o/s400/DSC08640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032043929070114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Annika checks out whale bones and baleen</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Up north a ways, out of the city and sprawling suburbia, is a large estuary feeding the Salish Sea. Padilla Bay offers beaches, mud flats, marsh habitat, and other fabulous environments for exploring. We spent a few hours at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which has a free museum with an aquarium and some excellent exhibits about estuaries, ocean life, and the general area. <div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cs7kBcLYoCs/TYkg5d75qmI/AAAAAAAABXU/C0YcPCs_zsI/s400/DSC08655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032984390314594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>The kids liked opening and closing all the doors and drawers.</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>There is an area where kids can touch specimens and play games. </div><div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3W8-5a8kwo/TYkgC9f-qqI/AAAAAAAABWs/LPwuNlqoExM/s400/DSC08641.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032047970331298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Feeling the fur of different local creatures</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y0qANVXynY/TYkgDWhXN_I/AAAAAAAABW0/tf8CxPI7TbY/s400/DSC08644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032054687021042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>An unfortunate hummingbird who hit the side of a house so hard his beak went clear through the plywood. The poor thing died on impact.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>My kids enjoyed the whale bones and baleen, the puppets, and the felt board the best. They also liked all the sea creatures and eel grass floating from the ceiling. We were the only ones there last Friday, and it was nice to have the place to ourselves and chat with the friendly staff. The aquaria have been updated since the last time we were there, and we spent a lot of time searching for sea creatures and looking at them up close.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJrNosm4X9U/TYkgDuyzCbI/AAAAAAAABW8/dE8qhCQI9Dg/s400/DSC08646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032061202598322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>The new rocky shore aquarium</i></span></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9MNkSw27dc/TYkg42AHiqI/AAAAAAAABXE/OWdMjQwy8Bs/s400/DSC08647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032973670582946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Lots of tube feet!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QAcAfV1LQ/TYkg5I_GS-I/AAAAAAAABXM/IHaQuzFzo3g/s400/DSC08650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032978766580706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Colorful creatures</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After we explored a bit and had some lunch, we took a walk on the Upland Trail, which starts in the parking lot and makes a 0.8 mile loop through a small forest and meadow. We checked out a backpack with an activity guide and some props for the activities, as well as 2 pairs of binoculars to use on our walk. My kids enjoyed looking for the numbered posts along the trail and genuinely appreciated the information included in the activity guide. It was a bit early in the season for many of the activities, but I think it was worth it anyway, as using the booklet helped to focus our walk.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-RfoUxkX3A/TYkp-oB25GI/AAAAAAAABYE/u7sz6rc1mCM/s400/DSC08671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587042968603649122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Stinging nettles are coming up</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OioJKsoWt4/TYkp-S-SmxI/AAAAAAAABX8/ecZfkX9dIpo/s400/DSC08668.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587042962951543570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Indian-plum is blooming - one of our earliest blooming native plants</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URvhdRg-YS8/TYkq1kow10I/AAAAAAAABYU/VtTqFU8rU-E/s400/DSC08678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587043912585893698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Some kind of small mammal left these tracks in the grasses.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovc3nCJ9H94/TYkq0rfu4oI/AAAAAAAABYM/cXbag1mRJHs/s400/DSC08675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587043897247195778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Piles of stones from homesteading farmers who cleared the fields of glacial debris</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>When we were beginning our walk, a great blue heron landed at the edge of the parking lot and the meadow. Gabriel and Annika were enthralled. We practiced walking closer up to it, sneaking quietly and stopping to observe with our binoculars. It let us get pretty close before it leapt up and moved farther off.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBWRjy_OmPg/TYkg53Q7sgI/AAAAAAAABXc/b83-k3Dj2CE/s400/DSC08662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587032991189414402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Gabriel stalking the heron</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9QVBNL4fpQ/TYkp9uFO-zI/AAAAAAAABXs/xOhPfMxmW9Q/s400/DSC08661_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587042953048554290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>The Great Blue Heron waits quietly</i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJFPNduVV7E/TYkp9_Cm1-I/AAAAAAAABX0/B_lURWLTx9Q/s400/DSC08664_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587042957600937954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Woops! We scared it off!</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>At the same time, 3 bald eagles were flying overhead and chattering in their unique voices. Fabulous!</div><div><br /></div><div>From the meadows at the interpretive center, you can see across the bay to the oil refineries and the hills of Anacortes.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftv1vdCJkww/TYkq19PaiiI/AAAAAAAABYc/WldkePLA1ls/s400/DSC08683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587043919190460962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div> The highest hill, Mt. Erie, has radio/tv/cell towers on top. There is a road up to the top, too, and the kids liked my idea of driving up to the viewpoints up there.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deAa6c8DPrs/TYkwmjjU9uI/AAAAAAAABZU/BhA5VKUxsnw/s400/DSC08693.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587050251666388706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Looking south from Mt. Erie to Lake Campbell and Whidbey Island</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the clouds were thickening and it was getting misty while we were up on top; the best part, though, was crawling on the giant boulders and rock outcroppings. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_OXHbXngkU/TYkwmaBi6VI/AAAAAAAABZM/kmPv5K2LLZM/s400/DSC08690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587050249108777298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>My little rock climbers</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The kids talked about this part for several days afterward. When they get a year or two older, we'll be able to hike from the bottom of the hill to the top on one of the many trails.</div><div><br /></div><div>The third part of our field trip was to Deception Pass State Park. This park has so many neat sections to explore; this is the first time I took them to Rosario Bay. Gabriel found a covey of California Quail in the black berry bushes. That was his first sighting for these birds. We spent some time on the beach, a clean pebbled slope flanked by large driftwood logs.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxheTyNAgBM/TYkrN1_WPTI/AAAAAAAABY0/dXtzgtvkzgg/s400/DSC08703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587044329560882482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Gabriel hiding in the driftwood.</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>The gentle waves made a swooshing sound as they washed up and down the pebbles. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RycLRe5s5U/TYkrNYKxl1I/AAAAAAAABYs/lnYoHz5sO-E/s400/DSC08701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587044321555748690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>The kids running on the beach</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We threw rocks - oh, the lovely colors and variety of stones on these beaches!</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDI8985gSPg/TYkrNFsenII/AAAAAAAABYk/z7uu7z5J89M/s400/DSC08699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587044316596837506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Colorful stones</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the tide pools were exposed by the tide, and we poked around a bit, finding a few anemones, snails, and small crabs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MasCKNlCStQ/TYkreQhlzqI/AAAAAAAABY8/_LwOB4IYvI4/s400/DSC08708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587044611561737890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Rosario tidepools</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wquqEnFxsno/TYkreyRJzMI/AAAAAAAABZE/jBBa1H2BHrk/s400/DSC08710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587044620619599042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>Gabriel gently exploring the tide pools</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>I had my little binoculars, and saw some new-to-me birds floating and diving out in the water. I thought for sure I'd remember their details until I got back to the car and my bird book, but by the time we made it back, I'd forgotten what I saw. I guess I need to sharpen my observation and memory skills!</div><div><br /></div><div>By now dusk was beginning to fall, so we reluctantly made our way back to the car and snacks for the drive home. The rain started in earnest, so I felt lucky that we had avoided the worst of it for our little outing. Gabriel had been uninterested and lethargic in the beginning of the day, just wanting to go home and play on the computer. But by the end of the trip he was excited about what we had done and asking to come back soon. Deception Pass truly is a special place, and I love that even the kids can feel that specialness. Next time I think we will explore some of the hiking trails there. </div></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-40858798240162905922011-02-21T21:14:00.000-08:002011-02-21T22:24:46.723-08:00A Good Day for a Hike<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30eA3EqmX8/TWNQlBcKE9I/AAAAAAAABWM/-d5sTglHB-s/s1600/DSC08483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30eA3EqmX8/TWNQlBcKE9I/AAAAAAAABWM/-d5sTglHB-s/s400/DSC08483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389360586724306" /></a><br />Yep, it was a good day for a hike. Of course, the weather is changing from the gorgeous sunshine we have had for the last several days, but we got our hike in before the rain started. We met Sarah and her boys at the Tradition Plateau Trailhead at Tiger Mountain. I even was able to drag the hubby along for this one. He had the camera most of the time, so many of the pics on this post are actually from him.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdL50X0fxIs/TWNQkaPy8GI/AAAAAAAABV0/vE4RUytXbUM/s400/DSC08468.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389350065893474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">My wonderful husband</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ol4-vHLwJvA/TWNOwyFNJVI/AAAAAAAABUs/umcxJiVOiiE/s400/DSC08405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576387363599099218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Beginning our hike</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We tried out some new-to-me trails at Tiger - the Swamp Trail, the Big Tree Trail, the Wetlands Trail, and the Around-the-Lake Trail, with part of the Bus Trail thrown in for good measure. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29niAKEKdmc/TWNRGcGe1tI/AAAAAAAABWU/kKKgqJW09t4/s400/DSC08487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389934679250642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>It's good to have a map along for all the cris-crossing trails</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Though most folks trek up to the top of the mountain, or at least farther up on its flanks, we stuck to the lower sections for these flatter and easier kid-friendly paths. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJdbc7-V-MY/TWNOxI7b39I/AAAAAAAABU0/Q9y1hC9GG-Y/s400/DSC08409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576387369732136914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>There are story boards along the Swamp Trail</i></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj3mxuBtevM/TWNQk8hvb_I/AAAAAAAABWE/yqsbRXKtI6Q/s400/DSC08472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389359267966962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Smiles from the baby</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUC55qRYJME/TWNQkrL480I/AAAAAAAABV8/FAJTAnnJ3f4/s400/DSC08471.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389354612912962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Walker sticking his tongue out</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>There weren't as many folks at the parking area as I expected for a holiday, but we did pass several people throughout our walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up going about 3 miles, I believe. Kids of all ages did well - the baby slept much of the time in the pack, the 4-year-old is stronger now than last fall, the 8-year-old was speedy and uncomplaining, and the 13-year-old put up with everyone. We made one little stop for lunch and a rest, at Round Lake. The kids threw rocks in the water and later sticks for a dog to chase. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqy5TQG41vU/TWNPqrSuyWI/AAAAAAAABVU/KuB8jqe9ctQ/s400/DSC08461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576388358209194338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>This is about the only access to Round Lake</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRmxsxxv5Ns/TWNPqx_iN3I/AAAAAAAABVc/clS9LQN9AEA/s400/DSC08464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576388360007726962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Walker gets his lunch</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yeV-c9n4t-k/TWNPrB5MUsI/AAAAAAAABVk/R_vcf1I9B9c/s400/DSC08466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576388364276093634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Annika takes a break. We bring along inexpensive foam mats to stay dry. She's only half on hers, and was already wet and muddy from playing in the lake.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNchB1-JERA/TWNQj5IVTDI/AAAAAAAABVs/H-kz7p44EBk/s400/DSC08467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389341176220722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Gabriel's hands got chilled</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div> We visited The Bus - it's looking a bit worse than I remember - and enjoyed our stroll. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMo8W2mb2EM/TWNRGjxtkWI/AAAAAAAABWc/QU92YhlEGZE/s400/DSC08481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576389936739619170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Gabriel checks out the mysterious bus "artifact"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>Good thing his tetanus shots are up to date!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>The kids and adults appreciated how green and mossy many parts of the trails are. It's kind of neat in the swamp area, and the Big Tree is, actually, big.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paR4P18QhUA/TWNOxeEw2tI/AAAAAAAABU8/tnnF9pYOzRA/s400/DSC08435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576387375408405202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_TkRLIeln6c/TWNOxhHfM0I/AAAAAAAABVE/X3DSDWed4W4/s400/DSC08436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576387376225137474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>The Big Tree</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>How this giant escaped logging, no one seems to know. Annika really liked all the ferns we saw. A few plants are beginning to bud, but otherwise it still looks like winter in the forest.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7YK1XP9S0E/TWNPqHBinoI/AAAAAAAABVM/J-Se8jpBo5o/s400/DSC08444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576388348473417346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><i>A rare photo of me</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever I get out with the kids, I get to thinking about all the other places I want to take them this summer. I hope this is the year we really get our groove on, as far as hiking goes. We all benefit from making the choice to get out and enjoy nature and move our bodies. And it is a choice, really - to stay home and work on laundry and dishes some more, or to leave the dishes in the sink and come back with more dirty laundry in exchange for great memories and fun experiences.</div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-25591503817010006552011-02-18T22:47:00.000-08:002011-02-18T23:05:15.061-08:00Recent Knitting<div style="text-align: left;">I have not kept up with recording my knitting projects on Ravelry the past several months. I'm not even sure I got photos of all my Christmas knitting. So with the sunshine today (which washed out all my pics) I tried to get photos of what I've been working on lately.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IdCvfP7oibY/TV9oaMeeY2I/AAAAAAAABT8/RwtXUIU2LIE/s400/DSC08350_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289662942896994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>I started this Swirl Shawl almost 2 years ago when Aaron was in the hospital. It consists of 82 individually knit hexagons. I enjoy working on it, but it has hibernated for months at a time, when I would get bored of it. I have one more row of hexagons to knit, and then it will be done. I told myself I have to finish this one before I work on my next shawl.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYxT3_hixcg/TV9oaXDgjEI/AAAAAAAABUE/M-hlnE7yuj4/s400/DSC08351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289665782582338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Here is a detail of the swirls. Aren't they lovely?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPSIx4HEUHk/TV9oat8fPSI/AAAAAAAABUM/eKemZi9BX-4/s400/DSC08354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289671927151906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div>I've enjoyed Hansi Singh's book about Amigurumi (knitting creatures). I made 4 sea stars from the book; 3 for Christmas gifts that I didn't take photos of. But when my Grandma saw one of the stars, she said she'd like one, too. Here it is, made from Cascade 220. The colorful underside is from natural colored Cascade 220 that the kids and I dyed with food coloring a year or two ago. I'm glad I found a use for it! I've got 2 skeins of it, and am not sure what to do with these interesting colors!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfj8Qm_WqVw/TV9obMbbNKI/AAAAAAAABUU/KiexZRfGbi0/s400/DSC08355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289680109974690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Then there are these silly little mitts. They are from Malabrigo yarn, which I adore, and the pattern is simple enough, but apparently I can't count. Oh well, it makes me happy to wear them. I wear them more than I thought I would. It sure makes a difference keeping the drafts off the wrists. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-lXLv27cZ4/TV9onh0S20I/AAAAAAAABUk/bjTPikR1Bv4/s400/DSC08360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289892009859906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>And finally, the first hat I made for myself. I forget the yarn I used, but the pattern is great, and I get lots of compliments on it. I made the same hat out of different yarn for my Mother-In-Law, and I really like it. </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UL_qq1LueiM/TV9ondlwQxI/AAAAAAAABUc/pIdLkiV64rU/s400/DSC08357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575289890875130642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Oh, there are so many more projects on my list, and drool-worthy yarn in my stash. So much knitting, so little time!</span></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-6962301863623707472011-02-16T21:25:00.000-08:002011-02-16T21:41:22.989-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">From earlier today, a quiet moment in between.</span></span></i></div><div><br /></div>I have been seeing hummingbirds more lately. Today one visited our clematis. I'm not sure what it was looking for. The plant is a mass of brown stems and withered leaves. Fluffy seed pods cling to the branches like discolored cotton balls. The hummer poked its beak into several puffy seed balls, but left disappointed. There are green shoots growing, but they are only a few inches long. It always surprises me how early this plant buds out and begins growing, but it seems impervious to frost.<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1yXNOlwJQc/TVyz3cAGDsI/AAAAAAAABTk/ofhHXQiRVRM/s400/DSC08340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574528203768598210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Not much in the clematis to attract a hummingbird</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The light and shadows have been changing all day. We'll get a sun break, then dark clouds will pass over and a cold, soaking shower will fall onto the saturated ground. At one point there were even snow flakes mixed into the rain. It didn't last long, of course, and soon was sunny again.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNexU_P5vcA/TVyz3sfNrKI/AAAAAAAABTs/oykobXjIsns/s400/DSC08343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574528208194088098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Detail of sunshine on tree bark</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>Groups of juncos flit through the trees in the back corner of the yard. The sun glints off their white rear feathers as they move form one branch to another. The sun makes the yellow and grey lichen shine on the tree branches. Combined with the freshening red of the dogwood stems, the effect is brilliant.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYQn25n6_GA/TVyz4LEm44I/AAAAAAAABT0/ZCLhvodkyss/s400/DSC08346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574528216403993474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Red-twig dogwood, showing its color</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>The kitchen smells of the cookies we just baked - <a href="http://glutenfreeexpedition.typepad.com/gluten_free_expedition/2008/11/gluten-free-cut-out-cookies.html">Gluten Free cutout cookies</a>, a few days late for Valentine's Day. The black-eyed peas are just beginning to simmer, and their smell swirls with the steam from the pot. I know I should wipe down my flour-covered countertop, but I step outside for a moment first.</div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-80243815121550391402011-02-14T21:25:00.000-08:002011-02-14T21:39:18.196-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKpSZoZIHX8/TVoPbjvhmlI/AAAAAAAABS0/aimJmOS7UPU/s1600/DSC07195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKpSZoZIHX8/TVoPbjvhmlI/AAAAAAAABS0/aimJmOS7UPU/s400/DSC07195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573784454949870162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><i>Wild Ginger Leaves</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>An acquaintance of mine on Facebook posted a few photos of heart shapes in nature today. I am going to totally copy his idea, and put up some of my own. It's amazing when you start to look closely at nature, you may just be surprised what you will find.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xJ3C6-MTUg/TVoPa4tPatI/AAAAAAAABSs/19KJ3m7RNOM/s1600/DSC07163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xJ3C6-MTUg/TVoPa4tPatI/AAAAAAAABSs/19KJ3m7RNOM/s400/DSC07163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573784443397565138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Fabulous Rock in the Talapus Lake Trail</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVcS6yIDah0/TVoPaGhYddI/AAAAAAAABSk/mNcDJlDzkpo/s1600/DSC06655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVcS6yIDah0/TVoPaGhYddI/AAAAAAAABSk/mNcDJlDzkpo/s400/DSC06655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573784429926053330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Hosta leaves in my garden</i></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y163nIz5WKU/TVoQB-602WI/AAAAAAAABTc/imT9__V6f5Q/s400/DSC07245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573785115080055138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Lamium sp. leaves in the garden</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTukXHCfiEg/TVoQBcXRx9I/AAAAAAAABTU/bcUo4nd-O_c/s400/DSC07243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573785105804150738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Morning Glory leaves along the back fence (a nasty weed)</i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOihKxWqUwU/TVoQA4iBoqI/AAAAAAAABTM/IWxI4-4U5i4/s400/DSC07242.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573785096185553570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Some kind of pumpkin or squash in one of our past gardens</i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3DfgZ8cNtY/TVoPclKpAvI/AAAAAAAABTE/fnGmjkGqexc/s400/DSC07217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573784472511906546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Epimedium sp. leaves in the front yard</i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8UYVEFlOJ4/TVoPcLP5flI/AAAAAAAABS8/k3U_fBlXWjo/s400/DSC07151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573784465554636370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><i>Wild Violet leaves along a mountain trail</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-42254571000175122592011-02-08T16:15:00.001-08:002011-02-08T16:40:01.022-08:00What season is it?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVHfUXrllZI/AAAAAAAABSM/q1iAIEuIekk/s1600/DSC08327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVHfUXrllZI/AAAAAAAABSM/q1iAIEuIekk/s400/DSC08327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571479755081225618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i>Mud!!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>We had our first mud pies of the year today. Or, I should say, Annika did. (I wish I could remember where I read this week about someone's assertion that young women might be sicker than young men because they don't get dirty enough as little girls. That won't be the case with this child.)<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVHfULo4ZEI/AAAAAAAABSE/wJCaQk-6Q_0/s400/DSC08325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571479751848649794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i>The best dirt for mud pies is right in the middle of the path off the patio</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>We had a nice afternoon sun break, and the kids were both grumpy (so was I), so I pushed us all out to work in the yard a bit. Sometimes it actually helps, but this time both children were in tears after only 10 minutes had gone by. We smoothed that over, but Gabriel went inside for a rest (I made him stay in his bed if he wasn't going to be outside). So, Annika cut the grass with some trimming shears while I worked on the weeds. One of the side effects of living in a climate with mild winters is the weeds start growing before you're ready to be outside. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVHfU0-olII/AAAAAAAABSU/vYrvUEBh1UI/s400/DSC08328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571479762945741954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i>Shotweed/snapweed blooming already!!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I'm ready to weed, I've already lost the battle. I thought maybe I'd try to keep up with them this year. I was able to get part of the hedgerow cleaned up, and even put down a bag of bark mulch. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVHfVapplFI/AAAAAAAABSc/A0knRyzfuoM/s400/DSC08330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571479773058274386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i>The hedgerow. To the left are some strawberries that need a new home, and to the right is bare ground that needs some cover. The big, bare bushes are native wild roses. They will eventually fill in along the fence, I hope.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The ground is too mushy to mow, so hubby is off the hook for a bit. Though some of our neighbors have a yard service come by to mow every week, and they were on duty today. I weeded till my fingers got numb (the temp was slipping down below 45 degrees) and then we went inside for hot cocoa. My mind is turning about what I want to do in the yard this year. I'll be sure to update you as we make progress!</div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-73882124060081838322011-02-07T21:34:00.000-08:002011-02-07T22:07:55.689-08:00Looking Closer<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDafceWgCI/AAAAAAAABRM/CIFAePxYQr4/s1600/DSC08304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDafceWgCI/AAAAAAAABRM/CIFAePxYQr4/s400/DSC08304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571192972811599906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Gabriel checks out the blackberry thorns.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i><br /></i></span></div>This afternoon, when we were finished with our school work, I brought out a package I had ordered and received a few days ago. I've been intrigued with <a href="http://www.the-private-eye.com/index.html">The Private Eye</a> program for some time, and finally ordered some of their <a href="http://www.theprivateeyestore.com/servlet/the-Loupes/Categories">loupes</a> and a case. <div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDagQg6ZaI/AAAAAAAABRc/YvvaEOcOGLM/s400/DSC08307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571192986780984738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>One of the loupes from The Private Eye</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>I found the educator's guide at our home school library, so I can wait to order that if I need to later. Gabriel and Annika were both intrigued by the loupes, so after an introductory lesson in how to hold them, we went outside to see what we could look at. We had a brief window of sunshine, which made it fairly nice outside. We looked at the clematis plant, some blackberries, leaves, moss growing in the grass, wood, and other things. I didn't want it to be too academic, since we were just starting with them, so I didn't push too hard. Gabriel had shorts on and got cold quickly, so we didn't spend too much time outside, but it was a good start. I like the concept of interdisciplinary learning, and look forward to combining science, art, writing, and other topics.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>It always surprises me how early things start waking up for the spring around here. The hellebores are blooming, the clematis is budding, and the bulbs are popping up.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDahiHk0UI/AAAAAAAABRs/U8AJkovpIUs/s400/DSC08310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571193008686420290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Hellebores in the front yard</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDag_keA8I/AAAAAAAABRk/K3pNoObd56s/s400/DSC08309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571192999412368322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Clematis on the back porch, green budding in the midst of brown, dry leaves</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDagFDnyoI/AAAAAAAABRU/Sovgssm6NhM/s400/DSC08305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571192983705340546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Daffodil bulbs popping up in the back yard. I got these from my grandmother after we bought our house. Gabriel helped me plant them.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Every year it seems too early, but I think I have photos from the past several Februaries that look almost like the ones I took today! January is often a time of turning inward for me, but when the plants start showing signs of new growth, I, too, begin to feel the stirrings of more of an outward focus.</div><div><br /></div><div>*************************</div><div><br /></div><div>In the kitchen, Annika helped me cut up some ripe bananas to dry them in the dehydrator (there were bunches of ripe ones on sale at the store last week).</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDbALgxEYI/AAAAAAAABR0/aY11rzjJ8RA/s400/DSC08320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571193535194009986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>Annika cutting and arranging bananas for dehydrating</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I also figured out how to be successful with making yogurt. I just needed to add a bit of heat (a heating pad) and leave them to ferment a bit longer. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TVDbAeBfTGI/AAAAAAAABR8/nsbZ6OxNwuw/s400/DSC08321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571193540163095650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><i>My yogurt set-up - high tech!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We've now made 2 successful batches of yogurt - one of goat milk and one of cow. I can't believe how easy it is - the most time-consuming part is watching the milk while it heats so it doesn't burn. Yay! Another skill to add to my repertoire! <a href="http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/nchfp/factsheets/yogurt.html">Here</a> is the link to the website where I found the clearest instructions.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're starting another semester at school this week, with some new classes. I'm looking forward to only going 2 days a week instead of 3. I think it will help me manage our home and our own studies better. Gabriel expressed relief, too. He gets stressed out when the schedule is too busy.</div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-11810711745958316222011-01-28T20:39:00.001-08:002011-01-28T21:04:04.621-08:00Old and New<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUOfm_jmcXI/AAAAAAAABRA/097abDSVMSo/s1600/DSC08299.JPG"></a>I was struck today by how many things I was doing are a combination of old-fashioned and modern. For instance, I used my computer to look up on the internet how to make yogurt and how to do a certain knit stitch, both ancient arts. I walked to the store to get food that had traveled hundreds of miles to get here. Most of what I bought was produce I could have potentially grown in my own yard. I emailed some friends who recently sold almost everything they owned and moved to live on a boat. It just seemed like a day of interesting contradictions.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUOfm_jmcXI/AAAAAAAABRA/097abDSVMSo/s400/DSC08299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567469056604664178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Our first attempt at yogurt didn't turn out. The yogurt didn't set; it's all runny still, like milk. I really hope I can figure it out, because it will save me over $2 a quart if I can make it work. We made it into a good science lesson, though. Oh well, better luck next week!</div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-47383117846043167432011-01-27T20:53:00.000-08:002011-01-27T21:23:41.592-08:00WeatherFest<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPITtHYMI/AAAAAAAABQA/iAj0hNdLLFo/s1600/DSC08264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPITtHYMI/AAAAAAAABQA/iAj0hNdLLFo/s400/DSC08264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099093530403010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel views plankton in sea water</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></div>On Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to attend a wonderful event called WeatherFest. The American Meteorological Society was in Seattle this week for their conference, and as part of that, they put on a public event about weather, space and science for the general public. Much of it was geared toward children. I was pleasantly surprised by the number and quality of exhibits; I really wasn't sure what to expect. They had some interesting science experiments to display, several weather channels with booths for kids to try their hand at forecasting, a few celebrities, and tons of informational handouts.<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPJXFCR9I/AAAAAAAABQQ/zl11IpvH-Lg/s400/DSC08270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099111615907794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel talking with a weather man about the weather coming our way</i></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPJ51nn7I/AAAAAAAABQY/dlzStpqnJMg/s400/DSC08273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099120946487218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Here he is doing his weather forecast</i></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPKTAu9pI/AAAAAAAABQg/IpqPe3wOK_o/s400/DSC08276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099127703991954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika even got up the courage to stand in front of the camera.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to sorting through all the papers we brought home. I know there will be some good school projects in our bags of swag.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I got to meet Cliff Mass, a UW professor who appears every Friday on the local NPR station to talk about and explain the weather. I also follow <a href="http://cliffmass.blogspot.com">his blog</a>, so it was like meeting a celebrity. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPd9GL8WI/AAAAAAAABQo/wevlyBjSBW0/s400/DSC08286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099465418666338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Me and Cliff Mass</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We got to meet an even bigger celebrity, though - Reed Timmer from the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers show. He was really nice, friendly, and seemed serious about his charge to encourage kids to study hard in math.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPebaiYmI/AAAAAAAABQw/ZHnr8wK2oxI/s400/DSC08295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099473557086818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel poses with Reed Timmer</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It was so encouraging to have a family outing all together. Everyone had something they were inspired by. I was a bit surprised that Annika kept talking about the rockets that a local rocketry club had on display. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPI7VGQCI/AAAAAAAABQI/sJzEIVCSU-c/s400/DSC08266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099104167084066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>That's a big rocket!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>She wanted her dad to make her one the next day so they could fly it. Gabriel's favorite part (and one of mine, too) was meeting Reed Timmer. He did make the paper satellite from Lockheed Martin as soon as we got home, though, so that was pretty neat.</div><div><br /></div><div>(I'll try to keep you all posted on what kinds of projects we do in follow up to this field trip. We're starting a new semester in our little school next week, so things are in transition right now.)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TUJPe1lExTI/AAAAAAAABQ4/u0dFNpGnD0o/s400/DSC08278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567099480580605234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Yours truly wearing some funky 3-D glasses to see the display of global weather in 3-D</i></span></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-75047142279381295182010-12-07T20:49:00.000-08:002010-12-07T21:49:54.642-08:00Milestones<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8aBIq7DCI/AAAAAAAABP0/GxD8PqKnFaM/s1600/DSC08078_2.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8ZtzP9esI/AAAAAAAABPE/maElUewyAeU/s1600/DSC08049_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8ZtzP9esI/AAAAAAAABPE/maElUewyAeU/s400/DSC08049_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181540585700034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Rare self-portrait, in the mirror</i></span></div><div><br />Well, I've reached one of the big milestones in life - you know, the ones you look forward to or dread, or both, and somehow it feels as if things change when you cross that threshold. Today was my 40th birthday. I've actually been pleasantly anticipating this time. It feels like I'm entering a club or something. Like maybe I'm really an adult now. Of course, we've been through so many challenging times in the last 5 years, I've felt like an adult for quite a while. The whole 40th birthday event really didn't bother me - until a few days ago. I started having questions about what I am doing here, where am I going, who am I, that sort of basic thing. I suppose I still have a good amount of work to do in discovering myself! <div><br /></div><div>So what did I do on this momentous day, you ask? It's Tuesday, so that means Aaron works and Gabriel has school. The kids and I spent 2 hours in Lego class today, designing and creating.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8ZuB1xqvI/AAAAAAAABPM/zJAL_laekrQ/s400/DSC08053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181544502405874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Gabriel works on his mosaic</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8ZuS8VwzI/AAAAAAAABPU/o3bEKrYWroY/s400/DSC08058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181549093339954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>And here is the finished project (a house floor plan with all kinds of imaginative things going on).</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8ZuobRmoI/AAAAAAAABPc/eg4ICszzcnM/s400/DSC08051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181554860235394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Annika works from her plan to create a picture of her imaginary friend with really long hair</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div> Then home for lunch, and I got to spend the afternoon with my favorite son at the Seattle Art Museum. It happened that this was the day that my friend was able to babysit Annika so that I could take Gabriel by himself to the museum. We are fortunate to have an exhibit of Picasso in town this winter, and Gabriel has been itching to go ever since he heard about it. I'll share more about our visit and what we learned on a later post, but it was enjoyable for both of us. It's not very often that I get time alone with my son any more, so it was special for that reason, but also for all the culture we got at the SAM.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8aAXX_77I/AAAAAAAABPk/xJ-JOnLdu7g/s400/DSC08065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181859520737202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>The entrance to the Picasso exhibit - they didn't allow photos inside this part</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8aBIq7DCI/AAAAAAAABP0/GxD8PqKnFaM/s400/DSC08078_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181872753445922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>One of Gabriel's favorites from the main collection - he says it is colorful yet simple.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>I picked up Aaron downtown after that, and we went out to dinner as a family. That's pretty special, actually, since we rarely eat out any more. (By the way, I discovered that PF Chang's has an ample gluten-free menu, and they are willing to work with other food allergies as well.) Aaron got me a book, and my friend got me a canning book that I had wanted. It's so good to have friends who know what you want! Lastly, I should mention all the words of encouragement that arrived on my wall in Facebook. Oh, what a marvel! To have so many people remember my day, and take a moment to write a little note to me. I treasure it. And I look forward to seeing what this next year will bring.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TP8aArqxJvI/AAAAAAAABPs/EHeCRDzqWSY/s400/DSC08067_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181864968169202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><i>Ya gotta smile - one of the African masks in the SAM collection; Picasso took some of his influences from African art work</i></span></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-29452369273383501042010-11-04T21:39:00.000-07:002010-11-04T22:10:56.661-07:00Rattles and Ramblings<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQKQn8plI/AAAAAAAABO8/KYZS9kTxnxs/s1600/DSC07918.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQJg3VbjI/AAAAAAAABOs/mq5O3hcqpic/s1600/DSC07914_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQJg3VbjI/AAAAAAAABOs/mq5O3hcqpic/s400/DSC07914_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926860083719730" /></a><br />I heard a rattlesnake in my garden this afternoon. At least, that was the first thing my instincts told me when I was out weeding in the back. While I was thinking that, though, I was also thinking that it couldn't be true, because we don't have rattlesnakes in western Washington. Still, I looked around, confused, trying to figure out what made such a distinctive noise. Then, I saw it - hidden in the overgrown grasses was a lone seed pod leftover from Gabriel's poppies. <div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQJ4K5AbI/AAAAAAAABO0/A_xoWot5D8M/s400/DSC07917_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926866339758514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 346px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>Poppy seed pod</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>He had planted them in the midst of the border area that had gotten so overgrown this summer. They bloomed red, splashes of color amidst the grasses and creeping buttercups and other unwanted plants. Some of the pods dried on their stalks, and I had brushed up against this one with my shoulder. The seeds inside shook and clattered against the raspy brown hull. Thus, the jolt of hearing a rattlesnake in my ear. (I've only ever heard one real rattler in the wild, on a hike I took with another gal. I screamed like a ninny that time. Thank heavens I didn't scream today.)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We have had unusual warm weather the past few days. Since when does it get over 70 degrees in November in Seattle? I've tried to take advantage of the afternoons by getting out and cleaning up the yard. Our poor yard has been so neglected the past several years. I'll get one area cleaned out, and then it will be forever before I get back to it again. Today I spent some time weeding the hedgerow against the north fence. Last year I planted some native wild roses and a few other native shrubs. I want more habitat for birds, and I have fond memories of bicycling in the summer down country roads and smelling the amazing perfume of the wild roses. Plus, once they get established, I won't have to water them. I only got about half way done tearing out weeds from the bed, but it looks better than it did. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQKQn8plI/AAAAAAAABO8/KYZS9kTxnxs/s400/DSC07918.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926872904083026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>Half-weeded bed</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I was thinking while I was working that I never regret making time to get outside and work in the yard. I had put aside plans for a field trip this afternoon, feeling that I really needed to focus on getting our home together. The kids built little tents for themselves, and ran around with capes on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOQJW6C8nI/AAAAAAAABOk/mG47nL_Wjzo/s400/DSC07912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926857410736754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>There's a boy in that tent</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOPxHlkF8I/AAAAAAAABOc/l0hVYths7Ho/s400/DSC07905_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926440981436354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>Fly, Girl!</i></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>I even caught them cloud gazing. I found a huge snail for them to hold, and we enjoyed the birds and the leaves and soaking up the lingering afternoon sun. Sometimes it can be so difficult to change into my work clothes and get us outside, but it feels so good once we're out there, and the work is satisfying. Sure, the laundry is still piled up, and the dishes will have to wait another day, and I didn't get any more boxes unpacked, but this sun will not be here much longer, and the weeds won't get any better on their own.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I am well overdue posting our Halloween costumes. Annika was a unicorn, thankfully satisfied to wear her dress-up outfit. Gabriel was a magical kind of pretend bird. I'm pretty proud of the mask, but feel kinda bad about the rest of the get-up. He liked it, though, which is what is most important.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOPwOeSN3I/AAAAAAAABOM/6DrXmwMsG8c/s400/DSC07883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926425650083698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>Gabriel's mask (made by me)</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TNOPwkR-FGI/AAAAAAAABOU/gOTklQpR4w0/s400/DSC07894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535926431504012386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><i>The kids getting ready to trick-or-treat</i></span></span></span></div></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419105363203703040.post-15758002028916163992010-10-24T20:55:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:42:14.536-07:00A Visit to the Conservatory<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFwY9zFoI/AAAAAAAABN8/lpE18yC01UE/s1600/DSC07803.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFv8mHwoI/AAAAAAAABN0/0jaAoOBQg8Q/s1600/DSC07802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFv8mHwoI/AAAAAAAABN0/0jaAoOBQg8Q/s400/DSC07802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531834038572532354" /></a><br />About a week and a half ago, Gabriel was asking to go out on one of our wonderful autumn afternoons and visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory. This historical building is a fun outing for when we only have a few hours but want to be transported to another place. I love that my kids are both so delighted to visit such a place. I let Gabriel use our old digital point and shoot to compose some of his own photos. I realized, though, that I haven't unloaded them to my computer yet! Oh well, here are some of mine from the day. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFwY9zFoI/AAAAAAAABN8/lpE18yC01UE/s400/DSC07803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531834046188033666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Enter into a magical land</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUDQeqb8qI/AAAAAAAABMs/NPExHSWIeOs/s400/DSC07764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531831298938368674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Flowers in cages</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUDQsMwnYI/AAAAAAAABM0/61rkB0fcrik/s400/DSC07768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531831302571990402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Colors and textures</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUDRGCUE4I/AAAAAAAABM8/J8KKLsJUeUM/s400/DSC07769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531831309507498882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>A room full of cacti</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUEA0dvXOI/AAAAAAAABNE/qkiStkmfyxI/s400/DSC07771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531832129424415970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Patterns in nature</i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUEBPMEtjI/AAAAAAAABNM/5WCKofzLjHM/s400/DSC07777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531832136598074930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Funky prickles</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUEBivS2kI/AAAAAAAABNU/ObUSSHpExQM/s400/DSC07780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531832141846075970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Orchids of all colors, sizes, and fragrances</i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFDL6OYPI/AAAAAAAABNc/fXc-Fbr7t3Y/s400/DSC07783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531833269589270770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Photographer in action</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFDaLtdAI/AAAAAAAABNk/CysZyonk90s/s400/DSC07788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531833273420706818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>I've never seen the flower of a pitcher plant before</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nUDba_uOPY0/TMUFD1lZy-I/AAAAAAAABNs/vBd39vM9YW0/s400/DSC07797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531833280776227810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i>Grow to the sun!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div>Jennifer Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775688085515259500noreply@blogger.com0