The Task Master and the Apprentice

 Joe and I did a variety of jobs around the house yesterday.
 One of the alarms woke us (beep beep) so that was  first..find the culprit and replace  battery.
Changed lights in kitchen...this involves me climbing to the top of the small step ladder.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but with nothing to hold, it felt as if I were in a circus act.
Next I put two loaves of fresh fig bread in the oven.
This next one is a biggie. I decided to take a gift we were given many years ago out of storage,and
persuade Joe into displaying it outside. We now have a lovely clock and thermometer on display near the porch light so we can read the temperature from inside.
 We are having a family gathering Saturday and I can't wait to see if the gift givers notice
that we actually are enjoying their lovely gift. So far, the temperature is accurate as well as the time
I decided to make a big pot of beans for the party.. I'm sure we won't need it but I just have to contribute.

A Great Day!

Yesterday was one of those special days when everything seems to go well.
Joe and I were working outside, trying to prepare our place for a family gathering next Saturday, when  deer entered the picture. We moved to the other side of the yard and let them have their lunch.
Our Vietnamese friends were scheduled to drop by with their families, who were visiting from Ca., so Joe gave them a call to let them know the deer were here.
 By the time they walked over the deer had moved on.
Their boys stayed and played ball in the field while we visited.  Joe gave his usual advice on places to see before they went back home (always good information from the travel master) We mentioned that we were attending mass at St. Stephen the Martyr that evening.  We mentioned it was a Vietnamese mass, (celebrating the 200th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of LaVang In Vietnam)  and dinner would follow.  The family who are catholic seemed interested, but they had so many things planned that we really didn't expect to see them.
About the time they were ready to leave the deer reappeared. Our guests were very excited to see them especially when one jumped the fence. It was so great to have the deer entertain guests for their dinner!

The mass was interesting.  Archbishop Brunett  spoke Vietnamese for part of the mass and the choir and
assembly sang all the music with heart. We didn't understand a word of it but somehow it was a good experience.
After mass  we saw Michelle's sister and her family. It was such a pleasure to see them. They accompanied us downstairs but said they had to get home. The youngest boy spotted the dish of fruit at each table and eyed the  watermelon.  Joe & I sat down at a smaller table and  a few minutes later, they returned to join us . What a lovely family. The older boys decided to go to the serving table and get us our food. The youngest boy ate some watermelon.
We had a nice conversation. Our favorite comment was from Kim . Joe asked her if she
understood the mass. She said she did, until Archbishop Brunett  spoke Vietnamese.
In his defense, the boys understood him.
 

 

 

 

 

Almost Across The Pond

Our son Joe wanted us to see a project he was working on, so invited us to lunch.
The new deck is super nice.  Joe is putting  new flooring in the bedroom and removing carpeting. So far, looks really nice. Good job Joe!
Deb made a luscious lunch with lots of veggies and one of my favorites..stuffed green peppers.
We then talked about our camping trips....then heard about the trip they enjoyed in Ireland.
The whole experience sounded so charming and inviting that I wanted to pack my bags and head to Ireland.
Deb stressed the fact the music is everywhere with the exception of Belfast, where everyone seems serious and sad.  (With good reason)
Joe & Deb were kind enough to bring me two beautiful scarves from Dublin.

I asked Deb about the new book she is working on and she was happy to talk about it.
Deb was getting ready to sign her contract and asked me to be witness.
The Publisher is in London so I was asked to add U.S.A to my address.

I felt so important. It was fun.

What do you do with a compliment?

My friend John Burton just phoned to see if I  wanted to sing with the choir in the morning. I have been helping out at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish. I had already  told him I was unable to help out but John isn't one to give up easily.
John was giving me a hard time about a compliment I received.
A woman said that when she heard me sing she felt she had been anointed.   Really? It was sweet and I thanked her, but since then I can't stop laughing about it.
As those who know me are aware I have a rather strange sense of humor. After John and I traded  smart comments, I admitted that I was a rather holy person, but didn't like to make it public.

John said many things but this was the best.
"You have the piety but it's rancid."

Hope I haven't offended anyone. If I have, get over it!

Plum Delicious

Our plum tree has been a source of mild debate for a few years. It is a lovely tree but doesn't bear fruit.
It also has roots that are invading the building that Joe uses to store an old truck (vintage) and our motorhome.
Today I was helping Joe outside, near the plum tree and spotted several plums in the high branches.
We were both excited that this tree had decided to bear fruit. But I mentioned the fact that there was no way we could reach them. Then I noticed a plum so close to my eyes that I can't believe I hadn't noticed it.

Long story short. We shared the plum for lunch. It was so good.

The tree stays!

The Water falls & falls & falls

 The many waterfalls near the Columbia Gorge in Oregon combine to make the area  very popular with  tourists.   Arrive early to secure a parking place to see Multnomah Falls.
If you are staying in a nearby campground you can hike to Ponytail Falls.
 Joe and I enjoy this hike as you are in the midst of lovely woods. When you arrive at the falls you are able to walk behind the rushing waters.  If you are energetic you can keep hiking to several other falls.
Many families visit Multnomah...my favorite family is pictured.

An Artists View of Hummingbird

Combination Plate of Photos

Catching up

I have to admit that I have been preoccupied with more important things than my blog. However, since I have all these great photos of Oregon, I will endeavor to add some information to the scene.
Lost Lake is one of the most photographed in the world. It has a perfect view of Mt. Hood. The first photo was taken by Joe, the other (bottom of the photos) is mine. It is interesting to see the difference. I opt for a touch of the trees while Joe goes for the more clear picture. Does this mean something?

A rather strenuous walk to Larch mountain is well worth it. You have a view of five mountains. We  got decent photos of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen.. The others are Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams.
I got a rather impressive photo of Mt. Rainier on the way home ( from the moving vehicle) which I will post later.
We also will have photos of Crown Vista and of course the lovely waterfalls near the gorge.
I may also post a photo of the train that  came through the camp area quite often. For some reason, it did not keep us awake.
We are hosting a birthday party for our Grand- Daughter on Sept. 1 and need to get the yard in shape.
So, better get outside while it is still cool.
Will try to get busy with posting photos later.

Mountains of Fun in Oregon

                                                 Lost Lake....Oregon

View  from Larch Mountain

View from Larch Mountain

CASCADE LOCKS...Oregon

                                          This cone was a medium!

Guiding the explorers?

Our Welcome Home

While sitting on our deck we spotted this bird. A first for me. I looked it up and believe it is a

Red Shafted  Flicker. We see many Northern Flicker but this is different. At first I thought it was a Sapsucker but upon closer examination .....either way it's a new sighting for me.

And More..Alleluia..Alleluia

And More

More Photos of Family at Mark & Jeannine's Place