Postcards From the Northwest

Find me at my new blog now!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-26T11:15:00.004-08:00

I have started a new blog over at Postcard Memories From Paulie so please visit me over there. Hope to see you there. I will eventually get all my links up to my friends' blogs there but until I do, it will be awhile until I blog on a regular schedule and visit daily again.

No longer PERBS, my initials. but Paulie again!

Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-04T23:11:00.003-08:00

With much thought and a few tears , I have decided to close this blog. . . I am running out of memory under this name and would like to leave the remainder for my bench blog which I still share with Kerri.

I will continue to visit my list of regular visitors anyway. One day, I will get a new blog going and let my internet friends know again. Perhaps by the New Year or shortly after. If you ever visited my blog here, thank you!

If you celebrate Christmas,may the peace of the Christ Child bring you joy! May each of you receive many new blessings in the coming year.

If you only visit this blog and not my bench one which will keep going, I will be back asap and around to read yours when I can. Thanks for your friendship!

Paulie

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .part 2

2009-12-01T00:04:00.001-08:00

Our city has a very old tree in Esther Short Park downtown and that is where we have the Christmas tree lighting each year the day after Thanksgiving. It is sponsored by the electric company who place all the thousands of lights on it each year. There was a big crowd. They had carolers singing on the nearby stage and free coffee and cider for the general public. Afterwards, we went across the street to the Hilton Hotel to hear a concert of Christmas music. We got in free with a can of food for the needy. Following that, I went over to the Red Lion at the Quay and viewed the Christmas trees they had on display decorated by individuals for the Christmas Tree Festival. It was a wonderful night with no rain!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

2009-11-30T16:18:00.007-08:00

Saturday, I made a wreath for my door and one for a friend too. The one with the white bow and snowflakes is mine and the red and white bow is on Roberta's door. They came out really different as the people at church who gathered the different greens got some unusual ones this year. . . so I experimented.CLICK on to see details -- especially the snowflakes on my wreath's ribbon.

Note:

2009-11-29T22:40:00.003-08:00

Soon as I can figure out how to get the photos I took with camera turned sideways to display on blog correctly, I will have a Christmas post up. I should have just rotated them before I had the CDs made, I guess. . . sigh IF anyone knows how to accomplish rotating photos already uploaded, please leave a comment. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T00:07:00.001-08:00

Giving thanks for my country on this special fall day. No matter how the flag flies in the wind, it is something I am proud of and give thanks for daily!

"Map on the wall " . . .

2009-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

The branches of the plant look like roads to me. . . I like the look with the leaves gone. . .

Rainy Autumn

2009-11-20T19:29:00.005-08:00

I had to do a bit of walking in the rain so I made "lemonade". . . in other words, I took advantage of the pouring down rain I had to walk in to my meeting.(When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.)

Christmas cactus is a bloomin'

2009-11-18T18:48:00.006-08:00

This sad Christmas cactus was given to me about 2 years ago just before Christmas. It was in a smaller pot and would not bloom for the lady who gave it to me. That year, it bloomed just three tiny blossoms and quit. This past December, it bloomed only one blossom so I changed it into a bigger pot and thus, the cactus leaves look sparse . . . I put it outside all summer and just brought it in the house earlier this month. I had forgotten about it and then I spied the red blossoms and got most excited even tho it is just a small plant yet, it keeps blooming! Maybe next year, it will be even better.

Graciously accepted!

2009-11-16T00:08:00.002-08:00

Martha Z. passed this award on to me while I was sick and I am finally getting around to sharing it with others and listing 7 things about myself that maybe everyone doesn’t know:
1. I graduated from college when I was 40.
2. My twin sister and I only had 33 years together.
3. There’s only one thing I love as much as snow and that is the ocean.
4. I enjoy taking long hikes by myself.
5. I walked and finished the Portland Marathon in 2005.
6. Out of 7 siblings, I have only one,my youngest sister, left.
7. I have a pen pal in France.

Martha Z. lives in California and she and her hubby joined Katney and her hubby and I camping on Mt. Ranier this past summer. It was fun to meet someone (Martha) from the blog world that I didn’t already know in person. I had met Katney back in 2004. Martha loves hiking too as you will find out IF you visit her blog. She shares some great photos of her hikes and camping adventures.

Anyone that reads this and would enjoy having it may grab the logo and rules and publish it on their own blog. Just let me know so I can come and read it if I am not a regular reader of your blog. Otherwise, I will see it as I drop by.

The guidelines for accepting this award are:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. List 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5. If you wish, pass this award to other Kreative Bloggers.

I am not feeling up to par yet so won't blog regularly for a bit yet but wanted to get this going in case anyone is interested in participating.Hopefully, by Wednesday, I will have a surprise to show everyone!

Long may she wave no matter the weather. . .

2009-11-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

Today we will begin our Veterans Day celebration with a parade, followed by a special ceremony at the VA cemetary. I hope to attend both. The weather is not going to be suitable for the parade but it will go on rain or shine just as the Veterans served our country and deserve this recognition. November 11th will officially be Veterans Day.

Cactus on fence corner

2009-11-06T00:01:00.001-08:00

I was out on a walk and spotted this in a neighbor's yard. Nice decorative corner -- I am just wondering how it manages in the snow when winter comes. . .

Silhouettes in the sky . . .

2009-11-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day last week when I captured these tall trees.

Growing an Avocado plant . . .

2009-11-04T00:07:00.006-08:00

When Katney and Martha and their hubbies and I went camping last summer, they had an avocado for part of the recipe in one of our cookouts. I had heard of people rooting the big seed for a plant so I asked to keep it which they gladly gave me. After another day of camping, I brought it home and rigged up a glass to hold part of the big seed immersed in water and the rest in the air. I used a couple items I found in my utensil drawer including a Easter egg dipper (used when coloring eggs for Easter) and a flat green plastic item I have no idea what use it might be for -- I probably got it at a Tupperware party or something. Anyway, it worked holding the seed half in the water and half above it.

I left it there for what seemed forever, and kept refilling the water in the glass to the top. One day, the seed split on the bottom and roots started to grow! They got very long. YES, I forgot to take a photo of them! Then I transferred the plant to a tall glass vase. After awhile, the seed started sprouting on the top and that's when I knew I had something serious in front of me actually growing into a beautiful plant.

I guess I should look it up on the internet and see if I am supposed to plant it or if it will keep growing in just water. Isn't it pretty?

If you are wondering why the stem is so crooked it is because the plant was looking for light. I have no windows in my kitchen where I started rooting this BUT finally got wise and moved it closer to the window in my living room.

NOTE: I just found out on Google that my plant has to be planted out of doors in the spring!!!!!!! I am so disappointed. I was hoping for another house plant. I will be able to plant it and keep it indoors in a big pot until then. I hope it doesn't die on me. Maybe it will look nice in a big pot on our single balcony on the 8th floor where I have an apartment?

This is my life as I see it this week. Please join Gypsy Lala at "Life as I see it."for her weekly meme.

Halloween clouds . . .

2009-11-03T09:53:00.004-08:00

I had a funeral service to go to on Halloween and then ran to the store and when I came out of the store, these "ghost whisper" clouds met my view so of course I had to capture them with my camera. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. The funeral had nothing to do with Halloween -- the oldest member of our church died and was being buried on Reformation Day which was pretty appropriate for a Lutheran!

I just CLICKED on the photo to enlarge it and I was surprised with such detail of the tree branches and clouds! You might enjoy it also.

Autumn still using her paintbrush . . .

2009-11-02T00:02:00.004-08:00

We continue to be blessed with an Autumn palette. . .

Flowers hanging around in Autumn . . .

2009-11-01T00:02:00.007-07:00

Halloween Visit. . . ??????

2009-10-31T00:02:00.004-07:00

I recently walked along the Columbia River on my way to visit the sculpture called Wendy Rose again and just before I reached my destination,I spotted "someone" in trouble. I think she needed a better navigation guide. . . poor thing! Stuck on a lamppost for Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Oil spot "Autumn Leaves?"

2009-10-30T19:51:00.005-07:00

When I saw this oil spot, it looked like colored leaves on a tree branch. . . can you see it? Do CLICK on at least the first one to see the beauty in this. . .

Autumn Isn't Over Yet . . .

2009-10-28T00:01:00.005-07:00

Wouldn't this make a great jigsaw puzzle?

2009-10-28T00:01:00.004-07:00

When I took this photo, I was trying to get a close up of the needles on the tree but now that I see it, I am intrigued by the colors and designs in the whole shot and think it would make a lovely jigsaw puzzle. What do you think? Do you see this part of my life being used as a jigsaw puzzle? Please join Gypsy Lala at "Life as I see it."for her weekly meme.

You can't have it. . . I'm hiding from you!

2009-10-27T00:03:00.006-07:00

If you can't see the critter in this first photo, enlarge it and you will. Some computers show it darker than I can see itI was running errands today and spotted this squirrel. Before I could get the lens cap off my camera which was over my shoulder, the squirrel ran up this tree and was trying to hide from me but I caught it anyway. Ten seconds later, it disappeared. Isn't it cute with a nut in its mouth?

Autumn rain . . .

2009-10-26T00:02:00.002-07:00

If you can't see the rain, CLICK on it to enlarge. . .

The artist called Fall

2009-10-25T00:36:00.008-07:00

Fall view from the 9th floor

2009-10-24T00:03:00.005-07:00

Looking out our recreation room window on the 9th floor, autumn is everywhere!

It just gets better as Autumn progresses!

2009-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

This side of Autumn. . .

2009-10-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

Autumn Palette. . .

2009-10-21T00:02:00.001-07:00

To see the leaves better, CLICK on to enlarge. I love seeing how the leaves gradually turn colors. My favorite is the first one. . .

St. James Cathedral Bell

2009-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

St. James Catholic Church is a historical building that I pass each time I go to the downtown Post Office. It has iron fencing around the three sides of the church and partial fencing on the side of the main entrance. Recently, I was looking at some flowers that were still blooming in front of the fence next to the sidewalk but my eyes wandered through the fence and I saw this bell!

Now that is too beautiful a bell to be satisfied with that photo so today, I investigated and sure enough I could walk up the steps to the rectory and along a sidewalk where visitors are directed to use the patio door for the rectory. I stopped short of knocking on the door and asking the priest for permission to photograph it. I just did it!!!!!!

As you can read, this is the original bell of the church. . . CLICK on photo to enlarge to read about it. THEN, I walked around the bell and took a photo from each side that was available. Sometimes it pays to be nosy. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

My latest church bulletin board . . .

2009-10-19T09:04:00.002-07:00

If you CLICK on to enlarge, you can read the message better.

Computer art . . . Friday Art Walk

2009-10-18T00:06:00.001-07:00

The window display was called mediartZ. . .

Look at these tiny Apple computers. . . my daughter had one for the newspaper in high school when she was the editor and she brought it home in a little bag to work on it.

Apple computers have always been known for their great art work abilities. . . even Steven Spielberg uses one. I have never had anything but an Apple computer and I have 5 of them, the most recent is 4 years old so am saving for a new one. I bought my first Macintosh computer during the '95-'96 school year, when I started teaching. You couldn't give me a PC to own . . . but I do have to admit that is what I am typing on in the community room presently.

Inside were newer APPLE computers with different art demonstrated on each. I didn't take any photos there as the crowd was dense and hard to get a shot off but it was a neat art exhibit!

Study on a leaf. . .

2009-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Autumn is really trying to show its face!

More seed pods. . .

2009-10-16T00:26:00.005-07:00

If you CLICK on these, the details of the leaves will be an added bonus.

Autumn Sunset . . ."Life as I see it"

2009-10-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

I encourage you to CLICK on to enlarge to see closeup details.

Just caught this one (before it went down) through our 9th floor apartment building window last week. No matter where you look on this photo, there is something for the eye to capture. If you go away with nothing else, you will have the beautiful memory of a very colorful sunset. So, remember, Autumn not only brings colored leaves to look at but the autumn skies provides some beautiful sunsets too!

A blogger friend, Gypsy Lala, has started a new meme and asked me to participate so I will try it although I detest Mr. Linky. Her weekly meme provides a new photo each Wednesday and the meme runs through the following week Tuesday. You can post for it any day of the week -- just let her know that you have a new post up for it. If you would like to participate in her meme, go here: Life as I see it.

Overcast skies for bells. . .

2009-10-14T00:16:00.004-07:00

I had a busy Saturday . . . took the bus across the river to Jantzen Beach to go to my Photo class, then hurried back across the bridge by bus again to go to the Old Apple Tree celebration, followed by a walk to Esther Short Park where the Farmers Market is located. . . Of course, I had to get my fruits and vegetables!!!!! On the way across the park, the bells rang the time and I was reminded that I had had a very productive day so far.

New pinecones. . .beauty in themselves!

2009-10-13T00:09:00.005-07:00

While looking around to photograph FALL things, I discovered these.

Of course, I had to try a closer look. . .

Found a Spider Web on a walk. . .

2009-10-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have been able to photograph one. . . made my day!CLICK on to enlarge for details on both. You won't be sorry you took a little extra time. . .

Fall is here but the Daisies don't know it!

2009-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

I took this photo when I went to the Farmer's Market on October 10th. It was blooming in Esther Short Park.CLICK on to enlarge for a special treat!

PINK Whipped cream on tile roofs????

2009-10-10T00:04:00.005-07:00

I could not resist taking a picture of this scene when I was on the Art Walk last Friday. . . doesn't it look yummy? You just have to enlarge this one so CLICK on photo to see what I saw!

More signs of Fall. . .

2009-10-09T00:11:00.002-07:00

Since I posted these last week, the leaves are really turning colors all over!

Fall is everywhere!

2009-10-08T00:03:00.002-07:00

This pumpkin is in my neighborhood decorating their porch. I really like it!

Addendum:

I don;t think of a pumplin as a Halloween symbol. . . To me, pumpkins represent the harvest time and is one of the vegetables that represent Thanksgiving. IF the pumpkin gets carved with a face, then it is for Halloween. . .

Harvest Time. . .

2009-10-07T00:03:00.001-07:00

When I saw these big pumpkins at the Farmers Market, I knew that FALL was definitely here! I wonder how much those big ones weigh?

Old Apple Tree Celebration

2009-10-06T00:01:00.001-07:00

We celebrated 182 Years of Living History at the 2009 Old Apple Tree Festival on October 3. The oldest living apple tree in the Northwest was 182 years young and ready to celebrate again. Our city was incorporated just 151 years ago but Fort Vancouver was here to welcome explorers and other visitors that traveled along the Columbia River, including Lewis and Clark.

Live music, an old-fashioned baking contest, free tree cuttings and more awaited the community at the free annual Old Apple Tree Festival at the Old Apple Tree. Planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver of modest beginnings, the noble Old Apple Tree is considered the matriarch of Washington State's apple industry. It has stoically withstood flood, wind, ice, snow, steady human encroachment and, most recently, breakage of a major limb. Despite the challenges, it survives.

Vancouver has commemorated the rich heritage of the tree and region each fall since 1984, when the Old Apple Tree Park was opened, until three years ago, when construction of the Confluence Project's Vancouver Land Bridge from Fort Vancouver to the Old Apple Tree Park placed the event temporarily on hold.

To mark the return of the Old Apple Tree Festival, the City of Vancouver's Urban Forestry Commission gave away locally grown apples and the Old Apple Tree itself will provide tree cuttings - one per household while the limited supply lasted.

The family-friendly festival featured live music by the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association and Vancouver Blue Grass Jammers; activities for kids; arborists answering questions about trees; and on-site food vendors. A prize awaited the best overall apple entry in an Old-fashioned Baking Contest, sponsored by the Optimists Club of Vancouver. (No, I did not enter it.)

This is how one approaches the OLD Apple Tree Park from the south -- on Columbia Way, which parallels the Columbia River, you walk under the "bridge" of the railroad tracks! Inside, you find a grassy park with a few benches and the beginning of the Land Bridge recently constructed over Hiway 14.BUT most of all, you find the oldest apple tree in the Northwest.

This past year, our famous apple tree had the misfortune to break off in two major places during a windstorm. The agriculture people thought we had lost our historical tree BUT it was not to be. It has major damage but it is still growing! The following photos are views of it from all sides.It is a shame that they had to put the orange "keep out" fence around it but at least it was there to celebrate another year of history. With the good, sometimes comes the "bad" -- the tree has lasted so long that we hate to see anything happen to it. It is OUR history!

The OLD APPLE TREE has provided many cuttings yearly on its anniversary each FALL. Although many people have personal plantings FROM the tree (They give 100 away annually.) and planted them all over Vancouver and surrounding cities, this is the one we all gather at each FALL to celebrate a part of our history.

Many other things were happening at the event and maybe I will show some of the photos in another post as this one has gotten quite long now. . .

***********

This one was planted just 7 years ago.

This seedling was planted on the north side of the old Carnegie Library, now a Museum for Clark County, but hopefully, it will carry on the traditions of the OLD APPLE TREE should it not live to celebrate another year.

See the beautiful apples the descendant of the original OLD APPLE TREE produced this year?!?

Can't get enough of SUNFLOWERS!

2009-10-04T20:40:00.011-07:00

This is one of my favorite flowers and I haven't spotted many this year so I treasure these. Hope they bring a little joy to your heart and a smile on your face!

For a treat, CLICK on this one to enlarge. . .

This is as close to a macro as I could get with my camera until I learn to handle it better. IF you CLICK on it and enlarge it, you will see many fine details and it will be worth your extra time. . .

Day before a full moon . . .

2009-10-03T00:00:00.007-07:00

I haven't seen the full moon for months because of clouds or rain or I forgot to look so tonight, I saw an almost full moon and tried to take some photos of it. Tomorrow will be a full moon but we are expecting rain so who knows if it will be visible. . .

Aha! So you thought the moon was round. . . NOPE!

OK, so I take strange photos with my new camera.

Speaking of strange -- How about this one? The street light was playing tricks with me. . .

OK, so here is the almost full moon as I was walking home from the Art Walk Friday night.

Tuesday was another rainy day . . .

2009-10-01T00:12:00.001-07:00

I had errands to run and the day started out cool but blue skies. Just before I got home, they disappeared and the rain let loose. Since I had to walk two blocks from the bus stop to my apartment, I figured that I might as well make good use of walking in the rain. . . I put my umbrella away and dug out my camera which is always with me. I like what I got:
That little bit of blue sky didn't last long. . . so I decided to focus UP and catch it to prove that it WAS a nice day. . .
The rain drops really collected on this one and are even more beautiful if you CLICK on it to enlarge photo.
Only if you CLICK on this one will you see the raindrops.
This one is a little blurry because I was trying to focus on the big raindrops only. I still like it and maybe after I learn how to use my camera better, might actually get a raindrop that looks great.

Sign at Farmers Market Saturday

2009-09-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

I just had to take a photo of this sign. . .

Monkey Business. . .

2009-09-29T00:01:00.003-07:00

I was fascinated at this guy's ability to create things from balloons at the Farmers Market. I watched while he made one for a little girl. It cost her $4.00.

Yup, FALL has arrived!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-28T00:18:00.002-07:00

The sun was shining brightly on the leaves on this tree when I took this photo. It was a closeup but not a macro. I must have moved because the background is blurred BUT I kinda like it anyway. Be sure to CLICK on it to enlarge and see the details oh so much better!

More signs of Autumn . . .

2009-09-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

Only a few trees are starting to turn colors. . . when the trees at the downtown park turn colors and fall, THEN it is really autumn in full force here. I am finding more seed pods tho. . .

Belltower from the Rose Garden

2009-09-26T00:01:00.001-07:00

I was checking out the roses that are still blooming the other day and saw this view of the bell tower and liked it peeking through the trees above the roses.CLICK on to enlarge.

Farewell 104th!

2009-09-25T00:07:00.001-07:00

CLICK on to enlarge to read about them. This sign is on the parade grounds of the Historic Reserve operated by the National Park Service.CLICK on it to read the backgroudn information about the 104th!

Last Saturday, it rained "cats and dogs" but even so, our city held a party for the 104th Division of the US Army Reserve. It was a going away party and to celebrate their years of service here in Vancouver. They will be headquartered in Tacoma now.First, there was a free Pancake Breakfast followed by the official ceremony for saying goodbye to the 104th that had served us so well for over 150 years.
The colorguard standing at attention just before the national anthem was sung. The American flag was still in position while the two other flags dropped a notch during the song.

After the band played, there were speeches from the Mayor and other dignitaries. Then, the ceremony followed as my photos show below.
The band moved off the field so they could play for the entire parade.
The jeeps got in line. . .
Jeeps followed the color guard off the field. . .

Followed by some of the 104th Division of the US Army Reserves. . .

Anyone who had served in the Army Reserves or other military were honored with a medal and then marched out (past us) with the 104th to show departure from Vancouver Barracks. The disabled Vets got to receive their medals and then were escorted back to their reserved seats under the tent shelter (where I was also lucky enough to find a spot.)
The band played patriotic songs the whole time. . .
and they were the last to leave the parade grounds, a symbol of the 104th departure from Vancouver forever.

Afterwards, there were booths to see displays and have fun and eat if you chose to buy something also. One booth in particular had 8 large display boards with photos from the 104th reserve's service all over the world, including WW2. It was very impressive. I asked the reservist who put it together if it would get published into a booklet that we could buy but he said there were no immediate plans and the boards would go to Tacoma and be on display there. It is too bad that a copy could not be placed in our museum here.

Rain beauty . . .

2009-09-24T00:02:00.001-07:00

CLICK on any of these to see the raindrops close up and some almost falling off their subject!

It rained really hard this past week on a couple days and this is the result from the last rain on Saturday when I went to the Farmers Market and caught these with my camera. . .

Lots of different sizes of water droplets on this pink one!

I especially like the water droplet near the center that is almost ready to fall off and the one near the bottom petal that is snug in place. CLICK to enlarge and enjoy it also!.

The raindrops are like magnifying glasses on this one as they show the veins in the leaf so well.You will definitely want to enlarge this one by CLICKing on it.

New Sunflowers just before Fall arrives!

2009-09-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

Saw these blooming just a few blocks from my apartment in front of a restaurant.

Look what I found!

2009-09-22T00:08:00.003-07:00

Our city park downtown has a water play area where water runs over stones and sprays too. It is a fun way to cool off for any age but mostly, one sees children playing in it. No kids playing in the water this day. . . just a rainbow! No matter where I moved to, it seemed to follow me!

*******ALL FINISHED -- 25 in all!********
CLICk to enlarge and see colors better.

Flower in a tree. . .

2009-09-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

No idea what kind of flower this is but there were several blooming in this particular tree in front of an old church downtown Thursday. If you know what it is, please let me know.

Anthem Park show . . .

2009-09-19T00:05:00.003-07:00

I walked through the little park near my apartment Thursday and spotted these blowing in the breeze... Don't you agree that they are beautiful? CLICK on them to enlarge and see the details.

They just keep blooming!

2009-09-18T00:05:00.001-07:00

I am not sure of the type of flower this is but I took it Thursday and there are still buds on the plant so it must bloom late summer/early fall.

Storm's a comin' . . .

2009-09-17T17:25:00.003-07:00

It wasn't long after I took these last week that we got a torrential rainstorm and I was soaked even tho I had an umbrella

Beauty as I see it here . . .

2009-09-16T01:21:00.003-07:00

For real enjoyment, CLICK on any of the photos to enlarge and see detail much better. You won't be sorry you took the extra time. . .

It's a beautiful day for a walk . . .

Blue skies and a pond for ducks . . .can it get any better?

Only if you can get some good shots of the ducks!

Can't remember what this webbed sac is called but it has been a long time since I spotted one on one of my walks. Ok looked it up -- "It's a funnel web, and as you see consists of a flat, horizontal sheet of web that "funnels" into a tunnel-like hole. That hole is where the spider stays. An insect blunders onto the web, inside the hole the spider feels vibrations of the hapless critter on his web, the spider rushes out, bites the insect, and carries it back into the funnel. As the spider grows it adds new layers to the flat web, so you can look at the web and judge how large the spider is. In the fall, female Funnel Weaver spiders deposit egg sacs in narrow places such as between rocks and loose tree bark, then dies -- sometimes still clinging to her egg sac. Funnel Weaver spiders belong to the family Agelenidae."
Old tree stumps make homes for small critters. . .

Gone to seed and even more beautiful!

This little guy almost got away from me when I was coming home from the Memorial for 9-11. The people following me thought it was neat that I would stop to take a photo of a little creature that almost lost its life being stepped on. One man said I am just like his son photographing everything. Hopefully that was a compliment. . .

Maybe Fall is in the air after all even tho I hate to admit that summer has said its goodbyes . . . Can winter snows be far behind? Hard to think of when the weather is so hot during "Indian Summer" for us.
I think I find some of the most beautiful things when I go on my walks along the paved trails we have in abundance here. . . this is my favorite subject to photograph on a walk here.

Parking Garage basement leaf . . .

2009-09-15T01:10:00.008-07:00

I see leaves like this peeking out of the basement of a parking garage at City Hall often as it is near a bus stop I frequent downtown. I have no idea what type of plant this is except marvelous. . . It has been the same color sicne Spring. . . I wonder if it will remain green or turn colors with Fall in the air? Perhaps only tree leaves turn colors. . . I don't know but you can be assured that I will be wtching to see if it does.

And more summer flowers. . .

2009-09-13T21:55:00.004-07:00

A few more shades of summer rememberances, CLICK to enlarge.

More summer flowers

2009-09-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Jantzen Beach Merry Go Round Memories

2009-09-12T00:07:00.002-07:00

I meant to do this post back when I showed the merry go round benches on my other blog but don't ever remember doing it for some reason. Today, I was visiting the camera shop where I bought my new camera and I took some new photos so I didn't have to search for them. I also included a history in photos of Jantzen Beach when it was an amusement park before the flood.
The whole amusement park is gone . . . the area is now a shopping center. All that remains is the merry go round/carousel and it is now inside the building in the food court. There is also a display window around the corner explaining about the good ole days when it was an amusement park and not a shopping center. I do hope you will check out this link: to read more about it. IF you don't have the time, at least enlarge the signs and read about the history of the window display and view three "old" horses that no longer are a part of the carousel, why and their restoration. . .

View of the carousel through the outside windows. . .

Inside view. . .

This and the next photo show the benches you sat on if you did not choose to climb up on a horse. . .

Above and below show two of the beautiful detailed horses. . .

This, as well as the next photo, shows more comfortable benches. . .

Another horse. . .did you count the stars on the flag? There are not 50. . . because this horse was made before there were 50 states!
Now we are going around the corner to a display window about Jantzen Beach. You can enlarge my photos to read some of the signs but if you choose to follow the link I provided above, you will get to see and read more detail from the local newspaper back in its glory days.BUT, do enlarge the sign about Hector -- he is the horse with the swastica on his saddle. . .

The brown horse is Hector -- if you enlarge him, you will see the swastica plainly. . . These three horses are not used on the merry go round anymore but retired to greener pastures. Those that once knew them and rode them have many memories of the good ole days. . .

Swimsuits styles keep revolving, don't they? These were made at the famous factory of the same person the center is named after.

It is located across the river from Vancouver, WA in Portland, OR and just a short bus ride away. I hope you enjoyed my tour and link.

9-11 Memory

2009-09-11T00:07:00.045-07:00

I arrived at the pier by the Quay and the flags are already displayed. . .
Before long, the flags are removed from their pedestals for the ceremony. . .
The fire department arrives in two trucks to participate in the ceremony. . . they remember their fellow firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11. . .
The moderator begins the program . . .
The flag ceremony is performed with representatives from the military and fire department. . .
The flags are posted again . . .
The Star Spangled Banner is sung . . .

A moment of silence . . .followed by the Tidewater barge blowing its horn as it passes the ceremony . . .

And the bell is rung. . .

The bagpipes play "Amazing Grace" . . .

The honor guard depart. . .

The Mayor speaks . . .
The fire department representative speaks . . .
A police representative speaks . . .
Another police officer speaks. . .
The Chaplain offers a closing prayer . . .
9-11 . . . we will never forget! God bless all those families who lost loved ones on that fatal day. I have an origami bird with the name of one who lost her life on 9-11 and I pray for her family each time I look at it. I will never forget them and the brave firefighters and others who tried to help rescue precious lives.

It may be Fall soon but I still found some beauties . . .

2009-09-10T00:05:00.010-07:00

CLICK on to enlarge to see detail. . .

Thinking of winter coming. . .

2009-09-09T00:52:00.001-07:00

The ladies Needlework group at my church are making neckscarves for the homeless for this winter. Not only men, but whole families are homeless with the current economy.This photos shows a portion of the neckscarves I made with hairpin lace methods. I have a couple more to make since I decided to just do 25 for my share. That's what keeps me busy when I ride the bus or watch TV at night. (Sorry that the two dark ones on the left didn't show up in photo. There are 21 scarves there and I have almost finished two more.)

Hands Across the Bridge

2009-09-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

Monday was the annual "Hands Across the Bridge" event in many cities across the US. This was the first year I had heard about it and decided to participate in honor of my friend G, who died earlier this year and for another friend that lives in the building here. G was a recovered alcoholic for the past 7 years and H for much longer.

We gathered at Esther Short Park in downtown and heard speeches and words of praise and encouragement for the former alcohol and drug abusers. There were old people and young people paricipating, along with their families. On the way to the park, I met a girl on the bus who was headed that way so I showed her where the park was and we were there just a few minutes when she met a friend that was also a former alcoholic and they went off together. She said she had been clean for 64 DAYS!

This view is looking back towards Washington state. Before long, this pedestran bridge will be filled with people from Washington and Oregon that are either recovering alcoholics or recoveringdrug abusers. Their friends were there also. I was there as a friend. The entire celebration was put together by members of this group who are in recovery.
I had to take a photo of the fishing pier which is no longer accessible to the general public as it is in disrepair and dangerous to use.

This is a photo of the Columbia River looking east. Usually, one can see Mt. Hood in Oregon from this view but we had too many clouds after a horrendous rain storm yesterday. By 1:30 PM, the clouds moved out and revealed a beautiful blue sky that had been hiding and waiting to make its appearance for this special day to celebrate with those in recovery.

The Portland Airport is on the shores to the south of the Columbia River so, naturally, several planes flew over on their flight plan. I wonder how they felt seeing all those people on the bridge holding hands?

Before we gathered on the bridge,the Mayor was there and gave a speech and congratulated each and every one for their perseverance in the program. There were lots of encouraging words from several speakers. The thing I was most impressed learning is that these alcohol and drug abusers were once denied the right to vote but have regained that right and a speaker encouraged them to get registered at a booth at the rally. We had the pre- election last month and several local seats are up for grabs in November.

Looking towards Portland.

Here in Vancouver and across the bridge in Portland, former alcoholics and drug abusers and their supporters met at Esther Short Park and Jantzen Beach for speeches before proceeding a few blocks to the entrance to the I-5 bridge which spans the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. At 12:00 noon, the Tidewater Barge Line sounded their horn and we all held hands while the people participating that were in recovery from their former bad habits recitied the pledge they say at all meetings. It was impressive!

This sign and the next two are on both ends of the I-5 bridge. CLICK on them to read better. They are planning to tear down this old bridge and build a super highway bridge for cars, bicyckles, pedestrains and light rail. Both states are working on it. I will miss the old bridge when it is gone. I have only crossed it sicne 1985 but it has a warm spot in my heart becuase of the many walking trips I made walking over it to Jantzen Beach Shopping Center.

This last photo is looking back towards Washington and seeing the promises of blue skies for the concerts happening during the remainder of this event at the park. The puddle was there to remind me that the people in this event had a problem but there is sunshine in their futures as they participate in this event that supports each other and acknowledges they are worth something after all!

Flowers at Fish Hatchery

2009-09-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Summer can't be over . . . I still have flowers to share!!!!!!!

2009-09-06T04:12:00.003-07:00

Summer Beauty

2009-09-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

I always forget the name of this beauty but I sure do like to photograph it. I know I could probably look through old posts and find the name but I am sure that someone will tell me.

Bonneville Hatchery

2009-09-05T00:08:00.001-07:00

Saw this sign so asked about it and they said it would be the following week for the celebration.
Self guided tour map.
First view of baby fish at hatchery.
Clue that we are on the right path. . .

This building holds the tanks of baby fish that hatch before being moved.
Sturgeon pond through window in underground room.

Steelhead display in the white building next to the baby fish tanks window.CLICK on to read about the different fish. . .
Not sure what kind of birds these are in these phtos . . .

CLICK to enlarge and see fish in water -- sun reflecting on their movement. . .

Neat chair outside the souviner store. . .

Hollyhocks at the Fort Vancouver Gardens

2009-09-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

This is one of the flowers from my childhood. We made beautiful dancing dolls from them. I have no idea how to make one today -- ahhhhhhhhhhhh, the simple joys of childhood!

Horsetail Falls

2009-09-03T00:02:00.015-07:00

I hope you enjoyed the tour. We went to two other waterfalls but they were dried up -- not enough rain, I guess. Maybe another time. We still had time so we went to the Bonneville Dam Fish Htchery next before we returned home. I wish we had gone back to Multonomah -- I could have taken that hike after all because we had plenty of time! Oh well, some is better than nothing and I was happy I had this opportunity. Come back and see the fish at the fish hatchery. . . I found benches there too! Ü

Multonomah Falls -- part #4

2009-09-02T00:01:00.012-07:00

CLICK to enlarge and read more about this Falls.

This is a stairway to go to the Lodge, restaurant and information center.
This and the next photo are in a display inside -- enlarge to read.

This sign tells about the fish and birds in area. I almost got some neat shots of a bird but a car came by and scattered them before the camera shutter could close.
I took a photo of this sign because we have one almost like it just a few blocks from me on Hiway 99. It honors our armed forces. . .
Enlarge this photo to see the stone work that made this fountain! I think it is fantastic!
This and the next photo is Multonomah Creek. . .
The bridge takes you back to the parking lot. That's the end of the tour of Multonomah Falls but there is one more waterfall we saw coming tomorrow.

Multonomah Falls -- Part #3

2009-09-01T00:07:00.014-07:00

Multonomah Falls -- part 3

The text on this sign is very interesting about fires in the area and the metal netting they have installed to keep burning items off the trails.

Credit for the bridge builders. . .
Sign for name of trail I walked part of up to the top of the waterfall.
You can see some people coming down the trail I walked part way on. . . they are heading towards the bridge.

Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge -- part 2

2009-08-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

and now this is Multonomah Falls --There are too many photos to put in one more post so I will divide them up into 4 days of posts. Please come back and see more each day. I wish I had had the time to hike to the top but our driver gave us only so long and I didn't know how long it would take me. NOW, I wish I had just gone anyway--we had plenty of time and we got back home two hours earlier than we were expected. I hope maybe I can go again someday with people that like to hike but am grateful that I got to go see this much at least. Part 1:

CLICK on the sign to read information about the falls.
This is a commemorative sign to the Oregon Pioneers who had the foresight to make this site available to everyone instead of just a few. It was a public attraction for all long before it became a part of the national park system.
CLICK for more information. . .
Getting closer with a sneak peek at the falls. . .
and closer . . .
almost there. . .
The sun was very bright!
YOU have arrived! At least, for a first time almost full view.
Close up of the bridge . . .
Full length view of Multonomah Falls from top to bottom or bottom to top!

There is much more to come as I get closer and walk over the bridge and a walk little up the winding path closer to the top. Please drop by again tomorrow for more. This is not the last waterfall either. Ü

Waterfalls we visited in the Columbia River Gorge -- part 1

2009-08-30T00:01:00.002-07:00

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range.

It's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.

WATERFALLS
Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge. A visit to the area is not complete without a visit to its breathtaking waterfalls.

Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. Though Multnomah Falls is grand and popular, all of the falls in the Gorge are special and breathtaking.

History
For over 31,000 years, the Columbia River Gorge has supported flourishing civilizations. Evidence of the Folsom and Marmes people, who crossed the Great Continental Divide from Asia, were found in archaeological digs. Excavations at Five Mile Rapids, a few miles east of The Dalles, show humans have occupied this ideal salmon fishing site for more than 10,000 years.

Geology
The Columbia River Plateau was created by a series of basalt flows. The flows covered 164,000 square kilometers -- portions of northeast Oregon, southwest Washington and western Idaho.

OK, now for the photos of the falls I promised. . .

The first falls we stopped at was called Latourell Falls. . .enlarge the sign to read about it and also photos of any of the falls to see them better, if you wish.

Next stop was Wahkeena Falls. . .

Then we went to Multonomah Falls. . . but that's for another day because I have too many photos to still add and this accidently published itself. Sorry! Come back on Monday for more.

The Columbia River Gorge

2009-08-29T00:08:00.002-07:00

Below, you will find several photos of the view of the Columbia River Gorge taken from the Vista House area. I wish I could have taken some photos from the top floor but it was under repair and forbidden to go upstairs.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range.

It's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.

Vista House on the Columbia River Gorge

2009-08-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

CLICK on the above sign to read about Vista House.

Inside Vista House. . .

We did not get to go upstairs to see the view because of the construction to repair something. Maybe next time. . .

This is not a great photo of the tiny elevator that fits two . . . I got to ride it with a person using a walker because she was scared to do it alone. It had a bump/jerk to start and end but was otherwise quite nice. . . I was glad Judy asked me to go with her although that meant I didn't get to climb any stairs --but we could not go upstairs anyway -- just to the basement where there was a restaurant, gift shop and restrooms.

Did you notice all the beautiful stained glass windows?

Come back tomorrow to see the view of the Columbia River from Vista House.

Focus on this. . .

2009-08-27T08:51:00.004-07:00

I moved my camera when taking a shot of something at the waterfalls but thought this was an interesting photo anyway. CLICK on to enlarge to get the sensual look of it. OK now you are ready for the waterfalls and other photos I took on our excursion Wednesday . . . but you will have to wait!

Note:

2009-08-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

No blogging for me Wednesday. Too much trouble on my old computer Tuesday night and Wednesday I will be gone on a bus trip to see the waterfalls in the Gorge for most of the day. I will try to post again on Thursday and visit your blogs Wednesday night when I get home.

Homes on Mt. Rainier -- part 4

2009-08-25T09:35:00.003-07:00

Help me identify this bird please. . .a simple sparrow

2009-08-25T02:39:00.007-07:00

I went over to Hayden Island to the photo shop and on the way back to bus stop, found this bird on the sidewalk. It wasn't afraid as I approached and I was able to capture its likeness close up. Anyone know what kind of bird it is besides pretty? Thanks Malyss and Love Bears all Things

Butterflies on Rainier

2009-08-24T06:33:00.027-07:00

Remember this one I already showed you? Well, I caught others with my camera too -- they just wouldn't upload for me on my old computer until now. . .

I was hoping the blue butterfly I spotted turned out but I zoomed too much and it didn't.

I did catch two other types of butterflies tho. This one and . . .

these:

Eagle carving from tree stump with chainsaw at Clark County Fair

2009-08-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

When I was taking photos of the benches
this man carved
(click here for an earlier post to see them on my benches blog) I saw this tall log

standing under the canopy and wondered what he was going to make next. I did not think it was another bench because the log was standing upright. He also had these on display:
. . . fish and bear. . .
and a bed, both headboard and footboard with a horse theme!

I watched him for awhile and then went on to see other things since I was at a County Fair and there was much to see. . . When I passed this spot again, this is what I found:

Later, I came back and watched him some more. . .

When I left the Fair, he had not come back to finish. He well deserved a break but I was disappointed that I did not get to see the finished product. He sure made a lot of sawdust on the ground!

My 7 blue things in photos challenge. . .

2009-08-22T12:45:00.029-07:00

I perused my photos on this old computer and found a few things I could call BLUE for this challenge that Malyss offered me. Hope she enjoys them. If anyone else wants to do this challenge, let me know and I will come by and see your choices too.
BLUE all around Mt. Hood.
Sailing on the Blue Columbia River.
Blue setee bench.
Blue and white Iris.

Blue license plate.
BLUE airplane at Pearson Airpark display.
Wild BLUE yonder sky.

AND one extra for good measure! Ü
Blue oil spot.

IF you still didn't get enough BLUE, there 's another blue flower in the post below!

A Few Pretties . . .

2009-08-22T00:07:00.002-07:00

Do you see what I see?

2009-08-21T00:08:00.001-07:00

We were setting up camp and getting dinner ready on Mt. Rainier when I spotted this bird flying to the tree overhead. I forget what it is called but if Katney reads this, she might remind me. It likes to steal food.

Homes on Mt. Rainier -- part 3

2009-08-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

Homes on Mount Rainier. . .part 2

2009-08-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

More tree shots. . . I love photographing old trees.

Homes on Mount Rainier. . .part 1

2009-08-16T22:20:00.006-07:00

There were many fallen trees at Rainier. No one is allowed to haul them off for firewood. It is a National Park and all wood remains there to become a home for bugs, insects and smaller animals. Can you see any?

Queen Anne's Lace

2009-08-15T23:13:00.005-07:00

Memory from last Spring. . .

2009-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I uploaded this one but didn't get to share it. I don't have time to go upstairs to use the computer now for something for Saturday so will use this one. It's a nice memory. . .

Clean windows finally!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-14T00:03:00.004-07:00

This is the apartment building I live in here in Vancouver on the 8th floor. I live on the 8th floor on the right side of the photo. You can't see my window from this photo very well. The building has 9 floors.

The window washer propelled down from the roof to wash the windows.
He has finally arrived at my windows to wash them! What an improvement! I would not want his job.

Fair Critters

2009-08-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

When I visited the Homr Ec booths at the fair there were lots of flowers, quilts, photos and much more but this veggie critter stood out . . . so naturally, I had to get a picture. Isn't it cute? No wonder the creation won a purple ribbon! (See left of photo)

Thru the window at Rainier . . .

2009-08-12T00:01:00.001-07:00

I love taking photos through the window panes -- and of course, it helps if you have Mt. Rainier as the subject outside!

Pretty in Pink = Fireweed

2009-08-11T00:03:00.001-07:00

Isn't this flower just beautiful!?! Another beautiful find at Mt. Rainier. Maybe Katney will tell me what it is. . .she did -- It is Fireweed! Thanks!

Red Indian Paint Brush

2009-08-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

We found three colors of Indian Paint Brush on Mount Rainier -- red, pink and purple. I haven't been able to locate the other colors among my photos.

Do you see what I see?

2009-08-09T00:01:00.001-07:00

I don't know what kind of bird this is--maybe Katney will tell me sometime. I was so surprised that I actually caught it.