Jack-O-Lantern

Can't break the tradition!

Swans at Ankeny Hill

The tundra swans are making their stop at Ankeny before migrating south. They are a beautiful sight.


There's a snowy egret in this bunch.

Baby Coons

I had these little visitors yesterday. Who can resist baby raccoons, even if they are destructive? Notice there are two in the background also.

Are these cute little fuzzy things, or what?


"We can't leave ANYTHING unexplored!"



"It's important to dig a few holes too (I've wondered where all the little holes came from!)."



"Jackpot! I found some birdseed!"







"What is that scary thing over there?"




"I better check it out..."









"Whoa...that's too scary!"

"What else can we get into?"






"Hey, I found something good over here!"




"I don't think this was such a great idea."







Meanwhile, the other two bandits continue to explore...




"Uh Oh! What's that lady doing here?!!!!!"









"Let's get outa here!"

"Wait, I gotta dig one last hole!"

Fall Leaves

What a glorious fall this has been!















Our vine maple is more beautiful than ever!

Color Design

Anyone who has taken a color design class knows you have to make a color wheel. I've never had to design one, but I've colored them before. However, I've never used acrylics, and it was an interesting experience. Along with my color wheel I included a "value scale" just for the experience. I am taking a class at Western Oregon University (where I graduated) and I am enjoying it very much. The instructor is great, my classmates are fun, and I am learning a lot. The designs by my classmates are amazing! I look forward to our future assignments.

Circle Quilt

O.K., so I LOVED Megan's circle quilt! I had to make one. This is just the quilt top, of course, but I wanted to share how it turned out and how much fun it was to make. However, I need to mention that this quilt was actually designed by my cat Lennon...really! I had all of the pieces laid out on the floor the way I wanted them, and he jumped in the middle of them several times, scattering them everywhere. I kept placing them back where I thought they had been, but didn't pay close enough attention. It's not exactly the way I would have placed them, but I like it anyway. This quilt is a "must try" for anyone interested. Click on the link to my daughter Megan's blog, and she has a link that gives instructions :-). Then please share what you make!

The Perfect Day, Monday (Columbus Day)

Bill and I decided to spend the day at the beach since he had a rare day off. We started at Newport and enjoyed a walk on the docks. The reflections were amazing, the sea lions were noisy, and the light fog made everything crisp and beautiful.


Sea Lion


This is probably my favorite picture.








Newport Bridge











We stopped to see Lorna at work in Newport.



We ate at one of our favorite restaurants at Nye Beach.















We stopped at Cape Foulweather hoping to see whales, but they were not showing. We enjoyed some spectacular views instead.














Couldn't resist this little buddy.










We stopped at Depot Bay and found a nifty little spot to watch whales!


This was the view looking south.









This is what a whale spout looks like.




This is how a whale looks when it rolls on the surface of the water.





This was the view looking east (we were on a little jut of land).



We stopped at Fogerty Beach, another favorite spot.




The tide was way out, revealing rocks we rarely see.

This old snag has been here for some time, and I still think it is beautiful.












Starfish


This is looking north up the beach.









The starfish were everywhere.





They looked like flowers on the rocks!









Oyster Catchers












This is looking back where we started.



These were interesting formations embedded in this cliff.







The colors in the rocks were amazing.











We climbed over these rocks and entered a part of the beach where we had never gone before.



This was the end of the beach.









Bill and I enjoyed picking up little agates.


If you look closely, you can see some tiny agates amongst these pebbles.






"I think I can get that one if I hurry." (He got his feet wet!)



Even the kelp is beautiful. Notice how coarse the sand is on this beach. It is the only place that we know of with sand like this.












Goose Neck Barnacles
















Kelp




Seaweed













Feeling content after a wonderful day!
Our treasures!