Ridgeway Heights

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T23:10:00.000-08:00

We had a full house this year, and made many wonderful memories! Mom and Candy drove from Bay City to join us and brought a huge sack of fresh crab donated by our brother Chris!
Many hands make light work!

Our grandchildren made our holiday even more special! Charlotte was cutting teeth, but that didn't slow her down or dampen her spirits :-).

This marble game is one of our grandchildren's favorite things to do!

Bath time is a FUN time!

Matt always makes his one-hour rolls. They barely hit the table before they're gone!
Christmas is about family and becoming acquainted with one another. Auntie Anne enjoys a moment with niece Charlotte.

Besides family, we had a variety of visiting pets. This is Kristin's dog Gizzie.

On Christmas Eve Bill read about the birth of Christ from the book of Luke and Jesse unwrapped each piece of the Nativity and put the figures in place.

Unwrapping a wise man...

Adding the star...
Candy took a moment to read what Mom could remember about Christmas when she was growing up. This was a special time for all of us to learn about what was important to my mom as a young girl.

After reading about the birth of Christ, Bill read "The Night Before Christmas" to all of us :-).

"Goodnight Papa!"

I went downstairs and retrieved an old sleigh made by my Grandma Pearl (Mom's mother). I've had it for years! It is made from a turkey breast bone. Anne enjoyed examining it and thinking about her Great Grandma Pearl.

Kristin is holding Anne and Matt's kitten named Sheldon. He has 7 toes on each front foot!

Santa came while the children were sleeping! :-)

All the stockings were laid out...

Candy enjoyed a few minutes of reading before she retired.

In the morning we discovered that Santa had come in the night and he ate up the treats we left for him!

We discovered that Anne and Matt woke up before anyone else and had been sitting for about an hour waiting for the rest of us to get up! :-)

Bill liked what Santa brought him...a soup thermos.

Anne likes the coasters hand made by Megan!

Anne and Matt like their new "Moo" book. :-)

Paul is guarding his licorice!

Kayla (Paul's girlfriend) is opening her present from Paul: a box inside of a box inside of a box inside of a box...

Kate has a stack to go through...

Andy has something that weighs a ton. Hey, it's that dutch oven he's been wanting forever!

Megan is our book worm :-)...

It's not hard to tell that Matt likes gummy bears!

Awwwwww....Jesse likes his new pillow...

...and his new shirt!

Paul got a funny pillow from Kayla. We reminded only "real men" can do pink :-).

The Christmas clutter!

Yep...we're all having a good time!

Mom gave Bill and I a very creative gift...boxes of kindling that she cut up herself! Now we can build our fires more easily!

Charlotte likes her new hat made by her DAD and she is enjoying an activity put together by her Mom (an old wet wipe box full of connecting bits of fabric for her to pull out :-).

What child doesn't love a book?

Two sweet little faces together...

Grandma Griffin enjoying her Great Granddaughter Charlotte...

Bill went outside to get more wood and Annie jumped on his back as soon as he bent over (Paul taught her this trick!)
Charlotte giving her Great Aunt Candy a "high five!"

Dinner time!
Playing "Ticket to Ride" and eating Candy's homemade biscotti...

Mom and Bill enjoy browsing through some WWII history books and one about the Book of Mormon Lands...
Megan and I had the opportunity to play some Christmas music together (she played violin and I played clarinet). It's been a long time since we've done that, and it was a lot of fun.

I think a very good time was had by all. We are so grateful for this celebration of the birth of our Savior and for the opportunity to gather as a family and enjoy one another. We are so very blessed!

An Evening at Home

2011-12-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

It's always nice when our kids come visit. One evening Kristin came with her boyfriend AJ. He's fond of our cat Penny, but this isn't exactly Penny's favorite pose :-).

Fall Leaves

2011-12-15T19:49:00.001-08:00

I forgot to post these leaves I captured with my camera this last fall. I used a light table and enjoyed the effect.

Fun With Christmas Lights

2011-12-15T17:07:00.001-08:00

I've joined a photography club and last night we had fun with Christmas lights :-).

Frosty, Frosty!

2011-12-05T11:13:00.001-08:00

I knew I was in trouble this morning when I woke up to frost. I have soooooooo much to do, but instead I grabbed my warm coat, my tripod, my camera, and my close-up lens! I am constantly amazed at the beauty of our world!!!!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T11:09:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful family gathering for Thanksgiving! My mom Betsy, is in the red sweatshirt in the front of the picture. Going around to the left of her is my sister Candy, my daughter Kate, my daughter Kristin, my husband Bill, my son-in-law Matt, my daughter Anne, and my son Paul. We were pleased that so many were able to come and enjoy time together!

Beautiful Florence on the Oregon Coast

2011-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

My cousin Grace and I have been learning more about our cameras. We recently made a trip to Florence and enjoyed a wonderful day together! We had some interesting characters watching us down by the marina.

This gul and grebe almost seemed to be "buddies" as they stayed in close proximity to one another.
We wondered how old these logs were and why there were still there. We also thought about our Grandfather Lester Smith as he used to stand on logs in a mill pond. He couldn't even swim!

They had some interesting old rusted paraphernalia attached to them.

Can you find the little sandpipers in the mud? There are five of them.

This little lady was bundled up in her chair waiting for her crab pot to fill up.
It was a very peaceful late afternoon down on the marina.

Even weeds are sometimes fun to photograph. They make interesting decorations at the top of the pilings.

There is something about floats and bumpers that always catch my eye :).

Doesn't this make you want to go out for a ride?

This is one of the main streets in Florence. It doesn't look like much in this picture, but there are several fun and interesting shops. We had lunch at a delightful restaurant that used to be a very old grocery store.

Our next stop was Florence's famous sand dunes.

While driving along the dunes, we spied these clam diggers out on the "mud" flats.

The gulls were following along in their footsteps looking for tidbits.
They were using a long clam "gun" and the guy in front has it buried to the top.

We managed to stay long enough to enjoy the beautiful, warm evening light! It made the beach grasses look very silky. It was such a nice way to spend our day!!!

Driving Along Tillamook Bay

2011-10-27T16:53:00.001-07:00

Later in the week Mom and I decided to take a drive up the coast. Although it was kind of a "gray" drissly day, there was plenty to see. The "bite wasn't on" but we watched these "die hard" fisherman at Hobsonville Point, just south of Garibaldi. I love visiting the coast in any weather!

When we reached the jetty at Barview, we saw these horseback riders. I had to wonder what the horses thought of all of that surf!
There were some fishermen by the "Three Graces" and we talked to a scuba diver who showed us some of his catch (a green Ling Cod). The rocks on the right are covered with pelicans.

It was beautiful watching the waves whipped by the wind.
This boat got a Silver Salmon on near the bar, but they had to let it go. It was not a "legal" catch.

Letting the fish go...

A Visit to Mom's

2011-10-27T16:21:00.001-07:00

It's wonderful when talents are passed down from one generation to the net. Megan and I made a visit to Mom's, and Mom taught her to embroidery while I enjoyed my grandchildren.

Jesse enjoyed playing with the box of blocks that has passed through the hands of almost every grandchild!
He's dancing to some music :).

Charlotte
Blocks encourage many different skills.

Charlotte wants in on the action!
"Mom" and Jesse taking a minute together :).

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cat loves to bury her face in Mom's hand.

Something's out there!
All tuckered out...

The friendly neighborhood deer appear...
They are "trimming" all of the neighbor's bushes and flowers.

"Someone's coming. Do I gotta move?"

The mailman disturbed their grazing, but they didn't go far.

Oh! Mom's little duck friends are back. I haven't seen these for a while!

They see me checking them out.

Here they come...hoping for a handout!
They're pretty friendly! I gave them some wheat bread crumbs, and now Mom will NEVER get rid of them!

Relaxing With Company

2011-10-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Relaxing at home is sometimes a rare moment. We enjoyed a visit by Paul's girlfriend, Kayla

Our cat Penny makes herself at home!

Paul

Beautiful Logan Canyon

2011-10-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Bill and I had the opportunity to drive up Logan Canyon to Bear Lake with Will and the two youngest grandchildren, Drew and Luke. The whole trip was a visual feast!

Dainty rose hips--a fall decoration

Drew, Luke, Bill and Will enjoying a trail at a campground

Bill took this picture as we drove over a bridge.

Papa is pointing out the view to Grandson Luke.

More of Nature's art!

Fall puts on such a gorgeous display!

Drew and Luke with their dad. They were very happy to get out of the car!

A peaceful campground up the canyon; I loved these graceful trees.
A blanket of leaves

White Aspen and contrasting fall colors
A brilliant display!

Powdered sugar snow
Bill took this shot of the arching branches over the road.

Wonderful contrasting trunks and limbs
Can't you just smell the fresh air and hear the bubbling stream? (Bill's shot)

Fall at her best...
Someone got sleepy!

Vacation homes at Bear Lake

The boys weren't sure if they wanted to go near this statue at first. However, inside the cafe awaited milkshakes and french fries!

A nearby park provided an outlet for pent up energy...
More powdered sugar snow with a beautiful, bright surprise

Another one of Bill's shots of a clear stream surrounded by the vibrant aspen leaves
The last thing Will told me was that he wanted to make another trip up the canyon in a couple of weeks to take more pictures and make me jealous! I know the colors will be even more amazing, and I hope he makes the opportunity to go!

Chocolate Mice

2011-10-19T00:23:00.001-07:00

We learned how to make these Halloween treats while we were there. Auntie Katie is helping Billy and Maggie make some. You dip a marachino cherry in chocolate, add a candy kiss, sliced almonds for ears, and a little gel icing for eyes. They taste great!

Funny faces always seem to appear before a camera!
Love them little micies!

Maggie's Baptism

2011-10-19T00:16:00.001-07:00

Our main purpose for traveling to Utah was to attend Maggie's baptism, although we had many other wonderful experiences as well. We were proud of Maggie for her decision to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This is Maggie with the rest of her family.
Maggie's Auntie Katie came down from college at Rexburg, Idaho to be at Maggie's baptism!

Hey, Hey, Take it Away, Get That Ball and Fight!

2011-10-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

I got to see Maggie at her cheerleading class. She loves to dance, and this class is a lot of fun for her.

What a pretzel!

Haircut Time

2011-10-19T00:09:00.001-07:00

Julie is a wonderful beautician and has a salon in the basement of her home. Even the little guys get their haircuts down there.

What a look!

She gives wonderful head massages along with her haircuts. It's worth a haircut just to get one of her massages :).

Having Fun With Dad!

2011-10-19T00:05:00.001-07:00

What child doesn't love playing with his dad?

Great buddies!

The Cook

2011-10-19T00:03:00.001-07:00

Will enjoys cooking, just like Matt and Andy. They are all great cooks too!

Another Farr Family

2011-10-18T23:56:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to Utah to spend time with that "other Farr Family"

Luke is going to GET his Papa!!!
What have you got, Papa?

Precious time with grandchildren
It doesn't get any better than this.

Summers Family

2011-10-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

I think it's pretty cool that my son-in-law, Andy, is learning to knit :). He made the cutest little hat for his daughter Charlotte (see below).

Jesse is learning to read.
Someone is ticklish!

Our Granddaughter Charlotte's First Birthday

2011-10-03T15:43:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed the evening with our Granddaughter Charlotte as she celebrated her first birthday. Here she is with her dad, Andy, and her mother, Megan.

Our son Paul came with us (and this is what he gets for making faces when I take his picture!

Our daughter Anne and her husband Matt were also there.

Kristin came with us with her friend AJ.
Such a cutie girl!!!!

Charlotte's brother Jesse helped her open her presents.

They had fun playing together!

Papa gets a little hug while Charlotte fills her mouth with cookies :).

Happy one year old girl!
Awwwwwwww......Papa gets a kiss!

A wet and slobbery one!

My Day of Nurturing

2011-10-03T14:41:00.001-07:00

I learned about a nearby dahlia field and decided to spend the afternoon taking pictures. I would usually prefer an overcast day, but the sun came out just before I arrived. It turned out fine after all because I had fun taking "side light" and "back Light" pictures.

The bees were in abundance. They were so intent upon their work that I think I could have reached out and touched them.

I encountered stunning colors!

Some flowers were "painted" in a variety of soft pastels.

Some were dynamic!

Usually I don't like a vibrant background because it can be distracting. However, I think it set this "weed" off beautifully! I love Queen Ann's Lace.

More of my little fuzzy friends :).

I liked how beautifully this little bee blended with its choice of flower.

I hope you enjoyed taking this "journey" with me. It was truly a nurturing experience!

Photo Fun at Silver Creek Falls

2011-10-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

My cousin Grace and I went to Silver Creek Falls to enjoy a day together and to play with our cameras. We made it just before the rains came! This is a view of the North Falls.

I love old trees.

This is my favorite fern...maidenhair.

This is the Upper North Falls. Grace took this picture of me taking a picture. :) I'm not looking up at the falls. I am looking in the little pools.

I love finding art in nature! These dried needles are striking against the background of dark rock and water, and they make interesting patterns.

I don't know anyone who doesn't love vine maple!

Camping with Family on the Oregon Coast

2011-10-01T23:17:00.001-07:00

Billy and Maggie camped with us for the first time on the beach. Billy is helping me husk some corn on the cob for our dinner.

One evening we had dutch oven cooking at Anne, Matt, Megan and Andy's camp site.

Billy and Jesse

We celebrated two birthdays: Andy's and Billy's

We had some camera fun at the campfire. Have you tried "light drawing?" Put your camera on "bulb" setting and use a tripod. Have family members draw in the air with a tiny flashlight or other light source. It's not as easy as it looks!

Jesse is enjoying the beach at Seal Rock near our campground.
He sees a wave...

Jumping the surf!

Billy and Maggie had never played in the ocean on the Oregon Coast before! Kate took them out for a dip.

Kate's treasures

Beautiful Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Kate

Exploring the tide pools (another new experience for Maggie and Billy!)

A tiny crab!

Looking off the cliffs

Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center south of Newport

Three of our grandchildren at Cape Perpetua: Jesse, Maggie, Billy

Some of our children and grandchildren on top of Cape Perpetua
Maggie, Jesse, Billy

The seals at Strawberry Hill
Some of our fun gang: Billy, Megan, Jesse, Maggie

Our last sunset at Seal Rock
On the way home we stopped to feed gulls at Road's End Beach north of Lincoln City

Maggie, Jesse, Megan, Charlotte, Billy

A Visit to Great Grandma's

2011-10-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

While Billy and Maggie were in Oregon, we made a trip to Mom and Candy's. The kids enjoyed trying things from the garden.

Candy, Maggie, Billy

Maggie and her Grandma Griffin (and the cat!)

Billy with Grandma Griffin

Mom and Candy's crazy cat!

On the way back home I decided to take the kids to Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City. They took one look at this giant sand hill and decided they had to climb it!

Their faces got a little red, but they made it! This is Billy running back down

Maggie

There's nothing better than a day at Grandma's followed by some time at the beach!

A Visit From Our Grandchildren

2011-10-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Our oldest grandchildren, Billy & Maggie, flew to Oregon and spent 10 whole days with us! What a joy! The first thing they did was spend a day with me in the garden. They helped me pick raspberries. Let me see. I think I need to rephrase that. Billy helped me pick raspberries, and most of Maggie's berries went into her stomach!!!

Stormy Day at Yaquina Head

2011-10-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful having our daughter Kate home from her mission! She immediately started two jobs to earn money for school, but there were a few days we got to spend together. One of them was at Yaquina Head on the Oregon coast. It was an extremely windy day, but we enjoyed it none the less!

Special Visitors!

2011-10-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

It's been several months, but I wanted to post these pictures of Bill's cousins from Spain: Roger & Katie Hind. We had a great visit with them and were grateful they chose to stay with us a few days. You can tell by their pictures what great individuals they are!

Oh Say Can You See!

2011-07-29T23:58:00.001-07:00

I'm behind on my blog, but I just had to post my fireworks. I had so much fun with my camera this year. I learned how to use a new setting.

We live in a great country. We are very blessed and we need to do everything we can to protect the freedoms we enjoy. They are not something we should take for granted!

Nursing Fawn

2011-07-07T21:29:00.001-07:00

Early morning surprise for Kate and Roger from Spain.

Feeding Babies

2011-05-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever babysat a wild bird? Well I did. My neighbors feed meal worms to the Western Bluebirds that come around and nest each year. They left for California for a week and asked if I would like to feed the birds. It was a delight!

The parents take turn feeding the babies. This is the more colorful male.

This is the female loading up her beak.

The babies are due to fly out of the nest in about 3 days!

Amazing Sunset

2011-05-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

This sunset was amazing because it was pouring down rain when I took the picture!

Old Fashioned

2011-05-29T15:55:00.001-07:00

Woolen quilt made by my Great Grandma Griffin...over 100 years old

This assignment is from my current photography class using sepia tone and selecting one of the highest ISO settings to give the pictures a more grainy look.

Bill's mom and dad brought these dogs with them from England many years ago.

Some of my Grandma Pearl's "treasures"
Some Farr "treasures" from England

My Mom's beautiful hand embroidery
1807 letter to my Grandma Pearl

Flora and Fauna to Lift the Soul!

2011-05-29T15:40:00.001-07:00

Anne had never been to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland, so I met her after her work one day and we went there. It is one of the prettiest gardens around.

A beautiful wood duck.

Gorgeous creamy blooms
There were balls of lacy flowers everywhere you looked!

We saw several Canada Geese with their babies.

A frisky little squirrel
Love that texture!

A mother mallard. Everyone who can should treat themselves to this beautiful little oasis in the busy metropolitan world of Portland.

I did it!!!!!

2011-05-29T15:36:00.001-07:00

I made myself a greenhouse (in this picture the side is raised for planting)! Yesterday I planted several more things in it :-).

Also my peas are up!

Visual Delight at Salem Wednesday Market

2011-05-29T15:27:00.001-07:00

If you make a trip to down town Salem on Wednesdays, you cannot resist the outdoor market. The flowers are stunning, grown and arranged by the vendors.

The home grown vegetables are beautiful! One day I'm going to try some of this fennel.

I bought a dozen farm eggs. Aren't they gorgeous?

I liked this colorful fruit display. I got the email of the vendor and sent her pictures because she did not have any!

Clack and Kerchunk!

2011-05-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Anne and I drove from the lilac garden to Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge just a few miles away. I keep taking pictures of herons! There are probably a gazillion of them since I started this blog a few years ago!

I caught this Red-winged Black Bird in the middle of his song.
"Clack and Kerchunk!" That's what this Bittern sounded like while doing his mating call. Actually he sounded like a huge bullfrog after making clacking sounds with his beak. This is one camouflaged bird!!!!

Grandma's Lilacs

2011-05-29T15:12:00.001-07:00

Another visit to the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden in Washington with my daughter Anne brought back memories of my Grandma Pearl. Grandma loved the color lavender and she loved lilacs! However, this delicate pink variety is my very favorite.

We had huge camellia bushes when I was growing up. I could not resist this picture.

At the garden there are a large variety of lilacs in many different shades.

Hulda Klager's home is now a museum and it is a delight to go through!

There's No Place Like Home

2011-05-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

Bill and I visited my mom the day before Mother's Day. My sister and I made a big dinner and spent the evening with my brothers and their wives as well. It was so nice to see everyone and to enjoy their company. These roasted chickens (stuffed with lemons and herbs) were a pretty big hit!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-05-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look there is something to enjoy and something to be grateful for!

A Day in the Gorge

2011-05-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

I went with my husband to work one day when he drove up the Columbia Rive Gorge to one of his work sites. It rained the whole time he was in the Dalles, so I spent my time in antique stores and driving around the dam. After he was finished we were able to take our time going home, so we took the old scenic highway. It really was a visual delight as there were several falls and many wildflowers in bloom!

The blossoms on the Oregon Grape (state flower) were prolific.

We saw beautiful apricot orchards.
"Popcorn popping on the apricot trees..."

Horesetail Falls
Wahkeena Falls (the lower part...the falls are very tall and difficult to photograph)

We saw some beautiful light in the gorge.

Then the rains hit us! How lucky were we to enjoy our afternoon in the sun?
But even Oregon rain has a beauty of its own :-).

You Can Tell it is Spring!

2011-05-22T17:49:00.001-07:00

It doesn't really feel like spring until a variety of birds begin to show up. A few of these stay around the whole year, but several of them migrate through. I enjoyed taking most of these out of my windows, but the hummingbird and the bluebird were at my neighbors' house.

Black Capped Chickadee enjoying our suet feeder

Black Headed Grosbeak
The California Quail have been coming around in large numbers this year.

Chestnut Backed Chickadee...if you are patient, it is fairly easy to get these little birds to eat out of your hand.
Acorn Woodpecker (my daughter Kate took this!)

Lesser Goldfinch

Cowbird

Female Downy Woodpecker (the male has bright red on its head)
Evening Grosbeak

Gold Crowned Sparrow...I like the rain bouncing off of everything, including the bird!

Gold Finch
House Finch

Rufous Hummingbird
Sharp Shinned Hawk (eats the other birds!!!)

Junko

Mourning Dove
Purple Finch

Scrub Jay
Towhee

Western Tanager
Western BluebirdFlickerWhite Crowned Sparrow

Ukrainian Eggs

2011-04-26T10:45:00.001-07:00

Some of my kids came home before Easter to learn how to do Ukrainian Eggs. I am fortunate that we could use one of the upstairs bedrooms for an art studio. It has wonderful lighting and accommodates many different kinds of projects.

I learned how to do these eggs a few years ago, and it was fun to share this craft with my family.

Kristin was doing some art while the rest of us made eggs.

This picture shows a kistka (Ukrainian tool) that is used to apply wax to the eggs. It is heated and then filled with beeswax.

The wax is applied in layers. Whatever color is under the wax, that is what color will be "unmasked." The egg is sometimes dipped in 3 or 4 colors.

Once the design has been completed, the layers of wax are removed from the egg.

Here is one completed design. The different colors show how many times the egg was dipped and wax was applied.
Paul (front right) was not very happy with the way his egg turned out. However, once the wax was removed and the egg was varnished it was transformed into a beautiful egg.

Some of these eggs were made in the past, and one was made by my first instructor. You can see how beautifully they turn out! It is a VERY fun craft that we hope to make a family tradition.

Cherry Blossoms at the State Capital

2011-04-25T20:06:00.001-07:00

We've been in Salem for 30 years, and I've never taken the time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at the capital mall. Kate and I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon doing just that!

When Kate wasn't posing for me, she was talking to a "special someone" on the phone while I ran around taking pictures :-).

Marsh Wren

2011-04-25T20:03:00.001-07:00

Kate and I recently made a trip to Ankeny Hill Wildlife Refuge just south of our home. It was one of the first sunny days of the spring. While we were there I finally captured a Marsh Wren with my camera, and the spunky little thing was singing its little heart out!

A Fun Day at the Coast With Mom, Candy and Kate!

2011-03-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

Kate and I drove to my Mom's and had a nice visit and trip up the coast.

The "Three Graces" (one's not in the picture) between Garibaldi and Barview

The Barview Jetty has had a pretty significant "face lift."
While Kate and I were walking around in the wind at the jetty, she turned around and caught these two clowns in the car!

There are always gulls hoping for a handout.
Farther north are "Twin Rocks," near Rockaway.

We enjoyed the coast between rain showers and sun spurts.

Kate enjoyed herself after a year and a half away from the Oregon Coast!

This little fella watched us closely while we were parked near the beach.
I opened my door and he came right up to me, obviously used to being fed.

Kate enjoyed the beach at Manzanita.

We had a great lunch together at the "Bread and Ocean" deli in Manzanita. My sister, Candy, and me...
Kate, Mom and Candy

Such a fun day!

Kate and her Grandma

Bird Watching Date

2011-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am lucky to have a husband who will go bird watching with me. One Saturday we decided to drive south of Albany after getting our work done around the house and garage. My neighbor told me about a place where we could see several eagles, and sure enough there they were! We actually ran into my neighbor doing the same thing we were doing along with one of his birding buddies :).

I couldn't resist this picture.
As the evening progressed, there were other beauties to behold!

Returned Home With Honor!

2011-03-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

We are glad to have our daughter back! She served a wonderful mission and she will always remember the people she came to love.

Bird Heaven!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-10T09:26:00.001-08:00

Our recent trip to Texas to pick up our daughter from her mission was a birders dream! I saw many birds I had never seen before. Texas is covered in wildlife and bird refuges! A few we visited were: the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park World Birding Center, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Port Aransas Birding Center on Mustang Island, and the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge. We also went to Goose Neck State Park in St. Charles Bay.

This is a Green Jay. They are very colorful!

Great-tailed Grackle--these birds make a great variety of sounds!
Streak-backed Oriole

Great Kiskadee
Plain Chachalaca

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Blue Bunting

Sometimes it was more fun taking pictures of the birders than it was the birds!
Yes, we were right in the middle of them!

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

I believe this is a Snowy Egret. We were driving from Brownsville to South Padre Island, and the wind was whipping!

Great Egret
The Birding Center on South Padre Island

Looking out over the wetlands from the tower
Kate and Bill

Clappper Rail
Little Blue Heron

Common Moorhen, female
Common Moorhen, male

Roseate Spoonbill, female
Tricolored Heron

Probably a Least or a Semipalmated Sandpiper

Many wonderful boardwalks and birding blinds
There is an alligator under this blind!

A Great Egret poses for us
Long-billed Curlew

Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs
Lesser Scaup

A Willet wading in the gulf
Brown Pelicans and Laughing Gulls

Osprey
Loggerhead Shrike

Crested Caracara
Northern Cardinal

Scenery along the gulf
Gorgeous plants

Interesting pods
Redish Egret

We came upon a narrow waterway that ran under the road and we disturbed a large number of birds. These birds are the White Ibis.
These are some of my favorite pictures!

When they landed a ways from the road, we could see a large variety of birds all together.
Harris Hawk

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

One of our favorite areas was Paradise Pond in Port Aransas. Can you tell that I'm having a good time?
We saw this adult Black-crowned Night-Heron
Green-winged Teal and Blue-winged Teal

The pond was full of turtles!
Last but not least, we saw these three Whooping Cranes on Goose Neck Island in St. Charles Bay. Most of the Cranes had already migrated through, but these three were the only ones left that we knew of. We rushed to follow the directions we were given so that we could get back to Corpus Christi in time to catch our plane home! It was worth the rush!

Dancing in the Sunset!

2011-03-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

One of our evenings in Texas was spent at these docks near Ingleside, the area where Kate last served.

This is the largest land crane in existence. It is used to assemble off shore drilling rigs.

This dock scene was absolutely stunning!

These are some of my favorite pictures I took of our daughter. Can you feel the joy?!!!!

The Kizerians

2011-03-10T08:58:00.001-08:00

While we were in Corpus Christi we stayed at the home of our son-in-law's parents, Mary and Gerry Kizerian. They took us out to dinner at a great Mexican Restaurant. This is Mary and her daughter, Christi.

Christi and her husband David
Christi and David's daughter, Claire

Bill, Kate, and Gerry
I had the opportunity to see a beautiful pillow made by Mary's Great Grandmother, Ruth.

Her handiwork was some of the finest I had ever seen.
Ruth also made this exquisite quilt!

I had a lot of fun taking pictures of it.
This rug was hand made in Armenia. It was very beautiful as well.

We appreciated the Kizerian's and their wonderful hospitality. It was nice to visit with them and to get to know them better!

Happy Reunion in Texas!

2011-03-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

Bill and I arrived in McAllen, Texas on the evening of Feb. 22. We had breakfast in the morning, and we could hardly wait to see our daughter Katie! She served a mission for one and a half years in the southern part of the state.

We visited with a sweet senior missionary couple at the mission office until Kate arrived. As you can imagine, there were no dry eyes!

From that hour, we had a delightful week in Texas, meeting many of the people Kate had come to know and love. This is the first apartment complex where she lived in Brownsville.

We stopped and visited with the two sister missionaries now living in the apartment. Kate knew one of the sisters very well, and the other one was brand new.

We visited the Agular family,

Sister Batista and her granddaughters,

and Brother and Sister Johnson.

It was easy to see how our daughter fell in love with these people and their culture. It was also easy to see how much they thought of her!

Rosa

Our hotel on South Padre Island

We took a side trip to the Island to see birds, and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

This was a fun deli where we got a sandwich for Kate. It was called the PsychaDeli.

Kate's sandwich was yummy! I know cuz I had a bite :).

We enjoyed touring the island
and walking on the beach (even in heels!).

Kate and I each have a handful of shells.

We liked the Sea Turtle Rescue Center.

This huge turtle had a prosthesis.

This one was missing a fin, but it got around just fine.

There were turtles of all sizes, shapes and colors.

This is the only known turtle with blue eyes!

We hit a couple of huge tourist traps. Well, Kate and I did while Bill took a little siesta in the car :).

Kate had some fun while we were there :).

She said this was her new boyfriend.

She couldn't make up her mind.

She even met the "King!"
She mooned over this army dude, but then we had to leave!

Our next stop was Raymondville where we crashed a branch party.

We went to the house where Kate had lived and met the Sister missionaries now serving in the area.

Alejandra was a new convert to the church.

We visited Brother and Sister Swain, senior missionaries in Harlingen, just a few miles away.

Next we met the Serrato family.

This little gal loves music and she is quite the dancer!

We visited Eusevia and Janie Valdez where we later had a wonderful dinner.

They cooked homemade tomalies with pico de gallo.

For dessert we had this Tres Leches (or "three milk") cake. I had never tasted a cake so good!

This is Melissa and her daughter.

Our next visit was with Marina and her two daughters. She had a very special story to tell.

We could not resist this little one.

This woman touched our daughter's heart in a special way!
We drove to the Alejandro family and had dinner with them. Raymond (on the left) is Francis' boyfriend (on the right). After a delicious dinner, Sister Alejandro showed us her lovely wedding pictures! Her husband lives in Mexico. Some of the families are separated in this way.

This is Sister Alejandro's grandson.

At church on Sunday we met Lucy and her sweet little daughter. Lucy is also a recent convert. We were warmly greeted by many of the members. We were so impressed with these humble members. The Branch President is a fairly new member of the church, and his first counselor is also a new convert.
Aurelio Rodriguez, 1st counselor, Raymondville Branch (and Kate :)

After church we visited with John. His story was pretty amazing. He has struggled with some serious health issues, but is doing quite well at this time.

We made the long trip to Laredo and met this sweet mother and daughter. They were delightful!

Can you feel the love? :)

The mother of this family was sick, but Kate was able to visit with Frank and Bethany at the door.

We drove to the Bodega Warehouse and met Lelilah. The warehouse was like a huge Goodwill store!

Our last visit in Laredo was to Brother Acereto, a friendly man with a great sense of humor :).

We drove across the southern tip of Texas to Ingleside, a town just north of Corpus Christi. We met the sister missionary who Kate last served with. She is on the right (Sister Mazy). It was nice to meet Sister Nelson as well.
We met Karen who is from Germany. We also met Robert.

This is Pam, Karen's daughter in law.

This is "Ram." We sat on his porch while he played guitar for us. We loved it!

This is Aaron, an investigator.

This is Danielle.

This is the Jacobson Family.
We had a fun visit and a yummy dessert with John Johnson family.

Our last visit of the day was to Sister Ramos. Kate called her "Mother Nature." We were so grateful for the opportunity to meet many people who touched our daughter's life. They made a lasting impression on us as they were warm and friendly, and we could see that they loved our daughter very much!

A Day at the Coast

2011-03-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy time with my mom and my sister. Recently I spent a day on the coast with them.

We drove along Tillamook Bay, going past Bay Ocean and ending up in Oceanside.

We ate at Rose Ann's. It was tasty and relaxing!
We came home through Netarts and came upon this fun little shop.

We were greeted at the door by this stunning red dress. The owner of the shop said it would be a nice dress for starting a brothel...ha ha! I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon.
I know. It looks like a junk shop, but hey, that's where you find some of your best treasures. You also get the chance to meet some fun people :).

Relaxing and Baking Bread

2011-02-03T09:09:00.001-08:00

Megan, Jesse and Charlotte came to visit for a couple of days. Look at these bright little eyes!

Oh, baby! We've got a thumb-sucker :).
Megan learned to make whole wheat bread with ground flax seed.

Hot out of the oven...is your mouth watering yet?