Friday, September 30, 2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

September 28, 2011 - #7 begins Driver's Ed

The Driver's Education Curriculum seems to have gotten a facelift since my oldest took the course.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

September 27, 2011 - lunch at Silver Falls.

I was able to get out of the office on time today. That allowed me to get up to Silver Falls State Park for my volunteer shift with enough time to enjoy a relaxing lunch in front of the fire.



It's little things like this that bring me joy.

- Posted by DWNTWN

Monday, September 26, 2011

September 26, 2011 - Late Night/Trash Night

I had an entirely different Quick Snap photographed & planned for today, right up until I helped my son take the trash, recycling, and yard waste to the curb.

Sometimes it's the Quality,
Not the Quantity.
Love you Alex!


- Posted by DWNTWN

Sunday, September 25, 2011

September 25, 2011 - Dad's Signature Chili

Today, the 1st Sunday of Fall 2011, the wind changed, the sky was overcast, and the air was cool and moist.



There is only one way to mark the occasion...
With a pot of my dad's famous chili.
I never saw him use a recipe,
he just knew how to make good chili.
He taught all of us kids how to make good chili too.
I don't use a recipe either.

In later years, one of my brother's did have dad write down the ingredients.
(The recipe is floating around the family somewhere.)
I do think I make a good pot of chili, just the way dad taught me.
It sure hits the spot today.

Miss you daddy.

- Posted by DWNTWN

Saturday, September 24, 2011

September 24, 2011 - 2 Freshly Painted Bedrooms

 Just 8 days after Caroline goes to college,
Jacquie and Laura have cleaned, painted, and taken possession of their very own bedrooms.

I am sure they miss their older sister,
but I know they are very happy to have their own, personalized, space.

Happy Sleeping girls.

Friday, September 23, 2011

September 23, 2011 - Sunflowers on the 1st day of Fall

Today a young woman I am incredibly fond of posted a picture of a sunflower from an angle and perspective I've never seen before.


I, too, have a love sunflowers,
And have photographed my share of them this year.


However, I like Martha's picture better than mine.

Martha Flores you are a delightful young woman, as well as being very talented.
And I am proud to call you friend.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Westfarthing Way NW,Salem,United States

Thursday, September 22, 2011

September 22, 2011 - Afternoon Escape

Sometimes a person just needs to escape to a place that brings a sense of peace & calm.
For me that is Pacific City.



A little food,
a cold adult beverage,
While watching the waves roll in are exactly what I needed.
This is what I call food for the soul.


I am glad I live in Oregon where this is so accessible.




- Posted by DWNTWN


Location:Alder St,Pacific City,United States

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

September 21, 2011 - Saying good byes/Mixed Emotions

Mom set out on her venture trek towards home this morning.
I am excited for her,
anxious to hear how she liked Crater Lake,
yet sad for me.



I already miss having her here.
I miss watching mom and the kids chat, laugh, and share.
I miss sampling and comparing Oregon Wines to California Wines.
I miss sitting on the back porch reminiscing and reliving days past.
And I even miss Sammi jumping on me at every turn.

God Speed mom!

Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

September 20, 2011 - Plotting the way home

It's been a wonderful blessing to have mom here for a visit. She leaves in the morning and tomorrow is coming entirely too soon for me.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Monday, September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011 - Leaving Salem




It was such a delight to have L.A. (Lindsey to us or #4 to those counting heads) here for a visit.
I hate to see her leave.
We barely had a chance to chat one on one.
But such is the life of a parent with adult children. - Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Coho St NW,Salem,United States

Sunday, September 18, 2011

September 18, 2011 - Fresh Paint





Oh the excitement of a Fresh coat of Paint on the walls of your bedroom.
And not just ANY bedroom,
but a room all to yourself!
That is where Laura is sleeping tonight.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Coho NW,Salem,United States

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

September 15, 2011 - Sharing Lessons




I was the lucky one today as I listened to my mom share her experience of traveling the Oregon Trail with Luke & Isabela who are just learning about the Oregon Trail and what it meant to move across this country in the mid 1800's.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

September 13, 2011 - Fall is in the Air

On the drive up to Silver Falls today I noticed it smelled more like Fall.
There was a cool moisture in the air that hadn't been there for quite some time.


Yet still I was surprised,
but not shocked to find my first grouping of Fall mushrooms.

Finding mushrooms makes leaving summer behind a little bit easier.

- Posted by DWNTWN

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11, 2011 - Postponing going back to reality.

I've enjoyed tent camping at Silver Falls.
The kids & dog headed home this afternoon,
but I am postponing heading back down into the valley and facing real life.


Getting the fire going again in time for one last meal.
I love living in Oregon!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

September 10, 2011

I love camping!
It's nearly a full moon,
perfect temps,



making for a gorgeous night by the fire.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Silver Falls Hwy SE,Silverton,United States

Friday, September 9, 2011

September 9, 2012

Camping with my kids!


It's AMAZING!
I love this!
I wish you all could be here!
Turning my phone off and will check in later, MUCH later!


- Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Silver Falls Hwy SE,Silverton,United States

Thursday, September 8, 2011

September 8, 2011 - Last minute Quick Snap

Today was a long day.
At work I am trying to reconcile 3 months of bills and invoices for 3 separate accounts.



At home tonight I had to reconcile our account and pay bills.
That is entirely too many numbers for this girl who simply longs to take her camera out for a long walk and then write about her experience.




- Posted by DWNTWN

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

September 7, 2011 Mmm, Tomatoes

There is nothing better than fresh, homegrown, summer tomatoes.
And a cold beer!


- Posted by DWNTWN

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

September 6, 2011 - Hottest Day of the year so far

We've had an incredibly mild spring and summer this year, but as school begins and Fall approaches, it seems as though things are heating up, at least according to the thermostat in my car today.


I love it! I just put the top down and turn the A.C. on and head on down the road!

Monday, September 5, 2011

September 5, 2011 - National Parks Passport


I have so much I want to say about the National Parks Passport book that belongs to my Mom.
I have even more to say about how my mom & dad inspired me to get my own National Parks Passport.... And how I have passed this idea on to many of my children.
However, this blog of mine (1 of 3) is meant to be short snippets about quick snapshots I take in my day to day life.
Someday I will blog more about this photo.
For now I just want to say, "Mom, thank you for being an example of strength and an inspiration especially through adversity."

- Posted by DWNTWN

Sunday, September 4, 2011

September 4, 2011 - tie-dyed sheets

I've never gone off to college, at least not in a traditional manner.
However, I have helped a husband all the way through Medical school and residency.
I've assisted 3 kids through their bachelor degrees, proudly watch 2 of those 3 (so far) receive their Masters,
supported 2 more kids journey in different forms of their own success.
But through all those life experiences and the subsequent to-do lists that come with those experiences & adventures this is a first ...
tie-dyed sheets.


I think Alex is right though, the sheets resemble Oregon trees. Good job Caroline!


- Posted by DWNTWN


Friday, September 2, 2011

September 2, 2011- Front Porch

Tonight is another 'front porch' kind of night. As the kids watch a bizarre sci-fi movie, I snuck outside to enjoy the evening.
Pandora, BlogPress and J Lohr are my company tonight.


- Posted by DWNTWN

Location:Coho Avenue NW

Thursday, September 1, 2011

September 1, 2011 - school shopping

Today I had the pleasure of spending time with my youngest, Laura Jayne.
It was her turn to go shopping for school clothes. And while I don't care for shopping I did enjoy our time together. She is growing up too fast!

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States