November 30, 2011 - Dean Herrmann

Nothing says authority like a good walkie talkie. My oldest daughter, Melissa Herrmann, Dean of Students at Kearney High School. We had a great day!

November 29, 2011 - Denver stopover

We put our flight delay to good use at PDX.
And finally made Denver about 10pm local time.
A huge thank you to Lori & Scott for the late night hospitality.
I am certainly blessed with a wonderful family.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Saulsbury St,Lakewood,United States

November 28, 2011 - Cheezits Gone?

I knew something was off kilter all day long. I just couldn't figure out what until I opened the 'Bucket-O-Cheezits' to find it empty except for crumbs.
Then I knew!







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November 27, 2011 - Family Foosball

The foosball table doesn't get much action these days. There are times I think about getting rid of it.
But when the holidays roll around and the kids come home, I am thankful we still have it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 26, 2011 - Welsh Family Portrait

I love taking pictures,
but portraits aren't my strong suit.

With that said,
I think I captured Aimee, Mike and Gabe fairly well for a spur of the moment family portrait.

November 25, 2011 - Short hike at Silver Falls

I am thankful for being scheduled to volunteer at Silver Falls this afternoon. Initially, I wasn't sure I wanted to head up the mountain on my day off.
And while my day didn't go exactly as I had hoped or thought it might, I managed a top down drive and a short hike.
It turned out to be just what I needed.
Here are a few photos from my afternoon.














I love the fact the flowers bloom even in the winter here in the pacific northwest.

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November 24, 2011 - Gabe's 1st Thanksgiving

What a blessing to share in Gabe's 1st Thanksgiving.


And in 6 days I will get to see my other grandsons, Cale & Zack.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 23, 2011 - Sunset after the storm

After days of wind & rain, tonight the clouds began to break just about sunset.
If only my quick snap did the colors justice.


I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving tomorrow and hope a slice of sunshine is served up with your favorite pie.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 22, 2011 - Sad Day/Happy Meal

Some days can be sad days.
And when a sad day comes along I seek out little bits of happiness.
Today I found that little bit of happiness in the form of my very own Happy Meal complete with apple slices and a Hello Kitty toy, just for me.



And surprisingly, only 350 calories because Happy Meals now come with a 'mini-size' French fry.
Who knew?  Not me.  It has been many years since I have purchased anything from McDonalds, let alone a Happy Meal.



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November 21, 2011 - Holiday Greetings

Today, very unexpectedly, we got a call from CCTV informing us (Mid Valley Mentors) that they could work us in for the Holiday Greeting. The kicker was we had to be downtown in 45 minutes. To my surprise 7 of our 9 staff members made it.



And we had fun even if it was a scramble!

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November 20, 2011- Preparation

Preparation & Anticipation!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 19, 2011 - Quilting...Again

After a long day of cleaning, dusting, & rearranging furniture I sat down to do a bit of hand quilting. I am still working on finishing Laura's quilt.


I am anxious to finish it because she is anxious to have it, and I am already thinking about my next project.
I have to go around the borders and put a binding on and then I will be done.


The big question is which project, of the 4 I have in mind, should I start on next?
http://steppinoutwithdwntwn.blogspot.com/2011/01/on-demand-quilter.html?m=1


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 18, 2011 - My "Cheers"

Sometimes I just need to go someplace where someone knows my name.
Sometimes I just need to be someplace quiet, familiar, and where I am reminded of home. (my Kearney, NE home).
Here in Salem that place is Boons Treasury.
It was the perfect place to sit and begin my Thanksgiving menu, grocery list, tasks, and timelines as I prepare for family fun this coming week.
Bring on the Holiday!

November 17, 2011 - Fall Decor

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and my house is not at all ready for guests or the holiday.
I will need to take small bits of time each day to clean, organize, and decorate until I can hit it hard this weekend.
I'm not much of a seasonal decorator and I don't budget for holiday decorations. I try to work with what I have. I did 'spring' for a new vase, and I recently acquired this funky rooster as part of my birthday gift.


Voila! A Fall centerpiece for My table.
Not exactly Art Nouveau, but a little something different.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 16, 2011 - Building a Molecule with Laura

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November 15, 2011 - Viewpoint at Silver Falls

I had a relaxing time at Silver Falls. The sun came out this morning and the fall colors were still vibrant.
But back to the real world I go.

November 14, 2011 - Trail of 10 Falls

Today's Quick Snap is not an easy decision. The trail from North Falls to Twin Falls was absolutely gorgeous.
I am never disappointed here at Silver Falls State Park.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Silver Falls Hwy SE,Stayton,United States

November 13, 2011 - 51st Birthday Gift: Violet Cort

The Violet Cort is by far my favorite mushroom. They may not be rare, but they are certainly difficult to find. Mushrooms tend to come back in the same location year after year and when I didn't find the Violet Cort in the usual locations I was afraid I wouldn't see one this year.
After nearly 5 miles of hiking the Trail of 10 Falls I came to the realization I would not find my favorite purple mushroom this year.
Then something caught my eye and as I stopped to check it out, I noticed at the base of a decaying tree stump, barely visibHle in the dense woods, was the Violet Cort.
Happy Birthday to me!

November 12, 2011 - South Falls

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Location:Jasper Ln SE,Sublimity,United States

November 11, 2011 - Caroline's 1st College Concert

Choir Concert #110.
The level has been ratcheted up a few notches! Wow! I'm glad I came down from Silver Falls to hear the 3 Choirs from Portland State; Chamber Choir, the Man Choir, and Vox Femina.



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November 10, 2011 - hand warmer

Fall is here. The mornings are considerably cooler. It's time to utilize my favorite hand warmer.

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November 9, 2011 - New hiking shoes!

I got some new hiking shoes for my birthday this year! I am looking forward to putting them to good use up at Silver Falls this weekend!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 8, 2011 - Thankful

Tonight's Quick Snap isn't a photo I took, but it is a photo I have returned to numerous times today. I am so very thankful that no one died in this accident on I-80.


The students, driver, and teachers are alive. There were injuries, but thankfully my daughter is fine. My continued prayers for those who were hurt.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 7, 2011 - Basketball Season

Well we are still morning the loss of the lack of a Trail Blazer basketball season, but thankfully KU is in the midst of their exhibition games and the start of the season is right around the corner.
So our KU flag is flying high!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 6, 2011 - Blech! Bill Paying stinks!

I imagine I am not alone in dreading having to pay bills.
But I have found a few things that make it tolerable.


Thankfully, bill paying only comes once a month!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 5, 2011 - it takes time to make time

I bought this magazine a while back.
I thought the articles on getting a jump on the holidays might be helpful for my hectic schedule.

But I need to make time to READ the article if I am to know how to implement the ideas.
Maybe tomorrow.

-- Post From My iPhone

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 4, 2011 - Amtrak and Anticipation

I enjoy traveling by train.
The Amtrak runs up and down the west coast and between here and Portland for a very reasonable price. I look for opportunities to take the train and get excited when just such an opportunity pops up like it did today.

November 3, 2011- Yard Art is food for my soul

DWNTWN Images

Location:Coho Ave NW,Salem,United States

November 2, 2011 - Waiting

Waiting on Jacquie to finish up at youth group, listening to a combination of the rain drops on the roof of the goddess (Eos) and Van Morrison singing Someone Like You.
It's been a while since I had to drive 'carpool' and wait on kids.

November 1, 2011 - "Halloween" Cactus

For the first time, all 3 colors are blooming in unison.
I like it!