February 29, 2012 - Leap Year escape

Some weeks just call for a mid week escape and this mid week leap year certainly called for such.
I opted for Venti's Taproom and it did not disappoint.

February 28, 2012 - Happy Birthday!

  Cheers and Happy Birthday to my sister Miechelle (sisters by CHOICE, not blood).  A big hug and Happy Birthday to my daughter Caroline too!

http://steppinoutwithdwntwn.blogspot.com/2011/02/being-18.html?m=1

February 27, 2012 - Cast Iron finds!

Hooray for Goodwill and the awesome finds of a good cast iron skillet and griddle! A little scrubbing with some steel wool and some cooking oil and they are good as new for a quarter of the price. I love it!

February 26, 2012 - Strange Bird

I recall my folks referring to some people as 'odd ducks' and 'strange birds'. And Most of us have heard the phrase 'birds of a feather flock together'.
But I still find it quirky to see people bring their pets into a store.
I think 'strange birds' flock together.

February 25, 2012 - Homemade Pizza

Homemade pizza and homemade sauce thanks to my sister. It's all good!

February 24, 2012 - Beethovens 9th and the PSU Choirs

It was a wonderful night with the younger girls! Click here for a short video.

February 23, 2012 - Thumbnail Moon

This photo won't do the scene justice, but I am using it as today's quick snap anyway.
As I drove home after a long 13 hour work day I headed up the hill to West Salem. At the crest of the hill sat a sliver of the moon. It was at the perfect angle to appear as if it was just sitting there on the hill waiting for me to drive through it.
By the time I could pull over and take a picture the angle was no longer the same. But this will be my reminder of a gorgeous moon set after a weeks worth of cloudy, rainy skies.

February 22nd, 2012 - Ash Wednesday

I got up early after a very rough night of semi-sleep in order to make sure Jacquie made it to 7am Mass.

February 21, 2012 - My Dad's Coat

I am thankful my dad had so many coats and coveralls that all of us kids were able to have one if we wanted. The coat I selected wasn't the nicest of the bunch, it doesn't fit me well, it has a number of stains, and a small tear. But it is warm and I love wearing it, especially when I go camping.

February 20, 2012 - Winter Camping

http://www.youtube.com/user/jbrownflash8/videos

It's a little wet, but it's still wonderful.

February 19, 2012 - Peanuts

Relaxing by the campfire, snacking on peanuts. It would seem most of my peanuts are coming in 3's tonight.
It's an oddity!

February 18, 2012 - Sabra

I very nice chocolate orange liqueur helps finish off a very relaxing day.

February 17, 2012 - Hiking Medallion

My hiking stick is another step closer to being finished.

February 16, 2012 - Full Service Fuel

It is nice to not have to pump my own gas here in Oregon, but I don't remember the last time I had a full service fuel experience including getting my windows washed. It's a nice treat!

February 15, 2012 - Finally Found

I had been searching for my favorite pair of earrings for over a year.

I am not one to lose things, in fact I am usually the one to find lost items. 

So when I put something where I can find it and then later its gone, I figure its gone forever.  

That was the case with my favorite earrings.  

I recalled being out of town, taking my earrings off and putting them somewhere safe so as not to lose them.  When I unpacked my bags upon returning home, the earrings were not where I put them.  For over a year now, I have thought about the earrings, on occasion looked for them, and wished they would miraculously turn up, but honestly I didn't hold much hope.

What I should have done was pray.

Look where I found them this morning!

The last time I used my rosary was at my dad's funeral.  

Now I remember the night I took them off and placed them in my rosary case.

 

I guess I should pray the rosary more often.

February 14, - 2012 - Valentine's Day

It's the little things that make a big difference, like pumping the gas on a cold, blustery day while the other stays warm in the car.

February 13, 2012 - Waiting for Spring

I, too, am waiting for Spring and all the sights, sounds, and colors it brings.

February 12, 2012 - Saying Our Good-byes

I am thankful for weekends when kids come home even if the time goes by too quickly.
And I am counting the days untill ALL the kids and their families gather again.
37 days...

February 11, 2012 - Gabe is a cutie!

February 10, 2012 - Lindsey's Birthday

Wishing my daughter Lindsey a very happy 24th birthday today.

Click here to see more about Lindsey.

February 9, 2012 - Winter Sunset

After the storm.

February 8, 2012 - Light Sculptures

Some of my favorite light sculptures.

February 7, 2012 - February Hiking Plan

I made a resolution to myself this year that I would make time for hiking at least once a month. I am excited to be staying at Silver Falls State Park in 12 days for my next hiking adventure. This time, I'll be in Cabin #2.

February 6, 2012 - Brewcycleportlanc.com

I love living in the best beer state!

February 5, 2012 - Book #3

I just finished the edits on my 3rd book.
There is no particular theme to this book,
just some of my favorite photos.
I look forward to it's arrival in a couple of weeks.

February 4, 2012 - Happy Birthday Mom

While at the Rose Garden watching the Blazers beat the Nuggets with ease, my dad dropped a dime in my path. I am sure he meant it for my mom who celebrates her birthday today. So....
Mom, happy birthday!

February 3, 2012 - South Falls

A month has passed, along with a number of storms, since I last volunteered at Silver Falls Nature Store. South Falls is flowing loud and strong. If you live in the area you should head to the park. It will be a gorgeous weekend.

February 2, 2012 - Yoga

I am just beginning to explore Yoga. Tonight I had my 4th class. While I have had this deck of Yoga cards for probably 3 years, I just opened it tonight.
I am finding Yoga more of a challenge than I imagined and yet less stressful on my arthritic joints.

February 1, 2012 - The Common Cold

This common cold is kickin my butt.
Oh how I wish there was a cure other than time.