Pieceful Afternoon

Leap Year - A New Chance to Make a Difference

2012-02-29T07:29:00.001-08:00

Today is an ephemeral ghost... A strange amazing day that comes only once every four years. For the rest of the time it does not "exist.

It basically means a "leap" in time, when the calendar has to be adjusted to make up the extra seconds accumulated over the past three years - a little tune up for our calendar.

But today holds another secret - one of those rare moments of delightful transition and opportunity.

A day of unlocked potential.

Should you or shouldn't you? Could you or couldn't you? Will you or won't you?

Let's use this day to do something different, something daring, something extraordinary, maybe even unlike things you might do on 'regular' days. Take a chance - be more compassionate - love unconditionally - throw caution to the wind - make a drastic change - begin a new path. What will you do today?

Picnic At Silver Lake - Ahhh Summer

2012-01-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

After all that snow last week I thought it would be fun to visit the lake, like we did last summer. This was a wonderfully warm and sunny day last September - everyone was enjoying the lake.

It is Silver Lake County Park, about an hour away - there is picnicking, swimming, boating, camping and snug little cabins to rent.

Peaceful and calm. The buildings across the lake are the lodge and a larger cabin that groups and families can rent.

Some boys were enjoying a day of jumping off the dock . . .

Splash!

Getting ready for a kayak ride . . .

Lots of kayaks and canoes that day . . .

The view from our picnic table . . .

Taking the dog along . . .

I was hoping to see a hawk in this old dead tree - we had seen one before, but not today, just the lovely old tree . . .

Ahhh summer, where are you planning a picnic next summer - never to early to start planning.

A Trip To Birch Bay and Blaine

2012-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

From the waterfront in Blaine, WA you can see across to Whiterock, BC - barely . . .

Let's take a closer look . . .

Oh now I see it - houses - big towering buildings - even the old water tower . . .

Do you see that heron out there among the Canada Geese?

Yes, that heron . . .

Such a beautiful bird . . .

Canada Geese passing through . . .

Must be feeding time . . .

And bath time . . .

Walking about and visiting time . . .

Seagulls - also on the beach at Blaine . . .

Gotta love that new camera!

Good bye!

Wow - Snow!

2012-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

It started a few days ago - they said 1-2 inches - we got about 5, then they said a few days and then more snow - we got 4 more - then they said no snow overnight - we got 2". Guess we can't count on "them". And then not many miles south of here they got no snow until last night, and a few miles south of that there is forecast up to 16" more - go figure. Just hope that 16" stays south. And yet in that same area some places have no snow at all and some have more than plenty. It is a crazy weather pattern, and they are saying rain by Friday to melt it all - we'll see.

The little neighbor girls just went by, dragging their sled up the hill beside our yard - fun is about to commence!!!

This morning on the deck. . .

Deck railing and top of swingset . . .

No one is swinging on these rings today . . .

The magic of snow covered trees . . .

Bird feeder on the end of the swing set . . .

Rain gauge last night - it is a bird with a rain tube on it . . .

Rain gauge this morning . . .

Small deck table last night . . .

Small deck table this morning . . .

Barbecue

Swingset with more feeders on this end . . .

Close up of the feeder . . .

Bird feeding station out by the street, we will be cleaning these off and refilling soon.

Deck chair last night . . .

Deck chair this morning . . .

Deck table last night. What looks like frog eyes are two gnomes who got snowed under.

Deck table this morning - no sign of those hardy gnomes.

And we are expecting more snow. Don is working from home today, I will be knitting and for dinner beef/rice/cheesey casserole and salad - just right for a wintery day.

What are you doing this wonderful day?

Glorious Clouds

2012-01-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

On our trip to Concrete it was partly cloudy - and began to clear a bit more on the way home - the clouds and bright blue sky were amazing - a forerunner of the cold, clear weather we are having right now.

All these pictures were taken through the windshield of our car - while traveling at about 50 mph - I do love my little Canon camera - it is magic.

Eagles on the Nooksack River

2012-01-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

Thrift Store Shopping

2012-01-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

On the was to Concrete to see the eagles we decided to stop at Goodwill in Mt. Vernon. I've been looking for shelves to put in the kitchen hallway (big wide open space behind the baking island that is really wasted space). I need more space for my vintage dishes - and thought that would be perfect - but we walked in among the furniture and I decided that was NOT what I wanted.

THIS was what I wanted . . . it was a little dusty and dirty . . .

And had the ugliest handles you could imagine . . .

But the price was right - and our son-in-law agreed to come down and pick it up for us the next day (he's always ready to help - our kids are so thoughtful!)

Here it is - after hours of Orange Oil Wax and several rags . . .

And now - new purple glass knobs - I actually broke two of the original handles trying to get them off.

Now isn't that pretty with my granny's Desert Rose dishes? I have other dishes to put in - and space on the bottom for two more shelves and more dishes and that nice wide drawer. This isn't in the kitchen - I moved two white cabinets that our son had built for us long ago out of the ex-toy room , white just looks better in the kitchen, filled them back up with dishes and put the new hutch in the music room - it looks spectacular there.

Trip to Concrete To See TheEagles

2012-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided to head up to Concrete to see the eagles. It is their eagle festival all month - the time when the eagles are feeding on the spawning salmon. We expected huge crowds but only saw a few bunches of people and not very many eagles at all. We did see some though.

This one was way across the river . . .

A good close up . . .

Two more, across the river . . .

Nice of them to sit still for us for so long . . .

I think one is taking a nap . . .

The river was fabulous!

There were many boats and kayaks floating down the river, getting a closer look at the eagles . . .

On the way back home we came upon a field full of sunshine. The sun was at that low slanting time and made everything seem magical.

Cows in the sunlit pasture . . .

You can barely see the snow covered mountain behind the pasture . . .

Here's a better look at the mountain - part in sun - part in shadow . . .

Fresh snow . . .

The north side of the mountain had a lot more of the fresh snow . . .

It was a lovely day - and next time - a treasure that we found on that same trip - but not in the mountains and not at the river. But first - the funniest thing we saw on our trip . . .

This young boy was sitting on this telephone pole - just sitting there - right on the edge of the road, well over 25 feet off the ground. I took this picture and then we pulled up beneath his perch and I asked him if he was having a good time and he smiled and said yes, he was. And he told us that not many people had noticed that he was up there. I have no idea how he got up there - if he climbed up the pole he is sitting on he would have black marks on his clothes from the pole. Just a young boy having fun on a Sunday afternoon. What do you do for fun on Sunday afternoons?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

I had decided on my New Year post - and then changed my mind - so here I am - wandering among the months of last year.

With the exception of a very scary start to 2011 it has been a grand year. We started off with rushing Don to the ER exactly one year ago today. When you arrive at the ER and state that you had open heart surgery - they will have you in the examining room in 10 seconds flat - no waiting around. He was in and out of the hospital several times with one extended stay - and ended up with surgery in early April (not heart related) - and then things began to turn around for us and the year showered us with loveliness and happiness.

When we finally started the year (I count it as starting in April - after the medical crises in January and February) we found ourselves the owners of a brand new 2011 KIA Optima. Black and shiny and the most fabulous car we've ever owned. Road trips here we come.

In late spring we got our long awaited new deck - it is 12x24 and we were out on it every chance we could get. Our son-in-law Jay headed up the construction - that guy can lift a 24 foot long 8x12 beam and make it look easy - and our other kids and grandkids pitched right in to help. Not only is it a fabulous deck with a ramp for easy access, it is a reminder of how wonderful our family is to us.

Our summer weather was very late in coming - but when it finally got here (and lasted only about 5 weeks) we enjoyed every minute of it.

The event of the year was the birth of our third grandson - Donald Ray Bayne III - in West Virginia on June 2. He is one of the happiest babies I've ever seen, smiling and laughing all the time and charming everyone he meets.

We didn't get to meet him until October, when we flew to West Virginia to spend two wonderful weeks with them. Now we are hoping to have them come out here - or for us to go back there again - I just can't get enough of sweet babies.

Jahn-Zyel and Ben have been a great delightful part of our year. Jahn learned to sew this year, during the time the deck was being built and he wasn't needed out there to help out. He was an amazingly fast learner and was way ahead of my instructions. (And then for Christmas he got his very own sewing machine).

Ben lost his front teeth this summer and fall - and also learned to read like a whiz. One day we were driving in town and he read the sign on the bank - People's Bank. He asked me why it was called People's bank and I replied that I didn't rightly know. He said - "Grammy, it is because animals don't use it, only people". Well, I should have figured that out myself.

We got to have Ben here several days a week during summer vacation and we made good use of the new deck. We would eat lunch out there almost every day and read books and play games - such a delightful summer. Summer time and grandsons is a great combination! Ben also took swimming lessons this summer at the community pool - with Grammy watching and her camera ever ready.

In September, on a whim, I looked in craigslist for a piano and found the most wonderful 1895 Harrington Piano, almost free. We had it professionally moved (no more piano moving for us) and the boys' old toy room is now becoming my music room. For Christmas Don got me a lovely old piano bench (from 1920) that matches the piano very well. After over 10 years of not having a piano (since we moved to Washington) I now have one and am enjoying it so much. Maybe by next Christmas Lori and and I can play duets for the holidays - me on the piano - Lori on the cello.

Also in September, Jahn started 4th grade in a new school, and Ben started first grade in his much loved Roosevelt School.

September was a huge month - so many happenings we could almost not keep up with them. In September Don and I both had our books published.

Don wrote a training manual for his work with Developmentally Delayed Adults.

My book, Are We Walking To Alaska? is the story of when my family first moved to Alaska when I was only 6, and Alaska was not yet a state. What a thrill it was to receive the final proofs in the mail and to see our books go up for sale. And then in December both books also went up for sale on Kindle. We have indeed had an exciting year.

After we got home from West Virginia it was almost time for the holidays - and what wonderful holidays we had. Ben and Jahn entertained us with their costumes on Halloween - Jahn was a storm trooper and Ben was Batman, with a flashing belt even. Thanksgiving was special - and oh so delicious and then came Christmas.

Baking, eating, visiting, enjoying family and friends - one of our favorite times of the year. Christmas day the boys had so much fun opening their gifts - playing out in the rain with poppers that Grampy had bought for them and wrestling in the bedroom. After dinner our kids and Don pitched in and did all the clean up - I didn't touch one leftover or one dish - what a delightful gift to me it was. I was able to sit and read to the boys (a sneaky, but sweet way they had to keep me out of the kitchen).

And now we come to the end of the year and the beginning of a brand new one. Looking back we see a wonderful year full of family and friends and good times. Looking forward we hope for a happy and healthy new year for all. I've enjoyed wandering back through our fabulous year with you - hope your year was as wonderful.

Let's Go Back to Summer - Heron on Don's Birthday

2011-12-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Last September Don and I went out for dinner on his birthday. On the way home we decided to go a different route - that would take us home the back way - avoiding freeways and busy highways.

Just as we turned onto a side road we saw a Heron flying low across the road and we watched where it landed. We parked on the side of the road - and here is what we saw. Fortunately I had my new camera along.

A Great Blue Heron on the shore of a tiny pond.

Earlier in the day a neighbor and I had been standing outdoors talking and we saw something land in the top of a big tree. We couldn't make out what kind of bird it was so I ran indoors and got my new camera and we could make out the Hawk that had landed in the tree.

And with the 140x Zoom this is what we saw! Amazing!

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T05:09:00.000-08:00

At last the shortest day of the year - a time of celebration and good cheer. The sun is coming back - the days are getting longer - there is hope of spring again - though we have plenty of rain, wind and cold weather - at least is is better than a few years ago, when our world here in NW WA was covered in two feet of snow and more was coming down.

This is one of the favorite celebrations in our family - some are making "sun" cookies with yellow frosting - some are making art that reminds them of spring and sunshine - others are simply enjoying nature and thinking of the good things that have passed through our lives this past year.

Newgrange, in Ireland (Irish: Dún Fhearghusa) is one of the passage tombs in County Meath, one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world and the most famous of all Irish prehistoric sites.

Newgrange was built in such a way that at dawn on the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, a narrow beam of sunlight for a very short time illuminates the floor of the chamber at the end of the long passageway. This light lasts for 17 minutes on the day of the Winter Solstice. There are many prehistoric sites around the world that are also engineered in this manner.

The Roman midwinter holiday, Saturnalia, was both a gigantic fair and a festival of the home. Merry-making took place, and the halls of houses were decked with boughs of laurel and evergreen trees. Lamps were kept burning to ward off the spirits of darkness. Schools were closed. Friends visited one another, bringing good-luck gifts of fruit, cakes, candles, dolls, jewelry, and incense. Temples were decorated with evergreens symbolizing life's continuity. Many of the modern Christian Christmas traditions were taken from ancient Solstice celebrations, in an attempt to combine the pagan with their beliefs.

In pagan Scandinavia the winter festival was the yule (or juul). Great yule logs were burned, and people drank mead around the bonfires listening to minstrel-poets singing ancient legends. It was believed that the yule log had the magical effect of helping the sun to shine more brightly.

Yule log

A Scandinavian Yule tree - lit with candles.

Mistletoe, which was sacred because it mysteriously grew on the most sacred tree, the oak, was ceremoniously cut and a spray given to each family, to be hung in the doorways as good luck. The celtic Druids also regarded mistletoe as sacred. Druid priests cut it from the tree on which it grew, with a golden sickle, and handed it to the people, calling it All-Heal. To hang it over a doorway or in a room was to offer goodwill to visitors. Kissing under the mistletoe was a pledge of friendship. Mistletoe still has a special place in our Christmas celebrations.

There are great traditions to build on and enjoy this time of year. A wreath is a good place to start - a symbol of the circle of a year. After making the wreath and making wishes for the coming year - it can be placed outdoors. After the new year the wreath can be recycled back to nature - or it can be saved and burned in the Summer Solstice bonfire.

If you like - add some pine cones spread with pnut butter and rolled in bird seeds - to welcome our feathered friends to our homes.

Making desserts is a great way to celebrate - and add birthday candles to the dessert - which often might have the shape of a sun on it. Each family member can light one candle and give a thankful thought about the past year - or a hopeful thought for the coming year.

Big fires in the fireplace - or burning candles if you are not so fortunate to have a fireplace - are both symbolic of the solstice celebration - calling to the sun to come back and shine stronger for a spring and summer of growing food.

Gift giving is a wondeful tradition on the Solstice - either opening one of the many gifts under the tree - or having special gifts in a basket to share with family and friends on this wonderful day.

And baskets of food are often taken to friends and family as part of the Solstice celebration. Don't forget some of those sunny cookies.

And of course singing is a great part of any Solstice celebration - Deck the Halls, and Carol of the Bells are two very significant songs sung at this time of the year. Reminders of our connection with nature and our connection of our past to our future.

We find many of our holiday celebrations come from variations of the ancient celebrations - bringing us all closer together, sharing our celebrations with one another.

Happy Solstice to all - we'd love to hear about your Solstice celebrations.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Today is cookie baking day . . . come in for a cookie and a cup of tea !

. My friend Julie is doing a series of blog posts about Norwegian Cookies that are traditional in her family and I thought I'd post about some of the cookies that we traditionally have for the holidays - though not specific to any nationality - they are favorites that we just couldn't do without every year. Last weekend I finished mixing up three batches of cookies - and have a couple more chilling in the fridge - and yes, recipes are included.

My first and all time favorite is Russian Teacakes. As you might seen in previous posts, growing up in Alaska these cookies were always a big part of the Bishop's Tea at the Bishop's Residence in Sitka, Alaska during Russian Christmas.

RUSSIAN TEACAKES

1	cup butter softened
1/2	cup powdered sugar
1	teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4	cups flour
3/4	cup finely chopped nuts
1/4	teaspoon salt
	Powdered sugar Cream together confectioner's sugar and butter. Add vanilla. Knead in flour by hand until completely mixed. Or if you have a Kitchen Aid Mixer that works just as well. Chill dough for about an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or use parchment paper - my "new" discovery. Roll dough into a ball. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake for about 15 minutes. When baked, dip or roll in confectioner's sugar. Store airtight in layers with waxed paper in between.

THUMBPRINT COOKIES

3/4cup packed brown sugar

1 ½ cup butter softened

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs, separated (or 1 egg separated and 1 whole egg)

3cup flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 cup finely chopped nuts

Jam or jelly

Heat oven to 350ºF.

Mix brown sugar, butter, vanilla and egg yolks (or 1 egg yolk – save the white for later in this recipe - and 1 whole egg) in medium bowl.

Stir in flour and salt until dough holds together.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

Beat egg white slightly. Dip each ball into egg white.

Roll the cookie balls in chopped nuts. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet, or parchment paper. Press thumb deeply in center of each. Fill the indentation with your favorite jam.

Bake about 10 minutes or until light brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, or eat one or two right away – but be careful – that jam is like hot lava.

CRANBERRY PECAN/SHORTBREAD

(for those of you who didn't get this recipe in a previous post) This is a NEW traditionally favorite cookie - simply because it is too good to not make for the holidays.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (do NOT use margarine)

2/3 cup sugar

1 t. vanilla

2 1/3 cups flour

1/2 t. salt

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

Cream the butter until smooth (about 1 - 2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the vanilla. Gently stir in the flour and salt just until incorporated.

Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. (Make sure that the nuts and cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.)

Divide the dough in half. You might have to knead the dough a bit to get it to stick together – this is a rather dry dough. Place the dough on a piece of waxed paper. Smooth and shape the dough into an evenly shaped log that is about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Then thoroughly roll the shaped logs in the waxed paper, twist the ends of the paper to seal the logs, and chill for at least two hours, or up to three days. (The logs can also be frozen for about two months. If freezing, it is best to defrost the logs in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.)

Preheat oven to 325, with the rack in the center of the oven. Grease pans or use parchment paper.

Using a thin bladed knife ( I used a good thin, finely serrated knife), slice the logs into ¼ thick cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about ½ inch apart – the cookies don't really spread.

Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Makes about 48 shortbread cookies. What I like about these cookies, besides they are the best tasting in the world – is that you mix them up one day and then bake them another, when the kitchen is clean and there is no mixing-up-cookie-dough mess.

Gingerbread Pigs

Here is my favorite recipe for Gingerbread Cookies - online - isn't that handy dandy?!? Or you can use any Gingerbread Cut-out Cookie recipe you like. I found my copper pig cookie cutter many years ago.

These pigs are very popular at our house - got to have that traditional Christmas Pig!

And then there are Sugar Cutout Cookies - but you can find a zillion recipes for those online - or maybe you already have your favorites. Don likes them flavored with Almond Extract.

Today I have baked 10 logs of Summer Sausage, 3 dozen sugar cookies, 2 dozen big Gingerbread Pigs, 3 dozen Pecan/Cranberry Shortbread cookies, dozens of Russian Teacakes, more dozens of Thumbprint cookies with home-made raspberry jam and two loaves of bread for the stuffing on Christmas day - it has been a most excellent day!

And what are your favorite holiday treats?

Christmas Lights

2011-12-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

We took a nice drive the other night to look at the Christmas lights - a long time ritual in our family. We've been doing this for over 47 years now.

Here are last year's lights. It is interesting that the houses that had lots of lights last year and not the same ones this year - perhaps the people moved away?

This year we found lots of pretty lights in Ferndale - we'd not been there before to look at the decorations.

One house had lots of wooden painted characters . . .

This one looks like Texas - or Australia . . .

Set on a hill - very pretty . . .

This one turned out prettier when I moved the camera a little, that the one that was in clear focus.

Entering downtown Ferndale - these lighted wreaths lined the streets . . .

These big lights changed color - from blue . . .

to red . . .

to green . . .

Have you been out to look at Christmas lights this year?

The Reason - - -

2011-12-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful time of year, and in some ways it makes me sad to see some harshness in a few people - claiming that they have the exclusive rights to the winter holiday celebrations. There are many, many Reasons for this Season - all around the world.

This is my all time favorite bumper sticker - it says so much - in just one word.

There are so many festivals at this time of the year - and so many good things to celebrate. These are in no particular order - just Reasons why we celebrate our love for each other. It is often said that if we didn't have a winter celebration we would make one up - to bring cheer to this time of the year.

BODHI OR BODHI DAY

December 8 - Day of Enlightenment, celebrating the day that the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Guatama) experienced enlightenment. It was originally celebrated in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam and now around the world, and is a day of meditation.

WINTER SOLSTICE - DECEMBER 21-22

The Solstice is celebrated around the world, with tributes to nature and giving of gifts to friends and loved one. The main celebration centers around nature and this poem is a great tribute to the Winter Solstice.

The Shortest Day

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.

- Susan Cooper
Author of The Dark is Rising novels

ST. NICHOLAS DAY

December 6 - though originating in Greece - this holiday is celebrated around the world now. It is celebrated in many ways—the bishop may lead a town parade, hold a Saints' Day Worship service, visit schools, hospitals and homes during parties or St. Nicholas might come at night and leave sweet treats and small gifts for children.

St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, students and children. St. Nicholas is the model for our modern Santa Claus and however he comes, Saint Nicholas reminds us that giving is more important than receiving, and doing for others is the faithful way to live.

LAS POSADA

Christmas festivities in Mexico begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candleight processions and lively parties starting December 16.

Children gather each afternoon to reenact the holy family's quest for lodging in Bethlehem. The procession is headed by a small Virgin Mary often perched on a live burro, led by a little Joseph. There are other children - dressed in colorful costumes and carrying decorated walking sticks and paper lanterns. The children stop at a designated house and ask for lodging for the Holy Family - and are turned away, because there is no room at the inn (Posada), this is repeated at a second and then third home - the third home says there is room in the manger and then the children are invited in for fun and games, and the chance to take a whack at the pinata and a mad scramble for the fruits, sugar cane, peanuts and candies in the pinata.

RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS

Russian Christmas is celebrated on Jan 6. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed once again. Fasting is observed during the day and after the first star appears dinner is served - meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity.

Growing up in Alaska we often would go to the Russian Christmas Mass at this wonderful Russian Orthodox Church.

CHRISTMAS

The christian holiday most widely celebrated - on Dec. 25, the day that the Solstice was originally held, according the the ancient Julian calendar. It is a time of feasting, families gathering and gift giving - in the tradition of the Wise Men bringing gifts to the Christ Child. Gift giving is also a time when we can give to the less fortunate in our communities and around the world.

SADEH

An Iranian mid winter festival, celebrated Dec 11 or Jan 22 - depending on the region of the celebration, it was celebrated with grandeur and magnificence in ancient Iran. Today it is a festivity to honor fire and to defeat the forces of darkness, frost, and cold. The chief preparation is the gathering of wood, and everyone in the community is expected to contribute. When the fire was lit there was a blessing given for the whole community.

Chanukah

An eight day festival beginning in late December, commemorating the miracle of the oil after the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and his defeat in 165 BCE. The Menorah is one of the most widely recognized symbol of Chanukah. There is gift giving and feasting during this holiday - though not as lavish as Christmas, the focus is more on the spiritual events.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

YULE OR YULETIDE (WINTER SOLSTICE)

Begun as a Germanic and Egyptian Pagan festival of the rebirth of the Sun. It is now celebrated around the world, by Christians, non-Christians and even by the non-religious. Yule traditions include decorating a fir or spruce tree, burning a Yule log, hanging mistletoe and holly branches, giving gifts, and general celebration and merriment.

KOLEDA

Celebrated in Balkan Slavic countries on the evening of Dec. 24, the meaning has shifted from Christmas itself to denoting the tradition of strolling, singing, and having fun on that special night. It specifically applies to children and teens who walk house to house greeting people, singing and sifting grain that denotes the best wishes and receiving candy and small money in return.

HUMAN LIGHT

This is a Humanist holiday celebrated on December 23. Humanist philosophy is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism and other supernatural beliefs, it affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity. It is a celebration of "a Humanist's vision of a good future." They celebrate a positive approach to the coming new year. Celebrating on Dec. 23 then allows the members to also join in other celebrations of the season.

Their philosophy is summed up in the words of a song that is often sung at Christmas - "Be Good for Goodness' Sake".

KWANZA

A week long celebration honoring universal African American heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as lighting candles in a candle holder with seven candles and culminates in a feast and giving of gifts. It was first celebrated in 1966–1967.

There are many, many more celebrations of winter holidays - each with special meaning to those that celebrate their special days. Many Reasons to remember we are all connected and these are special times that we can remember those who are close to us, those who are far away and those who don't have the same good fortune that we have. We can celebrate any holiday by giving to the poor, helping at a soup kitchen, taking coffee to those standing in the cold while waiting at the food bank, bringing blankets and gloves to homeless and being tolerant of the beliefs of others.

Each person carries the ability in their heart to be open and accepting and my wish for this season is that we all share our commonality and not dredge up our differences. Try to get to know someone who is different than you - get to really know them personally and you will find they have the same desires, hopes, dreams and plans that you do. They cry in anguish, smile and laugh in joy and love their families the same way we love our families. We are one!

“Remember the five simple rules to be happy: Free your heart from hatred.

Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.”

Santas and More Santas

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love Santas? I've been collecting them for a while now - and I have rarely seen any two the same - wonder how they do that? I have them in the dish cupboard - on the buffet - in the windows - under the tree - all around the house - even outdoors.

I have the windowsill in the dining room lined with Santas . . .

They all get along so nicely - I think they are planning christmas surprises. . .

This Russian St. Nicholoas is one of my favorites. . . although sometimes I think my favorite is the one I'm currently looking at . . .

Some of the Santas are in the china cabinet - these Peace Santa are so hip . . .

You'll always find Mr. and Mrs. Santa together - ready to season your food with salt and pepper. . .

This little guy isn't't a santa - but this mousie has been around for about 40 christmases - and yet he still looks so young . . .

Many of the Santas are in amongst the holly leaf dishes on the buffet . . .

And of course teapots shaped like Santa - and snowmen . . . I love teapots too . . .

What is your favorite holiday decoration?

Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Our tree has always been a family tree, ornaments the kids made when they were growing up, ornaments I've made, ornaments from friends and family. It is so full of ornaments that we have to make sure it doesn't tip over - and some years it has, and with no help from our cats either. We are better at balancing the ornaments all around now so rarely do we get the dangerous swaying.

One year, when we still had real trees, the trunk of the tree was so crooked that the stand was about a foot away from the center of the tree, but we even got that one balanced. Come - enjoy our ornaments - and there are lots to enjoy.

We'll start with the lights - bubble lights. Don is in charge of lights on the tree and he puts on hundreds of tiny colored lights, then bell lights and big round colored snowball lights and finally bubble lights. We've almost always had bubble lights and some years you can find them in stores, and some years not. More recently the ones in stores have clear bases and are too bright to even look at - they look like searchlights on the tree. So if we need to replace any we'll have to look for vintage ones.

Some cute "candy" ornaments. They do look like candy, but are only plastic - and cute . . . this reindeer is a lollipop . . .

Birds are always a favorite on our tree - this was a gift from Jamie . . .

Two little Eskimos from a famous artist in Alaska - although I grew up in S.E. Alaska, where we didn't wear parkas and have a lot of snow and cold, these are a cute reminder of Alaska. . .

One of my favorite geese . . .

A Hawaiian Nene Goose ornament, brought back by Rusty and Jamie from their honeymoon . . .

A goose painted on a flat round of wood . . .

And some of Don's bells. He loves bell ornaments and has quite a collection over them, gathered over the years. Some vintage, some new and some that are now vintage but were new when we bought them.

Humpty Dumpty made of felt, the year our first child was born. He's held up pretty well . . .

Our grandson Jahn-Zyel made these paper gingerbread ornaments for each family member one year . . .

Picture frame ornaments with Jahn and Ben when they were younger . . .

Linus and Sally - special ornaments that Don and I put on the tree together each year . . .

Lori made this ornament in early grade school - one of our sentimental favorites . . .

A moose from Maine - do you see his lobster? Thanks Lili!! He's always right out front on the tree. . . I wonder if he rode in their skiff the Chowdabowl before he came here?

Another felt ornament that I made - the year our youngest daughter was born . . .

Shiny vintage ornaments . . .

A very heavy glass pear. This one often is near the back of the tree to help balance the tree and keep it from tipping forward - I told you it was heavy . . .

I hand painted this christmas pie, it is cut from very thin wood . . .

Shiny, white, glittery glass pinecone . . .

And what tree is complete until you have a slice of pumpkin pie? An ornament from the annual ornament swap our family has.

More glitter, more shine. I love the glass beads . . .

Fancy lace snowflakes made by my friend Franni . . .

This little guy is about 3/4 " tall total - but looks like he can get into plenty of mischief . . .

Made from ash from the Mt. St. Helens eruption 30 years ago in Washington . . .

I adore vintage ornaments - these little girls add such cheer to the tree . . .

And Christmas trees always need angels. These two were given to me by my father when I was 5.

They have stiff angel hair wings and soft clouds of angel hair to sit on. . .

And a lacy angel that I made. Her body is made of thin painted wood and a tulle and lace skirt with lots of ribbons.

I hope you enjoyed a little tour of our tree. What are your favorite ornaments?

Summer Sausage

2011-12-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

One more recipe - I've had a lot of requests for this one! A batch is in the oven right now, I make a double batch at a time because it is so popular. Another double batch is going in the fridge to chill overnight.

It is another family favorite - I've been making this for years. It is great for gifts and for snacks - not just at the holidays but anytime. And very easy to make!

Summer Sausage

2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic salt
1 c water
2 T tender quick
1/4 tsp onion salt
1 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke

Mix all ingredients. Shape into three logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 12 hours) Remove plastic wrap and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours at 300 degrees. Refrigerate after cooking. Slice and serve on sandwiches or crackers, with cheese (and, no, I don't have a recipe for cheese - since I've never made any).

I use disposable gloves for the mixing - you really need to get your hands in there tom mix it completely.

Tender Quik has been a little harder to find lately - in our town you can usually find it at Haggen Stores. It used to be available in any market. It is in the section by the salt.

Enjoy!

Cranberry/Pecan Shortbread Cookies

2011-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Since several friends have asked for my Cranberry/Pecan Shortbread Cookie recipe I thought I would put it here where I can share with more people. Enjoy - and next - a recipe for Summer Sausage!

Cranberry Pecan Shortbread

Or - The Best Cookie You'll Ever Eat!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (do NOT use margarine)

2/3 cup sugar

1 t. vanilla

2 1/3 cups flour

1/2 t. salt

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

2 T cold water

Cream the butter until smooth (about 1 - 2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the vanilla. Gently stir in the flour and salt just until incorporated.

Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries and water (Make sure that the nuts and cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough).

Divide the dough in half. You might have to knead the dough a bit to get it to stick together – this is a rather dry dough. Place the dough on a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Smooth and shape the dough into an evenly shaped log that is about 10 inches long and 2 inches across . Then thoroughly wrap the shaped logs in the waxed paper or plastic wrap, twist the ends of the paper to seal the logs, and chill for at least two hours, or up to three days. (The logs can also be frozen for about two months. If freezing, it is best to defrost the logs in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.)

Preheat oven to 325, with the rack in the center of the oven. Grease pans or use parchment paper.

Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

And I always make a double batch (that is all that will fit in my mixer bowl - if I want more I make a second double batch) - they get eaten quickly.

Check Your Craisins

2011-12-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

After posting my recipe for Cranberry Nut Bread, my friend Christine sent me this recall notice. I wanted to pass it on to you so if you are planning to make the delicious cranberry bread you can do so safely, after checking your Craisins.

Thank you Christine, for helping make us safe. Do pop over and visit her - she has a fabulous blog and some terrific quilt patterns, for blocks and for quilts. A truly wonderful lady!

Now back to our regularly scheduled holiday baking.

Cranberry-Nut Bread - made with dried cranberries

2011-11-12T17:59:00.001-08:00

1cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

zest of one orange

2 eggs

2/3 cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)

1/3 c fresh squeezed orange juice (from the lemon you zested)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside.

In a large bowl stir together the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, cranberrries and chopped nuts.

In small bowl beat eggs with a fork; stir in milk, orange zest and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Add the orange juice at this time.

Spread in loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Wrap and store overnight before slicing - if you can wait that long.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day - and a special time. When there all elevens in date or time - it is a time for fairies and angels to be about. Be watching for them. I am posting this at 11:11 a.m. - more fairies - the more the merrier. And two more times today we'll have a similar sequence of numbers - at 1:11 p.m. and again at 11:11 p.m., with 1:11 a.m. having already occurred while most of us were sleeping.

Today is a good day to begin something - elevens are a doorway into possibilities. They represent idealism, refinement of ideals, intuition, revelation, artistic and inventive genius. Now is the time to start on that new project, begin planning something big, or make majestic strides in an already planned activity. Write yourself a list of things you want to accomplish before the end of the year - there is time to accomplish much, with the help of 11-11-11 and you own fairies and angels.

And watch for fairies and spirits - they are all about and ready to help us in our endeavors. Do you often look at the clock at 11:11? Fairies and angels are about!! This sequence is a sign that there is a gateway of opportunity opening up - a doorway to possibilities. It is an opportunity for abundance of love in our world - let's all join hands and show love on this special day. And let's take some time for meditating, for we are about to accomplish great things!

Back from West Virginia

2011-11-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful two weeks in West Virginia visiting Rusty, Jamie and our newest grandson Donnie. The weather was wonderful - except for one or two rainy days, they live in a charming, big 100 year old house. I'm still not sure just how many rooms are in the house - but it is three stories tall - so there are lots. I do love old houses, and this one is a charmer.

We took driving tours, visited with Jamie's family, went out to eat, and - played with Donnie. He is the most charming little boy. Just 4 1/2 months old, he laughs and smiles all the time - I've never seen such a smiley baby.

Oh pictures - you want pictures? OK Remember - you did ask.

Donnie and Grampy, both wearing their logger shirts . . .

Donnie and Daddy . . .

And of course we had to take some pictures in his Santa suit for their Christmas card.

I had so much fun taking pictures of Donnie. We would pile up outfits and change him into a new outfit after we had taken a lot of pictures. He never complained one bit about all the clothes changing - and was smiling and happy all the time. He is so adorable.

It was hard to leave WV and come home - but we'll go back again, soon I hope, and hopefully they will get to come out for a visit in the summer.

Photos Taken By Ben

2011-11-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

One day this summer we had a picnic at Ben's house - and he used my camera and took pictures of his cat, Zoe.

And Grammy had to take one picture of Ben . . .

Sunset At Lake Padden

2011-10-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

Another post from summer. We have a favorite lake in Bellingham, it is right in town and has no houses on it. It is a city park and is preserved just for outdoor activities. There are horse trails, hiking trails, baseball diamonds, benches with fabulous views, a swimming beach, a big play area for kids and lots of spots for picnics. No motor boats are allowed on the lake.

It is a popular spot for kayakers . . . click to enlarge and you will see how the new camera caught the flying water droplets from the paddle . . .

The sun was beginning to set - and the view through the woods
around the lake was spectacular . . .

I wiggle the camera a little - but I like the look of this shot. It seems enchanted.

The reflected sunlight on the trees made them look like they were on fire . . .

As the sun set over the lake - the moon came out . . .

Tiny, far away moon . . .

Hello moon . . .

Oh - I am overjoyed - I've wanted good close up pictures of the moon for so long . . .

And as it got darker - the pictures got better . . .

Good night moon!

What We Do On A Friday Night

2011-10-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

On most any Friday night we take my cameras, a picnic supper and head for the bay. Usually it is the Alaska Ferry terminal, to watch the final loading of the cars and watch the ferry depart. We see a lot of interesting things on the bay . . .

Like this guy walking on water . . .

Up close with the new camera we see that he is on paddle board - he stands on that - and rarely falls in - as he paddles about on the bay . . . that new camera comes in handy when you can't see something clearly and think it is a miracle happening right before your eyes.

There are always kayaks on the bay . . .

Close up of a kayak . . .

Two guys in a boat - let's zoom up and see what they are doing . . .

Oh - going to put out some crab pots . . .

Sailing along on the bay . . .

Closer . . .

This guy is working hard - guess he has to pay his passage some way . . .

A little boat on the bay . . . and look at town off in the distance . . .

With a seagull floating nearby - the things you can see with a good camera . . .

Did you look at town in that picture above? This is a close up . . .

There is the bow of the ferry - with a little sailboat in the bay . . .

There - that's better - we can see the boat so clearly . . .

And we look at clouds on Friday nights . . .

Here comes a little black boat . . .

The captain is up top . . .

Can you bear another boat far away?

And up close?

Oh- very close - enjoying your boat ride are you?

We really enjoy our Friday nights in the summer at the ferry terminal. We go in the winter too - but there aren't so many boats out then.

2011 scenery - 9-18-11 ferries and boars

There Are Strange Things in the Woods

2011-10-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

While driving around Lake Sammish this summer we came across these creatures . . .

I'm not sure if they are hitchhiking or showing the way . . .

The whole family of creatures is here . . .

Mama and the kids . . .

I hope this isn't one of Santa's reindeer . . .

And then we came upon this ROCK wall . . .

You never know when you'll need a good rock in this scary woods . . .

North Cascades National Park

2011-10-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Summer was so wonderful this year - though short, so we took advantage of any good weekend weather and took a day trip. This trip was to Cascades National Park, north and east of Bellingham. We had a gloriously sunny day - perfect temperature too.

On the way we stopped at this farm and took pictures of the poppy garden . . .

Amazing flowers . . .

People used wood pieces in unusual ways in their yards - this crooked limb
made a perfect plant hanger . . .

Another plant hanger . . .

The rocks in Washington are stunning . . .

You can see how massive this rock wall is when compared to our car . . .

Driving along the Skagit River. . .

The river changed at every turn - each view more spectacular . . .

Look out - tunnel ahead - why didn't they warn me?

Light at the end of the tunnel . . .

This was our view while we ate our picnic lunch . . .

Giant cedar trees along the river . . .

Rocks and waterfalls at the dam . . .

And the river again . . .

Scenic mountain views were everywhere . . .

A mountain in the distance . . .

And close-up with the new camera . . .

A unique mountain top - love that zoom !

A day spent in the mountains is so refreshing to the body and soul . . .

Going to Baker Lake Part Two

2011-10-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

I love the white bark on the trees along the road . . .

The rocks are impressive along the hiway . . .

A tunnel of trees in the sunshine. . .

We drove along the quiet side of the river - it was a longer drive, but we could stop
for pictures without having a lot of traffic behind us . . .

The river was full and flowing fast . . .

There was Pearly Everlasting growing all along the road so
I had to stop and pick some for drying . . .

And Grampa Bear had to help me. He is wearing his Oshkosk B'Gosh overalls (bought in Oshkosh, WI), so he feels he should help with the "farming"

Back home Grampa Bear is planning our next trip - and drinking my milkshake . . .

Going to Baker Lake Part One

2011-10-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

This summer we took a day trip to Baker Lake , near Cascades National Park.

The day was bright and sunny as we set out on our drive . . .

Puffy clouds everywhere . . .

I love this little hill in a field . . .

Sometimes we would stop for a picture - but many times I got these shots out the window - at 50 mph - love the technology these days!!!

Arriving at Sedro Woolley - we didn't stop - but just long enough at a stop light for this sign - with clouds . . .

The trees along the way were gorgeous - we enjoyed the nice summer weather . . .

Next we came to a town named Concrete - yes - Concrete, WA. The town had several names, but in 1908 when work was being done on the dams in the area, they changed the name to Concrete - because the Superior Portland Cement Company had built their plant there - to supply concrete for the dams.

Today it is a tiny town, with a scanty business district. This fabulous sign points to many businesses, but when we went looking for them, found most had closed. I asked one resident where we could get a sandwich in town and he said that we would have to go to the next town, back down the way we had come to Concrete.

The carvings on the sign are fabulous !

I'm not sure what this building is now - it says Police Department over the door - but the signs show that a thrift store had recently been here. The painting is wonderful of the valley and river.

An old log planter on the sidewalk outside two closed businesses. . .

I was excited to find a quilt shop - until I got to the door - and it said
"Open by appointment" and didn't give a phone number for calling the owner.
I guess everyone in town knows who to call. . .

At last - Baker Lake. We had driven up in sunshine, but as we got farther
into the mountains it got colder and cloudier.

This was the view from our picnic shelter. It was beginning to rain . . .

Grampa Bear was excited, waiting for his food. . .

He finally got Dons sandwich - bears get very hungry this time of year . . .

Two very nice ladies drove up and came to share our picnic shelter,
so Grampa Bear had to show off a little bit . . .

Mt. Baker is behind those clouds - they were moving fast!

You see a little of the snowy mountain peeking through . . .

A little more . . .

This was the best shot all day - through the rain and clouds - Mt. Baker is one of the most impressive mountains I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot of mountains.

Driving back down from the lake the moss on the trees was incredible . . .

A little house that used to be home to a Park Ranger. . .

Elk herds are often seen here - but not today . . .

The road home - it was getting warmer and sunnier as we drove south - to be continued . . .

Vintage Tablecloth

2011-10-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

I do love vintage embroidered linens. We went to an estate sale down the street and I found this tablecloth. There was lots of other things at the sale - but nothing else that I wanted.

The embroidery is perfectly done and in wonderful condition . . .

I later found out that these tablecloths had belonged to the grandmother a young man that we hired to do our lawns this summer. I am happy to have something that belonged to his grandmother.

Sunset On The Bluffs Above the Bay

2011-10-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

This is one of our favorite picnic spots - and recently we were driving past just at Sunset and I got some fabulous pictures . . .

I caught this little plane flying off to the islands . . .

The colors were glorious !

Then as we drove back towards home we noticed the colors changing
and become more dramatic . . .

So we pulled into a parking lot and were stunned by the colors . . .

I could have taken a thousand pictures - it was an amazing evening!

Flowers In The Rain

2011-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Autumn rains have started - and the flowers are getting a nice soaking.

Tiny Alyssum is just at its peak as the rains begin . . .

It drips it little petals all over the cleat on the deck (it is just for decoration - we don't really tie our boat up to the deck)

My little rose bushes. I bought these in small pots for Easter table decorations, then planted them outdoors in a big planter and they went crazy.

Then the rains came . . .

There is hardly anything prettier than raindrops on flowers . . .

Pretty yellow roses with raindrops. . .

The pink geraniums are getting a nice Autumn shower . . .

And the Fuchsia are finally blooming . . .

They love the cooler Autumn temperatures . . .

And one leaf on the deck, to remind us that summer is gone . . .

Birds, Flowers and Our New Deck - New Camera

2011-10-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful summer - very short - almost didn't get here - but it was fabulous while it was here. This is one of my favorite views of our new deck. Now that the weather has become chilly we are not spending time out there - but we enjoyed it almost every night during the summer.

The petunieas were fabulous in the deck railing planters. Some were ruffled . . .

And some were plain - I'd never seen the two kinds together before . . .

While at the bay one day I spotted this seagull on a lamp post . . .

Got a close up of him with my new camera . . .

And a super close up . . .

Isn't he pretty - sitting there and posing for me?

Thanks, seagull!

A New Camera - Lots of Fun With Flowers

2011-10-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

While we were at Zuanich Park on that summer day, I got some wonderful pictures of the landscaping around the harbor . . .

Grasses along the sidewalks in the harbor . . .

Close up of grasses . . .

So many pretty flowers . . .

White Coneflower . . .

And so many Pink Coneflowers . . .

It was certainly a great year all over town, for Black Eyed Susan . . .

Come closer and have a look . . .

Really close . . .

I don't know what these are - but they sure are pretty . . .

Another ConeFlower I suspect.

And when we got home I just had to take a picture of my one lone tomato blossom - it never set fruit and the plants are long gone now - but the memory of summer lingers on . . .