That We May Awaken To A New Day

Heavenly Father, our eyes have, at all times, been bent upon the dayspring of Thy loving-kindness, and our faces set towards the fountainhead of Thine inspiration. Rain down, then, upon us from the clouds of Thy mercy what beseemeth the heaven of Thy bounteousness and grace, that we may awaken to a new day. (Painting by Maxfield Parrish)

Very Deep, Dark Forest - Hood Canal

We went for a two hour hike today in an old growth forest - just look at that cedar tree! I couldn't see the top of it, it was so high up. The air here is magnificent! It is so fresh...

Resting On The Trail - Hood Canal

When we left for our hike, I had on 4 layers, including mittens and a scarf. By the time we finished our climb, I'd stripped down to my t-shirt. It was misting here, but the tree cover took most of the moisture. Everything was dripping - the ferns, the moss, the evergreens. I was mighty glad for this little bench, as I was quite 'winded'.

The Two Medicine - Glacier, Montana

The Moods of Glacier Park

This is Bubbie Dear and Oldeupher climbing in Glacier. She says, "This day we were camped at Many Glacier. The next day the campsite was closed down until spring. "

This time of year the Park sees few visitors and a real sense of isolation could easily overwhelm one---unless the Park is your friend. "

I like to think that a mountain wants you to see it in all its moods, even the monochromatic ones! In winter's chill you can't be distracted by lots of color...you're too busy feeling gusty wind, raw cold, ironic sunshine! And there's nothing like coming "inside" to have a warm cup of coffee! "

All The Little Lives

My sister says,"When I'm an old lady in a nursing home, looking at my photographs of Glacier Park, my mind's eye will not be searching out the grand panoramic shots. My favorite moments in nature have always been the revelations at my feet. Of course, there's a bit of a lesson here. One must watch where one is going!"

"The grand vista can take one's breath away. But such an expanse leaves me wondering where I fit in? When I observe the ordinary and mundane right at my own feet, I see its awesome appeal. I get to feel like one little leaf, one little rock must---and instantly I'm a part of it all."

Ruhiyyih In A Holiday Spirit

Ruhiyyih's role in the family this last 26 years has been "the party planner". She does everything - the calling, the decorations, baking, cooking ... you name it. Parties just don't happen unless she is in the mix.

Oh Yes, A Slinky and a Speak 'N' Spell

What ever they got, they shared. And, would I love to go back 20 years ago and give them more big squeezes? Most definitely so! Rahmat, the quiet one, on the left; Taraz, Mr. Hyper-Active, on the right. (Thanks to Bubbie for photos).

Doorways - Fort Flagler - Washington

We had every intention of canoeing during our Christmas weekend, but strong winds and rain prevented that. We went exploring, and drove up north to old Fort Flagler. It rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound, with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Many historic old buildings still stand at this 19th century-established military fort. I walked around, photographing the old paint, latches and doors, as well as the old military gun-batteries built into the earth. Take a few moments, scroll down, and catch glimpses of Puget Sound.

Exploring the Past at Fort Flagler

This old building at Fort Flagler was completely abandoned. I walked around the porch. Even the pigeons, whose droppings were under the eves, had vanished. The wind was blowing, not a soul was in sight - not a welcoming place. George drove around, while I explored.

Ancient Hinges and Doorways

I love old paint, especially when it shows weather and is peeling. The buildings at Fort Flagler had many coats of old paint, and needed another.

Old Mortar Battery and Old Paint

Storms Pounding Puget Sound

We drove around the south end of Indian Island, to do a little hiking, then drove down to Mystery Bay. When the weather is better we'll come back here for a paddle.

We listened to Garrison Keillor on "Prairie Home Companion". His shows are always part of our trips; this was his Christmas lineup:

"This weekend we'll gather East and West in a joyful Christmas broadcast from the Town Hall in New York City. With special guests: the legendary Blues singer Odetta, three brilliant voices from the Metropolitan and New York City Operas—Janez Lotric and Jennifer Rivera. Also featuring Czech father and daughter duo, Stanislav and Kristina Kotyza. And from the Ukraine, the Paulishyn sisters—ages eleven and thirteen—accompanied by Alla Kutsevych on the amazing Bandura (the national instrument of Ukraine). All of this, plus the Royal Academy of Radio Acting, The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band with Andy Stein, and the News from Lake Wobegon. "

She's Ready! And, She's Been Good!

We stopped to visit my daughter-in-law, Annie today, to drop off our gifts and some goodies. This is my grand-daughter, Daisy, and I can assure Santa that she has been good ..... (Can you tell I'm a proud grandma?)

All The Widdle Birds In Heaven Sing Sing Sing

"Every little swallow, every chickadee
Every little bird in the tall oak tree
The wise old owl, the big black crow
Flapping them wings sayin' go bird go.... " Rockin' Robin"
That's what I was humming when I helped Rahmat move all his stuff into his new apartment - into the Walker Building. He's flyin' the coop!

His is the only studio apartment that has ornate window boxes, and you can see him peeking out of his closet window - the other windows are the main room and kitchen nook. WE plan on putting geraniums in pots up there - he plans to take good care of them.

The top photo is of the parakeets in two cages in the loby; the other photo is the old, formal front entrance that leads into a foyer, then a lobby. He will spend his first night alone in his new home tonight. I'll be taking a tin of chocolate chip cookies and banana bread over to him tomorrow, as a home-warming gift.

Rahmat Looking Down From On High

But Wait, I Can Get It Cheaper At...

We had to take advantage of the holiday sales at Target, where Rahmat got a microwave, toaster, and blender. Then, we drove over to the Goodwill, where he got a nice easy chair, then a pole lamp at K-Mart, and groceries at Fred Meyer. I would have taken him to the dollar store to load up on a few plates and silverware...but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

He and I have very different shopping styles - I make lists, and prioritize so I get the important stuff first, before I give out. He is more impulsive and distracted. If I hadn't been there, he would have purchased most of the non-essentials before he even thought about what he was going to sleep on. Fortunately, he is open to suggestions, and took my advice most of the time - it's all a learning thing. For example, when we were in the grocery store, he went to buy a $1.50 avacado. I said, "Are you sure you want to spend $1.50 for one ounce of fiber? You've got to peel off the skin, then remove the huge seed...what's left?" He put it back!

OH! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Now, repeat after me: I will have a - CHEERFUL DISPOSITION. (thanks to Oldeupher for the photos)

Learning To Replace A Button

My son, Taraz, is 22, and learning how to .....sew! Not that he is good with needle and thread, but, he's got to replace 3 buttons on his coat if he wants to wear it this winter. We went over to Hancock Fabrics, and he found buttons to match the one that remained on his coat. Now, I will show him, only once, how to securely wrap the thread around a sewn button. While checking out the buttons, I checked out the embroidery yarn, pictured above.

Holiday Shopping With My Son

My son, Taraz, and I headed over to Ross's to check out holiday gifts - that place was packed with shoppers. We like the place because it always has nice bargans, reasonable prices. And, their glassware and china is great. We've bought several large ornate vases here that you'd think belonged in a museum. Just gorgeous. And, well, Taraz enjoys adding another teapot to his collection.