Dreaming What Ifs...

Something Fishy on the 4th

We spent the 4th of July way up in Northern Washington (a few miles from the Canadian border) visiting my dad and step-mom.  They live in a small community, right on the Puget Sound, surrounded by the Lummi Indian Reservation.  All fireworks are legal....yes, L.E.G.A.L.  No holds barred.  It was a spectacular show, as almost every single neighbor let off a light show worthy of Disneyland. 

When we drove home on Sunday, I asked my two oldest what their favorite moment was over the weekend.  I figured they'd mention the fireworks or Grandpa's mini cannon (which is loud enough to shake a house and take my breath away).

"Fishing"  was their prompt answer.

 
Jammin' had already caught a crab and two of the bullheads.   As you can see from her expression, Buttercup was just as excited when a fish tugged on her line.

Those two couldn't be prouder.  They've already asked Dave to take them out again.  He's planning their next fishing event.

When I asked about the fireworks they quickly agreed those had been a favorite too.   But for some reason fishing sticks with a person. 

Big Girl Moment

I've been quite busy the past week working on projects galore.  (painting, Flat Peanut, cousin birthday parties, Mafia Wars, Scrabble games, and more - which I will blog about in due course).  But, we had ONE huge event that needs to be told:

The Training Wheels were Removed!

At 5-1/2 she was ready and it was past time.  Buttercup wants to keep up with her big brother.  Those training wheels hold her back.

It was a bit dicey at times....

It was a little hairy at times.....

But in the end - she was successful! 

Go Buttercup Go - there is nothing holding you back now.

Kids and Chickens

"Hey Mom, I could hold three, see?"

"Please give one to your brother, okay?  I want a picture with both of you holding one."

"Okay, say 'Cheese' or 'Chicken' or whatever else, but hold still."

"Why is the baby crying?"    OH - He wants a chicken too

"Okay, Buttercup, put the chicken down....you've tormented her enough."

"Run Lilly Run!  Run for your life!"

Mail Call Sunday Post #9

  Even while on vacation, the postcards kept coming.  It was nice to come home to a few!

OH - and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TODAY TOO!

From Russia, Ann sends her 2nd Postcrossing postcard (ever) of the Novodevitchly Monastery. She says this place has many famous people buried there.  I wonder if I know who any of them are - especially considering they are all probably famous Russians.

I was very honored to receive this postcard from Lithuania.  This was the sender's very first Postcrossing postcard - AND he is only 15 years old.  He lives in Alytus which is the largest city in Southern Lithuania.  (about 65,000 people).

 

Laurent sends greetings from Sydney, Australia - with the hopes that I'll send him a postcard in return of some lighthouses in Oregon.  I've got to get on that!

Cindi says this postcard shows the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Oklahoma.  Wow.

Surprise - another card from Finland - Kuopio, a little town by the shore.  The sender is a collector of everything cycling.  She recently took an ecology-tour of Russia.  Sounds intriguing.

Altered Books - Post #7

When Connie's book arrived at my house, I realized that when I complete my page, I will only have two more books to alter until I receive my book back.  TWO MORE BOOKS until the Round Robin is complete!  I can't wait.

I've been reading Connie's blog, Far Side of Fifty and have enjoyed lurking.  I comment on occasion.  She owns a cute Border Collie and has lots of cool plants.

The book she chose to alter was filled with "Fifty-Two Worship Programs".  I am assuming it to be some type of book for a Pastor or Bible-study leader.  There are sections on Reverence, Loyalty, Honesty, and more.  I chose the chapter on Forgiveness to alter.  There was a quote by George Washington that struck me:

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.  True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. 

The book goes on to suggest that being a good friend means forgiving.  There was more, of course, that involved Jesus and God - but....that quote got me to thinking of my best friend, Vee.  We've been friends for almost 15 years and although we only get to see each other a handful of times a year - we talk on a weekly basis.  (don't tell my husband those talks usually run a couple of hours!)  I am intimate with just a few people and Vee is one of those true friends.  We know each other so well.  I love her as a sister and true friendship FORGIVES.  We rarely piss each other off, but if we do say something out-of-line, both of us are quick to forgive the other.  (and more importantly, forget the instance as well).

So, back to Connie's book - I was amazed at the beautiful artwork inside.  For some reason this book has inspired everyone.  The quality inside really awed me.  All the books have been beautiful, but this one just seems especially so. 

Two more books to go and then I can finally show off all my handiwork!

 

Side note:  This is Connie's title page - she actually folded over pages of the book to create this unique design.  (I've blurred out any personal information). 

The Middle of Nowhere

Driving along Highway 78 (the Steens Highway) in the South Eastern section of Oregon is much like the beginning of a Horror Movie:  A family vehicle traveling down a lonely desert highway.  The only signs of life are the turkey vultures floating above in the sky searching for a meal.  After 30 some miles there is a realization that there hasn't been another car seen since the turn-off at Burns Junction from Highway 95. 

So, we did what everyone in a Horror Movie does - pulled over and got out of the car.

But there was no horror - just extreme quiet and the sound of a Meadowlark off in the distance. 

   

And we were glad there was no horror in the shape of car trouble....because after sitting there for 15 minutes we finally saw a motorcycle who slowed down to make sure we had no problems....and then he sped off again at top speed.  We didn't see another car for a very long time.  It would have been a 33 mile (53 km) trek to the next town; a long lonely walk down a dark desert highway.