Blue wood

Yes, I've been playing with the iPhone apps again.

A lovely walk

Today was a delight. The sun decided to visit.

I enjoyed a brisk walk downtown




I love these cement bridges.



The other side of the street.




What is this all about? Anyone? It's facing the wrong way on a one way street.




I love these berries. No idea what they are.




A tidy yard. I expect the lavender will be wonderful.

Giving Thanks

Thanks for...

Those peeps in my life I couldn't do without. My hub, my kids, my family, my friend Trice, my pals, my Bob and Cha Cha, my funny and wonderful co-workers....

The places I love. Home, living so close to the mountains and the beach, living in a city small enough that when I complain about the traffic I've obviously had a bad day 'cause it's nothing, living near a city big enough that I can get a little turned around in walking the ups and downs of the city blocks, going to wonderful restaurants, massive book stores.

The stuff. New recipes, my guinea pig pals who try the new recipes, discovering new restaurants, the blogging world, warm socks, lovely candles, good books, sour cream horseradish dip and plain potato chips, fat robins, fresh flowers, long days filled with sunshine, spring.

And right at this moment, I'm thankful for my cup of coffee, my blanket and this warm fire.

Happy Thanksgiving.

It's early and I still need to go to the store for some sweetened condensed milk to make my Thanksgiving contribution. Yumkins.

Red Shoes

She wore red shoes on the big day.

Salemites

I'm a second generation Salemite. My kids are the third generation. That's counting those in my family that were born here. If we're talking just growing up in Salem, then add another generation to the tally.

Nothing brings perspective than recalling the past for my children. There are stories to be told which hearken back to my grandfather's days.

One of my favorite stories involves Bush's pasture (not park) and some devious young boys and their experiments with smoking. The story goes that my grandfather, his brothers and friends were off sneaking a cigarette in Bush's pasture, one thing led to another and ended with a small brush fire. Nothing serious.

There are many other stories, as my father didn't fall far from the tree when it came to the devious department.

This recent nostalgia stems from my observations while driving through downtown on many a night. I can see the change and I love it.

I love the people milling about. I love the activity. I love the sense of community. I know it's no Portland or Seattle but something is brewing and it's wonderful.

I can't claim the same lineage when it comes to blogging as I'm a virtual baby of this world.  But it appears the Salem blogging community is becoming just as vibrant as our downtown core. If you haven't yet, please check out the Salemites blog. This is a hub of some of the Salem area bloggers.

Take a try at the periodic trivia contests.



Join Today!

Memories of Spring

Lavender smells divine.

Olinger - End of an era?

Recent news has noted the unknown future for Olinger pool.




I have memories of crossing the bridge out front and paying the nominal fee to go swimming as a small child. I remember the hard mesh clothes hangers that you could rent. Was it a quarter?




These days I'm back as a parent catching the tail end of my son's high school swim practice. But not for long. His practices are slated to be moved over to the Kroc Center very soon.

The Kroc Center is beautiful. Beautiful.

I will miss Olinger though.

Secret Pleasures...

I can't explain it but I love Waffle House.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Options

Thanksgiving is coming. What is a vegetarian to do? Do I care? 

I enjoy and gladly gobble up that big turkey bird every year. Alas, a good friend and many family members don't share my love for the carnage.

This recent post by Food in Jars looks perfect for those looking for some original T Day options.  Thanksgiving Favorites

Not only is there a Brined Turkey recipe there are also some tasty, interesting recipes for the veg in your life. I think the Napa Cabbage Gratin and Yumpkins are on my to-do list

Enjoy!

My Perfect Breakfast

I love good bagels.

I love cheese and jalapeño bagels.

I love open-faced tomato sandwiches.

Presto-Chango

Open-faced cheese jalapeño bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes and salt & pepper. Plus a touch of parsley-garlic spice.

Perfect.



I love you.