December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

Nothing says Christmas like a little Shane, Kirsty and the boys.


All the best to you and yours.

November 28, 2010

and More Gift Ideas - 2010

Mas. Mehr. Mer. Daha.

More.

Zinc Outdoor Thermometer


Cute. Love it. From terrain.

::

Faded Floral Hottie


Yes it is a UK site but I still love it. Toast.

::

Dandelion Necklace


From the site Twig.

::

.... and then almost anything from buyolympia.com. And make some time to check out land located on North Mississippi Ave in Portland.

::

Local apple goodness can be had online at Wandering Aengus Ciderworks.



I recently went for a tasting of their wonderful cider up in the way out west hills location outside of Salem. I learned that their last tasting at this location is scheduled for next weekend (December 3rd & 4th) and I hear there will be a Groupon coming out that sounds wonderful. They are slated to have another tasting event in January (7th & 8th) at their new location in Salem. If you are unable to make it to the tastings and would like to try their cider (I <3 Bloom and Wanderlust) then purchase some online or locally at Lifesource Natural Foods.

Have fun.

November 27, 2010

More Gift Ideas - 2010

More gift ideas for the coming exchanges. Be prepared.

Keyhole Flats


I love these. So simple yet yummy. Made by Molly Puzo from Long Beach, CA and sold in her Etsy shop - HydraHeart

::

Fox on a Bike


A bit of whimsy. Fun t-shirts can be had at Dark Cycle Clothing on Etsy.

::

Shadow Play


I can envision a little girl sitting on her bed looking at this print on the wall and just thinking. Imagining. Wondering, is it possible?

Delightful prints from Ella MacKay. Her Etsy shop is theaterclouds

::

The Swimmers


This could be a picture from my youth. A 13 x 19 print from local artist Lisa Golightly on her etsy site kikiandpolly.

Also peruse her website - kikiandpolly.com, where you could order a custom piece. I am partial to her line portraits.

More options.
More fun.

Enjoy.

I think I might have another sliver of pie. Ciao.

November 21, 2010

Gift Ideas - 2010

Once again I will assemble a few links to gift ideas for the upcoming holiday exhanges.

The Redhead


It is a giclee print of an original acrylic and pencil illustration from Kat Hannah.


:::


2011 CD Case Desk Calendar


A wonderful desk calendar with fun illustrations from a local Portland artist/graphic designer. Alex Winjen

::

Funny Joke


A lovely art print by Tali. tushtush on Etsy

::

Help with Luggage


Another art print. I own one of Sophie Blackall's prints. Love it. This one struck me. ~ half asian girl

::

Swept Away


Another print. I've already purchased this for someone on my holiday gift list. Artist is Kelly Place. kad0081 on Etsy.

<3 the Avett Brothers.

::

And finally.

Eye Chart Cork Necklace


Lovely necklaces from a designer from New Jersey, Catherine Ivens. uncorked on Etsy.

Enjoy!

November 4, 2010

Croon and Swoon - Salem Art Association Holiday Gala 2010





Check out the Salem Art Association's Holiday Gala on November 12th from 6:00-9:00pm.

martini bar
40's costume contest
big band music
art
handmade gifts

Sounds like a fun evening at the Bush Barn.

Croon and Swoon.

October 31, 2010

Fall - Halloween, Minto Brown Island, Dog Park and Pumpkins

Happy Halloween.

I plan on sitting by the fire tending the doorbell while the spooks and ghouls chant their mantra.

Trick or Treat!

My own three ghouls will be scattered about, one helping with the door and the other two making any excuse they can to go on their own trick or treat trek.

How old is too old? We don't have an age limit here. It's all about fun.

I still need to buy the candy and can't decide whether to get what I like or what I don't like. You know the dilemma. Right? Hmmm.




On another note, I have decided that fall is pretty nice, especially when there is a reprieve from the rain.




These pics were taken at Minto Brown Island park.

Whenever I see a car driving down River Road with a dog in it I know it's a happy dog. You know it knows it's getting close to the dog park. If it could talk I think it would be chanting, "DOG PARK. I'm going to the dog park. Hey, we're getting close to the dog park. Dog park. I can smell the dog park! Dog park, dog park, dog park. Oh my God, DOG PARK!"




Enjoy the day. Our pumpkins are out and ready to be lit.







Oh yeah, that kid of mine is a charmer. :)

Happy Halloweenie!

October 29, 2010

Ghostly Spectre

I love Halloween but am usually too wrapped up in life to do anything about it. Kind of like a mummy. Ha.  (Bad, I know.)


Anyway, while perusing the web I came across a website which linked to another website which featured the following craft. I think it looks fabulous.

It is from the blog.... Everyday is a Crafting Day!

copyright of Everyday by Tuesdee
Head to the link for this craft project and get it done before the big day. A Floating Ghost

I plan on making one or two or three.

October 26, 2010

October 4, 2010

Liberty Apples


Mmm. Tart and tasty Liberty.

ADDITION:

Okay, I've gotten a few inquiries as to where I get these Liberty apples. I buy my local apples from my local natural food store, Lifesource who happens to sell the organic apples grown in Silverton, Oregon at the Austin Farm. I joined a group from Friends of Salem Saturday Market on a tour of Austin Farm earlier this year. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Neil and Marian are delightful people and grow delightful apples.

Austin Farms also grows and sells my new all time favorite apple, the Wynoochee.
Mmmmm.

So, next year during apple season, check out these local apple delights.

September 20, 2010

Book Review: Ruined: A Novel by Paula Morris

Another book review ~ by Sara

So what might you read after you read a fluffy but pleasing fantasy romance? Well, I chose a tween ghost story set in post-Katrina New Orleans. I'm talking about Ruined: A Novel by Paula Morris. The premise is a girl is uprooted from her New York life to go live with her aunt and cousin in New Orleans while her father is on a business trip. Rebecca, our girl, does not fit into her new school because she is an "outsider," and the story really gets moving when she sneaks into the local graveyard one night, following the popular kids. There she meet her first friend in the area, Lisette. You guessed it - Lisette is a ghost and is part of the mysterious curse afflicting the local community.

I had wanted to read this book since I stumbled on it while flitting around Amazon. I thought the cover was just the right amount of creepy and pretty. Plus, who doesn't like a ghost story? In this case, the ghostly elements were reached quickly and moved along at a good clip. The characters were likeable if a little lacking in dimension, and the story was good if a little predictable. As with many ghost stories, the ghost was the best part. Lisette's story was-by far-the most interesting. It helped that I wasn't just handed Lisette's story. I was introduced to the other players in the community first and got an idea of how their value system works. Strangely, the values were more complicated by history than simply by socioeconomic factors. In addition to the expected parts of the story, the author manages a tidy insertion of some New Orleans history. For the most part, this history was slipped into the narrative with very few ripples, and I only occasionally felt like the author was trying to tell me this or that. It was a nice change of pace from vampires, werewolves, wizards, and the more urban things that go bump in the night.

I would recommend Ruined: A Novel--with a couple of warnings. This ghost story is not very chilling. The scenes involving danger are either far in the past or presented in a way that leads you to believe nothing bad will really happen. On the positive side, at least for me, the teen angst and "coming of age" elements often found when your lead is sixteen and interested in a boy are happily limited. This book is very suitable for a younger reader or anyone with squeamish sensibilities. For light reading, this is an excellent choice. If you want to be scared, try something else.

September 16, 2010

Super Stylie Specs at Glance

I think I need to get me some of these stylie specs from Glance Eyeglasses.




Check 'em out.

Glance Eyeglasses
330 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301
503.399.9090

September 12, 2010

A Rose

I love this coral pink rose in a sea of green.




My backyard.

September 11, 2010

My Three Kids


One is peeking.
One is sleeping.
One is smiling.

My three kids. <3

September 10, 2010

September 9, 2010

Memories from the Oregon State Fair 2010

This year my middle child won big on the "shoot the red star" game.

Two Jumbo prizes.

My jaw dropped in shock as he came loping up with his massive sacks of booty. He was so proud. So cute. (He's still only 14, I can say that 'cause he doesn't read this blog. Nor do his friends.)




My favorite part of the fair is the animals.

Every year.
Love them.














My favorite ride of the fair is, and always has been, The Swing.


September 8, 2010

Ming Makes Cupcakes

I am mesmerized by these cupcakes.

They look scrumptious. 

I want to make cupcake 23


and......

cupcake 31


Check out Ming's site. Ming Makes Cupcakes

September 4, 2010

Relaxing at Clockworks

I've found a new spot to sit back and enjoy a little pot of tea here in Salem.

Clockworks Cafe and Cultural Center.




Clockworks is located in downtown Salem on Commercial St. It is in a large building with lots of wooden tables, couches, and comfortable armchairs. I've already found my favorite spot.

The tea is wonderful. They serve Smith Tea. In addition, they serve Stumptown Coffee for those hankering for some caffeine and have a variety of sweets and sandwiches. No beer or wine though.

I've had their veggie sandwich which was no Queen of Tarts veggie sandwich but tasty all the same. It was served on Dave's Killer Bread with some chips.

Unfortunately I have not yet made it down for their evening events but am determined to make that happen. There are a variety of classes scheduled for just about every day of the week.

Wander in.
Take a seat.
Give it a whirl.

So here's my gripe. I love the steampunk vibe but if you're gonna have all those clocks at least make sure they work. Tick tock.

Oh yeah. Free wifi too.

Clockworks Cafe and Cultural Center
241 Commercial St, Salem, OR
ph: 503-339-7573

August 31, 2010

Portland Timbers

Soccer.

Next year the Portland Timbers will be an official MLS club.

Soccer.

Next year we will be attending those MLS matches in Portland.

Soccer.

Next year you should too.

So much fun!

Soccer.









August 29, 2010

Family Gathering

Forty six years ago two amazing people walked down the aisle to say 'I do'.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Last night we had a family gathering to celebrate their amazing, and never boring, life together.


Good people.
Good food.
Good times.













I love family gatherings.

Again, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I love you.

August 8, 2010

Simple Slaw

My foray back into cooking started with a simple slaw with vegetables from my CSA share.




Cabbage
Carrots
Onions
Green Pepper
JalapeƱo

Rice wine vinegar
Citrus olive oil
Sprinkling of sugar
Dash of pepper
Tiniest bit of salt

Finely chop, grate, slice the veg and place in a bowl. I used half a head of cabbage, a quarter of a medium white onion, two carrots, a green pepper, and a quarter jalapeƱo. Sprinkle with about three tablespoons of vinegar and a tiny pinch of salt. Mix. Rest. Let the salt cause the cabbage to wilt slightly. Add about a tablespoon of good citrus olive oil and a sprinkle of sugar. Mix. Chill. Eat.

Enjoy.




August 4, 2010

Venti's Cafe

Venti's has come up with a recipe that works for Salem. Teriyaki, vegetarian options, healthful, whole ingredients and finally a diverse and fun, ever-changing selection of beers.

Their move to a new location, in my opinion, was the right one. The larger space makes for an even more varied and diverse crowd. Venti's is a place where you can sit and leisurely have a bowl of goodness all the while see a variety of tattoos, bike shorts (and shirts) or business attire.




Some of my favorite food items are:

Thai Peanut Bowl (with cabbage salad and ginger)
Boulder Bowl (corn chips, who would a'thought?)
Teriyaki Chicken
Mezza Plate
Salmon Salad (currently a special)
and of course both types of fries - sweet potato AND regular

The new location has added the -Basement Bar. What a fun, local hangout. A wide selection of unique beers are available as well as a full bar. The bar food is the same delicious fare served upstairs.




Venti's usually updates their beer menu on Twitter so you can always be well versed as to what's on tap.




I'm also a fan of their frequent art installations.

The details:

Venti's Cafe
325 Court St NE
Salem, Oregon
503.399.8733

Twitter: @ventiscafe
Web: www.ventiscafe.com
Blog: blog.ventiscafe.com


August 2, 2010

Myocardial Infarction and Me

Nine days ago I felt something heavy.

Something heavy in my chest. Then my upper arms felt weak. Then I had the sweats.

Yes it's true, at 42 I had a heart attack. Luckily, I recognized the signs and quickly got to the hospital where a team of medical providers quickly assessed my complaints and got me in for the treatment which likely saved my life. Salem Hospital and their cardiac team have got it on the ball. Kudos.

I was assessed, treated and in my room within about three hours of the first suggestion of my chest pain.

I had two stents placed in my left anterior descending artery which was about 90% blocked. How can this be I wondered? I don't have high blood pressure, I don't have high cholesterol, I have no family history of heart problems. HOW and WHY swirled in my head.

Well, I've decided to not focus on the how and why but instead to move forward. I've got a chance to shine.

Ready?










Some snaps while inside.

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