Wildflower Morning

Dear Friends

2009-01-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I have been resisting telling you this for a long time, but the time has come for me to say good-bye to blogging. I have enjoyed this creative pursuit. The writing and creating is fun. I've enjoyed making friends in blogland. This has been a fun place to share my photos and our visits to interesting places. But God has been pressing on my heart that it is time for me to stop. When I blog, I spend way too much time on the computer, and it keeps me from spending time as I should, with my kids, husband, and with God. I've struggled against the voice of God in my heart to stop blogging, but now want to stop struggling and do the right thing. I'll be copying some of my favorite posts over the next few days, and then I am going to delete my blog. I hate to say good-bye, but I know it is the right thing. For my most faithful readers, if you would like to be my friend in real life, I am open to the exchange of email. Find my email on my blog profile page and send me a personal note, and then we can information so friendship can continue beyond blogging.

God bless you all, and thank you for the good time we've had here together. And if someone wants to take over "Wildflowers in Winter" this year, please do, as I won't be able to.

Faithfully yours,
Elizabeth Joy

An Outfit for My Niece - Butterick 4009

2009-01-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

So what have I been doing while were were snowed in this Christmas? Making cute things for my niece. She came to visit me this weekend, and this is what was in her package. A complete brown and pink outfit.

I didn't have time to make things like this for my own toddlers, but now their big enough to do things while I sew without getting into trouble.

I used Butterick pattern 4009 for both the dress and the coat. The dress went together in a pretty standard way. The sizing turned out accurate for weight and height, though I was a little scared, because there wasn't a bust measurement or a finished size measurement on the pattern.

The coat pattern had some problems though. I made view B which has a pleat on the top front, near the shoulders. There is a lining pattern pieces which I cut out as recommended, but it turned out to be the lining for view A. This I didn't discover until the lining was completely sew in and I was getting ready to attach it to the bottom of the hem of the fleece outer layer. It wasn't big enough. What to do? I thought and then hemmed the lining separately from the fleece layer, though it required some sewing gymnastics. I recommend making only View A, unless you are a talented seamstress, and can design a properly sized View B lining, or can figure out on your own to hem them separately. I didn't take photos while I did the work, because I didn't know if my process would even work. Another adjustment I made to the pattern is to make pink cuffs. If I had followed the pattern, they would have been the same color as the rest of the coat. I had to think it out and figure out how to make it work. It wasn't too hard, but the pattern didn't tell me how.

I used flannel backed satin for the lining for added warm, and because it was what I had on hand
Since I had extra fabric from the jumper, I figured that a little girl would need a purse. I used Simplicity 5638. I sewed two pieces of ribbon together to make a contrasting handle. And I sewed on two little doodads (a clay teddy bear and a pink clay dress) to play with and a big pink button from my button box. Inside there was a little Loving Family doll to play with.The good news is that it all fits - perfectly!

And she'll be ready to go in a jiffy.

Winter Freezes and Thaws

2009-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Two days after Christmas the weather started changing, rather rapidly. A warm Chinook wind started blowing, and the temperature started rising, and everything started melting, fast. Soon the dry creek in the valley was overflowing with water, the ground was saturated, and mud was being tracked in on the carpet. We had warm weather and rain for almost a week.

Then, this Friday morning, we woke up to this. We had no idea it was coming. It was just below freezing and snowed hard and fast. Big goose down flakes filled the sky, so we could hardly see the neighbor's house. It was wet and easy to pack, so of course, as soon as Forest Zoo got permission, he was out creating the largest snowman he had ever made.

He thought he was making a snowman, but I think that he is really THE Snow Man. We all know that this snow is his fault, because he won't stop praying for more and deeper. And we all know that God loves to answer the prayers of little children.

By early afternoon the temperature rose above freezing, the snow stopped falling, and the snowman started melting. By the next morning, his head had fallen off, but the fun memories of the biggest snowman ever remains.

Just before dark the clouds above the hills lit up in an unusual display of contrasts.

The temperature dropped that night, and we woke up yesterday morning to cold, crunchy stuff on the ground. It stayed cold all day.

And then the sunset turned the hills pink. What a beautiful ending to a day. How good to know the God who makes such glorious displays for us to enjoy. It isn't just art and creativity, it is a daily gift from a loving and powerful friend who knows what brings me delight.

"I lift up my eyes to hills. From whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth."

Deep snow 2008

2008-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

So we don't forget just how deep this snow really was, the week before Christmas 2008, I thought I'd better include a few more photos for memories sake, and for those who would care to look at more snow without having to wade through it.

I've never seen things so buried under here before.

I don't know how many times we cleaned off the mailbox. We went four days without mail delivery, before they finally figured out how to get through. The hero of the post office came through on Sunday before Christmas though, and brought us some important packages. It is our first time ever to have Sunday delivery, but no week day delivery.

With snow shoveled off the driveway, Forest Zoo and Emily Rose set to work at fort building. Forest even rigged himself up a flag. He was ready to bomb anyone who came near. Do you see how big the icicles are in the window? We've never had any there before. We've had too many days of temperatures near zero.

Watch out you ladies and gents, Forest is armed. But don't worry too much. The snow is too dry to pack into balls, and breaks up before it reaches you. You are safe as long as he remains inside his fort, but watch out for mischief if he gets close.

Emily Rose set up quarters on the opposite side of the driveway, over the flower garden. She made three rooms in her fort, but I think she has no evil intentions. In fact, if the weather allowed, I believe you might be able to stop by for tea.

The little birds love this little Weeping Cherry tree. The snow made a bit of a snow fort for them too, as it made a fine cap on top of the tree. The birds could fly inside for shelter from the cold and the cats.

I can hardly believe how much snow there is on the Blue Spruce Tree. It is the same tree that was leaning over last January after our big wind storm. We pulled it back up straight with some ropes, gave it some water, and it seems to have survived just fine. We left the ropes there, just in case, though. Just look how deep the snow piled up on those branches. It has been really fun to see, and makes the inconvenience of the snow a little less bothersome.

Christmas Day Walk

2008-12-28T11:32:00.001-08:00

We took the most scenic route for our walk on Christmas day. It was the easiest snow walking we had had for a while, conditions were at the best and the sun was bright making very nice light. We were able to see quite a few interesting things. Come along and linger with us as some of the sights along the way.

A mule deer was wandering through some trees a ways from the road.

The river was moving along nicely, snow piled up along it's banks, and tree branches of many colors along the shore.

Sunlight and shadows played together on the river bank.

A stately tree guarded a welcoming farmhouse that has sheltered farmers and their families for several generations.

By the house rested a white crowned haystack.

Cows gathered round their feed didn't seem to mind the cold.

We got back home just when the sun was getting low and turned the valley the tiniest bit of pink saying good-night to another lovely winter day.

White Christmas Memories

2008-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over, but the memories are so nice that I thought I'd blog about them so we can hold onto them for years later. This was a Christmas to remember with so much snow on the ground. No one came to visit us over the treacherous roads, and we didn't go anywhere. It was a fun day of family closeness, doing things we enjoy together.

The kids saw a friend's yet undecorated Christmas tree. Her kids had been playing with stuffed animals, and had set a couple in the branches. My son thought filling a whole Christmas tree with stuffed animals was the best idea ever. And as I thought about it, I thought it was pretty good too. The decorations were all unbreakable, and could be played with to their hearts content. It made a lovely tree.

The kids had permission to open their camel packs as soon as they got up, but they didn't want to do it without Mama, so waited until I was up. After breakfast we opened the bigger gifts together. There was a new game in one of the packages, so later on we all gave it a try together, deciding Blockus is a great game.

When lunch time came, we weren't hungry yet, so we went out for a walk in the sunshine. I'll show you the photos in my next post.

The next day there was clouds, some snow, and an ever great accumulation of icicles decorating our eves, but for us this Christmas is one that we will treasure for years to come.

More About Barns

2008-12-27T20:54:00.001-08:00

I discovered that Ann at "Holy Experience" has also written two thoughtful posts about Barns at Christmas. I thought you might like to read them too as she is a thoughtful word crafter with spiritual depth.

Christmas Barn in the Morning
Christmas Barn and New Year Hope

Of Barns, and Babies

2008-12-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Out of my walks I've been noticing beautiful barns in the snow.

Somehow they are so much more beautiful surrounded by snow then on other days.

Some barns are still in use, and some are just a symbol of the farming days of the past.

But all remind me of Jesus who gave up the comforts of heaven came to be God with us and be born in a barn. These barns look so clean and tidy right now, but we all know what is in a barn. Living conditions in a barn would be unpleasant, at best. So why did Jesus choose such a lowly place? Most kings are too proud to associate with the most humble people on earth, but not Jesus, the King of the Universe. He comes out of love, to all who will welcome Him. Only the owner of a barn gave Jesus a place to stay 2000 years ago. Only the heavenly knew of his arrival. Only shephards and distant foreigners were listening close enough to know to go search Him out in a smelly, dark barn.

Often my heart has been as filthy as a barn, stuffed with selfishness and sin, with all the resulting woundedness and brokeness. Jesus, would you really be born there? You ask to come in? Yes, I gladly welcome you in and give you full control. Bring your peace-be-still to the chaos that swarms therein. Clean, remove, cover and whiten all that is impure. I'll have no other gods before you. There is room in the barn in my heart for you.

Squirrelin' Round in the Snow

2008-12-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Down the road from our house the squirrels are busy finding tasty treats to nibble on in the neighbor's trees. They are as cute as can be in the snow and picture perfect.

Snow Birds

2008-12-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

White Crown Sparrow in the Snow

Where do the little birds go when the snow comes? To our feeders of course. We have three feeders well stocked with black sunflower seeds for all the feathered friends who would care to dine.

Oregon Junco trying to stay warm

We have one feeder mounted right outside a window, near the front door. The little birds were scared of this one at first, and for good reason, because it is easier for the cats to get to, and further from sheltering bushes. But they can fly and the cats can't, so they soon learned it was a great place to get food. And we get to watch juncos, sparrows of several species, and finches enjoy a meal.
Our oldest feeder hangs out by our big maple trees, and is the favorite of the ground feeders. They crowd in there together and eat their fill, knocking down seed for those who don't care for sky view dining. They eat as quickly as they can until someone gives a warning, then all at once they take off flying.
As the cold lingers longer, more of the bigger birds, and shyer birds come in. I haven't caught them on photograph yet, but we have seen flickers, and morning doves now out eating with the little birds. A big hawk came and sat in the tree for a while, but thankfully he didn't stay long, or the little birds would have been in great danger. Some starlings came through, but I think there is still plenty to eat in apple orchards and valley vineyards, so they didn't remain to pester the little birds.

Goofy Kids in the Snow

2008-12-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Most adults in the area are growing weary of snow and more snow, but not these two kids. They are outside every day having as much fun as possible. Right now, outside there is fort building happening. The snow is too powdery to pack into snowballs, but never mind, it is still all good fun.

An Afternoon's Adventure in the Snow

2008-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon some friends came over for lunch followed by a walk in the snow. It was cold, and almost dark when we arrived at one of our favorite walking spots. No one else was there, but we could see that someone had been there before us, and left footsteps for us to follow in the snow. It was hard work, but good exercise which warmed us as it grew darker.

The scenes were breathtaking which ever way we looked.

The morning had been clear and sparkling, but as evening approached so did the edge of the storm front which brought today's fresh layer of snow. We could see a bit of sunset color before clouds and darkness completely filled the sky.

Little plants held onto their snow collection carefully.

Snow collected on the Queen Ann's Lace like a regal hair style from the 1960's.

Snow stunted fence lines contrasted againt a winter blanket of white.

A lone man in red parka wades along his own path.

The pond was frozen and covered so that you could not tell that it was there, except for the Cattails which braved winter cold to point upward to the hilltop monument honoring pioneers who had once lived in this area and lived through winter cold without modern heaters or insulated walls. They were hardy and courageous, but unfortunately did not survive the natives displeasure of the white man's diseases.

Let It Snow

2008-12-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning we woke up to snowflakes falling from the sky - big snowflakes. We started with about 5 inches of snow on the ground, left over from the weekend. By around 10 a.m. the 12 inch ruler stuck in the snow was registered around 10 inches. The snow was really dumping on us. It seemed like it wasn't very long at all until this was all we could see of the ruler.

Soon the ruler was completely covered. It was time for a new measure. I sent the kids out to find something something we could mark on to make a taller "ruler". They came up with this old piece of PVC pipe.

The snow kept falling until sometime in the afternoon and stopped at about 14 inches deep. And that is where it stayed until last night when it started falling again. Right now we have about 16 inches, and it doesn't look like it is going to stop anytime soon. The weather forecast says that we probably won't have any thawing taking place until next Sunday. I haven't lived here long enough to know if we've ever had snow this deep, or lasting this long. It is pretty impressive.

We were going to go to a retirement home and sing this afternoon, but that was canceled, so we don't have to go anywhere. We are going to stay cozy at home. And I am going to get to work on some Christmas presents. I've got something cute to make for my littlest niece.

Camel Packs

2008-12-16T18:48:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd mention what we do instead of Christmas stocking in case I have some new readers lurking around in need of some good ideas this year.

You can read what I wrote about them last Christmas here and here.

Walk on a Winter Morn

2008-12-16T18:21:00.001-08:00

This is the first morning it hasn't snowed since it started on Saturday. People up in the mountains have a couple feet of snow. We might have 5 inches. The kids have been playing and enjoying the snow enough for all of us. And I even found something good about the snow. I really love it's beauty. This morning it was about 1 degree just before the sun rose for a crisp and sparkling blue day. After morning worship I decided that I needed to get outside to enjoy the snow it the best light of the day. We bundled up in warm layers and set out to discover the delights of the season.

The cats had been out before us making tracks in the glittery whiteness. We followed the tracks through the garden, and then out to the road. Come enjoy with us some of what we saw along the way.

The Sumac tree is one of the most festive in the yard, each red clump of seeds dressed in a soft white coat.
Pine boughs nestled together in a snowy white quilt.

The neighbor's albino yard moose was the best looking I'd ever seen him. I can almost imagine him sticking his head in and searching for a mouthful of tastiness.
Grasses attired in winter white caplets seemed ready for a caroling throughout the neighborhood
Even though the temperatures bit at our scarf wrapped noses, everything seemed so fresh and alive. The air was so clean smelling and invigorating. We walked briskly from scene to scene and soon our blood was pumping warm. What a wonderful walk on a winter morn.

Walnut-Raisin Cake

2008-12-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

It is the time of year of parties and dinners and holiday indulging of fatty and sugary "treats". I was invited to a paryt a couple days ago and asked to bring a salad and a dessert. The salad was no problem. I enjoy making and eating salad every day. And if I take the salad, I make it really good, so I know that even if there is nothing else to eat, I can fill up on a really good salad. The dessert was the problem. I don't eat classic holiday deserst very often, and if I took something I do eat, would anyone else want to even eat it?

About an hour before it was time to leave for the party, I knew what to make. This desert is so easy, and yet nutritious and delicious, you won't believe it. I didn't the first time I ate some at a birthday party for a little friend I know. Her family is also gluten and dairy intolerant vegans and I knew it was "safe" for me to eat, but I couldn't believe that it was so simple and tasty.

I made it and pressed it into a heart shaped dish and garnished it with sets of cranberries and parsley, arranged to resemble holly. I had it made in 10 - 15 minutes and into the refrigerator to chill almost as long as it recommends. At the party people repeatedly cornered me and asked me for the recipe. This is a must try recipe if you are looking for a simple and nutritious dessert.

Walnut-Raisin Cake
From Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 People by Jennifer Cornbleet

2 cups raw walnuts, unsoaked
2 cups raisins, unsoaked

Place the walnuts and raisins in a food processor fitted with the S
blade and process until the mixture sticks together. Transfer to a
serving place and form into a little cake. Frost the top and sides
with orange glaze.

Chill for at least 1 hour. Decorate the cake with fresh raspberries
or other berries before serving. Covered with plastic wrap, Walnut-
Raisin Cake will keep for five days in the refrigerator or two weeks
in the freezer. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Orange Glaze

1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 1 - 2 oranges juiced)
1/2 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked

Place the dates, and orange juice in a strong blender or food
processor, and process until smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape
down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Stored in a sealed
container in the refrigerator, the glaze will keep for five days.

Light Dawning

2008-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm fascinated with light and color. Two days ago I was out walking near sunset and there were little cotton ball clouds up in the sky. Between each one there was a bit of deep blue sky. As the sunset show started orange and red started to light up the sky and then it hit the cotton ball clouds and set them aflame. It was as if their closest edges really were on fire. It felt like a burning bush moment. The kids and I had to be still and know that the face of our Creator still can be seen in the face His creation, even after all these years of sin's destruction.

Last week God's light came shining in through my window at sunrise, and I was there at the right moment to see it. As I stepped into the kitchen for the first time that morning, a purple etched vase caught that light and the light caught my attention. I had to stand gazing at the light as if I'd never seen it before. There was something special about it this morning.

God's light is always shining on the world. Just like the rain, He gives us light's warmth and color even though we have done nothing to deserve it. He sends it down on the good and the bad, because His love is not based on our goodness or our badness, it is based on His unending love for everyone on earth. Oh, if we would just let Him rescue us, just as He rescues the lost sheep in His gospel parable. He longs to cultivate the hard soil of our hearts, and cause the seed of love to grow and flourish in the place of rock hard selfishness. He shines His light on us so we can see the truth about ourself, that we really do need saving, that even with all our trying, and pretending.

I'm thankful for that light. It draws me back to Him, helps me feel my need for His transformation, brought about by His Spirit. And then His light is all I can see. I loose sight of my self, and He becomes much more important that me. His Spirit causes fruit to grow, the good fruit of His good character. I die to self and let His light shine through me. My heart fills with joy. And others get to savor the precious light of Jesus too. And the light of His character is even more beautiful then when the sunrise shines through purple vases.

Meet Addy, My Singer Treadle Sewing Machine

2008-12-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

In the summer I mentioned that I purchased a treadle sewing machine and cabinet. I really liked the cabinet, but didn't like the machine so much. It is what is known as a Singer W9.

W9's were originally made by Wheeler and Wilson, but Singer bought them out sometime around the early 1920's. Some W9's say Wheeler and Wilson, and some say Singer, as mine does. I was going to clean the machine up and try using it once I got a new belt for it, but then I discovered that the needles are not standard, and cost around $5 a piece and bobbins go for even more! That might be ok for a display piece machine, but I wanted to use mine. I really like the idea of things that work without electricity, and I enjoy making my own clothes and quilting.

The first Singer I purchased was discovered at a garage sale. It is an electric 15-90 machine that runs great and cost $35. It was made in 1951 which is also the cenntenial year for Singer, so it has a special oval commemorative oval on the right hand side of the machine. It has only a plain green carrying case, but I like the machine very much.

Last spring I had found another electric Singer sewing machine from 1951 at a different garage sale, but this one is a class 66. They only wanted $5 for it, but it was missing a few parts, and I wasn't even sure it worked, but my son was sure we should get it, and since it wasn't a large risk, I did. Once at home I was able to use the power cord from my first electric machine to see that it did seem to work just fine.

I had started a quilt on the first electric Singer I had purchased and was really enjoying using it, but I really wanted a treadle. I had read online about people converting treadle machines to electric machines years ago, so could it be possible to convert one back to treadle. Another web search told me that it was possible, but I needed to find a machine that had the same kind of hinges as my treadle cabinet. Once again it was my son who helped me figure out that the $5 Singer would fit! My husband got involved helping me with some of the mechanics of the transfer. I got a few needed parts on the web, and from our local sewing machine shop. My husband helped me get the belt to fit, and then wonder of wonders, I had a working treadle machine!

My son was absolutely fascinated with the whole process, and couldn't keep his hands and feet off the machine once we had it going. He started sewing lines on scraps as fast as I would allow him. I hadn't planned on teaching him to use a sewing machine yet, but he was clearly ready. I asked him if he would like to learn how to treadle for his birthday, if that would be a good birthday present, and he exploded in exuberant yeses!
I got out some 4 inch squares I had sorted out for a quilt someday. Each square was different. I sat my son down at the machine and gave him a few instructions and he was ready to go. He stitched and I trimmed and pressed. There was no stopping him, except when I unsewed crooked stitching and had him try again. He really was able to keep seams pretty straight and close to 1/4 inch most of the time. He chose some bright blue fabric for the sashing, and then sewed his 4 patch blocks into rows. We tried to have him sew the long rows together with sashing, but it was a bit too hard for him to keep even seams on the long stretch. So I stitched those for him, and will soon add some bigger borders for him so he can use his first quilt on his own bed.

I've been trying to give my treadle a name. I thought her name was Mildred, after my great grandma who owned the first treadle I ever laid my eyes on. But the name just didn't seem to fit, so I tried Adwila, her middle name, which I seemed to fit a little less then perfect. Then my daughter shortened it for me, and it fits. My treadle's full name is the beautifully old fashioned name, Mildred Adwila, but we are going to call her Addy for short.

I haven't been able to do much of my own sewing yet on Addy, but I'm making plans and expect to make something wonderfully fun and old fashioned real soon.

Muffins for an Autumn Evening

2008-11-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

I know it looks like I've totally abandoned this blog. Maybe I have, but then again, maybe not. And in case you are wondering, I'm healthy and happy, and filling my days and evenings with so many interesting activities that I have decided that blogging is a lesser priority.

I made some gluten free and dairy free, healthful Pumpkin Muffins this past weekend that some of my readers may wish to make this week of Thankfulness-to-God-and-Grateful-Giving. The original recipe came from the Vegan-and-Gluten-Free Yahoo group. I adapted the recipe and changed the amounts quite a bit to suit my needs. If I know who invented the original recipe, I would love to give credit to them because it was a really successful foundation to my batch of pumpkin muffins. They were served at a cozy evening soup supper to a group of 8, and then quickly made up again the following evening for a group of 12. I'd share a photograph, but the muffins were all eaten, and I won't be able to get more ingredients until tomorrow.

Pumpkin Muffins

Puree, in a blender, the following ingredients until smooth and creamy:

1/4 cup soy milk or rice milk or water
one 15 oz (425 g) can pumpkin
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine and mix together:

2 cups of gluten free flour (I used 1 c. oat flour made from gluten free oats ground in the blender, 1/2 c. corn flour, 2 TBSP garbonzo/fava flour in a 1/2 cup measure, fill the rest of the way with sorghum flour. Use something else if you don’t have any of these.)
1/2 cup flaxseed (linseed) meal (grind whole flax seeds in a blender)
1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 tsp GF baking powder
1/3 cup raisins (sultanas)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Make a "well" in the dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour
mixture and blend until moistened. Spoon into a greased muffin pan. I found I could mound the dough up a little higher then the edge of the muffin cup, and they didn’t run away.

Bake at 350 F (175 C) for 25 - 30 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins.

Goings On

2008-07-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

If you don't hear from me for a while, assume I'm out doing something fun with the kids, or sewing or photographing wildflowers. There are just too many great things to do in the summer.

Lately I've:

- picked, with the help of my family, 130 pounds of blueberries. I like to freeze them, and then make smoothies, blueberry sauce for waffles, or let the kids pour rice milk on them when they are frozen. The rice milk freezes around them and makes a cold summer Popsicle substitute.

- My best Thai girlfriend visited America. Another friend paid her way. She was in Portland for three days, my daughter and I made a quick trip to Portland to visit her. She is special because she helped me have such a nice time when I lived in Thailand around 15 years ago. I named my daughter after her.

- While in Portland I bought a Singer treadle machine. It is a W9, made somewhere between 1905 and 1920. It is in a beautiful 7 drawer cabinet, that reminds me of the one my great grandma had. I am considering naming the machine after my great grandma, but I'm not sure if Mildred is a fitting name. I don't have her running yet. She needs a new belt installed.

- My son came down with the Coxsackie virus and has been a very sick boy for over a week, so I've been spending a lot of time nursing him. It seems to me he got a worse case then most. It is usually only found in children under age 4, and he is age 8.

We have tons of plans for the weeks ahead. I'll write if I can, but don't count on it.

Walk around Lost Lake

2008-07-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Views of snowy Mt. Hood are the most famous feature of Lost Lake, but because of misty clouds we didn't get to see it this time. Pacific Rhododendrons are probably the second most famous item at this little lake, but Trilliums would be a close third. We found them on every walk we took from our campsite, blooming in lovely parts of three.

The trail around the lake is around 3 miles long. Since you didn't get to come with us, I thought I'd show you some of the things you missed.

Vine maples heavy with drops of mist.

We found a fallen tree that had a good amount of bounce to it. Each of the kids had a good ride. And yes, just as I snapped this picture a white dog came shooting up the trail out of no where just so he could get he could get his picture taken too. He almost looks like part of the snow bank, if you're not paying attention.

A bee squeezing into a Penstemon blossom.

A Red-breasted Sapsucker landed on the stump for us to view.

Tiger lilies placidly bounced on their stems in sunny spots along the way.

Twin flowers tiny bells carpet the shadowed forest floor.

Vanilla Leaf rests in deep shade with it's vanilla scented foliage and floral crown.

Wild Bleeding hearts shyly show their hearts above their finely disected leaves.

Mist covered fern frond unrolls as a moment of light finds it's way between clouds.

Droplets sparkle on a huckleberry leaf.

The watercolors of lupine buds rest the eye.

Skunk cabbage, known for it's famous oder, rises at great odds out of melting snow banks and swampy puddles.

Avalanche lilies grow in warming soils just after snow melt. Droplets cling to the petals as to an umbrella. Stamens stay dry and ready for visits from searching bees. A small insect rests on top in between showers.

Bunchberry Dogwood - Cornus unalaschkensis

2008-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

You are probably familiar with Dogwood trees, but have you met their smaller cousin, Bunchberry Dogwood? The white petal-like sepals look similar in both plants and both are from the genis cornus.
The bunchberry dogwood, Cornus unalaschkensis the lives on the west coast is similar to and often confused with the east coast bunchberry, Cornus canadensis. The have four petal-like bracts with small flowers in the center. The fruit is a bunch of red berries, each with 1 pit. They like to grow in the deep duff of moist forests of the mountains. They spread by trailing or ascending stems from rhizomes. Their leaves turn red in winter.

These bunchberry dogwoods were growing by the trail at Lost Lake, Mt. Hood, Oregon, and were photographed July 4.

Calypso Orchid

2008-07-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

There is a lovely cluster of Calypso Orchids by the Lost Lake trail that I'm sure most people walk on by. But those who keep their eyes open will discover a little cove of wildflower treasure.

I learned that Calypso Orchids are really fragile. When someone even gently picks a flower the tender rootlets attached to the underground corm are broken and the Western Fairyslipper usually dies. This most beautiful of orchids is not endangered, but it needs a special combination of shade, moisture and soil difficult to find out of an old growth forest. It gets some nourishment from it's single leaf, but also has a partnership with fungus to get nourishment from the roots of trees. Washington Native Orchid web page has more about these magenta jewels of forest.

Western White Anemone

2008-07-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Western White Anemone Anemone deltoidea grows on the west side of Oregon and Washington, south of the Olympic peninsula down to Northern California. It can also be found in the Wallowa mountains in northeast Oregon. Three toothed leaves circle the lower stem below the single white flower made up of 5 petal-like sepals.

The Oregon anemone Anemone oregana grows in mostly the same area, but it has five blue petal-like sepals, and leaves divided into three parts.

Northern Green Bog-Orchid or Rein-Orchid

2008-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have ever noticed green or white flowered orchids growing in wet areas before. There is quite a variety of them in Oregon and Washington. They don't look like much from a distance. They blend in well with the other foliage. But really, they are worth another look.
There are fascinating little details to note which help to distinguish it from another species. I've had quite a time examining the details of my photos trying to come up with an identification today. I have four wildflower guides sharing my recliner and a laptop computer on my lap. Using all four books and the guide at the Washington Native Orchids website, I have concluded that my best hunch is that we found a Northern Green Bog Orchid, Platanthera hyperborea or Platanthera Aquilanis (Habenaria Hyperborea). It seems they have been changing the names of these orchids quite a bit. The older books have the genius as Habenaria and the new ones have Platanthera, but with two different species names also. Platanthera is Latin for" flat anthers." The common name 'rein-orchid' comes from the Lain habenas, 'a strap' or 'a rein,' and refers to the shape of the lip and spur. The species name hyperborea means 'beyond the north' and refers to this species occurrence in above the Arctic Circle.

This orchid has lance shaped leaves going up it's stem. It has 25 to 45 flowers that are greenish-yellow to whitish-green. The upper two petals and sepal work together to from a hood covering the top of the flower. The lower lip is longer then the spur that is behind the flower. Two sepals point out to the side. They can grow up to 23" tall and generally bloom sometime between July and August, depending on location and elevation.

Pacific Rhododendrons - a Wild Garden by Mount Hood

2008-07-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Mount Hood area is famous for it's spring bloom Pacific Rhododendrons

Rhododendron macrophyllum.  Their lovely pink blossoms are so similar to the
cultivated types of Rhododendrons that you might feel you are in a garden when
you see them.  They are the state flower of Washington state, but can be found
in coastal and mountainous areas from British Columbia to Northern California.
Learn more about them here.

Driving along the road from Hood River to Lost Lake you can see walls of pink Pacific Rhododendrons in
bloom.  There are many curves along the road, so you have to drive slow.  This gives plenty of time to
see their blooming beauty.

Phantom Orchid - Rare find

2008-07-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

When we were at Mount Hood, of course my eyes were on the lookout for wildflowers. One of the most exciting finds was a little patch of Phantom Orchids. I couldn't remember what they were when I saw them, because if I have seen them before, it was only once and long ago. It took a little searching to find them online. The interesting website of Washington Native Orchids was a great help. I learned there that there are 41 native orchid species in Washington State. Most of the orchids are very fragile and the plant dies immediately if the flower is picked or the plant is transplanted. They need certain fungi that are the soil where they grow. Some only live in old growth forest.

Phanton Orchids are leafless and completely white. They don't use photosynthesis to manufacture energy for the plant. Instead they are "parasites using fungal intermediaries to withdraw nutrients from other plants." You can learn more about it here.

This group of 4 - 6 Phantom orchids were found on the left side Whatam Lake Road, not far past the road block and the slide area. Whatam Lake Road is on the north side of Mt. Hood, out of Hood River, north of Lost Lake.

Sunset Rainbow

2008-07-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

On the evening of June 6 we looked out our south east windows to see this rainbow. What was making the rainbow?

The setting sun out our northwest windows was casting enough light to leave a rainbow in it's wake. What glory from the hand of the Creator!

July 4 Fun

2008-07-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Over the July 4 holiday we were able to meet with my parents and sisters at Lost Lake on the north side of Mount Hood in Oregon. What a beautiful place to go. Dad was able to pick out a perfect campsite for us. There were early spring flowers and melting snow everywhere. Summer is a little late in coming up there, but I didn't mind. I was glad to be out in the woods where the air smelled of fresh evergreen trees, and birds were heard all around.

The really good news is that Mom came and is doing excellent! Her health has improved dramatically since she stopped eating gluten 5 weeks ago. Most people would have just said she was getting old. But she is another illustration reminding us that most conditions of "old age" are caused by something, and many of those things are fixable, if people have the courage to make the changes. It isn't easy for mom to give up her favorite foods. Many gluten intolerant people have bread as their favorite food. It can actually be a sign of gluten intolerance. For some people they find it is not worth it to give up their favorite tastes, and they would rather suffer with ill health. But mom was willing to do what ever it took to have better health. I'm so proud of her courage and determination. Not every health issue is gone yet, but enough are clearly improved to show she is on the right track. With time, I think she is going to feel years younger then she did just a couple months ago. Mom was able to go on walks with us and she had the energy to spend all 4 days out camping with us. Even at the end she had strength to spare. Go mom!

My cutie pie niece and her mom had fun down at the lake. The water was melted snow water, but she still wanted to get in and play.

At the like my son got his first fishing lesson from his big cousin J. There was some serious concentration going on there.

Forest Zoo did end up catching his first fish, the only fish of the day.

The fish really swallowed the hook. Cousin J had quite a time getting the hook out. The fish was in no condition to be released. And Forest doesn't eat fish. So He gave it to a lady who was fishing beside us. She sure was pleased.

Papa brought his kayaks so there was even more fun to be had at the lake.

The kids were quickly at ease when they had their turn to paddle. The followed big cousin J clear to the other side of the lake and back.

Some of us followed the three mile trail around the lake. When we got to the far side of the lake we discovered that there was still much snow that had not melted. At times we could only guess which way the trail went.

It was a little slippery in places, but not too hard as the snow was well packed, and lots of fallen needles provided a little extra traction. We got to see little flowers push their way up through the snow on the edges. We were told that normally the snow was gone and Trilliams were blooming in April. But this year was different and we got to see early spring in summer. I will show you the flowers we found in another post.

One afternoon we decided to take a drive to a nearby lake that my sisters and I had hiked to back when we were in elementary school. The drive turned out to be a real adventure as not to far up the Whatum Lake Road, there was a road block indicating a damaged road ahead.

Disappointed, we got out of the cars and decided to walk up the road to see weather a car could get around the road damage. We saw that it could, but another car came through and told us they had been up as far as you could drive, and that there were trees crossing the road.

We took what appeared to be a short cut back to Lost Lake of the Whatum Lake Road and discovered yet another adventure. My sister, driver of the lead car was ready for adventure. She drove under a fallen tree with out a flinch. At least I couldn't see any flinches from where I sat in the car that followed her.

When she got to a tree laying in the road, she did hesitate long enough let two younsters out to assess the situation. With their encouragement she drove right over the top of those trees.

I think she would have kept going, but we reached the point where we could go on no farther. It was quite the adventure. We turned around and made our way back out the way we came. Next time though, I think someone might bring a chain saw.

Sunset July 2

2008-07-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

There weren't as many clouds in the sky on July 2, but the sunset was still spectacular as a fiery red sun sank below the horizon.

Isaiah 60:19-21 (King James Version)

19The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

20Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

21Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Sunset July 1

2008-07-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summer weather is here and I'm enjoying every bit of it. I'm very glad for some warmth and sunshine.

Here is the sunset from July 1. What a beauty!

The Busyness continues

2008-06-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend and I went strawberry picking. Last year the crop was terrible. This year there is abundance, and there was hardly anyone in the strawberry patch. Soon we were the only ones in the strawberries. We found a corner of the field that hadn't been touched and started working. It didn't take long for the kids and I to pick 68 pounds! I don't remember ever seeing such good picking since I was a kid and lived on the west side of Washington in a climate where strawberries thrive.

My friend is getting married in late summer. She is so excited. She has had to wait a long time to find the right guy. She and her finance are both tight financially and their parents aren't able to help much either. She was really worried about how she was going to pay for a dress. Then at a garage sale, there it was, sealed in a white box, a gorgeous white dress. It has lots of beads, and pretty details, and an 8 foot train full of beads and cut out lace. And you won't believe this, but it fits her perfectly! Nothing needs to be altered. Nothing. Even the beaded slippers fit her perfectly. The price? $30! There was another dress she liked at the bridal ship better, but if God gives you a dress that fits perfectly, I think you'd better wear it. I just love how God is taking care of all her needs!

Over Memorial Day weekend dad and mom visited. Dad and my husband built a structure on our deck and put shade cloth over the top so we can eat outside more often through the summer. We had company over this weekend on a day when the rest of the deck was too hot to touch. Everyone was cool and comfortable under the shade cloth. We should have made one of these years ago!

Some of you might remember that my mom was really sick about a year and a half ago and came and stayed at our house for three months. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. I made her green smoothies and other nutritious foods and she got well and was able to go back home. Still she never got back up to her previous level of health. We felt like we were loosing her. She wasn't doing well when she visited at the end of May. I was thinking about her symptoms and then thought of the gluten intolerance that I have. I did some Google searches to learn if gluten can be connected to neurological and brain issues. Sure enough it can, and the gene I carry (given to me by my mom and dad) is more likely to effect the nervous system and the brain then the intestines. In fact, most people that carry this gene marker don't have flattened villi in their intestines! Very interesting. I shared what I was discovering with mom and she is finally willing to try eating gluten free. I sent her home with a pile of my recipes. The good news is that my sister emailed and said that she is doing better then she has in two years! Praise God! Mom is even excited about going camping with us this summer! Maybe one of the reasons mom got better when she was with us when she was so sick was because she was living in a gluten free house for those three months. We are getting quite hopeful that mom is going to have some healthy retirement years yet.

Sorry for no pictures. I thought it would be better to post something quickly, then to not post at all.

School is Out

2008-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

It was really sad to lose my caterpillar family, but not near as sad as what other people are experiencing around the world with loss of homes and family members in Burma, flooding in some places, drought in others. My heart goes out to these people. It has put my loss in perspective. And I'm forgiving the neighbor man. He must have thought he was doing us a good thing. He didn't know what he was really doing.

The high today is around 46 degrees. Fahrenheit! Last night it snowed at my friend's house, just up the hill, and it was still snowing when I talked to her on the phone later in the morning. It is raining and windy here, and just a few days until the first day of summer.

We have finished up homeschool for the school year and it's time for a new schedule. Forest is going to keep reading all summer. Emily Rose has lots of fun learning projects she is itching to do. I'm convicted that we need more of God in our life, more of the Bible and more time for prayer. So we are trying having worship three times a day. Daniel prayed three times a day. The Bible says we should pray continually. But I have found that if we don't have time set aside for the family to come together before God, we don't do it. Honestly, we were struggling to make it once a day, which didn't make me happy. I think our sights are set so low, so I've raised them here and are worshiping together three times a day. I think it is having a good effect too. There isn't so much time between times of prayer. We are praying more for each other, the struggles of the day, our character flaws, for more of the Holy Spirit, and for other people in need. It is a good thing. We are singing more in the day too. That is also a good thing.

Here's our schedule/framework for the day, in case it might be of help to someone else. I don't like to plan it too tight the whole day through. We need time every day that is flexible. We may get off the time a little bit, but we still follow through the order of events. There are three times a day to get back on track.

5:30 Mama's up for personal time with God; shower, dress
6:30 Kids are up. Forest starts breakfast. Emily Rose has personal time with God.
6:45 Mama to the kitchen. Emily Rose empties dishwasher.
7:00 Breakfast with family
7:30 Family Worship.
8:00 Emily Rose piano practice. Forest and Mama clean the kitchen.
8:45 Mama and kids go for a walk
9:30 Studies: Forest - Reading and phonics, Emily Rose study of choice
10:30 Activity time: Projects/play/service/usefulness
11:30 Lunch preparation. Mama and kids. Clean as you go.
12:00 Lunch. Wipe table. Dish in Dishwasher so not much cleaning is needed.
12:30 Worship.
1:15 Cleaning projects/laundry/other cleaning
2:00 Yard and garden work, if needed
2:30 Activity time: projects/play/service/usefulness
5:00 Supper preparation. Forest Empties dishwasher.
5:30 supper
6:00 Mama and Emily Rose clean the kitchen - everything! Shiny!
6:30 Play/projects/service/activities
8:00 Worship
8:45 Kids in bed. Tuck ins and prayer.
9:00 Forest asleep. Emily Rose lesson study. Parents in bedroom.

Someone Sprayed My Thistles

2008-05-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm crying. Someone came on our property and sprayed the thistles my baby Painted Lady caterpillars were eating. My heart is broken.

Singer Sewing Machine 15 - 90

2008-05-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have done some searching around to find out more about my new machine. I found a very helpful group at Vintage Singers, a Yahoo Group who were able to look at pictures and let me know that my machine is a 15 -90. It is a dress making machine. It is very similar to the 15-91. Vintage Singers Yahoo Group has extensive files including much information about old machines. I was able to download a manual for the machine there, and also a repair manual. So now I think I'm ready to make something . . . as soon as I have a little more time.

I learned that most older Singers didn't have their model number written anywhere on it. I found a guide to pre-1960 Singer Sewing machines, to help you identify the model.

I found a cool animation of how the rotating hook assembly works and locks the two threads together neatly in the middle of the fabric

I've learned this machine can do free motion quilting, possibly even better then a modern machine because there is more room.

It uses needles and bobbins and feet that are still available.

Singer Sewing Machine 1951

2008-05-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

I stopped by a garage sale today and found a little dream come true. It isn't a featherweight or a treadle machine like my great grandma had, but it is a vintage Singer Sewing machine, and it works great! It was made in 1951. I have not discovered how much this machine is really worth, but I'm thankful to the lady who charged my only $30!

My son brought me two squares of fabric and had me sew him a pillow to see if the machine could do anything. He didn't believe that anything this old could work. What he doesn't know is that there are many Singer machines that are much older that still work. I imagine that many of you actually sewed on a machine just like this when you were a girl.
There is a little emblem on the front of the machine that says this is an anniversary edition: "A Century of Sewing Service 1851 - 1951." It also says it was made in Canada.

Some day I would like to sew a dress on a treadle machine, even if I never get to own one. I would enjoy that connection to the past. It seemed like such a wonderful invention. I really like things that don't require electricity.

Mother's Day Blessings

2008-05-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

My sweet kiddos told me to stay in my room as late as I wanted on Mother's Day so that they could make me breakfast. This is what I found on the table when I came into the dining room. Emily Rose made the French Crepes/Pancakes, filled with banana cream and topped with an I Love You in Raspberry Cream. Forest Zoo made the vegetables and rice and did a very fine job of seasoning them. They also gave me a CD of Jamie Jorge playing the violin. His music is so uplifting. Here is a sample of him playing on a youtube video. He also has an impressive story to tell including a childhood in Cuba. And yes, his mother had to make him practice. I got to hear him play live when he came to our town once, several years ago, but only got my first CD recently.

Review: Seven Secrets Cookbook.

2008-05-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

I bought a new cookbook this week. Seven Secrets Cookbook: Healthy Cuisine Your Family Will Love, by Neva and Jim Bracket. Last Wednesday we visited a friend, and she made a Lentil Soup from the cookbook that was really good. And she had a dressing for the salad that my son loved, also from the cookbook. I bought the book the next day, because it looked like one that our family would be able to use often. It is vegan, and even though it isn't gluten free, many of the recipes are free of gluten, or have gluten free suggestions. It doesn't use very many processed foods, and very little processed oils, so my husband will be happy about most of the recipes too.

I have an older cookbook by the same authors that I also use often. It is called Five Loaves. The authors ran a vegan/healthy deli in Seattle, WA for many years, and this book contains many of their tried and true recipes that they used in their deli. The new cookbook also appears that it will not disappoint.

This morning I made Chili With Corn for our lunch.

Chili With Corn
from Seven Secrets Cookbook, by Neva and Jim Bracket

1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 green or red pepper (optional)
1 - 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons California Chili
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups cooked black or small red beans (may be canned)
1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh corn
14 ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
2 Tablespoons molasses

1. Put onions, peppers, and seasonings in a medium sized kettle and add about 1/2 cup water. Simmer for about 8 minutes until onion is tender.

2. Add remaining ingredients, and heat to serving temperature. Top with Tofu Sour Cream if desired.

Makes 6 cups/

Note: I used red beans cooked in a crock pot overnight. For the chili, I used a combination of three chili powders that I had on hand, since I didn't have any California chili powder. I wondered what it would be like with the molasses. I didn't want it to be sweet or taste strong, but it turned out just fine. My only warning is to be careful not to walk away from it and leave it on the burner after you have added the molasses. It scorches quickly.

We served the chili on freshly cooked brown rice. Yum. It is a recipe that we will make again.

Other recipes we have tried from the book this week include French Crepes (already gluten free) and Ranch-style Dressing Mix (excellent - a powder you can mix into your own mayonnaise )

Update

2008-05-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

Kittens are growing. Their eyes are opening. Each one seems healthy. The children love to pet and cuddle them. Mama kitty is busy nursing them and keeping them clean.

The caterpillars are growing. We are busy remembering to bring fresh bull thistle in for them everyday. We are contemplating taking them out and putting them on a bull thistle plant, then we could watch them from there.

Homeschool is going well. We are in our last push to finish up the school year in about a month.

My husband discovered that he could recover old photos of my camera's memory cards. This means that he was able to recover some of the photos from Joshua Tree National Park that had been lost! Amazing that you can do this. That means I can post some more desert photos when I have a chance.

The power cord for the laptop that I use for photos went poof this morning and sent out a spark. I wasn't able to start the computer after that. I will have to wait until this evening when my favorite computer repair guy gets home to see how badly things are damaged. Until he gets things working again, I won't be posting any photos.

But I may not be posting much anyway. I have many things to focus on, and they aren't all fitting in a day. Blogging is a lesser priority, so if you don't see me for a while, you will know I'm out doing something good.

And I haven't even started anything in my garden yet!

Birth Announcment - Kittens!

2008-05-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

I thought the butterflies were going to be the biggest event of the week, but actually, it is kittens! We have five of them. They were born in the middle of the day, on the couch. Queen CeCe wanted to be by us and petted through the whole event. Piano lessons had to be postponed, and little else got done. But I'd say we are doing well on the science of mammals this year too. Emily Rose has more to say about it on her blog, It's a Kid's Life. Forest Zoo hasn't posted about it yet, but I'm sure he will have one up before the day is out too.

Mr. Vince, the Hermit Crab

2008-05-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Forest Zoo has a new hermit crab. We are so happy, because Forest Zoo has finished all his grade one Pathways readers and mama gave him a new friend for his zoo, a nice active crab. Forest named him Mr. Vince, the invincible, because nothing sees to stop him. Before the day was done, he had traded his shell for an extra one that we had in the terrarium. The next morning, Hermie, our 4 year old crab traded his shell for the one the one Mr. Vince had come with. They seem to be getting along just fine.

Painted Ladies on Apple Blossoms

2008-05-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Things are really happening at our house. I've never had such a pet centered week before.

Our butterflies are doing well. We will have 5 living ones, dining on flowers, and laying eggs. We brought them some apple blossoms, which they appreciated, but then they went back to their favorite dandelions.
Our caterpillars are munching along as fast as they can. The tiny things look like nothing next to a giant bull thistle leaf. They are growing. I think they are about 1/8 of an inch now. Every time we add a fresh leaf, more eggs are laid too. I can't imagine how many butterflies we are going to have. They will be hatching over many days. When it is time we are going to carry them out and set them on a thistle plant that we are reserving for them, so they will feel at home, and maybe there will be more butterflies that live in our area then ever before. The farmers will be happy for our little thistle eaters to settle in the area.

We have Caterpillar Babies!

2008-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

This evening Forest Zoo checked on our butterfly eggs, and found tiny caterpillars instead. They have started to hatch! They are only about 1/16 of an inch long, about twice as big as their egg though. They are crawling around looking for food. We have brought in some fresh big thistle leaves, and some mallow leaves for their dining pleasure. I hope they can make their way there and find them without getting lost.

You might want to take a peek a Forest Zoo's blog. He's been posting like crazy today and has two posts from a second grader's perspective on our butterflies and the four stages of a butterflies life.

Ordering Caterpillars

2008-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

A couple people have asked me where we got our caterpillars from. I can tell you, but I know they are not the only supplier of caterpillars. We chose Painted Ladies, because they live around here and I knew they could get their favorite foods. Monarchs and Swallowtails are available also from some companies, but their life cycle isn't as quick.

We ordered a kit of 5 - 8 caterpillars with food and a growing cup from Butterflies and Blueberries. We didn't order a net cage, as we had an aquarium that we could keep them in once they hatched. But I just read another web page with directions on make a butterfly house out of a cardboard box. It also has more information about raising butterflies.

Another reputable place I know you can get caterpillars is Carolina Biological Supply. It is where teachers order science supplies for their classrooms.

We really have enjoyed our butterfly experience and I highly recommend it to any family. It is a great way to learn about life, with a minimal expense.

Eggs Changing Colors

2008-04-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

I did some more searching for information on the egg stage of Painted Lady caterpillars. It appears it is shorter then I realized, only 3 - 5 days before they hatch. We learned the eggs turn dark shortly before they hatch. We looked closely at our eggs this morning, and we found some dark eggs. I'm hoping I'll get to watch one hatching, and crawling around. I'll post photos when I have them.

I also learned that one Painted Lady can lay up to 500 eggs! I don't think we have that many, but they are so tiny, I might be surprised.

Painted Ladies Love Dandelions

2008-04-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Forest Zoo helped me photograph some of our flutter babies today. He provided dandelion delivery services. Then he put a butterfly on a dandelion and held it in the light for me, so I could move in close and capture some of the beauty of creation seen in a Painted Lady butterfly. Most of the time we just don't get a chance to look at a butterfly closely. If we do it is a special moment. Usually they are off to bounding off to better buttercups in a blink.

Our butterflies are so tame. They don't mind being close to us at all. They enjoyed the fresh dandelions so much they hardly paid any attention to how close I was putting my lens to their face.

The sunlight was just right, lighting up the butterfly, and the macro lens blurred out the background, so you can't see any kitchen chairs or dishes in the china cabinet. See the little white knots on the end of their antenna. I hadn't noticed them before until I started looking at the photographs I had taken today. Learning to look close enough to really see is an art.

Did you notice the double straw on this lady's proboscis? They use their proboscis for sucking up nectar. I noticed that after looking at the photos too.

Painted Ladies have compound eyes that are almost as big as their heads. Click to view an enlarged version of the above photo so you can see grains of the grains of pollen from the Dandelion on this Lady's eye.

When you see a butterfly flying by, you can't see how the color of their wings is made, but you can see amazing detail if you zoom in close with a macro lens. It is interesting to study the scales on their wings that make up the color. Click on the above photo so you can see it enlarged.

Painted Ladies have the scientific name of Vanessa cardui. Many girls have been named after this common butterfly. Vanessa is the brush foot genus. There are three other butterfly species that share the genus of Vanessa, including Red Admirals. You can learn more about Vanessa butterflies here.

Painted Lady Eggs

2008-04-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to show you how pretty a Painted Lady egg can be. Click on the photo to see it enlarged. Aren't they a pretty blue? See the fine lines on the side. Wouldn't they make pretty beads? In real life they are just larger then the hole a pin would make if it were poked in a paper. Really tiny! The macro lens my husband bought me is really helping with our science project.

We have learned that it takes 5 - 10 days for the caterpillar to emerge from the egg. Just before it hatches it changes to a dark color. We are estimating that we should have baby caterpillars sometime between Thursday and Tuesday.

We've got eggs!

2008-04-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

We've got eggs! (I've got photos of them, but can't download them, because that computer isn't working today.) One day after we brought the thistles to our butterflies, the gentlemen started visiting with the ladies, if you know what I mean. The next day little blue/green dots started appearing on our thistle leaves. The eggs are about the size of a pin poke. Some were even laid on the orange slices we have put in with the butterflies. The Painted Ladies really seem to enjoy orange juice. And they love Dandelions! I've been viewing them up close with my macro lens and will have some interesting photos for you, as soon as my computer is working again.

The sad part of metamorphosis has started to take place though. Our first butterfly has died.

Thistles for Our Ladies

2008-04-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

After consulting our favorite Jr. High science teacher, we went out in search of thistles for our Painted Ladies. They are more likely to lay eggs if there is some food for the baby caterpillars when they hatch. We dug up some small plants and put them in four empty pots.
The butterflies got excited when we put the thistles in the aquarium. They crawled over them eagerly, as if testing their quality territory.

We discovered that the butterflies didn't mind being held. Oh my! That sure was fun! If they flew away, they went straight to the window, so it was easy to get them to crawl back on our hands. I love having butterfly pets!

Bear Paw Quilt Being Tied

2008-04-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Back in January I finished piecing this Bear Paw quilt top. It has been sitting on my table since then needing to be finished. I'd really like to have time and skill to machine quilt it, but decided to be more practical and tie it, so it can be used. Sunday I used scraps from the top, and some yardage I had to make a pieced back. When I was finished I had just a small pile of tiny pieces left over, and didn't have to buy anything fabric.
I brought in a folding camping table from the garage, and now am set up in the middle of the family room, so I can add a few ties whenever I have a few minutes. I started tying using embroidery floss, but it didn't look right with the flannel fabric. I ripped those ties out and started over with a skien of variegated yarn in warm fall colors. Emily Rose is even helping me with the tying. I sure appreciate her help. The yarn colors are perfect for this quilt. I hope to have it ready to bind soon.

For more Sew Crafty fun, see Shereen's blog.

Butterfly Science

2008-04-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Forest Zoo and I have been studying insects for science. We ordered some Painted Lady Caterpillars. They arrived a few days after the beginning of April, and were quite tiny. They were inside a shallow cup eating food as fast they could. We followed the directions and left them in the small cup until they were larger then 5/8th of an inch long. Then we were to put some food in a larger cup and transfer the caterpillars to the new cup. They grew amazingly fast in the new cup.
Eating! Eating! Eating! I wasn't sure what was in the provided food, but it must have been something really special. Those larva loved it!
Less then two weeks later, they started forming chrysalis. Soon six were hanging from the filter paper that lined the lid of the cup. One was laying on the bottom. He must not have attached securely to the roof.

The chrysalis are gray with gold spots. They surprised us by wiggling sometimes. I've always thought that they were kind of dead in this stage. We learned that the wiggling is to scare away predators. We learned that when caterpillars form their chrysalis, they turn themselves into liquid, and then reform into a butterfly when inside. When the butterfly emerges, some of the left over liquid can come out too. It was as red as strawberries. We misted the chrysalis daily with water until they turned black, then it was almost time for them to emerge. I was amazed that the time in the chrysalis was so short. It was just a little longer then a week.

Monday morning shortly after getting up I found the first butterfly had hatched. That changed the course of the whole day. When ever would school be so interesting! We transfered the chrysalis to a large aquarium we own, so they would have room to move around. We added some flowers and sticks to sit on. We had plans for regular homeschool, but all we could do was sit there and watch the butterfly, and his brother's hatch. It was amazing! They come out of the chrysalis so quickly, you really have to pay attention to see the whole thing.

I think this is one of my favorite science projects we have ever done. It was as exciting for me as watching a baby be born.

Painted Lady Butterflies are very beautiful! All seven of our babies hatched.

It is too cold outside for butterflies to be out and about. It is freezing every night. Monday it snowed twice! So we are experimenting with keeping them happy in our aquarium, in hopes that there will be some eggs laid and we will get to see the whole process once again.

CeCe the Cantalope Cat

2008-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Now that CeCe is pregnant she has taken to eating some new kinds of foods. Dry cat food will do, but if there is cantaloupe available, she'll be glad to clean off your rinds.

Pink Tulips for Sister

2008-04-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Pink treasure tucked into his dirt covered little hands, arms tucked behind his back, he came sneaking through the kitchen toward the dining table. "Close your eyes sister. I have a surprise for you!"

Then just before he darted outside again, he hurriedly whispered to her, "I love you."

Joshua Tree National Park

2008-04-22T18:24:00.001-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park was probably my favorite part of our trip south. There were the most wildflowers there, and I think my photography skills were improving every day. I was getting more comfortable with my new macro lens. I took 300 - 400 photos there. But there is bad news. Because of some computer complications, and bit of miscommunication, the photos didn't really get downloaded onto the computer. I'm still bummed about it. But as my optimistic husband reminded me, I could have been worse. I still had fun there. I have good memories. I still have many great photos. And we came home with the whole family still healthy, with no car problems. Yes, I do have so much to be thankful for. And if you want to know what Joshua Tree National Park looks like in the spring, you will have to go there yourself, or do some searching around on the web for someone else who posted flowers from there.

Mojave National Preserve - Wildflowers 2008

2008-04-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Dune Evening-Primrose

I have been having so much fun learning about the Wildflowers of the southwestern deserts of the USA. You may think I already knew it all before I went on the trip, but I didn't. I have been having to learn as I went. And even now I am searching to identify the wildflowers I photographed. I really have enjoyed the challenge. Learning new things about wildflowers is so much fun.

I have used several things to help me with the identification process of the desert wildflowers. I picked up two pamphlets in the ranger stations that really helped me.

Wildflowers of Death Valley National Park, put out by the Death Valley Natural History Association. $2.50.

Wildflowers of Joshua Tree National Park, produced by the Joshua Tree National Park Association, in cooperation with the National Park Service. $1.50.

On the web, I've found two very helpful websites.

Desertusa.com has a very helpful online field guide to desert wildflowers which allows you to search by color, or download an mp3 to take with you on a hike.

Black Turtle has made a fantastic website of Death Valley Area Wildflowers. You can search by common names, scientific names or colors.

And if you need some of those wildflowers growing in your yard, Plants of the Southwest can help you. I found they sell wildflower seeds. Now if I could just choose which ones I want to order.

Now, lets take a look at some of the lovelies I found. I've got wildflowers, cactus, Joshua Trees, Mountains and a nesting Red Tailed Hawk for you.

Mojave National Preserve isn't all flat. It has Joshua trees, cinder cones and desert tortoise. We would have loved to search out a tortoise, but will have to save that for another time. We only had enough time to drive through the park, stop at the visitor's center and pull over for new wildflowers or interesting vistas.

The views were interesting, but if you didn't watch your step, it was likely that you would step on fresh bloom. Tiny little Woolly Daisies, and purple mat carpeted many places.

Woolly Daisy (Eriophyllum wallacei) grow only a few inches high, but are as cute as a little yellow button.

Spanish Needles (Palafoxia linea) are lovely close up.

The pink flowers in the above picture is the very fragrant Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa).
The white flowers from the above pictures (and on the top of this page) are the lovely, large flowered Dune Evening-Primrose (Oenothera deltoides).

Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) are quite interesting. They grow really slow, and aren't very strong. They are pollinated by the Yucca moth. They grow either from seed or from an underground rhizome from another tree. If it survives desert life, it can live a couple hundred years, but it doesn't grow with annual growth rings, so it is difficult to tell how old they are. To bloom they must have a winter freeze, and enough rainfall. They don't start branching until after they have bloomed.

In the distance of this photo you can see the famous Kelso Dunes. They know for the sound they make as you slide down the dunes. The low frequency rumble is called "booming dunes."

The blue flower in the foreground is Blue Phacelia (Phacelia distans). After some searching around I have decided that the unidentified blue flower on my first Death Valley wildflower page is also likely the Blue Phacelia or one closely related.

Broad-Flowered Gila (Gilia latiflora)

Red Tailed Hawk sitting her nest in a Joshua Tree, several miles north of Kelso Visitor's Center.

After the hawk took off flying, I found these Fremont Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) blooming nearby.

Close up the Fremont Phacelia reminds me of a petunia, but the flowers are smaller then a dime in size.

Desert Gold or Desert Sunflower (Geraea canescens)

Desert Gold Poppy (Eschscholzia glyptosperma). Golden yellow flowers that I thought at first were pale California Poppies. I was surprised to learn that there is more then one kind of gold colored poppy. The famous California Poppy has bigger flowers and their color is more toward an orange.

Globe Mallow or Desert Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

The fuzzy leaves can irritate the skin of some people. As the plant increases in age, so do the number of it's branches.

Desert Star (Monoptilon bellioides)

Arizona Lupine (Lupinus arizonicus)

Beaver Tail Cactus almost ready to bloom. Click on the link if you want to see what the pretty pink blooms look like when they are open.

Close to the southern entrance to the park we came upon a most lovely scene with rocks, yucca, cactus and wildflowers. Birds were singing from nearby trees.

We pulled over and walked around. It was almost like being in a garden. There was short green plants that felt like a lawn after walking on sand on rocks. Granite boulders lay around as if arranged on purpose.

Cholla (pronounce Choy-ya) posed beside the yucca, and thankfully I didn't get caught with their prickly spines.We were so glad that we got to visit this lovely place, at such a lovely time of year, and will treasure memories of fun family times for years to come.

A Beautiful New Day is Born

2008-04-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

We weren't anywhere near a campground as we traveled south between Death Valley and Mojove National Preserve, when it started getting late, so we found a quiet spot on BLM land to spend the night. It was so quiet there. No people noise. No light, except the light of the stars and the full moon. The air was fresh and clean and peaceful.

I crawled out of my sleeping bag just before the sun.

The moon was close to setting just as the sun started to send color around the curve of the earth, giving the hills a rosy glow.

The yellow back lit sky silhouetted the interesting shape of the hills.

It didn't take long until it was up, spreading warming rays over the desert sand.

Morning filtered through creating shadows and colored light on the hills.

Even the barren, rocky washes were beautifully catching rays of the sun.

A beautiful new desert day was born.

More California Desert Wildflowers

2008-04-15T12:43:00.001-07:00

We had thought that we would spend quite a bit of time in Death Valley, but then we learned that Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park got more rain then Death Valley, so they had more wildflowers. I got excited and so we decided to take the long way to San Diego. There wouldn't be as much time to linger, but I would get to see the wildflowers I came hoping to see.

If you are interested in learning more about Death Valley Area Plants, I found a site that was really helpful.

Here is a sampling of the wildflowers I found between Death Valley and Mojave National Preserve.Rock Nettle (Eucnide urens) A shrubby plant with bristles irritating to skin.
Rock Nettle has lovely flowers.

Desert Star (Monoptilon bellioides) has tinywhite dime sized flowers, as cute as a button.

Desert Pincushion (Chaenactis fremontii)is a hardly noticeable plant with white composite flowers.

It is also called Fremont's Pincushion, and seems to be pretty widespread.

I found Purple Mat (Nama Demissum) in Mojave National Preserve and in Joshua Tree National Park.It's tiny, low growing flowers often formed a mat of purple color over desert gravel.

Brown-eyed Evening Primrose (Camissonia claviformis)

Chia (Salvia Columbariae) an annual sage that commonly appears in disturbed areas of chaparral, such as following brush fires. The nourishing seeds are eaten and also germinated to make bushy "chia pets." This photo shows the dense, interrupted clusters of flowers called glomerules.
It really is a striking flower in a lovely color.

These teeny tiny blossoms are easy to overlook, but Forest Zoo didn't miss them.
Lilac Sunbonnet (Langloisia setosissima ssp. punctata) has pretty, detailed flowers. Setosissima means “very bristly-hairy”. Look closely and you will see why. The flowers are smaller then a dime, but don't step on it.

As we started driving south we found more and more flowers blooming by the road. Quite frequently I would call out and urgent "Stop!" so I could jump out and see what the new flower might be waiting for me. I was surprised to find that more flowers bloomed by the edge of the road, which worked out well for us, since we didn't have time to linger in any one place too long.
Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) was a lovely sight, with large enough flowers to make a golden color splash.

I'll leave you with this single yellow wildflower, that I saw only once, and I haven't been able to identify. And even though it doesn't seem to be common, it isn't overlooked.

Mosaic Canyon Tour, Death Valley

2008-04-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

Once the sand storm took over at the sand dunes we were ready for something a little less blinding. We washed the sand out of our eyes and headed over to Mosaic Canyon, which is very close to Stovepipe Wells Village. Forest Zoo, the great explorer was ready to be our scout and guide through the half mile canyon. Mama passed out the warnings to be look carefully before you placed your hands, feet, or behind. Never put your hands in a place where you can't see what might be lurking there. As quick as possible, Forest Zoo was leaping down the path, and climbing every rock he could.
The path is really narrow, slicing between colorful rock walls.

The patterns in the rock were a fascinating study in pattern.

Some of the rock was even marble.

One minute you were walking along in shadows, and the next minute you were in sunlight.

Mama got a little nervous about Forest Zoo climbing higher and higher.

He was always ready to go higher still, but seemed to know when the climbing required more skills

It was his exploring that found me the only wildflower blooming in the canyon.

He knows how to make Mama happy, just come scrambling back screaming "Wildflower! I found a wildflower! " Hope of a pleasant reward even made Mama climb up a few rocks. My best guess is that this is a Mojave Aster, but my field guide of Death Valley contains only one aster, so I'm not sure if it couldn't be another species.

Forest Zoo is already off in search of new vistas.

I stop and photograph some Desert Holly. It's silver colored leaves which are adapted to the desert to reflect sunlight and are turned on edge to reduce exposure. The plant grows and flowers in winter, relying on the wind, rather then insects, to pollinate it. It is dormant in the heat of summer.

We walk along the narrow winding path, enjoying the spring morning.

But even Forest Zoo stops to rest sometimes.

After one half mile, the narrow canyon opens up to a wider valley with broader views, and a big rock in the center.

We enjoyed our hike. By the time we got back to the car, the wind had died down, and it was time for us to pack up and move on south to the Mojave National Preserve.

Ubehebe Crater

2008-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

2000 years ago there were volcanoes erupting in Death Valley. They left some interesting craters. We got to see Ubehebe Crater (pronounced You-bee-hee-bee). It is around a half mile wide and 750 feet deep. Forest and my husband when running and jumping on the path down into the bottom of the crater while Emily Rose and I sat on the top and sketched the landscape. The colors were beautiful.

Death Valley Oasis

2008-04-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

The area around Scotty's Castle is a lovely oasis in the midst of a dry rocky desert.

Death Valley Ranch AKA Scotty's Castle

2008-04-10T12:43:00.001-07:00

One of the most interesting places in Death Valley is the desert home of Albert and Bessie Johnson. The kids and I took a tour while my husband finished grading final exams, so grades could be complied for his students. This home, Death Valley Ranch, was more commonly known as Scotty's Castle, named after Johnson's famous friend, Walter Scott.

The Story of Albert Johnson

The story of Bessie Johnson

The Story of Death Valley Scotty.

Story of Scotty's Castle. And Here's More.

Listen to the pipe organ and see more pictures.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the visit.

The large two story home from the outside.

Weather Vane perched on a tower.

Bell tower.

Red tiles and a Joshua Tree.

Interesting window shutters.

A view through the courtyard gate.

Our tour guide. Her dress may have been the most interesting part of the tour to me. I love the details of the dress, which are hard to see in the photo. I think I'm going to work on copying the dress. The pocket are put on on a slant, and have a rounded notch cut out of the top. There are 10 little bottons and fabric loops up the bodice. The waist slopes up in the front center, with a couple tucks in the bodice secured into the waist. There is a kick pleat in the front and back of the skirt. I'm assuming it is 1930's styling.

The Front door of the home.

Even though they lived in the middle of no where, Mr. Johnson had devised his own pelton wheel power plant using water running down from the hills.

Scotty was given his own room in the home. I liked Scotty's hat, still hanging on the wall above his dreser.

His head board was ornately carved. His bed quilt was suitable for a man.

One of the beautiful tables in the home. I liked the flower in the center. Could it be the famous Desert Gold flower that blooms in the spring? Artisans from all over the world were brought in to help with the details of the furnishings and the home itself.

Some of the china tea cups on a shelf in the kitchen. Can't you see them being used on the sunflower table on a sunny afternoon while Betsy entertained a famous guest.Besty had a bed made just for her, with a fold down table where she could sit and write. She liked to write sermons that she delivered every week. In the top floor of the home there is a 1,000 pipe pipe organ, that still plays. I noticed that the room was set up in a way that it could be used to entertain guests with music, and with just a little arranging, it would look like a church. I didn't hear anything in the tour about preaching, but it seems that the Johnson's home must have been used as a church also.

I learned Bessie was under 5 foot tall, and so her specially made bed was made just for her. Her husband's bed, on the other hand was 7 feet long, as he was quite tall.
A hand crank sewing machine was set up in Bessie's room, as was a typewriter. Along the walls were shelves with Bessie's collection of native made baskets.

Her tiled kitchen had a refrigerator, and ice box that actually made ice cubes. There was a electric stove, and a table for when they weren't entertaining. There was also a kitchen in another building for making food for workers, artisans, and other guests on the property.

The Soul that Gives Thanks

2008-04-10T09:55:00.001-07:00

Watercolor by Forest Zoo

“The soul that gives thanks
can find comfort in everything;
the soul that complains
can find comfort
in nothing.”

Hannah Whitall Smith

Death Valley Sand Dunes - Stovepipe Wells

2008-04-09T21:23:00.001-07:00

Shortly after sunrise, we shook Daddy out of his sleeping bag, and persuaded him to go to the sand dunes with us while it was still early, and the sand was still cool. We took a picnic breakfast with us, and some water and started off toward the dunes. They aren't far from the Stovepipe Wells Campground.
The early morning sun made gave a lovely warmth to the sand, and contrasting shadows.
While I had my eyes on the surrounding beauties, I knew the kids had their eyes on the the sand. They were on some sand dunes once before and knew the fun of jumping. They were eager to get started.
As soon as we got to a little dune they ran ahead and started leaping.
But surely there were even bigger dunes to try.

Soon there were repeated cries of "Watch me, Mom!"
And of course there were screams of delight as they came flying off the edge.

And some of the landings were very exciting!It was very good we went early, because not long after we finished eating breakfast, the wind started to blow, and a sand storm enveloped the dunes.

Sunrise on Death Valley

2008-04-09T21:07:00.001-07:00

At the end of the first day I got to see the sun set and then the full moon rise. We were camping at Stovepipe Wells. A large parking lot style campground, with a back row reserved for tents. Around the campground there are wide open spaces and big views surrounded by barren hills.

I woke up before the sun. When I got up the first thing I saw was the setting full moon in the west. After that was down, I turned my eyes to the east, and saw the colors that proceed the sun start to glow.

There was an orange glow.
Followed by a golden yellow glow.The western hills started to glow a rosy pink.
Then back to the east the sun peaked out from a little notch in the hills. It was the beginning of a beautiful day. The weather was perfect. The night cooled to 50 to 60 degrees, and the day warmed to the low 80's. The warmth felt perfect to me, not even close to the scorching heat of summer. I soaked it in and enjoyed every minute of it, though the kids felt a little wilted sometimes. I am pretty sure I wouldn't like it there in July, but March felt just fine to me.

Death Valley Wildflowers 2008

2008-04-08T13:37:00.001-07:00

Most of Death Valley National Park, in California, seems pretty barren. Lots of rocky open spaces, bare hills, and a few scattered Creosote bushes bushes and cactus. (This creosote bush is actually covered with yellow blooms.)
But there is a special time of year, when the desert can take on a golden glow as you look out across the flats to the hills.We actually got to be there to see the desert come alive. Along the road in various places you could see these pretty flowers, Desert Gold (Geraea canescens) blooming by the road.
Stop and take a closer look.They are really cheerful, and remind of me of cosmos in my flower garden.
Cotton-Top Cactus weren't blooming, but we could see their fruit covered with dry cottony fibers.Lesser Mojavea (Mohavea breviflora)
Notched-Leaf Phacelia (phacelia crenulata)
Just before I let home, my husband ordered a new 50mm macro lens with a 1:1 ratio. I was so excited to try it. I'm really happy with how it lets me get in so close to the flowers, much closer then my zoom lens that says it has macro. Aren't these Phacelia's stunning. I think they were among my favorites in Death Valley.This plant with a few white flowers was one you could hardly see, because the stems are so slender, and the leaves are found only in a rosette at the base.
It is called Gravel Ghost (Atrichoseris Platyphylla). Notice the pretty pink edges on the white flowers.
I haven't yet discovered the name of this purple flower and saw it only once.
Scented Cryptantha (Cryptantha utahensis) were found often near the desert Gold.
These pretty pink flowers were hard to find, but worth the search. They are called Desert Five-Spot (Eremalche rotundifolia).

Death Valley Tracks

2008-04-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

We got up with the sun our first morning in Death Valley, even though we didn't get into camp at Stovepipe Wells Campground until 12:30 a.m. There were to many things waiting outside our tent door that we just knew we wouldn't want to miss. The kids and I left dad in his sleeping bag and set out for a walk out behind the campground looking for things to see. The light was so warm. It felt so good to the cold weather we had left behind back in Washington.
Our first discovery was mounds with plants growing out of them to climb on and leap from.

Our second discovery was tracks made by little creatures that must have been scurrying everywhere while we were sleeping. I wonder what made them? A Kangaroo Rat? A lizard? A bird? An insect? I wish we knew more.

Death Valley or Bust

2008-04-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

We got an early start on our trip to California, in hopes of making it all the way to Death Valley in one long day, so we'd have less days of travel and more days of play. We got started even before sun sun rose. We had packed the car the night before.
I'm sure you'd stare if you saw our car go by on the highway. My husband has devised a way for us to travel in a small, economical car, and still take everything we need for camping. We look like modern Hillbillies or something. The trash can contains all our sleeping bags. The ice chest is snugged in the back seat with the kids. The blue roll is three layers of egg crate foam wrapped up in our ground cloth so it will stay dry, and mama will sleep comfortably. The black boxes contain sleeping pads for the kids, food, kettles, cooking equipment, and other odd things that need a place to go. In the trunk there is clothes, extra shoes, more food, the camp stove, tool box, the tent, and winter coats. The 2 gallon water jug is setting outside between the black boxes and the trunk. Tooth brushes and hair brushes and flashlights are in the pocket in Mama's car door. Non-perishable food for the day is on the floor in the car under the ice chest. Water bottles are on the floor under my son's feet. Pillows are tucked under and around people. Storybooks, laptop computer, camera, drawing supplies, journal, maps, etc. are in a bag by mama's feet. Good thing she has little feet. Dad doesn't fit in there as well when he wants to trade off driving.

The big antenna by the right turn signal is for my husband's ham radio. There's a little two meter ham antenna on the roof of the car.

All of the stuff on the back of the car sets on a metal rack, slipped into the hole you would put a trailer hitch in. It works good if you don't have it too heavy on the back, but you have to be careful, because the extra weight can cause you to wear out tires faster.

Packing out car like this made our trip really quite affordable. We averaged about 33 mpg, and spent only about $240 on gasoline on the whole 2,400 mile trip. We didn't stay in a single hotel. Camping fees averaged $10 - $12 a night. In San Diego we stayed with friends. We didn't go out to eat one single meal. We planned our meals and brought along delicious food to eat along the way using our campstove, or simple foods to eat in the car while driving. I'm not sure how much I spent on food for the 10 day trip, but I'm thinking it was just a little more then we usually spend on food. We had purchased a National Parks Pass last June, so that got us into the five National Parks we visited. We have more then covered the cost of the pass now.

We only bought about $14 of souvenir type items, some postcards and a guide book to the critters of the desert and a couple small ones about the wildflowers of the desert.

The place where we spent way too much money was on Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. It cost more to visit these two places together, then it cost for all of our gas on the whole trip. $320! (I'll give you more of my thoughts on these two places on another day.)

All in all, it turned out to be a great trip, and one that we could afford. I don't think any of us felt deprived in away way, because I did my best to make sure everyone had what they needed to be comfortable on the trip. We had lots of fun family time together. And stories either read by me or on mp3 made the miles go faster.
We left our house thinking of warm weather and sunny skies in southern California. We were surprised to find snow on the road just one hour from town. Hope we don't need tire chains. We didn't even think of putting them in.Breakfast featured one ripe mango per person, in a baggy, all ready to eat.

The rest area sure was cold.

Nevada was still cold too, but the moutains and skies were beautiful!

At a rest area Forest Zoo found me the first wildflowers of the trip. I have never seen anything like them before. Do you know what they are. They were pretty tiny.

It is not Raining Rain for Me, It's Raining daffodils

2008-04-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

April Rain
By Robert Loveman (1864-1923)

It is not raining rain for me,
It’s raining daffodils;
In every dimpled drop I see
Wild flowers on the hills.

The clouds of gray engulf the day
And overwhelm the town;
It is not raining rain to me,
It’s raining roses down.

It is not raining rain to me,
But fields of clover bloom,
Where any buccaneering bee
Can find a bed and room.

A health unto the happy,
A fig for him who frets!
It is not raining rain to me,
It’s raining violets.

Yosemite Vacation Views

2008-04-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

Since I started with Yosemite, I thought I'd show you more from this beautiful National Park. There was still lots of snow at the higher elevations, but down in the valley spring was starting to show it's face. I didn't have time to search out any wildflowers there, but surely there must have been a brave one somewhere.
The valley is protected by tall cliffs, rocks and waterfalls.
The view really is almost unbelievable.

Bridal Veil falls is supposed to keep falling even when others nearby dry up. It was beautiful the day we were there.
Yosemite falls, seen near the visitors center is also spectacular, falling over sheer cliffs, down into the valley.
A little squirrel was enjoying his lunch in a flower box near the visitor's center, though the flowers were yet to be seen.
Driving out the park, you could see the river stretching up the valley behind you, with a waterfall at it's head.
We really did enjoy our time there. I hope to go back sometime and spend more time, finding other quiet beauty spots in the park.

Yosemite National Park

2008-04-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

I had some photos in my camera not yet downloaded, from the end of our trip, so I can start posting about some of the beautiful sights we saw on our trip to California.

We only had time to drive through Yosemite National Park, and walk through the visitor's center, but it was worth the extra miles. None of us had been there before, and I have to say that it was just as beautiful as the photos I've seen before, but even more amazing because I got to see it with my own eyes. It was one lovely place.

What Should I Make?

2008-04-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

While I was gone the fabric I ordered was delivered. It is cotton lawn, nice and airy, and perfect for warm summer days. It is still cold here, but I know those warm days are going to come. The flowers are a coral orange, on a white background, and are about 3 inches across. What I'd like to know is if any of my readers have suggestions as to what I should make with it? I'm thinking I want a dress that is a little old fashioned, maybe from the 40s or 50s, but would be fun to wear today. I have 5 yards of fabric, before washing.

2008-03-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

I've disappeared for over week, but now I'm back. We took a road trip/camping trip to California to see the desert wildflowers in bloom. I've never done that before, but let me tell you, it sure was fun! We started at Death Valley National Park, then moved south to Mojove National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park. Death Valley was really interesting, but Mojove and Joshua Tree had the best wildflowers, because they got rain this year when Death Valley didn't. We drove through Anza-Brorrego State Park on the way to San Diego. On the way home we drove through Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park, where there was still lots of snow, and only a few wildflowers at lower elevations. But both places were very beautiful! We needed more days, but were glad for each one we had. I'll start sharing pictures with you when my husband can move them from his laptop (where I downloaded on the trip) to my computer. Today I've got to focus on unpacking, cleaning up and helping my kids get back into routine.

I'm glad you are all still here. Thank you for all you comments, even when I was gone.

Questions about my nature journal

2008-03-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've had some questions about my nature journal and thought I'd answer them this morning.

Yes, I do keep a personal nature journal. I'm not regular in writing or drawing in it, but enjoy it very much when I do. I mostly draw in the spring and summer, because flowers are my favorite thing to draw.

I draw with a mechanical pencil, then I trace the pencil drawing with a black Pigma Micron pen. My daffodils were colored with colored pencils. I like to work with watercolor too, but notebook pages don't hold up well with watercolor, even though the art journal I use says it is suitable for watercolor. I sometimes trace and transfer a drawing using graphite paper onto watercolor paper if I want to watercolor a flower.

A tip for drawing flowers is to always draw what is there, and not what you think is there. I usually start the flower where a petal and the center meet. I draw that petal, trying to put each straight line and curve of the edge exactly as they are. Then I move back to the center and make the next petal. It is really tempting to just draw straight lines for the stem and leaves and be finished. But you have to look at them carefully too. Does a daffodil have a straight stem? No, it has an elegant twist, as do the leaves. Carefully look at the daffodil stem and study where each line goes, then draw the straight segments and curves, just as they are. You will really enjoy the result.

If I don't have time to color right then, I like to have a blue pencil and an yellow pencil with me to color in the lighter and darker places on the leaves. Then when I come back later, I can remember how the light was falling, and apply it to the flower also. Blue darkness and yellow light, makes more lifelike leaves when you add a top layer of green. I put in purple shadows at the end.

I'd like to put out a challenge to each of you to try drawing a daffodil, or other spring flower, and then share it on your blog. If you do, come back and leave me a comment so I can see it too.

A Mug of Wildflower Tea

2008-03-17T16:53:00.001-07:00

I have one more entry in Gracious Hospital-i-tea's cupa-tea week. I hinted that I don't much appreciate mugs for drinking tea, but then when I thought about it more today, I realized that I have several tea mugs I enjoy, but they are pretty ones, and all were made in England. This very afternoon I drank some tea out of this one that is covered with wildflowers. I do enjoy my mugs that have pink roses and pretty blue flowers, but this one with wildflowers is my very favorite. One side of the mug features violets. The details are lovely, even showing the seed pod bursting with life. In the middle are some sunflowers with grass in the background
On the other side is some pretty pink flowers which I don't recognize. There are some tiny white somethings sprouting underneath the leaves too.

I had so much fun researching my tea cup that I thought I would see if I could find out anything about the company that made this mug.The bottom of the mug said it bone china, made in England by Roy Kirkman Pottery. I learned from their website that the company is only 30 years old, but they make some beautiful pieces. When I looked at their website I was amazed! They make beautiful tea cups, mugs and tea pots, featuring flowers, birds, nature and teddy bears. I think I liked every thing I saw there. Every piece would be a joy to hold and drink from.

And now I'd like to know how this mug made it's way to America to a thrift shop so that I could pick it up and bring it home to use and enjoy, and why am I so attracted to English made tea cups and mugs.

Daffodils Dance in my Nature Journal

2008-03-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Gracious Hospital-i-tea Blog-a-thon

2008-03-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

My friend, La Tea Dah, at Gracious Hospitality is have special tea themed blog-a-thon. It is styled like my Wildflowers in Winter extravaganza. Here is what La Tea Dah says on her blog:

"You are invited to join Gracious Hospitality by pouring yourself a cuppa tea and participating in the Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blog-a-Thon. In a relaxed, easy manner --- you are invited to share some of your favorite things about afternoon tea. A listing of themes for the weeks ahead is listed below and you are welcome to enter a post for each and every week. In fact, you can post as many times as you wish each week, just so it keeps on the weekly topic. Rylan has created an image for you to use to identify your blog-a-thon post each week. You are welcome to copy it and post it with your posts or on the sidebar of your own blog. Each week there will be a reminder post on Gracious Hospitality, reviewing the theme for the week. Each time you have posted your weekly theme, return to Gracious Hospitality and leave a post with URL in the comments section. It will be highlighted and transferred and linked at the end of the weekly theme post for all to see. Late posts are accepted. This is a great way to make new friends and to find others who share an interest in the relaxing tradition of afternoon tea. So, please tell your friends and join in on the fun! At the completion of our tea event an entry will be made for each post and a drawing will be conducted to select the winner of a package of tea goodies."

So hurry over and take a look and join the Gracious Hospital-i-tea Blog-a-thon.

Tea-cupa Story

2008-03-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

The theme for the first week of Gracious Hospital-i-tea's Blog-a-thon is to tell the story of a favorite tea cup. I shared about my favorite thistle tea cup a few weeks back, but this is another favorite of mine.

I didn't grow up in a family that used tea cups. I don't think that we even owned a tea cup and saucer. We usually had the basics, but there was rarely money for extras. Sometimes I remember drinking some peppermint tea from a heavy mug. Sometimes grandma made some sun tea when the weather got hot, but other then that, there just wasn't much tea around.

When I read about tea parties and saw pictures of beautiful tea cups, I really longed to own one, but it was long after I graduated from college before I owned my first tea cup. This tea cup wasn't my first one, but it was my first beloved tea cup. When I saw it at an estate sale, I snatched it up quickly, and hoped they wouldn't charge too much because it was just what I wanted. It was similar to my dream of what the perfect English tea cup would look like, covered with flowers inside and out, including pink roses. I really was thrilled to own such a pretty cup. I just love that it is beautiful on the inside too. It reminds me of how God wants us to be, not only pretty on the outside, but pretty on the inside too, because He makes it so.

I was curious today if I might learn some more about this tea cup. The bottom the cup says it is made by Roslyn Fine Bone China, Made in England. The pattern is Black Velvet, number 8555. I don't know anything about the woman who once owned it. I'm guessing that because it is in such good condition, that it sat many years in a china closet, too pretty to use. I wondered if it might have been a gift from an English relative, or a souvenir from her world travels. I won't ever know the answers to these questions but I wondered if I might find out something about the company that made this tea cup.

I went searching on the web and learned that Roslyn Fine Bone China was made at Park Place Works, Longton, England from 1946 to 1963,. Previously the Roslyn company was called Reid and Co. and they made fine china from 1913 to 1946. I learned that my cup was made sometime between 1950 and 1955, when they put the name of the pattern in a banner. The pottery factory is now a museum. You can see some examples of other Roslyn works here.

When guests come for tea at my house, this is often the tea cup that I let them use, because maybe they too have never held a pretty English tea cup in their hands before. Maybe when they hold this pretty cup in their hands and share friendship they will know more clearly just how precious and beautiful they are to me and to God.

Oatmeal Raisin Molasses Cookies

2008-03-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

I've been in the kitchen week experimenting with gluten free oats and making some cookies. Let me tell you that they are great! Oats don't technically have gluten in them, but in America they are usually contaminated with wheat because they are usually grown so close together or processed on the same machinery. They aren't cheep food, but for this family with three gluten intolerant individuals the certified gluten free oats are like spring. We can't afford using them for oatmeal at $4 a pound. But I'm decided that maybe we should have them in cookies sometime. Once I got cooking and tasting I couldn't stop and had to go get some more, so I could make some more for us to take with us on spring break.

I took my favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe and make some changes, so it has no processed oil, and is gluten and dairy free and not too sweet. The molasses makes them dark, as if they had some chocolate in them, but they are chocolate free. We were all happy with the results.

Oatmeal Raisin Molasses Cookies
by Elizabeth Joy
at www.morninglightblogger.blogspot.com

1. Soak 1 1/2 cups of raisins in hot water for 20 or more minutes. Drain. Discard liquid.
2. Mix in a bowl the following:

2/3 cup honey
4 TBSP molasses
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup soymilk

3. Blend and add to the above mixture.

1 cup water
1/3 cup cashews
2 TBSP flax seed

4. In another bowl, mix the following:

The 1 1/2 cup of soaked raisins
1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
5 cups quick oats
1 cup brown rice flour
4 TBSP tapioca flour

5. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir well. Let set 10 minutes to firm up. Drop by 1/8th cup portions onto a lightly sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten and shape. Bake 350' F for 25 minutes.

Apricot Oatmeal Cookies

2008-03-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

My next experiment with certified gluten free oats used some apricots that I pulled out of the freezer and thawed. I think that I liked them even better then the raisin molasses cookies. A guest today thought they were really good. They aren't too sweet, so you don't have to feel guilty eating them.

Apricot Oatmeal Cookies
by Elizabeth Joy at
www.joyinthemorninglight.blogspot.com

6 cups certified gluten free oats
2 cups raisins
2 cups sunflower seeds
1 TBSP cinnamon

Blend and add to mixture
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/3 cup cashews
2 TBSP flax seeds
4 cups of unsweetened apricots, drained

Stir everything together. Let soak for 10 minutes to firm up. Drop by 1/8 cup portions onto a sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten and shape. Bake at 350' F for 25 minutes, or put in the food dehydrator for18 - 24 hours if you wish to keep more of the nutrients from the apricots. I made some both ways, and both work well.

Gluten Free Granola

2008-03-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Now you are really going to think I'm crazy, because I made 12 quart bags of gluten free granola for our upcoming vacation trip, so we'd have something quick and easy to eat every day we are on the road. The original recipe came from a friend. I'm posting it here with my variations, including the gluten free oats.

Gluten Free Granola

Mix together:
5 cups of rolled rice flakes ( if you can't find them, use all oats)
5 cups certified gluten free oats
1 cup raw buckwheat groats
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP cinnamon

Blend:
1/3 cup raw cashews
2 TBSP flax seeds
2/3 cup water

Pour in a small bowl and add and mix:
1 can of apple juice concentrate
1/4 cup maple syrup

Add all the liquid to the dry ingredients and stir to coat completely. Place in cookie sheets. Bake in a 250' F oven for a couple hours or so. Stir every 45 minutes or so. After baking add sulfite free dried fruit, such as raisins, pineapple, apples, in the proportion that you desire. Store in sealed bags or containers, before your family devouring it for a snack. Makes 6 quarts of granola.

Daffy-Down-Dilly

2008-03-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

Daffy-down-dilly is new come to town,
With a yellow petticoat and a green gown.

English Rhyme

My little boy picked them for me and brought them in and placed them in this tiny vase for me. They look sweet next to the green teapot, but not as sweet as the smile on my boy when handed them to me.

Winner of the Wildflowers in Winter Drawing

2008-03-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast eight weeks have passed. Wildflower in Winter has been so much fun because of you, each of the participants. It wouldn't have worked without you. Thank you for spreading the word, and making such interesting posts, when (for most of us) there was hardly a wildflower to be found.

And now it is time to reveal the winner of the drawing. So the drawing would be easy, and unbiased, I asked my husband to use his computer to choose a number for us between 1 and 166, to see who would win. His computer chose 106, which corresponds with:

The Shady Gardener at Does Everything Grow Better in My Neighbor's Yard?

I'm going to be making up a little package to send to her, just as I promised.

I looked through Mr. Linky and discovered that The Shady Gardener had a post every week for this wildflower extravaganza. Congratulations, dear Shady Gardener. I feel like I've gained a new friend. Actually, I feel like I've gained many new friends - all of you. If I could, I'd send every one of you a big bouquet of the freshest spring wildflowers.

Do stop by my blog and say hi, even when Wildflowers in Winter is over. And do keep searching for, photographing and writing about wildflowers. It will make blogland a more beautiful place.

And now for a question. If we were to do this again next year, do you have any suggestions to improve how we do it? I'm all ears.

Thanks again!
Elizabeth Joy

Wildflowers in Winter - Weekly Themes and Drawing Information

2008-03-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Scroll down for for more details.

Scroll further down for my regular posts.

Every winter I find myself longing for spring. I just love the warming rays of sun and the wildflowers that start to open. It is my favorite time of year. Wildflowers bring me so much joy.

So, I propose some wildflower fun this winter to take us into the first days of spring. I will have a different theme each week through the middle of March. Join right in by making a post on your blog fitting the theme. You may copy the theme image for Wildflowers in Winter onto your blog entry, and link back to this blog so others will know where to look for more information. Then come back to my blog and enter your information in the Mister Linky at the bottom of the page, so we can all see your post. Late entries will be accepted up to March 12. My daughter wants me to make sure and let you know that children can participate not only in the children's art contest, but in all aspects of the Wildflowers in Winter Theme, if they have the photographs or skill to do so, and thus be entered in the drawing.

Please do spread the word so your friends can also enjoy Wildflowers in Winter. I would love to see lots of entries. It will brighten up my gray winter days.

For each post you make about the wildflower themes and enter in the Mister Linky, your name will be entered in a drawing. The winner of the drawing will receive a set of wildflower notecards (yet to be created) made by me.

Here are the themes listed by week, so you can plan ahead are as follows:
Click on the highlighted words to go to an entry with more details about this weeks activities.

Week 1 - January 16 - 22. Your favorite wildflower photo from your files.

Week 2 - January 23 - 29. Wildflowers in Winter, a winter image of a flower in your area.

Week 3 - January 30 - February 5. Literary Wildflowers - Stories, quotations or poetry about wildflowers written by you or someone else. Or write a book review about a book that features wildflowers, such a guide book, picture book, travel guide or something about wildflower gardening, etc. Or Write about some special places/trails/areas to go searching for wildflowers that you are familiar with. Tell about the best time of year to go there, and what you might see. Share photographs if you have them.

Week 4 -February 6 - 12. Wildflowers in the Home - Decorating with wildflowers. Show us dishes or other decorations made by you or someone else that you have in your home. Save the fabric decorations and paintings or drawings for the next two weeks.

Week 5 - February 13 - 19. Stitching up wildflowers - creations made with textiles (fabric, yarn, thread etc.) and featuring wildflowers in some form, made by you or someone else.

Week 6 - February 20 - 26. Wildflower Art - Share art made by you or someone else that features wildflowers. I am thinking of paintings, watercolors, sketches, drawings etc., elaborate, detailed, free style, or very simple. Something from your nature journal would be appropriate too. If you can't find something in your house to photograph and share about right now, this week you can sit down and draw or paint one. Come on, don't be shy. It is really lots of fun, and may chase away those winter blues faster then you'd guess.

Week 7 - February 27 - March 4. Kid's Wildflower Art Contest - Post a photo of a child's art creation featuring wildflowers (or other favorite spring flower, I won't be picky) on your blog or theirs. You have until Tuesday night, March 4 to get them up on a blog. If you don't have a blog, email them to me, and I'll post it on my blog for you. Come back to my blog and enter your name followed by (week 7) and then enter the link where the art work is found. Then on Wednesday, March 5, we will open up the voting, which I will keep open until Thursday, March 6, at 6:00 P.M. PST. take time to look at all the week 7 entries, choose your favorite and then send me an email with your choice to: morninglightblogger at yahoo dot com. (Remove the spaces and fix up the email so it will work.) The winner will receive a really cool Dover Publications Wildflower Coloring book and a neato set of Prang watercolors, some watercolor paper and a piece of graphite paper. If you have any questions be sure to ask.

Week 8 - March 5 - 12. The First Wildflower of Spring photo challenge. Be searching for wildflowers in your area. Try to find the first one blooming and post a photo of it on your blog. If you don't know what it is we will try to help you identify it.

I'll be leaving this post at the top of my blog for your information until Wildflowers in Winter is completed.

When you enter your name place in parentheses which week you are working on, for example "Elizabeth Joy (week 2)". I can only use one Mister Linky in my blog at a time, so we will enter everything in this one. (I'm not entering myself in the Mister Linky, but I am blogging about wildflowers myself, so if you want to see what I have posted, scroll on down through my blog.)

One Last Chance

2008-03-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

One last chance to make an entry for Wildflowers in Winter. I'll have my husband help me with a computerized drawing tonight to see who will will a set of note cards.

The Winner is ...

2008-03-06T19:09:00.001-08:00

First of all, thanks to everyone who participated in the kids Wildflower Art Contest. Thank you also to everyone who emailed their vote to me. I have counted all the votes, and the winner is ...

D. who posted some lovely tulips at his mother's blog, Stitches of Grace.

Congratulations to D. I mail you a little package as soon as I can.

Reminder to Me - Eat Your Greens

2008-03-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have a hard time convincing people in your family that they won't die of protein deficiency (there really is no such thing) if they don't eat meat. I just read an excellent blog post about how veggie burgers have more nutrients then beef patties and how broccoli, kale, and romaine leave steak in the dust when it comes to nutrition. Take a look at the blog Disease Proof. You have to look at the second chart on the page. It is really impressive. It is an excellent reminder to me to keep putting kale in my smoothies, and steaming broccoli to serve with every meal.

And yes, I do need that reminder. I'll tell you what happened to me this winter. Most people who know me know I have come to eat salad as my main food. It has really helped my health and energy to do so. But something happened as the weather got colder, I started making other kinds of good food such as soups, lentils, rice, beans and other such things. They really are good food, but don't have near the nutrient content of greens. When I make these foods the main thing, I don't eat as many greens. A few weeks ago I remember congratulating myself that I must be doing much better health wise, because I was doing so well without as much salad. Then things started changing. I got some kind of intestinal flu, I ate something at a potluck that didn't agree with me very well, maybe msg, and had three nights of disturbed sleep. It is clear my digestion wasn't very happy either. Then two days ago I woke up with 3 cold sores on my lips. Though I used to get these quite regularly, I haven't had them at all since I started eating greens leafy vegetables regularly. I thought about it and wondered what was it causing all of this. I decided to check my acid/alkaline balance since I hadn't done that for a while. Oh my! The results were interesting. I've never come up so acid when testing myself. I had the strongest acid reading on the stick! No wonder I wasn't doing so well. I must get cold sores when I'm highly acid. How does one get their body back to alkaline? Eat greens, lemons and limes, and some other fruits and veggies. I think I learned a lesson here.

Please Vote in the Kid's Wildflower Art Contest

2008-03-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

Anyone who stops by my blog can vote for the Kid's Wildflower Art contest. We've gotten a few votes, but we need more. So go ahead and email in your vote. Votes are due by Thursday at 6 p.m. pacific time.

The First Wildflower of Spring!

2008-03-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

On the east side of town in a grassy strip between the railroad tracks and the highway I found the first wildflower of spring. I have been hoping for them, longing for them, looking for them, and then last Friday I found them! Grass widows, also know as Satin flowers were blooming.They were only about 6 inches tall, but their pinky purple faces seemed to eagerly welcome me. I've seen them much taller over on the Puget sound where they get more water.
I looked up the term "Grass widow". There is debate about the origan and meaning. Wikipedia said It "is a widow whose husband will return in a limited period of time, usually a voyage, or in a second sense, divorced or separated from her husband." The definition made me think I rather liked it's second name better, Satin Flower. It seems more fitting and matches the beauty of the delicate flower.

I looked at web page called "The Language of Flowers" and it said that Satin flowers mean sincerity.

I sincerely wish you a happy spring. Hurry for the first wildflower! I know there will be more to follow.

Voting Open for the Kid's Wildflower Art Contest

2008-03-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

I am opening voting now for the Kid's Wildflower Art Contest. Some great wildflower art has been created. You can vote by email at morninglightblogger @ yahoo . com (remove spaces). Voting will be open until Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m, pacific time.

Here's how to vote. Look at the Mr. Linky list in the top post of my blog. Between numbers 134 and 149 you will find entries for week 7. Look at all the entries. Then make your decision as to who you think should be the winner of the Kid's Wildflower Art Contest. Email your vote to me as described above. I'll announce the winner on Thursday evening sometime before I go to bed.

First Wildflower Coming up ...

2008-03-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

I photographed my first wildflower of the spring on Friday. Yippee! But I'm not going to show you what it is until week 8 starts. (No it isn't a dandelion.) I don't know what we are going to do about you ladies who live in the far north who have no hope of seeing anything green for another long gray month.

If you haven't found a kid to draw a wildflower for you yet, you have a couple more day before we start voting. Even a baby will do, just show them a picture of a flower, give them some paper, and make sure they don't eat the crayons.

Week 7 - Kid's Wildflower Art Contest

2008-02-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

I've been out looking for the first wildflower of spring, but still haven't found it. But some birds are coming back. There are some robins around. So that must mean that they know that warmer weather is close. Don't worry if you haven't found the first wildflower either, because we have one more week before we have to find one.

This week though, we have to find some kids. I know that many of our participants don't have children at home anymore, so I'm wondering if you could put a call out on your blog to draw in some blogger moms that have kids to particpate. I would love to have a great variety of home drawn wildflowers blooming around blogsphere this week. I have the prize for the contest picked out and ordered. It is going to be a really cool Dover Publications Wildflower Coloring book and a neato set of Prang watercolors, some watercolor paper and a piece of graphite paper.

So here are the rules. They are simple.
Week 7 - February 27 - March 4. Kid's Wildflower Art Contest - Post a photo of a child's art creation featuring wildflowers (or other favorite spring flower, I won't be picky) on your blog or theirs. You have until Tuesday night, March 4 to get them up on a blog. If you don't have a blog, email them to me, and I'll post it on my blog for you. Come back to my blog and enter your name followed by (week 7) and then enter the link where the art work is found. Then on Wednesday, March 5, we will open up the voting, which I will keep open until Thursday, March 6, at 6:00 P.M. PST. take time to look at all the week 7 entries, choose your favorite and then send me an email with your choice to: morninglightblogger at yahoo dot com. (Remove the spaces and fix up the email so it will work.) The winner will receive a really cool Dover Publications Wildflower Coloring book and a neato set of Prang watercolors, some watercolor paper and a piece of graphite paper. If you have any questions be sure to ask.

Watercolor Wildflower Botanicals

2008-02-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share with you some of my watercolor art. I still feel like beginner in many ways with some forms of watercolor. But I find that wildflowers are my favorite things to paint. I feel like I understand them more, and really enjoy trying to give them a fair representation. A couple years ago I took a class in watercoloring wildflower botanicals and it gave me a really good start. The teacher gave me some pointers that improved my ability to draw a wildflower, and I got quite excited as I found my drawings blooming in color. I really like drawing and painting them with the actual flower in my hand. I enjoy looking for the subtle variances in color. I love how my ability to see increased as I studied each flower so closely. I am not close to being a professional, as I only have time to do this for fun, so far, but I thought I'd share a few of my paintings with you. I draw first with pencil, then retrace with a Pigma Micron pen. Then I paint. The next thing I need to learn though is how to photograph them in a better way.Balsam Root - From Brewster, Washington
Bride's Bonnet - Jubilee Lake, Oregon
Common Lark spur - North Fork of the Umatilla River, Oregon - Aren't those roots amazing?
Desert Shooting Star - Brewster, WA
Wood Violet - Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA

A Lady's Slipper Clothed in Beauty - Wildflower Art

2008-02-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I found this lovely watercolor of a Lady's Slipper at a second hand store. I snatched it right up and it has been on my bedroom wall ever since. I have always thought it was an original. But in order to get a decent photograph of it, I had to remove the glass from the frame to cut down on glare and reflections. It was then I discovered it is really a well done print. I still like it, but now I know the truth.

A Lady's Slipper I think is one of the most beautifully elegant wildflowers. They remind me of how much God love's beauty. He isn't afraid of color or shape. "See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like on of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more cloth you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:28 - 30.

Showy Lady's Slipper
Public Domain image

When I think of how God clothes the grass of the field, Lilies and Lady's Slippers, I am in awe of his artistry and good taste. They are all so lovely in their dresses. When I dress, I have wondered what I reflect. Do I show God's good taste and beauty, or am I trying to show off and draw attention to myself. Today's sexy dressing leaves so much to be desired. Sometimes I think it is almost like a flower with the petals plucked off. You can then really focus on the parts of pollination and seed production, but it really cheapens the flower.

Pink Lady's Slipper
Public Domain

I have been trying to let God lead me more in how He wants me to dress, as He makes me to be who He created me to be. As a girl, I rarely had more then one dress at a time. We always wore pants. That seemed to be the thing to wear. I've had a couple jobs, one during college, and one after college, where a dress was the required uniform. That was a strange thing to me. I really had some adjusting to do. When I was finished with the job, I was back in my jeans. Over the last couple years I am finding my desires changing. I have asked God many times what He wanted me to wear that day, and thought I'd wear pants, but ended up walking out in some kind of a skirt, and ending up being glad for it. I am finding more and more skirts and dresses in my closet now and my desire for jeans fading away. I am finding I am very happy in feminine clothing and more uncomfortable in pants. I have learned how to be warm and comfortable in winter with addition of comfy cotton tights to my wardrobe. I am finding myself feeling more and more like I am growing to be what God wants me to be and I'm happy for that. I'm glad to be a woman, raising a family for God. But I am still longing for more God's Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit, because it is His character that is truly beautiful. It is Him who makes me a woman with the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4.

Yellow Lady's Slipper
Public Domain

Some other texts that meaningful to me about the clothing that God wants to dress me in include:

Isaiah 61:10 "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Revelation 3:5 " He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels."

Revelation 3:18 " I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."Kentucky Lady's Slipper

Public Domain
All the Lady's Slipper photos were found here. Thank you to the National Digital Repository.

What Goes Up, Might Come Down ...

2008-02-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday both of my children had entries in an egg drop. Forest made a sandwich of two packing pillows of air, and slipped his egg in between them. He called his the "Egg Sandwich". Emily Rose taped three helium balloons together and taped an egg inside the intersection. Her's was called, "What goes up, might come down". It was tricky figuring out how to weigh helium balloons. We had to attach some weight underneath, and weigh it, and then subtract the weight of the weights from the first weight to get the total. It came out to be a negative 31 grams. Yep, it's lighter then air.

When it was Emily's turn, she stood by the edge of the roof and gave her balloons a good toss, out as far as she could get them to go away from the edge of the building. It is difficult to get balloons to go where you want them too. First they went up for a while, then started to gently drift downward.
It took a while, but the weight of the egg slowly drifted the balloons downward and set them gently on the ground, right by the edge of the building.
They weren't anywhere near the frying pan. Hopefully the balloon's negative weight will figure in well in the formula and compensate for the distance from the pan.
Helpful college students measure the distance from the frying pan to the egg, and then gave a thumbs to the judges that the egg wasn't broken.
After everything was all done, some friendly fellows gave Emily Rose a certificate for first prize of this years egg drop. They also gave her $100. What a happy girl! Good design, Emily Rose. All in all, it was a very good day of homeschooling.

Wildflower Art - Layered Daisies in a Frame

2008-02-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

I have discovered that I didn't have as many examples of stitched wildflowers as I had thought, but I do have more wildflower art.

Here is some sweetly framed and painted daisies. I quickly snatched them up at a garage sale. It is made of three layers of glass, each having some daisies and leaves painted, giving it a lovely depth not normally seen in art. It isn't easy to see the depth in the photograph. Look closely to see the layers. The butterfly is in the first layer. Looking at it can help you see the layers that are in the background. The painting itself is probably only 4 by 6 inches in size.

Stitching Up Wildflowers - Thai Hill Tribe Wall Hanging

2008-02-21T10:46:00.001-08:00

Click on the photos to enlarge)

About 7 years ago my family spent a summer in Thailand. My husband taught for one semester at a Christian college there. While we were there I was given this beautiful wall hanging. It is hand made, and hand stitched, on possibly hand woven and hand dyed fabric. The fabric is cotton. There are irregularities in the dye work. The mural is more then six feet wide and over 3 feet high.

The mural features hand appliquéd and embroidered hill tribe women and children and wildflowers. I wish I could remember which specific hill tribe it features, but unfortunately I have forgotten that important detail.
In the above photo there is a woman with a baby tied to her back. You can find her in the middle of the large mural.
I'm assuming this section features children playing with a handmade toy. I have seen actual children in Thailand pushing a wheel connected to a stick for a toy. They got so much more fun and joy from that simple object then most American kids do from something with batteries, animation and noise.
There is a toddler in this picture accompanied by her mother. I am fascinated by the pack she is carrying on her back with some kind of blooming flower or herb that she has gathered. It makes me wonder if the mural actually teaches about useful plants, but unfortunately I can only guess.

The third person from the left in the large mural is doing some kind of stitching, though I didn't get a close up photo of her.

The exciting thing about this wall hanging is that I have pulled it out of the closet, and it is now on the wall above my sewing machine. I really like seeing it there. It has really brightened up my sewing area.

Week 6 - Wildflower Art

2008-02-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we are already at week six of Wildflowers in Winter! This has been so much fun! I can't believe how it has helped the weeks fly by faster. We are getting so much closer to spring.

We now only have one more week until the kid's wildflower art contest. So let's get going with
Week 6 - February 20 - 26. Wildflower Art - Share art made by you or someone else that features wildflowers. I am thinking of paintings, watercolors, sketches, drawings etc., elaborate, detailed, free style, or very simple. Something from your nature journal would be appropriate too. If you can't find something in your house to photograph and share about right now, this week you can sit down and draw or paint one. Come on, don't be shy. It is really lots of fun, and may chase away those winter blues faster then you'd guess.

So bring on the wildflowers.

(And I'll try to make it around the house with my camera and catch up on last week too.)

Nutritious Valentine's Day Dinner

2008-02-15T09:43:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I wrote about loving your Valentine's heart with all your heart. I am pretty sure you all agree with the idea, but it can be difficult to figure out what to do about it. So I thought I'd show photos and share recipes for what I for our Valentine's Day dinner. It is too late for you to do it this year, but really every day should be a day for loving our precious ones, so as long as you have them with you, it isn't too late.

This is a photo of what of what I served each person last night. I pre-loaded the plates in the kitchen so they would be attractive. We enjoyed Corn salsa in purple cabbage bowls, tofu sprout patties (made by Elizabeth Joy), steamed asparagus, hummus and salad. The salad was composed of salad greens spread across the plate, a little pile of match stick carrots, bean sprouts, cucumbers, alfalfa spouts, snap peas and tomatoes. The hummus was on the side in another bowl and not pictured. Also on the side was Yummy Yam Salad, and Lime Parfaits and Acorn Grapes (made by Forest Zoo) for Dessert. The kids and I planned the dinner in the morning, shopped in the afternoon, started cooking around 3:45, and Dinner was served to Daddy around 6:30 p.m.

I will put each recipe in an individual post, following this one.

Tofu Sprout Burgers - Vegan, Gluten-free

2008-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

My kids really like these burgers, especially when they are bite sized. Emily Rose made these for us last night.

Tofu Sprout Burgers
Yield: 6 large burgers or many small ones

1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups firm tofu
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup parsley chopped (optional)
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1 tsp basil dried
1/4 cup grated carrots
2 cups alfalfa sprouts

1. Blend sunflower seeds in a food processor to meal.
2. Add all ingredients in the food processor, excepts carrots and sprouts, mix until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add the carrots and sprouts and pulse just enough to mix them in evenly.
4. Sprinkle corn meal or other breading meal evenly over a cookie sheet, so it is coated. To shape large patties, place a large canning ring on the corn meal coated cookie sheet. Fill the ring with dough, and lift ring. For small patties use a 1/8 cup ice cream scoop that has a squeezable handle to help you remove the dough from the scoop. Place the scoops close together on the pan, as they won't spread. Flatten them slightly with the back of the scoop.
5. Sprinkle some more corn meal on top of the patties.
6. Bake at 350F degrees for 20 minutes. Carefully turn them, and bake for another 20 minutes. The large patties are especially fragile, so be careful while turning them.

Corn Salsa in Cabbage Bowls- Vegan and Gluten Free

2008-02-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

Corn Salsa in Cabbage Bowls

2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
1 - 2 cups jicama diced
1 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
4 garlic cloves, pressed
2 cups diced tomatoes
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
A small red cabbage, whole leaves separated from the cabbage

1. Find a small Red cabbage. Carefully separate cabbage leaves and use ones that stay intact. Save the remaining ones for a different salad.

2.Mix in a bowl, and spoon salad into the cabbage leaves. Serves 4 - 6.