see! look to you <----left and there are new things. There is info on getting jam from me, it can be done! just ask!
(Unless you are visiting in August and then it might be prudent to RESERVE your jam and you can eat it on the ride home. But i really reccomend it on toast and not straight from the jar, that's just too sweet!)
you will also see a new photo section "Cute of the Month"
Supposedly I will update this with cute photos of animals and stuff each month, bigger photos will be uploaded to Photographia.
The squirrl is out neighborhood squirrl, she and the Jay birds, who are nesting right now, carouse around together and it's very cute, I have named her Chippy.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
The Blackberry Massacre of 2007
A moment of silence please.....A billion potential blackberries cried out and were suddenly silenced this morning in the name of "weed control".
It was tragic.
however...
...my veggie garden will gain the benefit of more light.
We can always get blackberries on Sauvie, they just aren't free and right in the yard. =( there were soooo many last year.......
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Random things.
I really wanted to blog about Matt's crafty cuff links, but I can't find them, so he is maybe wearing them today or they are someplace that I can't find. See, Matt is crafty too, sometimes. One day I was with J9, we were going to Savuie Island and Matt calls asking where my cuff links are. (Why do I have cuff links you ask? Good question, I had to wear a button down shirt to a formal event I was working, at work, and the only shirt I could find at Goodwill required cuff links, and so I got some, and then lost them promptly upon returning home. So somewhere, there are cuff links.) Anyways, I could not remember where the cuff links had gone and Matt needed some and he got the brilliant Idea of making some out of nuts and bolts. SERIOUSLY. It really looks cool. Smart. Anyway, if I find them I will take a pic.
I have acquired two new pairs of sneakers. I require new shoes maybe twice a year. And it's summer and all my sandals are a few years old and worn and I don't feel like buying new sandals since I only really wear Danskos. I tried crocs, and they are ok, but not for work, I require ARCH support for I may have big feet which are wide, but I also have high arches and if I don't support them they 1) hurt and therefore so do my feet entirely and 2) my feet will turn inward making me look a bit knock-kneed. Anyways, I <3 Danskos but they are rather pricey and I have a new pair from last fall? I think, winter maybe, that are clogs and good for all around everything. My last beloved pair of clogs died a tragic death after 6 good years of service. The sandals, unfortunately are blowing out at about 2-3 years and so I love them but am looking for new sandal options. 120$ for six years? good deal, for 2? not so good.
So I have SNEAKERS, cause you can wear them with out socks and they are comfy. These are no Chuck Taylor's, oh no, these ones are nice to your feet without sacrificing style. Chucks are cool for sure, but they are not nice to feet.
One pair is supremely shoe-wonderful so far. They are by Clarks and are called Privo and they have a bubble in the heal that is for cushioning and massages your foot as you walk a bit. They are also Kristi's favorite shades of Brown and pink. It is very fun to stand at work and rock back and forth on my heals making the bubble squish. This is true! And fun at work right now, is needed.
The other pair are comfy and have good insoles and the loveliest fabric on the tongue and heel and they are green, another of Kristi's favorite colors. All I need now is a pair of shoes in peacock blue and I am in a serious color rut.
Anyways new shoes for working and walking and riding bikes.
Speaking of bikes. I have been veryvery good. The whole month so far I have not driven to work, not a once,and I have outfitted my bike for cargo. And commuting. I am a very cautious biker, I have a rear view mirror and a bell now to make my journey safer. I do not trust cars, as a driver I have watched too many mean cars and crazy bikers, so I am careful. I also have a basket, which I am in the process of embroidering, or something. the basket makes me feel young and girly and not like a bicycling commuter, it feels more like I am out for a jaunt on my bike with my basket and bell, all I need are streamers... and a basket for the back so I can carry stuff like groceries. I love my bike, I have had it for about 7-8 years now longer than any car I think I have ever owned. Longer than I have lived in any one place, longer than nay of my relationships, My bike and I, we are likethis. I should ride it more. and so now I am trying to. It's cheaper and better for me but entropy is a hard force to resist!
anyways pics for you.
I have acquired two new pairs of sneakers. I require new shoes maybe twice a year. And it's summer and all my sandals are a few years old and worn and I don't feel like buying new sandals since I only really wear Danskos. I tried crocs, and they are ok, but not for work, I require ARCH support for I may have big feet which are wide, but I also have high arches and if I don't support them they 1) hurt and therefore so do my feet entirely and 2) my feet will turn inward making me look a bit knock-kneed. Anyways, I <3 Danskos but they are rather pricey and I have a new pair from last fall? I think, winter maybe, that are clogs and good for all around everything. My last beloved pair of clogs died a tragic death after 6 good years of service. The sandals, unfortunately are blowing out at about 2-3 years and so I love them but am looking for new sandal options. 120$ for six years? good deal, for 2? not so good.
So I have SNEAKERS, cause you can wear them with out socks and they are comfy. These are no Chuck Taylor's, oh no, these ones are nice to your feet without sacrificing style. Chucks are cool for sure, but they are not nice to feet.
One pair is supremely shoe-wonderful so far. They are by Clarks and are called Privo and they have a bubble in the heal that is for cushioning and massages your foot as you walk a bit. They are also Kristi's favorite shades of Brown and pink. It is very fun to stand at work and rock back and forth on my heals making the bubble squish. This is true! And fun at work right now, is needed.
The other pair are comfy and have good insoles and the loveliest fabric on the tongue and heel and they are green, another of Kristi's favorite colors. All I need now is a pair of shoes in peacock blue and I am in a serious color rut.
Anyways new shoes for working and walking and riding bikes.
Speaking of bikes. I have been veryvery good. The whole month so far I have not driven to work, not a once,and I have outfitted my bike for cargo. And commuting. I am a very cautious biker, I have a rear view mirror and a bell now to make my journey safer. I do not trust cars, as a driver I have watched too many mean cars and crazy bikers, so I am careful. I also have a basket, which I am in the process of embroidering, or something. the basket makes me feel young and girly and not like a bicycling commuter, it feels more like I am out for a jaunt on my bike with my basket and bell, all I need are streamers... and a basket for the back so I can carry stuff like groceries. I love my bike, I have had it for about 7-8 years now longer than any car I think I have ever owned. Longer than I have lived in any one place, longer than nay of my relationships, My bike and I, we are likethis. I should ride it more. and so now I am trying to. It's cheaper and better for me but entropy is a hard force to resist!
anyways pics for you.
2007 Lables
I reused the blueberry and raspberry jam labels from last year as I haven't felt like fiddling with photoshop much lately, my free time is too precious. So I also co-opted some graphics for this years new jams, since I am not selling them, I think it's OK to use the strawberry flower fairy, although I am not sure I should be posting it here, I may take it down, but as I am not a famous blogger of any sort, I think it's OK for now, just to share. And the other is clip art that I colored.
The raspberry and blueberry jams are Delicious, the cherry is something special (thanks to Erica for the handpicked Oregon cherries) and the strawberry may not be jam, but it's a tasty topping for ice cream and such. I am afraid you should always use the right amount of pectin. I do have more strawberries and so CAN make jam with them. But why when I have Cherry vanilla?
(Flower Fairy art by CICELY MARY BARKER )
The raspberry and blueberry jams are Delicious, the cherry is something special (thanks to Erica for the handpicked Oregon cherries) and the strawberry may not be jam, but it's a tasty topping for ice cream and such. I am afraid you should always use the right amount of pectin. I do have more strawberries and so CAN make jam with them. But why when I have Cherry vanilla?
(Flower Fairy art by CICELY MARY BARKER )
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Nerve!
I couldn't get a pic but the jay bird who lives in my yard was just stealing my blueberries. It was cute. I guess I should go pick the rest before he does.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's not every day...
That you see a historic Carriage House in the middle of a downtown street. This is the Ladd's Carriage house, which WAS on the corner of SW Broadway and SW Columbia, it is now in a parking lot at Columbia and 10th. For most of the day is was lumbering down Columbia to it's new temporary location. Quite a sight.
In other news, tonight was jam night. No I did not join a band. I did make Strawberry vanilla jam. Yum. I also still have about 4 lbs in the fridge and 10 lbs in the freezer. The jam was about 6 lbs. =)
In other news, tonight was jam night. No I did not join a band. I did make Strawberry vanilla jam. Yum. I also still have about 4 lbs in the fridge and 10 lbs in the freezer. The jam was about 6 lbs. =)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
How do you do? Berry well, thank you!
Time flies when you are busy at work. Oh yes it does. I am adjusting to my new working schedule of doom and it's going swimmingly, more or less. My sleep schedule is a bit wonky though. Riding my bike to work when there is no traffic is downright enjoyable. That's maybe the one upside of working late. The exhibit is extraordinary. It wasn't before we opened, when I was helping to install it. It wasn't exciting the first time I saw it put together, it was nice, it's a lovely exhibit, but it wasn't especially amazing on it own. The exhibit, Body Worlds 3, is about the human body, and it must take people seeing that to really make the power of this show sink in.
Alone, the plastinates are just empty former bodies, really, more silicone polymer than human anymore, but they ARE human. But when the crowds come in, and they see this exhibit, it's really a very powerful experience, for them, and for me. Seeing school kids learn about their bodies in ways a textbook can never ever explain, and their awe and amazement it just incredible. You know, the same kids that can;t keep still for 5 minuets, joke about inappropriate things and thinks learning is boring? Awe-struck, still a little giggly( the plastinates are anatomically correct you know.) but just quiet and serious and subdued. Grownups are equally amazed,. Listening to people and reading their comments left at the end of the exhibit are what, for me, bring tears to my eyes. It's a human experience unlike anything any of us can really have outside of the medical world. How small, simple and complicated, fragile and strong a human is. Vulnerable. It's really something to see it as a shared moment. Alone, it's void of it's soul. Surrounded by people, it's something unique and breathtaking.
Pretty cool. And fairly exhausting work.
I did manage to go to Sauvie Island for the first time this year with Miss J9 today, we picked strawberries. loads of them. I picked 20 lbs in fact. At a 1$ a pound that's a sweet deal. Granted some were picked for my friend, Erica, but the the rest are bound for the freezer, jam pot and my belly. Strawberries are my most favorite fruit. And this is the time to get em.
The field at our favorite farm was just perfumed with the berries, then Janine's car was perfumed with berries and now, NOW, my apartment is flush with the scent of ripe picked berries. Ahhhh...it's heaven.
berries..
Alone, the plastinates are just empty former bodies, really, more silicone polymer than human anymore, but they ARE human. But when the crowds come in, and they see this exhibit, it's really a very powerful experience, for them, and for me. Seeing school kids learn about their bodies in ways a textbook can never ever explain, and their awe and amazement it just incredible. You know, the same kids that can;t keep still for 5 minuets, joke about inappropriate things and thinks learning is boring? Awe-struck, still a little giggly( the plastinates are anatomically correct you know.) but just quiet and serious and subdued. Grownups are equally amazed,. Listening to people and reading their comments left at the end of the exhibit are what, for me, bring tears to my eyes. It's a human experience unlike anything any of us can really have outside of the medical world. How small, simple and complicated, fragile and strong a human is. Vulnerable. It's really something to see it as a shared moment. Alone, it's void of it's soul. Surrounded by people, it's something unique and breathtaking.
Pretty cool. And fairly exhausting work.
I did manage to go to Sauvie Island for the first time this year with Miss J9 today, we picked strawberries. loads of them. I picked 20 lbs in fact. At a 1$ a pound that's a sweet deal. Granted some were picked for my friend, Erica, but the the rest are bound for the freezer, jam pot and my belly. Strawberries are my most favorite fruit. And this is the time to get em.
The field at our favorite farm was just perfumed with the berries, then Janine's car was perfumed with berries and now, NOW, my apartment is flush with the scent of ripe picked berries. Ahhhh...it's heaven.
berries..
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Out and About
I may be busy at work installing a large exhibit of plastinated bodies from Germany, but I have tried to get a whole lot done outside of work before the exhibit actually opens. Once it's open, my evenings are sort of gone 3 days of the week and it's going to be crazy busy AT work. I needed to sort of squeeze a lot of summer into the last couple weeks.
And I have managed a pretty good job.
The garden is in stasis, i need a second soaker hose, a little more garden soil and a bit more mulch and it's all watering and waiting and enjoying. A little pruning here, a few cuttings for the house there (roses are lovely right now! As is the cow parsnip, delphinium, columbine and the various yellow and orange daisy-like flowers from last year). Most of the seeds are up and happy and it looks like a miniature field out back right now.
The porch is shady and cool and fits two chairs nicely, sitting with coffee and a crossword in the am, a beer and a book in the pm, life is good!
I fixed up my bike in preparation for my summer of riding to work. I don't ride my bike to work much. The downtown traffic is unfriendly and stressful for biking at rush hour, which is when I am off work. And much of the year, it's also dark at that time. Going TO work is great, coming back, no fun. Since I work till 7 or 9 all week, it means I can come home when the streets are practically empty and it's nice and shady and cool. Much less stressful. Anyway, I got a street tire for the front wheel( the back wheel already has one. It's a mountain bike and the tires usually have thick tread, which slows you down on pavement and asphalt, you need little traction.) and a basket too. That way I can carry stuff! (Dur, but not on my back in the summer heat, yuk.) It rides so nice, I spiffied it up.
We've BBQed a few times. Last night a bunch of my co-workers came over and ran the Starlight Run, which is much fun and part of the June Festival of Roses events. The run begins and ends a block from my apt. They were a running science demo, it was great. They carried flasks of hot water with glo sticks and food coloring in them, and in the other hand, they carried...dry ice. Now the cool (pardon the pun) part of this demo is that as they ran, the carbon dioxide the dry ice was giving off was equivalent to the amount a car does in the 3.1 miles of the race! They had signs on their back explaining this and finishing with "One more reason to run!" It was excellent. And my co-workers were awesome, but one of our volunteers actualy ran as the Tram. That was elaborate! My favorite however was Waldo )of Where's Waldo fame)..and his sidekick, Rainbow Bright. There are always fun costumes in the Starlight Run and all I have to do is be home to watch it.
We capped the evening off with yummy BBQ, beer, potato salad and other goodies and great conversation. Much fun was had by all and it was a good way to kick off the summer and BW.
Matt and I have been...(hold your breath....) going OUT! Like, going for walks to...PLACES! We have been to both the Zoo and the Chinease Gardens in the last week or so. It was great. I am not a big big fan of zoos but it's still exciting to see a peacock, bald eagle, or mountain lion. It's sad when the bear is pacing. (Pacing is part of something that happens to animals in captivity when the go a little crazy from confinement, not enough space, and boredom.) We didn't get to see everything and the butterfly pavilion place wasn't open yet so maybe we will go back. We got a discount for taking the MAX in.
Today we went to the Chinese Gardens. It was so lovely. We had tea in the teahouse, relaxed and enjoyed the view. Nice day today.
Back to work tomorrow.
Next we may get up to the Japanese gardens or the Hoyt Arboretum.
I took pics at the zoo and of the race but the camera i used at the zoo was my little digital and I am afraid there were no good shots. And my big camera was too slow for the runners, the shutter just wouldn't snap fast enough so no good pics of that either. Maybe next time!
And I have managed a pretty good job.
The garden is in stasis, i need a second soaker hose, a little more garden soil and a bit more mulch and it's all watering and waiting and enjoying. A little pruning here, a few cuttings for the house there (roses are lovely right now! As is the cow parsnip, delphinium, columbine and the various yellow and orange daisy-like flowers from last year). Most of the seeds are up and happy and it looks like a miniature field out back right now.
The porch is shady and cool and fits two chairs nicely, sitting with coffee and a crossword in the am, a beer and a book in the pm, life is good!
I fixed up my bike in preparation for my summer of riding to work. I don't ride my bike to work much. The downtown traffic is unfriendly and stressful for biking at rush hour, which is when I am off work. And much of the year, it's also dark at that time. Going TO work is great, coming back, no fun. Since I work till 7 or 9 all week, it means I can come home when the streets are practically empty and it's nice and shady and cool. Much less stressful. Anyway, I got a street tire for the front wheel( the back wheel already has one. It's a mountain bike and the tires usually have thick tread, which slows you down on pavement and asphalt, you need little traction.) and a basket too. That way I can carry stuff! (Dur, but not on my back in the summer heat, yuk.) It rides so nice, I spiffied it up.
We've BBQed a few times. Last night a bunch of my co-workers came over and ran the Starlight Run, which is much fun and part of the June Festival of Roses events. The run begins and ends a block from my apt. They were a running science demo, it was great. They carried flasks of hot water with glo sticks and food coloring in them, and in the other hand, they carried...dry ice. Now the cool (pardon the pun) part of this demo is that as they ran, the carbon dioxide the dry ice was giving off was equivalent to the amount a car does in the 3.1 miles of the race! They had signs on their back explaining this and finishing with "One more reason to run!" It was excellent. And my co-workers were awesome, but one of our volunteers actualy ran as the Tram. That was elaborate! My favorite however was Waldo )of Where's Waldo fame)..and his sidekick, Rainbow Bright. There are always fun costumes in the Starlight Run and all I have to do is be home to watch it.
We capped the evening off with yummy BBQ, beer, potato salad and other goodies and great conversation. Much fun was had by all and it was a good way to kick off the summer and BW.
Matt and I have been...(hold your breath....) going OUT! Like, going for walks to...PLACES! We have been to both the Zoo and the Chinease Gardens in the last week or so. It was great. I am not a big big fan of zoos but it's still exciting to see a peacock, bald eagle, or mountain lion. It's sad when the bear is pacing. (Pacing is part of something that happens to animals in captivity when the go a little crazy from confinement, not enough space, and boredom.) We didn't get to see everything and the butterfly pavilion place wasn't open yet so maybe we will go back. We got a discount for taking the MAX in.
Today we went to the Chinese Gardens. It was so lovely. We had tea in the teahouse, relaxed and enjoyed the view. Nice day today.
Back to work tomorrow.
Next we may get up to the Japanese gardens or the Hoyt Arboretum.
I took pics at the zoo and of the race but the camera i used at the zoo was my little digital and I am afraid there were no good shots. And my big camera was too slow for the runners, the shutter just wouldn't snap fast enough so no good pics of that either. Maybe next time!
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