Category: Nature

A Magical Walk in the Woods

You never know what you’ll find on a walk in the woods. But in the Pacific Northwest you’ll see douglas fir trees accented with vine maples. And if you’re lucky you’ll see a stream with waterfalls and pools, like we did at Whatcom Falls… Continue Reading “A Magical Walk in the Woods”

My first Square Tree

It’s an ordinary tree perhaps – if any tree can be called ordinary – but it was also striking against a clear blue sky and fit nicely into a square. “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the… Continue Reading “My first Square Tree”

Summer Weed or Flower?

The dandelion is an herb with medicinal properties, traditionally used to treat various ailments and infections; it can be made into tea or wine and used in soups and salads. I’ve never eaten one. I still consider it a weed, growing tenaciously where it… Continue Reading “Summer Weed or Flower?”

Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest

Last week we enjoyed the great outdoors on our trip to Oregon where we found giant bubbles at Seaside, took a cool walk at Cannon Beach and visited Herman the Sturgeon at the Bonneville Fishery. Herman is over 10 feet long and 80 years… Continue Reading “Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest”

A Northwest Hike to Barclay Lake

Last week during the heatwave we decided to escape to Barclay Lake, a hike my husband had wanted to take every time we crossed the Cascades. We turned off Highway 2 at Baring onto a one lane road full of potholes, making for a… Continue Reading “A Northwest Hike to Barclay Lake”

After the Rain

After last week’s heat wave, Juneuary returned to the Pacific Northwest bringing cold, wet, windy, winterlike weather. But after a few days of torrential rainfall, the sun reappeared yesterday along with some magnificent clouds. The air has been washed fresh and clean, new plants… Continue Reading “After the Rain”

Inspired by the Heavens!

Thanks to Terri Webster Schrandt for inspiring me once again with her photo challenge. This week the theme is Celestial and it sent me to my archives to find some of my favorite pictures of the heavens! I’ll start at the beginning with sunrise.… Continue Reading “Inspired by the Heavens!”

Nesting Birds in the Garden

Our little garden shed has become quite the bird condo with wrens in particular nesting in the birdhouses my husband built. I wasn’t sure they’d be happy so close to their neighbors but it hasn’t deterred them. Every morning they’re out and about gathering… Continue Reading “Nesting Birds in the Garden”

Busy as a Bee on Chives

As the weather has settled down and chores have been done I stopped to watch the bees on the chives in my garden. Intent and with singleness of purpose, they go from flower to flower gathering nectar and pollen as food for themselves and… Continue Reading “Busy as a Bee on Chives”

A Night for the Birds

First of all I’m disappointed – I didn’t get to see last night’s lunar eclipse. Not for lack of trying. I did get up a few times looking for the moon but couldn’t quite locate it among the clouds. Oh well. To make up… Continue Reading “A Night for the Birds”