Friday Favorite Things--Vacation High Points

These are a few of my favorite things this week
Some of the things I saw on this vacation this week

Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C. 

Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park, WA

Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, WA 

Sightseeing with little brother

Standing on stump in Chehalis, WA where two presidents stood and made speeches 

Tillamook Cheese Factory, Tillamook, Oregon

One of many beautiful quilts at Philomath, OR quilt show

Albany Oregon has hundreds of historic homes, this is one of the beauties 

One of the covered bridges near Albany, Oregon

I learned how to make _French bread_ in _France while I was living there.___

I have always wanted to _travel around the world___

My purse always has a _camera_and _a wallet_.

One day when I am _not so busy_I am  going to _clean my closets.

Pondering with a Purpose

This Week's prompt: StaringI have to admit I'm a starer.  One of the things that my grandson is always saying is, "Gramma, quit staring at me!"  And when I try to tell him that I wasn't even seeing him, he just doesn't get it.  But in fact he was just in the way of my eyes.My mind runs at 120 mph, and I often have to think about what is in my thoughts, and sort out, store, or try and remember something specific, so I space out.  My favorite place to gather my thoughts is on either my front porch or out back in my sun porch.  Sometimes I space out for a few seconds or a few minutes,  but for however long, it seems that it helps me find the direction that I need.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--About needles

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?
I am on vacation so I won't be watching.  I do enjoy the track events.

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

I am sort of a workaholic, so just sitting does make me feel unproductive.

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

I would rate my skills as a 10 both in practical sewing and in artistic sewing.  I used to earn extra money by sewing wedding dresses and bridal outfits.

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

This is a skill that I am so used to being in that it is almost second nature.  When I worked, part of my job was keeping the peace.  And with my children, grandchildren, and teen-agers who are always around, I keep my skills well honed.

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?

I like pintos fixed into refried beans, and love black beans in fresh Mex dishes.

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

I used to have garage sales all the time, most were successful.  I was in charge of many organizations' fund raiser garage sales, but now I don't do the sales, they are a lot of work.

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

The poor grammar and spelling that today's youth have.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I am having a restful time on vacation.  Today I visited a quilt show, and a rose garden.  Both were inspiring.

King size quilt

Small wall quilt

One of the hundreds of yellow roses at Avery Park in Corvallis, OR

Innumerable roses of every color imaginable.

Meet me on Monday

1. What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Love sausage, mushroom and onions on a pizza

2. What is the strangest name you've ever heard for a child?

There are so many different names now that it is hard to pick one, maybe Heritage

3. What is the best vacation you've ever gone on?

The one I am currently on, touring Olympic National Park and visiting family in the Northwest.  But I always think that the current one is the best.

4. What is your favorite quick summer meal?

I love a salad and fresh fruit for a refreshing quick meal.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  What was your Mother's first name?'

My mom's given name was Mirdsa (a Latvian name), but she changed it to Elsie when she was in high school.

Sunday's Meditation--forgive

As long as you don't forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind.

Matthew 6:14 You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. (The Message)

I am on vacation, a time to recharge my batteries, a time to reflect on my life and all that I have.  I have had some challenges, but perseverance has made the struggle worthwhile. Thursday, this was made so clear to me.  I wanted to drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park--a 17 miles drive, up hill all the way.  About 5 miles into the drive, I ran into fog as thick as pea soup. I could hardly see in front of me.  I had to decide should I turn around or keep going.  After some thought and prayer, I decided to keep going for a few more miles.  For 5 miles it was nerve racking, but I just took it slow, then just a few miles from the top the fog cleared and I was rewarded with some of the most breath taking scenery!  

I am so glad that I stuck it out.  The drive was not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards were so exceptional.

This was just a lesson for me to remember when I am facing hard times.

The Soul Flies Free

Beyond

Waking with hurt

Followed by pain

Every movement a

Reminder of fragile humanity

Days turn to months

Then seasons to years

Still bound with chains

Of suffering

Until that day

When fetters fall clear

The soul flies free

Unshackled on gossamer wings

To complete pain free liberty 

©Marti Murphy

Friday Favorite Things--Vacation Part One

These are a few of my favorite things this week: Vacation highlights--so far

The Grand Canyon as seen from 30,000 feet

First glimpse of the Olympic mountains

Say What?  Deer at Olympic Game farm Sequim, WA

Lavender fields

Old wooden trestle railroad bridge near Sequim, WA

What to do with empty water bottles--Port Angeles  Fine  Art Center, outdoor exhibit

Latest fashion statement

I had to drive through five miles of this

To see this,  well worth it

Olympic mountain majesty seen from Hurricane Ridge

Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC--a flower lovers dream come true

Shades of pink

Pink ruffles

Pink roses

One purple rose

Sculptor Nathan Scott working on clay pig to make for mold for a bronze statue

Pondering with a Purpose--Extremes

This Week's prompt is: Extremes
To what extremes would you go for those you love?  I  know that all of us would want to say we would do anything and that is a good answer.  I know that I have basically put my life on hold at times for my children, and when I was married, I always put my ex's needs first.  But as I think on this, I am left with this question--is this always a good thing.  By my willingness to move the earth for my children, am I instead doing them a disservice?  Am I depriving them of a chance to develop their own wings and fly?  I think that there is a chance that I do too much.  Now in a real crisis, I know I will be there, but are there times when I should just say, you have my support but you need to figure this out for yourself.  That probably is one of the hardest things to do, but I think that they need to learn to be independent of me, but know that I am there for the extreme crisis.

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1. The Summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person which (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?
I'd like to have tea with the queen, since that is unlikely, how about a visit to the Royal Museum

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Trying to bring up my 20 year old grandson!

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

A shrimp salad

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse'?

I pretty much live in the doghouse.  With all my kids and grandkids, seems that I am always in trouble.

5. What television advertisement do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

Do political ads count, cause I hate them!

6. Share one piece of interesting news from the year you were born.

How Much things cost in 1941
Average Cost of new house $4,075.00 
Average wages per year $1,750.00 
Cost of a gallon of Gas 12 cents 
Average Cost for house rent $32.00 per month
Beautyrest mattress $39.50 
Average Price for a new car $850.00 

7. What's the best part of your average day?
Just like the commercial says, "The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup,  However, it is Seattle's Finest in my case.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Highlights from first day of vacation

The Grand Canyon as seen from 30,000 feet

Olympic National Park view from top of Mt Walker

Next Adventure

As you are reading this, I am flying the friendly skies on United.I has started my much anticipated vacation.  I had had my suitcase packed for a week, my lists checked, and my itinerary confirmed.  I sort of remind me of a little kid on Christmas morning--really excited.

I will get to visit family, but also have time for exploring the Northwest.  I love to see new places, learn about our history and experience the grandeur  of creation.  My cup will be filled!

Meet Me on Monday

                                   

1. If you could be on a reality tv show which one would you want to be a part of?

It would be fun to be on Amazing Race.  I would love to see the world, and experience the various cultures, and at the same time challenge myself to excel. 

2. You have the power to create one law, what would it be?

Umm, how about no negative political ads.

3. How's your weather today?

Jul 15, 2012 4:54 PM

Temp

95.5°F

Switch to Celsius

4mph

Hi: 99°F

Lo: 77°F

Rain: 0.00"

Gust: SW 14

Heat Index: 96°F

Humidity: 32%

Dew Point: 61°F

Avg Wind: 4 S

Pressure: 29.78"

Rain/Month: 0.43"

Sunrise: 5:29 AM

Sunset: 7:38 PM

Moonphase:

As reported at:

Arizona Science Center

Today

Hi: 102 °F

Partly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs 95 to 99. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of measurable rain 40 percent.… more

Tonight

Lo: 78 °F

Considerable cloudiness with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening...then partly cloudy with a slight…more

4. Other than the country you currently live in, where would you want to live?
I love the USA, and can't imagine living anywhere else.  I lived in France for 3 years, and was so glad to get back home.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

Me on trail ride in the Yukon two years ago.

                                                             

5. And one for you--Favorite farm animal?
Mine would have to be horses.  They are such beautiful animals, and riding them makes me feel free.