Postcard Memories From Paulie

New ISP, new BLOG

2012-01-13T03:20:00.000-08:00

You will find me over at this new site:

http://thisandthatfrompaulie.blogspot.com

Paulie who can't remember how to link it

Happy Thanksgiving and blessings for a joyous Christmas season to follow!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

While you are counting your blessings, don't forget the friendships you have developed online with other bloggers. I thank God for these far away friendships. . .

I was thinking about using this photo with words added on the left to make my Christmas cards this year. What do you think?

Colors and Rain . . .

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week we are getting more Autumn rain which makes me sad because it is hard to hold an umbrella and a camera at the same time. . . but sometimes it is worth taking a walk AFTER the rain anyway. . .

I can hardly wait for the snow to come BUT these colors pacify me for awhile. . . until it does!

Webs are an art in themselves!

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

This time of year, I find lots of spider webs and just have to admire their beauty. Spiders must have lots of patience to accomplish their final product. . .

Blogging the Blessings of Autumn . . .

2011-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

Every year the same wonderful artist paints my world with glorious colors. I am thankful for such blessings!

Autumn Flame -- Blog My Blessings!

2011-10-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

I'm late as I had a church function all day and I forgot to post. last night. . BUT this is my blessing for this week. I thought all the flowers were disappearing and I was out looking for colored leaves but this one surprised me. Truly an unexpected blessing!

Old Apple Tree Festival

2011-10-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

Each year on the first Saturday of October, we have a celebration of our OLD APPLE TREE which was 185 years old this year.

All the apples have been harvested and plant growths have been taken from the tree to give away to people at the festival who want to plant an apple tree in their yard. I live in a 9 story apartment building so could not take one. .(That is the freeway behind it and on the other side you can't see are the railroad tracks. The OLD APPLE TREE park is located between the freeway and tracks in a little park.

The old apple tree lost a limb recently and a gardener is trying to "fill the hollow space" with new growth planted in the hole. . .What they won't do to save a part of history! We don't want to lose this part of our history. ALSO, over the years , many new plantings from the tree have kept the history alive in various yards in Vancouver. A tree on the side of the museum on Main St has such a growth from this tree and it has blossomed into a tall, beautiful tree. Somewhere I have a photo of that tree but will have to look for it or take a new one to show you later.

They had all kinds of things to inform us and entertain us. I came home with a bag of apples and lots of photos and tired feet!

Since it was the pioneers who planted our first apple tree in the Northwest, we had a covered wagon to inspect. . .

And there was entertainment by "Another Shade of Bluegrass" which we really enjoyed as my apartment building have them come and perform each month so we knew the group singing and playing.

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THIS YEAR, they had the first SCARECROW contest at the festival. . . I think the entries were superb! Here they are. . .

I guess I didn't take an individual photo of the one on the right. . .

and the left here. . .

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Did you notice these peacock feathers on the scarecrows above? I found them a delight!

Hope you enjoyed our Apple Tree Festival! Sorry, but I have searched and can't find who won the scarecrow contest. I thought they all were superb!

Blog Your Blessings: Burnt Bridge Creek Trailhead Walk!

2011-09-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a short walk on the trail on an "Indian Summer" day like Thursday! (Looking down on the trail head from stairs above).

Yes, once again I traveled the first part of the Stewart Glen trail.

Autumn colors have arrived! At least some of them!

That blue sky wasn't half bad either! This shot would make a good jigsaw puzzle. . .

I thought it was an apple tree but looking closer, I discovered a pear!

Several bridges cross Burnt Bridge Creek along this trail.

Autumn is showing up slowly at Burnt Bridge Creek!.

Burnt Bridge Creek made a perfect backdrop for this shot!

When the seedpods have burst open, you know FALL HAS ARRIVED! It's not too hot and not too cold for a walk along Burnt Bridge Creek's first 2 miles. This was one of my blessings this week. If you want to join, go here: http://slchome.blogspot.com Sandy (I forget how to make a link.)

Pretty in Green

2011-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Each year, the lady that lives here puts different kinds of metals in the soil and these flowers become different colors. It is always exciting to see what color she chose for this year. Unique!

Any way you look at it . . .

2011-09-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

It's beautiful!

The changing colors of Autumn . . .

2011-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

God sure gives us a new gift each Autumn!

Contrast in green with pink surprises

2011-09-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Saw this scene near my bank . . . the contrast of greens was surprising and caught my eye BUT the pink flowering seedpods were most unexpected. I have no idea what the tree is, , , and surprised to see something "blooming" in the Fall.

Autumn returns gracefully . . .

2011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few more of the trees are showing signs of autumn. . . and it rained again finally on Thursday.

In Remembrance . . .

2011-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday afternoon, I attended the POW-MIA ceremony called "In Remembrance" and held on the VA hospital property/memorial garden site in Vancouver. The ceremony was very moving. I could not help but shed a few tears for those families who still hope to learn something of their family members who served in Vietnam and

never

returned. . .

In Remembrance

The table is set for one, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men: REMEMBER!

The tablecloth is white, symbolyzing the purity of their motives when answering the call to dury. REMEMBER!

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the families and the loved ones who keep faith awaiting their return. REMEMBER!

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. REMEMBER!

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. REMEMBER!

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers, REMEMBER!

The glass is inverted, as they cannot share a toast with us. REMEMBER!

The chair is empty, they are missing. REMEMBER!

Copies of the above words were also available to anyone who wanted them.

The merchant seaman was not a part of the military but were drafted into service during war. This honor of recognition is well overdue.

This reflecting pool for the MIA-POW has individual bricks with names of missing in Vietnam. The water re-circulates in several places around the edge. There are 5 benches around the edges of the garden setting (not shown). It is very moving!

The Korean War Memorial is very touching-- the bench is a part of it. One day, I will post to my bench blog again and show you both sides which are beautiful addition to the monument it faces.

CLICK to enlarge and read the words. They say it all!

I almost missed out on the cake by time as I circulated around the gym at the VA looking for interesting information at the tables!

This was a wonderful ceremony. . . I am glad I found out about it! I hope you enjoyed the photos and words of this experience,

Silhouette in the sky. . .

2011-09-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the sky is not pure blue but overcast. . . not to worry, my camera and I find photo opportunities anyway. . . (taken earlier this summer.)

Whose been painting the leaves?

2011-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

It looks like someone spilled powdered milk on this leaf. . . CLICK on it to see how beautiful all the veins are!

Pretty in Pink . . .

2011-09-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn might just be right around the corner BUT this flower doesn't know it as it stands there and struts its beauty!

Honoring fallen comrades on this day in history 10 years ago. . .

2011-09-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

This origami bird was made by clerks at a "paper place" the day after September 11th, 2001. I chose this young woman's family to pray for. She was only 24 when her life was taken from her on 9-11

This poster is in a window across the street from where I live. I asked the manager if I could have it when they are finished displaying it.. He told me to come see him then. . . Hopefully, I can get a better photo of it when it is not in the bright sunshine we have experienced the last week. Enlarge it by CLICKING on it to read the words at the bottom of poster.

God bless America and keep her free forever! Truly a blessing to live in America!

Happy Easter to all!

2011-04-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hope your Easter is filled with much happiness!

Happy Birthday, Shaun!

2011-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Besides your birthday, this rainbow might be the only other good thing this week. . . I was fortunate to see it out the 9th floor window of our apartment building. . . I tried to get a better view but could not see it from other locations. . . and it was raining outside so didn't bother to go out.

A close-up reveals the colors in a blurry way . . .

This is how it looked on the other side of the screen. . . NEVER take a photo you want to keep through a screen. . . ok for the naked eye but not a camera lens.

Spring is here even if it doesn't reflect it with the temperature

2011-04-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it is Spring here with the cold temperatures and rain, rain, rain. . . but this beauty proves it is!

Any way you find them. . .

2011-04-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

bowing. . .

turning their back on you . . .

being shy . . .

being a different color. . .

or posing . . . each demonstrates a personal kind of beauty in Spring!

Easter Eggs OR Spring Colors?

2011-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Certainly is colorful enough for Easter Eggs. . . God's creation and people's creativity with it are the result for many to enjoy. . .

Whose turn is it anyway?

2011-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Hey! It's too early for you guys". . . said the Daffodils.

"Don't let us rain on your parade," said the tulips to the Daffodils

Flowering Cherry Tree memory

2011-04-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have the street lined with these trees in front of our apartment building. Aren't they pretty?

Feather clouds. . .

2011-04-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you think they look like feathers with a blue sky background?

I have never seen the clouds seperate like this before. . . At least there is some blue sky in the background because it wasn't anywhere else. . . lately, the whole sky was covered with gray and white clouds.

Peanut thief. . .

2011-03-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

A lady at our apartment building was feeding peanuts to the squirrels -- or so she thought -- as this blue bird flew over and stole each one she tossed out.

Looking down, SPRING really is here. . .

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

At least the flowers say it is spring BUT the temperatures still suggest winter. We haven't hit 60 all month.

It may say SPRING on the calendar but . . .

2011-03-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

nothing but gray skies do I see. . . SIGH

Weekend Reflections

2011-03-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Window in an old church . . . and tree branches closeup. . .

Stepping back to reveal more one can see the same reflection. This is what I saw with my eyes that always look for a photo opportunity. Although one can see the reflection in the first shot better, I like including the pillars as a frame to highlight the reflection. Go here to find more reflections from this meme:
WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

PS I don't understand how to join this group so I will just link to them IN CASE YOU DO and do my own thing.

St. Patrick's Day Parade-- Hough School

2011-03-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

The bagpipes players wearing kilts can't get any more Irish so they lead the parade past our apartment building with some beautiful music.

This is Paddy Hough, an early Irish settler for whom Hough Elementary is named for and the main participants of this downtown parade where Hough Elementary School is located.

Some of the younger kids from the Elementary School march with their teachers.

Old cars love to be featured in any parade!

Veterans ride in this old fire truck.

This group definitely tried "wearing the green " and even have a Leprechaun with them!

Advertising one of our favorite restaurants started by Irishman. . .

Irishman holding flag of Ireland.

Even the rain didn't stop the parade. . . but there were fewer participants this year because of it. The rain did stop long enough for the parade to go on and returned later in the day. It's always a fun thing to watch and goes right past our apartment building so easy to get to and get back home fast. Hope you all enjoyed St. Patrick's Day this year too!

Oilstain rainbow

2011-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I found this particular oil stain unusual because usually it is found in a circular path but this one stopped in a crescent shape. I call it my Oil Rainbow.

Yes, I still have EVEN more snow photos to share even if it is Spring. . .

2011-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

More . . . going thru Leverich Park. . .

A generous portion of snow for these fallen branches/trees. . . makes for a nice contrast with the rest of the scene.

Just around the bend and I am out of Leverich Park. . . Just a few more photos of my snowy walk. Then, on to other photo memories. . .NEXT POST.

One of my favorite scenes -- clumps of snow waiting for me!

After crossing St. John's Road, the path follows Burnt Bridge Creek BUT this time the creek will be on my right as it ambles eastward.

Not too many people have walked on this part of the trail YET!

Snow like puffs of cotton growing on the branches. . .

Logs in the river with a faint cover of snow left on them. . .

Looking to my right at Burnt Bridge Creek.

One day soon, I will finish the trail and show you some Spring photos along the remainder of it. I hope you enjoyed seeing the only day it snowed for us this winter. Since I love snow, even the smallest amount is wonderful to me.

Yes, I still have more snow photos to share even if it is Spring again . . .

2011-03-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Housing just before Leverich Park where the trail passes heading east following Burnt Bridge Creek. See, Malyss, there are homes here. It is not all country on this walk.

Found this clump of snow on the branches fascinating. . .

Sign showing that we are still on the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. . .

The stacked stones make an interesting pattern with a frosting of snow on each layered edge. . .I like taking photos of this type of stuff -- kinda like steps. . .

Another bridge over Burnt Bridge Creek as it winds south.

Snow covering the moss on the post of the bridge. . . the river in background.

The river runs along the flatlands/prarie in this area.

Anyone for a picnic in the snow? Walking this trail is fun in different seasons. Having a bench or a table to eat your lunch before continuing on the trek is a welcome site in sunny weather!

Winter fun and a few snowmen sited. . .

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is in the parking lot of Leverich Park on the western border. . . These two boys have rolled the bottom snowball for their snowman. It took all the snow on the parking lot!

They are rolling their beginnings of a snowman closer to the grassy area where they can add the other two layers for a terrific snowman. I just didn't want to wait until they were finished or I might not finish my walk before dark.

Older kids playing a sort of hockey game in the snow.

More snow fun across the snowy covered grassy area. . .

Group of kids enjoying building their snowman.

Definitely an original snowman design!

I know that Spring is now here but it's good to have photo memories of past seasons so I have a couple more posts of my snow day walk yet so come back for more while you are enjoying your own beginnings of Spring.

Yes, I still have more snow photos to share even if it is Spring. . .

2011-03-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

The trail meets the freeway here so I must cross a land bridge to finish the walk on the trail across the freeway, leading through a park and then more forest.

Almost to the land bridge over freeway. . .

If I go to the right here, I meet Main Street and my home is about a mile down the road but I am not going home yet. . .

Looks like a lot of people have already crossed the freeway to the eastern part of the trail. . .

Once across the freeway (above it) one needs to travel backwards and then forwards on a winding trail to get to the trail again. The blue skies remain with me.

Couldn't resist taking this shot with the snow caught between the grasses. . .

From the trail, a snowy shot showing the grasses under the trees.

The trail winds down through a neighborhood of houses before it reaches Leverich Park. The Parks and Recreation Board in our city wanted to make this trail go from one part of the city to the other, reaching across town. My snowy walk only takes us through part of the trail. I love snow but it gets dark and cold here in winter and sometimes I have to stop BUT not yet. . .

Tracks on the turn around. . . peopel have homes in this area and you can only go through on the trail which doesn't allow cars. . .

I leave you today with more tracks. . . will pick up tomorrow walking through Leverich Park and a few snowmen because children know it is the thing to do when we get this white stuff no matter how little!

Continuing my snowy walk on Burnt Bridge Creek Trail . . .#3

2011-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

The river is closer to the walking trail now. The snow is touching its banks on both sides.

Another view of the river and the shrubbery along side it. I was mostly aiming for a photo of the branches close to the river but the foreground weed branches give the photo a lot of contrast too.

The trail passes over the river where it runs to the right of the walking path. At first, I thought about just taking a photo of the bridge but wanted to show the river's path so opted for this shot.

Once again, the river runs on the left of the trail. The Burnt Bridge Creek trail follows the power lines where no homes were allowed to be built . . . or maybe I should have said the power lines were installed along the path of the creek and that area is public access so when the hiking group in our town wanted to make trails that were safe to walk or bicycle on, they chose this path the city already had rights to the land. In the foreground, the path jogs to the right again as the land belongs to another farmer. Remember, Vancouver was built around many kinds of farms and is still a city with farms within its limits.

To the right of the trail is an open piece of land near some homes and businesses but not sure if this is a park or someone owns the land.

Just another shot along the river trail.

Snowy trees in the distance in the same area as last photo.

Enough snow to enjoy but not too much to envelop the grasses. . .

I like the effect of snow covered steps so with this, I leave you until another day for more snowy photos along Burnt Bridge Creek Trail which runs through most of our town.

Continuing my snowy walk on Burnt Bridge Creek Trail . . .#2

2011-03-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sharing is nice -- I couldn't see a branch untouched!

The river runs further from the trail and more snowfall on the land is visible. . .

This branch didn't want to share its snow covers!

A glance back at where I had traveled from along Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. . .By then, the truck that checks the trail for safety had been through too.

The perfect blue sky serves as background for the white branches laden with snow.

More tracks along the trail. . .

Beautiful snow everywhere!

Another frosting of snow on the branches. . .

Farmhouses in the distance, beyond Burnt Bridge Creek and the trail. This area has a section of flat, grassy land between the river and the trail. I think I would enjoy living in that area!

Looking the other direction of the snow covered flats with the river on the left out of site.

More farmhouses on the other side of the river and flatland.

When I get around that corner of the trail, I have another bench to rest upon if so desired. I don't need a rest on my walk but will pause here with photos until next time when we continue my photographic journey. I hope you are enjoying our one 24 hour period of snow this winter.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Did you remember to wear your green today? Hope your celebrations are great! The school near us was named for an Irish settler and the kids always have a parade past our apartment building and around uptown and back to the school. Will try to show photos of that another day.

Continuing my snowy walk on Burnt Bridge Creek Trail . . .

2011-03-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

I like this photo especially because there is so much to see in it. The widest portion of Burnt Bridge Creek, the other side of the creek, the snowy branches, and the reflections of the trees on the far side hill.

Ordinarily, I would put this photo on my bench blog BUT I have already pictured it there. . . this time, it shows two things I love: benches and SNOW!

I love the snow covered branches and stairway to the picnic area at the head of the trail. The blue sky ain't half bad either!

Along the creek. . .

Interesting to see the snow clinging to the trees as if to say, "Enjoy us because we won't be back this winter."

If not for the melted snow on the trail, it would seem like a white out. . .

Until the Parks and Recreation truck came along, many branches, heavy laden with snow hung over the trail and gave us a winter wonderland view.

Further on down the trail, one sees a view almost similar to the first photos I started today's blog with. Lots to see if one takes the time to notice.

I like this curved branch covered in snow and the shoreline a blanket of snow too!

A tangled mass of snow with the river beyond along the trail that follows the river.

Every branch shared the snow since it was our first and last snow of the winter.

Even the moss and ferns growing on the tree trunks and limbs got their frosting of snow, the only one of 2011 winter that teased us with a small amount of snow, stopped for a couple hours and when we were fast asleep, dropped a new layer for us to marvel about , hike through and capture memories.

Remember our 2 snowfalls in one 24 hour period??????

2011-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, here's a few more photos from my walk along Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. . .

This is the "head" of the trail closest to Vancouver Lake where it feeds from. Burnt Bridge Creek runs all through Vancouver from West to East and the trail has so far extended to three parts of it, ending neat 90th St in Vancouver. One day it may extend further east to the Cascade Mountains. This rest area is called Stewart Glen and is a welcome sight when hiking the opposite way from East to West.

Looking up towards the restroom and picnic area in the same area as the first photo.

These branches look like what I call a snow rainbow. . .

The pine boughs are heavy laden with snow.

With Burnt Bridge Creek in the background, the branches laden with snow stand out!

More of the water and the land opposite it looking through the trees at the head of the Burnt Bridge Creek trail.

Looks like many people had the same idea as I did to walk this trail but they got here before me!

Holly

2011-03-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

No matter what time of year, Holly is beautiful. . .

End of winter clouds . . .

2011-03-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, it is interesting to see what one can see in cloud formations when they are not all puffy white. or the two are side by side. . .

Alien invasion or big oil spill. . .

2011-03-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Of course, we all know it's just another oil spill but imaginations can conjur up other things. . .

Looking for Spring. . .

2011-03-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Trying to find Spring blossoms, I ran across this grove of leaves. They aren't new -- they were the same all winter. But, it does add a bright spot to our rainy days. This day, was one it didn't pour down. . .

Spring is trying to come early . . .

2011-03-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

There's 11 more days before Spring is officially here but this plant thinks it has arrived even tho we had snow the week before I took this photo. Even tho I wish for more snow as we really got cheated this winter, I hope that Spring is really on its way. Will give me more opportunities to take photos!

Sunset a couple days ago . . .

2011-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's hard to catch a pretty sunset this time of year. . . but the glow of this one caught my eye!

Thursday morning snowfall #2--Uptown, heading downtown. . .

2011-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Even tho the tree branches are frosted with a layer of freshly fallen snow, they can't hide that speck of blue sky from me!

Each branch willing shared the beautiful white stuff with the other. . .

The snow clung to everything like it didn't have plans for melting soon.

Another cluster of branches sharing the beautiful white stuff, making a snow sculpture.

It was like the branches were saving some snow for me.

Looks like cotton!

Bicycle rack sporting snow. . .

Snow in an empty parking lot.

All the plants seem to be friends with this snowfall!

This cold wooden frog says that all for snow today. Come back tomorrow!

Thursday morning snowfall #!-- Uptown

2011-03-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ok so this was written in the wee hours of Thursday morning before I shoveled the sidewalks around our building. . . but it makes a good header for my LATER early morning excursion down to the Columbia River. The remaining photos for this post, I took after a few hours sleep when I awoke to Maintenance snow blowing our sidewalks just before 8:00 AM. Yes, all my hard work shoveling was covered with another layer of freshly fallen snow! That makes three snowfalls this winter for Vancouver when I was beginning to think we were never going to get any at all.

A peek out my window on the 8th floor, I could see there was more snow so I quickly got dressed and went off on another walking adventure that ended many miles later and I will show you more for a few days.

This is from my living room window on the 8th floor looking towards 4th Plain Blvd.

The homes in front of our building from the 8th floor balcony -- I am gradually getting outside! The mountains in the background are Oregon, across the Columbia River. I live 2 miles away.

Looking east from the 8th floor balcony towards Mt. Hood in Oregon which is covered in clouds today.

OK, I finally got outside with my camera and found this branch fascinating.

It was as if the leaves were saving the snow for me!

Of course, the beauty of the snow was displayed in other ways too!

Beautifully displayed for me . . .

Those branches must be strong to hold so much snow just for me and my camera!

Even a peek at some blue sky in this winter wonderland!

Such beautiful displays of that wonderful white stuff that fell from the sky! AND I haven't even left my block yet!

Come back for more tomorrow -- this kind of snow, YOU don't have to shovel.

Wednesday evening snowfall #2

2011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Captured all these and more on my way back to the apartment complex but my snow adventure didn't end yet.

Christmas colors in February . . .

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Makes for a wonderful Christmas spirit to see red, white and green at this time of year! (I know, I know, Christmas was two months ago. . . but the snow didn't co-operate back then.

Wednesday evening snowfall #1

2011-02-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

I started off making tracks in front of the apartment. It had snowed less than an hour when it stopped. . . but in the end, I was in for a bigger surprise.

The branches were frosted with a layer of the new fallen snow which made them stand out. . .

The streets were busy in spite of the fresh fallen snow surprise, our second snowfall of this winter. . .

The leaves covered up with a blanket of snow and looked like iced cookies!

Grass poked out from beneath the new layer of snow to speak to the fallen branch and give it comfort. . .

The trees didn't care that Christmas was long gone -- they decorated themselves with freshly white fallen snow that made their branches glimmer.

Every branch wanted to get into the act for this special occasion. The snow was going to last longer than a few minutes. . . the beauty would be long remembered.

Even snow can provide ripples if you look hard enough. . .

Sometimes you see silhouettes of characters in snow covered leaves. . . can you see anyone here?I see George Washington if I tilt my head.

This umbrella tree got a new design!

The mist seems to make these two branches stand out. . .

One more for today but not the end of my snowy night adventure. Come back tomorrow for more!

First photo from my window of latest snowfall. . .

2011-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

This tall tree with all the cones on it is what I see from my 8th floor window. It was covered in snow when I awoke after a light snow the night before. I was surprised because I had thought it had stopped snowing by time as I went to sleep about 1:30 AM. Wonderful surprise for me when I awoke! I spent a good portion of the day hiking and taking photos. MORE to come. . .

Winter surprise visitor. . .

2011-02-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

I was out shoveling the snow from around our apartment building after midnight when a resident told me to look up in the tree. . . and I spotted this raccoon! It did not give me time to adjust my camera with flash or zoom in much before it exited the limb it was on and headed higher where I could not spot it with my camera. . . so no close ups and you will have to contend with those piercing white eyes I saw before I took the photos. I was surprised to see a racoon in city limits.

For Barb . . .

2011-02-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

I cropped and made the below photo black and white -- as if it needed any help -- as Barb suggested. I think I still like several instead of one against the background of snow best.

Portrait in the snow. . .

2011-02-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

Anything is more beautiful with a snowy background!

I had a great snow day last night and today. Took many photos. Guess what will be on my blog every post for some time. . . I am so happy we finally got a good snowfall even tho it was between 2 and 3 inches only and some would laugh at me for calling it a big snowfall. Considering the small amount we got last Wednesday, this was big in comparison. I am grateful for it all. I hiked about 9 miles today to capture some of it. I walked to the river first and then took a bus the opposite direction to a trail and walked about 5 and half miles to capture the latest snowfall. On my return, it was snowing in the eastern part of our city when I was coming home. We have blue skies where I live. . . There is a possibility of more coming this weekend.

White stuff from heaven. . .

2011-02-23T23:06:00.001-08:00

Yes, it is snowing and I am going out to play in it soon.

Photos to follow hopefully.

Odd shot

2011-02-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

If you walk across the street and down the alley of these neighbors, you will find a fish pond in the backyard. Some of us, out for a walk, stop by to see how the fish are doing. Not one was in swimming mode and the picture looks like an art piece instead of a pond. Go here if you want to post an odd shot linking to Kathy's meme for Odd Shot Monday.

You never know. . .

2011-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday when it snowed, the sky was very colorful and I enjoyed capturing the colors of my quilt in the sky.

Today, a friend and I went for a walk in the neighborhood and we saw more signs of Spring besides the blooming Camelias from last week's post. BUT the sky did not present us with the beauty of the day when it snowed last week. . .we might get some more snow this week. . . we will see. Poor flowers having to put up with our cold temperatures after such a warm stretch of weather . . . near 60. I'll trade flowers for snow anytime!

Snow Teaser for Vancouver

2011-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

Walking towards the Columbia River, snow starts to gather on a lawn. . .

Snow gathers around plants near curb. . .

Snow stopped after gathering on windshield of someone's car. . .

View of snow around pond at WSU in Vancouver. . .

Snow on the grass at WSU. . .

Trail through the snow at WSU. . .

Sign showing campus of Washington State University on one of the trails around the campus. . .

We just had a dusting of snow and to me, it was a miracle since our winter in Vancouver has been snowless until today. They hint that we have a chance for more snow showers throughout the night and then again, Saturday and Sunday. I hope they are right!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful day with those you love.

"Broken Moon" In the Sky

2011-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

If you look at the left side, it looks like it was broken in half like a cookie. CLICK on to make it bigger.

Is Spring here already?

2011-02-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

Out for a walk on Monday and I saw flowers blooming already! It isn't any wonder . . . with winter passing us by this year and weather almost to 60 every day for some time now.

Lecture at Museum. . .

2011-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

First, we had cookies and drinks at the reception while we were walking around looking at ancient photo posters of the building of the I-5 bridge. That was followed by a lecture and slide show about its history. Some are wanting to tear it down and build a very expensive bridge that would support more traffic going into Oregon from Washington , along with a separate layer of road bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. While it would be nice, the present plans are way too costly. Tolls would help pay for it but people are not happy about them. The present bridge had tolls for awhile until it was completely paid for. I was going to add these photos to my art walk adventures from yesterday because both the cookies of the bridge and the history are related to art BUT decided to do it separately, The cookies were great and so was the history in photos and lecture.
(scuse the underline -- I can't get it off)

The many faces of ART. . .

2011-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

This woven piece of art was this originally

THIS painting:

('scuse the glare)

What a difference!

The above is an example of what I saw last month at the Art Walk we have on First Friday.

This month . . . art was everywhere!

from this sunset happening before my eyes while I was walking to the Art Walk. . .

to this glassware. . .

to "Things My Mother Told Me" . . .

(click on to enlarge and read the axioms)

. . .

to paintings and black and white photos

Sometimes I go to the glass blowers -- this is from last month. . .BUT

Tonight was a special night . . . the artists' group known formerly as "6th Street Gallery" moved to a new location and they are now called Gallery 360 because they made a complete circle in location. Even the cake was a work of art!

The artists of this new gallery are standing in front of the music stage/art classroom. . . Ron, third from left is the one that introduced, to our apartment building, the Friday Art Walks when they were still at 6th St. Gallery.

Finally, the cake was cut. . .

Many kinds of art and the artists represented here and just a sampling of their work. First Friday Art Walk is always something to look forward to each month.

Patterns In the Sky

2011-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

I keep hoping for snow but guess I am going to have to be consoled by these visions. . .

Fire in the Sky . . .

2011-02-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Is the sky on fire or is it just another beautiful sunset? Thankfully, no fire but a photo opportunity finally for me since we had no snow here this year.

Rainbow angel . . .

2011-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

If you look closely you will see a beautiful angel with large wings . . . OR an oil spot. I see the angel. . . do you?

The Labyrinth . . .

2011-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Day dawns. . .

People move about
doing what they must in order to
fulfill "what one thinks" are their best laid plans.

Choices are made.
Some wise, sometimes, not so wise.

Choosing a path is
Sometimes smooth sailing.
Sometimes, obstacles provoke one to take a detour
Prolonging the specifically made plans.

When day is done
Which has been the most successful
Reaching the goal?

BOTH -- as long as they FINALLY reached their goal!

BUT the one with obstacles facing them builds character for life
While the other accepts success in small ways.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

May your life be blessed with much happiness in the New Year!

Note:

2010-12-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

I am taking a few days off or maybe more. No time for blogging or visiting other people some days. . . and only one friend visits me regularly without me visiting her first so tired of playing games. If you visited my blog in the past without me coming there first, thank you. Maybe I will come back and blog again. . . maybe I won't. I haven't decided. Thanks for your comments. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas celebration and a bright New Year filled with blessings.

Paulie

Look up . . .

2010-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you see the strangest things in the ladies restroom at restaurants. . . this one was near the Columbia River.

Before the rain came back . . .

2010-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

We had blue skies and a colorful autumn!

Rainy days again . . .

2010-12-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

Not many photo ops with all this rain. . .

Artistic mailboxes. . .and more

2010-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Saw these two unique mailboxes in Port Orchard when I was on a hike in the country.

Mysterious bird. . .

2010-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Saw this bird (anyone know what it is) on the sidewalk when I was taking a hike last Friday near the Columbia River. It didn't move and if I had so desired, I bet I could have touched it. It's webbed feet made me think it was a duck but I have never seen a duck look like this one. . .I hope it wasn't hurt and that's the reason it didn't move. I find the markings on its tail very distinctive. Perhapw that will help identify it? Let me know if you have any clues. Thanks!

Not only snow but mushrooms in Port Orchard. . .

2010-11-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

I saw these along side the road before the snows came in Port Orchard earlier this month. I had seen soem on a friend's blog and mentioned that I hadn't run across any. I spoke too soon! I liked that they seemed to be different kinds. . . in shape anyway. . .

Ice and fallen trees came with the snow. . .

2010-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

This is the icy pond near the Walmart store where I braved the slippery roads and went to buy food we didn't have to cook.

If you CLICK on to enlarge this one, you will see the ice better. Sand trucks had helped to melt some of the snow but if froze again with temperatures in the teens.

This was only one large branch I saw along the road. Reports of many trees falling and crashing into house roofs was horrible. I am glad we were safe and only had to complain about being cold.

Sammi, my son's dog in the snow

2010-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is Sammi's dog house that he outgrew. . .the depth of the snowfall shows here on the roof. The oldest grandson swept the balcony patio before I could take a photo there. This is the second day of snow, the day we lost our electricity before I cleared the driveway.

This is Sammi, enjoying the snow and some of his footprints.

Winter arrived a little early for this part of the country. . .

2010-11-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

My son and his family live out in the country. All these photos are taken from their yard last Monday because there are no sidewalks and the roads had ice on them under the snow, I couldn't walk around and take photos elsewhere. They have a long driveway tho and a hilly yard. I will have some photos the next two days of our snow. It snowed a little on three different days: Sunday, Monday and Thursday. It was pretty coming down but too light to roll into a snowman which youngest grandson tried to make and I could not do it either. I enjoyed shoveling their long driveway tho. . . Monday night and Tuesday, we had a 22 hour power outage. No fun being in the dark with just candles or sleeping in front of the fireplace with all the grandkids to try to get some warmth but we all survived. Glad to be home again now.

Sorry . . .

2010-11-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

We had a power outage for 22 hours and then the computers didn't work for getting online for two days. I am back home in Vancouver now and will start blogging again Saturday. We had three snowfalls in Port Orchard which accumulated about three inches of snow but it was dry snow and partially melted or blew away in the storms we had. Not good for building snowmen. . . sigh Lots of downed trees and many people were without electricity even when ours was restored. Anyway, I survived and am back home and you will see me blogging again soon.

Yes, it really is the white stuff!!!!!!!!

2010-11-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is the way it looked when it snowed on Sunday afternoon. . . just a dusting to remind us winter is coming!

Having problems with uploading photos so come back later -- maybe even tomorrow to see more. Meanwhile, I'll be out there playing in the snow.

More later. . .

2010-11-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

It snowed here a little yesterday and then, this morning, it snowed more and actually stayed on the ground. More predicted for today so we will see. Maybe some photos for you later.

Will it or won't it?

2010-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

The weatherman was predicting SNOW for us for today. . . will we really get some of the real stuff or just keep being so cold? The high yesterday was 33. I put on my winter coat I brought and went for a walk anyway. . . I hope this isn't the only kind of snow I will be seeing today. hope hope

Busy neighbors. . .

2010-11-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

Too busy eating to even pose for the camera. . .They live across the street where I go to pick up the mail for my son and family.

Autumn is almost over. . .

2010-11-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

One large lonesome leaf remains. . .

It's Fall in Port Orchard too!

2010-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

All these big leaves in son's yard. . . and MORE! It wasn't raining so I took a few minutes to explore outside here. . .

"You didn't bring me a treat??????????"

2010-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

This is Sammy, my son's dog. He followed me around on Sunday like a lost soul. . . I think he misses Shaun who is in Honduras with the Navy until May.

Autumn lingers in such beautiful ways. . .

2010-11-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

It's fun to be out with my camera again, hunting for unique subjects to photograph. I liked the leaves that were various colors on this tree. . . and the pods in the one above.

Raspberries anyone?

2010-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

I took this photo Friday on a walk. Can you believe it that raspberries are still on the vine in November? I was sooooooooo tempeted to eat them. . . but I didn't.

Walking over to this building on Sunday. . .

2010-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

and heading down the track to see my grandchildren for awhile while their Mom goes to Guatemala visiting her husband (my son) on Navy duty.

Just blew in . . .

2010-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Caught this "oddity" walking to the train station Friday. . . Not often you see a yellow leaf on a tree of red leaves in Fall.

Blue skies for Veterans Day Yesterday. . .

2010-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

I thought these puffy clouds looked neat. . .

so I took a few photos to remember them, along with the blue skies that we haven't seen for a long time.

These birds were flying around, circling in the air but landed before I could get my camera focused.

This one is being unsociable. roosting on its own light pole.

Thank you!

2010-11-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

A BIG THANK YOU to all the men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces. God bless!

Note:

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

I will try to get my post up later Thursday afternoon. Super busy!

More Autumn colors

2010-11-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

Don't let that blue sky in some of the photos fool you . . . it even rained that day! I am tired of the wet stuff because I can't go out and take more photos. SIGH

What a difference a raindrop or so make OR is there?

2010-11-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

I found the pale leaves on the ground with raindrops just as beautiful as the ones left on the tree. How about you?

CLICK on photo to enlarge. . .

The street view behind my apartment building. . .

2010-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, Autumn is definitely on the street(s) where I live. . . my first autumn photo was from the front of my apartment building and today,two, from the street in back of our building and a little up the block.

My world is a designer's canvas in autumn!

2010-11-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love the designs Autumn puts on leaves! This was in the park next door to my apartment building.

It's Autumn in Vancouver!

2010-11-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

As I walked down the street today, the skies were gray and not very conducive for trying out my new camera. . . BUT I liked the contrast of the bare limbs and the fall colors on our street. It's definitely well into Autumn in Vancouver! Can Winter (and snow) be far behind?

Yes, I am back to blogging with a new camera. I have a Nikon (Coolpix) and am just learning how to use it. I sure have missed blogging here. Hope all my old friends will visit me here again.