wild flowers in the mountains

It has been my experience while living in Central Oregon you have a window of 2 months to enjoy the wild flowers in the mountains. It really is a snap shot in time that you have to capture, my Husband took these photo's this past weekend. I was amazed at the quantity and color he was able to capture with his camera. I am not sure so don't quote me but he was somewhere around the 4000 to 6000 foot altitude when he came across this wonderful natural landscape. I look at these photos and wonder what the women thought who where on the Oregon Trail when their wagons came across land as beautiful as this. Do you suppose that they were so tired and sickly that they did not even notice their surroundings. I do remember reading in a book called All TOGETHER in one PLACE by Jane Kirkpatrick. That there were some women who tried to get their husbands to stay in this area but the men said "the winters where to hearse we are moving on towards the pacific coast". I can see why they wanted to stay if they came upon this sight.
How many colors do you count? It looks like an example of a crayon box don't you think.
This is the mountain range where he came across all these beautiful wild flowers, so this goes to show you, you will never know what you come across while in the mountains. Am I right BOYS!!
If you have read my other posts you know I have a problem with deer eating my flowers/garden. Here is a question, where are all the deer and why aren't they eating these flowers do you think the mountain flowers are naturally poisonous so they are guarding against being eaten by the animals in the mountain.. Thought to myself, maybe I should plant only wild flowers around my house!

Outdoor Working Area

This is an area in the corner of our patio in the back yard, which I set up as the workbench area for gardening and potting flowers. The fountain is a nice touch when you are working because they are so soothing. The small patio heater to the left is not in use right now, that is just it's home till winter when we use it allot. If you live in a cold area this table top version has been just right for us. You should check it out.

The pail on the corner of the table is one of my favorite pieces of outdoor equipment I have. The pail is actually Glenn's he uses it for ashes from the wood stove in the winter. But for now it has become my water, soil and overall carry stuff in it pail. I will give it back this winter when he needs it.

Here is Lucy helping with the finishing touches on this potted flower. She will be such a good gardener, I hope she likes gardening.

This is Juniper Berry our dog we usually call her June, we adopted her when she was a pup, she is very good to us and she also watches over the back yard like any good dog would.

Dicentra

Dicentra formasa 'Zestful' aka Bleeding HeartPaler pinkish flowers, close to the wild type of Dicentra formosa. All grow easily in partial shade in good soil and flower all summer if kept moist.
This flower is approx. 10 years old, I have kept it in this pot and this is its best year so far. When I had this flower in Oregon City it did not do so well maybe it wasn't cold enough or to wet, I don't know. But this year WOW what beauty!
Reference: PERENNIALS by Roger Phillips & Martyn Rix

Kadie Jay

Kadie is my daughter, who is currently trying to figure out how to make it in this world. I would have to say she is doing a really good job at it. She doesn't live far from me but we tend to go in phases of seeing each other. Kadie is now training for a new job and I think she will be really good at what she is going to do. She will be working with people face to face and she is good at conversation. Keep it up Kadie you are doing a great job! The photo below is of her and I on her birthday we went to have our hair done together and then lunch, that was a great day. Christmas 2007 at our house.

visit to Portland

Marie (Mom) and I spent the day with Casey in Portland last week, what a wonderful day we had. My Mom is very fond of gardening/flowers and she really had a good time looking at Casey and Holly's yard, they have so many different types of plants growing, plants you never see in Central Oregon or in Eastern Washington where my Mom lives. Photo below is at Casey and Holly's house, Mom and Casey before we start the day. What a beautiful porch I can see why they spend so much time out there.
Yes I love Gnomes, and this one is especially cute!
We ate lunch at a 50's diner, I had a grilled cheese and ham sandwich, and I know I had some of these "45's" in the day.
Under St. Johns bridge, it was very big and beautiful the cars above have no idea what is below them.
I just love the go to Portland and spend the day with my Son, I am just sorry his wife Holly had to work and Glenn couldn't join us until later that night. Maybe next time we can all get together for the day, until then you two were missed that day.

*Happy Father's Day*

Fathers!



This Photo is my Father John Joesph, I believe this photo was taken while he was in the Marines. Most people called my Dad by Joe, he was a wonderful provider for the family and a great role model. I learned so much about life from him, and of course I did not even realize it until much later. My Father was born in 1921, he is of a German Swiss descent. Dad passed away in July of 1998 after having a stroke 2 years earlier. Dad worked hard every day, and enjoyed his family around him. I couldn't of asked for a better Father, I miss him and think of him often in my every day life. Happy Father's Day DAD!

Joe and Marie, aka, Dad and Mom in Arizona in approx. 1996 After Dad retired from ranching/farming the both of them loved to spend the winters in Arizona. Mom still goes to Arizona each winter for about 3 months.
My Husband Glenn, is a wonderful FATHER to his 4 kids and also his 2 step kids. Glenn is very understanding and excepting of any Father I have ever known. He is a great role model, and enjoys being a FATHER. Happy Fathers Day to you Glenn!
Glenn just arrived back in Portland from Nebraska n business. He meant up with Casey, Holly, my om Marie and Myself at the Widmer Brewery in North Portland area.

Rodeo Weekends

"Let R' Buck!" or should I say "Bring her on home!" at least that is what you would hear the audience say out loud to a Barrel Racer towards the end of her run. My family came to the Sisters Rodeo where my Brothers Wife (photo below) barrel raced. She choose to race during slack time because she is in training with this horse and the large crowd that might be a bit much. As you can see by this photo my Brothers whole family enjoys the weekend. Brogan is 6 or could be 7 and he really knows how to ride his horse as you can see.
My Mother was also included in this trip to Sisters. Then Mom came to my house and spent a few days before returning home, that was nice.
I have not heard how my Brothers Wife did, they are still traveling back to their home in Eastern Washington and it is almost 11pm, but that's the Rodeo Life. So I guess this is where is say, Happy Trails to You!