AMSBAUGH GARDENS

POWER IS RESTORED

2012-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

Monday night we returned home to a cold, dark road, driveway and house. I went in the house, lit some candles and went to see if I could bring any coals to life in the woodstove. Bob called loudly from outside, for me to come quickly. Three repair trucks had followed us in and were quickly doing their job. Bob was so excited, he waded through the snow and ice to the road to tell them thank you. These crews, with many coming as far away as Colorado, had been working round the clock.

At 10:30 PM the lights turned on, the furnace began to hum, and hot water was soon to follow. For us it was over. The next two nights brought heavy winds and rains and many endured yet more power failure. Today is Saturday and I still think it is a miracle to find hot water at the tap, take a shower, wash clothes and run the dishwasher. Say nothing to using a computer, TV and charging a cell phone. I hope the repair crews are taking a nap.

Saturday, Day 3 With No Power At Our House

2012-01-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

The entry to our driveway.

I didn't stay out long.

How thankful we are for the wood stove, the wood supply and the wood carrier. We did keep ourselves and others warm.

The front gardens. The beautiful birch trees are so bent and broken.

ICE! The real culprit.

We could hear loud cracking, crashing, and popping sounds. We did NOT walk under the trees.

14 Inches And Still Snowing

2012-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

The garden has gone under cover. The snow continues to come down and we continue to stay by the warm fire.

Come to the Manger

2012-01-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Cherishing Baby Jesus

"Grandma.........." I'm listening this time.

Christmas Eve with a 2 Year Old

2012-01-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

She would not leave the Baby Jesus alone. She just wanted to hold him in her arms and rock-a-by-baby.

A gingerbread boy cookie, a new flannel nightie, and one little girl is all ready for Christmas Eve.

My Brooke

2011-12-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

All of our grandchildren have a huge place in my heart, and Brooke is no exception. She made extraordinary efforts on Christmas Day that are worth remembering for a long time to come.

What We Do In Our Spare Time

2011-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

To the joy of a little boy, Ben arrived home from North Dakota. It was a 3 AM arrival so when the kids woke in the morning, there he was.

Hi Daddy! was all he could say.....over and over.

Offical welcome home portrait. Typical Quinn.

GIVE ME YOUR CHILD FOR A DAY...........

My tape measure became Quinn's "tape thingy", and I promise I didn't influence that.

And she knew exactly what to do with it. I will have her sewing yet.

Bob was trying to fix the toilet and had never had so much help in doing so.

While Ben & JoLin were in Idaho on a fact finding trip for four days, these two kids found great comfort in clinging to each other without any encouragement from us. They can torment each other if the mood strikes, but there were some pretty sweet moments this time.

Vintage Apron

2011-12-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

And so yet another generation dons a "Minnie Apron". Mother made this one sometime in the '70s after they came to Washington. The edging is done with one of the decorative stitches on her newer sewing machine.
When Grace made the pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, the apron seemed most appropriate. When growing up, aprons were an essential item in our wardrobe to save our clothes from dirt and soil. It made for less laundry which was only done once a week. I know, it is only an apron. But it makes a Great-Grandma seem real to my grandchildren who never saw her, yet they know her.

On Being Eight

2011-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

A Thanksgiving pose.

What a happy day this was when Grandpa got to baptize our granddaughter.

Ben's Update

2011-11-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

The prairie looks a little lonesome today. Did Wyoming ever look this desolate? North Dakota at minus 2 degrees this morning. I get cold just thinking about it. Ben should be returning in two weeks.

Tell City 1940 Chairs

2011-11-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

Close to 20 years ago, I acquired a set of well used dinning chairs, 6 side chairs and two end chairs with arms. I loved everything about them except the nasty seat covering and the grim and dings in the wood. Especially did I love the rose carving at the top back. I did cover the seats with new fabric and scrubbed the grim with a rag loaded with ivory soap. And every year since then, I have wanted to refinish the wood. I even went to a local restorer to see what it would cost. It was something like $150 for a side chair and $200 for an arm chair. Needless to say I went no farther.

Until now.......

Well worn arms.

Legs were chipped and banged.

With some encouragement from Steve and Mary Lynn, I began undressing the wood, using a gel stripper. My work station was the patio with lots of ventilation. It didn't take long to understand the professional's prices, especially when it came to cleaning the carving. I did the 6 side chairs first (it took almost 2 months) and thought I would save the 2 arm chairs for spring. But knowing how I function, I knew it was either now or never. I had come too far. I must finish it now!

New seat covering

Perfect corners

An idea of 20 years ago, became a pleasant reality.

Buzzzzzzzzz

2011-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

By mid September I could not work in the front yard. Every trip across the lawn would bring a swooping attack of stinging critters with a buzzing sound. We looked everywhere for the source and could not find anything. We even wondered if they were nested in the ground and sprayed every hole that we could find. Following repeated counsel to "look up", Bob discovered the nest in this maple tree.

What beautiful handiwork.

When Bob bravely climbed the ladder in the dark of night and sprayed the nest, he hurridly jabbed a plug in the hole to keep them inside long enough to expire. These are wicked looking bees ? wasps?

This nest/bee hotel had at least 5 floors. We threw the whole thing into the flames of our first outdoor burning.

North Dakota

2011-10-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Benjamin left home on Tuesday for a railroad project in North Dakota. Today they arrived in Minot. (my not) The grain storage looks familiar. But the tracks are going down to get the abundant oil transported.

This should be a great experience for him. I love looking at the big blue sky.

School Desks from Eastside School

2011-09-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

In 1969 when our parents departed from Wyoming they brought with them these two school desks from Mother's classroom at Eastside. Our boys used them and then Joleen and Shannon held long school sessions seated there.

Later, Ben used them during grade school. Then various grandkids thought the desks were just right to conduct their business and the desks moved from house to house. Maybe that is why they look a little battered.

The desks just found a new home with these two kids. The stools were something that Bob created. They are almost as old as the ownership of the desks. Lots of kids, both in the classroom and in various family homes, have spent hours at these desks learning to write, draw and coloring with wonderful crayons. Forgot to mention learning to cut paper into a zillion pieces with scissors

Made in the USA

2011-09-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, Bob had to replace this part on his Chev pickup. Yes, the original part was made right here at home.

However, check out the replacement part.....classic evidence of "jobs shipped out of our country. And so it has gone.

A Young Man and His Tractor--1941

2011-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Driving the gray Fordson is Mark Petersen, Robert's older brother. The family farm was in Ferron, Utah. Using this tractor instead of work horses was a huge advancement in farm work. Mark was born in 1921. His life was cut short 20 years later by this very tractor when it flipped over as it was driven on a slant in a silage pit. It was a tragedy that the family felt ever afterward.
In honor of Mark, our Benjamin's middle name is that of his unmet uncle, Mark.

So What's the Big Deal

2011-09-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Any guesses as to why Joel wanted "G.G." to get down?

Nap Time

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

On a hot summer afternoon, this little boy would not take a nap. But later he came and flung across my lap and promptly fell asleep. Because he was so warm, I slipped out from under him and he assumed this position. For ventilation?

Much later we could not wake him. Even his sister could not get his attention. This must be a hard way to sleep.

Loving Uncle Ross

2011-09-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

There is a reason these kids love to see Uncle Ross come. He showed up while we were taking care of kids on Thursday. Although they were excited, one ran to Ross for protection from the added company.

While the other one had this boy's dream experience! He was in heaven!

Quilts for the Military

2011-08-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ross became the proud recipient of this beautiful quilt made by Aunt Elizabeth and her quilt guild specifically for military who were wounded in the middle east war.

I believe the pattern is Rail Fence and when it is all laid out, you can really see the applique stars and the quilting pattern. Ross was very appreicative. Thank you, Elizabeth! Your quilt is beautiful. Thank you.

I think he likes it!

August Birthdays

2011-08-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Our family is loaded with August birthdays. First, we had Joel who turned 4.

Then Natalie had her 9th.

Grace had her all important 8th B-day.

and Elissa became 19 the same day that Shannon turned 42!

We still have David and Kerry's big days to come before the end of the month.

There, I think that makes 7 birthdays in one month!

Happy Birthday to them all.

Shannon's Dog

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

This mutt is Shannon and Grace's pride and joy. Grace named her Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web.

Ross Came Home Tuesday Night

2011-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

But he didn't come alone. "Chief" is his new traveling companion and Joel likes that.

He is cute. Will he stay that way?

We are happy that Ross's year of recuperating is done and his year before that in Afghanistan is over and done. Now it's time to play with the neices and nephews and help me in the garden.

Gathering The Wood

2011-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Over the last three or four years, whenever a tree needed to come down, Bob would limb it and put that on the brush pile. So one of his projects for the summer was to go through the woods and gather everything that could be used for firewood next winter. John Deere and the little red cart were very helpful.

Some of these chunks of maple were from sizeable rounds. To verify how much better Bob's shoulder is, he was able to split them all. I can still hear the maul hitting the wedges and that wonderful splitting sound in the wood. The woodshed is pretty full.
Today, July 16, is cold and rainy. Maybe a fire in the fireplace tonight???

Summertime Warm Weather Activities

2011-07-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

The morning was too cold to get dressed. So I added a pair of sweat pants with my nightie. It wasn't quite right until I added a heavy flannel shirt. I could work like this all day!

July 13th brought the best gardening weather ever. It was nice and cool with plenty of rain to water the garden as I worked. My jacket is not stripped, the rain was just coming down pretty good. Conditions were prefect!

Running Through the Sprinkler

2011-07-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words...here is Grace and Grandma running through the sprays from the soaker hose. It was a fun day!

The Fourth of July

2011-07-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Not the Fourth of July, but Christmas time and Jay is giving instruction on the flag that they got as a present. Love that scout salute!

A real summer time Fourth of July Parade. Ross is leading, naturally. Joleen beats a mean drum and Shannon just follows along because....... One of the most stirring parades I ever saw.

Ross's Birthday Today

2011-06-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Wanted to recognize a special day for us and wish Ross a very happy birthday with a favorite photo. It makes him look more like a farmer than an attorney. What a great disguise! Anyway, best wishes for a good day and mid-July cannot get here soon enough.

Happy Father's Day & Happy Birthday Ben

2011-06-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day Dad & Happy Birthday Ben!

Grandma let the kids put candles on their Dad's cake.

But the frosting was too tempting.

So Joel came up with a great idea to fix it!

See? If you put a bunch of candles in the hole,

you'll never know someone's finger went through the frosting!

Cold Weather Vibrant Colors

2011-06-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

These deep blue iris lasted for 5 whole days and then disappeared into a seed pod. But the 5 days were worth it.

The rhodies lasted longer than I can ever remember. It is nice to know that our very cool weather had some good benefits.

And this one is my favorite.
(Thanks Dwight for your help in saving these photos.)

Happy! Happy! Two!

2011-06-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes are always called "Happy". And so yesterday was a cupcake day.

Gray Day Lupines

2011-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

One blessing of gray days is good light to photgraph flowers without the sunlight to fade the color. I just cannot get enough of the brillant color of these lupines. Everyday brings new cones opening with yet another stunning color combination. I will probably never have another garden to match this year's display.

ANYONE WANT ANY SEEDS FROM THESE?

Deere John

2011-06-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Bob had been clearing some over grown mess on the road side of the grapes and hand hauling the limbs to the burn pile.
Then he got engineer smart and got out the tractor.

......and climbing rope. Together they drug heavy limbs across the orchard to warm a fire. Don't work harder, work smarter?

Keepers

2011-06-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

BAGS FROM THE PAST

Ben's faithful school bag used several years.

Ross was a member of the crew team while attending school in San Digeo.

Personalized lunch packs for very early hiking days. For Kemp.

And Jay.

How can I throw any of these away?

Russell Lupines

2011-06-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

See the neat and tidy gravel path on the right? These goregous lupines were just tiny seedlings in the path last summer. I failed to clean it and this spring.......look what we got. Don't know if we'll ever walk that path again!

The color combinations are always a surprise.

Shall I just let the whole garden go wild?

And I Gather Armloads of Blossoms of Blue

2011-05-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

"Saw these as I was racing to Cathlamet to speak this morning, stopped to get a picture on the way home. They were growing all over a steep grassy hillside in a magnificent display. Maybe a larkspur? And then there were few little pink flowers, not as prominent. Makes me want to go back with a shovel at midnight!" From Kemp

Great landscaping!

Car Show at River Ridge High School

2011-05-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

This paint job looked like it belonged at North Thurston High.

She is a beauty.

Can't miss that bright orange!

Favorite car of the show....this mud spattered VW Bug!

Joel loved them all. We had a good time looking at old cars.

Celebration for Bob

2011-05-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Joleen made the cupcakes.

Ben furnished the house.

Joel and Grandpa watched Toy Story 2

Quinn licked the frosting.

Kemp, Jay, Ross, Shannon, Grace and Brooke called. E-mail from Sonja. We are blessed.

The Way to Start a Day

2011-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

So begins Robert's 78th Birthday!

Happy dog! Happy man! Happy day!

Happy Mother's Day-Grandmothers, too!

2011-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

I don't know what transpired in order for Grace and Grandma to both need to scrub their piggies, but as usual, Grandma made it fun. Thank you for being the best mother and grandmother we could have. Love, Grace, Shannon & David.

When There Were Just Three

2011-05-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Cooper Point days to 1966, when the family consisted of these three boys. Kemp, Jay and Ross........

The Almost Easter

2011-04-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

Big family dinner plans faded quickly when Shannon woke at 1 AM Sunday morning with a high fever and aches and pains. The flu had struck. She and Grace had arrived late Sat night. We cancelled Easter dinner. I went to my early morning meeting and while Bob went to church. I came home and tended to the sick and her child.

After church, we had to do something for Grace. Coloring eggs did the trick.

It was raining hard outside so we agreed to hide the eggs in the living room, just as we had done when her mom was little.

Sorry that Shannon was sick. And sorry that the rest of the family missed due to our quarantine. But Grace did her best to make it fun for us!

Precious Moments

2011-04-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

This was a spontaneous moment. They never would have posed this for me at my request.

Grace came to play during spring break. She entertains little kids very well.

A Good Moment From the Past

2011-04-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love them all. The dog got big, the boy grew up and the quilt, even though he still uses it, is about worn out. Only the couch is gone, but we still have the matching love seat.

Stamps and More Stamps

2011-03-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

While waiting for spring to come, Robert has spent his rainy days on his stamp collection. He showed me this pile of stamps, most were all the same, but different. Here are his little green tags to keep them identified.

Magic. Here is the completed page. Just proves that you need to watch those Liberty Bell and Flag stamps!

WAKE UP TIME

2011-03-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/revealed-the-lefts-economic-terrorism-playbook-the-chase-campaign-for-a-coalition-of-unions-community-groups-lawmakers-and-students-to-take-down-us-capitalism-and-redistribute-wealth-power/

Kid Time

2011-03-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Finding the "happy" Joel

Quinn's sign language for "I don't know."

Dark, rainy days take their toll. But a great way to have a peaceful hour is with a pan of water and a few plastic tea dishes on the tile kitchen floor.

No, the sun did not come out, but it did stop raining for a bit. Joel and Grandpa needed some time away from the girls in the house.

Such a good investment of our time and energy!

I Looked Out the Window and What Did I See?

2011-03-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Kemp and I have been playing the "where's the crocus?" game since the end of January. That is when they generally make their appearance in the Pacific Northwest. March 8 and six weeks late.....here they are. Reminds me of just how very cold this winter has been. Welcome signs of spring!

Getting a Smell

2011-02-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

This was eight years ago this spring. Sailor is checking out Robert's running shoes. She has run with him every morning that he has gone since then. Now anytime she hears the sound of nylon clothes slipping on or catches a "runner's" smell, she is whimpering at the door to get going. I had forgotten that this exercise had been from the start.

Childhood Hiding Places

2011-01-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Today Robert got the Christmas houses all packed away. He has several minature people that he places here and there between the houses and shops. However, in taking them down, he noticed that all of the minatures were lovingly placed INSIDE the houses. Hmmm. When and how did that happen?

I remember that he was very facinated. Now I know what Joel was doing.

And That's That

2011-01-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Two weeks later and I think we are done! Heard the birds singing today. Perhaps spring is around the corner!

11 Days Later

2011-01-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

We are making progress! Last night I was able to cover most of this with layers of makeup so that I was able to be seen in public. The Arnica recommended by Ann really helped the purple color to fade......to the mustard yellow!

Mysteries and Puzzlements

2011-01-14T22:35:00.000-08:00

What makes LED Christmas lights look like that when not using a flash?

The drooping bruise on Thursday, day 4. Looks like she is growing a beard and needs a serious shave.

But on day 5, today, we get TECHNICOLOR with Stereophonic sound.

What does Olympia and Atlanta Have in Common Today?

2011-01-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight it is SNOW! However Joleen arrived this afternoon in behalf of her siblings with these beautiful spring flowers and the most delicious berry mix ice cream! Thank you kids! And thank you Joleen for doing the delivery.

Before and After

2011-01-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

My face got acquainted with the floor on Monday morning. Bless Warfarin......How lucky, there were no broken bones in my face. The concrete is rather hard.

Family Christmas on New Year's Day

2011-01-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Ross was able to come home for three days and so the other four available siblings with their families came to celebrate the homecoming, Christmas and being together. We missed Jay and Kerry who live in Georgia.

Joel loves his Uncle Ross.

The wonder of technology! Christmas morning in Georgia with Elissa, Natalie, and Libby with their new Grandma pj's. I love doing this each year. And they let me, so I am happy.

While this isn't the best posed shot, it is typical of constant activity with Ben and JoLin's family.

This was the Grandma nitie for Grace. You can't tell but the green in the design are frogs. Grace was such a little mother to the little kids.

Shannon and David's family of three, slept in the upstairs bedroom which has 2 twin beds. Yes, someone slept on the mat on the floor.

Phil and Joleen were at the house everyday, most of the day. We ate all of Joleen's cookies and other good food!

Kemp and Sonja came on Saturday, a very frosty winter day. These two along with some of the others walked down to the pond. It was iced over well and wasn't breaking to heavy thrown rocks. So Ben walked on the ice and yes, he fell in.

Sailor got an amazing new comb/brush for Christmas and since it removes ALL loosened hair, it is easier to have her in the house during this frigid spell. She wanted to help clean up after the feasting was over. She cried and was so depressed when Ross left.

It's Christmas Time

2010-12-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Early in December, Bob climbs up into the garage rafters to bring down the boxes of the Christmas houses. And the ritual begins.

Big decisions. What order to put the houses and which is my favorite this year.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

What is happening here? Shannon's teeth are clenched. David is very serious.

Gettem.....Take that and that. After playing Wii at Harlans' for Thanksgiving, these two both complained of sore shoulder muscles the next day.

The turkey was cooked on the grill with maple wood chips.

Yummm. The meat was delicious!

Me and My Game Buddy

2010-11-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

The first part of November, I got to spend the morning with Grace. One of the things I love about her is that she will play games with me.

This game was "Go Fish" played with the Little Golden Book Characters.

I think that my expression here really belongs to Ann.

Grace is very competitive and there is no cheating!

I think she is cleaning my deck.

Morning After the Storm---And Earthquake

2010-11-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

This week has had lots of "weather". High winds on Monday night caused power outages. Ours was out for 2 hours. Joleen's was over night. Ben and JoLin was closer to 20 hours. Shannon's family slept in the basement because their home is surrounded by trees. At least we now have fewer corn stalks to cut.

This is the post to the arbor that snapped in the heavy gusts.

The poor arbor was pretty heavily laden with wisteria.

Hopps cover this oblisek in summer and I like to leave the bare branches during the winter just for the look. The wind just whisked them all away!

Then Tuesday morning we had the earthquake. It rattled the dishes in the cupboard. But by the looks of the red oak leaves with the morning sun shining through, all is peaceful......for the moment.

We had thunder and lightening in the middle of the night last night with rain and hail hitting like a ton of bricks.

Joleen's Birthday Yesterday

2010-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

We were delighted to spend last evening with Joleen, Phil and Brooke for Jo's birthday. It was a happy day. However, I had to laugh when I heard Brooke say to her mother, "If you didn't nag me so much, I would be more likely to do it." Oh, my! Had I ever heard that one before, but directed at me???? We all nodded.

Happy Day Jo!

Thomas and Percy

2010-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Playing with Thomas (the blue engine) has comsumed more days than I can count. If I am really good, I get to play with Percy (the green engine) and together we create the most amazing train adventures. Our best efforts are during Quinney's nap, as she hasn't quite got the hang of the trains staying on the track. I must confess, this is more fun than I deserve.

50 YEARS OLD!!!!

2010-11-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Even black and white was able to capture the sweet smile at 4 years old

Helping Grandpa Blood build the yellow house. Could life be better than having a hammer and some nails to pound.? This was the best busy summer and for only being six, Kemp was a huge help.

Just sittin' and thinkin' about things.

Eighteen and the world in front of him.

Although Kemp seemed to be dealing with memory and hearing loss issues today, we wish him a very happy birthday. 50 years is a lot!

Climbing Days

2010-10-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Robert found his place in the world during his very late highschool and early college years in Bremerton, Washington. It was in the beauty and challenge of conqueroring the mountains. I have always loved this picture of him rapelling off this sheer rock wall on Mt Cruiser west of Mt. Washington in the Olympic Mountains....his favorite place to be.

Drawing of the peak is from the Climbing Guide to the Olympic Mountains.

David Archuleta to Perform with Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Annual Christmas Concert

2010-10-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

David Archuleta to Perform with Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Annual Christmas Concert

Work is the Best Play

2010-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

I remember my mother giving me jobs to do if I got difficult. Ironing the flat pieces or weeding a row were her favorites. That little trick still works. There is nothing like a good project to help us have a good day. Besides that the cinnamon rolls were yummy. Those in the pans on the stove were minutes away from baking and then were gone while still hot.

Scripture Power

2010-09-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Grandpa was preparing a talk for Sacrament meeting and he brought his scriptures with him to do some studying. Whatever Grandpa does, Joel is interested.

After reading a few actual verses and telling a Bible story, Joel exclaimed: "I love these scriptures!"

May that always be so.

Spooky Sunset

2010-09-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of our more interesting sunsets...be sure to click on the picture to get the full effect.

The Two Name Heir Grandsons

2010-09-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

With an 18 year span between them, these two are the only name heirs of the original immigrant Andrew Petersen. Among all of Robert's cousins there is no one else to carry on name line. So these two have a special mission. In the meantime, the younger is reading the Little Red Caboose to his cousin, whom he adores.

I Love Consistency

2010-09-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, Jacob dealt with his cousin, Brooke in this very loving manner.

With a mission and the time behind him, Jacob feels their relationship requires the same loving technique.

Natalie's Baptism

2010-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

On August 7th, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jay and Kerry's Natalie was baptized .....To us it seemed a world away.....until Kerry sent us pictures of our beautiful girl. She is smart beyond her years. Happy day for Boo and her family.

TYPEWRITER REMEMBERED

2010-09-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

When our kids were little they would play with their Grandma Petersen's old typewriter. Robert said it was in his childhood home in Ferron and must be at least 80 years old. Shannon inherited it and found a company in eastern US who had parts to rebuild it into working order. After several months, here is the result, complete with 2 tone ribbon.

Now the next generation loves to play with it. I tried it and was aghast at how hard the fingers have to touch the keys to get a letter to stroke on the paper. We have it so easy today. But it is fun to look at the past and wonder how did they ever make do.

Kayaking in Sequim Bay

2010-09-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Not only did we go to Hurricane Ridge while visiting Shannon and Grace, but Bob was able to drop his kayak into Sequim Bay in front of their house.

One happy man.

The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music

2010-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

We had a glorious day with Shannon & Grace.

I could see Julie Andrews with arms outstretched.

We had such a good day....wanted it to last forever.

Our Favorite Song

2010-08-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hot Air

2010-08-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a real summer day....a scorcher. Just as the day was beginning to cool a little, I went outside and heard the strange sound of large amounts of air escaping. I looked up and saw this floating over our house. Anyone want a ride?

Play Project

2010-08-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like putting together a play set: a zillion pieces of wood and 10 times that of nuts, screws, bolts and other hardware. However, the pros handled it in no time.....1 week.

The clamps were called in to keep everything square while running the drill. Just count the screw in this picture alone!

Ben is giving it the "will it hold my weight" test.

Welcome Home, Jacob!

2010-08-03T23:55:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful day!

August Flowers in the Garden

2010-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

These black hollyhocks are from Kemp. I love hollyhocks and find them difficult to grow in our climate. So this success was most valued.

This is a new hydrangea that I also love. I am turning one of the shady gardens into a hydrangea garden. It is becoming my favorite as the pink pernnial geraniums fill the spaces inbetween.

A Typical Day With the Kids

2010-07-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

This little frog is a frequent visitor to their front yard. Bob picked it up and it jumped out of his hands!

Grandpas will do anything to entertain. Joel would not touch it!!! I finally picked it out of Bob's hair and it did feel rather cold and clammy.

A rare picture.....Quinn's shoes are still on.

Keeping the boy busy watering the grass. What kid doesn't love playing with water?

Sure, I'm going to take a nap.

Another good day.........

Dad's Red Rose

2010-07-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

The red rose from Mom and Dad's house on 93rd has survived my brutal prunning, some very cold winters and general neglect. Yet it has never looked lovlier as part of the "wild garden".

Blowing in the Wind

2010-07-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Considering that these birch trees lean exceedingly to the left in order to get better light, this was a pretty good wind that not only brought them upright but caused the tops to bend a little to the right. The leaves moving in the wind makes peaceful, comforting music.

Garden Gone Wild!

2010-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

I can see why the "English Gardens" just let it go!

This is what most of it looks like right now.

Beginning a spot at a time.......to get some order back in the garden. The volunteers from the perennials will quickly and happily fill in and by next spring this will look as wild as the rest.

Quinney's First Birthday

2010-07-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Celebration of a child's first birthday is probably more for the rest of the family than it is for the child. It is the mark of countless sleep deprived nights, feedings, diapers, cutting teeth, rocking and sharing with a brother. However, at the sight or sound of her parents, her face beams and an otherwise wobbly line of walk becomes a straight line......to them, with baby chatter to the destination.

Our June Visit in Kelso

2010-07-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sonja and Kemp

in their gorgeous back yard....Rhodies, Peonies, and then Day Lilies

We discovered one of Seth's talents. This is his bust of Abrham Lincoln. Very nice!!!!

Brittany's Beautiful Baby....

Honoring Fathers

2010-06-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the father of the Petersen Family.

How to Not Feel Grumpy on an Otherwise Gray, Wet Day!

2010-06-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Peonies from Kelso

Like Father Like Son

2010-05-23T23:23:00.001-07:00

Tea Party

2010-05-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Olympia's number 1 party goer, (Tea Party that is). What fun to be part of the hoopla. She stopped waving and shouting just long enough to take the pic. (Actually we were just quiet bystanders.)---posted by Bob

A Weekend with Grace

2010-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

My new dishwasher!

Modeling the wooden bracelets made by her Grandpa. He gave her one of her own.

Buttercups.

"I gather armloads of blossoms of blue"

Shannon brought pattern and fabric with her. Grace and I got to sew while her Mom spent the morning at the Seattle Temple.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-04-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mom! I wish I could be with you today to celebrate your big 7-0! I am so blessed to have you for my mother.

Tulip Fields at Mossyrock

2010-04-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the sun was shining and it seemed like a perfect day to go check out the tulip fields.

The volume of color is stunning.

The signs say you may walk through the fields, just not pick any. The workers keep them deadheaded so the flowers all show in perfect condition.

Most of these are later varieties, which means we need to go back in a week!

No farm is complete without a John Deere tractor.

This is the perfectly manicured display garden. I love the winding paths and the space. And no weeds after these workers get done with it. This garden always inspires me to thin things a little in my own.

The coloring on these tulips was illuminating. Didn't see these in the fields, so they must be a special trial variety.

Good-bye White Walls

2010-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Happy day, help has arrived. Ben asked if he would be working in a hostile enviornment. Of course not!

For 43 years this part of the house has been some shade of white. With only 2 layers of paint, it was well past time for a third. Thankfully, Ben and Joel came to help us. The pile of clothes on the kitchen floor tell the story of Joel's attire. After chasing the dog across the lawn, he was drenched.

The purple hue on the ceiling is that paint that goes on purple and dries white. It did dry white but was extremely difficult to get even. Our master painter didn't like it.

Bob and Ben had to walk the plank to get to the high reaches of the stairwell.

More pictures to come.

Found Some Easter Candy Under the Couch....

2010-04-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

From last year! Phil, Brooke & I enjoyed Easter Dinner with Mom & Dad on Sunday. Dad took advantage of having Phil around and moved the couch to the middle of the living room, in preparation of painting the living room. On the floor, in the middle of the area where the couch use to be, was a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup from last year. Some traditions will never die.

Church Basketball

2010-03-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

There are no other players quite so intense as a bunch of men playing church basketball. But it was fun watching Benjamin play ball again. Thank you, JoLin for inviting us.

Getting Involved

2010-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

So what makes government work and why do we hear about everything after it is over. We decided to find out.

The Attorney General for the state of Washington joined with other states in filing suit against the federal government for the health care bill that was passed last Sunday. Needless to say, our Democratic Gov. Gregriore was more than miffed. So supporters gathered on the capitol steps today to give AG Rob McKenna a boost. It was interesting. We can now say that we did more than read about it in the news.

Because of all of the American History books Bob has read, he knows more than I do.

Pruning

2010-03-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

We did have a warmer February this year, but so far March is cold and "blustery". However, nothing stops the apple tree pruning. Since the farmer invested in the power run pruning saw, the process is much easier and quicker. I love the tree perch. Who really needs a ladder?

Turning bracelets

2010-03-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

This shows some of the bracelets and also the chucks I use to hold a bracelet to smooth it out. I use a set of turned to fit wood jaws for compression and another set for tension. I use mostly maple for the bracelets, but running out of nice burels. Apple wood makes pretty ones also. I neve use color stain except the red is food dye.

A Boy and His Mechanics

2010-03-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

The day started with TONKA

Moving on to JOHN DEERE. Joel got onto the tractor, looked around and said, "Where's the key?"

And finally it's the EXPLORER with his dad.

Million Dollar Smile Worth Waiting For

2010-03-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Quinney has always been very suspicious of me. Smiles were only given if she was in the safe arms of her mother or father. Until.............

........last week. We are now friends with her strawberry blonde hair and all.