Last night from the Confluence Bridge. . .

It was a warm day in the high 80's yesterday so when I was finished with the scheduled things I had to do, I went for a walk along the Columbia River. I stayed until sunset and then decided to walk the Confluence Bridge to go home. This was the first time at dusk that I had crossed it. Look at the beautiful sight that greeted me as I looked back over my shoulder! On the left, you see the iron railing separating us on the bridge from the railroad tracks and on the right you see a car emerging from under the bridge on Hiway 14. You will want to click on this one to see how beautiful the sunset and surroundings really are. . .

Discovery Trail , , ,

Last week, I went for a short walk on part of the Discovery Trail, a paved trail that crosses our town from west to east. It follows Burnt Bridge Creek which starts just east of Vancouver Lake and goes as far as 89th Ave presently. . . they keep adding to it as funds are available.

Signs like this are present to make sure that the walker, jogger, and biker knows that they are still on the right trail.

This time, I took the bus over to 4th Plain, a little east of Grand Boulevard and began my trek west towards home. It has been awhile since I walked the whole trail and is much nicer during the spring and summer months when plants are in bloom and berries are ripe for nibbling. BUT come cooler weather, I still need exercise - so taking just a portion of the trail is best for me now.

All along, there are benches to rest with scenic views to photograph like this. I think that following the creek is a great idea as it encourages me to keep walking but to also pause for a break to view its tranquility.

Neighborhood Snowmen. . .

Monday, I went for a walk down to the Columbia River but wandered through a nearby neighborhood first. That's when I spotted these cute snowmen. Of course, I had to take their picture! Ü

Sky Watch Friday #3

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Skywatch

I caught the moon "posing" when I went for a walk this week after it finally stopped raining.

Blog Your Blessings #4

No matter how I try, how I plan ahead and have my blessing post ready to just copy and paste, something keeps happening with blogger. I tried for three hours after midnight to get my photos on my writing for today but it would not upload. . . trying again this morning since we have an extra hour with daylight savings time FALL BACK.

I love to walk and explore parts of my city and also of those I travel to. Sometimes, it is a long all day walk and at other times, just a quick, short one. Case in point. . . recently, I felt like having a bit of ice cream and Dairy Queen is just three blocks from where I live now so I went there to enjoy a carmel sundae. After picking it up from the window, I started walking in the direction of my apartment but soon did a 180 and walked the opposite direction.

I had never walked in this part of my town even though I moved here in 1985. Probably, I never did it because it is just a couple blocks before one reaches the I-5 freeway and it's not much of a walk if that is what one is looking for.

I am glad I did because I not only was treated with a view of the sunset through the trees from atop a hill

but I saw this beautiful "resting" place among the flowers still blooming. I just knew the photo I took would fit the theme of my Blog your Blessing this week.

There's more painting to do at church but I decided to do some more work towards getting MY apartment a bit more settled after my recent move. I also made a decision to do it slowly with plenty of rest breaks becuase there was no deadline for me to accomplish this. . . I will do what I can, when I can because it is for me and doesn't depend on anyone else using my space. Of course Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and I might have some company then . . . Even God rested on the 7th day of creation. (Genesis 2:2)

Jesus promised to give us peace which comes from "resting in the Lord." He said: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14;27) I can rely on his promise and when I am overwhelmed by life, I don't have to try and fix everything myself. I can allow Him to take the yoke off my shoulders.

By openly admitting that I need to be dependent on God, not independent, I might lower my stature in the eyes of the world, but I put myself in a position to be all that God has called me to be in this life and I can eagerly await eternal rest in heaven one day. I think I will ask God for a bench like the above when I get there, including the flowers nearby. What a blessing rest is!