More flowers from Sunday trek. . .

Sunday, riding as a passenger in a car to Sunday School/church services, I spotted a big plot of ORANGE gladiolas. I said to my friend, the driver, that I "know how I am walking to the bus stop after church. " (The bus doesn't run early on Sundays but is available after I get finished with church services.)

Well, I guess I wasn't paying attention well enough and I never found them again that day on my trek to the bus stop. I probably had to go a few more blocks north on the road I walked on. It was getting hot and I just decided to save that for another day. Hope to get back there this week.

Anyway, I did get some beautiful colors of glads and other types of similar flowers (I don't know what they are) on stalks. Below are a variety of them. Hopefully, I will be able to share the orange glads soon.

Disappointments can turn into Cinderella experiences. . .

I was beginning to think I had missed the butterflies this season. . . but today proved me wrong. Let me back up a little.

After church, I headed over to the storage place to take a few more videos back to my place I am renting temporarily. Found them and headed down a road where I had seen some orange daffodils while traveling to teach Sunday School with a friend. I had wanted to get some photos after Sunday school and church services to share with my internet friends. I never found them! I think I did not walk far enough down the one street. . . I will go back another day this week. That will give me a goal for a day when I don’t know where to go for my walk! I am determined to find that location before the glads beauty fades.

Discouraged, I headed for the bus stop that would take me partly home. Eventually, the bus came; it wasn’t a long wait. The ride seemed too short when it was time to ring for my stop. I grudgingly stepped off the bus and headed the almost two more miles home. At least it wan’t raining! Maybe it would be nicer if it was. . . surely a lot cooler!

I was walking up the long street where they have been doing construction for awhile and won’t be finished for a whole year, all the while being thankful that it is the weekend I didn’t have to dodge big machines AND the traffic while walking on the shoulder of the road since there were no sidewalks. It is not usually a fun walk under these conditions so I was looking for an unusual weed, an interesting structure OR anything to photograph with my digital camera. I have walked this route for two months now. What could be left to make an interesting photo? I know from experience, it makes the walk seem shorter even tho my feet aren’t fooled.

I came upon this beautiful flowering bush/tree hanging over a wall and decided to take a couple closeups of the blooms. I thought, “maybe one day, I will find out what kind of plant it is.” Taking a few steps off the shoulder of the road, I proceeded shooting three or four views and was about to leave when I had a most welcome visitor.

Right there before my lenses was a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly! I got just three opportunities to click my camera before it flitted off to a new adventure. At first, I was a bit disappointed that I could not extend the photo excitement. Then, realizing, I had three more special photos than I had two minutes ago, I hurried home to get them ready to put on my blog and maybe even share with my teacher friends at Tnet.

I think my day was blessed. How about you? AND my feet even stopped hurting!

Talking about favorite summer foods. . .

My blogging friend, jennyMCB listed her 13 favorite summer foods on her blog this week. I thought to myself, "Now where is the fried zucchini?" Can you believe it? She didn't even mention it!!!!!!!!!

I could live on fried zucchini IF I could find some bigger ones to use. The Farmers Market sometimes get a fat one or two and I manage to find them. Some years, I plant zucchini in my flower bed but this year, I knew I was moving and couldn't bear to leave my hard work behind for others to enjoy. Thus, I wait for some garden enthusiast or farmer to bring in one or two to sell that "got away from them." Usually, i get a bargain paying just a dollar apiece. . .

You see, I slice them in order to make my fried zucchini. The tiny ones may taste good in a salad but they take so much longer to cook! Thus, a 3 inch in diameter squash is just perfect!

This is how I prepare them:

Gather one or two (3 inch in diameter) zucchini from your garden or local Farmers Market, peel and slice in about 1/8 inch sections. Salt each slice and let them sit until they 'perspire.' Pour some flour on a plate and beat two or three eggs in a shallow bowl --you can add a little milk to the egg wash but not necessary. Get your large frying pan -- i use an electric skillet -- hot at 350 degrees. i like to use Crisco to fry the zucchini.

Okay, now take some of those perspiring slices of zucchini and dredge in flour and then dunk in the egg wash, transferring them to the hot frying pan with the Crisco sizzling. By time as you have filled the pan doing this, the first ones in will be ready to be turned. you will want to use a fork so you can "test the doneness" as you "stab" each one. Ü Allow to brown on the 2nd side and after another fork stab, most will be done. you want the fork to go in easily so they are cooked well. Take out and place on a new plate that has been covered with a paper towel. Place a new paper towel between each layer of zucchini so the grease will drain. THAT IS, if you haven't eaten all that layer before you put another one on the plate! if you do, you will have to change the paper towel anyway because it has absorbed the excess Crisco.

Continue the above directions until (1) all are cooked, (2) you are full, (3) you can recruit someone else to fry them while you eat. Now remember that last option means you will have to share them so think carefully before choosing it!

PHOTO HUNTERS #7 SHADOWS

Photo Hunters Website

This week, i just had to look through my photo collection to find shadows.

The first photo is a shadow of a tree on the glistening snow in the street lit night.


I thought it was kinda neat. . . Two of the others are former preschoolers on the playground with their shadows standing tall and also some of the play equipment has shadows. The remaining photo of the group is one of the preschoolers on the swing and her shadow.







And one more. . .

Thursday musings. . .

I can’t believe that July is one third over. That means summer is almost half over too! It is going by too fast. I still hope to get a few more hikes in -- I mean fun hikes, not just hiking to the bus stop.


I also want to go to the beach at least once. . . there is talk amoung our church ladies group of going to Seaside, Oregon for the day. I hope we do! (This is one time I regret that I never learned to drive.) Years ago, I took the Greyhound bus to the beach but they moved to Portland and the bus lot is now a Hilton Hotel. I haven’t figured out how to get there to catch it to the beach. . . YET! I would like to go and get a hotel and stay for a day or two. I can dream, can’t I?


The other thing I plan to do is look into the day long hiking trips that they take from the Senior center. I think I would love those!

I am looking forward to the Clark County Fair held in early August also. I always go on the first day when the admission is free. A couple years, I worked in the admissions booth (my landlady also worked there) and it was long hard work but I got all my breaks to look around and really enjoyed that. I love to look at the displays and photo contests. I keep thinking I will enter that one day but I never get around to puting in the papers because you have to deliver the entry papers before the fair, bring your entry before the fair to be judged and then pick it up after the fair. The problem with that is there is no bus transportation except on fair days. Maybe not learning how to drive is something I regret after all.

It is hot today but not as hot as the 104 we had yesterday so maybe I will take a chance on not dying of heat exhaustion and go to the concert in the park tonight. . . after my computer time!

How hot is it?

It is already 104 degrees in Vancouver now and it is 5:30 at night. The weatherman said the temperature was still climbing so when my computer time is up, I am going out to run thru the sprinkler. It was supposed to just reach 102 today. . . sigh Wonder what tomorrow will bring when 104 is what was predicted for tomorrow. Think cool . . . think cool . . .think cool!

WHAT color are you?

you are deeppink #FF1493

Your dominant hues are red and magenta. You love doing your own thing and going on your own adventures, but there are close friends you know you just can't leave behind. You can influence others on days when you're patient, but most times you just want to go out, have fun, and do your own thing. Your saturation level is high - you get into life and have a strong personality. Everyone you meet will either love you or hate you - either way, your goal is to get them to change the world with you. You are very hard working and don't have much patience for people without your initiative. Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Who woulda thunk it/

Trying to figure out what this plant is. . .SOLVED!

I saw this plant/flower the other day in a vacant lot and after taking a few photos, i decided to break off one and take it home. Stopped in a fast food place and got some wet towels to put around the stem since I wasn't going directly home. I have asked internet friends what it might be but so far no one has an answer for me.






Another teacher from TNET solved the mystery for me. She not only found photos of it that matched mine but gave a great description from the site she found too:


I found out what it is, Paulie!
Posted by slowpoke on 7/09/07

• These odd fuzzy growths (called Robin’s Pincushion in
England) on rose are caused by a cynpid wasp (Diplolepis
sp.). The gall is a plant growth and houses the larvae of the
wasp. Best control is to prune out and destroy growths before
the wasp emerge. Many times the galls are green but in this
specimen they have reddish color.
• Also called bedeguar galls. No wonder it stumped us! So
interesting.
• It was fun to solve the mystery!
• (In case you wondered how I found it, I did a google image
search on "fuzzy rose", and there was a pic!)*

How patriotic are we?

I heard a comment recently that seem to proclaim that “patriotism was dead in American cities today.” my heart couldn’t believe it so on my travels yesterday, I set out to prove it wrong. I could only take photos of the flags I saw during the hiking portions of my expedition.




Not all the flags cooperated in flying straight out for me for my photomaking sessions with them but they were flying proudly nevertheless.

When all those wires tried to distract my view of Old Glory, it still waved in the gentle breeze, beckoning to me pride in what it stood for.



These were only a few of the flags flying high that i witnessed on my travels Friday -- I tried to show you 15 but it wasn't cooperating so here's a smaller sample. I recall all those flags that were flying proudly during my walk and on my bus travels and they were a reminder that patriotism in “not dead in Vancouver!”

PHOTO HUNTERS #6 --FAKE

Photo Hunters Website



I thought for sure that i would have to opt out this entry because I could not think of anything fake. I didn't have any fake eyelashes nor did I have any fake fingernails. I couldn't even tell one soul to come visit mine because I wouldn't have one.
:o(

Well, it finally dawned on me that I had a subject right in front of my nose. About 20 years ago i was with a group of ladies that made these FAKE flowers. I loved them back then so i guess that's why I still have them.

They are made out of Christmas prints in taffeta material. The artificial (fake also) leaves are ones that belong to a rose and yet the flower looks more like a tulip. YES! This set of flowers is definitely fake.


Photo Hunters Website

My 4th of July celebration

I woke up early so i could use the computer before I went out for the day to celebrate our nation’s 231st birthday and our city’s 150th. Catching the bus downtown, I headed straight for the Fort -- Fort Vancouver parade grounds, that is. i wasn’t going to be able to stay for the fireworks because there is no regular bus route and it is too dangerous walking from the mall that late at night. I just wanted to be there for the opening ceremonies when the flags of the US, our state and city are brought in by veterans from all the different branches of our military to start the celebration. This year, it was done completely by the Army based here.

It was only proper for them to do this since we were celebrating our nation’s birthday. The serviceman who sang “The Star Spangled Banner” did a fantastic, beautiful job. It brought tears to my eyes hearing him sing those wonderful, familiar words.

Years ago, this is the first thing they did to start the celebration. This year it got postponed to 1:20. So, I waited around, reading the newspaper that the local paper gave me free as I entered the parade grounds this morning.

Always after the opening flag ceremony (this year by the Army that is stationed at Fort Vancouver), the emcee asks families to stand and be recognized if they have someone serving or who has served in the different branches of the military. That always makes me feel proud -- both my boys are in the Navy as was their father and grandfather and I had a brother who served in the Air Force too. THIS YEAR THEY DIDN’T DO THAT AND I FELT SO SAD. I should have realized that one day that part would disappear. . . two years ago, they raised the prices so high that the Vietnam Vets “corn on the cob” stand was no more. Now, except for the presentation of the flags, our nation’s birthday party has become just a big money maker. I’m glad I had 20 years of really celebrating our nation’s birthday here at the Fort. Memories sure are precious.

Anyway, after the ceremony, I left the site and headed for Burgerville USA -- not for a burger but for a basket of their sweet Walla Walla onion rings.

This is the time of year they are available and it has become a part of my celebration. They are so sweet and yummy!



As I sat there eating the first one, I looked around and saw their red, white and blue balloons and even their name on the tall sign -- at least they were celebrating with some spirit.





Soon, it was time to head for a bus stop so I could get to the Salmon Creek Greenway to walk their trail. I wanted to try to get some photos of fields for a friend who requested them recently. Of course, getting in a good walk was the main objective. I got off the bus at the “waterfall” and crossed the busy highway.


Cars were lined up all the way to the highway , waiting for a parking place. The Klineline Pond there is always a big draw for free swimming with lifeguards on duty. I usually get off the trail and go look around down there and take some photos but today was a holiday and the bus schedule was limited in trips so I had to stay on track with my mission or have to walk all the way home after my long hike.

It had been two years since i walked this particular trail. i knew that i would end up in Felida and the Felida/Lincoln bus would take me downtown where I could catch a bus to a place near my home and just walk about two miles more and I would be back home. That didn’t happen. Somehow, the trail ended and I took a path to a regular city street and walked it for a bit. It was very hilly and not a fun walk at all. I knew I could turn around and get back to where I “was lost” in the first place. If aLL else failed, I could go back to Klineline and catch the same bus back to town. I wasn’t worried. . . well, not a lot. i was concerned that i might miss the last bus going home.

Sooooooooo, I tucked my pride into my back pocket and asked a gentleman who was watering his flowers how I could get back to the Salmon Creek Greenway. Turns out, ll I had to do was go back down the street about 2 blocks and take the Cougar Creek Trail.

It was an old dirt trail that was used for horse riding before the city got sophisticated and made the trails cement. It ran right into the trail i should have been on all along. I saw this robin at the end of the dirt trail -- it let me take its photo three times and didn't move an inch.

Trusting the gentleman's helpful directions, I managed to find the picnic area and the steps down the hill to MY TRAIL. What a relief! I remembered to go to the left and not the right so I would get to the bus I had hoped to take home. After about three more miles of scenic fields I made it!





One day soon, I plan to go back and figure out where I went wrong in my walking trek. I got to town and had to wait a short while for the “last bus” home. That gave me a little rest sitting down before walking the two miles from the bus stop in my area -- it was a piece of cake. I looked at my pedometer and had covered 17.92 miles that day. It was nothing since I had walked over 26 miles in the Portland Marathon two years ago. On the way home,

I saw old glory flying and got a good picture as the wind caught it just right. I had the mini flag given to me by the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars to remember what the day was all about but seeing this big flag flying proudly made my heart glad that others took pride in their country also.

Got home and had something to eat and went to bed for a couple hours. I wanted to be awake for the firework show on television since I could not be there in person. At nine, i woke up and it was time for the show on television from New York touted as the biggest fireworks show anywhere followed by our hometown firework display, touted as the biggest show west of the Mississippi. Both were great but the show I had in my backyard was even more spectacular! Our backyard fence has neighbors on 3 sides of us. I think they were all trying to outdo one another. Their handiwork went in the sky above our back yard and it was like I was sitting at the Fort watching the fireworks! I almost took my camera outside to watch -- i would have if I hadn’t been in my pj’s already!

Happy birthday, America!

Tomorrow will be our nation's 231st birthday. I am writing this today because i might not get any computer time tomorrow if i do what I am hoping -- to celebrate.

I like to make cards for celebrations but this was my first year to actually do it for the 4th of July celebration. I have been getting 4th of July cards from a friend for years now but she was too busy to make them this year she said. I missed getting one from her. NO ONE else I know sends out cards to celebrate America's birthday. . . I even made one for each of my present room mates.

In the morning, I will go to Fort Vancouver and watch the opening military ceremonies and stay for some musical groups. I would stay all day and leave after the fireworks but I have no way to get home and I live on the opposite side of the city. . .

Then, I hope to go for a hike out in Salmon Creek area. They have a wonderful paved trail and since it will be a beautiful, hot day, I hope to get some nice photos. At the end of the trail, there is a bus route which I will take mostly home. . . always have to walk the last two miles since I am not near a bus stop presently. Not sure but if the swimming area isn't too crowded, I might take off my shoes and wade a bit. It is supposed to be at least 97 degrees.

At 10:00 PM, the fireworks will be broadcast over a local TV station so will watch from home. They advertise it as the biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi. It should be a great one, especially since rain is NOT predicted for it this year.

On Thursday, I hope to go downtown to Esther Short Park to listen to some free music on the stage there. They have Thursday evening concerts from 6:00-10:00 PM. I will take my camera and a book. . . what I should do is figure out how to use wireless internet since the park has had that for about 5 years now. One day. . .

So, happy birthday, America! May you be blessed with many more.

PHOTO HUNTERS #5

Photo Hunters Website



The theme this week is sweet. I knew just which photo I wanted to share. . .



This is one of my former students eating their "chocolate pizza." Greg and Steve have a song that includes lyrics about "chocolate pizza." We talked about what that might look like and we made our own for a cooking experience. I bought already formed rice krispie bars which the kids opened the package and placed the bar on the wrapper and then flattened with their hands. Next, they added a heaping spoonful of chocolate pudding which they had helped make earlier and added topping of M and M's. Now DOESN'T that photo look sweet to you? Child is a sweetie anyway. . . so sweets for the sweetie.

The other photo I immediately thought about with this theme is this one:



Surely that Dahlia has some sweet nectar for its visitors?