365 Day Photo Challenge - July 3rd, 2010 till July 16th, 2010

Hi everyone...yikes, I'm busy...and if I don't stay on top of things...it just all piles up :) :)  I found a couple of really cool yard sale things today...just two little things. One of them is a metal Westinghouse ice cube tray with the metal lever that pops out the ice cubes. Most of you know what I'm talking about. My mom used to have those. So I found one..used, but still works, for dirt cheap!!! I'll post about it tomorrow :) :)

Here's my next installment in my 365 day photo challenge.  Please visit my friend Miss Antoinette at Practical Simplicity Photos. Click here to check out her photos. She's the one who inspired me to participate in this fun challenge!! 

I'm a little behind, so I'm posting 2 weeks worth of photos. There were a couple of days I just couldn't get a single shot. So I made sure to take extras on the other days. Enjoy..!!!


Saturday - July 3rd, 2010


Sunday - July 4th, 2010  The prayer room at my church.  The church building used to be a bank and that room used to be the money vault. The door stands open permanently now :) :) :)


Monday ~ July 5th, 2010


Thursday ~ July 8th, 2010  This is where my dad and I like to go after we eat at Sonic. We like to watch planes land and take off. This is a great viewing spot!!


Thursday ~ July 8th, 2010

Thursday ~ July 8th, 2010 I thought we'd get a rainstorm this day...but no, alas, it was not to be. We got nada!!!


Friday ~ July 9th, 2010


Saturday ~ July 10th, 2010


Sunday ~ July 11th, 2010 My friend Julie and I made hoemade soap for the first time. Julie actually made the soap and I took photos of the process.

Monday ~ July 12th, 2010 These are some roses in front of a neighboring apartment.


Tuesday ~ July 13th, 2010 This cat belongs to the very same apartment tenants as Stubby...yet, this cat is also outdoors all the time. Here he is ( think it's a "he" anyway) taking a cat nap ;) :) I like to call him "Socks". He refused to open his eyes for me :)


Wednesday ~ July 14th, 2010  I never get tired of looking at Oregon's beautiful country.


Thursday ~ July 15th, 2010. The old Varsity Theatre in Ashland, Oregon. Built sometime in the 1930s. It's still a great place to go see a movie!!!

Friday ~ July 16th, 2010 Okay, I think this is a magnolia tree bloom. This tree was on a street corner and a little difficult to snap a clear photo. I love magnolia trees. The blooms are beautiful!!!

 

 

WELCOME TO: Linda May of Blueridge Boomer. Click here if you'd like to check out her blog :) :) :)  I'm always very happily surprised when people join my blog!!! It's an honor :)

 

I bought some more yarn...this time at Joann's Fabrics. My favorite inexpensive but super cute brand is "Lily Sugar n' Cream" It's 100% cotton. I know, I've blogged about this before, but I can't help myself when it comes to yarn :) :) :)

 

That's the news from Oregon today. Much love and hugs, Heather :)

Happy Thursday & Darn (as in sock darning)...I Need Some Yarn!!!

This photo is courtesy of Prairie Flower Farm. Thank you Linda for letting me borrow this. I love your photos. Click here to pay Linda a visit at Prairie Flower Farm.

Happy Thursday everyone,  Lots going on today. Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm wrote a really sweet blog today. Click here to pay her a visit.  I can totally identify with things that hold meaning and how it's hard to part with them sometimes...but inspite of that, we're reminded about what really matters.  Plus she has some really super cute videos of one of the baby chicks hopping on a computer keyboard AND another that was adopted by Mrs. Puddleduck. I think Mrs. Puddleduck kicked the chicken mama off of her nest... Pay Linda a visit and tell her that I sent you :) :) :) She's an awesome lady with a huge heart!!!!

Oh, also my friend Stephanie (we went to the same school back in the day..) puts out this fantastic travel magazine called "Overland Journal".  Click here to check it out or click on the special photo I posted on the sidebar.  She was really sweet to send me a few copies to peruse..and it's FANTASTIC. It's very well-written and the photos, information and travel advice can't be beat.  It is truly THE BEST travel magazine I've ever seen...literally from front cover to back cover. If you like adventure and travel, then definitely pay a visit to the Overland Journal website. You can also subscribe to the magazine if you'd like...:) :) :)

This is the shopping bag from my favorite knitting shop in the world...The Web*sters. I had to make a special trip to Ashland today...just so I could buy a little bit of yarn here and take more photos of the town. Click here to check out "The Web*sters" site.  The ladies really know their fibre arts here and are more than happy to answer your questions. They will also ship anywhere in the USA :) :) :)

Yesterday, I realized I was running out of yarn..and I was already starting to experience symptoms of yarn withdrawl. Now I don't know about you ladies..(and guys?...not sure if any guys read this blog yet :) )..anyway, I don't know about you, but I am perfectly okay with having stashes of yarn and other fun crafty things in the home. However, it's unacceptable to run out... :) :) :) So I had to buy something. I originally went in for some mercerized cotton yarn by Tahki..it makes AWESOME French bath mitts..very sturdy. I ended up buying a yarn from a company in Chile called "Araucania".  The yarn itself is variegated..and it's made from real sugarcane fibres..yes, I said SUGARCANE :) :) I was intrigued..so I bought it. I'll post a picture of the finished product soon :) :) :)

The Web*sters store front. This is located in the downtown plaza in Ashland, Oregon. It's an upscale knitting shop..but they have something for just about every budget. I love this store and wouldn't mind living here and knitting all day long :) :)

This was another shop a few stores down from The Web*sters...I took a photo because of the sign hanging in the display window of "Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry" shop. The sign reads as follows: "Welcome to our store where women get into trouble...and men get out of it!"...This had me laughing so hard...I'm still having a good chuckle over this...hee hee hee. Thank God for laughs :) :) :)


Here's a couple views of The McCall house in Ashland, Oregon. One of my favorite buildings in the whole town. No, it's not leaning sideways...my dad snapped the photo and he held the camera at an angle. That's cool...it makes it more arty. Many homes in downtown Ashland look like this. There's also quite a few lovely old Craftsman style bungalows and cottages...Lots of detail!!!! I love the detail in this building in particular :) :) :)



This is one of the back roads leading out of Ashland.  It reminds me that Ashland is still very much a small town :) :) :)


Some more views of Ashland, Oregon...

A view of the plaza as seen from further up East Main Sreet in Ashland, Oregon.

I just love the detail on this building...especially along the rooftop.

The following photos are of the Ashland Springs Hotel built in 1925. Originally called the Lithia Hotel. Click here to learn more and see some cool black and white photos. All the buildings in Ashland are no more than two to three stories tall...except for the Ashland Springs Hotel. You can see this from just about any vantage point in town :)

Here are some  more views of Ashland....

This is a very old art-deco...but still very beautiful and much visited movie theatre :) :) :)

I saw this scrawled into the pavement in Lithia Park. It's really faint but if you look really carefully it reads "Remember Love"...so true..and it reminds me of the Author of ultimate and true love...Jesus Christ (read John 3:16)

Triangle Park...indeed in the shape of a triangle in Ashland, Oregon...very tiny park, but super shady!!!

Before I forget, let me welcome some more lovely people to my blog :) :) :)

WELCOME TO: Jill of Blessings of a Stay at Home Mome. Click here to pay her a visit. She's a neat lady :)

WELCOME TO: Becky of Life for Us. Click here to visit her website. She loves crafts...and who of doesn't? I've noticed that all of you make some really lovely things. In fact, if you visit Gerry's Soap N Stuff..Gerry posted a photo of some really sweet hand-knit dishclothes that she gave to Gerry as a gift :) :) :)

WELCOME TO: LV of Thoughts from Meme's Corner. Click here to pay LV a visit. She's a  lovely lady...just a total delight :) :) :) AND she has the exact same header and blogger background that I have. We both found ours at "The Cutest Blog on the Block" 

So I'll definitely be returning to Ashland one of these days to buy some more yarn. When my dad and I came home, I saw "Stubby"...She actually belongs to a neighbor. I met the neighbor one day and neighbor lady said "She refuses to come inside"...hmm..not sure why, Stubby is still trying, after more than two months, to adopt my dad and I and move into our home.  In any case, Stubby came over and said hello. She let me pet her. I tried to get a photo...but Stubby was more interested in the cat food another neighbor left on the pavement for her :) :) So you'll have to be satisifed with this view of Stubby. She's such a sweet kitty...and thankful to God for the simple joy she brings to my life :) :)


That's pretty much it today. Thanks for hanging in there. This post was extra-long today :) :) :) I"m going to start on this new knitting project with that "sugarcane" yarn tonight :) :) Wish me luck!!!

Oh, I just got the latest copy of "Hobby Farm Home" magazine in the mail today.  So excited. I've been going through a Bible study on the book of Ruth called "Redeeming Ruth" by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. Anyway, I'm praying for my own "Boaz"...learning lots...and hoping future hubby will have lots of land, so I can actually do some of the things I read in this magazine....most important is that whoever you end up marrying loves Jesus Christ. Okay, I'll step off my soapbox now :) :) There is also a great article on vintage quilts, too!!!

One last thing...my friend Gerry at Gerry's Soap N Stuff mentioned me in one of her posts. Click here to read it...also she knows a LOT about soapmaking..so feel free to ask her questions. She's been very helpful to me :) :)

That's the news from Oregon today. Lots of love and hugs, Heather :) :) :)

My Visit to Ashland, Oregon - Part II & Scripture Memory Verse Sunday

Hi everyone...It's Sunday. I hope everyone is having a good day. Here's the memory verse for this week out of John 7:38.  This is a photo that my friend Jennifer took at Yosemite National Park. Thanks, Jennifer, for letting me borrow this beautiful photo :) :) :) I thought immediately of this verse...

Feel free to borrow this and share it on your blog or with friends and loved ones!!!

Okay, today I'll finish up my little tour of Ashland, Oregon. This is just a small sampling of what there is to see. Here's another bridge that was donated to Ashland by the Lithia Springs Rotary Club in 1998.

More blooms...I like the white of this flower...


Here's a map of Lithia Park. It points out some of the walking trails and other highlights worth checking out...:) :) :)


This is just a teeny tiny glimpse of the Shakespeare Theatre. There's actually three theatres here...but this one is where all the Shakespeare plays are performed. It's an exact replica of "The Globe" theatre. Back when I was in college you could walk into the open air theatre and take a look at the stage. They don't let you do that anymore...


The downtown plaza area. This is the center island and there's all sorts of shops here... It really is a nice place to walk around...I love it here. Oh my favorite yarn shop "The Websters" is located here on the plaza. Click here to check them out.  They do ship to your door.  I buy my favorite German sock yarn here...:) :) The ladies are nice and know their stuff...

Another beautiful flower....


Ah yes...the famous Lithia Fountain. There's a long history here dating back almost 100 years or so..the water comes from a natural mineral spring about 4 miles away. Let's just say it smells like sulfur and tastes like it too...It was thought to have healthful properties. At one time it was even bottled and sold...but it didn't last long because of the extreme smell and taste....I actually remember the original fountain in this 1930s photograph. I tried the water once...and never again..just giving all of you a tip because I love you!!!


The water contains sodium, calcium, iron, bicarbonate and other healthful minerals...Again, it is a natural sulfur spring....tastes just like it smells.  I'm ashamed to say it but locals encourage tourists to "drink" it...but don't tell them about the taste...poor things. I am also ashamed to admit that it makes me chuckle a little bit.....remember, I know what the water tastes like.  I just walk a few feet over for clean, fresh drinking water at the other water fountain :) :)

Beautiful hanging flower baskets...I was walking along the plaza and noticed these. Very beautiful and charming!!!

I'm standing at the edge of the plaza looking onto cars coming down East Main Street...As you can see, traffic is heavy....not!!!


This is the backside of Alex's Plaza Restaurant and Bar. I've never been inside, but I love this building.  There are places to eat here that are nice...right beside Ashland Creek. There's also a crafter's market here every week. It's lots of fun...


I encountered this lady on my way back to the car. She's part of a group of actors who portray real life pioneers here in Ashland, Oregon...and other characters from the late 1800s and early 1900s...all pivotal in the development of the city of Ashland.  She was dressed up and passing out invitations to the event...

This is the corner of Oak St and East Main..if you look at the detail on that yellow house. That's typical of many homes in the downtown area. I'll snap photos of the houses when I go to Ashland on my next day trip!!! There are many old homes...Victorian to Craftsman style all over the place...my favorite types of houses :) :) :) Those homes have all the interesting nooks and crannies....I love farmhouses too. I'll see what I can do to get some photos...

Okay...I know some of you used to live near Ashland back in the day. This is actually at a used car lot somewhere in Phoenix or Talent, Oregon. There's a teeny tiny red, white and blue car stuck up on that pole. It's been there for DECADES ...ever since I was in high school. Not sure why...but it sure gets noticed. It's one of those quirky Oregon things. ...that and political protest signs....but it all adds up to making Oregon an interesting and beautiful place to live :) :) I love it!!!


I believe this is also Phoenix, Oregon. There's lots of farmland everywhere...I love it. I think it's beautiful. Here there are lots of cows...In Ashland a lot of farmers raise sheep...and of course, pears are THE FRUIT grown in this area too!!!!...We're known for the Royal Riviera Pears...also known as comice pears that only grow here ...and no where else in the United States..:) :)

I made homemade soap at my friend Julie's house last night.  It was fun and very easy.  Mixing the lye into the water was a bit anti-climactic. We did mix it outside because of the fumes...but still, I think we were expecting more to happen. NOPE...I'll be going over to her house today to take photos of her stamping and cutting the soap into bars... I'll make sure and blog about this tonight and have it up by tomorrow!!!

Oh, I slept with my window partially open last night...heaven...it has a screen so I don't have to worry about creepy crawly bugs...but it really helped cool down my room from the heat...I might try that again :) :)

That's the news from Oregon. Have a great week everyone!!! Lots of love and hugs to all, Heather :)

My Visit to Ashland, Oregon - Part I

This photo is courtesy of Prairie Flower Farm. Click here to pay Linda a visit. She always has something good to write about. She just recently posted some yummy recipes. You'll have to go check it out for yourself :) :) :) I promise, it will be worth your time!!!! I'm so grateful for these pictures with Scripture that Linda posts on her blog and shares with us. Thank you, Linda!!!!!!!!

Quick question for everyone...I have quite a few "labels" for my posts. I'm looking to simplify it. Does anyone know how I can delete some of them.  I want it to be easy for people to find things on my blog. Thanks a heap!!!!!

Alright, it looks like my blog will insist on centering everything I write to day. That's alright..."center" is good...a good reminder to center my life around Jesus Christ :) Yesterday, my dad and I drove to Ashland, Oregon about 12 miles from my home...just so I could take some photos. I used to live there for many years.  I took over 100 photos of Lithia Park and the plaza. Don't worry, I'm only sharing some of the best with you over today and tomorrow.  So sit back and enjoy..

This first photo is somewhere in Phoenix, Oregon...this is what much of the countryside looks like outside of town..this is on the way to Ashland. My dad and I ALWAYS take surface streets. There are so many beautiful little old buildings hiding behind trees...I always enjoy looking at those..

Here we are pulling into Ashland. As you can see by the red banners with the lions on them...Shakespeare is a very big deal here....because of the Oregon Shakespeare Theatre and Festival that we have every year. People from all over the world come to see plays here!!!


My dad and I spent all our time in Lithia Park and in the downtown plaza area. There's so much to see here.  There was a dangerous forest fire here back in 1959. Ashland pretty much was surrounded..and there were not many routes of escape. If it hand't been for a change in wind, the city would have suffered serious damage...


Here's a photo of part of the parking lot at Lithia Park..those mountains in the background...that's where part of the 1959 forest fire burned.... God was merciful and spared this little town...

Here's one of my favorite bridges....

Ashland Creek flows all the way through Lithia Park and beyond. ...This spot here is where Ashland Christian Fellowship would hold outdoor baptisms. They'd have to dig out some of the creek bed, so it would be deep enough for people...There are a set of steps off to the left..That's where'd you climb down... It was great because there'd be people everywhere looking...What a neat thing to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Chrsit as LORD and Savior...and what a great witness to the community. I'm not sure if that still goes on today or not...


This part of Ashland Creek flows a little more fast and furious. The sound is music to my ears...


A lamp post...this reminds me of the lamp post in "Chronicles of Narnia ~ the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"


Some roses from the flower garden. There are over 100 species of trees and flowers here. It's beautiful. You can even take a self-guided tour if you want to or go with a guide!!! It's all free...

This is a "red oak" tree. It's native to Canada and eastern parts of the USA.  These trees grow about 70-80 feet high and can reach as high as 150 feet.  They are closely related to the native "black oak" tree. Oh, that's my dad in the lower left corner of the photo...:) :) )


One of many beautiful paths. In point of fact, the park is over one mile long...very narrow, very skinny. There are all sorts of walking/hiking paths to suit every ability....

The Butler-Perozzi Fountain sculpted by A. Frilli of Florence, Italy in 1916. It underwent some necessary restoration again in 1987. There's a path behind this fountain that leads to some homes up above...

This is a really beautiful flower...not sure what it's called...the tips were actually pink..although in this photo they look dark yellow...


This is another calm spot of Ashland Creek.  Lots of people visit the park..lots of adults and children. This is a favorite place for families to bring children. They love to splash their feet in the water...!!! I love to hear children laughing :) :) :)

That completes the first part of my tour.  It was hard to select just the best photos because I love everything. I'd love to move back to Ashland someday. There are so many great places to go walking.  I'll share the second part of my trip tomorrow.  Here's a link to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Click here to find all sorts of information about living here, events etc....

The heat of summer is keeping me from doing much of anything right now. Oh, I'm going over to my friend Julie's house this evening. We're going to try our hand at making homemade soap. I'm so excited!!! Pray that it's a success and the mixing of the lye with the water will go smoothly!!!

Oh, I can see fresh bars of soap now!!!  If this goes well...Oh, I have big dreams of making all my soap and never buying it at the store again. One more step towards not relying on the grocery store for everything...and being more self-sufficient..but I say that in a good way...not the "I don't need anyone way...does that make sense??    :) :) :)..We'll probably be stinky dirty from the heat, sweat and making soap. So we'll need soap to clean ourselves up. Cleanliness is next to godliness :) :)...at least that what I used to hear growing up :) :)

That's the news from Oregon. Extra love and hugs during the hot weather.......Heather :) :)