Panther Creek Camping

Another Meliza Family Camp is in the books. 

This time we were north of Carson, WA.

More importantly, this time, there was NO RAIN!

Camping is SO much easier when it's not raining, so thank you Washington for the beautiful weather!

Here's the camp site.

 Another view.

Of course much time was spent sitting around the fire, watching the logs burn.

Summer's version of the yule log.

 We look a little drive up to see the actual falls and had an opportunity to practice some photography. 

Not perfect, but I think some shots came out ok. 

 Bea-uti-ful.

 Some of the group taking it all in.

 The bottom of the falls. 

 So much to look at!

 Making the walk back up the hill. 

Something was interesting off to the side.

Ok, now I need to ask for forgiveness as I subject you to pictures of the pup.

 But really, what's not to love?

 Love her.

 The beautiful forest surrounding us.

 I spotted a camper through the trees. 

Regret #1: I have NO, ZERO, ZILCH photos of myself enjoying camp. 

Lesson #1: Hand the camera off to someone else to snap a few. If nothing else but to provide evidence I was actually there.

 I think her expression sums up how tired she was after all the excitement over the weekend.

Until next year MFC!

On the way home we stopped by my Aunt and Uncle's for a visit. 

Regret #2: Not taking pictures of the gorgeous view/yard/flowers

Lesson #2: When you see something pretty, take a picture!

Guess we'll have to trek up there again this summer for a hike and some photos. I did get to bring a BUNCH of flowers home with me though and now my house smells fabulous and looks more cheery than it has all summer :) 

Thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken! We'll try to make it up there for a short hike with our pup.

Here is the bounty we made it home with after our visit.

Happy summer to you all!

June News

There has been lots happening around here lately.... Here's the recap!

Blueberry transplants! We dug up these HUGE blueberry plants from my Grandparent's yard. 

Here are Steve and Dad getting ready to unload one of these 2 bushes for my parents. 

We are hoping that the one bush will be happy making it's new home here. 

Maybe I should call it a blueberry tree instead.

There she is! She is doing well so far. I've trimmed her up a bit and kept her watered well. 

This is THE WORST time to transplant, I know. 

Circumstances as they were, we had to harvest now or never. 

Don't know if any of the berries will be worth anything this year, but I hope that the plant will thrive in the future and want to produce the yummy berries for us that it has in the past :)

It's 4th of July around here already. 

In the past it is always a one day or maximum 1 week event. I just never decorate until the day of, and then it's done. 

This year I have determined to change that. 

So the flags are out people!

Stay tune for more Independence Day later in the post. 

A spot of color on the back patio. 

The herb garden. 

We've got lavendar, basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro, green onions and carrots

all growing in this cute little garden. 

Another spot of color in the back yard. 

Aren't these cute containers?

I love them. 

They (the other one is in the herb garden picture and is growing nasturtiums) are Happy Birthday to me presents from my parents. 

I adore them. 

My parents and the containers :)

The garden this year. Peas, romaine, brussel sprouts, beans.

The other garden bed with zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes and corn. 

And there is Bailey, grazing. 

She loves to graze. 

The roses. 

I'd love a 3rd plant in this grouping. 

Two just isn't right, it needs three. 

I think pink.

Here's the mantle all gussied up. 

The little birdie with her star spangled arch.

And the twigs got some sparkle too. 

I used a bunch of my scrap fabric to make some bunting (I think that is what the crafty people on Pinterest call it). 

I love making something festive from scraps. 

And FREE is my FAVORITE price.

Steve was pleased to be reminded of where he lived when he discovered this sign after work. 

Just in case he forgets his house number or what country he lives in. 

I like to help him out with little reminders. 

Well that is what is happening on the home front. 

And on the work front...

 

Christine is saying goodbye to heart surgery

 

and hello to pediatric surgery

It was time for a change! 

I'll be starting July 29th :)

Happy beginning of summer to you all!

Metolius Magic

Our first day was Sunday. It was busy when we arrived at Camp Sherman. We shared a sandwich down by the river. Since we were too early to check in, we drove down the road to see the fish.

 Here we are watching the fish swim. 

Lots of fish. We stayed quite a while being mesmerized by all different sizes of fish. 

Brought back memories of visiting when I was a child.

 Blissful peace and quiet. Down by the river on the grounds of the resort we stayed at.

 This pup was wore out. A fun car ride, new places, evening walks. 

Sweet pea needed a rest.

 Tried to salvage this out of focus picture. Didn't work so well. 

 This portrait turned out better.

Bailey girl was ready for bed.

She was over this family walk and picture session.

 The next morning we took off in search of the head of the Metolius River.

 There she is. The beginnings of the purty river. 

 Of course another photo op.

That tripod turned out to be a great purchase. 

Being here on Sunday- Tuesday turned out to be a great decision. 

Pretty much every where we went we were the only people there. 

 The battery died (both of them) on the camera the day before at the fish hatchery. 

So we went back to get these pics of my favorite part of the river. 

SOOOOOO beautiful. 

 We watched for quite a while as this little one struggled to swim up stream where mom and dad were. 

Little goose finally made it to the calm spot. 

Hey goose, hey goose!

Does anyone recognize that movie line?

Still one of my favorites.

These two nights away were SO refreshing and rejuvenating. 

Hello 30. 

This was a great way to start this next decade.

Welcome Spring

 March was full of life. Just day to day life. Working. Taking a photo editing class. Chores. Projects. 

And watching the Springtime flowers pop up out of the ground.

 Finally got my mantle finished for Spring. I'm fairly certain at this point I'll just change the sign to say Summer later. Not quite sure how else to decorate for Summer. 

No mantle decoration change for a change :)

 We roto-tilled the garden in an effort to get our veges planted earlier this year.

It was actually dry enough this year. 

We've never planted this early before, but all the packets say now is the time, so here's to our best effort to extend the growing season and eat backyard organic Spring, Summer AND Winter!

Most everything is out in the garden already:
Carrots, green onions, cilantro, lettuce, peas, beans, brussel sprouts, broccoli

Here are our inside starts for corn and tomatoes.

Happily bathing in the sun.

I was sad when the Cherry Blossoms disappeared. 

I'm sad every year when that happens. 

So I drew myself some that would last a little longer.

Hannah turned 1!

It took her a while, but she eventually dug into that cupcake. 

Playing with frosting is fun too :)

And the Harley is back in working order. 

Steve put in 8 hours of labor and the hog's ready for the road!

Come on sunny weather:)