Our beautiful weather continues, with days in the upper 70s and no rain. We're actually having to water the lawn and plants now - what a concept!






















We took some time recently to enjoy a local park at Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Wa. and the dogs joined us. Yes, dogs are actually allowed here at parks, some restaurants and even the beach!! We just arrived here and Ronn is attempting to get everyone organized so I can take a picture:






















Aha, that's more like it!!






















The park outing was a big success. It was also a chance to try out Ronn's new minivan, and the dogs approved:). Here are some more pictures of a beautiful place:





































































The dogs were in an uproar this morning, and we were sure there was nothing to bark about, but when we looked out the window, this is what we saw:



















Ronn grabbed the binoculars and I got my camera and started snapping pictures. They turned in our direction as though to say, "What in the world is going on in that house? Can you tell what those crazy people are doing?"


















Or maybe we were saying, "Look - deer!" and they were thinking, "Look - people!"


















Eventually, however, a truck came down our driveway, and they were off:













Of course, the deer aren't the only wildlife we've seen. We have had a more than desired experience with moles in the area - in the pasture, the lawn, etc. Ronn finally decided to ask for Divine Intervention to get rid of them. The next day a weasel (first and only time I've seen one) ran up to my sister and me and dropped his prey - a mole - at our feet. We suggested to Ronn that he be more specific next time about HOW the moles were to leave. I preferred that they find a more suitable location - not become someone else's dinner on my behalf:). Now that's a mole hill (I have my shoe in the picture for size comparison):



















We are amazed at how quickly everything grows here - especially if we don't have anything to do with it. Obviously this is the perfect place for plants that grow in the wild - how's this for weeds?










































For those of you who remember Laura, our technician at the clinic, we just got a card from her. She got married and is going to Ireland for her honeymoon. She is also graduating with honors from vet school and will be practicing in Bradenton. My how time flies!


After many months of jewelry making, I decided to get back to art work and portraits. I had wanted to do a portrait of the daughter of a friend of a friend of mine, so I did. I haven't done many portraits of people, so I am still learning as I go:




























Georgia wanted to help me sign off tonight - I think she's saying, "It's late, so goodnight to all":

Wow, springtime is in full swing now!!

























We were so blessed to have a perfect sunny 80 degree Sunday for our Meditation Garden dedication and open house celebration.
Our azalea bushes in the front yard contributed to a delightful centerpiece for the table!




Thanks to our friend Rhonda and her super-duper camera, we have some great pictures for you. Smile if you see yourself in the pictures! For those of you cross country, we wish you could have joined us as well!


















Although the animals didn't join us to share in the food selections, they had their own fun in the sun/shade. Here is my sister's 16 year old cat, enjoying her balcony (doesn't everyone have one?).




And here's an idea - if you think you're going to need a nap, just carry your pillow with you. No problem if all the chairs are taken!




Obviously we're not the only ones with beautiful weather. This is probably ho hum to those of you in Florida! Here's a great picture of my niece's daughter in New York - now isn't that an innocent 2 year old face!!

Here Comes the Sun

The sun really does shine in this part of the world!! After living in a one-season climate for most of my life (Texas and Florida) it is a new experience to see the world transform from one season to another. It is also interesting that each plant, tree, flower, etc. wakes up from its winter sleep on its own schedule. Some are early flowering and now covered with leaves - others are "late bloomers".




















































Today has been absolutely beautiful - and the cats really loved to share it with us, well, at least most of them (Dani and Mikey opted to stay inside for their siestas)!



We are so happy to have the Amish style gazebo up and usable! We can look down to the river or out on the garden, and it is very comfortable (when not raining).
























We're really almost finished with the meditation garden and are having a dedication open house May 17th. Wish you could come!! Ronn is busy putting solar lights in it since it is too far from the house for electricity - they look really good at night! I'm not sure what the deer think about it though they still eat all the apples we put out for them, so I guess they're not too intimidated. I don't mean to be redundant, but here are some new pictures for you:





























































We now have a booth at the local/regional Saturday market and are showing my jewelry and pet portraits work. I'm also starting a local women's group for monthly meetings.
Here is my latest jewelry creation - this one was a new endeavor for me:



It has been an interesting discovery to me that many people here in the Northwest (esp rural) have their own business and oftentimes use natural resources, as with the person who made our signs for the ranch. Other examples:
A "fake stone" made from a rhubarb leaf (some leaf!!) that we now have in the rock garden - soon it will hold a solar light orb.


These are real leaves (aspen, Japanese silver maple, cypress, etc) with metal overlays that I found at the rock and gem show and made into necklaces - these summer colors are new and really vibrant in real life.













































Signing off with some pictures of my sister's cats whom I just visited in Texas - very friendly and laid back (I could take some lessons here):