Recent projects

I have been busy in my craft area, a little corner in the basement. It has been a wonderful escape from the heat.

Here are a few of the things I've completed.

Scrapbook journal


Mini notebook for my purse


I have also been making some layouts of Namir.

The first is a display I created using the paw print we made at the vet.


Here are some others of him and Lavi.







I am lucky to have so many good pictures to work with. My motto - you can never take too many pictures. Truly, later on you will be glad you did.

Lauren comes to visit

Lauren came out to Portland for a whirlwind trip. It started off with a visit the Oregon Brewers Fest - the largest microbrew beerfest in the country.





The next morning we were up early to take part in the ultimate Oregon summertime past time - berry picking! We picked blueberries, raspberries and marionberries. The marionberries were brutal with their thorns - but taste that much better for the hard work and spilled blood...just a few scratches. Here is Lauren on the farm with our bounty!



One of my favorite parts was the blooming globe thistle for its sentimental value - one of its cousins played a big part at our wedding.



Next stop, the PSU Farmer's Market.





And if that isn't enough, we took a scenic tour of the Columbia Gorge.



Here's Lauren in front of the salmon ladders at the Bonneville Dam.



It was a busy and great couple days. I also forgot to mention all of the time spent in the kitchen. Now its our time to go visit her in Boston.

Road Trip Part 3 - Shaver Lake

After all the party stuff it was time to head off to Shaver and relax. One thing we miss in Portland is the fresh stone fruit we were so accustomed to in CA, especially the farm stand fresh fruit in the valley. On our way up to the Sierras we stopped at one of Matt's favorite stands.



They even have a "washing well!"



Once at the cabin, it was time to chill. Even Lavi gave into the mellowness of the mountains. Here she is in "close proximity" to Scooter. We knew it would just be a matter of time.





We played lots of cards.





Took Lavi to the lake.



And got to spend time with the new member of the family.



It was a great trip and time to head back home. We made the drive back in 15 hours. It was a bit much for Lavi but she was very happy to be home.