Fourth of July in Manzanita

It's always fun to take a ride up the Oregon Coast on the 4th of July weekend, especially since we often have company.  While the guys are crabbing, the women love to break away for lunch and shopping in Gearhart and Astoria!  One of my favorite places to take visitors is Yankee Trader on Hwy. 101 in Gearhart. See more photos from this fun place  from a 2009 post: http://artgardendiva.blogspot.com/2009/07/4th-of-july-on-oregon-coast.html  Carrie Bergin only opens her shop from Memorial Day through December. The rest of the year she makes these spectacular seasonal themed 'cakes' and changes her shop around.  If you've ever seen her amazing shop, you'll realize this is no easy task!

Another vignette ... 

We stopped at Marie Antionette's Cupcake and Espresso Parlor for one of their famous cupcakes.

Of course, the Fourth wouldn't be complete without the Manzanita Parade.  We've had an entry for over 20 years.  When the kids were younger, we were the 'Original Boat' float, but for the past several years, we've entered the 43' Willy's, which was Rick's grandfather's, that he had restored.

Our friends, Mark and Barb were just back from Croatia, but couldn't stay away. They have been our 'partners in crime' for many years, since Barb and I met at a New Mom's class when our oldest were babies!

I felt sorry for this poor guy! This is the second year he's dress up in Oregon Duck regalia!  I think he enjoys it since the crowd goes wild when they see him.  He must really be a Die-hard Husky fan, since nobody in their right mind would bet against the Ducks these days!

Here, Dear Daughter is practicing her best parade wave!  She was supposed to be wearing a gray Old Navy T-Shirt and walking in front of the jeep like everyone else, but somehow morphed into a 1940's Diva!

Katie doing her best Eva Peron imitation!

Well, the guys came through with crab!  Since it's not an R Month, the shells were a bit softer, but none-the-less, delicious!  Our Forth of July menu never changes; it's always hot dogs and burgers, baked beans, potato salad, sliced melon, and berry pie!  AND, brownies! It makes it easy, and you don't feel too bad indulging when it's only once a year! 

Bryan on the BBQ. It's been awhile since both kids have been home to celebrate the forth, but since Uncle Kevin and family were here, they wouldn't miss.

Great to have the family here, especially fun with Jacob and Hayden, nine year old twins who kept things very fun and lively!

More cracked crab for breakfast!

There's no place like Manzanita Beach on the Fourth, but SSShsh!  Don't tell anyone!!

Wisteria Chic in Manzanita, OR

Our little town of Manzanita has been getting some good press lately.  Little wonder, it's a wonderful place to live or visit!   One of it's treasures has got to be Wisteria Chic, a must visit for anyone looking for beautiful fabric, home decor items, children's clothing, jewelry or a special gift.

 The fabric is absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn't resist buying some heavy cotton for recovering some wicker chairs that I can't part with.  There's so many ideas and 'eye candy' fabrics, I may have to dust off my sewing machine and make some pillows, or a canvas bag! 

I love this 'touch of glamour' cozy corner with fun papers and funny cards

Debra Smith-Stephens was born and raised in Nehalem, and has come back after a stint in Sisters, OR.  She returned about a year ago, bringing her charming, eclectic shop with her!  You've got to check it out!  Already, I have a pile of prospective Christmas gifts purchased here, which is a huge relief after last year, when I didn't plan ahead!  

 Debra had a great eye for color, and has lots of cute vignettes with ideas for jazzing up your home.

 

 She also has a lovely selection of soaps and creams.

 One brand at Wisteria Chic that I just love is Petunia Pickle Bottom, which is a a line of pretty and sturdy bags, wallets, and purses.

 Everything is so colorful...perfect for all the gray, rainy days that we get here in Oregon!

 When you see this decorated mannequin, on 387 Laneda Ave. you know you've found the right place.  It's well worth a visit when you visit the Coast.

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Vintage Living Candy Shop in Manzanita

 If you long for the nostalgia of your childhood favorites, you have to check out this cool candy shop in Manzanita, OR.  http://www.manzanitasweets.com/

It's nice to see this location a happy place again.  Everyday there a cute, new little dress at the front door, and a list of the featured goodies of the day.

Moon Pies, Wax Lips, Mars Bars...A kids dream!

I found my own favorite Abba-Zaba Bars, and was instantly transported back to walking home from the local Dairy Store, while enjoying my favorite candy in Linda Mar, CA. For the unenlightened, Abba-Zaba Bars are a taffy candy with a peanut butter like center. We won't even discuss the fact that they are a dental disaster waiting to happen...for an 8 year old, you're talking pure bliss!

The nostalgia continues, with cute 50's style aprons, and Unique Clocks

Special Occasion hats...

and a glass counter full of gourmet chocolates!  It's definitely worth a stop.

Celebrating the 4th of July at Manzanita Beach

It's been over twenty years since we started coming to Manzanita for the 4th of July.  For me, it's always been the best place to be, even though our little town swells to over 8,000 people, everyone seems happy to be celebrating something!  This year having more than two consecutive days of sunshine since last November was cause enough for celebration!

The parade always starts with the Color Guard carrying the flags.

And, some cool cars

Some ingenious costumes..

Happy spectators..Hi Jaimie!

Cute pets..

Boat Floats...

And colorful characters...

Cart'M, the local Recycle Center, always does something very creative.  This year it was a gramophone
made out of recycled materials.

Of course, Rick aways looks forward to a chance to bring out his grandfather's 1943 Willy's Jeep

Great friends, Mark and Barb, check out the scrapbooks from years past.  When our kids were younger, we put together many floats for the parade. Hopefully, 'The Kids' will circle back to the beach when they have families of their own.

You always have to have the feast!  Can't go wrong with the traditional favorites-BBQ Ribs, potato salad, baked beads, corn on the cob and brownies!

What 4th of July would be complete without fireworks?

I captured these images from a hilltop near the beach.

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Stormy Weather

It's been awhile since I was at the the Oregon Coast in real stormy weather, but last Sunday night we had a rip-roarin' storm with tons of rain and gusts to 70 mph!  We took the dogs out in the afternoon, and our little Manzanita town was empty.  Streets were deserted since many were walking on the beach, watching the huge waves, and running their dogs before the storm rolled in after sunset.

Rick and I hunkered down in the house with our "his and hers" flashlights and tons of candles nearby, just in case.  It was so great to have some quiet time after the craziness of the holidays to paint, read a good book, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Oregon winter. I feel so blessed to live in an area with such beauty.

We had the wood stove going in case we had to cook our provisions for the weekend.  No, it's not the fake Yule Log Christmas shot- we were ready to roll for coffee, tea or soup on a moment's notice LOL.

We were driving north on Hwy. 101 when we suddenly saw a herd of elk walking on the side of the highway! Traffic stopped in both directions for pictures!  Most drivers didn't mind the wait...

We survived the Sunday night storm, even though the winds were so strong that I feared we'd end up in Kansas. We left town on the Monday MLK Holiday just as a series of storms were headed to the Oregon Coast. Below, a shot of Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. It's hard not to love the quiet beauty of an Oregon winter.

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