Halloween

I love Halloween. It's not the same as when my now college-aged kids were little (OK, Bryan's graduated, but he's still living and working in La Grande, so it just seems like he's still in school).  Lots of fun memories of  sewing costumes and photographing the students in their finery at Sunset Elementary School when the kids were little. It's still fun to put out the decorations, fire up the cider, and make some homemade gingerbread. Yum! Here's some scenes from the house this Halloween:

This reminds me of the harvest offerings left at the altar of many churches in Scotland, when I was there in the fall many years ago. It was especially moving to look up at the ceiling and see the tattered flags from the Crusades.

I love putting up lights and placing small gourds and pumpkin in the planters for a festive look.

It's been fun making Halloween jewelry and sending it to Etsy customers, as far away as Australia this year!

Finding the Pretty

My friend Leigh Anne Wilkes has been featuring Pretty Things in her Blog: Homebased Mom. http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/finding-the-prettyblue-artichoke-designs-giveaway/  She is featuring  moms who make things through their homebased businesses. This week, I'm honored that she has chosen to feature my Etsy shops.   I'm doing a jewelry giveaway of this sweet vintage inpired necklace.  To be in the drawing, all you have to do is log into above link, and leave a comment about which is your favorite jewelry piece.  That's it!  The winner will be choosen by midnight Saturday, October 23rd!  The necklace will  come in a gift package, perfect for you or for a gift.

You'll love Leigh Anne's site.  It's my go-to place for recipies, decorating ideas, and great stories. It's chock full of ideas on anything from clothing choices for family photos, to home organization.  Leigh Anne and I have been friends and business partners in Direct Sales for many years!  Enjoy!

Farmer's Market

In Oregon we're often in denial about fall because the weather is usually so great through September and much of October. However, this week, it's like someone pulled a switch and we have rain everyday for the foreseeable future. I thought I'd take one last look of the summer farmers market in Lake Oswego, since it's one of my favorite pastimes on Saturday morning. Mom and I, when possible, would trek out early to take in the sights, sounds, flowers and produce.

Sweet peas....my favorite, although I find them impossible to grow. If anyone has any tips for next year, please let me know! Soaking them in wet paper towels the night before didn't help!

I know this is totally cheating when there's so many yummy treats in the market itself, but a stop at St. Honore' for a Latte' and 'goodie' to plan our our stops is always looked eagerly anticipated.

Au revoir till next year!

St. Francis of Assisi

Today was the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi and the annual Pet Blessing Day at St. Michael and all Angel's. We've had this tradition for several years, and it's just one more thing that brings people (and animals), together in our church community.

A happy dog

Ann and Chad with their blue eyed sheep dog.

Several brave cats

Lulu and Molly being blessed by Rev. Chris Craun

Yes, these was a goose and rabbit also...

Some people really got into the spirit of the occasion

The animals all got treats, and St Francis metal. A good time was had by all!

Do You Have a Favorite Room?

What makes a room, your favorite room? The other day I was sitting in my livingroom and thinking how calm I always feel when I'm there. To me, being surrounded by my family photos and books make it a place I want to come to and sip a hot cup of tea. Part of the appeal, I must admit, is that the window opens up to a beautiful greenspace. No matter what time of year, we are surrounded by Nature's beauty. Perhaps, there's no more beautiful time than fall, than when the trees turn and I look out onto a wall of yellow leaves.

What else makes this room so special? For me it's twinkle lights on the wire sculpture that I have in the corner. And, always lots of candles! When the days get shorter, I want to keep the lights on as long as possible. There's year-round twinkle lights here. I figure they last 4 months at a time, so I stock up at Christmas. They're low voltage and don't use a lot of energy, so I don't feel too badly running then 24-7. If I find out otherwise, I'll have to find some other way to let the light in.

Stop by, the tea is on and maybe I'll even locate that box of Lemon Biscotti.  There's a chair waiting for you!

What is your favorite room?  Why?  Please comment!

Cheap Dates in Portland

One of the great things about living in Portland, OR. is that there's lots of things to do on the cheap! College students, empty nesters, young married's- everyone is looking for a bargain these days. We've read a lot about the Esplenade along the Willamette River, so we figured it was high time to check it out! Our dogs, Lulu and Molly are always game for an adventure so off we went.

Other than the fact that Molly has a bad habit of jumping out at people who are jogging, on bicycles, or any hapless dog crossing her path, they're pretty good dogs. We started at the end of the Hawthorne Bridge, crossed the Steel Bridge, and then ended up back on the Hawthorne. Rick was sure that we had logged six miles, but it's actually only a 2.7 mile walk round trip.

Along the way, there were some great bridge views, shapes and textures

Some great views of the city

Memorials

Interesting Art

And plenty of history

The 'girls' were in serious need of some water, so we headed over to the Lucky Lab Brewery on Hawthorne, one of the many dog-friendly eating places in the city.

Some more scenes from Lucky Lab, with sweet Molly and Lulu

And a cute visitor

By the way, I sure wish The New York Times would quit their fascination with all things great in Portland- how dog friendly we are, what great bike trails we have, and what great food carts they found all over the city! I liked it better when we were an undiscovered gem!

Finally, did you know that Portland has the smallest park in the WORLD? Check it out on Naito Parkway a.k.a. Front Street. It was dedicated on St. Patrick's Day 1948, as the only colony for leprechauns. How cool is that? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill_Ends_Park

The Jazz in the Garden Dinner Party

Last month, Rick and I and seven other friends from our St. Michael's and All Angels Church community held a Gala Dinner to help raise funds for our Rector Search.  It was lots of fun to plan, and were were grateful for the mild weather and everyone's collaboration on menu and decor.  The day of the party, there was a flury of activity...ingredients, matching french tablecloths, silver sets, and musicians appeared as if by magic!  It was pretty amazing to see it all come together.  I brought out the pink flamingos from the basement, since you can't have a party without the aviarian flock. Unfortunately, I discovered that three of my birds had met with 'foul' play and were missing.  Upon reflection, I remembered a certain college aged son talking about how great my missing trio had looked, lit up with twinkle lights on the slopes of Anothony Lakes.

The Menu

Classic Northwest Cuisine

First Course: Bruchetta with Heirloom Tomatoes, olive oil, fresh chopped garlic and basil

Second Course: Fresh Gazpacho with avacado, Cuumber and shrimp
Third Course: Argula and Romaine Salad with Oregonola Cheese and Blackberries, Walnut-Citress Dressing 
Fourth Course: Grilled Wild Salmon with Nutted Wild Rice, almonds, and golden raisins, plus fresh Green Beans
Fifth Course: Vermont Ploughgate Creamery "Hartwell" Cow's Milk Brie, Denmark Danish Blue an French Goat Cheese Bourcheron, with fresh sliced apples
Sixth Course: Gingered Peach Shortcake with Blackberries and Vanilla Ice Cream

Chris graciously took over the rice preparation, which ended up being a modified version of a Silver Palate favorite. 

Pete was Grillmaster extraodinare mixing a wild array of sauces for the grilled salmon

Before dinner, guests mingled while Saxophonist Patrick Sargent, and his talented friends, Grant, on Keyboard, and Charlie on guitar, played classic jazz.  Patrick, by the way, played at the Monterey Jazz Festival this month, on his way to NYU, definitely a young man to watch!

What a great community to be a part of.

Chris hard at work plating the salad course 

Barb, Jim, and Rick, hustle to get food out while it's hot.  The covered pool table really came in handy!

Steve the 'Big Cheese'....

and his lovely wife, Trudy.

 

Barb was horrified when Rick wanted to use a mere airpot to serve coffee and tea!  Who could blame her, when she had these lovely heirlooms to share.

Jim always comes through with the most fabulous desserts.  Tonight was no exception, with this lovely fresh Ginger Peach and Berry Shortcake.  All in all, it was a memorable night for a worthy cause.