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A Birthday Hug

This centerpiece is like nothing that could be bought in a store. It was designed and handmade as a gift for my wife by a very dear friend. It is like a warm, birthday hug. Thanks, Ginny. #birthday #hug #centerpiece #handmade # friend

Cerebral Anthill

It rose from the ground, complex and convoluted, brain-like in appearance. However, it lacked hemispheres and lobes like a real brain, so the illusion quickly crumbled, even before any ants could arise start their day. Still, the sight of grass sprouting from the “brain” like new ideas, fresh, fertile, and green, had me scratching myContinue reading “Cerebral Anthill”

The Long and the Short

Why the two mailboxes are not the same height, I don’t know, but I have come to refer to the scene as “the long and the short of it.” However, the bluebird did not appear concerned by silly such questions as it settled upon the taller post, content and unruffled. #bluebird #mailbox

No Offense

The old-timey Hangry Redhead restaurant in Banks, Oregon, left us satisfied and laughing recently but not the least bit offended with their freshly-made meals, friendly staff, and humorous displays and signs. We definitely want to return, and you can take that to the “Banks.” #hangryredhead #restaurant #nooffense #banksoregon

Spider Hider

I had never seen a spider web with a reinforced “pad” for the spider to crouch upon or hide behind before. On the other side was a spider that I also had never beheld before. Whether for privacy, protection or hiding place for the spider, I don’t know, but I was happy to be tooContinue reading “Spider Hider”

Painted Sky

“Lost, on a painted sky, where the clouds are hung for the poet’s eye…” Neil Diamond, from Jonathan Livingston Seagull album. Photos, like music, beg for words that capture the magic of the moment and stir the soul. #paintedsky #poetseye #songsforthesoul #magicheart #neildiamond

Little Dry Dam

Little lies behind this plain, simple, small dam other than dust, and sage brush. There is no lake, no marsh, no swamp, not even a trickle—most of the time. Yet, once in a great while, cloudbursts over the hills above the dam, or a chinook wind after a heavy snowfall send water cascading down thisContinue reading “Little Dry Dam”

At the Dauntless Winery

The Dauntless Winery in Forest Grove, Oregon, is a veteran-owned and operated winery, and along with military memorabilia, they have a continuous slide show of photos of military personnel and operations. Much to my surprise and delight, I learned that a Darling Daughter had provided them with a couple of photos of my time atContinue reading “At the Dauntless Winery”

How Do You Spell Relief?

The past couple of days we have received over an inch of rain and more is expected this week. Could this be the beginning of the end of the drought that has plagued the region over the past year and a half? We certainly hope so, for when it comes to heartburn regarding the dryContinue reading “How Do You Spell Relief?”

Not Forgotten

The throaty rumble of a big, round engine vibrated the ground and surroundings as the T-6 flew over. Planes like this had once trained WW II aviators to fly, fight, and die for their country. It reminded me of one such aviator that I met while working at a local VA clinic. He had survivedContinue reading “Not Forgotten”