Our Feature Presentation....

When we built the house, our builder thought we were crazy if we didn't build a basement. We had the slope of the land in our favor and needed a floor, which made a great ceiling- so the basement was born. Our creativity went into overdrive trying to figure out a way to use the footage. At some point, we knew we'd create a theater- so we wired it up when we built.

The last couple weeks my live-in craftsman/carpenter husband and I transformed what we were using as storage, into a small-scale, hollywood style theater. The room came out much better than a couple of rookies could have expected! Now when you come over, we won't all have to gather around the computer to view our trip/adventure videos.

Even better- my movie narcolepsy seems to be going away. I've actually stayed awake through three of them now, which is a new record.

Can you smell the hot, buttered popcorn?

Gobble Gobble.

I have a routine of waking up in the morning and going to the window to see what's shakin' in the yard. This routine has awarded me lots of amazing sights. Animals are usually out at daybreak and 15 minutes later- are gone. This morning the view brought me a hilarious sight.

Three deer were grazing in the meadow. Out comes the wild turkey. Apparently there is something in our yard that's really tasty. The deer started to chase the turkey out of the yard. I couldn't believe my eyes. I went and grabbed the camera. That big ol' dumb bird high-tailed it out of the yard like a lightening bolt- gobbling all the way, with the deer on his heels. I thought maybe I'd see a fight- like a rooster, but instead... the deer won. Sweet victory for the grazers... sad morning for the wayward bird. The low light and the speeding pullet made for a few blurry shots, but at least it I got a couple.

As mentioned previously, the wee one's have arrived back at the feeder and yesterday I sat and enjoyed them buzzing around. The day was warm and breezy and the spring smells were in the air. Summit kept watch on the deck. I wonder what would happen if he saw the turkey when he was out in the yard? I think I'd have to start peeling potatoes.

Have a great weekend!

Wild wonderful day.

Came home tonight to a wild turkey standing in the front yard. Yes, a wild turkey. I've only seen one before in Washington, but here he was strutting his stuff. With the car comfy in the garage I grabbed my camera and made tracks down the outside stairs to get photos. Just like that he was off and flying high away from me. So no, photo this time... just a wonderful memory of a huge, wild turkey. Who knew they could fly like that, too?

I was almost disappointed until I heard the familiar buzz of a hummingbird behind me! They are back and I couldn't be any happier. We've been scratching our heads as to why they aren't back for a couple weeks. I've had two feeders up and ready for them... and I would check them daily to see if they might be back and feeding while I was at work. It's been wonderfully warm (broke records on Wednesday of 69 degrees)- and salmonberry and currant are blooming for their nectar-ing pleasure. Anyway, today I saw two- heard the familiar trumpets and even saw one working our feeder over. Today was a wonderful, wild day. I love spring so much and my heart just feels so joyful to see the tiny birds back. The cherry on the day-cake was that turkey. What a sight!

Meow...

Our neighbor took this tonight on his property. This "kitty" was probably out hunting bunnies or birds. Somehow this reminds me of my long-lost, but never forgotten, puddytat Harley. What a wonderfully, wild sight!

A comfy place to sit

Everyone deserves it, a comfy place to sit

To let the cares of the world, roll off a little bit.

To relax with some coffee and a really good book

and kick up your feet and enjoy the nook.

It's pretty in person, I'm not gonna lie

Just sit out in nature, and gaze at Mt. Si.

There soon will be music, when V wires it up

So we can visit with tunes- just us and Pup.

Everyone deserves it, a great place to sit.

So come over to our place- and enjoy for bit!

Welcome Spring!

Even if the weatherman and calendars hadn't told us so- it was obvious that spring was giving winter the boot! Everywhere we look these days, spring is poking it's glorious head through. Whether it be in the bulbs that are starting to show off, the 69 degree day yesterday, or the small, but significant changes such as the first swallow of the year doing beautiful dives in our front yard right on cue with the day- it's officially here for more than just a calendar.

Rattlesnake Lake is also warming! The lake is coming back up to higher levels, the fish are rising, the Indian Plum is blooming, hairy woodpeckers are plentiful, red huckleberries are already tiny berries, forest violets are in full bloom and the sunshine through the trees fills my soul like a welcome old friend.

Spring is nearing, but it's still winter's turn to shine.

Wide, sparkling fields snow-vestured lie

Beneath a blue, unshadowed sky;

A glistening splendor crowns the woods

And bosky, whistling solitudes;

In hemlock glen and reedy mere

The tang of frost is sharp and clear;

Life hath a jollity and zest,

A poignancy made manifest;

Laughter and courage have their way

At noontide of a winter's day.

- A Winter Day

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Happenings from the tent

I must be getting old because I really love talking about the weather these days. Saturday was sunny at 65 degrees here! Yes, 65- short sleeves and beautiful. The big project of the day was moving Pup's dog house to his kennel. The freshly stained beauty was a solid slug- but with a little creative thinking of Vil's part (which included a ramp, a trailer, lots of wheels and pushing)- we made it! Oh yeah, did I mention we asked a couple of friends to come by to help? I had to share this picture because I thought it was pretty cute. Summit decided to jump up on the trailer and ride along as Vil drove his house back to the kennel area. He knows that house belongs to him and was really curious where we were taking it. So.. 65 was Saturday. This was Tuesday morning. A cold front came our way with a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the Cascades (hence the need to get the dog house out of the garage so we could park window-scrapping free in there). It was perfect- a bunch of really wet flakes to give the trees color for an hour or so before it melted. No road problems at all- just wet pavement! Now...that MY kinda winter. Rumor has it the sun is coming back next week for highs nearing 60 again. Gloves or sunglasses? I'm so confused!

Disneyworld!

An escape to Orlando was just what the Dr. ordered to celebrate a couple birthdays in our little group of girlfriends. We hit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom (as well as every gift shop possible). We took tons of pictures, laughed our heads off and had a great time!



Helga, Magda & Inga.

Be careful you rub it only 3 times, Jenn!

Two princesses!

What could be more darling? This little one was born 3 days before this picture.

Another little darlin'.