trillium mama

summery goodness : day 1

After reading a few blogs that have been doing summer favorites posts (like this one), I decided to join in the fun. By the time the end of July comes around in Oregon, I start to feel that the summer is starting to make a descent into the next season. Because of this, I feel it's time to start my 20 days of summery goodness posts.

One of the things I love the most about summer is that bounty of fresh, lovely food all around us. Being surrounded by such food gives me the drive to be more creative and actually cook things that are not on my boring list of old faithfuls.

Last night, I decided to make bruschetta with fresh crusty baguette, vine ripened organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil from my mother's herb garden. I was surprised how easy it was, and the outcome was beautiful and delicious.

This morning I got up bright and early, and made blueberry pancakes with some organic blueberries picked fresh from our backyard. I topped them with a little butter and whipped cream-so divine!

Fresh food creations-summery goodness.

county fair

Oh the county fair brings back such good memories for me. I was a 4-H geek for many years, and looked forward to the fair every year. We almost exclusively visit the fair to see the animals, lemonade and hand dipped corn dog are just a bonus. Squealing pigs, mooing cows, and goats licking your hand are the essence of the county fair. In addition to all of the usual critters, we also got to watch a flyball dog competition, which was really fun. Those dogs can move-even the little ones! I am also proud to say that a fellow BYCmember and friend won champion and first place ribbons with his hen Bertha-yay Luke!

Without further hesitation, here are some county fair photos to get you in the mood to visit your local fair.

blueberries and sunspots

This morning was a morning full of blueberries and sunspots-getting wet in the morning dew and tendrils reaching for the golden sun-Bees rolling over lavender blossoms and chicks, almost hens, half peeping, half clucking.

What a lovely outside to wake-up to. Fresh blueberries ripe for picking, eggs in the nest boxes, dill ready to harvest. A lazy pajama stroll around the yard, picking yummy things, playing in the wet grass, touching marigolds with chalky blue toddler fingers, and enjoying the cool morning sun, morning.

A summer morning is a hard thing to beat.

lazy days

This summer has been really great so far. We have had a few scorching days, but mostly the temperatures have been reasonable. This is great news for a person who literally feels as if I'm melting when the thermometer hits anything over 83, especially combined with humidity.

Because of the merciful weather, we were able to get out and enjoy ourselves during this past weekend. Andy, Ava and I started with a relaxing breakfast at our new favorite coffee shop/bakery. They have cinnamon rolls, quiche, and breakfast wraps to die for. We got one of each (to share), and two delish cups of coffee.

Afterwards, we took Ava out to try her new tricycle. We searched and searched for a vintage one, but they all seemed to rusted or too expensive. We settled on a red vintage repro of a Radio Flyer tricycle, and it's adorable. Little Miss did a great job learning to peddle it, and looked great in her matching red helmet.

After a break for lunch, we took Scout and Ava to the Silverton Street Fair, which is a cute little flea market they do once a year. I found the sweetest little breakfast in bed tray for Miss A, and it was only $2-bargain!

It was a great lazy summer weekend, and I look forward to many more before the season is over.

introducing..drumroll please...

After months of mulling, research, and waiting, we are pleased to announce the arrival of our newest canine baby, into our family.

Scout Sherman Dahlberg is a havanese, and according to the AKC, "His duties traditionally have been those of companion, watchdog, child's playmate and herder of the family poultry flock". Ok- I seriously found a dog that is not only a playmate for Ava, but is also going to herd my ever growing poultry population!

Here he is, Scout Sherman...

a camping we will go

a camping we will go!

a camping we will go!

hi-ho the dairy-o,

a camping we will go!

Every time I prepare to go camping, I get that song in my head. I don't know why, I just do. Thoughts of smores and river walking swirl through my head, and I can't wait to smell the campfire and slumber in a tent.

We are lucky to have many amazing spots to camp within 2 hours of our home. Every summer we venture to the Metolius River for a little R & R. I know of no other place quite like it, and I was lucky enough to call the village of Camp Sherman home during my high school years. It is my home river, and I will always love it dearly.

We had a bit of a discovery this year-we only like to camp in areas where there are other campers. My husband has always resisted this idea, but after a spooky few hours and a midnight trip to a hotel, we both agreed that it's better to deal with other campers than not to sleep at all.

The funny thing is that I called this hotel at 11:45pm and asked if there were any rooms available. The very sweet man said yes, one. I felt like it was fate! I cringed a bit and asked how much-he replied that it was the nicest room in the hotel-more cringing and closing of eyes. He ended up giving it to us for 50% off since it was so late, whew. Andy and I both agreed that it was the nicest room we'd ever stayed in-too bad we weren't there longer to enjoy it!

The next morning, full of breakfast, showered and refreshed, we headed back to the Metolius. We settled on a campsite away from the river but with a good view. We unpacked our supplies, which was interesting because of the midnight, rushed packing job from the night before.

As soon as the tent was up, Ava and I settled in for a rest. We gazed at the towering ponderosa pines, listening to their soft rushing sounds in the wind.

The next day we took a short drive to Suttle Lake for a little lake hike and fishing. It proved to be very difficult to keep the 2 year old fishing for more than 5 minutes, so Ava and I found a place to take a dip instead.

The other highlights of our trip were hiking down to Wizard Falls fish hatchery to see the fish. It was an oddly slow day there with not many visitors. Reminded me of when I was young and visited there, before the Metolius graced the pages Sunset magazine among others. We also had fun feeding the chipmunks-I know, it's not PC to feed "wild" animals, but they were so tame they were almost like flies.

It was a peaceful and relaxing trip, and I look forward to our next camping adventure!

strawberry delight

Yesterday, I was sitting and reading a forum post by fellow blogger Laurie at Life Force Vibrations. She was mentioning how she had just scored a deal on rhubarb, and threw out something that got my attention: strawberry-rhubarb jam.

So I immediately got out of my computer chair and set out to take inventory of my jars and canning supplies. After a quick stop for lids, Ava and I headed out to a local farm that I thought might have some fresh berries. When we got there I was disappointed to see only 4 pints in the sun. I told the lady I would have to come back because I wanted a full crate, and didn't want baked berries.

Just then, her husband, exhausted and covered in berry juice, came up from the field with a fresh flat. I snagged it faster than a praying mantis zaps her prey. I was so excited to get fresh picked organic strawberries-luck was with me. I decided to push my luck and asked the man for rhubarb. He explained that the rhubarb was 1/2 a mile in the opposite direction from where he was headed, and I'd just have to come back a different day. I still had the berries, so not all was lost.

I headed back home and got to work on canning some jam. First I washed all of the berries, and divided them into bowls-one for jam, one for eating, and one with scraps for the chickens. At the end of the whole process-which took some doing, I ended up with some lovely jam to put in our pantry.

Yesterday the weather finally warmed up a bit. Andy, Little Miss and I went for one of our Sunday morning drives, complete with coffee, hot cocoa, and breakfast burritos. The drives used to be a cheap way for us to entertain ourselves, but with gas over $4 a gallon, they are becoming more and more rare. Anyway, off track here. The Sun...

While we were on our drive, I came out of my Pacific Northwest rain stupor and noticed that everyone had really nice flowers planted in their yards. I had almost forgotten that it is indeed June, cool weather and all. But yesterday, I was slapped into summer, and decided a trip to the plant nursery was in order.

I have complied some planting photos-well actually they are photos taken after I slaved away in the sun planting (not the best time of the day), and depict Little Miss tidying up the flower beds. After her little raking session, she sat on the front steps with her bunny grahams and had a little talk with our resident iron bug, which guards our doorstep.

All in all it was a lovely day, and true to Oregon weather, today we are back to rain and sweatshirts. Until next time~

 

etsy favorites :: day seven :: tina rice

Today is the final day of my Etsy favorites posts. It has been fun to share some of my favorites with you, and find a few new favorites along the way. Today I chose jewelry designer tina rice. Her things are simple and lovely colored. She uses a lot of copper and brightly colored enamel for her striking earrings, necklaces and such. If anyone is wondering what to get me for a gifty of any sort (not that anyone is, but just in case), you can't go wrong with one of these pieces.

apple grass green enamel earrings

spring wings necklace

raspberry n caramel tabs

etsy favorites :: day six :: doggie delights

 

I decided to feature a dog attire artist today. The problem is that I couldn't decide on just one. So today I am featuring doggie delights from a variety of Etsy shops. If you are interested in collars or leashes of the unusual and fun variety, make sure to stop at Etsy and do a search-there are a ton of great choices there. Let the doggie collar eye candy begin!

 

"Jewel" collar and leash set by Mimi Green

Modern Floral Walking Harness by oohlalola

Serendipity Purple Wide Martingale byThe Mod Dog

Eco Friendly Aqua Blue Paisley Dog Harness by Annie's Sweat Shop