For the Birds

I couldn't pin down this bird, but it's so majestic!

I've always liked birds, but thanks to my fabulous friend Angie, I've now become quite fascinated by them. During my trip to Oregon I was able to see many beautiful species and took some photos of a few.

Blue Heron and 3 Great-Tailed Grackles

My bird knowledge is not great, but from my research (mostly taken from Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife website), I think I found some of their names (though, it's highly possible I'm wrong). But no matter the names, they are intriguing and beautiful! Enjoy!

White bird is Glaucous-Winged Gull

others may be South Polar Skua

It was hard to see the details on these dark birds, but I believe they are Brandt's Cormorants

Mr. Fisherman

A few weeks ago I went to Oregon with my son Joseph to see my grandfather and aunt. It was really nice to catch up with my aunt and to be with my grandfather, probably for the last time. He's old and frail and I love him.
This was Joseph's first plane ride and he was thrilled. His enthusiasm ignited a bit of excitement in me and we had a special time together. Joseph is a fisherman. He has only had a pole since August, but it appears he's been one since birth, he just had to discover it. We did a LOT of fishing. I was mostly his assistant and quiet observer. On one day we drove to the coast; he sat with a map on his lap planning how we could get to each bit of water he saw.

First we fished in the Junction City pond. It had recently been filled with 4000 brook trout. He snagged a fish on his hook, but it got away before we could secure it. Disappointing. I had been snapping photos of Joseph and the area when this occurred. I stopped snapping to help him try to reel in the fish. After the fish got away Joseph instructed, "Next time mom, get the photo so we can prove I caught one." Unfortunately there was no next time, but I was ready with my camera.

In the following days we stopped at Fern Ridge Reservoir (muddy water and a death trap dock) to fish for who knows what; Woahink Lake (beautiful place with crystal clear water) to try for rainbow trout (saw them jump but no luck); Suislaw River (picture perfect meandering river) for salmon since the salmon run is on; the inlet of Suislaw River for salmon and perch; and even the Pacific Ocean, just so he could say he's fished in an ocean. For his souvenirs Joseph chose Salmon Magic - a lure for, you guessed it, salmon (we met the man who made it); and he chose a hat that has a lure and says "bite me". I thought they were perfect representations of our trip.

Joseph isn't by nature a quiet, patient guy. But he was while he fished. I enjoyed feeling the calm in him. I think we could all use a little more calm in our daily lives. He still chatted, but that was entertaining. One time he turned and declared, "Mom, I'm being really patient. I haven't caught any fish, but I keep trying and don't let it get me frustrated." I smiled and agreed. Another time, after casting, he said, "I'm really good at casting. If an expert came by and saw me he'd say, 'What?! He's a beginner? No. I think he's a medium." Cracked me up.

I love my little fisherman, and I hope I'm by his side when he catches and reels in that first fish.

Coven of Witches

Saturday was the annual Witches' Tea hosted by my dear friend Emily. She is THE best hostess and her home is full of the Halloween atmosphere. This is one of the highlights of my year and I thrill in planning what to wear and what scrumptious morsel I will create (I made a panna cotta and topped them with chocolate webs I had made ~ so lah-de-dah). Last year I was the "hot" bad witch, so this year I went as a "good" witch. (Emily got these fantastic witchy shoes for the occasion.)
After the party I stopped by JoAnn Fabrics to get some material before the sale ended that night. I could tell that everyone was looking at me while appearing not to look. Cracked me up. While I was waiting in line, a couple was at the register buying material. They had thought it was on sale and found out they had chosen the wrong style. It was going to cost much more than they planned. I stepped up and asked if they could use my 50% off coupon. They were sooo pleased and thanked me repeatedly and said, "That was SO nice of you!" I leaned closer, pointed to my shirt, and replied, "Well, I am the good witch." Everyone laughed, even the people in line. I loved it. It was like they were given permission to acknowledge the strange lady near them...and yet I had a humorous insanity so everything was going to be okay. It was such a perfect scenario. It can be fun to step out of one's comfort zone.

All in all it was a bewitching night. Thanks Emily!

Word from the Wise

Thanks to my daughter, I came was reminded of a phrase my dad would often say. It's so totally my dad, both the message and the phraseology. I thought I'd share:

"Don't be so narrow-minded that your ears rub together,

and don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out."

~Douglas Kubalek