Monday, May 30, 2011

Honoring our Hero!

Saturday, our family spent some special time honoring our favorite Marine, husband, step-dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, voracious reader and teller of crazy, funny, made-up stories, poems and songs!

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Shown here our Marine, along with the other's who served, is being pinned with a lovely red, white and blue boutonnieres at a ceremony held in Portland, Oregon at Willamette National Cemetery's Korean War Memorial.

The boutonnieres and some of the planning for this event was done by The Children of the Chosin Few.  This is a group formed to assist their fathers, grand-fathers and great grand-fathers with the organizing and planning of events, such as this one, and others to honor them throughout the year.

IMG_0696  IMG_0683This memorial commemorates the lives of the almost 300 service men from Oregon who lost their lives in Korea.

Our Marine is a part of a select group of men who served in Korea in the winter of 1950 at the Chosin Reservoir.  The men who, proudly, wear their bright blue jacket.......members of an elite national group called the "Chosin Few". 

Often read as "chosen few" and given a religious connotation....it is CHOSIN pronounced Cho-sin!  Not chosen, this was duty no one would have chosen had they have know what they were facing.

IMG_0688Fresh out of high school in June of 1950, our Marine, enlisted in the service, went off to boot camp, turned 18 years old and was shipped off to the shores of Korea, arriving at the end of October in Pusan.

Communist North Korea had invaded South Korea in June of 1950.  The United Nations sent in 49,000, mostly U.S. troops to assist the South.  As the months went on, China came to the aid of the North Korean troops.  They were being supplied with guns and ammunition by Russia, who was hoping to strengthen their hold on the region and spread Communism.

By the end of of November, our Marine and 15,000 other members of the 1st Marine Division, along with 3000 U. S. Army and about 2000 Royal British Marine Commandos were dispatched to north of the Chosin Reservoir.  Unknown to them and their commanders the Chinese's had assembled approximately 180,000 "volunteer" soldiers and they were moving, under the cover of night, directly towards them.

Faced with over whelming odds..... for almost two weeks, the survivors of the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir fought their way out of the mountains in freezing cold weather......it was 40 degrees BELOW ZERO!  Remember, this was long before Gore-Tex had been invented!  They faced this weather in down jackets and wool insulated pants......almost all suffered some form of severe frost bite.

These brave warriors and survivors brought out ALL of their 2000 wounded, most of the 5000 dead, their tanks, trucks and other equipment and over 100,000 North Korean refugees.  Arriving at the port of Hungnam, after nearly two weeks of walking and fighting to survive, they were evacuated by U. S. Navy ships back to Pusan.

If, you want to learn more, you can read about the Korean War here.IMG_0678The Korean War is often referred to as the Forgotten War.  Schools make little mention of it and few people have ever heard of the Battle at the Chosin.....except younger Marines, who have heard the story and hold these men in great esteem. 

Many of these men had already served in World Was II and were still in the Reserves, so they were called back to active duty in Korea.  Most of these men are, now, in their late 70s, 80s and 90s.....time is now thinning their ranks!

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Young Marines serving as Color Guard begin the ceremony!IMG_0681

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The ceremony was concluded with the bugler playing "TAPS" in the background you can see the rows and rows of American flag that decorated the graves.  Willamette National is a military cemetery.....those are the graves of many, many hero's!

Here's the part of the family that helped honor "our Marine" for what he gave to us;  the gift of freedom.......not to mention funny, crazy stories!IMG_0692

I have noticed that many young people today are very appreciative of those who have served in the military, more so than I and my peers have been, I think. 

So, next time you see a man in uniform or meet someone who has served just remember what they have suffered through to protect you and others...... and thank them for their service.  It's a simple gift that is appreciated greatly!

I hope you had the honor of celebrating this Memorial weekend with your hero's, military or otherwise!

Let's visit some of the folks at Outdoor Wednesday to see what they've been up to!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Chicken Feeder Collection?

 

Something every girl should have.....a chicken feeder collection! 

It's especially true, when you're the girl who has gone into the chicken's pen to snatch up that special feeder......the one you came for in the first place and the one you were bound and determine to NOT leave without.

IMG_0673Cool, huh?  I even collected the chicken fertilizer and cobwebs!

I cannot believe my definition of fun but this was a fun farm sale....chicken farm!  I read the ad on Craigslist for an estate sale on a chicken farm that was located about two miles from our house, well, I couldn't miss that. 

Just on a hunch, we went an hour early....sure enough....buyers were already there hauling out the goodies. 

Really, all I wanted was the round feeder in the middle....I'm going to use it in the garden for a planter.  In my search for the one I wanted, I came across the other three....woo hoo, a chicken feeder collection!  Also, really.....I did go into a chicken barn with chickens in it, well not exactly where I was, and snatched "my" feeder.  I did ask permission first.....you knew I would....sure you did! LOL

And, one more treasure I found hiding in a crusty, dusty out building!

IMG_0670  IMG_0671A child's rusty, but darn cute, Radio Flyer wheelbarrow.  Oh, yes, another cool little planter.....I'm going to need to buy more property, I'm running out of room for all my planters!

Hope your Memorial Day weekend is blessing you with all the things you treasure and a few pleasant surprises!   

Sunday, May 22, 2011

A short walk topped with yardwork......

 

Finally, a week that resembles what I think Spring should look like!  Some sun, some clouds, some temps up to, and above, 70 degrees.  Good time to get outdoors.........

Saturday, a long-time friend and I participated in a Fun Walk fund raiser for a church located in Sherwood, appropriately, the walk was titled "The Friar Trot"!  My friend has suffered all of her life with balance issues and it was just recently discovered that she had a birth defect that caused the bones in her inner ears to form improperly. 

In January, of this year, she had major brain and ear surgery to repair her inner ear.  She is doing very, very well and has set a goal for herself to one day run or walk a marathon!  Before surgery, just walking caused her to have motion sickness and you know how unpleasant that can be. 

So, Saturday she stuck her toe in the water, and I accompanied her, as we walked a mile through the streets of Sherwood, her first of what will become many miles.

IMG_0656Get ready, set......Go!  Here is the starting line, where the serious 6K runners want to be......we were on our way to the end of the line, we didn't want to get in their way!

IMG_0663Here's the proud young woman.....who had just completed race #1.

IMG_0664This is me.....moral support and chief cheerleader....as we headed home!

Early Friday morning, I was out taking photos of our backyard.

IMG_0651Incredible morning light softens the blue Forget-me-not's, roses and lilac tree.

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IMG_0643IMG_0644   Bird baths and more bird baths.......

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IMG_0650It is hard to see the dark burgundy leaves of the Elderberry bush behind the Azaleas.....but when that grows enough to provide a background for the pink and the orange....it will be smashing, I think!

IMG_0653Our backyard is wide but not very deep.....but, lucky us, we have the borrowed view of a city park beyond our backyard!  I love this time of year when the grass is green and the flowers are blooming......LOVE IT!

Great week of dry weather and weed pulling with a little walk thrown in!

Come visit some more wonderful gardens at Jean's Bloomin Tuesday

and Outdoor and Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

It's Wednesday, must be WOYWWW!

 

I've missed a few Wednesdays, mainly because I haven't been spending much time at my workdesk.

I finished my portion of an altered book and sent it off to one of my Round Robin art partners and should be receiving my first book tomorrow or the next day.  Looking forward to seeing the other artists work up close and personal!  So, I guess, I've been between projects and lazy, until I received a very special invitation........

IMG_0634to submit some photos of my jewelry for possible acceptance into a lovely, local gallery.   I have a few pieces made up but I need to get busy and make some more pieces. 

So,that's what's on my desk....bits and pieces that I am  browsing through and I'm starting to play with putting things together.....which is the fun, creative part.

Here are a couple pieces I hope will be accepted.

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 IMG_0623It's amazing what fun stuff can be created with a few vintage pieces, some glue and jump rings.

Come with me to visit the workdesk of some really talented folks at  Julia's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

If this is spring, what is summer going to be!

Mercy, mercy......it's raining AGAIN!  Considering the weather in other parts of the country, I do feel guilty complaining, but I'm doing it any way.  I'm sorry, I just cannot get inspired to work in the garden when it is so wet and soggy....and it's spring.....I want to work in the garden and be inspired!

We have had only three days, since January 1 of this year, where the temperature has been 70 degrees.....that just is NOT normal!  But. the few nice days we have had I've made some progress in weed removal and, fortunately, things are growing and blooming away....they must like rain!

IMG_0589This is our front yard with the neighbor's house in the background.  The crabapple tree is all pink and frothy....love it. 

IMG_0590The lime green plants on the left are Barberry, the bright pink ones are Peach Flambe Heuchera and Blue Oat Grass grows between them.

IMG_0593A beautiful branch of Crabapple blooms.

IMG_0594 I love the wonderful colors of Heuchera........many of which have been developed here in Oregon by Dan Hines from Terra Nova Nurseries.  Commonly called Coral Bells, these plants are grown primarily for their gorgeous leaf color,  altho' they do flower. 

And, wouldn't you know....there are rain puddles on the leaf!

I'm linking to An Oregon Cottage's Tuesday Garden Party.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Perfect Day.....

 

You know how some days can be near perfect......well, today was just that for hubby and me.

Earlier this week, I had made plans with a friend to go see an altered book show. Unfortunately, she became very ill yesterday and was not able to go.  So, dear hubby volunteered to tag along.....secretly he likes to go but he has to play a little coy, ya' know how that is!

Off we went to Sherwood, one of those little towns that use to be in the country, but now is a suburb of Portland.  It is very family friendly place with a small town feel.

The Sherwood Arts group sponsored it's first annual Altered Book Silent Auction and show in the town's public library, proceeds from the sale will be divided between the two organizations.  I was anxious to see the work these artist had created and I was not disappointed.

Here are a few of the fun pieces in the show.......

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Note the cute purse in the background made from a book cover. 

Love the Jell-O book.......here's a couple more photos.

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As you can see, books can be altered, folded, glued, painted and repurposed into great tabletop art or a fashion accessory!

My photos do not begin to do justice to the work, they are so much better when you can see them up close and personal. 

 

 

 

 

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That's what was going on inside the library......here's what was going on outside.....Sherwood's Farmer's Market!

IMG_0616Puppy dogs, welcome!

IMG_0617Yummy, fresh produce.........

IMG_0618buckets of bouquets of beautiful flowers for sale.......

IMG_0620  wineries, quality crafts and great food every Saturday, from now until September.

Our trip to downtown Sherwood included a visit to Odgepodge, an artist run gallery........seems I got sidetracked looking and visiting and I forgot to take pictures, darn.

Then we were off to Sleighbells, the most incredible all holiday decorating shop located in an old, remodeled barn.  This shop has the most amazing collection of Christmas decor for sale I've ever seen!

Our granddaughter and her friends rent their large workroom and get together to scrapbook, sew or work on the craft of their choosing.

IMG_0621IMG_0622They are there from nine in the morning until midnight with lunch and dinner provided.  The ladies come and go, as their schedules allow, and enjoy a fun day out with their crafty friends!

From there we went to Newberg to visit a bookstore, had lunch and visited another gallery......where the owner noticed the necklace I created, and was wearing, and ask me to submit photos for consideration for showing/selling.  Woo Hoo!

That is my idea of a PERFECT DAY!  

Even tho' I'm a late, I joined the Linky Party at http://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/ come see what the other party goers are up to!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

If this is spring, what is summer going to be!

Mercy, mercy......it's raining AGAIN!  Considering the weather in other parts of the country, I do feel guilty complaining, but I'm doing it any way.  I'm sorry, I just cannot get inspired to work in the garden when it is so wet and soggy....and it's spring.....I want to work in the garden and be inspired!

We have had only three days, since January 1 of this year, where the temperature has been 70 degrees.....that just is NOT normal!  But. the few nice days we have had I've made some progress in weed removal and, fortunately, things are growing and blooming away....they must like rain!

IMG_0589This is our front yard with the neighbor's house in the background.  The crabapple tree is all pink and frothy....love it. 

IMG_0590The lime green plants on the left are Barberry, the bright pink ones are Peach Flambe Heuchera and Blue Oat Grass grows between them.

IMG_0593A beautiful branch of Crabapple blooms.

IMG_0594 I love the wonderful colors of Heuchera........many of which have been developed here in Oregon by Dan Hines from Terra Nova Nurseries.  Commonly called Coral Bells, these plants are grown primarily for their gorgeous leaf color,  altho' they do flower. 

And, wouldn't you know....there are rain puddles on the leaf!