tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70283635685698559022012-02-16T18:35:42.417-08:00Pilgrim, Saved By Grace - wife - mother - sister - friend - occasional writer - quilter - knitter - gardener - voracious readerRidgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.comBlogger1911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-50077708248853253542011-12-24T10:53:00.000-08:002011-12-24T10:53:39.157-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-35355957638906384512011-12-17T12:02:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:02:53.051-08:00

Last night was our church's first (and perhaps annual) chilli cookoff and white elephant gift exchange..... We arrived early to help set up, by the end of the evening there were 40 gifts under this tree!  .  Tables were decorated festively....  And 10 different types of cornbread appeared, as well as.....  17 kinds of chilli.....  Tables filled with friends, old....  older and....  young....  

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-25787053318115224402011-11-17T08:57:00.000-08:002011-11-17T08:57:06.068-08:00

Keeping my weight at a healthy level is a constant battle for me.  I have the metabolism of a sloth, further exacerbated by an accumulation of years added onto my birthdays.  Periodically I have to take drastic measures, cutting out all carbs and eating only protein and vegies for a short period of time.  I am so glad that Congress has broadened my choices of food items that constitute "vegetable

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-70622422221577017522011-11-12T16:58:00.000-08:002011-11-12T17:08:44.329-08:00

My heroes are not your garden variety.  I'm not impressed by actors or sports figures or great minds.  All of these gifts are God-given and it's admirable that they are put to use, but their origins were not up to the recipients.  My heroes are those who "run the race with endurance, fixing their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith".  Yesterday I attended the memorial service

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-45022066779736170812011-09-24T07:34:00.000-07:002011-09-26T08:22:20.025-07:00

IN MEMORIUM Isabel (Liz) Perkinson HoytAugust 20, 1953 - September 22, 2011 "...and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall  no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain..."Revelation 21:4

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-58143958085738251702011-08-19T17:52:00.000-07:002011-08-19T17:52:28.496-07:00

I'm way behind on posts!  It's been a busy week.  Last weekend we had a surprise visit from the newlyweds!  Josh had business in Seattle, so they came and spent the weekend with us!  On Sunday, our women's Sunday school class had a potluck.  We have such a great class, a wonderful combination of women, it's  a real blessing.  We have great discussions and truly enjoy each other's company.  We

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-67522290101620050792011-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:002011-08-02T17:47:07.346-07:00

Summer for Wally is not so relaxing!  The company he works for (School Specialities, Inc.) publishes products primarily for schools, just like the name says!  So for this company, summer is high gear/no holds barred and they work, a lot.  For Wally this means long days and usually 6 of them in a row.  But..every once in awhile, grace abounds and he is off early enough in the day for us to escape

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15930471572884025172011-07-25T10:32:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:32:35.913-07:00

The sun was out (after a two-week absence!) and Groupon provided us with an opportunity for a road trip, so we headed up to Mintner Gardens in Rosedale, BC.  We were surprised by how uncrowded it was on such a glorious day and we took full advantage of the quiet and the calm to re-energize.  Here's just a glimpse of the beauty that filled our senses to overflowing!  I want this to be my summer

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-91834896475322519452011-07-15T14:20:00.000-07:002011-07-15T14:20:23.782-07:00

Our resident chickadees successfully raised 4 younguns in April.  I noticed activity around the birdhouse again a few weeks ago, and lo and behold, they are raising yet another family.  I think there are three little ones this time.  I can see this house from my kitchen window and I never tire of watching them take such good care of their brood.  They work non-stop from first light until sunset

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-17331969291591025232011-06-20T08:35:00.000-07:002011-06-20T08:35:17.767-07:00

Saturday night was the rehersal dinner.  We had wonderful food at Nicolas in downtown Portland and then headed home.  It was about 10:00 pm and we still had many tasks to finish before wedding day on Sunday.  Josh decided to avoid traffic on I-5 and took a different route that brought us to a bridge crossing.  We almost made it to the entrance when we were stopped by a police brigade.  We were

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-77034790724081323352011-06-18T09:34:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:34:41.903-07:00

It's raining today, we are hoping this is  the end of it.  Yesterday was sunny and warm, tomorrow......we shall see!  I can't believe how much we have accomplished in just two days.  The list of things that had to be made by hand seemed overwhelming, but between us we accomplished them all:  made 7 picnic blankets, cut out and prepared table runners and table toppers, cut and glued sooooooooooo

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-62175277371999366662011-06-17T08:56:00.000-07:002011-06-17T08:56:58.765-07:00

This sweatshop has no union, bad wages but great benefits!  We are actually accomplishing many of the multitude of tasks left to finish before Sunday! And we still managed to make to the rehersal.  The guys had a great time "praticing" their arrival in the canoes!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-84851233084775831032011-06-16T10:24:00.000-07:002011-06-16T10:24:47.854-07:00

This is the scene in Tigard, OR, this morning.  We have 4 days to cut, sew, paste, tie, clean, organize and put togther this...and more....by Sunday 2 pm.  Much prayer is needed; much sleep will not happen! 

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-24403834712294800892011-06-05T22:08:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:40:04.317-07:00

The paper told us on Saturday morning that in Whatcom County we had gone for a total of 249 consecutive days with the temperature never reaching 70 degrees.  Add to this lack of heat a perpetually grey sky and fairly consistent rain, and you can understand why people went a little crazy this weekend.  We surpassed 70 by several degrees and the sky was bright blue and cloud free.  It was glorious

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-18382831655421643042011-05-31T12:37:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:37:42.121-07:00

We were delighted to see that our fledgling chickadees chose the holiday (while we were home to observe) to spread their wings!  We noticed heads peeking out of the birdhouse early in the morning and by early afternoon they began launching themselves one by one...4 in total made it safely to nearby bushes and trees and I was able to keep the neighbor's cat at bay.  I feel just like a proud gramma

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-62426947551163264922011-05-23T10:13:00.000-07:002011-05-23T10:13:22.316-07:00

One of our favorite yearly events in B'ham is the Welding Rodeo at the technical college.  No horses, cows, or cowboys involved, however.  It's a sculpture competition that takes place over two days.  http://weldingrodeo.btc.ctc.edu/ Saturday is the competion between the professional teams who come from far and wide, one team from Denmark competes every year!  I am always amazed at what these

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-18853895720105139262011-05-17T11:09:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:13:04.998-07:00

Bridal Showers!  I made a quick trip to Portland on Saturday so I could be a guest at Jessi's bridal shower which was hosted by her cadre of wonderful friends.  They did such a great job of decorating and hosting, it was a perfect event suited to Jessi.  The food was scrumptious:  homemade crumpets with an assortment of toppings, a chickpea and chicken salad with pesto dressing and homemade

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15654396046268948872011-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:002011-05-06T08:57:53.243-07:00

Once a year the whole Whitaker clan gets together to celebrate birthdays enmasse.  This year we rented the cabana at Kris' condo and had a great afternoon enjoying the one day of sun that we have had in the past 8 weeks...not that I'm whining or anything.  After enjoying the sun on the patio for a bit we chowed down on the plethora of enticing items to choose from:  spaghetti, ribs, chicken,

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-66081378565572451352011-04-28T11:19:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:23:06.276-07:00

Photo from Mason Dixon Knitting blog--double click to "embiggen"....

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-48963747870533297892011-04-25T10:02:00.000-07:002011-04-25T10:02:01.014-07:00

It seems fitting that the sun finally came out for at least a day on Saturday and provided us with an opportunity to travel south to the Skagit Valley to view the tulip farms in abundance there.  Easter Sunday was but a day away and our hearts eagerly awaited the opportunity to rejoice in the remembrance of all that was accomplished on that day:  victory over death and life everlasting in the

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-50301428538974920112011-04-14T08:16:00.000-07:002011-04-14T08:16:36.508-07:00

This was the scene out my front door this morning!  It's April 14th for pete's sake!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-33085990478196765152011-04-13T08:32:00.000-07:002011-04-13T08:32:08.749-07:00

Friday we decided to explore the area along the Columbia River.  We started at Jantzen Beach, home of the famous swimwear.  There is, however, no "beach" at Jantzen Beach.  But there are lots and lots of houseboats.  The Columbia River has many small islands between Portland and Vancouver and many, many folks have chosen these spots as their residences.   Some folks chose to be landbound, but

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-32571764800446643282011-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:002011-04-11T11:22:18.072-07:00

Where did the past week go?  We were so busy and late getting to bed, that I haven't had a chance to post the rest of our adventures.  I'll do it a day at a time this week.  Where did I leave off?  I think last Wednesday was the last post. Thursday Jessi was busy all day in Portland, so Wally and I took off for the day and explored the parks on top of the many hills that surround Portland. 

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15112858265664900082011-04-06T23:08:00.000-07:002011-04-06T23:08:40.386-07:00

We left DesMoines Monday afternoon and headed south.  We stopped in Centralia just to get a quick snack at Burgerville (rosemary fries...that's what I'm talkin' 'bout) and happened upon an amazing sight  Here's the scoop: Richard Tracy, a retired art instructor, began his venture in 1985 by building sculptures out of styrofoam. Today his pieces of yard art are made from a variety of plastics,

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-10671731378203178222011-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:002011-04-04T20:51:10.638-07:00

The high school where I work is on spring break this week and for the first time in 5+ years my husband also has the time off.  So, we are travelling down to the Portland area to visit our daughter....together!  We decided to make the drive in stages and stopped at Wayne's place just south of Seattle.  Wayne is Wally's Dad who moved west of the Cascades about 5 years ago after his wife passed

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-76935938813392646332011-03-26T09:32:00.000-07:002011-03-26T09:32:12.131-07:00

Last Saturday offered us the first real glimpse of the promise of spring.  The sun was out and it was warm enough to haul out the patio chair and to sit in the beam of yellow that spread across the deck.  My intention was to read a bit, but I happened to glance down at the small planter full of succulents that are beginning to awaken from plant hibernation.  Crawling across the top of the

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-69008457985902128862011-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:002011-03-14T09:16:55.570-07:00

This past week has inundated us with life-changing events.  No less then five of our relatives, or relatives of close friends, have passed away.  While we rejoice in the knowledge that they are enjoying eternity in the presence of the Lord they have faithfully followed and served throughout their lives, we also reel a bit with the changes that come with their passing.  But the circle of life is

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-13810050704623320532011-02-27T14:10:00.000-08:002011-02-27T14:10:14.123-08:00

This would be hysterical, if it weren't so true..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6omu01EDo

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-67198092167264897002011-02-24T13:22:00.000-08:002011-02-24T13:24:29.616-08:00

There is a lovely little patio off of the faculty staff room at the high school where I work.  In the summer, we often vie for seating out there in the one corner where the sun shines...once it gets high enough in the sky to peak over the walls.  Even though the sun is out today, it is bitterly cold (the low tonight is expected to be 13, and that's without the 30 mph winds from the north that

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-6126525299180546852011-01-14T16:33:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:33:50.660-08:00

High temperature on Monday, January 10th = 33 and this is the scene in the front yard High temperature on Friday, January 14th = 55 and this is the scene in the backyard! 

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-57744512323178124742011-01-09T19:48:00.000-08:002011-01-09T19:48:37.636-08:00

We had snow last night--wet, heavy snow that coated EVERYTHING and made the dogwoods look like they were in bloom.  It's unusual for us to get snow without wind, so the world looked quite magical this morning.  And the snow was capricious, only falling in Bellingham and just a few miles south...also unusual.  It's usually the north county that is hit hard by deep snow and blowing winds.  And...

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-1305459023733352242011-01-07T19:09:00.000-08:002011-01-07T19:09:04.750-08:00

My newest favorite read is BLIND YOUR PONIES by Stanley Gordon West.  According to the blurb on the back cover, Mr. West has sold his books "single-handedly from bookstore to bookstore!"  I'm only a fourth of the way through his current book, and I'm already a fan.  There is nothing "new or culturally relevant" in this book, just the time-worn struggle of individuals forging their paths through

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-83748709214221497242010-12-26T17:12:00.000-08:002010-12-27T07:35:19.134-08:00

It was such a treat to have Jessi and Josh here this Christmas.  The house sure seems empty and quiet now that they have left to head back to Portland.  :( The Love Birds, being shy Josh wanted the Star Wars Cookbook II, who knew there was such a thing.  The fella at the bookstore sure got a kick out of it, he'd never heard of it either!  Pre-Craziness Jessi made to-die-for apple/

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-26145400471744313462010-12-23T09:28:00.000-08:002010-12-23T09:28:36.337-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Vallette St. now that I'm home and can put some time and effort into it.  The Bearded One is off also, so he's been busy helping with lights and cookies.  All the inside decorations are finished and it looks so warm and cheerful, it's a delight to settle down at night with a cup of tea and Christmas music on the stero.  I use this month of December

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-17948446738047247452010-12-23T09:26:00.001-08:002010-12-23T09:26:19.800-08:00

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-10531988672225322732010-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:002010-12-16T09:19:31.440-08:00

I think I've whined enough about my job over the past few years.  Yes, it's not what it used to be; yes, it's a difficult staff; yes, it's tedious at times....but, then there are those moments that stop me in my tracks and cause me to remember it's not about me!  This was one of them!  Timmy is one of our lifeskills students and a regular "customer".  I consider this my Christmas present this

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-64845419710257103262010-12-13T11:31:00.000-08:002010-12-13T11:31:09.127-08:00

I've been tagged again and I haven't done one of these in a long, long time.  What better way to waste an afternoon!  Feel free to copy and paste and send it back to me! 1. What time did you get up this morning?  Awake at 4 am, up at 4:30 am 2. How do you like your steak? Medium rare. 3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?  "Avatar" 4. What is your favorite TV show? Probably Bones

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-24517836657452238582010-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:002010-12-07T09:22:07.474-08:00

For years and years our family has made Lynden Choral Society's presentation of Handel's "Messiah" a part of our Christmas traditions.  This piece of music never fails to move me to tears with its combination of scripture and musical brilliance.  And I love the story behind its composition.  Ben Witherington says this on his blog: "The story of the composition of this most famous of all Christian

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-40661634494010935142010-11-26T07:05:00.000-08:002010-11-26T07:05:22.163-08:00

The weather this past week has been wild.  First the snow, then the Arctic Blastand fierce winds that have kept the temperatures in the 20's and teens.  I love snow....when I don't have to drive to work in it at 6:45 am. when there is no way to get to my work place without having to navigate several steep hills, some of which have traffic lights strategically placed in the middle of them...such

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-57731314800576931522010-11-01T10:27:00.000-07:002010-11-02T08:25:09.676-07:00

It's been five long weeks since I've had any time to myself.  Between work at school, Saturdays at Stoney Ridge and church, Sunday school and small group on Sundays, I've just been a blur as I have moved from one commitment to another.  Yesterday I had a blissful 3 whole hours to myself.  I lit all my collected lanterns, made a cup of Murchies No. 10 blend, finished reading Elizabeth Goudge's

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-48006549601223414562010-10-16T21:33:00.000-07:002010-10-16T21:33:20.500-07:00

It was the busiest day ever at Stoney Ridge today.  We're guestimating about 8,000 people.  There were 900 hotdogs solds, 121 pies eaten and untold numbers of pumpkins, squash and apples that were carted out to cars.  We had a non-stop line at the gate from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm when it finally slowed down enough for us to drink some water and eat a hot dog!  It was a beautiful day and everyone

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-69948458974053303332010-10-15T09:41:00.000-07:002010-10-15T09:41:18.380-07:00

There are those who still consider books to be the treasures that they are, as so eloquently stated by Lanier in her most recent post!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-71672870699318721802010-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:002010-10-13T12:28:35.609-07:00

"The profession I chose...belongs to the past except in the minds of those who truly loved it and mourn its tragic demise. Even the educational path upon which it is based has become all but unrecognizable. What was once called library science now has a trend-driven hocus-pocus name, something like 'informational studies.' A library that is respectably up to date is no longer a temple dedicated

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-3398600889328403742010-10-09T08:05:00.001-07:002010-10-09T08:12:20.802-07:00

Or later that same day.....the perpetrator returns to the scene of the crime!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15002844336085528842010-10-08T10:46:00.001-07:002010-10-08T10:54:52.375-07:00

Remember the monthly article in "Reader's Digest" called Drama In Real Life? I used to read it religiously, actually not such a great idea as it only added fuel to my already overactive "what if" imagination.In that vein, I walked out into the garage this morning to fetch something and as I walked past the window over my washing machine and dryer, I noticed this huge spider neatly wrapped up in

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-45091452948548166442010-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:002010-10-06T11:06:36.119-07:00

I'm always amazed at how creative these kids can be! This year's theme is different kinds of cereals. Each class (fresh., soph., jrs., srs.) is assigned a wall to decorate and then they are judged. Which one do you chose?

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-68922052595967979032010-10-04T14:49:00.000-07:002010-10-04T15:02:16.752-07:00

But I forgot to post anything about it! Odd since it was the most exciting thing that happened to me all summer. Wally and I made our way through the fair to the Wool Show where I had entered 6 items only to discover that I had won a Best of Class ribbon for my felted nesting bowls! I was flabbergasted, not to mention thrilled. I've been an underachiever my whole life, so this was a first! :

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-30539326745272171912010-09-27T12:23:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:29:50.866-07:00

I got back late Sunday night from a wonderful 3-day weekend with Jessi. She invited me to attend the Selah Women's Conference at George Fox Univ. on Saturday, so I took a personal day on Friday and rode the rails to Portland, arriving mid-afternoon. We managed to "tour Europe" by stopping and nibbling chocolate and gelato as we window-shopped and checked out some of the chic restaurants and cafes

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-78205274999836210442010-08-25T15:10:00.001-07:002010-08-25T15:47:37.953-07:00

The Story Behind the Minature Rose A few years ago a young woman(whom I'll call Sue) providentially crossed my path at the high school where I work. She is an exceptionally bright young woman who faces daunting hardships in her personal life. She is the daughter of a dysfunctional woman who is her birth mother. In reality Sue is the actual "Mom" in this household. She is the one who holds

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-33240898272457085282010-08-20T15:43:00.001-07:002010-08-20T15:45:03.915-07:00

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-88558671689048615042010-08-18T09:21:00.001-07:002010-08-18T09:30:59.952-07:00

Another hot day in B'ham, another trip to Marine Park for our picnic dinner. These folks were playing kayak basketball, and working HARD. They were paddling and maneuvering for at least an hour and a half. Hoping we'd drop some of our dinner!Saturn!???

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-62370949882414889072010-08-16T15:28:00.001-07:002010-08-17T08:42:36.228-07:00

The only way to beat the heat in Bellingham when the temps nude into the 90's is to head for the water. So we did! Photos from the everchanging pallete of twililght at Marine Park:

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15175236139633515352010-08-15T16:37:00.000-07:002010-08-15T17:34:20.139-07:00

DISCLAIMER: This post contains no photographs, only word pictures!I can't seem to remember to take my camera with me when I leave the house. On the few times I have remembered, I've seen nothing terribly photo-worthy. But you can be sure if I don't have it with me, extraordinary things will await us wherever we go, and yesterday was no exception to this pattern.We started our day off with a fine

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-33864567784149587282010-08-04T13:25:00.000-07:002010-08-04T13:31:51.186-07:00

Since work schedules and economic realities preclude "vacations", as such, for the Hoyt-Whitakers, this is where I "vacation" in the summer!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-90271506760287665932010-07-24T08:19:00.000-07:002010-07-24T08:45:27.550-07:00

Wally and Winnie My brother's family takes an annul summer vacation together every year. What a great tradition! This year they are heading for the Washington coast. Although I couldn't make it this year, we did manage to get down to Seattle to say "hi" the the whole crew before they take off today. McCartney LiuFinn, Isaac and McCartneyRob (Finn and Isaac's Dad) and Finn and IsaacSam (Isaac

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-27020205762843411172010-07-18T21:01:00.000-07:002010-07-18T21:06:01.850-07:00

Well, sort of...for Wally, not so much. He just worked a 6 day week, so today was his only day off. After worship, we came home, had lunch and then headed for a sunny spot by the bay. He made the best of his brief respite!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-61655990169573602782010-07-17T08:43:00.000-07:002010-07-17T09:19:41.138-07:00

If you know me well, you know that I harbor several "addictions" when it comes to collecting knick knacks. I've always been surprised by this side of myself, since I really can't abide "clutter". One would never guess this by looking at my living room which is FULL of "stuff" that has been lovingly given to me over the years. I don't think of it as clutter, though, I think of it as a gift store

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-41008233974445242872010-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:002010-07-15T08:50:14.273-07:00

We saw one of these last night perched at the top of a tree in Cornwall Park! This is a Western Tanager (photo from web). It's the first time we've ever seen one of these birds here. Their coloring is stunning!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-62339389241935619552010-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:002010-07-13T10:07:08.620-07:00

Summer arrived last week, briefly! The high on July 1st was 59, the low on July 9th was 60! The PNW is all about extremes! We did our best to enjoy the heat and sun. Jess was here for a visit (great timing, it was over 100 in Portland!) and we spent lots of time near water. Just sitting.....Or enjoying music in Elizabeth Park during their weekly free concernts.....Or swimming at Semiahmoo....

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-50372909195931810822010-04-19T14:26:00.001-07:002010-04-20T07:52:26.258-07:00

It's street fair time again! We spent Saturday perusing the streets of Mt. Vernon during their annual Tulip Festival street fair. Booths stretch the length of about 6 city blocks and are filled with every imaginable form of "art" or "craft". But I think I had more fun watching the people. The new generation of Republicans! :) This woman is truly an artist. Her face paintings were spectacular. I

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-15006219969911641412010-04-15T08:49:00.001-07:002010-04-16T09:54:40.490-07:00

Wow, has it really been a month since I've written anything here? This is a very good indication of how uninteresting my life is...work, eat, sleep, repeat. That pretty much sums it up. But....spring has finally arrived and the Bearded One and I are venturing forth once again. One of our favorite "haunts" is Anacortes. It's not too far away and it's a beautiful drive down through the Skagit

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-51373590488133866472010-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:09:33.076-07:00

She was sitting in the back row in the corner seat. It's a small church, so newcomers are easily recognizable. She's an African American with very dark skin. I feel inexplicably drawn to her and I want to go introduce myself, but she is in a deep discussion with her seatmate. After the opening hymns we were urged to "meet and greet" and I took the opportunity to turn and catch her eye and I made

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-7077493625186800702010-03-08T10:34:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:10:40.515-08:00

Further adventures of a winter's pastime.... Jeanne sweater pattern from Debbie Bliss' Winter Essentialsknitted with Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed85% Wool, 15: AngoraThe picture doesn't do it justice, it's a beautiful heather green Last year for my birthday Jessi gave me this beautiful hand painted yarn from Shaefer, it's 60% merino wool superwash, 25% mohair and 15% nylon. It was a huge

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-7429206875282077682010-03-05T13:55:00.001-08:002010-03-05T13:56:51.537-08:00

Table runners...finished and in progress.

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-89544687046775677162010-03-04T14:08:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:24:41.712-08:00

Day One: It's been a long winter. Don't get me wrong, the weather has been glorious, but the days are short in December, January and February and I chase away the blues that are always huddled outside the door of my mind space but creating things. It brings color into my world, allows me the satisfaction of "completing" something and gives me the tactile sensations I crave. I love using my

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-53053401864636827162010-03-03T11:45:00.001-08:002010-03-04T10:38:36.883-08:00

Garden of Gethsemane--stock photoEaster is on the horizon and our church family is “walking with Jesus” as He concludes His ministry here on Earth and prepares for His ultimate home at the right hand of His heavenly Father. This past Sunday’s sermon was spot on as our pastor preached from Matthew 26:36-56. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus is spending an interminably long night in prayer as His

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-83344164559128012992010-02-25T13:07:00.000-08:002010-02-25T13:13:05.368-08:00

We have been avid followers of this year's Winter Olympics taking place in Vancouver, BC. We are quite fond of this great city which is known for its natural beauty as well as for its cosmopolitan flavor. In the "olden days", when the Canadian dollar was at its lowest and we were able to take advantage of a very favorable exchange rate, we made frequent, sometimes weekly, visits to our northern

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-90646150371606561592010-02-16T13:36:00.001-08:002010-02-16T13:38:47.920-08:00

A true friend knows just when you need extra encouragement, even when she hasn't spoken to you for 4 days....she just knows when she walks by those flowers that "Ridgely needs these today." What a blessing friendship is.

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-38005401715484465472010-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:22:25.804-08:00

I've changed the background on my blog. Snowflakes no longer seem appropriate since the temperature in Bellingham has hovered around 50+ degrees for the past two months. My hellebores are in bloom and we've seen several flowering cherries around town that are in full bloom. The Indian Plum is out and Joe's Garden is tilling their fields. All systems are go for the onset of Spring.Other than

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-89016437782525620442010-01-07T08:13:00.001-08:002010-01-07T08:23:32.168-08:00

We went to see "Avatar" in 3D over Christmas break. We were absolutely entranced. Although the story is fairly predictable (Tinkerbell and Peter Pan join the Sierra Club, dance with wolves and take on George Patton) and despite the fact that there is some unsavory language in places, it was still a magical masterpiece. We were mildly concerned about the length, about 3 hours, but I don't

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-82813957206949736412010-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:002010-01-05T12:01:53.817-08:00

For a number of reasons, I wasn't able to blog much during the holidays, but now I have the time and the technology at my disposal, so here's the recap! The reason for the season! We've had this set ever since Jess was a toddler and she would set it up herself and "play" with them all season. This is our gingerbread cabin! It's 3 years old and still hanging in there. The dear woman who makes

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-19943832245043431482010-01-03T13:44:00.000-08:002010-01-03T13:47:53.067-08:00

And yes, Virginia, he does have a chin! Photo on the left is at age 2, photo on the right is age 17. Happy Birthday, Wally! You're cute as ever!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-30071405801922093782009-12-24T17:00:00.000-08:002009-12-24T17:15:02.427-08:00

...a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Tonight we will attend a candelight service in honor of His birth. It is through our Lord Jesus that we have restored fellowship with God, the assurance of eternal life and the reality of transformed hearts and

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-61364172011076691942009-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:002009-12-16T14:15:30.971-08:00

A Mouse! Our library TA made this candy for us. I can't bear to eat it, it's just too cute. It's made with a cherry (with stem/tail), a Hershey's kiss, almond slices and a single flake of coconut for the whiskers. So clever!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-45759290739423136362009-12-09T11:15:00.000-08:002009-12-09T11:49:39.446-08:00

I am wrestling this season, vacillating between panic and joy, all of which is self-imposed! There are cookies to bake for gifts and things to wrap and cards to write and mail. I am at work for 8 1/2 hours every day, have physical therapy appointments after work several days a week and a multitude of holiday events I want to share with The Bearded One. When, oh when, will these things get done?

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-75121227178537067682009-12-01T15:08:00.001-08:002009-12-02T13:30:47.766-08:00

God's Twinkle Lights

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-68099864351835230022009-11-30T10:18:00.001-08:002009-11-30T10:39:12.584-08:00

What a wonderful day we all had in Des Moines, WA, feasting and visiting and enjoying the blessings of family. Every year we rent the clubhouse that is part of Kris and Paul's condo complex and this year we had a passel of people attend. Somehow Traci and Ian managed to avoid the camera. Just wait till next year, you two! And Noelani (nurse) had to work....again! The very best centerpieces ever!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-31962283355140270482009-11-25T17:27:00.000-08:002009-11-25T17:51:24.522-08:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and although I had to work today, we were "set free" early today because of time we will have to put in later for the seniors' culminating projects. That's a whole other story. As I left school at high noon, I realized people were driving around town with their headlights on. It's amazing what passes for daylight in this latitude! Granted, it was overcast and

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-17300619311616984822009-11-23T13:12:00.001-08:002009-11-23T13:19:13.731-08:00

I have been hooked on felting projects this fall. I love felting, it's such a magical process. Generally your pre-felted project looks like a shapeless blob with no hint of its eventual outcome. It's amazing what a little hot water and agitation will do. Voila....felted pumpkins...just in time for Thanksgiving...and........nesting felted bowls! What does one do with nesting felted bowls? I

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-46040274334193043992009-11-16T10:21:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:07:56.078-08:00

I'm participating in Christina's ( from Soul Aperture) invitation to list some of the simple things in life that bring smiles to our faces. At the top of my list today is going to be the convenience of electricity! We started our day today in the dark at the high school where I work. We are in the midst of a powerful windstorm and the power to this side of town was out for 2 hours this morning.

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-83866502070193509092009-11-05T08:36:00.000-08:002009-11-05T11:29:58.354-08:00

It's very, very windy today. That in and of itself isn't so unusual, but the timing is unforunate since one of our 4 middle schools here in Bellingham caught fire about 1:00 am and is still burning. It started on the roof (where welders were working until late last night) but quickly spread to the top floor. The roof and other parts of the building have collapsed. Water from firehoses is seen

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-16517307690168672362009-10-30T10:33:00.000-07:002009-10-30T10:35:06.025-07:00

I've had several people email me and ask where I got the photo that appears at the top of my blog. I took it at Birch Bay State Park last spring...we were sitting at a picnic table and it suddently occured to me the table would make a great tripod for a pic in the diminishing light!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-71461452817407082242009-10-29T07:52:00.000-07:002009-10-29T07:54:23.832-07:00

Jessi and Josh came to visit this past weekend. Beau.....or vampire? Hmmm.....

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-9289485810381377812009-10-05T12:57:00.001-07:002009-10-05T13:11:22.421-07:00

If it's October, then it's Stoney Ridge Apple Farm time! Derek and Debbie own and operate this amazing family farm and every October they open their doors to the public, inviting families to come for a day of farm life and fall fun. This is our 2nd year of helping out with this great ministry. L to R: Ridge, Wally, Derek, Debbie This is a favorite spot for family photos. To the left is my

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-71672283066141784592009-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:002009-10-01T09:43:14.868-07:00

Prayer Availeth Much These are my two dear friends and sisters in the Lord, Jill and Cheryl. We work at the same high school. (Sherry: Cheryl is Tom Beaumont's sister....I worked here for 8 years before I figured that out!) We work in a difficult environment, it can be quite negative at times. Last year began on a dark and discouraging note. Communication between staff and administration

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-76437644126949162862009-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:002009-09-24T07:58:47.497-07:00

What better way to celebrate than to share Victor Borge's delightful punctuation performance....love that man!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-91695441275243265892009-09-21T08:13:00.000-07:002009-09-21T08:35:21.468-07:00

Saturday's around 3105 Vallette St. are leisurely. I'm an early riser, usually up by 7 am at the latest. Coffee is brewed, paper retrieved from the front lawn and my current book is placed within arm's reach. Later....much, much later....Wally greets the day! :) Usually I've already had my breakfast, but this Saturday I decided to whip up a recipe that I wanted to try from my newest favorite book

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-23031241970760515642009-09-17T08:56:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:02:34.316-07:00

You read a book of essays about "the good old days" and he's talking about the 70's....the 1970's that is!!!

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-45965053851775324902009-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:002009-09-14T12:03:17.180-07:00

Saturday was Whatcom County Farm Tour Day, a day set aside when the public could visit many of the small family farms in our area and learn about their operations. There were too many for us to visit them all, so we picked the ones that we were unfamiliar with. It was informative and fun...and there were samples of cheese, milk and ice cream. It was encouraging to see so many families dedicating

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-81392491700900150282009-09-11T21:53:00.000-07:002009-09-11T22:04:32.361-07:00

I have a sheep fetish. They please me on many levels: they are cute, their wool provides me with endless opportunites to create lovely and wearable objects and God picked them as a metaphor for His people. It's an apt metaphor, to be sure. Sheep are basically incapable of dealing with life without a shepherd. Get the drift? I have many, many photos, paintings and knick knacks that feed my fetish,

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-91904448879895089182009-09-05T08:42:00.000-07:002009-09-05T12:38:58.542-07:00

Blue morning glories have quickly become my favorite flower in my garden. Blue is such an unusual color in flowers and these beauties exemplify it. But it's not just their color that delights me, it's also the fact that they are a perfect spiritual metaphor!These flowers can only produce blossoms when grown in poor soil--they are completely dependent upon their vines and the sun to reach their

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-81005008186592290002009-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:002009-08-31T21:07:16.226-07:00

No, not Miles Davis!No, not ennui!It's a blue ribbon! I won a blue ribbon! My very first ever! Yes, I'm unabashedly tooting my own horn here, but you've got to appreciate the history. I've never been particularly good at using my hands: I received terrible marks in penmanship, never could type very fast, and generally have issues with anything that requires small motor coordination! For

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-8036472307414139962009-08-28T18:13:00.000-07:002009-08-28T18:37:46.047-07:00

Newest member of the family is Darcy, front and center!One of the great "mysteries" of life is the way that God weaves people into and out of our lives. How else can I explain that several years ago I met a woman that I attended the same private school with in 5th grade in Maryland? Her husband worked at the same company that mine did. Or try explaining how I met a woman who was dear friends

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-39581152863076818552009-08-20T16:10:00.000-07:002009-08-20T16:30:18.956-07:00

One of my favorite "chores" during summer break is hanging clothes on the line. This activity appeals to me on so many levels: it's meditative; I love being out in the crisp breeze in the early morning hours; wildlife seems undeterred by my presence (birds dip in the birdbath only 5' from me, raccoons trot through the yard on their way to the cherry tree) and no matter what chaos is going on

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-18805687589811405092009-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:002009-08-17T12:55:07.390-07:00

A group of women from our church gather monthly for sit and knit sessions. Usually I am not able to attend as I am yet to be a lady of retirement leisure, but this month I was invited to the English Tea event. We were to dress appropriately. I was in a quandary as I had a dress, but thought a hat would be just the perfect accompaniment; but, alas, I didn't have one. So I made a visit to the local

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-41036082165172868282009-08-14T10:24:00.000-07:002009-08-14T20:47:52.270-07:00

All this heat and rain have created some interesting sights in my container garden this summer. The sedums have bloomed some of which resemble something from a sci-fi movie! The baby Madrona tree that we purchased in June has grown 6 new leaves, in spite of the fact that the fellow we bought it from said they were very slow growing. Me thinks it likes where it's planted! And the beautiful blue

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-83113354499482330842009-08-10T14:19:00.000-07:002009-08-10T14:38:38.709-07:00

We have an abundance of wildlife passing through our neighborhood, despite the fact that we are in the "city". We live across the street from a wooded park which affords us with ample opportunities to enjoy animals that would seem unusual for an established neighborhood. We have a pair of Barred Owls who nest in the park every year; this year we had a pair of Coopers Hawks nest there and I spent

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-26535667258829569532009-07-29T15:36:00.000-07:002009-07-29T15:46:46.953-07:00

My devotion for today from MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by Oswald ChambersReading: John 11:40"Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith. Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-52420493043467552042009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:002009-07-27T08:27:12.813-07:00

In 2000 I applied for a job as assistant librarian at Sehome High School. Eileen Andersen was the librarian at that time and I had made arrangements to come a visit the library before I had my interview with the district, just to make sure I would be a good fit for this position. I was thrilled when I walked in and saw large numbers of kids working together on projects, using computers AND books

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028363568569855902.post-58984916644936312772009-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:002009-07-18T12:51:49.075-07:00

Leslie, Me and Daisy...she's a sweetie....Leslie is too! :)It's been more than 20 years since I first met Leslie Honcoop at the church both our families were then attending. She and her husband, Randy, were one of the very first to embark on the popular trend of growing raspberries on a large scale. Their farm is located in north Whatcom county, and I mean REALLY north--if you run and jump you

Ridgelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18192508434241247479noreply@blogger.com1