Good Morning!

The view from my deck this morning. 

Tomato Pincushions

Playing with my new camera.

The texture of the fabric shows in this close-up.

A full basket of tomato pincushions.

Great Things He Has Done

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

The Marina

Another beautiful winter day at the beach.

On a sadder note, moles have reappeared.  This causes considerable torment for the head beach house gardener, my husband.

Winter Textures

This is a late entry.  No internet service last night.  I was very disappointed as I had wanted to post every day in 2012.  Does this count?

I am having great fun playing with my new Canon Elph 310. 

Off We Go

A few days at the beach sounds really nice right about now. 

What was Noah Thinking?

We have had 10.84 inches of rain so far this month.  I wonder what Noah was thinking as he witnessed 40 days and nights of rain.

Where the animals watching patiently?

Serious Planning

.

Some serious travel planning going on at our house.  Reykavik, Edinburgh and York.  So excited!

Snowdrops

Galanthus nivalis

I love Snowdrops.  Can't wait for their appearance (these are from last year). 

As the Deer Panteth

Mule Deer, Olympic National Park, Washington

As the deer panteth for the water,

So my soul longeth after thee.

You alone are my hearts desire,

And I long to worship thee.

Calm After the Storm

A view from the deck.  Finally, sunshine is peaking through the clouds.  The mission conference was challenging and educational.  We would like to return, next year.

Landslide

Landslide in our old neighborhood.  This is the only road in or out, so if it is blocked the residents are trapped. 

After the Storm

Water, water everywhere.

A few trees came down.

Sweet gum leaves scattered on the bike path.

Minor Flooding

A torrent of rain water is flowing down our street.  Minor flooding is occurring in lowland  areas and heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow.    Glad we live on a hill! 

Soggy Walk

The rain is melting the snow and making for a very soggy walk.  I am soaked to my knees and my shoes are squishy. 

A Dusting of Snow

Just a dusting of snow overnight. Too icy to walk this morning and snowing this afternoon, so no walk today.

It hasn't cracked, yet.

Love the sedum.  It has nice color all winter.

Planted by Instruction

Enclosed from the waste,

walled around by grace,

planted by instruction,
visited by love,
weeded by heavenly discipline,
and guarded by divine power,
one's favoured soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.

Charles  Spurgeon

They're Still Blooming!

At the beach, geraniums are blooming.  Back in the valley snow is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. 

High Surf

At  the beach house today.  High surf, warm (for winter) temperature.

Moderate beach erosion, so far.

Beautiful Sunrise

Cold Morning Views

A flock of starlings on the lawn.

Droopy rhododendron leaves.

Weird bottle brush looking Euphorbia.

Surprise Under the Leaves

A Sedum 'Autumn Joy' was hiding under the leaves.  Spring is not far away!

A Foggy Day

This foggy day makes the brilliant green moss almost glow. 

Great is Your Faithfulness

Abkhazi Gardens, Victoria B.C.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end,
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Your faithfulness, 0 Lord
Great is Your faithfulness

Flowers

Pretty flowers decorating a memorial service at church today.   

Oatmeal Crunchies

Going through my mom's old recipes and found this one for Oatmeal Crunchies.

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 & 1/4 cup quick oats

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Mix margarine, sugars, egg and vanilla until creamy.  Mix in dry ingredients.  Chill.  Form into small balls and dip tops in sugar.  Bake 12-14 minutes at 350.  Makes 30-36. 



Yum!

Enjoying the Sunshine

.

Enjoyed my daily walk in the sunshine.  This little Junco appears to be enjoying the sunshine, too.

                               

.

Animal Neighbors

My 2.4 mile daily walk turned into 3.8 miles.  Saw a llama, goats, chickens and cows. 

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis has a nice crop of cones this year.  I will be collecting these for craft projects.  Another sunny day in the mid 50's.  Yard waste can is full, so final tidy-up in the yard will have to wait. 

Carrots for Dinner?

Yaya variety from Territorial Seed.  Very sweet and crisp.  Planted in a stock tank in August.  I'm back in the valley today, enjoying the mild 50 degree weather.

New Years Greenery

 Red stems on Gaultheria shallon are a cheerful addition to the coastal landscape.  It's in the mid 50's and sunny at our beach house.  Great day for a tidy-up in the yard.