Zena Church

On our way out to the vineyard yesterday, we passed by a small church on the hill. After the tree ceremony, we drove back to take a closer look.

The Zena church was built 1859 and was named after two sisters. Local folklore claims that the church and it's grounds are haunted, partly because the doors open to the west instead or the east, the sunrise.

I have a couple of photographers that I follow on the Internet. One in particular, Trey Ratcliff, had this beautiful photo of a cemetary, and I have been on the lookout ever since.

Happy Memorial Day.

Celebrating a tree

We were invited to a tree celebration on Saturday at one of the valley vineyards, Witness Tree Vineyard. We headed out, not really knowing what we were attending.


Nearly 200 wineries call the Willamette Valley their home. Since I'm not a wine drinker, a grape is a grape, but apparently Oregon is famous for it's Pinot Noir.


The oak tree was used as a survey marker. Original markings in the tree trunk dated back to July 8, 1854 indicating a boundary for donation land claim No. 51.


The vineyard was named after the ancient white oak that looks over the vineyard from the top of the hill. It's circumference is 4 ft. at the base, standing 85 ft. tall and is approximately 200 years old.


Ditches beside the vineyard were lined with California poppies and


and numerous other wild flowers.


When we first arrived, the skies were blue. True to Oregon though, it quickly became overcast.

Oregon established the Heritage Tree Program in 1995. Trees are designated as significant because of their importance in national, state or regional history.

The Witness Tree was the 51st tree to be designated as a Heritage Tree.

Happy Birthday Danny Bleu

Why Mr. Bleu Hoo, looks like today is your day.


I'm pretty sure I know what all good girl and boy greyhounds do in the month of March. You're our 8th birthday celebration this month.


But, today is your day. And we shall celebrate bleu, all day long.


Happy 9th birthday Danny Bleu.

Yahooooo!

Today is the first day of a four-day week-end.


There will be time for some work, lots of time to play.


And perhaps a happy nappy or two.

When have we had too much rain?

It is either when the greyhounds have started to look like ducks or the ducks have confused our yard for the duck pond.

I took this picture in our yard, you be the judge.

Never fear, I ushered them to safety.

Phew

Eyes are better tonight, all of the blood tests came back normal. We will switch eye drops tomorrow and see if we can get things all the way back to normal.

The weekly challenge

This week it's Danny. Saturday we took him in to the see the vet, something is going on with his eyes.

We'll be there once again first thing Monday morning. I anticipate a trip to the opthamologist.

Wow

In our search to get out of the rain Saturday, we discovered an unknown treasure to us, a live butterfly exhibit about 23 miles from home.


We entered the building and were dazzled by 100s of beautiful butterflies. Then, we promptly saw nothing as our glasses and my camera lens fogged over. The couple who built their dream assured us the fogging would not last forever.


We wandered around for awhile, waiting for the de-fogging.


To say the least, the butterflies were not the easiest targets, but I couldn't help myself. I kept snapping away hoping that I would have something to remember the adventure by.


I was surprised and a little saddened to find out that the lifespan of a butterfly is only 4-10 days. How could I not bond with these delightful creatures as they danced about my head, landed on my shoulders and graced the flowers they landed upon.


Our hidden treasure is called Wings of Wonder and it is just outside of Independence.


To say the least, I can hardly wait to go back. Capturing the beauty through the lens is going to take a lot of practice.

The Duck Pond

We live about a block from the Clagget Creek Wetlands. For the last two Saturdays we've taken care of the dogs and been there for sunrise. Two weeks ago a momma and her babies stayed close to shore, just for my entertainment.


The babies didn't seem to mind having me close by with my camera.


They all just went about business as usual.


A pair of geese flew in about 30 minutes after sunrise.


At first, they appeared less than happy that I was there. This guy became brave enough and he wandered up so close, he was almost to close for me to focus.


Next to greyhounds, I probably love geese and ducks the most.

What's that Crystal?

Is there something to day you need to tell us? What's that? It's your birthday?

Do you have any plans?


Playing with toys is always a good thing.


A race or two should be in order.


Ah yes, rolling in the fresh grass, a very good idea.


Happy 7th birthday little one. Here's hoping for many, many more.

Cilvil War Re-enactment—The Battle

Here are a few scenes after the battle ended.

Cilvil War Re-enactment—The Battle

Twice daily during the re-enactment week-end they have a battle. The guns are loaded with black powder.


Each side lined up on the field, not having anything for cover.


The bugle actually helps direct the action down the field.


As did the drummer boys.


During the first stage of the battle, the north advanced. But from out of the wood work, the confederate army began to push back.

I asked if they knew who would die on the field during the battle. They don't know. They die in battle when they make eye-contact with the other side and there is no powder in the gun.


The north retreated as the confederate army advanced.


But not without firing off a few more rounds.


We didn't stick around to see who won the next battle.


I have one more batch of pics to post from this re-enactment.