Bleu on blue

We've talked

Make the fireworks stop.

da funk

Fortunately...







Every thorn has a rose.

Nothin' says summer...

Like a dip in the pool.

Maddie Dahling

Momma, what's for dinner?

How about some kibble?


Momma, kibble is for dogs, I don't like kibble.

Would you like some tripe?


Eew, ick mommy. Do I look like I would eat tripe?

But Maddie, you liked it a few weeks ago. How about your favorite, home cooked schoppola?


No, momma, schoppola was yesterdays news. I don't want that either.

Maddie! You loved my home cooked schoppola. Can I boil just some chicken? Would you like that?


Ummmmmmm, no thank you.

Maddie dahling, we're running out of options. What would you like for dinner?


There ain't anything good to eat in this house. I'll just not eat, thank you very much.


Wait momma, there is something I'd like to eat.

What is it Maddie? You name it, we'll fix it.


This mommy, this is what I want.

Sirloin steak Maddie, are you sure?


Yeppers! Rare, bleeding on the plate please. Warmed just enough to take the chill off.


That was perfect. Thanks mom. You really should take me shopping more often to pick out my food.

Hear ye, hear ye

The Greyhound Gardens Double-digit Gang will present the golden knuckle bone to their newest member today.

Ms. blender, affectionately known as B-shy, Beachers or the cobra is officially the big one-oh.


In 2002, Blender officially became a garden hound. What have we done to her?


Only one year later, the white started to creep above her eyebrows.


In 2004, her legs started to look a little more salt and pepperish.


By 2005, her white mask had become quite distinguishable.


The next year, her face hadn't changed as much, but those legs where looking more like stockings.


By 2007, her mask was totally defined.


And then, she was almost completely gray.


But always a happy, happy girl.



How do you feel about turning ten, we ask? "No different, I'm still the boss and everyone knows it."

Happy Birthday Blender!

Oregon by Greyhound • Opal Creek part 2

The Adventure Opal Creek Wilderness

Location LAT 44.85949 N LON 122.2649 W

Date June 20, 2009

Weather 64°, Cloudy

Distance 49.9 miles


As we continued down the road, it became very apparent that we had entered the old growth forest. The trees were amazing. Depending on the article, in some places they are 500 years old to 1000 years old. Logging took place in the 1930s, but came to an end when two logging trucks fell off of the road. In the 1990s Opal Creek was established as a wilderness through federal legislation.


Just a daisy sprinkle.


Karen and Crystal round the bend close to a trio of old growth trees.


The wilderness version of Frank Lloyd Wright "Falling Water."


The color was fabulous. Many wild flowers were showing off.


Karen and her sense of humor. I call this "The Big Whiz"


We got as far as Mertin Mill. Old machinery from the 1930s logging mill lay strewn about.



Rumors have it that the old boiler left behind actually came out of the Battleship Oregon.




Just behind the mill is Cascada de los Ninos. I definitely have to come back and spend some quality time with this one. I climbed out on a ledge, but it really was begging for me to climb all of the way down.


The water just past the base of the falls was the most amazing emerald green.


Who could just pass the wildflowers by?


I almost always bring up the rear when we are walking, many because I stop to grab a picture of this or that. Realizing I might be stopped for longer that normal, Crystal and my beautiful bride pulled up a piece of rock in the middle of the trail to wait patiently for me.

Karen, you totally rock. Thank you for indulging me and your eternal patience.

Oregon by Greyhound • Opal Creek Wilderness

The Adventure Opal Creek Wilderness

Location LAT 44.85949 N LON 122.2649 W

Date June 20, 2009

Weather 64°, Cloudy

Distance 49.9 miles


Just when I think Oregon can't get any better, we go on a new and even better adventure. On our way to the Opal Creek trail head, we stopped for another quick look at Salmon Falls.


This time I climbed down to the creek bed. Even though it had recently rained, the bees where busy working their magic on the wild roses.


It really wasn't a good place for Crystal to climb down to, so after their own exploring, Karen and Crystal pulled up a place to sit and patiently played solitaire on the iPhone. This is what I saw when I came around the bend.


I was a little surprised at how far the trail head was, but I was even more surprised at the number of cars that were parked at the trail head. Surprisingly though, we didn't run into that many people.


After a locked gate, the trail follows an old logging road that is still used only by service vehicles. It was a great gentle walk.


Opal Creek, as it turns out is not named after the incredible color of the water, but rather somebodies wife. I'm glad her name was Opal and not something like... Gertrude.


Water drops were collected on the plants as we walked. They resembled sparkly little diamonds.


We barely scratched the surface as we made our way up the trail. This is the opening to the Santiam One mine. The opening is closed with a "bat friendly" gate.

Stay tuned, Crystal's adventures aren't over yet.