Tag Archives: nature

A Canoe Afternoon on the Columbia

The 4th of July dawned beautifully…plenty of sunshine, blue sky and calm Columbia water.  This was a day to drop everything, pack a lunch and do some paddling.  We’ve had a whole lot of rain and thunder, day after day, so this day was extra special.

We launched from Marcus Campground.  Marcus, Washington, is an old town with a rich history.  If Hubby and I didn’t live just up the road, we would definitely camp at this scenic and peaceful campground.

We parked at the swallows condo for lunch.

The picture below doesn’t do justice to the swallows who did their best to let us know that we were uninvited guests. 

Hubby had a much needed pleasant outing!

At home, outside the dining room window, the Cedar Waxwings enjoyed a picnic on dogwood berries.  Hubby needs to keep those windows clean on the outside just for such photographic occasions as this!  But today, was Hubby’s day of rest. 

And we were blessed.

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens

“Japanese gardens ask that you go beyond the garden spiritually, that you look at the garden not merely as an object but also as a path into the realms of spirit.”

— Makoto Ooka in The Temple in the House by Anthony Lawlor

Hubby and I drove to the big city.  We are spending the night in Spokane and will catch an early flight to Yuma, AZ (we’ll be on that plane by the time you see this post).  We visit Spokane often, and one of our all-time favorite places to come is one of Spokane’s most precious jewels…Manito Park and Botanical Gardens.

Here you will find a rose garden, a conservatory, a duck pond, a butterfly garden, perennial gardens, playgrounds, bike trails and so much more.  If you are ever in Spokane, and you have the time, put Manito Park on your ‘must-see’ list!

I offer up some photos taken in the Japanese garden.

Manito 06-15-2012 008bc

Manito 06-15-2012 009bc

Manito 06-15-2012 005bc

Manito 06-15-2012 018bc

Manito June 2012 IMG_3463bc

Manito 06-15-2012 027bc

Manito 06-15-2012 028bc

Manito 6-15-2012 IMG_3505bc

Manito 6-15-2012 IMG_3506bc

Clorox and a Few Blooms

I’m cleaning house…preparing for company.

I thought you’d like to know what I learned today.

This is my t-shirt.  Maybe you know this already, but never, ever lean on a surface that you have just cleaned with a Clorox wipe.

Just common sense right?  Sometimes I don’t have any.

Hubby and I are weeding.  Little by little.  But there are gems out in the garden.

Like the unharvested rhubarb.  The blooms are lacey and pretty.

The new addition to the garden…a lovely azalea.  She was rescued from a garbage can. 

The prolific and cheerful Miss Marguerite Daisy!

And the stately iris are beginning to show off.  I love having them standing at attention in the veggie garden!