Magnificent Shi Shi Beach

Sorry for the crooked horizon, but I had to share this place with you too. It's hailed as the most pristine, unspoiled beach in the U.S. Hey, I can tell you why- you have to follow a trail for three miles that traipses through rainforest (200" of rain a year they say!) and mud for an hour to get there! But, judge for yourself whether or not Shi Shi (pronounced "shy-shy" by the Makah Indians to whom this land belongs) and Point of the Arches is worth that trek. I would plan to go early in the day so you have time for hiking out to the arches- for what I am certain would be some very fun and exciting exploring. We didn't see a soul on the trail either way- and only three people enjoying the view when we got there.

Smart Cars- or Toys?

These are all over B.C. They're really a kick- you just can't even believe how tiny they are! I seriously think my honey could pick the thing up.

The Most Northwestern Point of the U.S.

Isn't this GORGEOUS?! It's called Cape Flattery. I always wondered what was out there on that lonely looking tip of Washington, where main roads don't go, out in that place way out there that most people skip because there's no road. I searched the www for any clue about it and found only one picture, but that one picture was so beautiful we added it to our itinerary. We were so glad we did!

Thetis Island

Oh my word. I know we all feel this way, so I'll just say it: Where on earth does the time go?! Egads! It's almost NOVEMBER?! I have Christmas presents to make and buy, and yet I still have to rip out the vegetable garden, cut back the rest of the perennials, plant the bulbs I bought.... um, when?! I don't think I actually edged my yard the entire summer... and yet it looked fine. I oughta give that one some thought.

On the upside- don't you just love fall?

Let me tell you more about our trip, and show you where our daughter is spending her year. After leaving the mainland and sailing to Vancouver Island, we took a tiny ferry over to Thetis Island- a tiny little dot in the Georgia Straight, and home to Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre. Looks rough, eh? It's so beautiful I wanted everyone I know to share it. If you've never been to the Pacific Northwest you must plan to do so in the future.




Yes, the water really is this clear! This was my first time seeing real, live starfish! My friend thought I was pretty goofy for getting so excited, but hey, she grew up in California, on the coast no less, so she didn't get my fascination. I'm sure all of you who grew up landlocked as I did understand, don't you?

In The Beginning

Now that you've seen the last days of the trip I'll share with you the first... Our first stop was Seattle, but heck, that was only for a few hours so I really didn't take any pictures that were worthy of publishing while we were there. I could kick myself though, for not getting pictures of the heavenly food we had at Cafe Campagne. You can get a taste of it here. (Hey Kristen- I figured it out!!!) I had no idea that this restaurant was so highly acclaimed. I had noticed it the last couple of times we'd been to Seattle as it is right across the street almost from Pike's Place Market. The menu looked good, so I wanted to go. It was wonderful. I plan on going again next month when we're there with our friends for Coffee Fest.

Our next stop was Victoria, BC. I gotta say, Victoria is not my favorite spot on Vancouver Island. That's probably akin to blasphemy to many people, but that's truly how I feel. It's a very large city and this time it seemed that the freak factor had gone up considerably since we were there only two years ago. However, there is Butchart Gardens, which is an experience in and of itself, as is having High Tea in The Dining Room Restaurant (the original family home). Over the years I have searched high and low for the perfect High Tea and overall have been disappointed. (I mean really, how hard is it to make the doggone food from scratch?! If you can't do that you have no stinkin' business in the business!) Ahem. As you can see from the above picture, chef Travis Hansen knows what he's doing. The picture shows only the desserts, there were also heavenly scones, sausage rolls, smoked salmon sandwiches and shrimp and gruyere quiche. You'll come away entranced. I guarantee it. You can enjoy it all vicariously here.

And While We're Still In Portland

I was looking through a book at the B & B where we were staying- one of those 'things to do in this city" books, and it told of this amazing chocolate cafe- "Moonstruck", describing their artisan chocolates, decadent drinks, etc. I immediately thought of the movie "Chocolat" and determined we would find this place. We were walking down "23rd", a great street of shopping the gal at Starbuck's told us we had to visit, ("Oh- you've gotta do 23rd!!" she said) and, viola, there it was! Seriously, looking at the case- with dozens of choices- and names and descriptions like "Theobroma Cream: caramel butter mousse with cinnamon bananas flambeed in dark island rum", (that's a chocolate?!) and "The Ocumarian: pure dark chocolate from the Ocumare valley in Venezuela, with a gentle glow of chili pepper" and the room was spinning! How do you decide which one- no- two, oh, okay, half a dozen- you want?! It wasn't easy, and I can't wait to visit again! Here's their website- you'll land on "Meet The Truffles". Enjoy!

Don't drool on your keyboard. Oh, and do check out the "Chocolate Labs". Too cute!

The Japanese Garden

This garden is in the same park as the Rose Garden. I (we) learned a lot about design here. At almost any point along the paths you can stop and there is a strategic view. Now that's some serious planning, and why the Japanese are truly Master Gardeners.

...and More Roses!

Okay, I know it's backwards, starting with the end of a 12 day trip, but I'm just too excited about these roses! I had to start here. I even went on a rampage in my yard today ripping stuff out so I would have more room for roses! Man, oh man, did I ever give my honey a lot to haul out to the back corner and burn.

Anyway, more amazing roses. The top gold one is called Top Notch. I'm really picky about shades of colors -especially yellows- and this one made my list of the perfect yellow/gold rose. The pink one- not only did I love the color of pink, but check out the pattern of the petals, not typical for most roses. It's called, "Sexy Rexy", why- I don't know. But I love it. Then there is Honey Dijon. This one caught my eye because it didn't even look real. I have never seen a color like this- it made the petals look like they were made from parchment paper- or silk. Of course we both loved it. And yes, there are two pictures of this one. One shows the beautiful buds (how can they be red as buds and not have any trace of red when they open?!) the other shows the unique color better.

The City of Roses

This is the first time I'd been to Portland, and until we got there I had no idea it was called "The City of Roses". Well, we had to see some gardens then! Our first stop was to the International Rose Test Gardens. Get a load of this rose. It's called 'Sally Holmes', it's a shrub rose, and I seriously do not remember ever having been so, well, just downright smitten with a rose before! I don't typically care for this type of rose- the flat open petal style. Trent pointed this one out to me- and I almost dismissed it with a "yeah, that's really nice" because of the type, but then I did a double take, and the longer I looked, the more in love I became. The color had me. ;o) It will definitely be in our garden next year.

Hawaiian Biscotti

I created this biscotti for my friend's coffee shop back in May. I remember having one like this at a church in SLC and have been dreaming of it ever since. It took me awhile to get around to it, but boy, am I ever glad I did! It seems the customers are as enamored with them as I am. They're even more popular than the Orange Hazelnut dipped in dark chocolate. They have coconut, macadamias and dried pineapple, then they're dipped in white chocolate. They're great with a coconut mocha or an iced white mocha. Let me know if you'd like the recipe- for either! My next variety will be something with almonds..... and then a more dense chocolate biscotti than the recipe I currently use.

A Gentler Time...

Check out these ADORABLE childrens magazines I found at my friend's garage sale! A whole stack! They are from 1926, and they have the sweetest stories and pictures in them. Life truly seemed more innocent- for children at least- back then. They were encouraged to imagine and think- and dream. Such a far cry from today's sensory overload that numbs young (and old) minds. The cute story "The Fox and the Pelican" is actually an ad for Grape Nuts!

Again, why these pictures won't post where I want them to is completely and totally beyond me. Can anyone help me solve this mystery?!

New Curtains and Lights!

Oh gosh, it's so exciting- I'm so close to finishing the LR/DR!!! I still have two windows to add curtains to, but here's a look at the ones in the Dining Room, along with the new light fixture over the table. Did I tell you I got it at a thrift store for only $4.00?! Then I bought the cute little shades at Target, and sanded the brass and antiqued it with brown craft paint and a sponge. I love it! The only thing left now is to add a few more accessories- stuff for the walls, some plants, etc. I welcome all ideas! Thanks for yours, Mom! :o)

More Pics of the LR

Today I added the brown glaze to the walls and I like it much better now. More subtle, more depth. I can't wait to get curtains, the "new" light fixtures, some accesories...... get that all up and wowee, I'll have a compltely finished LR. First time EVER. I'm so excited!!! Don'tcha just love the coffee table that took me four years to find?! I think it was worth the wait. :o)

I did it!

Well, to all of you who urged me to add color to my life... here's a picture of the new living room/dining room paint color. :o) I'll keep adding updates as I finish decorating. I really love the warmth the room has now. If you have any suggestions for window treaments let me know!

Some Days....

You can buy it here: www.delias.com

Hymns and Inspiration

My daughter and her friend wanted to go somewhere the other day, and I had heard about this spot so I offered to take them. I'm so glad we did! Wish we would've packed a picnic though! Can you tell this gorge is in the above picture? One thing I find fascinating about living here, you never know when the ground is going to open up like this. Behold the Snake River.

I was listening to my favorite new cd the other day while overwhelmed with decisions I had been praying about, and while I've listened to this particular hymn many times now, this time it was especially poignant. Here is a part of it:

When I think I'm going under, part the waters Lord,

When I feels the waves surround me calm the sea,

When I cry for help, O hear me Lord and hold out your hand,

Touch my life and calm the raging storm within....

Then, on this particular cd the song switches to "I Need Thee Every Hour". It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. And God graciously met me at that moment. And Oh, the peace that followed!

A Darling Springtime Cake

I made this, special request, for my friend's daughter's baby shower. I wanted to add some flowers, but since she's expecting a boy I just couldn't use pink, so I thought, and thought... and these wonderful violets just outside my kitchen door came to mind. I love the way it turned out! And if you've never tried Italian meringue buttercream, you MUST try it- soon! I'd be happy to send out the recipe- let me know.

My Bleeding Heart

My all time, hands-down, favorite plant. I saw a yard the other day that had a whole row of these, and ironically, I didn't like the look. I think it's much nicer as a specimen planting. This one is only 3 or 4 years old and it's over 3' across! LOVE it. And for some odd reason, the white bleeding heart just two feet away is scrawny. Maybe it's intimidated by this one, so I think I'll move it to the back and let it develop it's own identity. :)

And one more...

I keep promising a picture of Choclate Pecan Tart. I've made several and keep forgetting to snap a picture- so darn, had to make just one more! Four of us polished it off in one night! The texture is exatly half pecan pie and half brownie. Typically the lattice turns out better but I was making a lasagne at the same time, so the lattice crust didn't set as well- it rather melted before it could set nicely. But it sure didn't affect the taste!

(The recipe is from Pampered Chef and should be on their website.)

Choclate Cake!

I love- nay, ADORE- real buttercream, the kind made without powdered sugar. It simply melts in your mouth! And have I mentioned I adore chocolate as well?! I'd like to highly recommend a couple of baking books. Death By Chocolate by Marcel Desaulniers (and btw, you really need to stop by The Trellis restaurant when you're in Williamsburg) and the All Butter, Fresh Cream, Suagr Packed, No Holds Barred Baking book by Judy Rosenburg.

Happy baking!