A VISIT WITH BROGAN AND SUE

I was able to spend some time this past weekend with my best friend, Sue, and her grandson, Brogan.  Brogan knows me as "Nana Rose." 
He is quite the character and it is great to get to see him with Sue.  I just love this shot of them together.

Brogan loves books, so grandma Sue always enjoys reading to him. 

For awhile we went outside to play catch. If you look above Sue's

open hand, you can see the little yellow ball we were tossing around.

Here comes the ball towards Nana Rose!

Brogan sure has a good throwing arm.

Brogan enjoys going for a ride on his horse.

Brogan took a rather amusing bath,

all the while entertaining his

grandma Sue, Nana Rose and mother.

Then he donned pajamas to

prepare for bedtime.

Of course, there was a little more playtime.

Brogan has fun bouncing on the couch.

Here he plays peek-a-boo from behind Grandma Sue.

Then Grandma and Brogan showed me how he

does the Itsy Bitsy Spider performance.

Really cute!!

You can watch it below.  It is a little dark due to the back light coming through the window.

Sue and I had a great visit and enjoyed time with Brogan!!

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

I had a chance to see a bit of Silver Falls last week when I had to go there for work for a conference.  I arrived an hour before the conference was to start and got a little bit of exploration done.  This is a photograph of the North Falls.  I had to take it from a distance because I did not have enough time to take the hike down to it.

I saw lots of these flowers growing in the park.  I do not know what they are, but I am sure some of you will be able to tell me what these little lovelies are.

At one spot I came across a fallen tree
that looked like a dinosaur moving through
the ferns.  Don't you think it resembles
a dinosaur??!!

Some of the forest definitely had an ancient and other-worldly look to it.  I half-expected strange creatures to emerge. 

I came across some lichen on one tree.  To me it looked like the entrance to a little forest gnome home.  It would have been so enchanting to see one emerge from there!

It was so soothing and relaxing to sit and listen to the music of the water.

I also had a chance to see the South Falls.  It was half the size it had been in May, but still breathtaking.

On the way home there were fields of poppies growing and it was lovely.  I had not realized that there were purple poppies. 

SILVERTON, OREGON

Silverton, Oregon is famous for their murals.  I had a chance to be in Silverton for a little while and I decided to try to find all of the murals I had not seen yet. They have a total of 17. I had already seen (and posted on my blog) photographs of the Gallon House Bridge and Bobbie, the Wonder Dog.  The one above is entitled Don Pettit, Silverton's Astronaut.  It was painted by David McDonald who painted 8 of the murals. Don Pettit was born in Silverton.

This next one is entitled Paws for Love, painted by Kathryn Bennett.  It is dedicated to therapy dogs.  The next mural was in 5 parts; the "title page" gives the information about The Four Freedoms murals.  It was painted by David McDonald. The original art was by Norman Rockwell.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR

FREEDOM FROM WANT

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION

FREEDOM OF WORSHIP

The next mural had to be photographed in sections as well due to is length.  It is entitled Silverton's Pet Parade and was painted by David McDonald.  It is dedicated to their annual parade in honor of Bobbie, the wonder dog.  The Pet parade in Silverton is the oldest event of its kind, having been done since 1932.

The dog leading this pet parade is the winner of the Bobbie look-alike contest they have each year.

The mural above was painted by David McDonald, and it is entitled The Mammoth.  This extraordinary image is based upon an actual 1400-pound (fully assembled with plate holder) camera, and upon a photograph of that enormous camera preparing to take an equally enormous photograph, on 8 by 4.5-feet plates, of a train in 1900 (for which it was purpose built).

This mural is in 2 parts, one tells about Homer Davenport (above) and the painting of Homer and depicting his life is below. This is also a mural painted by David McDonald.

This mural is about an old oak tree that used to be in the hub of Silverton, thus entitled The Old Oak. It was painted by Lori Lee Webb.  Its story is below.

This simple mural states that Silverton is known as the city of the falls.  Below the mural is the information.

I discovered one advertising mural not listed and just thought it was interesting.  Leak's all clove cigars!

Then I also caught site of the top of one building that was very unique, with stained glass and a howling wolf

weathervane. 

Below is a mural entitled Arabian Quest.  It was painted by Lori Lee Webb. It honors Homer Davenport's Arabian horse bloodline.

It seems there is a celebration each year and here is the information on the next event:

Silverton's fun and exciting Davenport Days festival
Davenport Days Festival--Aug. 6th, 7th & 8th,2010
Coolidge-McClaine Park--303 Coolidge St.

Silverton, Oregon 97381

Arts & Crafts Fair all 3 days-Original and unique works of art, jewelry, and collectibles can be found at Coolidge-McClaine Park. Vendor booths from all over the country congregate between the trees of the Park. If you are an artist or crafter, you are invited to show your wares and methods at Homer Davenport Days! We also have selected areas for non-profit groups as well as vendor space for young artisans (aged 8 to 16).

Festival Music during the three days consisting of an eclectic mix of music styles showcasing top talent bands, unique to Silverton as well as top acts from around the Northwest.

Saturday, August 7th, 2010
On Saturday the residents of Silverton come together in the city's historic downtown district for the annual community parade. Entries range from floats to antique automobiles as well as bands and dancers.
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Davenport Races  check-in 11:00 - start 12:00
The slogan for Homer Davenport Days, "The Unique Silverton Family Festival," is never more true than when customized Davenports (pun intended), as couches, race 250 feet down Silverton's Main Street, in a lively competition that has grown steadily over the years.
Barbeque Dinner--Friday & Saturday 12-7 PM    Sunday 12-5 PM
at the Pavilion Coolidge-McClaine Park   303 Coolidge St.,  Silverton, Oregon 97381
$7 for a half BBQ chicken dinner. Includes beans, coleslaw, and a roll. Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!

Homer Days offers a world of fun diversions at both Coolidge-McClaine Park and adjacent Old Mill Park, as well as other locations around Silverton. We also have a well attended food court with diverse menus, refreshments, and desserts beginning at the main gateway of Coolidge-McClaine.
Saturday & Sunday morning at the Lions Club Pavilion in Coolidge-McClaine Park. The Silverton Lions, with the help of local Boy Scout Troop 485, will be serving breakfast both days, starting in the morning at 7:00 am until 12:00 noon. The menu includes pancakes, eggs cooked to order, ham, and beverages priced at $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children.

Silverton Flywheels Classic Car Cruise In

Saturday. Old Mill Park (aka Library Park, directly across the creek from Coolidge-McClaine). Dozens of classic cars line the path between the Silverton Library and the Pool.

GARDEN DELIGHT

Color

Contrast

Light

Shape

These pictures have it all.  If you look closely at flowers,

you can see wonderful details in hue, shape,

and contrast.

And when you get the sun behind them,

they become irridescent and bright.

I love how this simple white flower pops against the dark green backdrop.
And you can see a little bug on one petal to the upper right.  It is integrated into the perfection, a natural "flaw."
Enjoy the photographs, and I hope it inspires you all to take a stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the delicate beauty of the nature God has provided for our enjoyment.

This last one is one of my favorites.  It reminded me of the fireworks I witnessed on July 4th!  It is an explosion of color, contrast, texture, shape and beauty.