Forks and the West End, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, US

Yesterday, we looked out the kitchen window,

2012-01-20T20:07:00.001-08:00

... and saw this portion of the elk herd walking down J street. We raced to the front window, grabbing camera on the way, in time to see them hop the fence into the field, easy as you please. We often see them in the field, but - walking down J Street?

A trail in the snow

2012-01-20T19:58:00.001-08:00

... made by the crows trying to walk to the feeder.

The field kept coming and going

2012-01-20T19:56:00.001-08:00

...doing a Brigadoon!

When we awoke Sunday...

2012-01-20T19:51:00.001-08:00

...this is what we saw out the window. 10-12 inches by our measure at our house.

This was just the beginning. It started Saturday with a little dusting. We did some shoveling Sunday so we could get around the house.

And the tree came tumbling down...

2011-11-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

I've used this Chinese Coins tree as a frame for pictures, and as a subject in and of itself. The birds used it as a lookout, and as a refuge or resting place. It was glowing yellow in bloom, and sparkling when frosted.

The winds took it down last week.

It hadn't been healthy since a storm last year almost ripped a limb completely off;

and, we knew it was only a matter of time, even with our efforts to shore it up.

Still, it was sad to see it go.

Here, my husband has already been cutting the branches off, though you can still see the break.

We heard it go down, although we didn't know it at the time.

After hearing a crash one night during the howling of the storm, we went outside to see if there was damage. It was dark and still raining. What we could see didn't show damage to the house, the vehicles, so, we went back in. The next day, in daylight, we noticed.

Our view is lessened by its demise.

Now we are asking ourselves, "What should we put up in its place?"

Quilting on the West End

2011-09-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few quilters here on the West End, quite accomplished some of them. I know quite a few, and enjoy quilting myself - though I don't count myself as an expert.

I recently joined a group of blockmakers online at Block Lotto . This picture is of the block pattern for September - a Curved Rail Block in batiks. Simple stack and slash type of construction. It's a lot of fun making just a few blocks, testing a new pattern.

The Forecast is... what?

2011-01-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

The forecast for today was for cold but partly sunny.

Our Forks weather usually calls for "liquid sunshine",

but frozen sunshine?

Ah, the surprises and delights of Mother Nature in Forks.

These were taken at the beginning of the snow this morning.

It lasted all of today.

And will go on into tonight.

And tomorrow.

Maybe I'll make a snowman!

It got a little snowy...

2010-11-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

First it was a little snowy...

Then there was a little more...

Then there was the wind (this is a mild bit) ...

This is how it looked until the warmer temperatures started today, and the rains started. This is at sunset yesterday.

Our first storm of the season, in what looks to be a tough winter.
The blizzard has gone on to the Midwest now.

Veterans' Day Salute!

2010-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

... and a [huge] THANK YOU!

to all who have served and those who continue to serve

in all of the branches of the

Armed Forces of the United States.

We have had three sons serve in three branches:

Army, Navy, Marines,

and currently have a son in the Army

who sent us these ID tags for wearing for Veterans' Day.

The tags read:

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, and

WE WILL NOT FORGET POW-MIA.

We hope that all know that we are grateful for their service,

and for the sacrifice their families make, as well.

This arrangement is for you:

flags for the country you represent,

a yellow rose for remembrance,

ID tags for the servicemembers.

The vase is a branch from the forest here,

a piece of home.

River Reflections

2010-10-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Near Lake Ozette

For more Weekend Reflections, go to:

http://www.newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Mobile home at F.O.A.M.

2010-09-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

This recent visitor to the Forks Open Aire Market brought along a mobile home - for his 4 dogs. As we spied them on the street, someone commented that it looked like someone had brought his own doghouse! Then the trailer turned and we saw a dog sticking his head out the little side window. The dogs seemed to be enjoying themselves - no barking or fighting, even with the top closed while on the road. Nice friendly owner AND dogs.

I only had my phone to take a picture, but at least I had that! It took me a couple of weeks to get back on here to post this. I hope he's checking this and sees it.

ABC Wednesday: K is for...

2010-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

A Kouple walking their Kite at Kalaloch Beach.

As they walked, the kite stayed in front of them like a tether.

Really rather Kool to watch.

Kalaloch Beach, south of Forks.

Rugged in places, but with hard-packed sand for fairly easy walking.

The tide was out, but when it is in, it can completely cover the beach.

When it's stormy, the waves can be blown up over the bluff.

This kite was being flown at Kalaloch by our camping neighbors

(see J is for Jack from last week).

To see more ABC Wednesday, go to:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com .

They can be really inventive!

ABC Wednesday: J is for...

2010-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

... Jack,

who was camping with his owners next to us at Kalaloch last week.

Jack and his owners coming back from playing on the beach.

Most of the people we meet camping are really nice,

like Tiffany and Dave and Jack.

We enjoyed visiting with them.
OK, Tiffany and Dave, He-e-e-re's Jack!

(a little over the top? hmmm) (grin)
Jack, playing keepaway on the beach with Tiffany and Dave.

And J is for Jumping.
This group was jumping for pictures with the sunset as background.
I'm no expert, but they sounded like they were speaking German.

We get visitors from all over the world here,

and we are happy to share the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.
They wrote the USA 10 in the sand as part of their pictures.

The adults in the group got into the act as well.

Don't you just enjoy seeing people having fun?

For more ABC Wednesday J's, go to:
http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

ABC Wednesday: I is for...

2010-03-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

ICE. Very big Ice.

We had a 55 gallon trash can fill with water, then freeze the winter of 2008-9.

When we upended it, it retained its shape, for about a week.

It was really rather pretty.

This last winter was very mild, with none of the extremes of the previous one.

The detail of the giant Ice cube, with streaks of bubbles.

For more ABC Wednesday, go to:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com .

Shamrocks for St. Paddy's Day

2010-03-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

A fine St. Paddy's Day tomorrow to you all,

and may the luck of the Irish be yours always.

These shamrocks seem to really like our rainy weather - they burst into life every year, and stay until it's too cold for them.

They do like the shade, but we have a lot of that. ;~}

(I chose to post this today because Wednesdays are for ABCs.)

H is for ...

2010-03-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hoh River and Hoh Rainforest

Majestic Olympic mountains, complete with glaciers and snow,

budding trees, and a small piece of the Hoh River in the foreground.

Mossy carpet under old growth trees.

Dazzling sun shining through moss-draped, towering trees.

Hoh River, rushing, crystal clear and cold,

from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Beautiful!

Real rain forest right here on the Olympic Peninsula,

temperate rainforest, not tropical.

Part of the Olympic National Park.

For more ABC Wednesday, go to:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com .

G is for...

2010-03-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Gnomes in our Garden!

We were having a little fun with these mushrooms that grow in our yard every fall, and used these Gnomes that my husband carves to bring a little whimsy to the day. The mushrooms are called Fly Agaric, and are a bright red until they get older. These are past their 'prime' but look like little gnome shelters. For perspective, the gnomes are about 6 inches tall.

While not being very good at posting every week, I always enjoy seeing what folks come up with on ABC Wednesday. It's a fun premise, and can be a little challenging sometimes.
Come and join us and see more ABC Wednesday at:
http://www.abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/ .

A is for ... Aircraft

2010-01-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

Ahah! Here they are!

We get a lot of different types of aircraft, as the Forks airport is small.

We've gotten ultralights and parasails all the way up to the little jet that brought some (we suspect Twilight) visitors (tourists or production company?).

The Coast Guard lands here as well, along with the medivac helicopter.

I've already posted pictures of quite a few besides these.

Well, it WAS for aircraft. Blogger won't let me upload my photos. I'll keep trying... Meanwhile, you can see more ABC Wednesday at:
http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/2010/01/abc-round-6.html

Ravens for Poe

2010-01-19T23:18:00.000-08:00

a picture of ravens

for Edgar Allan Poe's birthday

Frosted frame

2010-01-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

frosted wonders seen,

cold breath across empty field,
glittering morning

Flicker

2010-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

That's a Beak! The flickers are so interesting to watch.
Actually, all the birds are, but you gotta love the flicker's accurate sense of dominance.

He looked as though he was giving me the 'eye' - maybe doesn't like having his picture taken...

Busy feeder

2010-01-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

A flicker is one of the few birds that the starlings won't bother at the feeder. With that beak, we're not really surprised.

Visitor Center Rain Gauge

2010-01-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

This was the rain gauge as it read on Dec 26, 2009.

You can see we had less than our average of 10 feet for the year.

It was only about 8 feet last year - 95 inches for the year I believe it was.

This last week we have been working hard on making up for last year -

6 inches one day alone.

Stormy sunrise

2010-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

Sun just clearing the hill at sunrise

Sunset at Kalaloch

2009-10-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Every time we drive south from Forks, we stop at an overlook of Kalaloch (prounounced klay-lock) Beach. We get out of the car and enjoy the fresh air coming in from the Pacific Ocean, the sound of waves rushing in and somtimes crashing on the edge below us. We watch the seagulls soar and swoop over the tumbling water, sometimes seeing pelicans and herons, eagles and hawks. We stand next to the berm looking down over the edge to see trees being tossed in the surf of high tide or tiny people walking on the exposed beach at low tide.
It never fails to inspire, awe, and take our breath away.

Sea Ducks in peril

2009-09-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

These are sea ducks, scoters. This group was doing some basking on First Beach in La Push; but, many of them are being found dead on the beaches here, possibly from a sea algae blooming offshore that washes off the oils that keep them from freezing in the sea.

Forks skies

2009-08-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

These are the Forks skies we like so much.

The Twilight fans might even call them Vampire skies. [grin]

Doe and Fawn

2009-08-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

A quickly-snapped shot of a doe and fawn along the road around Lake Crescent.

We see them often, and they don't seem to mind the cars.

They are a very good reason to mind the speed limit.

We just can't understand why people would want to speed through this area, and miss all of the beautiful scenery. So many of the treasures can only be seen and appreciated when you slow down.

We don't ever want to become jaded to all of the precious sights here.

Roses

2009-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is a single rosebush, bearing two different colors of rose - one a pink and one a deep red.

This picture is of some roses that are a little past prime, but it shows the two colors.

Skywatch Friday over Lake Crescent

2009-08-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

The drive around Lake Crescent is always pretty, but these clouds were a little different. The lowest level of clouds are slowing 'pouring' over the top of the hill onto the trees. Very cool.

For more beautiful skies, go to the Skywatch Friday site, at:

http://skyley.blogspot.com/ .

Flying (well, perching) Visitors

2009-08-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

This little guy sat in the bush and waited for me to take his picture, sort of.

This one found something of interest on the flagpole, though not for long. I had to be very quick to get this guy!
We really enjoy watching the birds, which is why we fill the feeder even in the summer.
We get all shapes and sizes flying by our windows! From hummingbirds to ravens, chickadees to bluejays.
Unfortunately, the squirrel has found a way to the feeder as well. This will be war! [grin]

A Flier of a different sort

2009-08-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

After hearing unusual engine sounds overhead,

we spotted this craft.
It seemed the pilot was putting it through its paces.
After watching from home for a little bit,
we drove to the airport and watched a little closer.
We weren't the only ones.
It looked like fun, and like the pilot was very experienced.

Flier in Forks

2009-08-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Seen flying in our garden, finally caught sunning itself.

International Space Station

2009-07-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

It isn't a great shot, but it is of the International Space Station as it moved across the sky.

We have been enjoying going out and looking for it when the sky is clear enough.

It is amazing to watch with the naked eye - no telescope needed, and is fairly unmistakable. It moves quickly, but is usually visible for about 5 minutes.

You can check the NASA website for when it is visible where you are at
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html .

The shuttle is flying with it right now, too.

Colorful Sunset

2009-07-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

The sky turned very colorful at sunset tonight.

It makes interesting silhouettes of the trees, and creates wonderful contrasts.

Twilight Welcome

2009-07-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

One of many signs in town about Twilight.

We are enjoying the influx and entertainment of Twilight fans.

Their enthusiasm is delightful.

Most of us help when we can: taking pictures, giving directions.

As a fan of the original Twilight Zone, this one made me smile.

We think Rod Serling would have liked it.

A Twilight Moon and Fireworks

2009-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Heading out to sit and watch the fireworks last night (we can see the city display, and 5 or 6 other 'displays' from home), this interesting shot presented itself. It's a contrail that seems to cut the moon. I took quite a few shots of course, and the contrail "moved" across the moon.

I had to take pictures of the fireworks, of course. Some turned out and some didn't, but they were great to watch. The only "festivities" we felt up to because we didn't have to leave home.

Independence Day Parade

2009-07-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We woke up not feeling well today, so decided we needed to take a holiday from holiday festivities.

This picture is from last year's parade, but is what the parade and festivities are about - celebrating our independence as a country, and as a way of life.

THANK YOU to those who have served our country, and are now serving all over the world.

We are the Land of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave.

Forks Old Fashioned Fourth of July begins

2009-07-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

with Midnight Madness. Our main street, Forks Avenue, is blocked by our local police department.

We are then free to wander, looking at tables set up for various reasons - items for sale or raffles, shop the stores and indulge in food and goodies, and meet up with neighbors we just don't seem to see often enough. Though it was difficult to make our way through a couple of the stores, it was good to see so many people enjoying the "Madness".

For a tour of the street, hop on the Rayonier Express, sponsored by several of our local stores and Lunsford Real Estate.

This being the "Twilight" zone - a look-alike contest was held to benefit the local Relay for Life - Bella and Edward look-alikes were found and will be riding in Bella's truck in the parade tomorrow.

Rhododendrons, Azaleas

2009-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Red Rhododendrons
Apricot Azaleas

Rhododendrons grow wild here, 30 and 40 feet tall, are evergreen, and are the state flower.
Rhodies set their blooms in fall for the next spring.
Azaleas are a cousin, come in more colors, are domestic, but lose their leaves in winter.
Azaleas don't seem to grow as large either.
Both are pretty in bloom, though!

More Flying over Forks

2009-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

... wa-a-ay over Forks.

We've had some aerobatics being performed overhead lately.

These are pictures of two aircraft this one day, obviously military.

They seem to be practice-dogfighting.

Fascinating to watch.

They are too quick to get many decent pictures, and the planes aren't always the same.

Sometimes I don't even have time to go in after the camera - I'd miss some of the 'show'!

Very cool to watch, though.

Defying the law..

2009-06-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

..the laws of physics, anyway. This bee seems to not know that the laws of physics say he just can't fly. He's just enjoying the treats he is finding in this pretty Chinese Coins tree. What he doesn't know ... seems to working well for him!

Flag Day, U.S.

2009-06-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Flag Day!

Long may our star-spangled banner wave.

"Twilight Territory" launched, Thunder Weekend

2009-06-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Chris Cook, editor of the Forks Forum (weekly newspaper), has published a guide book of the Forks/La Push area for the "Twilight" books fans, named "Twilight Territory." He was at Thriftway (grocery store here in Forks) today to sign books and talk with people. When we were there, he was inundated a few times with fans, some traveling in packs - or are groups of fans called giggles? [Geese are gaggles, so fans should be giggles, don't you think?] Along with Chris, were Traci Kettel (shown in the picture) and Janeen Howell, who was away helping a group of fans find the Twilight clothing in the store. I tried to take a picture while Janeen was there, but she didn't stay still for long... There is more information about the book here : http://www.forksforum.com/twilight .

We got three copies, one for us, and two for daughter and granddaughter who are fans.

This is also the first West End Thunder weekend of the year. West End Thunder is a local car club which hosts car races at the local airport. We aren't racing fans, but there seem to be a lot of them who come to watch. These pictures were taken from the road as we went by.

After the heat...

Revving up...

They also have a Show and Shine of cars and bikes.

Forks fliers (3)

2009-06-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Grounded fliers - seagulls massing in the field. Stayed there quite a while, actually.

Forks fliers (2)

2009-06-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

more of Mother Nature's fliers

Fliers in Forks

2009-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature's Flying Machines taking a seed break.

We get a lot of different types of birds here, and have gotten pictures of a few, so here goes...

More flying in Forks

2009-05-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, almost flying.
Another ultralight.

Flight in Forks

2009-05-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Another flying machine.

Forks Open Aire Market ...

2009-05-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

... is finally open for the summer. Hooray!

It opened last Saturday, the 23rd.

We like going to the FOAM. The local artisans have

interesting items; we get to catch up with people we haven't

seen in a while; and, it's a fun day out.

Flying in Forks

2009-05-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

We get all sorts of flying machines here in Forks.

Memorial Day here in the US

2009-05-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day pays tribute to the those who have given their lives

while serving our country.

We give our thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

for us, for the U.S.

Land of the Free, because of the Brave.

Birdfeeder visitors

2009-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

The front bird on the right has some interesting markings. Different from the usual.

I haven't looked him up in the birdbook yet.

This was taken a few days ago. The storm we needed, with the rain, has finally arrived. Our rain is at about 33 inches for the year now. Still a ways to go to normal, but it's going.

Mill reopens with new purpose

2009-05-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

A local mill, the Rosmond (sp.?), has reopened as a variety of ideas after renovations.

It was renamed the 110 Business Park (its on Hwy 110 just outside Forks). The downed tree behind it has been a landmark at the site for a long time. The truck gives some perspective of the size of the tree.

This piece is the nice landscaping in the middle of the grounds (I like the bridge), and the roundhouse is a gathering area under cover. It had a flea market in it today. After the rains today, the bridge probably had a little river running under it.
This is an indoor archery range that was getting a lot of attention at its grand opening today.

There was free target archery in a restricted area (for safety). They were shooting at a launched decoy. The kids to the left in the picture were doing the launching with what looked like a fixed bow. Clever set-up, and very safe.

Sunrise in Forks

2009-04-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Just before the sun cleared the hills.

There's a storm a comin'

2009-04-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, there was at the time. This is from a couple of weeks ago - the day changed from blue skies to dark gray clouds. It just depended on which direction you were looking.

The What!? jumped over the moon?

2009-04-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

A local paraglider presented me with this picture I just couldn't resist.

You have to zoom in to see the detail of the glider.

Shining trees

2009-03-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

This is also from Camp David Jr Road, the sun shining through the trees. It's never the same twice.

waterfall on Camp David Jr Road

2009-03-03T00:27:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few places where the water trickles down and under the road on its way to Lake Crescent.

More Camp David Jr Road

2009-03-02T00:25:00.000-08:00

There just wasn't a bad view anywhere...

Again, Camp David Jr Road

2009-03-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

Because it's winter, you can see through the undergrowth in places that are usually lush and overgrown.

more Camp David Jr Road

2009-02-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Camp David Jr Road

2009-02-27T00:10:00.000-08:00

Camp David Jr Road, on the north side of Lake Crescent

Well, it's snowing again

2009-02-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just a dusting, but it's not done, either.

Winter just isn't giving up yet.

Guess the starts stay in the kitchen window for a bit yet. [grin]

OTW weather

2009-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

After the snow melted, but before the green of spring begins,

the sun shines on the hills.

Foggy night

2009-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

The fog,

the moon,

the field,

the lights.

Sunshine and Frost

2009-02-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

Pansy leaves framed with frost and almost transparent.

Frosted shrub

2009-02-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Frost adds such interest to common plants.

Visitors to the feeder

2009-02-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

I do enjoy watching the different birds that visit the feeder.

Beauty in spite of Winter

2009-01-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

I am rooting a fuchsia plant in my kitchen window,

and it decided it was time to flower.

Interesting to see this with snow on the ground outside the window,

the wind howling, and fires going in the stoves.

Visiting wildlife

2009-01-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

A small portion of the Roosevelt Elk herd came to forage in the field.

Sky Watch Sunrise

2009-01-02T02:37:00.000-08:00

I don't get up for the sunrise often, but it's a lot easier in the winter here.

This was taken at 7:59 am, and the sun is not yet over the hill.

That's a time I'm up. The summertime 4:30 am is a little beyond me usually.

For more Sky Watch Friday, go to:

http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Now that's an ice cube!

2009-01-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

This was created during the recent storms in a water barrel.

It has wonderful bubble patterns.

We just had to try putting a light inside.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Sky Watch Friday

2008-12-26T00:27:00.000-08:00

Foggy sunrise.

Snowy day.

Sky meets earth.

For more Sky Watch Friday, go to:

http://skyley.blogspot.com/ .

White Christmas

2008-12-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Since we celebrate Christmas in our house,

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Hope your Holidays/Solstice/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/New Year is all you want it to be.

OTW weather.

We have snow still ... again ... still.

I usually say that about rain here.

Posing

2008-12-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

This little guy posed just outside the window,

so I obliged by taking his picture.

Busy birdfeeder before blizzard

2008-12-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

The birdfeeder was very busy today, with many different birds.

All getting full before the blizzard arrives.

Very tiny sparrows to very large ravens who were too big to fit on the feeder -

not that they didn't keep trying. They would grab the edge of the ledge, constantly flapping their wings, trying to get to the seeds.
They did clean the seeds off the snow under the feeder.

blue skies between storms - Sky Watch Friday

2008-12-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

Sky Watch Friday

For more Sky Watch Friday, go to:

http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Snowdrift

2008-12-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Interesting how the wind sculpted the snow around the car. We had cleared the driveway around the cars before the winds arrived.

Blowing wind, drifting snow

2008-12-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

The winds in this storm blew all day, creating snow drifts and clearing lawns and roads - in places. Part of our lawn was clear, part was covered in a 2-3 foot drift. There was a drift along both sides of the cars that was almost as tall as the car - as you can see here, also in between the cars. The drift also covers several bushes. This picture was taken while a mild wind was blowing. The gusts created blizzard-like viewing, white pictures. We chose not to leave the house very much.

Before the wind...

2008-12-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

..there was snow that had covered everything. (This was early in the storm.) By the time the winds had blown through, this bench was clear again. I'll post more pictures the next few days.

It's bloomin' cold...

2008-12-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

This is really a picture of some of our pansies.

We have snow!

2008-12-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Snowfall and the bird feeder.

We made sure to fill it before the storm hit. It is supposed to be VERY cold the next few days.

Crisp fall day

2008-11-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

We are having more frosty mornings. It looks as though autumn is getting close to ending and winter is on its way. Most days nows, we have a fire going.

I do like a fall day, with the air crisp and extra-clear.

Sugary chrysanthemum

2008-11-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Frosted mum,

sugary,

looks delicious

Happy Birthday, Jovanna!

Frost

2008-11-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

Frosted leaves, shivering in the early morning cold.

Twilight bloggers visit Forks

2008-11-17T19:19:00.001-08:00

These two Twilight fans are visiting Forks from Alberta, Canada.

We met up with them at the Visitors' Center.

They even brought their own "Edward" along.

Parked next to Bella's truck.

They call themselves "Dorks in Forks," and are doing a blog on Facebook.

I quote the fork:

"VISIT US ON FACEBOOK @ DORKS IN FORKS"

They were giving these forks out, and asking people to sign their shirts. Generally, just having a great time! Nice job, ladies.
There was one interestingly silly thing: the decorations on the car prevent the doors from opening. To get in and out of the car, they crawl in and out the back hatch.
Oh, to be young again!
We are so glad they came to visit!
For more Forks "Twilight" information, go to the Chamber of Commerce link at the bottom of this blog. We have Twilight tours, trivia and treats here in Forks!

For those who don't know, Forks is the main setting for a set of books by Stephenie Meyer.
The first book in the four-book series is "Twilight."
The movie based on the first book is opening this Friday, the 21st, around the nation,
though not here in Forks, as we don't have a theater.
The four-book series has been on the USA Today booklist in the top 7 for the last 6 months, at least. They are currently the top four books on the list.
For more information on the series, please see Stephenie Meyer's website at:
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html .

River is rising

2008-11-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is one of the rivers that make the forks our town is named for. It is rising, and we're getting more rain. This was taken a couple of days ago.

Happy Veterans Day

2008-11-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

To those who have served,

and those now serving.

THANK YOU!

Rainy day mowing

2008-11-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

Can't let a little rain stop the mowing, can we? This is one of the big tractor mowers you see keeping the road edge clear.

If we stopped doing whatever we're supposed to be doing just because of rain, we wouldn't get much done around here... We've gotten over 10 inches in the last few days and we're expecting another round of heavy rain the next couple of days. The rivers are high and getting higher.

The rainfall for the year is at 75 inches I think. Doesn't quite sound like enough, yet. We get an average of 10 FEET each year, so, we're running a little dry - for us.

Fuzzy frost - frosty fuzz

2008-11-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Cool, huh? (Did I really type that?)

Skywatch Friday Sunrise

2008-11-07T01:55:00.000-08:00

foggy morning,

sun creeping up over the hills,

ghostly mists hugging the hills and crawling across the field,

...chills

For more Skywatch Friday, go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Bubbles!!!

2008-11-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Bubbles in the bubble and bubbles on the bubble...

Bubbles are so fascinating! This was taken this summer.

They're ba-a-a-ack!

2008-11-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

The Roosevelt elk are back to visit in the field across the street. We see them there in the early morning, waking up and starting to head out. They start moving out as the sun starts to rise, and are almost out of the field by the time it's light enough to get a picture. They are big enough for me NOT to get close enough for a flash to work in the dark. Majesty is a good word for these beautiful creatures.

Frosty patterns

2008-10-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

I know that frost is really not good for most plants, but frost gives such a (dare I say it?) cool accent to them. Fascinating.

Autumn has arrived

2008-10-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

A frosty cold morning here in Forks. Cool weather at last!

To those who have been looking for photos here, I apologize for my absence. My mother-in-law passed on recently, and, with other happenings here, we have just not been around cyberspace. I hope to add more consistently in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

Bella's Birthday Bash

2008-09-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

Mayor Reed proclaiming Sept 13, 2008 Stephenie Meyer Day in Forks.
Our own "Chief Swan" - Police Chief Mike Powell, and Mayor Reed.

Some of the birthday crowd.

Happy Birthday, Bella! Isabella Swan is the main female character of the book and movie, Twilight, set here in Forks by the author, Stephenie Meyer, as well as the three subsequent novels, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. These four books have been in the top five slots of the USA Today Bestseller list for about the last two months. Not bad for a first-time author! Way to go, Ms. Meyer!

More birthday crowd.

There were quite a few fans of the series in town for the day of celebration. Adding 1000 or so people to a town of about 3000 is very noticeable! Great fun was had by all it seemed. We certainly had a good time people-watching!

I'll post some of the interesting cars that arrived for the day as well, on a future post.

For more photos, you can check out the local paper, The Forks Forum at: http://www.forksforum.com/ .

For more about Stephenie Meyer, you can go to:

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html .

ABC Wednesday - H is for ...

2008-09-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

... Hoh River, ... Hoh Rainforest,
and ...

... H is for Hair in front of Hills. This one seemed too good to pass up.

Yes, this is my hair. It's over 4 feet long right now.
It seemed a natural for H...

For more ABC Wednesday fun, go to:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

St Louis CDPer visits Forks

2008-08-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

This fellow CDPer and his wife visited us today in Forks while on their vacation on the Olympic Peninsula. We met at JTs Sweet Stuff on our main street and were able to converse over a cup of joe. We had an interesting time. Thanks for calling and coming by!

(He said I could put his picture up.)

To see his photos of St Louis, go to:

http://saintlouismodailyphoto.blogspot.com/ .

ABC Wednesday - F is for ...

2008-08-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

... Forest, of course (this was taken on the walk to Marymere Falls, voted the best hike on the Olympic Peninsula).
... and more forest, since there's so much here.
...Ferns in the forest (you can't keep the ferns from growing everywhere - they're even growing up from underneath our deck).
... Cape Flattery framed by firs (Cape Flattery is the most NW point on the 48 lower states).

... and, as a quilter, I had to include fabric at Chinook Pharmacy here in Forks.

F was actually no problem here in Forks. I was glad to be able to find so many this time. I'm having fun with this.

For more ABC Wednesday fun, go to:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/