SOCIAL MEDIA


Is it Summer Still? Yes!

Sunday, August 31, 2014

OK, tomorrow is September 1st. The kids are back to school on the 2nd...here. Actually, it really is summer still, regardless of the calendar. Hot and dry, very dry in fact. The fires nearby will be getting active, last week after my last post, the acreage grew to over 2,400 acres. The truth is that the fires will not be declared out until the fall rains start. That is a hard truth that most people don't know. 

Well, college football season started yesterday... the University of Oregon, bested poor South Dakota here at Eugene. Go Ducks!


Forest Wildfire Smoke

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

I snapped this picture with my phone about 6 pm today. The smoke is from a group of 3 fires that are close together. The wind suddenly changed direction, and the 90 degree day made the fire really blaze...and grow.  Burned fir needles and burned leaves were falling all around us. I am concerned about the possibility of a hot spark falling into the tall dead grass in the background (neighbor's). The fire is about 8 miles away.

If you look closely behind our tractor, there is a deer, she watched me take the photo...........

You must think, am I worried? I am a retiree of the US Forest Service and I wonder why they are spending so much time messing around with this fire...and they have 1000+ firefighters assigned to the fire. There are 8 helicopters, and I saw 2 retardant planes on the fire about 6 pm today. The spending is exceeding a million dollars a day.

I water around the house, and take all precautions to have our buildings in a defensible space. Personally...I detest wildfires, and the way they destroy the forest. I absolutely hate the smoke.

Vintage Zane Grey Novel

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

I must start this post by telling you that I have never read a Zane Grey novel. I found this 1st edition book at a thrift store for 50 cents. I am always watching for reading material that hubby might like. He is hard to please, and the retail bookstores are so expensive. He enjoyed this book and thought that I should read it. The original title was The Pioneer Wife, and when it was published after Grey's death...and title was changed. This novel is a quick read and very unlike current reading. He did not do much research when writing the book, and some of the things he describes are completely wrong. That said, I guess that his writing was pretty popular in it's time 1920's to 1940.

The thing is....I had no idea that I had purchased a 1st edition, printed in 1940. I think I may take it to sell at the premier used book seller in Oregon, Powell's Bookstore. I am thinking that Hubby might like some more books by Zane Grey...something to look for now.

I am a brave girl.

Friday, August 22, 2014

A good reminder for all of us.

Sparkle!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A cute quote for all Brave Girls far and wide!

I am going to use this quote for a page or two in my Art Journal. Love it!

Skipping a Campout with Camptown Girls

Saturday, August 16, 2014

This is the beautiful Magone Lake in Oregon. The Camptown Girls are having a camping trip there over this weekend. I didn't go because the distance from my home is too far. I calculated that I would need to tow Prairie Flower for 7 hours to get there. My opinion is that I don't want to do that, not many of the other women are going....only 5. 

White McCoy Vase

Friday, August 15, 2014

This beautiful vase is my other great find at a thrift store. When the vintage faire doesn't have anything that "speaks" to you...Check out the thrift stores. I never know if I will find anything or something great. The vase is about 12 inches tall. I collect this color because they make a great arrangement when put out together in a display. And...every color looks good in them. A very versatile collection, indeed......and you know what? My collection is about 25 vases, and all were found at thrift stores. They haven't cost me much, and I have received enjoyment and use of them...in fact, I used them for the floral arrangements for my daughters' wedding 3 years ago.

The Cougar Problem

Monday, August 11, 2014
I just want to let you know that the cougar problem is over. The animal was out walking the road today about noon. It was soon put up a tree, and is now dead. It was all done in a legal manner. Animals in this area are not trapped and released. Now, the tense and worry over an attack are over.

Be True to You

Sunday, August 10, 2014
by Melody Ross


I sometimes find this lesson difficult. I know that I must live my truth, and strive to be my best, most wonderful self. Brave Girls Club is the Best!!

The Red Petticoat

Saturday, August 9, 2014


Hi friends, I went to a vintage faire today and walked away with nothing. That said....the 2 thrift stores were much better...each store yielded a great find. Goodwill provided me with a great vintage red petticoat. It is a crimson red, and extremely full...with a great wow factor. All my Sisters on the Fly, and Vintage Women with Trailers will be green with envy. Every girl wants a petticoat or two for fun and decoration. We sometimes wear them for happy hour! Theses photos show that it is possible to wear these as well. I think that I would look like a fool...and not cute like these models. (Nicole, do you want to borrow for Halloween?) The cost you may ask...$9.00. Fabulous Find!!! By the way...I have looking at all the thrift stores for 1 1/2 years for these. I did find a chiffon lavender petticoat in Portland at Salvation Army in spring 2013. Now I am the proud owner of two vintage petticoats. The other find? I will do a post for it.


I think that I could pull off an outfit like this for a camping event. I could layer the lavender one under the red petticoat...use some black tights with my cowboy boots. I have a cowboy hat, belt and jewelry. Hum...it looks like fun!

Up Close and Personal with a Cougar

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Last night I had an experience that I will never forget. Yes, just as the title of the post says...Up Close and Personal with a Cougar! I had trouble sleeping, or this event would not have happened. 2 of my cats were not sleeping and were acting strange. One was sitting on the floor looking out the sliding glass door of the bedroom, and other one was on my bed...sitting up, very alert to something outside...when she ran and hid somewhere in the house. Now, there are deer, raccoon's, skunks, feral house cats, and the like outside during the night. I got up and looked outside with no lights on...I did not see or hear anything. Then I turned on the outside lights, still nothing...then I saw it, the cougar. The cougar was just about 10-12 feet from me, staring at me in the eye...and the only thing between us is a flimsy screen door. I say git, Git, GIT and the cougar slowly decided to leave, and took it's time after a good 10 second stare (the cat did not blink), turned and left. I went around the house closing the open windows for safety. Freaky!!! I never thought that the cougar would be brazen enough to stalk around the house. This animal has to go!

Hubby is gone for the week, antelope hunting with friends. I keep a handgun on my bedside table, and totally forgot it.  I could have at least fired a shot into the ground and frightened the cougar. Now, I am asking the neighbors for permission to access their land, so the government trapper can take care of the beast.

This cougar has killed nearly all of the neighbors' poultry in the last week, jumping very high fencing. Many people in this local rural area do not have chickens because the predators are a problem.  Most neighbors have lost their barn cats that are left outdoors. Our cattle are acting strangely, staying close to the house and barn, and keeping watch for the cougar. They have probably been stalked and are watchful for danger.

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

OK, what is the big deal? This is a great recipe...and I have a new and delicious way to use the zukes ripening daily in my garden.

Here is the link to the recipe on Lil' Luna Blog... glazed lemon zucchini bread.

East Lake Campout

Sunday, August 3, 2014

I think that I have kept my readers in suspense long enough for a post. The camping trip was less than I expected. I did choose to stay positive and follow my Brave Girl values. I came home a day early because I suddenly had distress... worries about my 16 yr old cat, Sunny. When I got home she was still there and doing well.