Stained Glass Sunset

The fall sunset through the Alder trees overlooking Netarts Bay = Nature's Art

I Do Not Have Crabs

This crab claw was festively decorated with lace-like barnacles festooning its otherwise scary pincher...

Note: Webster's Dictionary does not recognize the word "pincher" but growing up around crawfish and crabs, I can tell you they are exactly that, PINCHERS.

Another note: Now, I am told by the dictionary that the plural of crab in this instance should be "crab."  Apparently, one is not supposed to say, "I have crabs" or "Do you have crabs?" as it is an entirely different conversation for a different post. Good to know.

Anyway, all I was really just trying to show you something cool I found and ended up getting an English lesson.

So enjoy the fancy claw and don't tell anyone you have crabs.

It's Good to be Queen

Growing on a bluff next to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and overlooking miles of rocky coastline, the Pacific Ocean and migrating whales, this weed has found a perfect home.

Her official name, Queen Anne's Lace, seems well suited as she occupies her throne keeping a watchful eye on her kingdom and subjects far below.

Pelican Poetry

'Twas the morning before Labor Day, when all thro' the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sandcastles danc'd in their heads,
And Bob in his 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a mid-summer's nap-
When out on the Bay there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a flock of pelicans, so close and so clear,
More rapid than eagles those pelicans they came,
And I whistled, and shouted, and wished I knew them by name.

Okay, I do get extremely excited when the pelicans arrive each September.  There is nothing more fun than watching them filling up at this bountiful buffet before completing their migration to points south.  The pelicans are so awkward and gregarious as they dive for food.  Sometimes they float along with the tide and nod as they go by, giving the impression they are simply good-natured visitors who stopped by for a long holiday.

And then in November as if they heard a whistle,
Away they will all fly, like the down of a thistle:
But then I’ll exclaim, as they wing out of sight-
Happy Trails to all, and to all a good flight!



Note:  Thanks to Clement C. Moore who helped with this poem and the returning pelicans for inspiration.

The Rainmaker

It has been the driest, hottest year at the Oregon Coast.  Beach fires are banned, the rivers are low, the leaves are dry and wildfires threaten our forests.  The Earth is begging for rain.

Turns out, all that is required is to send me on vacation.  On my first day off, it started to rain.  Today is Day Three and over three inches of rain have fallen.

You are welcome!

All is not lost, I am on my third book.

Moments in Summer, Moments in Time

In our family, summer wouldn't be summer without days spent in the sand and water. While avoiding the city heat was the goal, we were actually pausing our lives to spend time together, listening and learning,  

It is this unstructured time which allows us to tell stories which otherwise would be lost. We come to know each other as individuals who had a history long before our first meeting.  We hear about experiences which shaped each of us and come to understand the unique perspectives we offer.

The sea and sand cast a magical spell, opening us to a deeper connection with those we love.

There is nothing more precious than these moments in time.  

Grace Under (High) Pressure

It's been a long, hot summer even on the Oregon Coast.  This graceful Lucifer plant doesn't seem a bit fazed.  Perhaps it is trying to set an example for my other whiny, thirsty garden dwellers.