A Gluey Hot Watery Weekend

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour...." Ecclesiastes 4:9

 We had a great, hot, exhausting weekend.

Bright and early, the wood working began.

Gluey, sticky fingers, lively children, and patient teachers, make life full.

 

  When family invites, try new things.

Drill deeper.

Learn what you can accomplish together.

Do one thing at a time.

Step by step.

Remember, to rest a bit.

You will accomplish something amazing.

  Then go cool off with confidence!

Because this piece of wood is a walk in the park,

compared to the wood you just worked.

Postscript: The she child goes to sleep claiming she has boat disease. She can't close her eyes without thinking of the boat. As for brother, he fell asleep as soon as dinner was finished. A busy carpenter needs rest.

Blueberry Mouse

Hello, little mouse.

I'm sorry I've watered you wet.
Did I interrupt your blueberry breakfast?

You head for the squash,
I put down the hose.
Your marathon is five steps for me.
You run, west for the hills.

Beady black eyes bulge.

You are in a hurry.
Don't worry.
Mouse, I'm friend, not foe.
We can share this garden bed.
We both call this patch "home".

You head for the zucchini.
Hit your hole.

Down you go.
Safe from the long green watery snake.
Safe from big tramping toes.
You were never in danger.

I filled a rhubarb leaf water bowl for you.

Have you found it?

Oregon Back Country Discovery Route

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

~ Robert Frost

Rover roll call was at 4 a.m. this year – a new record for us. Despite such an early start to the day, rover trips are fast becoming how we slow down our summer pace. We spent four days on the Oregon Back Country Discovery Route watching wildlife, listening to side splitting stories, and talking – about anything. Meals and camp prep set our rhythm in between sections of the trail. A beautiful trail, the Discovery Route runs the length of Oregon from CA and into WA state. We meandered a section lacing its way through the Ochoco and Malheur Mountains.

Fuel stop - Sisters Bakery

Learning how to open and close cattle gates.

  

A shepherd and his flock on national forest land.

Ah, to turn around and go back the way you came.

Fire Look Out Tower

The road was no problem, but a tree that might hit the roof top tent must be dealt with.

Pisgah: Highest Peak, Lowest Look Out

As we re-enter civilization, the speed of life once again catches up with me. No more snail's pace of 5-10 mph, but a full throttle 70 mph. All I can manage our first afternoon back is 58 mph - on a two lane country road. Everyone is racing by me. Eventually, my foot finds “fast mode” again on the pedal, and I ponder as I drive.

Why do we so often choose to set a pace that is unsustainable, for both ourselves, each other, and our planet? What is gained by setting a pace that rarely anyone can keep up with, much less enjoy?

Slowly, I'm realizing I'm most happy and useful when I slow down and listen for God's voice telling me which way to go. Each day, many crossroads fly by, and many detours are offered. Is that way a short cut to my destination? Might I get there faster? Will that way save me time? Maybe the long way around is best; though it's tempting to take the short cut. I must slow down in order to hear the question: In our hurry, are we saving time, buying time or just throwing time away?

So often, I act like I'm running out of time, but am I really? Maybe the best use of my time, is the long way around. The long way around is rich with special moments and special people. The long route requires time, patience, and effort, but it opens my eyes to new realities. That's the route I'm looking for.

Happy Fourth of July

Wishing you a lovely Fourth of July!

May your celebrations be meaningful, splendid, and safe. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 Galatians 5:13

California Dreaming and Trekking

Pictures from precious time with family.
Sister came down with a fever, but we still managed to have fun.
So thankful for time well spent.
What did we do?
We poked a few seeds in the earth.
We poked through "junk" shops and came home with treasures.
We hit up Powell's Sweet Shop and Costeaux, the French Bakery.
An aunt and child took a knitting class.
We investigated The Shed.
We met the cat at Copperfield's Book Store and chatted it up.

 We cooled off in the Russian River.

We enjoyed the Russian River Rodeo, (until we got sick :-)
But, she still put a smile on her face.

 Shoot, there's a lot of bull in that pen.

 We painted trees.

 We took a nice walk and enjoyed the jack rabbits,
who are faster than my camera.

We soaked it all up,

and took it all in.