Wordless Wednesday – May 29, 2013 May 21, 2013
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Potato Joke – Caution: Do not read if you do not enjoy laughing. May 21, 2013
Posted by Heather in Daily Musings.Tags: jokes
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A joke was emailed to me this AM. I have a nasty habit of peeking at my email, via phone, before I crawl out of bed.
Shouldn’t be the way to wake up. This joke had me smiling before my feet hit the floor and I thought I’d pass it on:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, A Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other.
And finally they got married, and had a little sweet Potato, which they Called ‘Yam.’
Of course, they wanted the best for Yam.
When it was time, they told her about the facts Of life.
They warned her about going Out and getting Half-baked, so she wouldn’t get accidentally mashed,and get a bad name for herself like ‘Hot Potato,’ and end up with a bunch of tater tots.
Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get Her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her!
But on the other hand she wouldn’t stay home and become a Couch Potato either.
She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her shoestring cousins.
When she went off to Europe , Mr. And Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland and the greasy guys from France called the French Fries.
And When she went out West, to watch out for the Indians so she wouldn’t get scalloped…
Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn’t associate with those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, ‘Frito Lay.’
Mr. And Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that’s Potato University ) so that when she graduated she’d really be in the chips.
But in spite of all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was Going to marry Tom Brokaw.
Tom Brokaw!
Mr. And Mrs. Potato were very upset.
They told Yam she couldn’t possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he’s just…….
Are you
Ready for this?
Are You sure?
OK! Here it is!
He’s a COMMONTATER!
Daily Musings – Spinning in My Shoes May 20, 2013
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Geez. I haven’t posted since May 8. This month’s whirling by so quickly I’m spinning in my shoes.
Quick thoughts:
- Mom and Pop just paid me a visit. We had a ball. I miss them already.
- I’ll be spending time in MN, with the fam, in July.
- Did you know cat’s get colds? Jane’s been sneezing, including all over me in the AM when she visits my pillow.
- Sis Karen and her hubby Wes are due to arrive in a week. We’ll play, play, play!
- Niece Lily is keeping sis Rachel and my BIL Tyler busy. She’s already been fishing with them at under one month old. Now that’s awesome!
- Almost done with sweater number one for Afghans for Afghans. Just stash-dove for the fixings for #2.
- Work…that’s a source of exceptional stress, lately. Trying to diffuse and channel that energy into something positive.
- Summer’s here. Deck pots are re-planted. I can’t get enough of hiking among the local wildflowers. Pics to come.
- Two weeks off in September I’m planning. Thinking of Scotland. Heh.
News for now, more interesting stuff later.
Pacific Northwest Part 9 of 9 – West Coast of Vancouver – Tidepools and Trees on Steroids May 6, 2013
Posted by Heather in Beaches, British Columbia, Hiking, Knitting, Road Trip.Tags: Botanical Bay, Botanical Beach, Juan de FucaProvincial Park, Pacific Northwest, Port Renfrew, Tidepool Ettiquette
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It’s wild out there, the west coast of Vancouver I refer to. Road #14 I took from Victoria, following the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Scant gravel roads cross the island to the west coast. Numerous Provincial Parks protect the island.
French Beach Prov. Park was my first campsite that portion of the trip. Let me tell ya, the Provincial Parks are carefully maintained, campsites are clean, fees are reasonable. It’s clear they invest in their parks and folks treat them well. Wish the US could be as such. Volunteering for CA state parks, lately, I see how badly they are abused. It’s a shame how people abuse the outdoors.
But that’s a soapbox for another time.
A rocky stretch of French Beach I explored that evening. Vastly different from the CA coast I’m used to, thick trees hug the coast.
Next day I played at Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Hiking a loop that took me to a couple of beaches, thick, primeval-looking trees loomed over the trails. A grey, muggy, moody day I enjoyed the neon-green contrast of the plants with the water/sky and rocks.
Thick, lush vegetation and gigantic trees along the trail:
Water was everywhere! Such a contrast from CA this time of the year. (A dry winter we had.)
Entertaining tide-pools I found here at Botany Bay.
This educational sign made me smile. Tidepools are fragile! Some etiquette:
- LOOK only. Don’t touch! Putting your hands in the water spreads oils and sunscreen into oil slicks that hurt the ecosystems.
- Keep off mussel beds.
- Watch where you step. Those critters blend in with the rocks and can be hard to see.
- Don’t overturn rocks. The undersides protect sensitive critters from light.
- Please do not collect/remove shells from pools. Remember, these are animals homes.
Enjoyed a break from driving and worked on my Pinata Sock:
Asters of some sort:
A second beach to explore, Botanical Beach.
Of note: a 47 kilometer trail follows the coast, this area being its western end. I’d love to return and backpack it.
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This area and marks the end of Road #14 at Port Renfrew.
A blurb from Wikipedia:
“Port Renfrew is also the southern end of the West Coast Trail, a world famous hiking trail built in 1907 along the west coast of Vancouver Island to save shipwrecked sailors. During the days of sail, 1830–1925, 137 major shipping tragedies occurred in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the Straits of Juan de Fuca…It became known as The Graveyard of The Pacific. Originally named Port San Juan, the settlers changed the name to honor Lord Renfrew who planned to settle crofters here. The name was changed due to mail being sent to the San Juan Islands instead of Port San Juan. Port Renfrew’s bay is still called Port San Juan. Like many coastal Vancouver Island communities, Port Renfrew has a rich history in forestry and fishing.”
Stopped at a bridge over the San Juan River, at Port Renfrew, to stretch and enjoy the sights. Heard a familiar sound that stirred excitement in my soul.
San Hill Cranes!
Couldn’t see them but undoubtedly heard them overhead. Also watched fish jumping below. Salmon heading up river to spawn? I hadn’t seen this since being in Juneau, Alaska.
This was a special, memorable part of my trip.
Tied to the ocean I’ve become. Can’t imagine being away. When I see communities (especially small ones) such as this I wonder how the residents feel about their proximity to the ocean. Is is a lifeline (mentally as well as physically/for sustenance?) Do they tire of its temperament?
A winding logging road took me past clear cuts (something new to me, thought-provoking) to Lake Cowichan and down to Duncan. A ferry ride back to Port Angeles, WA signaled the long drive home.
Still smiling when I think of this trip. A fine introduction to the Pacific Northwest, my appetite’s wet for more. I made new friends, explored new ecosystems and yearn for another long endeavor.
Pacific Northwest Part 8 of ? – Victoria, BC’s Chinatown April 24, 2013
Posted by Heather in British Columbia, Road Trip.Tags: Fan Tan Alley, Gate of Harmonious Interest, Victoria BC, Victoria BC Chinatown
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Almost done sharing info from my trip to the Pacific Northwest. Good grief I’m behind.
One of my favorite parts of Victoria, BC to poke around was its Chinatown. The oldest in Canada, it’s second in age to only San Francisco’s. When gold was discovered in B.C’s Fraser River Canyon in 1858, many folks (about one-third Chinese) came up from CA. Soon, folks immigrated from China itself. Most were male. The few that made enough money brought over their families.
Born of stick huts, Victoria’s Chinatown rapidly grew into a bustling community of schools, businesses, temples and churches. A darker side existed in the opium factories, gambling dens and brothels.
1911 was its peak. A bit over 3100 people called a six block area home. To compare, downtown Victoria’s entire population in 2001 was just over 3,000. A decline in population and size occurred after 1920.
Revitalization efforts have been successful.
At one end, the The Gate of Harmonious Interest greets you. It was built in Suzhou, one of Victoria’s sister cities.
A beautifully detailed mural:
Fan Tan Alley, once a private walkway, now houses retail shops and offices:
Several of Chinatown’s most historic and special places are kept from public view such as the Tam Kung Buddhist Temple.
A Fan Tan Alley doorway:
Colorful stands full of produce and colorful, imported goods line the street:
This was an interesting part of Victoria to wander about. Shop owners were friendly (in keeping with my observations of Canadians). I felt comfy and welcomed here and not just a walking wallet. I’m looking at you, SF’s Chinatown.
A worthy exploration it was!
Wordless Wednesday – April 24, 2013 April 24, 2013
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Meet My New Niece Lillian April 23, 2013
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Hi all. Post’s have been scarce. I’ve much to share.
A special arrival in the family is front stage, here.
Meet Lillian May Winter. She was born Saturday, June 20 to my youngest sister Rachel and her hubby Tyler. What a beauty she is! She’s their first-born and my first niece. I just got off Face Time with them. Those inky-blue eyes, that full head of brown hair, those rosy pink cheeks, I enjoyed a satisfying virtual cooing, gushing, and hugging session. Her name comes from two grandmas, my paternal’s first (Lillian) and Tyler’s grandmother’s middle name (May). I can just imagine Grandma Frank’s delight over a new bundle of nachas.
Here she is in her ‘Dr. Evil’ (Austin Powers) pose:
Here’s my nephew Lucca holding her. Apparently, he wants her nickname to be ‘Tunis.’ No idea where that came from. I remember he wanted his unborn brother’s name to be ‘Peach.’ You’ve gotta give the kid credit for creativity.
Welcome to the world baby girl! You’ve a big ‘ol loving family.
Wordless Wednesday – April 10, 2012 April 10, 2013
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