We got out!!!

We had a 6.5 hour outing on Thursday, the longest time we have been out of the house since Ozy was diagnosed with diabetes.  He has to be monitored fairly closely because his blood glucose gets very low when I least expect it.  But on Thursday he was high and it was a beautiful day so off we went.

We drove to Cottonwood Canyon, a new state park on the John Day River.  To get there, we drove up the Columbia Gorge and then south from Biggs through the high wheat fields and wind turbines.  It's a beautiful drive and the sky was pretty too, with lots of puffy layered clouds.

Columbia River

 The Columbia Gorge and adjacent lands are peppered with wind turbines.  I think they are pretty but I wouldn't want to live near one.  Also, at night the whole Gorge pulsates with red warning lights for aircraft... it is kind of creepy.  I bet that people who live there don't like it so much.  I bet they want to live in the country, not a place that looks like an airport.

The photos start near The Dalles, which is about 90 miles from Portland on Interstate 84.

Driving through the wheat fields and wind turbines.

Arriving at Cottonwood Canyon

Hiking the trail

We got caught in a traffic jam on the way home (all those Washingtonians who work in Portland but don't live there).  Route 84 has a split to 205, but they won't stay in their own lanes.  They have to plug up 84 and then cut over at the last minute.  I was cursing them cuz I wanted to get home to Ozy.  We had been gone too long for comfort.  And sure enough, he was going low.  Another hour or so and it would have been bad.

First day of fall

It's the first day of fall and we have a pretty big storm.  I think the door to summer may be closing

Walking in the neighborhood this week

We can't get away much because of Ozy so we walk in the neighborhood.

Hibiscus at Portland Nursery (5 feet tall)

display at Portland Nursery

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For my birthday

I commissioned an art quilt from Melody Johnson, who does amazing things with color using her hand dyed fabrics and a great sense of design.  My quilt is ready!  First she had me give her a little input about what I wanted.  She posted  about the finished quilt and sent me photos.

I am thrilled with the quilt and can't wait to see it in person and find an honored spot for it to hang.

Pippin enjoying the garden

Cats like a little variety in their lives.  Sometimes I just move something and see what happens.  I moved the scratching post to the back door.  Pippin loves his new view!  He is the only one who actually gets on top of it.

Depression era kitchen

I think this kitchen is very interesting.  It certainly is a work room.  The newspaper above the stove looks like a terrible fire hazard.  But the little girl, who is clearly poor, looks so happy and healthy.

Depression era poverty

End of August Garden