SNAPPY REPARTEE

Magpie 102-

2012-01-29T12:25:00.001-08:00

There once was an artist "Vallisy"
Who was the first to paint abstractly
He took a chance
Moved from Russia to France
And discovered how to paint Biomorphically
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more takes on Wallisy Kandinsky's Red Spot ll go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Grace!!!!!

2012-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!
one of Russell's famous self-portrait above
photo below was taken at Hart Mountains hot spring
where we spent time over 4 summers helping remove
barb wire fencing with the Mazamas.

It's Grace's birthday and I wanted to thank my sweetie-pie.
Without Russell I would never have had such a happy life
and wonderful memories of all the fun family times
we have had with Grace.
For some great historic photos of Grace go here:
http://kathewordaday.blogspot.com/2012/01/word-26.html
and here: http://kathewsnapaday.blogspot.com/

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt 1/23/2012

2012-01-23T19:20:00.001-08:00

To the right to the right

I wrench the wheel with all my might

Oh hell oh damn just hang tight

The truck spins around-oh outta sight

Stuck in the ditch what a fright!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Magpie 101

2012-01-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Living art
Gently hovers over soft skin
Deeply breathing
~~~~~~~~~~

for more takes on this stunning image go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com

Eric Alders Monday Photo for 1/16/2012

2012-01-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

No smoking!
Spewing hacks of congestion
I'm choking!

~~~~~~~~~~
for more takes on this photo go here:
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Magpie Tales #100

2012-01-15T08:31:00.001-08:00

Sea blue songs
Gently float into my ears
Love bubbles
~~~~~~~~~~

For more Magpie Tales go to:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

and for more info on the sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor go here:
http://www.underwatersculpture.com/pages/artist/bio.htm

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt

2012-01-10T07:15:00.001-08:00

How can snow
Be so beautiful until it's
On your car
~~~~

Drip whoosh splash
Mud spatters easily erased
Voila! Shiny cars
~~~~~~~~~
For more takes on Eric Alders photo go here:
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

Magpie 99 or Choices

2012-01-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

Two choices
Malevolence or benevolence
Hanging fate

Top photo by Lee Friedlander
Bottom photo by unknown Lithuanian photographer circa 1991
for more Magpietales go here:
"http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

The River- Magpie Tales 98

2012-01-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

River, Marina Moevs, 2005

Seemingly calm
The river seethes underneath
Invisible peril

for more MagpieTales go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

and to view my newest blog A Word a Day go here:
http://kathewordaday.blogspot.com/

Eric Alders Photo Prompt

2011-12-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

There once was a guy named Zaxi
Who celebrated to the maxi
One New Years Eve he couldn't see
He was in such a hurry to pee
He really shoulda called a taxi
~~~~~~~~~~

a silly limerick about a serious subject.
Have fun on New years, but call a taxi!

Magpie 97-

2011-12-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bert Stern

Hidden fate
In your beautiful face and smile
Sadness waits

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt-

2011-12-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

Electric lights

Dizzying spiraling neon brightness

Meters spin !

Magpie 96

2011-12-18T08:31:00.001-08:00

One last smile
Arms folded over the future
She will wait
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When my aunt posed for this photo she didn't realize
that she was poised for her future. Arms folded
over her growing belly her sweet husband took
one last photo of her before leaving to go overseas
to fight in Germany.
Wearing his uniform complete with his Army hat was her
last view of him until he returned safely years later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Image: Lee Friedlander, 1966
Courtesy of Tess Kincaid
http://magpietales.blogspot.com

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt

2011-12-12T22:01:00.001-08:00

There are limits

wood stone dirt and six feet

silly limits

Let's just be neighbors!

for more Eric Alders Monday Morning Photos

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

and for more Jingle Poetry

http://gooseberrygoespoetic.blogspot.com/2011/12/poetry-picnic-week-17photos-nostalgia.html

Magpie 95 Letting go.........

2011-12-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

image by Mostafa Habibi

Future floats
In front of a buried past
Let waves erase

for more takes on this weeks Magpie Tales go here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Eric Alder's Monday Morning Photo

2011-12-07T07:54:00.001-08:00

A fork in the road
A road less traveled?
Or is a crossroad
Leading to my future?
Rain blurs my window
While tears stream down
Indecision struggles
I know what needs to be done.
~~~~~~~~

Russell and I have struggled with our desire to
move and our reluctance to leave our wonderful
neighborhood and our house and home we have created.
However, our town has changed and we do
need to move on. Our house is up for sale
and we have made an offer on a wonderful
house on a hill with views of mountains.
More news later when I know more!

Magpie 94 or Respite

2011-12-04T10:20:00.001-08:00

Lunch, George Tooker, 1964, Columbus Museum of Art

Foggy silence

While feeding the hunger

Quiet respite

Magpie 93 or Years of Use

2011-11-27T08:32:00.001-08:00

Ol' Red was a faithful friend
Enduring bouncing little feet
Drooling dogs chewing bones
Popsicles and sticky treats
Grownups sleepily snoring
Through TV shows oh so boring
Now all Ol' Red hears is a woosh
The cars are passing by..... swoosh

This book the Red Couch marks the culmination
of the four-year adventure of two award winning
photographers who traversed the USA with an eight
foot long red velvet couch and the dream of creating
a portrait of America. The Red Couch is a stunningly
beautiful diary of a dream fulfilled, a portrait of
America in all her diversity and the story of
adventures nonpareil.
Photographers Kevin Clarke and Horst Wackerbarth

Dark mornings-Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt

2011-11-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

The alarm rings

Sleepily I prepare for the dark

Drive to work

Magpie #92 or Snuggling

2011-11-20T08:39:00.001-08:00

That snuggling,cuddling,kissing,
Curled up warm hugging I'm missing
Watching you sleep sweetly snoozing
Wake up honey- it's far more amusing.....!

~~~~~~~~~~

I am thankful everyday for Russell-
my best friend-my lifes partner
and all our beloved children and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

image: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt

2011-11-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

Money will never buy youth
Won't erase those well earned
Wrinkles from the tanning booth

photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

Magpie Tales 91 or Choices

2011-11-13T12:17:00.001-08:00

Where do I sit
Where do I belong
Can I change my mind
And what if I'm wrong
It's so confusing
This life of mine
So many choices
and so little time.

~~~~~~~~

for more Magpie Tales go here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

GASP!

2011-11-09T05:23:00.001-08:00

photo by Eric Alder

Gasping for breath

Crowded into dwindling resources

We refuse to stop the madness

That is killing us

~~~~~

Magpie #90 or No Place

2011-11-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

I know you're here

I know you're there

Always in my heart with me

Twenty five years ago my mother died.

Within 24 hours of her death my father

had her cremated and ashes scattered over

the Sierras. No one, not even my father,

went on the plane. I have always felt remorse

that she was alone on her final journey.

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt or BOO!

2011-10-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

photo by Eric Alder

Bring on the candy

Oh just one more piece

Over indulgence

for more takes on Eric's photo go here:
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

Magpie Tales #89 or SPLAT!

2011-10-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

There once was a writer Olivetti
Who obviously loved his spagetti
He spilled his sauce
Which made him quite cross
And now his prose is confetti
~~~~~~~~

for more chuckles go here:

http://purpletreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/funny-bunny-fridays-week-4-november-4.html

image from here:

http://threehundredpages.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/overcoming-writers-block-2/

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt

2011-10-26T06:30:00.001-07:00

Go by car
Gotta get that corn laced fuel
Go buy it

Crowded Mexico City Traffic

For more responses to Eric's photo prompt go here:

http://bifocalunivision.com/

Magpie 88 or Where Do I Look?

2011-10-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

I see you
No matter where I look
Reflecting me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

image: Lee Friedlander, from America by Car
for more takes on thimage go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com

The Unecessary Demise of a Tree

2011-10-22T13:40:00.001-07:00

Residents of Lake Oswego are well aware that last summer
the city spent an inordinate amount of money "beautifying"
the entry to the local municipal par 3 golf course.
Drought resistant natives were summarily ripped out
and annuals and plants needing irrigation were planted adjacent
to 3 lovely Manzanita trees.
I noticed that irrigation was put in place and daily watering
commenced. I called the Parks and Recreation department to
voice my concerns about the well being of the Manzanita trees
as it is well known that Manzanita trees require well drained soil
and will not thrive if over watered as they are very drought resistant.
I was assured that the watering was past the trees drip line.
This spring it was obvious that two of the three trees were dying.
I talked with one of the Parks Maintenance employees and he admitted
that indeed the city had "killed the trees by over watering".
A few weeks ago I saw that one of the trees had "disappeared".
It had been cut down. I never saw a notice of the potential removal
or permit posting and I go by this site several days a week.
So my question is this:
Is the city not required to follow the rules that we residents have to follow?
It seems to me that hypocrisy rules here in Lake Oswego.
Below are photos of what is left.

Entry to golf course- note annuals in lower right corner.

One of the remaining Manzanita trees.
Even though it is now October the irrigation is still turned on.
This Manzanita tree is very stressed and may not live another year.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
No permit was ever observed before the tree was removed.

"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." Albert Einstein

Eric Alders Monday Photo Prompt-or Karma Happens

2011-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

His vicious grasp

Fist raised to escape justice

Karma prevailed

~~~~~~~

Magpie Tales 87 -a visit to Chinatown

2011-10-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Sneaky peek
Behind Peking Ducks
Hung so low

Peking ducks live in a free range environment for the first 45 days of their lives....

Two for the price of one!

2011-10-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Brick by brick
The snug little house was built
Blowhard safe
~~~~~~~~~~~~
There once was a guy named Clay
Who loved to make bricks all day
Til one sunny morning
Without any warning
He left for Spain to make whoopay
~~~~~~~~~~

for more Eric Alder Monday Photo Prompts go here:

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Magpie 86 or How Dare They!!!

2011-10-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

As I read the news and sip my coffee
I am appalled at the state of affairs
Mis-using their powers-they sure don't care
Scandalous leaders are white collar crooks
They are far too busy cooking the books
I fantasize a hilarious simple solution
Let's take those papers and swat them like flies!
Watch them run with their power red ties
No possible escape for these pesky 'festations
Lets swat them all with our frustrations
Sweeping them into a deep dark corner
There won't be any hired mourners
Lets toss the lot into the dust bin
These so called leaders committed a terrible sin
They thought our money was theirs to keep.
Swat them again til they're in the BIG sleep.

Image: Michael Sowa - from the Little King
For more takes on this image go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Luck of the Draw?

2011-10-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Eric Alder

for more takes on this image go here:
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

Lucky?
Shaking hands roll the dice-
once twice thrice
Providence is not in those bones
Safe harbor is found
In the depths
Of your head and heart

Magpie 85

2011-10-02T07:29:00.001-07:00

Image courtesy from Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

I'm not Babar nor that circus trick Dumbo

and I'm certainly not the famous African Bush Jumbo

Finally after being faithful 100 percent
I have wings and I'm so elegant
I'm Horton the flying Elephant!*

*"I meant what I said and I said what I meant,
an elephant's faithful, one hundred per cent!"
Famous quote from Dr Seuss book Horton Hatches the Egg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horton_Hatches_the_Egg
One of my children's favorite book and author.

Life's little moments

2011-09-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Oh boy- I was ready to kill him- you bet
Armed with a rifle -not an idle threat
But then I saw this sign and it made me think
Why should I bother and make such a stink?
He's a miserable bastard and not worth a dime
So I threw away the rifle along with the crime
From then on I only looked ahead and never behind
Living my life with a smile and peace of mind

Photo contributed by Eric Alder
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Magpie #84

2011-09-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

FOR HEAVENS SAKE!
Mr Crow and I would like the rain to subside
If we wanted a shower we'd go inside
and fer crying out loud-
my dress isn't even sanforized !

To read other takes on this image provided by Tess go here:
http://magpietale.blogspot.com/

Tres charmant-n'est ce pas?

2011-09-22T11:27:00.001-07:00

The Snake Charmer by Henri Rousseau

Slither silently swiftly
Ssssss sibilantly softly
Forked tongue tastes the air
Patterned sliver leaves the lair
Hush hush-look into my eyes
and Asp me no questions
And just maybe I'll tell you no lies
~~~~~~~~~~

for additional takes on this week's image go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com

The Vacation is Over........

2011-09-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

photo by Eric Alder of Bifocal Univision

I love this bench-

It's a perfect place to sit

I relax and dream a bit

Then I look up and what do I see?

That damn sign in front of me.

Sigh......... I'm back to reality.

photo taken at Edinburgh's Museum of Contemporary Art

To read other Bifocal Univision posts or to participate go here:
http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/2011/09/monday-morning-photo-prompt-91911.html

Magpie 82 9-11-2001

2011-09-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Revenant by Andrew Wyeth

Alone as
Ashes fall silently on a city
That will prevail
~~~~~~~~

for other Magpie Tales go here:
http://magpietale.blogspot.com/

2011-09-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

In Remembrance

9-11-2001

Photo #253

2011-09-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing better than a warm fire!

Cats do know how to live!

They have staff.

For more Six Word Saturdays go here:

http://www.showmyface.com/

Taken in Scotland at Loch na Mhoid Croft

Inside looking out..........

2011-09-09T01:58:00.000-07:00

Loch na Mhoid croft

Kitchen door to the garden......

Looking out the downstairs bathroom

Lovely window niche in the byre
Also known as the drinking room?

One of Morgies many napping stations...

Morgie hard at work-doing penance for her night time activities...

A Farm's Past

2011-09-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

Image from Magpie tales "abandoned farm, Dublin, Ohio"

Once useful

Now simply stuck in the mud

Farm Sculpture

Loch Na Mhoid Croft Sculpture
http://www.transitionblackisle.org/loch-na-mhoid.asp

for more Magpie Tales go here:
http://magpietales.blogsspot.com/

Summer's End-Bifocalunivion's Prompt

2011-08-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

Summer romances end

and the sweet memories begin to blur

but I'll always remember your hand in mine.

this fine image is from Eric Alder's BifocalUnivision.

You can go there and read more :

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Magpie 80- Hop Harvest Memories

2011-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Red Umbrella, Christopher Shay

It truly was a dark and stormy night when the brew master
finally left the brew pub. It had been a long day of brewing
but finally the fresh hops deliverd by the Jones family
were safely tucked into what Patrick hoped
would be a prize winning beer.

The day had started out a wee bit misty,
typical of this part of the world, but it was a fine
soft mist and wouldn't interfere
with the small hop harvest scheduled.

There were three fine men helping and
one bystander full of beer with hop questions.
It only took perhaps an hour to cut down the
four varieties so necessary for this brew.

Patrick was content as he made his way home
whistling his favorite tune "The Orange and the Green"

For more Magpie Tales inspired by the top image go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Magpie 79- Road Trips!!

2011-08-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Tess at Magpie Tales

http://magpietales.blogspot.com

This image reminded me immediately of being a teenager

and seeing how many could fit into one car and

the driver still be able to steer the car.

Hilarity abounded and we laughed and laughed.

I am so glad I grew up in a more innocent time.

Pay Attention !

2011-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

photo by Eric Alder

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

When driving you have to be alert
Don't let your mind wander
On what you might see in the dirt
Otherwise you'll end up like this
And really really get hurt!

Golden State Fair Destruction Derby August 14, 2011

Magpie Tales #77

2011-08-08T17:29:00.001-07:00

Summer Evening, Edward Hopper, 1947

Sultry night
Evening of musical crickets
Love begins

~~~~~~~~

I remember those teenage summer romances
One moment we're all playing sandlot baseball
The next we're breathless looking at the boy next door.
For more takes on this timeless image go here:
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Best Summer Recipe!

2011-08-07T09:11:00.001-07:00

Perhaps you don't have a super abundance
of Rhubarb like I do, but this has to be one of the best
desserts I have tasted lately (except for Steve's Chocolate Cake)

Our friend Sarah was kind enough to share the recipe!
Here's the recipe:

Rhubarb Custard Cake
heat oven to 350
grease 9"x13" baking pan
prepare yellow cake batter for two layers
(your favorite scratch recipe or packaged mix)
pour in pan
next layer 4 cups of chopped rhubarb
sprinkle with 1 cup sugar
pour on 1 pint heavy cream
bake for 50-60 minutes
Enjoy!
(easy to halve this recipe)

Magpie Tales 76/Bifocalunivision Duo

2011-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Is art in the eye of the beholder?
Perhaps it's a windmill
Or simply a boulder
Oh rats Drats Oh phooey
I think it's just a floating buoy

Making the flight

2011-07-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

If I don't make this flight

I'll never live it down

I have to see this sight

In good old Puddletown

http://katheworsley.blogspot.com/2011/07/magpie-tales-75.html

Magpie Tales #75

2011-07-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

Cycling two a breast

Could be the best

But let's include

a cycling multitude

so seriously nude

this has to be viewed!

http://www.pdxpipeline.com/2011/06/19/portland-pictures-2011-world-naked-bike-ride/

A Soleful Tale

2011-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

photo by Eric Alder of http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

I've gotta say it's

No mean feat

But this tree's got

Imelda's closet beat!
~~~~~~~~

Magpie 74

2011-07-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

It's a Mystery to Me

Maybe It's Chocolate..........

This Snappy Thingamajig

Perhaps a Riveting Tchotchke

Or Just a Watchamacallit

for more guesses go here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com

Magpie 73- Foul!

2011-07-11T06:53:00.001-07:00

There once was a guy named Saul

who loved to play basketball

His size was immense

And he was totally dense

Not wanting to share the ball

~~~~~~~~~~~~

More Magpie Tales here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com

Magpie #72-Family Garden

2011-07-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Wheat Field with Rising Sun, Vincent Van Gogh, 1889

I grew up with a vegetable garden
Rinsing fresh lettuce into a bowl
Scooping up warm cherry tomatoes
Popping crunchy pea pods into my mouth
The soil enriched meals mingle into memories
Of soft summer evenings sweet with family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eric Alder's Monday Photo Prompt

2011-06-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

photo by Eric Alder of Bifocalunivision

Dear Mother Nature
Please stop the rain
Bring out the sun
We ask in vain........
Our lakes are full
The rivers overflow
Enough with this
We have fields to mow.....

Berthoud Colorado Sunset

Magpie #71

2011-06-28T06:02:00.001-07:00

Endeavor, Lino Tagliapietra, Columbus Museum of Art

Layers of color,
Intricately created,
Neatly flowing,
Obsessive beauty

photo prompt from Magpie Tales http://magpietales.blgspot.com/

Tori and the Boys!!

2011-06-26T07:25:00.001-07:00

Tori and Wyatt visiting with Grandpa!
Conner is watching Grandpa cook yummy fish!
He ate a lot of fish !

Conner and Wyatt playing after dinner...

More roughhousing!

It was so nice to finally meet Tori,Conner and Wyatt!

Nine Vacation Days in Sunny Colorado

2011-06-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Flying over the Rockies
Driving to Boulder

Time for one glass of beer at Twisted Pine Brewery

Downtown Boulder Pedestrian Mall

Lots of street performers

Evening sky at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

After dinner Didgeridoo music-this guy was great!

For more Six Word Saturday posts go here:
http://www.showmyface.com/

Engineering

2011-06-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Bridges are a feat
Of girders and pylons
Spandrels and tension
Dead load and
compression
Piers and spandrels
So damn amazing to me
This complexity

The Dalles Dam, Oregon

Magpie Tales #70

2011-06-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Isabelle couldn't resist the image within the frame.

Having only stopped at the garage sale on a whim

the allure of this face wasn't to be ignored.

Going home she placed the frame on the mantle

and grinned at the lovely face .

Later that evening when coming in from the garden

Isabelle saw the woman behind the screen door.

It was then that she realized the house was no longer

hers, but for the mere price of $1.99 she had given it up.

The word "Leave" was hissed into her ear.

Art Museum Car Show

2011-06-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Portland Art Museum is featuring these works of art: close up of 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow hood ornament
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

1957 Jaguar XK-SS Roadster

1937 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H-6C "Xenia"

1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

1939 Talbot-Lago T-150-C-SS

1948 Tucker Model 48 Torpedo

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540-K Special Roadster

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR

The front of the 1939 Talbot My favorite!

The 1931 Duesenberg SJ Convertible Sedan

Now this was a car to be seen in!

For more info on the art museum go here: http://www.portlandartmuseum.org/exhibitions/feature/The-Allure-of-the-Automobile

Magpie #69

2011-06-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

photo provided by Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales

Sandy Memories
Shells on beach
Finger to palm
Into my pocket
Finger to palm

Summer is just around the corner

2011-06-11T06:29:00.001-07:00

Smile-it is sunny today-YAY!

Our winter has finally released it's

firm grip and we are enjoying warmer

and sunnier days!
for more Six Word Saturday's go here:

http://www.showmyface.com/

Lunch with Imani

2011-06-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Imani and Lucy

Waiting for Imani's lunch to be ready

Waiting at the bus stop

After lunch we went to the bus stop to pick up
Mazy and Elliana. That's Imani's hand waving....

A day with Imani and Elliana

2011-06-09T12:16:00.001-07:00

Imani

Eliana

Having a fun day with the girls!

Magpie #68 Take Two

2011-06-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Things are a blur I cannot see

Holding up one finger I see three

Groping around I figure out why

I needed to pop in my other eye

photo by Tess Kincaid http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Magpie Tales #68

2011-06-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid http://magpietales.blogspot.com

When my brother was a little kid

his Teddy's eye went missing

I chose to sew a new eye

Onto the little bear's head.

Teddy was a good little bear

holding so still and quiet

As I made a new eye using

some dark blue thread.

Today Teddy looks very old

and more than a little used

but his little blue eye twinkles

and looks so very amused.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This past weekend we drove over to Bend, Oregon.

While we were there visiting family, I met

up with Helen- one of my blogger friends.

Helen and I had such a nice visit and it was

great being able to connect in person!

Here's a photo of the two of us!

To link to Helen's blog go here: http://woonietest.blogspot.com/

Wildlife in and around Bend Oregon

2011-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Of course there are deer................

Cats with fangs..............

Swans having a snack.............

Strolling Bourbon Street Musicians

and the beer drinking bicycling bus! What???? Look here:

http://www.pitchengine.com/oldmilldistrict/bend-oregon-cycle-pub-debuted-in-old-mill-district-at-2011-bend-winterfest/132444/

On the road again.............

2011-06-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Whizzing by Mt Hood towards Bend

It's shocking I say!

2011-06-02T12:28:00.001-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Not reading instructions

Can lead to malfunctions

Idiotic deductions

And strange reproductions

Magpie Tales #67

2011-05-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

Banquet Scene with a Lute Player

by Nicolas Tournier, 1625

There was a young man from France

Who went to a banquet by chance

He said as he peered

Through a glass- "This is weird...

The lutist is wearing no pants."

~~~~~~~

blog prompt provided by Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales

for more takes on this go here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

Sweet Little Stellar's Jay

2011-05-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sweet little bird

Popping up learning to fly

Show us your tail

This darling sweet baby Stellar's Jay

is our backyard's newest addition...

it's sibling didn't evade the neighbors cat

but our neighbors are keeping the cat inside for awhile...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steller%27s_Jay

There goes the neighborhood.........

2011-05-18T07:21:00.001-07:00

A conversation was over heard

The neighbors were being quite absurd

They said this guy didn't belong here

He really does act rather queer...

He's always thinking of other stuff

Like Vitamin C -it's really rough

To have a lively conversation

While he's six feet deep in cogitation

Photo by Eric Alder

If he could he'd be experimenting

With chemistry and molecular biology

When all we want is a lively chat

While playing cards -just this and that.

We really are quite tired of Linus

His Nobel Peace Prize and his shyness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

for more info go here:
http://kathewsnapaday.blogspot.com/2011/01/photo-11.html

go here for more of Eric Alder's Monday Photo Prompts:

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

and here for Jingle Poetry Potluck:

http://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/

The Joy of Reading

2011-05-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Swiss Family Robinson,
Secret Garden,
Little Princess,
Tom Sawyer,
Little Women,
Huck Finn,
and Nancy Drew
they were just the beginning
to my love of books and hours
blissfully reading under the covers
with a flashlight until caught.
Just one more chapter......
please Mom?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We didn't have a TV in our house until I was 10.

We weren't missing anything as our parents had

a room we called the library as it had shelves and shelves

of books for us to read. The only reason they got a TV

was because Queen Elizabeth was being crowned

and that was an important event that we should not miss!

To this day all of us are still voracious readers as are

all of our children. Our parents gave us such a gift;

the joy of reading. We were very lucky.

Off with their heads!

2011-05-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

Unlike St. Francis of Assisi there are few saints in government.
Our city is being run by the mayor as if it his personal fiefdom
and we are only tolerated because he can pick our pockets
when he needs some spare cash for frivolous and expensive
legacy making projects.
The final straw for me was last weeks attempt to bring a lot
of our beloved Luscher Farm into the Urban Growth Boundary
opening up all that gorgeous farm land for more development.
It's all about the money, instead of leaving green open
spaces alone. It's not about restoration of wildlife habitats
or bringing back Oak savannahs. Oh no- it's all about
more ballfields,indoor tennis courts and community centers
that the majority who live here do not want, nor can afford.
What we do want is some land preserved for the generations
that will follow us. My mother always told me to choose
my battles....well- this is my battle.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to rant!
Below are my comments given to City Council last Tuesday night:

"I would like to comment on this last minute item on the agenda item #8.3:
Bringing a lot of Luscher Farm into the UGB.
I am against bringing large portions of Luscher Farm
into the UGB because it runs contrary to what the majority
of citizens want: We want it left agricultural and rural.
This is an enormous change and we the people
should have a say in this change-like a vote please.
Here we are in the middle of the Luscher Farm Master Plan
process complete with public participation and input.
What the heck? Where’s the public input and participation
in this process? What’s the rush? This is beyond offensive.
We love our farm- our emerald gem of a farm.
We love the healthy lifestyle it generates for all ages.
We want it to be preserved for our children’s future.
We don’t want a tacky tourist destination
or sappy wedding destination. It’s a farm!
Go use Foothills Park and Millenium Park for your revenue generation.
Luscher farm is our outdoor space, our living room,
our schoolroom, and our place of peace and tranquility-
it isn’t parking spaces and traffic. Leave Luscher farm alone.

photo by Kathe Worsley
Above photo is of recent damage to property adjacent
to Luscher Farm. The city ignored Fish and Wildlife's
Best Management Practices by bulldozing wildlife
habitat before June 15th and using heavy equipment
through wetlands and stream beds.

photo by Kathe Worsley

This photo is of the damage done to an old tree
by backing a bulldozer into it. Nice work by
non-supervised contract workers.
( I am being sarcastic )
for more info go here: http://lostewards.org/

photo of St Francis thanks to

Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

When times are tough..........

2011-05-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder of Bifocal Univision http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

You cannot make a wish
When times are tough
and you stand at the edge
with no where to go but down
just turn 180 degrees
and walk forward

Image courtesy of Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales
http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

A few weeks ago we watched

a documentary film entitled 180° South.
We were enthralled and inspired by the tenacity, strength of character
and quiet life philosophy of these people profiled in the film.
I still think about this film- hence this simple homage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/180_Degrees_South:_Conquerors_of_the_Useless/

If you........

2011-05-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Oregon.
If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Oregon.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Oregon.
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Oregon.
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Oregon.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Oregon.
If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both doors unlocked, you live in Oregon.
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern or Eastern Oregon.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Oregon.
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Oregon.
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Oregon.
If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Oregon.
If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Oregon.
If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Oregon. If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Oregon.
If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Oregon.
If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Dutch Bros, you live in Oregon.
If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Oregon.
If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Clatskanie, Issaquah, Oregon, Umpqua, Yakima and Willamette, you live in Oregon.
If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Oregon.
If you know that Boring is a city and not just a feeling, you live in Oregon.
If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Oregon.
If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Oregon.
If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Oregon.
If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Oregon.
If you can tell the difference between IPA's,Stouts,Pale Ales,Porters and PBR you live in Oregon.
If you buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Oregon.
If you actually understand these jokes you live or have lived in Oregon

Contrails

2011-04-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

photo by Eric Alder

Crossing
Overhead
Nearly
Transparent
Ribbons of
Airy
Illusive and
Languid
Strands

Magpie Tales #63

2011-04-27T08:37:00.001-07:00

Photo provided by Tess Kincaid

Kaleidoscope

A glass circle

Magically changes real

Into surreal

Bifocalunivision's Photo for this week

2011-04-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder

for more photos go to http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Drop by drop

Radiation seeps into the sea

Dripping death

Magpie Tales #61

2011-04-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Photo provided by Tess Kincaid

Years and years ago- back in the early 1970's- my former husband and I

decided we would rent our little house in Portland, Oregon and go

live in Spain for a year. So we saved our money, rented out the house and

with my two young sons Phillip and Paul, we embarked on this adventure.

We arrived very late in the night as our flight had been delayed for 7 hours.

Jet lagged and cranky we stayed the first night in what was not a very nice place.

We really felt quite disoriented and discombobulated.

The next morning we found an apartment to rent and settled in

by going shopping for groceries and cooking up a huge evening meal.

Our favorite family meal has always been breakfast, so I made bacon,

hash brown potatoes and lots of fried eggs and toast.

After devouring our tasty and familiar meal-

we knew all was well and settled in for our year long adventure.

Standing Room Only at City Hall

2011-04-13T15:56:00.001-07:00

Last night's meeting in Council Chambers gave Lake Oswego

residents another opportunity to voice their opinion.

There were well over 100 in attendance and 28 were pro-streetcar

and 65 were against the streetcar. Below is what I said:

"I am opposed to the LO-Portland Streetcar. My husband and I have a life philosophy of leaving as little a trace on our much used planet. We recycle, re-use and re-purpose wherever and whenever possible. This means we have used mass transit, walking, bicycling for decades as a way to commute and run errands. We only have one car. We use water wisely with the use of drip irrigation, native and drought resistant landscaping and have no lawn. We have grown our own vegetables for over 20 years at Luscher Farm-long before the community gardens existed. We have had backyard chickens for over 10 years. We walk the sustainable walk as opposed to the city and what the streetcar represents.

The streetcar will be environmentally damaging to wildlife, their habitat and waterways. The streetcar will use unimaginably enormous amounts of resources to only get 100 cars off the road by 2035. It will take 170 years to re-coup what is used just to construct the streetcar. The streetcar is an obscene example of an overgrown ego demanding a legacy with conflicting interest developers who have their hands in our wallets. Just say NO! to this outrageous project. "

We have also written Opinion Pieces to the local paper. Here is the link to what Russell wrote: http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=130212883371898200

and the link to what I wrote: http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=130220353524536300

It is very frustrating to us to see blatant disregard to citizens views and most importantly blatant disregard to the environment and the damage that will be done by such a project.

Early bird

2011-04-11T13:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Robin

Cheerfully singing Building a nest

Welcoming Spring

Magpie Tales # 61

2011-04-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

Dancing the hot dishwashin' Tango

With that sexy Mango Man of mine

It's nifty thrifty kitchen fun

with a last gasp glass of wine.

Better Living with Chemistry?

2011-04-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I am using both Magpie Tales and BifocalUnivision's

images and putting them together here:

Plus these two poems work perfectly for

this weeks Jingle Poetry Potluck

Evolution, Environment and Survival!!

Photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales

No illusions floating

In radioactive fusion

Dangerous drops of water

~~~~~~~~~~

Photo courtesy of Eric Alder of BifocalUnivision

Ode to Yellow #6

there's cheetos and fritos

korn kurls and cheezits

krispy chips and corn nuts

but nuttin' like cheez puffs whew!

that's a whole lotta stuff

~~~~~~~~~~~

for more Jingle Poetry Potluck go here:

http://www.jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/

for more Magpie Tales go here: http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

or for BifocalUnivision go here: http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

Country Roads

2011-03-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com/

The high road

The road less traveled

The low road

That's only graveled

Shake a tree

And look at a map

Are we lost

On a deadend trap?

Get the gas can

and admit defeat

We're outta gas

We'd better beat feet......

Magpie #59

2011-03-28T08:19:00.001-07:00

Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo da Vinci

Your enigmatic smile

Behind bulletproof glass

Is it guile or denial?

for more Magpie Tales go here:

http://magpietales.blogspot.com

Trips, Travel and Vacations

2011-03-27T10:18:00.001-07:00

A lifetime gift for a child....... When I was only seven I received a wonderful gift

A small blue trunk - it wasn't too hard to lift

I looked inside and what did I see?

A doll ? And all her clothing ? This is for me?

"The heck with the doll" I said as I pitched her out.

"I want to use this for traveling here and about."

And so I began my imaginary trips

Packing clothes and stuff for cruises on ships.

Or maybe I'd take it on my little red wagon

Hoping to find a most friendly green dragon.

My small blue trunk was my way of learning

What life I wanted and obviously was yearning.

And years later I am still packing for pleasure

Traveling with my best friend- our life is an adventure!

Bifocalvision Monday Photo Prompt

2011-03-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Alder

Mr Edison
The moon will always be better
Than a bulb
~~~~~~~~~~~
this was written in reponse to Eric Alder's Monday Photo Prompt
go here for more responses: http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Magpie Tales #58

2011-03-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

Photo by Tess Kincaid for Magpie Tales

Listen you battleaxe and listen well

There's not enough mace - this tastes like hell

I wanted a horseman's pick not this pike

You're a hellburner- you did this for spite!

A man catcher you're not- nor a mercygiver

I'd rather eat my cuir bouilli than your chopped liver

Sassparilla at Laurelthirst Public House

2011-03-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

Friday night Happy Hour featuring Sassparilla Jug Band!

It all started out pretty quiet....

and then when the music started it got loud and lively!

and here's the proud new father of 6 week old twin boys!

Congratulations!!!!

It was a great evening! Always fun!

What he was thinking.....

2011-03-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

I know I ate too fast

And certainly way too much

The cabbage and corned beef

It was such a tasty lunch

I'm here a wee bit longer

As I'm stuck on this seat

Reflecting upon my gluttony

While chewing on more meat.

Magpie Tales #57

2011-03-14T09:08:00.001-07:00

photo by Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales

Happy St Patrick's Day

good luck found

while walking a twisty path

wind at my back

A Mothers Yoga

2011-03-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

Eyes to sky

Arms out wide sending love

Across the sea

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week's devastating earthquake in Japan

makes one realize how petty most of our problems are.

~~~~~~~~~~

For more shadow shots go here:

http://heyharriet.blogspot.com

Eric Alder's Monday Photo Prompt

2011-03-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Photo by Eric Alder

http://bifocalunivision.blogspot.com

Searching for Love in All the Wrong Places

Poor lonesome Morning Dove

Searching for her avian love

She walks along the old dirt road

And only sees a giant toad

With more than a smidgen
Of Band Tailed Pigeons

The Stinking Rose - Magpie Tales #56

2011-03-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

photo by Tess Kincaid of Magpie Tales

http://magpietales.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~

Another Night of Sleepng on the Couch

This stinking rose

Offends her nose

When I've had a bite

So late at night

I sneak in bed

Away from her head

BUT! "Oh no! Oh ick !"

"I smell garlic!"

So off I go-

she's such a grouch

Once again I am sleeping

on the couch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This would never happen with us as we are addicted to

the "Stinking Rose" and most every main dish begins

with "2-6 garlic cloves-depending on how mean you are."

Here's one of our favorite garlic laced recipes.

Bon Appetit!

The Famous and Awesomely Tasty Garlic Spagetti

2 ample servings
6-8 cloves pressed raw garlic (more if you feel really mean)
1 raw egg
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon dry basil or 3 T fresh chopped basil
1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan/romano/asaigo cheese-what ever you prefer
9oz fresh pasta or same equivalent in dry pasta

Mix garlic,raw egg,butter,basil,parsley,and cheese throughly into a "gunk"
meanwhile boil water for pasta, cook pasta, drain pasta and stir gunk into hot pasta
throughly and serve immediately with crusty bread and a big green salad. YUM

Life Lessons to Be Learned

2011-03-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Our friend Tom

The man who walks the talk

Quiet and thoughtfully