Oscar's a cutie

I can see that I'll be learning a whole new set of photography skills.
It's not easy catching the spirit and personality of a puppy.
But here's a go at it.

He loves to jump up with paws in the air to welcome me back into the room. He flies around in the yard and digs and scratches and chews. Lin just put straw on all the garden beds and he loves to run on top of them even when I say a very firm "off;" he looks at me as if to say "why wouldn't you think this was a fun thing for me to do?" Right now he is laying quietly at my feet, a very new thing for him to do in the study. I'm hoping he's not sick, he's being so quiet.

This is a whole new level of responsibility. But I love the way he makes me grin and giggle and laugh out loud. He's good for my heart and soul.
Stef

Thanksgiving 08

Oscar is the dog on top. Even though we were sure GoGo would be the "alpha" Oscar held his own. They played very hard.
I think Oscar was sad when GoGo had to go home

John, Erin, Alison and Ric.
We were so glad to have them with us for Thanksgiving.
Stef

Oscar's arrival

We are smitten.
Oscar is a 4 month old Havanese puppy.
We went to Spokane to get him--seven hour drive each way.

These are not the greatest pictures. And we are struggling to get him used to being "crated." He likes best to be held in my arms. I was looking for a companion dog, but I wasn't really looking for a full time baby. We're working on it. He is ADORABLE.
More to follow.

Golden days

It's November and we are finally settling in to our winter habitat.
Although tomorrow we go to Spokane to get our new PUPPY!

Life is good.
Stef

Spa Weekend for Mum's 80th birthday

Eight of us, three generations of Raynes' women, enjoyed good food,
great spa treatments, lots of stories, and laughter-filled time together

in honor of Mum's 80th birthday.

Travels with Annelle,

I'm feeling soooo much better.



We had such a good time enjoying the fall colors across Hwy 20 to the Methow, from Sauk Mtn, and up in Whistler.
The waterfall is Shannon Falls off the Sea to Sky Highway.




Stef

Fall photo travels with Annelle

I just returned from traveling with Annelle.
These are my favorite two photos.

And this is my great travel buddy, Annelle.
Stef

Embracing Autumn

Textures etc.

I love the puzzle bark of the Ponderosa Pine; I like it even better up close like this (and the smell is amazing).
















Sky watch - reflected inside Rainy Lake...










Subtle colors of fall are lovely too.

Stef

Camping trip to the Twisp River

Savoring

Sun on my back
Sparkling water on my left
River rocks piled to my right
My sweetie before me.
I breathe in this tranquil scene
Take it deep into my lungs, my soul
Fill up on the last of the butterflies, the golden leaves,
the gurgling sun-drenched water sounds,
the tall green trees against blue blue sky
this exquisite mix of joy and sadness that is autumn.

Open my heart to it all.
Anchor it, photograph it with my whole body
so that on some future dark day I might retrieve it
as a reminder of this connection

this renewal

available to me from the earth.

Autumn Reflections

Reflections in Rainy Lake, on Hwy 20. Sept 30,2008.

Autumn in the North Cascades

These pictures are taken at the bridge over Ruby Creek,
at the beginning of the Eastbank Trail into the Park.

Stef

Sunshine Sunflower

The sunflowers are still blooming,
though they are fading.

Now we are having lots of Stellar Jays going after those lovely seeds.

Yeah Pumpkins!

The Pumpkin crop is looking good.
Although they too are getting nibbled by little grey slugs.

These are "snack Jack" or little "Sugar" pumpkins. We love them. They keep pretty well and we freeze the meat= great for soups and muffins/bread.

And they are sooo pretty!

Sun and Moon

These are images from the backyard; I'm trying to find things I like to look at out there.
The slugs are what I seem to notice the most in the garden. Help????