After interviewing with several companies, Matt has decided to accept a position at ClearEdge Power, a fuel cell company in Hillsboro. Matt will be staying with my parents to reduce costs until I finish school and we sell the house here. We are not looking forward to living separately, but are excited that Matt was able to find a job that will allow him to continue working in an area that he really enjoys. Matt will start on September 15, so we have three weeks to finish the back/side yard, and to arrange all of our storage so that I can find things when I need them. School starts near the end of September for me, and I am looking forward to finishing my student teaching. We plan to spend a lot of time on the phone or iChatting so I can tell Matt how things go.
We are really looking forward to living on the west side. Finally. After 11 years. Uncle Chris was right (my mom's brother), when he said we would eventually find a way to get out here, that it would just take some time. We will miss our friends in Spokane, and the gorgeous country around us, but at least now we can convince them to visit on vacation so we can show them around the prettiest part of the PNW.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Matt's Dad's Weekend Visit
Matt's dad came to visit this weekend after attending a conference in Vancouver, WA. We enjoyed showing him around Greenbluff (our farming community), playing Settlers of Catan, buying a new fish for the saltwater tank (a yellow watchman goby), and just relaxing.
Current View of the Yard
We have been spending a lot of time working on our backyard. When we moved in it was tall weeds (about 4 feet), thick, in hard clay with lots of large rocks. Because of the rocks, Matt had to weed everything by hand. We managed to lay sod, plant border plants, and put in wood borders and mulch in the main part of the backyard before summer ended last year. We didn't take any real before pictures, but this is what the yard looks like now (the grass has been cut and pasted - hence the photoshopped look...)
The side yard is a work in progress and includeds blackberries (transplanted from the coast) and raspberries. The grass is just "hanging out" until it finds its final resting place.
Some of our favorite trees
Herb and flower wine barrels also in the side yard.
In the front yard, we added plants to the gravel area that was provided with the front yard before we moved in, and added rocks to make a rock garden.
The side yard is a work in progress and includeds blackberries (transplanted from the coast) and raspberries. The grass is just "hanging out" until it finds its final resting place.
Some of our favorite trees
Herb and flower wine barrels also in the side yard.
In the front yard, we added plants to the gravel area that was provided with the front yard before we moved in, and added rocks to make a rock garden.
Life Bird 239
While staying at Mom and Dad's we took a short trip out to Ankeny Hill Wildlife Refuge. We started at the main pavilion where you are only about 20 feet from the closest birds. Interestingly, I have seen a couple of life birds there - always standing out on the closest island bank, looking right at me. This time was no different! Mom asked what the "chunky bird on the bank" was, and after I got the binocs on it, I happy recognized the elusive sora that has been on my "get" list forever! I had to take a quick look in Sibley to be sure, because it did not have the characteristic mask I anticipated, but after consulting the guide, the field marks clearly matched a juvenile.
(Image of juvenile from google).
Yipee!! I am on the way to 250...and hopefully 300 by the end of the year. (Which may require another pelagic trip. Anyone interested in going out of Newports harbor for a 7-10 hour boat ride in September/October - let me know. Don't worry about being seasick - I have great tips for getting vomit out of gortex :> and it really isn't a truly rewarding experience unless you suffer during it...right???)
(Image of juvenile from google).
Yipee!! I am on the way to 250...and hopefully 300 by the end of the year. (Which may require another pelagic trip. Anyone interested in going out of Newports harbor for a 7-10 hour boat ride in September/October - let me know. Don't worry about being seasick - I have great tips for getting vomit out of gortex :> and it really isn't a truly rewarding experience unless you suffer during it...right???)
Opal Creek
While visiting Mom and Dad, we decided to take a day trip out the Opal Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Santiam.
First we stopped at an old family swimming hole, and let Tills have some off-leash time (because no one else was there!!).
The trail to Opal Creek started out on a two mile gravel road. Parts of the road were supported by half-bridges of old timbers, and we even came upon an old mine shaft.
After we crossed the bridge, we came to the actual trail. We ended up hiking first to Opal pool, then to the mining town, and then back to the trail head. The entire trail was about nine miles, and by mile eight, mom and my feet were pretty sore. Fortunately, someone from the mining town was driving out and gave a lift for the last mile!
Matt filming at the trailhead
Opal Creek was VERY clear, and the blue, green and turquoise rocks were beautiful.
An old steam donkey used to log
Matt hanging out over a 20 foot ledge to film a guy jumping into opal pool!!
First we stopped at an old family swimming hole, and let Tills have some off-leash time (because no one else was there!!).
The trail to Opal Creek started out on a two mile gravel road. Parts of the road were supported by half-bridges of old timbers, and we even came upon an old mine shaft.
After we crossed the bridge, we came to the actual trail. We ended up hiking first to Opal pool, then to the mining town, and then back to the trail head. The entire trail was about nine miles, and by mile eight, mom and my feet were pretty sore. Fortunately, someone from the mining town was driving out and gave a lift for the last mile!
Matt filming at the trailhead
Opal Creek was VERY clear, and the blue, green and turquoise rocks were beautiful.
An old steam donkey used to log
Matt hanging out over a 20 foot ledge to film a guy jumping into opal pool!!
Tillamook County Fair
While staying at Gram's after the reunion, we all decided to go to the fair on opening day. As always, it is fun to watch the 4H kids showing their animals.
We saw people showing rabbits,
Pigs,
and Cows.
We also enjoyed looking at the sheep,
goats (a family favorite),
and pigs.
We all enjoyed the flower displays.
Flower arrangments
Gladiolas
Roses
Lilacs
Dahlias
Other flowers
Before we left, Elyse (my cousin Pat's daughter) and Matt decided they needed to do battle on the bumper cars. They both seemed to have a REALLY good time! (Note the concentration and evil looks of glee...)
We saw people showing rabbits,
Pigs,
and Cows.
We also enjoyed looking at the sheep,
goats (a family favorite),
and pigs.
We all enjoyed the flower displays.
Flower arrangments
Gladiolas
Roses
Lilacs
Dahlias
Other flowers
Before we left, Elyse (my cousin Pat's daughter) and Matt decided they needed to do battle on the bumper cars. They both seemed to have a REALLY good time! (Note the concentration and evil looks of glee...)
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