A House Is a Home

 I love our house. It isn't very big. That is fine. Sometimes  I wish I had more light. The man I bought it from had done beautiful wood work on the walls and cupboards. I used to get tired of the dark wood. I now appreciate it. We decided to change things up a bit without spending a lot of money. Above is a table Everett created. It works well  back into the living room displaying the blooming plants.

 I really looked at all the beautiful wood products Everett has created, and decided to move them all together again into our small living room.  This lamp worked well by the love seat. We also rearranged furniture and recreated Annie's room ( another post). As I gathered his handmade pieces of work, I realized how much I liked them all together in one room, instead of spread out all over the house.

 This lovely table ended up in the room also. Shelby is a bit confused with all the changes.

This lamp and table that Everett created worked well together by the window. I look forward to more changes to our living space in the next few days. It is important to me to honor the create work we share rather than spend a bunch of money on new decor. That's just the way I roll.

2013 Favorite Images: Month by Month

 I have spent time recently reorganizing photos, rereading posts, revisiting calendars, and reflecting on the last year. I saw some beautiful places in 2013. I captured some favorite photos in 2013. We spent quiet time close to home also which I really enjoyed. It was hard to do, but here are some of the favorite images of the year. The one above is a lovely flower at the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park last January.

 February found us around the fire in the gazebo.

 I love this image in March. Two of my students Stan and Kobe competed in a three-legged race. The weather was warm and I loved how the students enjoyed simple fun outside on the field.

 Nothing lovelier in April then the flowering plum tree.

  I love this image of my student Hannah Blackcrow before our school pow wow.

 A visit to a friend Jane's house provided this lovely blooming tree image.

 Our class reunion was a high point of the year. I was so pleased to capure an image of two of my oldest friends Kathy and Gail at Mom's deck on Saturday.

 August took us on a beautiful trip to the Clark Fork River.

 I love this photo of my niece Cosette playing soccer in September. She is a energetic, spirited player.

 The middle school undefeated girls team before a game.

 The undefeated middle school boys team before a game.

 The year ended with a holiday gathering in Kellogg that included a Scottish Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner. and brother Bill's birthday dinner. I got to spend all of it with my siblings above. This picture is brimming with happiness and good cheer. Happy New Year!

Remember December: Favorite Images

My brother has arrived at our childhood home and is helping our mother prepare for the Christmas holiday. As he describes the preparing of food, decorating of the tree, and all the busyness that goes on at 516 W. Cameron, it reminded me of images I have collected of holidays in the past. He texted me to reassure me that this favorite ornament of ours has been placed on the tree for one more year.

 I love this image of my sister preparing a holiday dinner at her house. Below is a priceless image of brother Bill with his dear dog Snug looking through the window at Mom's house. The last image depicts a favorite ornament of mine I place on the tree each year. Christmas is full of images that remind me of times back in childhood, and better times in adulthood.

Remember December: Inside Recess

As the weather gets colder plans are made at our school for inside recess. Okay. Silver King and Sunnyside alumni.... did we ever stay inside at recess? I have no recollection of staying inside playing board games, reading , or playing a quiet activity at our desks. Today our students play games, watch videos, or go the gym for " free gym." I remember wearing lots of clothes and making snowmen and stuff in the winter. Were we just tougher? Is is colder now? You will all have to help me out on this one.

Remember December: Baby, It's Cold Outside

I have often written about the beauty I find in living with four seasons. There are rituals attached to each of the seasons, especially if you live in the country. Even though winter, according to the calendar, isn't upon us yet, it looks and feels like winter. Tonight it is supposed to be down to below ten degrees. By Friday down to minus temperatures. I am blessed to have a warm house, warm clothes, and a warm car that gets me to school each day.

 I know growing up in Kellogg it got really cold also, but I never remember feeling really cold. We had a warm house  (well... maybe a chilly bedroom upstairs, but we had electric blankets) and good winter clothing. After sleigh riding on Chestnut Hill I do remember coming home cold, only because I was wet. Mom believed in wearing layers before L.L. Bean made it a business and what I do remember are times I could hardly walk because of socks, leotards, pants, and snow pants I had piled on. We never left the house without a hat and mittens.

I warned my students yesterday the shorts may have to go by the end of the week. I also suggested that some may need to wear a coat instead of the usual sweatshirt. I know these students have lots of heavy clothes as they hunt and snowmobile the cold land of the reservation. They just leave them home on school days. "We never get cold!" they exclaim.

Today the faucets got covered, the hoses wrapped up, the hydrants got insulated, and the leaves remain on the ground to protect all our plants. The cats are moving in, the firewood is stacked, and the heaters are ready in the greenhouse. Winter is a time to be prepared also.

December is also a time of beauty. Some of my best photos have been taken in the cold months.

Remember December: White Christmas

This month I hope to share a post each day that brings to light memories of the Christmas season. So many parts of the celebration of Christmas hold dear memories: family gatherings, foods, music, traditions, gifts, and friends. December is always a time to remember for me. The images seem more vivid, the smells more fragrant, the sounds more full and harmonious.

There are so many songs that conjure up memories of Christmas. In our house it was Bing Crosby and his rendition of "White Christmas". I don't know why. I am sure Dad loved him because he was local to Spokane. He was Dad's kind of guy. I have never seen "Holiday Inn", but  I know there were so many times we saw the second film "White Christmas" when Bing performed this song. I grew up believing that Christmas just couldn't be right without snow. How would Santa pull his sleigh?