SUNFLOWER PEOPLE; Castle Rock-WA

I love sunflowers 💛: big & tall, or short & small. I love them, all 🌻 😁

Sunflowers are like people in our lives too … some bring the sunshine with them. Some light the path for us; and some stand with us when we grow through the good days and the bad days. Some help us find the light within again and some shine just enough of their light on us to remind us to turn on our own light and shine again.

Who is your sunflower?

CLARK'S TREE~Long Beach-WA

May 8th: We were drinking our coffee, and listening to some tunes … and talking about driving down the road a bit to put diesel in Betsy's tank so I could drive to Rosburg and back, Thursday morning; while going that way I asked Holland if we could drive into Long Beach to Marsh's Museum to see if they had tiny dried starfish (I wanted to string them on my shells garland) - and maybe try to find 'Clark's Tree', too, before coming back home.

Holland agreed, and off we drove.

The sky was blue, and clear; wispy clouds were far and few between - the sunshine felt good on our exposed skin - and Dire Straits fit the mood of the Day :-)

Dire Straits 1979 - 'Sultans Of Swing' song: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaAE33rMTSk)

Along the way, Holland decided to take a side trip :-)

Holland showed me the lodge he had worked on; I was excited - I like to see the buildings he has worked on.

He lived onsite for 3 months, while working on the extension construction.

A surprise … Chautauqua Resort & Conference Center; #304 14th St NW, Long Beach, WA 98631

Holland took me to the lodge he did expansion construction on, in his early 20's.

Chautauqua Resort & Conference Center: 

(https://chautauquaresort.com/)

The Peninsula has exploded on growth since the 1980's.

A construction site fire happened, and they had to restart construction again.

I like it when my husband shows me a glimpse of his Past.

Then we turned right at the end of the street, and made tracks for downtown Long Beach-WA.

I went to Marsh's Museum in search of miniature starfish: they didn't have any … but, I walked the interior anyway, reliving childhood memories & I bought 3 necklaces - no metal on any of them; and I put one of them on, immediately. It matched my top :-)

Marsh's Museum; #409 Pacific Ave, Long Beach, WA

Marsh's Museum: 

(https://www.marshsfreemuseum.com/)

Figure of the PNW's legendary Sasquatch.

Sasquatch: 

(https://www.britannica.com/place/North-America)

A pretty, carved 'Reef Bench'.

Arcade Pirate.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Shell: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leatherback_sea_turtle & https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/a-sea-turtle-found-off-washingtons-coast-cold-and-barely-alive-recovers-at-seattle-aquarium/)

"Jake the Alligator Man”

A 'Jingle Dress' used for a healing dance.

'Jingle Dress': 

(https://www.powwows.com/jingle-dress-dance/)

American Flag & Glass Fishing Floats.

Glass Fishing Floats:

 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_float#:~:text=Norway%2C%20around%201840%2C%20was%20the,is%20credited%20with%20their%20invention.)

I had seen a sign for the 'historical tree' last time we drove into town … and I have read online articles raving about "seeing Clark's Tree": I was curious.

I like History - and walking across America always intrigued me; it must have been so exciting!

President Thomas Jefferson planned the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803. They had found the sources of the Missouri and the major tributaries of the Columbia, followed the Columbia to the sea, collected detailed information about the plants, animals, geography, and inhabitants of the region, and laid the groundwork for American expansion to the coast. On November 8, 1805, the expedition arrived at the Pacific Ocean.

I used to take off on adventures all the time without undue concern over my asthma; but, I am no longer a carefree solo lobo - Holland's concerns now have to become my concerns … and I have had more than a couple serious asthma attacks since we got married: his concerns are justified.

So, I shot a few puffs off my inhaler into my mouth to assure my husband I would "be safe", kissed Holland … and started my walk. I think it was about a half hour, round trip, from start to finish.

On the search for 'Clark's Tree'; Long Beach-WA

A good stretch of the legs …

It was a sunny day - but the ocean winds were strongly brisk.

Looking over the landscape around me, I tried to feel some of what the explorers may have felt as they passed this way … I tried to visualize what they saw, through my eyes that were seeing this place for the first time, too.

Lewis and Clark Expedition: 

(https://www.historylink.org/File/5383)

Aha!

A FAKE RESIN TREE! They did try to make it appear realistic - but the shiny plastic patina gave it away.

That tree was ridiculous - BUT I enjoyed a nice, sunny walk.

And there, sits my Knight Errant - patiently waiting, in his red 'steed' ;-)

My heart rate was a normal range for walking speed.

On our way back to Independence in Ocean Park, we stopped by David's beach lot to visit with him. It was a good, long visit, and we'll set up on his property again when our time (a month's stay, paid for) at the RV Park, here is up.

We stopped by David's & stayed a while; we'll be close neighbors again, this time next month :-)

RAZOR CLAMS~Long Beach-WA; Shavua Tov

February 24th: It is raining at the beach.

David & I had gone clam digging yesterday afternoon, so after I drank my morning cup of joy juice (coffee) - I walked next door to help him clean my share of the ocean's booty. When I got to David's place … he had already cleaned the clams! He said he got bored last night, so he decided to get busy.

While we were talking, Tavis joined us; David's son and his wife Susie, had driven down during the night sometime. Tav declined joining us for another beach plunder, this afternoon - but I spent some time with them after we got back ;-)

Before driving to the beach again, Holland drove me into town to buy a pair of rubber boots (my hiking boots were still draining in my bathroom sink) … and he also pointed out to me another wooden boat.

My soaked hiking boots drying out …

All wood boat - except the windows, of course ;-)

Around 3:30 PM, David, Holland/me, & Bleu headed to the clam digging site - and my body got another invigorating full-body workout ;-)

(1) Walking back and forth, on the sandy beach: wet, sandy beach = uses more muscles than walking on normal surfaces, so it can help to train your muscles and balance. Walking, in general, increases bone density.

(2) Running from incoming surge waves = cardio.

(3) Pulling the clam gun out of the wet sand is akin to weight lifting = the deadlift not only recruits the back muscles, but you're also recruiting your hamstrings, quads, glutes, and core (and you will feel that physical workout later on, at home ;-)).

Deadlifts not only facilitate muscle growth and improved posture, but they also act as a catalyst for fat loss = the deadlift can quickly elevate your heart rate, leading to a significant calorie burn during your workout.

(4) Bending up & down in a smooth, flowing action = your {core} which extends from your rib cage to your hips and around to the muscles that support your spine is the inner support system that helps you stay upright. Strengthening it is one of the best things you can do for your health. A strong core, supports your posture, decreases chance of injury and minimizes fall risk.

We were on the sand a little over an hour, so today's activity was a good workout :-)

Following David to 'a good spot' along the beach in Ocean Park-WA

Sanderlings are small, plump sandpipers; a small, plump, energetic wading bird.

Sanderling Beach Bird: 

(https://abcbirds.org/bird/sanderling/)

Digging Washington Coast Razor Clams: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp534FwwZFY)

How to Clean Razor Clams: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpDZhdU_g5o)

We got 3 limits, and the majority of them are good sized. We are so looking forward to a yummy supper of fried clams (from yesterday's haul) & baked potatoes :-)

I set my catch today in my shower stall to drain some of the grit out of them, and I'll clean them tomorrow after we get back from visiting Holland's nephew Jake in Longview, where he will be visiting his mother.

It's been a good Shabbat weekend.

We have been greatly blessed.

Today's catch - 15 ct. limit … I nabbed 13 of them ;-)

Thanks Luv - these boots were much appreciated!

MOD CHRISTMAS CACTUS PATTERN~Yuma-AZ

 

Yuma, Arizona is the sunniest place in all of America; though this time of year, it does chill down overnight (sometimes cools to 45-degrees overnight), it heats back up to 80-degrees by noon. Cactuses are more prevalent in Arizona, than evergreens are ;-)

I don't go all out for Christmas anymore - I used to when the kids and grandkids were in-house … but, now that they are not, I don't. And I couldn't anyway in 45-ft. 5th wheel, roughly the size of a small shot-gun galley-kitchen studio apartment.

My new husband does not "do" Christmas.

At all.

But because this is my Birthday Month, and I want some kind of festive notation marking my time on Earth … he has consented to this one small chrismasty thing :-)

A week ago, my friend, Pam, sent me a picture text of her tree this year - she and her husband decided to "go small" this year, too:

I designed my own Christmas Cactus Pattern, November 28th, and completed it December 2nd. It's very easy to make, using only a few simple basic crochet stitches.

It will also be very easy to unassemble and store away when the holiday is over: space in an RV (even a 45-ft 5th wheel like ours) is very limited, so most extra's we have (inside TV trays & outdoor patio table/chairs), need to be stored flat.

Saguaro Cactus in a pot, & Saguaro Cactus fruit ('flowers').

Cactus & Pot sewed together, stuffed, decorated, & hung.

Our RV Home Floor Plan (with slide-out's extended) is roughly the same size as a small studio apartment - not a lot of floor space ;-)

If you live full-time in a 5th Wheel RV in the desert like I do, or you live in a small apartment with a quirky sense of humor like I do - you may enjoy crafting this little christmas cactus to decorate as you wish.

Have a funtastic Holiday!

MOD CHRISTMAS CACTUS PATTERN

Materials:

Worsted yarn - 1 ct. skein Red & 1 skein Green (you will be using doubled yarn throughout; unwind skeins and rewind into doubled red strands ball & doubled green strands ball)

Crochet Hook #H

Assorted small-scale tree trims

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Throwaway plastic container of choice (oblong or round) to fit base of your cactus

Cardboard for project backing

Ballpoint pen

1 ct. 33-gal. Plastic Garbage bag for stuffing

1 ct. 0.5 lb. weight Resin Command Hook

Terms Used:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

hdc = half double crochet

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

inc = increase

dec = decrease

BL = back loops

jn = join

T = turn

TL = total

rpt = repeat

X = times

EA = each

EO = end off

MOD Cactus {tree} instructions:

Double strand worsted & appropriate size crochet hook.

Row 1: With Green worsted yarn, ch 2; sc x 8 ct. in 2nd st from hook - do not jn.

DO NOT JOIN

Row 2: Sl st across the back of the next two sts - do not jn.

Sl st to beginning 1st sc … this forms the back of cactus to be tacked to cardboard.

Row 3: ch 42, and work a dc in 2nd ch from hook; begin forming first "cactus rib" by dc to end st - ch 3 & T.

Dc up foundation chain.

Row 4: Dc x 37 (38 sts TL); then work 1 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st - T

Row 5: In BL only; 1 sc, 1 hdc; then work dc x 38 - at end of row, ch 3 & T

Row 6: In BL only; rpt row 4.

Cactus ribs layout; you will be working around circular top.

Repeat rows 5 & 6 one after another, eight times more; there should be 9 completed "cactus ribs".

At the end of last row, ch 1 & sl st x 40 - then work 2 dc in top of cactus and sl st x 40: EO

Frontside of cactus back sl st.

Backside of cactus back sl st; this side will be frontside when tacked to cardboard backing.

This curled cactus will be loosely stuffed when 'backed'.

MOD Cactus Tree Pot:

Cut the back out of a container that fits the base of the cactus piece.

Cut the center out of the container lid … the cactus & pot will be joined at this opening.

Row 1: With Red worsted yarn, ch 11; then work 1 sc in 2nd st from hook, sc x 8 ct down foundation ch … make 2 sc in end, and start working back up the foundation ch with sc x 8 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Work a sc bottom portion of the cactus 'pot'.

Row 2: 1 sc in same st; sc x 9 ct, 3 sc next st, sc x 9 ct & jn to fisrt st - ch 1, T

Row 3: 1 sc same st; sc x 2 ct, 2 sc in next st, sc x 9 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 2 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 9 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Row 4: 1 sc same st; sc x 11 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 3 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 3 ct & jn to first st - ch 1, T

Row 5: 1 sc in same st; sc x 4 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 12 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 4 ct, 2 sc next st, sc x 12 ct & jn to first st - DO NOT TURN WORK

Row 6: Ch 3 & dc around 3 sides of work, inc 4 sts at EA corner - ch 1 & T

Row 7: Sc around work, inc 3 sts atop EA center inc of previous inc - ch 3 & T

Row 8: Dc across row, inc 3 sts atop EA inc of previous inc - ch 1 & T

Rows 9 thru 14: Rpt sc and dc rows, without inc's.

Every so often check the shape of the piece being worked; make sure of the fit, & make adjustments as needed to suit your pot's shape.

Row 15: Dc 13, dec, dc x 19 ct, dec, dc x 13 ct - ch 3 & T

Row 16: Working BL only; dc x 12 ct, dec, dc x 18 ct, dec, dc x 12 ct - at the end of row, turn and sl st around entire piece. EO

Working the top of the 'pot' that will fit snugly around the cactus base …

Side & front views.

Whipstitch cactus base & pot  top pieces together.

Piecing the Cactus Tree together:

Dismantle an appropriate sized cardboard box, and with a ballpoint pen, lightly outline your crafted tree shape to a piece of cardboard.

Cardboard backing; pattern outlined. I chose a box to dismantle that had a ready-made-opening, to use when hanging my cactus tree ;-)

Backing cutout; put the colored side, inside & keep the lighter side out - this will be hung towards the wall (or door).

Stuff the cactus tree; and gently whipstitch to cardboard backing: do not pull harshly on the whipstitch or you will cut the cardboard, making it useless. Secure it lightly, but firmly in place.

Plastic 33 gallon garbage bag stuffing.

Whipstitch pot to cardboard backing.

Whipstitch cactus to cardboard backing.

Trim your cactus tree … anchor the hanging hook in place with the pull-tap adhesive, and hang your tree :-)

Trims for this 2023 holiday season: with tapestry needle and yarn, tack beaded cord to front of cactus … then affix balls to cactus as you see fit ;-)

Cactus sewed together, stuffed, decorated, & hung. I did not use the fancy flower because the poorly glued sequined portions fell off … making it useless for my purpose :-(

Hopefully my Cactus Tree will stay put - this door is used a lot.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!