Hope some of you are having fun making pickles! Shall we have a pickle party here on the blog in a few months to share our results:: good or bad? Hopefully all GOOD! And speaking of blog parties, there’s a Tasha Tudor Birthday celebration coming up on the 28th hosted by Clarice at Storybook Woods. Time to take out our fancy china cups, and take joy and peace collectively in a moment of remembrance to honor a life lived so wonderfully and creatively.
Over here, we’re in the middle of another heat wave with temperatures just over a hundred degrees. Had to get out of my kitchen, away from the pickles and the pies for awhile and cool my heels. The Oregon coast is famous for its fickle weather, especially during the summer. But sometimes all the elements come together just right and *magic* happens. Yesterday, we were lucky to catch one of those days and stayed until we ran out of food and dry clothes, then reluctantly headed back home around 7 pm, to find that it had barely cooled down to 95 degrees here in the valley by the time we rolled into our driveway.
And it looks like we’re in for more of the same for the next few days. So early this morning I went through the house and opened up all the windows and doors to let in some air and cool the house down (before closing it up again), and while I was sitting here at my desk, a tiny hummingbird flew in and hovered over my head! All I saw out of my peripheral vision though was a black buzzing shape coming at me and I yelped and flailed---sending it right back out the door again. Don't know who scared who!
Well, I'd better get outside and do some watering before things heat up again. Have a great weekend where ever you are!
These photos are very pretty. I love your part of the coast.
I opened up our house this morning too, but there's not a breeze or a bit of cool air to be found. I think this day is going to be a scorcher. I try to think of days like this as adventures in a way. Sort of like snow days. Everyone changes their routine, and things slow down a bit.
Happy weekend to you!
Posted by: Lena | August 15, 2008 at 11:04 AM
What beautiful pictures! I love your blog it is so instructional and very informative. so I want to pass along the Brilliante Weblog Award to you! Check on my blog for instructions on how to pass it along!
Posted by: Beverly | August 15, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Oh thank you Vicki for helping to spread the word xoxoxox Clarice
Posted by: clarice | August 15, 2008 at 11:56 AM
You live in a beautiful area!!! Those photos! It is cool here today after 80-90 degree weather lately and it's a welcome change. Rain and not a degree above 52 right now. Ahhhhh..... (so sorry to rub your nose in it!)
Posted by: Penny | August 15, 2008 at 12:07 PM
What beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Chris | August 15, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I had a hummingbird fly close by my ear once, under the patio. I think he must have been going 30 miles an hour and scared the bejeebies out of me. There was a big whoosh and a lot of air by my ear...I'm so glad I didn't move, or I think he would have jammed into my head!!!!
Posted by: Nancy | August 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I can almost taste the ocean spray! Great summer photos Vicki!
Posted by: Christy | August 16, 2008 at 03:25 AM
I think a hummingbird flying in sounds like pure magic! Something like being granted your fondest wish - obviously good luck from the visit (even if it did scare you!)
Your Oregon coastline (not to mention The Ocean) are gorgeous! There is really nothing more magnificent than the Pacific Ocean! You are truly blessed!
Posted by: Barb | August 16, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Oh to picnic by the sea! It is going to be another scorcher, 96 deg, here in S. Central Oregon, I'm sooo tired of it.
I have a hummingbird feeder and they are the most delightful little bird to watch, but I have to agree that they do sound like a B-52 when they get real close.
Posted by: Yvette | August 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Gorgeous pictures. Wish I was there. There is just nothing like being by the sea. Total peace and serenity.
Posted by: cathleen | August 16, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Such beautiful photos! I love the sea and miss living near the Atlantic Ocean. I just made 2 jars of pickles 2 days ago and everyone is waiting patiently for the end product!
Posted by: Gina | August 17, 2008 at 03:47 AM
Beautiful pics!
Posted by: niki m | August 17, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Hi! Long time reader- first time commenter :) I made pickles this weekend!! Thanks for the inspiration! I live in San Francisco and had a hard time finding the Dill flower but I read somewhere that 1/3 tbsp of dill seed would work.
Here's Hoping! Happy Pickling!
Posted by: The Schumanator | August 17, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I'm so glad we don't have such heat in Vermont. My daughter and I have been feeding baby songbirds at a rescue center this summer. I've had to feed a hummingbird several times. It is an interesting feeling to have it fly close by!
Posted by: sarah | August 18, 2008 at 03:36 AM
SVP : where is this place on pic 2 ? it looks like heaven on Earth !
Posted by: SierraMoon | August 18, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Hi Vicki,
Where is this beach? It's beautiful. DH and I will be in Astoria this coming weekend and are looking for a nice beach to visit. It is so different from the beaches in Santa Cruz.
Posted by: Judi | August 18, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Loved your photos. What a beautiful place. Also, re: Tasha, I just bought the book 'Tasha Tudor's Garden' and I will definitely do a blog post about her birthday. What a wonderful soul. I adore the book, and would love to get lost for a while on the 28th with a cup of tea and the reverie of her life and times.
Posted by: robin | August 20, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Your pictures are so lovely!
Posted by: victoria | August 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Very pretty location -- I'd love to be there right now!
Posted by: Jamie in Rose Cottage | August 28, 2008 at 04:31 PM