I belong when?

You Belong in 1971

Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all!

What Year Do You Belong In?

DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!

COOL Visits the Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins, hayride, corn maize, field trip, popcorn, Indian corn, gourds, hay bales, corn stalks, pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, apple ciders, funnel cakes, local honey, field trip...This week's field trip found the Central Oregon Open Learners (COOL) at the Pumpkin Patch in Terrebonne, OR. It was a beautiful day! But, today was super busy...stopped by my Friday Knit-Up group at Barnes & Noble before 10, shopped at Old Navy and got two pairs of jeans for my teenager for a two-night camping trip later in the afternoon, grabbed a bite to eat on the way...with full stomachs, DD#1 and I were off to the pumpkin patch--leaving DD#2, DS, and Hubby home groaning with flu. We missed the infamous safari maize but my teenager really wanted to be with her COOL friends. Of course, I obliged.

There were many school kids here today, it's a very popular seasonal place for field trips...besides the most glorious day in the fall season here in the secluded High Desert where the only thing more beautiful than the fall foliage is the sea of orange created by thousands of Central Oregon Pumpkin Company's pumpkins. Pumpkins range from an eye popping 150 pounds to a modest one-pounder.

There were thousands of pumpkins. So, the selection is vast and the quantity is never ending. One of the most fascinating features of the farm is the impressive selection of every mind-boggling type of pumpkin, winter squash, gourds and fall decoration. A good time was had by all.

There are quite a few entertaining animals in pens to see





and pet.





This one seemed to find his way out but is content to be back at his leisure.

This was a huge play area with lots to do in it.


Not the best picture, but this shows...the views beyond the fields were beautiful. That is Smith Rock in the background.

Just part of the view of the pumpkin patch. There were wheelbarrows to use to load big pumpkins in.

Our friends spent a long time trying to find the right pumpkins. They had quite a few requirements the pumpkins had to meet.

no-taker for this

or this

No pumpkin for us, but, this 3-pound jar of wholesome goodness did come home with me...perfect for the nasty cough we all have.

Visiting the pumpkin farm and enjoying the scenery along the way definitely put me in the mood for fall...and making my first cup of pumpkin spice latte--Ooooh. Emmm. Geeee! Of the many blessings in my life, I count this group at the top. Knowing other families are breaking the mold and seeking ways to nurture their children to live in freedom is so encouraging--we are not alone! And I love having all these kids around!





There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.
One of these is roots;
the other is wings.~~Cecilia Lasbury
DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!

Brace Yourself

...Early winter in October: First snowfall in High Desert, Central Oregon. The first snow of the autumn blanketed the town early this morning, leading to power outages for a few hours and numerous accidents on slippery roads. A 3-inch layer of snow covered the van and twice of that fallen on the driveway since this morning. Hundreds of homes in the city were still without power later in the afternoon in the abrupt change of weather.

Winter is expected to hold fast in the cascade mountains for at least the week. Although snowfall during this time of the year is not unheard of, we are just not ready for it. I laid here and thought of the season change, the days getting shorter, Christmas is looming closer...It's time to check the list and getting busy building up the gift stash.

Meanwhile, I do hope the weather will warm up and ice patches clear by tomorrow night--hubby is driving back from San Diego on Tuesday. We want him home safe!

Pre-Halloween, Anyone?

Halloween...when I was a child (and I'm 48) was a neighborhood thing. We'd all meet outside of my house and then go door-to-door in groups. This was before I ever conceived of anything involving getting dressed up as evil, harmful, or bad. Halloween was more innocent then...I hadn't met any Christians to tell me it was evil. No one had poisoned candy or put razor blades into apples so we weren't in danger of dying. There weren't any terrorists in our world so we didn't know to fear. Enough of my rambling/musing...

What are you up for this pre-Halloween? We are not interested in scaring the neighbors or watching those cheesy horror movies in the '80s. How about an evening of great laugh, good snacks and drinks, and performances by kids and adults? Here is a tidbit of a mega-buzz dance hosted by one of our COOL families in Broken Top tonight...some spine-tingling grooves and beats to put us all in the spirit from dance tunes to horror movie soundtracks...for a ghostly evening of fun.





















We’re lucky this year, Halloween falls on a weekend. There is a plenty going on October 31st. If the weather is nice, I expect about thousands of ghouls, goblins, and drunks to be roaming the streets downtown while I will be preoccupied with my fiber friends at the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat in Sunriver. Do you know this is the International Year of Natural Fiber?

DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!

Winter Wonderland in September?

It's already getting really cold here. I have heard people telling horror stories about the REAL winter that's about to set in about a month. I wonder...

En route to school this morning, this awesome sight caught my eyes:

On the way back home after picking up my teenager from Band an hour later, we stopped and captured these magical moments:






...one way to make winter wonderland in September!

DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!

Meet Templeton

Isn't he sweet? Templeton and his mom are the latest rescued, by Crystal Peaks Horse Ranch, from some local rancher' long neglect in Prineville. Not only rejected by his mother, Templeton had been walking on top of his hooves since birth. He is recovering nicely after a couple of surgeries.


Morgan and Molly, the interns, were super nice...wish they can stay permanently.
Animal neglect and abandonment has been common around here due to poor economy. If you notice neglect, please contact the proper authorities to ensure the best outcome for the animal involved. Every morning on the way to work, you drive by a small pasture that contains seven horses. It is winter and the ground is frozen and covered with snow. There is no hay on the ground, and the horses appear to be thin under their shaggy coats. Don't just drive away and do nothing. You can help.

Thank you, Kim and Troy, for giving Templeton another chance of living and my kids a chance to serve. Our time at the ranch is precious and dear to our hearts.

DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!

Last of Campfire :0(

Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders in our communities. My kids have been a part of COOL Cougars for three years now. They truly enjoyed the camaraderie of running with friends weekly plus contributing in special events around town...but not the fundraising aspect, sadly.

This is their first environmental trail at Camp Meadow for the year but also last as Campfire kids.

I still plan to volunteer as day camp counselor in the summer so my kids will still be able to hang out with their friends for a week in Tumalo State Park. Maybe they will change their mind to rejoin before then?

LEAN ON ME
Sometimes in our lives,
We all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise,
we know that there's always tomorrow.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,
For it won't be long, 'til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride,
If I have things you need to borrow.
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,
For it won't be long, 'til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

You just call on me sister when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

You just call on me sister if you need a friend.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,
For it won't be long, 'til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

DREAM...EXPLORE...AND DISCOVER! (stop by here to see what I've been creating)!