Friday, April 30, 2010
Scupper P Dogheart the name
You will have to wait. Its a secret.
Scupper P Dogheart and Waterdog
I looked a lot. I looked at the Pound. I wrote to rescue societies. No luck.
Finally one day my brother Robby called. "Are you looking for a Spanish Water Dog?" he said. No, I had been looking for a Portuguese Water Dog. But they had turned me down. They broke my heart by telling me, "you would not make a good dog owner", and that is a whole 'nother story.
It didn't look good for me to find a dog. But here was Robby calling me up. I said "Say, can you call mama and ya'll go see the puppies for me?" I live 2,000 miles away in Seattle. No," you call mama." So I did.
Mama is retired and of course she was too busy for puppy hunts, but I begged and told her she was the only person I could trust to pick a nice dog. True.
Well pretty soon I get these cell phone photo's of the cutest white fuzzy puppy with a heart shaped brown patch on his back. I loved him right there. Mama said, "I would take this dog myself". That cinched it.
So off on a plane I went, to pick up a dog . He was cute and very busy.
We named him Scupper P Dogheart.
Now see, Warren spent 19 years in the service in Arizona. They used to go to the Air Force R and R at Apache Lake, AZ. Just about every weekend they were there in that boat busy skiing and riding around the lake for joy. It was called Waterdog. He loved it there.
So the man who didn't want a puppy found that he could not resist getting a water dog.
This spring we took the old boat down to Ashley for a wedding gift to her and Dave.
We had the pleasure of introducing our waterdog to Waterdog. A dream come true, full circle.
2010 uhh where did time go?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Arboretum CoHort's at South Seattle Community College Kick off their new Program
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Prirates Life for Me!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day; Bless the Earth and All Upon It
Earth Day celebrations brought FIUCC a lot of children. Eighteen children arrived outside in our garden after their ‘sermon’ and we assembled a group from ages 14 to toddlers.
To accommodate this enthusiastic and hardworking crowd we supplied rakes, shovels, spades of appropriate colors and sizes. Some brought their own garden gloves embellished with ladybugs.
To begin our celebrations, we talked about the native plants on the property and we embarked on a small hike to take a closer look. We learned about Douglas Fir, Oak Fern, Wild Ginger, Sword Fern, Wood Sorrel, Huckleberries, Roses, Creeping Dogwood and more.
To commemorate the day the children planted three Western Red Cedars and four Red Twig Dogwoods. We also planted seeds of California Poppy, Cosmos and Nasturtiums out in the wild rose beds. Nasturtiums, though not native are edible and like the other flower seeds we planted are low water use plants. For our closing we made a big circle around the newly planted trees, joined hands and said a prayer for our plants and the earth.
Won’t you join us for a grown-up work party? Set aside May 17th from 9am to noon for clean up and planting. Bring appropriate clothes with; label your name on your tools. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Bless the earth and all upon it.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Scupper the Sailor Dog by Margaret Wise Brown
Scuppers the Sailor Dog bears a remarkable resemblance to my dog. A scruffey little brown and white dog on an adventure.
But my dogs name is Scupper P. Dogheart.
I have to repeat his name to folks because they don't get it, and they have never heard of a scupper unless they know sailboats. A scupper is a water drain on deck. So I have to say it several times or spell it. What is it, scruffer? stupper? stupper? huh?
Baby in the house
Oh my, getting up to take care of 'business' at all hours of the night is a real nightmare. Especially in the chilly PNW. I have to put on my fleece jacket and slip on my clogs. Then I have to leash him up so I can take him over to the area by the fence that is covered in wood chips. Before going out we ring the bells. We have big sleigh bells hanging by the door , we try to get Scup to ring them too and then we say "outside get through".
So, then I go over to the fence and repeat the phrase 'outside,get through hurry'. I change my tone to sound more urgent and I repeat "hurry hurry hurry, get through"I accompany this phrase with a hand signal. The hand signal is performed by pointing the index finger to the ground and making a circular swirling motion. This training has paid off, because today I took him out while on the phone. Rather that have my caller hear me giving the command 'get through, hurry" I just made the swirling motion and Scupper good boy went on command!! Yippee.Warren has been a trooper. I did not count, but I believe that he was up more than me. One night Warren took longer than usual to return to our cozy down covers. When I asked him why he was taking so long, told me that he liked to 'hold' Scupper till he was sleepy again before putting him back in the crate. Awh that is so sweet. I have 2 sweet boys.
The first 4 or 5 weeks have been hard but we are coming out of it now, I can see the light. There were no "mistakes" made for the past 4 days! This is an unprecedented new record.
Scupper P. Dog-heart has learned a lot. He can sit, stay,down, heel, leave it. Leave it is a very useful command when he has grabbed up my gloves or shoe or the kitty poo next door. UGH and I let him lick me; but not on the face!!! Not anywhere on the face.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Flying Colors
The officer who issued the license told her he did have a
small problem... huh? Well he can only record pass or fail and he was sorry to say, that there was no place to record "pass with flying colors."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Island Rain
It was awfully hard to get up at 7 am, get ready and drive 25 miles to the Key Peninsula, but I promised so I did it. Warren my dearest, got up and made my breakfast for me, sourdough toast and overeasy, oj and a hazelnut latte. He is getting to be a regular on the breakfast grill.
I brought red twig dogwood, crocosmia, cedar trees, iris, and a red maple to plant up for the new home owner. These offerings came from my small nursery that I run on the side of the house. Mainly I have things I get from all the local garden clubs and sometimes I get free plants from the South Seattle Community College nursery.
When I got there, all the regular guys were there. I teased them and dubbed them the Chapel Hill mafia. Chapel Hill is the biggest church in our area, but not the only one who participates in Habitat! Some of us come from my little church on Fox Island. We had coffee and doughnuts and I remembered how much I like it when Starbucks shows up with their volunteers. They bring all that good stuff and its free and yummy. The Habitat folks are all good and jolly, and share a camaraderie.
I felt cheered to be with them.
The morning was cold and later began to drizzle, we waited under the eaves for a while, and like all the rain around here it blows over quickly. I call it island rain.
Pretty soon we just worked in the drizzle. Fleece is handy for this climate, as it keeps you warm even in rain.
Finished up by noon and of course the sun came out all the rest of the day. Down here in the south sound it is sunny more often and this phenomenon is referred to as the 'rain shadow'. I found out later that there were several inches of snow up north of Seattle. This is a crazy place of unpredictable weather.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Emailing: Alaska and Lauren's Birthday 003
Lauren's Birthday 2007
Lauren had a surprise for her birthday! She thought she was going to a dinner with just her dad! Instead her friends and I were laying in wait at home just dying to say SURPRISE!
In the traditional way, Lauren screamed and was really surprised! We had taco salads and all the fun junky stuff including losts of candy for Sweet 16 Lauren. Cake and ice cream, balloons for days. The backyard was alight with torches and the piece de resistance was the great weather!
We used the old hula hoops and had races, sat on and chased balloons and generaly got silly. Lauren's friends wrote great things about her in her journal.
Happy birthday Lauren and many more.
Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula National Park
We did see a moose, he was a big 'un. We were in the car, parked safely across the street. Warren said to watch his ears, if they go back we gotta go too. He did not mind munching on grass while we watched him.
One day I drove by myself (while Warren flew to Dallas )2 1/2 hours to Seward to go on a six hour catamaran tour. We saw a humpback whale and her baby. There was a calving glacier, sea lions, porpoise's chasing the boat, eagles, terns, puffins (puffins look silly).
This was an awesome sight and the weather was wonderful. Go to Alaska before you die.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
School's Out Yeah
and had lunch and celelbrated with champage. I made all A's for the first time in my life. I am so proud. All it was was a lot of hard work.
Hmmm. I bet my mom or someone told me that when I was younger.
I love going to school. It makes Warren laugh to see me in pigtails
I am going to post all summer long.
Today I spent 4 hours a FIUCC gardening, came home and stayed in my garden until dark.
It gets dark around 9:45pm.
I like that.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Chance of Rain
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. 45 degrees.
Because of the mostly uncharacteristic weather across the globe; the normal weather forecast of " mostly cloudy, chance of rain with temperatures of 40- 45 degrees " feels right.
The planet unequivocally undergoing changes. We all see it, feel it, and we're paying for the damages. While scientists in Paris are unbelieved. Disbelieving politicians who claim to be men of faith, claiming that the men of letters are liars.
It's all so confusing. What will one do?
Kiss your enemies and plant a tree for your children
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Claire's Residence
Claire's Residence
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
This is Lakewold,former private residence, now a public garden in Lakewood, WA.
Claire at earth day
Claire at earth day
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Earth day a traditional day to honor mother earth. Plant a shrub or a tree. Here at Fox Island UCC we are planting shurbs.
Todi,Italy 06
Todi,Italy 06 043
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
See Virga just to the west of Montecastrilli? Chase crews get good photo ops.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Rhododendron Mrs GW Leak
Rhododendron Mrs GW Leak
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
This Rhodie is over 50 years old. It is about 20 feet high by 20'spread. Awesome!
Azara lanceolata Lanceleaf Azara
Azara lanceolata Lanceleaf Azara
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Check out the ancillary leaves in the center of the twig. A complicated leaf stucture and unual.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sunny Clear and a Million Light Breezes High 57 degrees.
Nice in the sun.
Planted and weeded and pruned at Fox Island United Church of Christ
Planted Lonicera nitida 'Braggesen's Gold' and Rosa odorata 'Mutabilis' along the front of the educational building. I recieved these plants free from the college greenhouse end of the year give away to poor students. This was an unpublished give away, and as luck would have it I was there that day. I got a lot of stuff too. Thats what they call me ole lucky Claire. Anyway all this stuff was pretty small but they will grow. Things wanna live.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Youth at Fox Island UCC
Set539_04
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Our youth at Fox Island UCC passed out hundreds of Mardi Gras beads to our children, during the children's minute. The Youth had gone down to minister to the homeless with food and clothing. Then they proceeded to fast for 30 hours this weekend. They spent Saturday night in cardboard boxes in our Narthex. Just to experience what it might feel like to be homeless. The beads represent the 67,000 children in the USA who die each year from hunger.
Sky Harbor Crash Pad
Cargo 360
Monday, February 27, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Lunch on the San Juan Islands 2005
"Your mama goes to college"
A quote from Napoleon Dynamite... a family movie favorite.
It is a long drive up to West Seattle. By the time I get home I am really tired. My class is from 9 to 3. We are way out on the edge of campus near the Arboretum. There is a Culinary Institute there so the lunches are GREAT. There is a bakery too.
I like to bring my lunch and eat in the Arboretum.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Gloria Steinem
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Friday Harbor,WA
Friday Harbor,WA
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
This is Friday Harbor. Warren and the kids biked 10 miles a day for 3 days. I drove Donkey.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Casa Caida Finger Rock 010
Casa Caida Finger Rock 010
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
You can see Finger Rock from the garden,hear the doves coo, see the cactus blooming. The famous Gadston Purchase in the Sonoran Desert
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Mt. Ranier
Mt. Ranier
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Warren's last flight on Delta. Fly by Mt. Ranier 14,440 feet.
Warren's plane
Warren's plane
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Warren and I attended General Ron's retirement ceremony.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Lady Dog from 'Bama has the blues
Pauver puperini..... She had to take a pyrethrin bath and I had to vacuum the carpets ,and wash all her stuff . Today I shaved off all her coat and nit picked. Yeah, it is yucky. And the pyrerthrin bath made me sick. I coughed all day!
Now our Lady dog ,she looks like the Easter lamb who lost her curls.
Pauvre chien! My poor lil dogie
I went to the Salvation Army and got her a little fleece baby bunting for a dollar. I cut off the bottom and stuck her front legs thru the arms. At least she'll stay warm. She doesn't like the color.
Its not pink.
I like to go to the salvation army. I am always on the lookout for a cheap treasure. I like purses , so I always look at those.
I found all the Easter baskets I need for one dollar a piece.
I am going to go back to the Salvation Army soon. Lemme know if you need anything.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Rex Ranch, Arizona
Roll #5 019
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
This place is a favorite of mine. Great restaurant and atmostphere. A historic restored Mexican ranch on the Gadston Purchase.
Gig Harbor
Roll #2 102
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Pretty view looking East. I see this view everyday on my walk/jog.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
New York
I wanna say hello to Aunt Donna and Uncle Tom and Jojo and Lynne and Gramma Eileen. Hey!! Come back and see us. I wanna take Aunt Donna back to the Fox Island spit and get some cool rocks.
If you get to Manhatten and see Sessybeth, go to the Hungarian coffee shop and have some of the famous coffee and pastry there,
and don't stay up to0 late.
Have fun with Ashley. She likes photo's, coffee and ciggies (take those away from her)
Show her some of your old photo's to distact her while you steal the ciggies, remind her that nobody smokes anymore. (ok sorry for the little "wicked" nagster that I am)
I am working and working out. Please join me in my fit for life quest.
But you must post result here!!!
Go Ya'll Go!
Buh Byye!!!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Body for Life? Begin Today.
I am going to attempt to rebuild my body after surgery. I had to sit around for 6 weeks and "recover". Who are they kidding. I recovered backwards. I healed 'but gained weight, and got out of shape. That's some kinda healing.
I wanna get back, dadadum get back dadadum, oh git baaaaakkkk..to where I once belong
get back Jo Jo.
Ok now that song is stuck in your brain.( The Beatles for you young ones) Think of it ,whilst I exercise my program.
MON WED and FRI are aerobics day ( 20 min around the neighborhood)
TUE THUR and SAT are weight days. (lift ,breath out; lower, breath in)
SUNDAY is FREE ( stuff yer face and sit on yer butt if ya wanna ;all day long too!)
Anyone care to join me on Sunday, bring yer own junk food.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Robby's Birthday and Warm Chocolate Cake
Sunday Jan 30th
50 f and partly sunny.
I am home for one day in between flights. Flew home to Seatte -Tacama for 39 hours to do laundry, see Warren, look at the mail and go to church. Today I was the scripture reader.
Tonight we are going to couples dine in and bringing our contribution.
Dessert. (My favorite besides smiling.) Along with dessert duty I must do the laundry and re-pack for Salt Lake City and my trips around the planet.
This week I will be visiting the east. I will be in Virginia and Maryland. Will give Unkly Joe and Sandy a call.
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This recipe is from a free giveaway recipe from a famous Atanta restaurant. I love this recipe.
Warm Valrhonna Chocholate Cake
This makes 6, 4 ounce cakes Serve with the best vanilla ice cream you can find
6 oz. butter
8 3/4 oz chocolate (extra bitter)
3 whole eggs
3 eggs yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all pupose flour
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Butter and lightly flour the small molds. Melt butter and chocolate over double boiler, whip the eggs yolks and sugare until fluffy apprx 10 minutes on high speed in the mixer. Reduce speed and slowly add flour. Then add melted chocolate and butter mixutre until incorporated on low speed. Finally, fill the small molds halfway with the cake batter and bake 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees in convection oven or 8-10 minutes in conventional oven)
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A kind of a grown up version of ice cream sunday.
Valrhona chocolate is from Valrhona, France and this chocolate is some of the finest in the world. One may use any fine chocolate or extra bitter chocolate.
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Yesterday was Robby's Birthday. He went to Cafe Alma with some friends, where he enjoyed baked crusted salmon with horseradish. "It was really good" he said. "fresh horseradish, on the top". You have ta like horseradish. (I do.)
His mama sent him 50 dollars for some shoes. Did you need some shoes uncle Robby? He was teasing her (oma)about how she used to buy him shoes when he was little. So a fun inside joke began going on there. Good one Robby. Maybe if I teased her she would buy me something.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Lots of Photo's
I declare that I need my own digi camera. Hint hint. Enjoy and have a great week.
Winter Doldrums
Planning the garden for the summer. Planning to stop procrastinating on everything.
Please make comments on our site. I am bored and need some excitment here.