It's Finally Fall

We spend our summers in Oregon and by the time we're packed up, ready to head south, the fall colors are everywhere with the Oregon Maples in bright yellow and gold and orange. When we return to our home base in Coarsegold, the trees on our site have started to turn color, letting us know that fall has appeared. 

This year was different. When we arrived there was only green trees to be seen, rich bright green . . . until now, the last couple days of October. The nights are cold and crispy. Finally fall is here!

I've been told this is some kind of Ash tree . . . we have five of them surrounding our site, however these are the only two turning color so far. Another one turns a dark burgundy.

Looking out the bedroom window the beautiful bright coral of our neighbor's tree greets us as the sun comes up.

The same tree peeking through the dining room windows.

Life is good!

Sunday Supper

We're back into our Sunday Supper at the farm routine. Only today it was a special time because KL was the cook! She made two versions of enchiladas from scratch—Creamy Chicken Enchiladas and Cheese Enchiladas—served with a beautiful green salad with real bacon bits and homemade croutons . . . and for dessert she made a Chocolate Cream Pie . . . both the crust and filling made from scratch! I'm so proud of her . . . she's following her mama's footsteps in becoming a fantastic cook!

Cheese Enchiladas, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, and a beautiful salad . . . Yummo!

Garnishing the chocolate cream pie with mini-chocolate chips under little brother's supervision!

Delicious . . . good job KL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life is good!

Stitch and Glue

While I flew home from Seattle for a doctor's appointment, Ken stayed in Olympia, Washington to take a class offered by the Wooden Boat Center. He's been wanting to build his own wooden boat for several years now, and last April he spotted a class being taught by world renowned Sam Devlin this summer. Sam, himself, has built over 400 wooden boats. The technique that he has developed is called "Stitch and Glue" and that technique is what Ken wanted to learn from the pro before he starts construction of his own boat. The class was small, only four students, so he was able to enjoy a real hands-on learning experience and get answers to his the questions. Here are pictures he took while building two boats in class, so you'll notice that he isn't in any of them, but they'll give you an idea of what the class was all about.

The instructor and boat builder Sam Devlin evaluates the first seam.

Sam demonstrating the stapling process.

Laying a cloth on top of wet fiber glass which soaks up the extra epoxy, so that when the cloth is lifted the excess epoxy is removed and makes for a smoother finish.

Hand sanding to smooth the joints.

The "stem" is set in place.

The class met 9 to 5 for five days. After each day of hard work, they would gather in a cedar grove for a cold beer and a cigar (for those who chose to partake) and talk about the day.

We were apart for nearly two weeks, the longest we've ever been apart. I really missed him but I loved knowing he was enjoying something he's been looking forward to for so long. Ken learned a lot and is excited about building his own boat now. He was anxious to get home and surprised me by arriving a day early. It's good to have him home!

Life is good!