Pambiche

Portland is known for it's scenery...even in its buildings

Its a colorful city

Another Easter Wreath

fIR

First I start with a styrofoam form.

Then I add ribbon.

And feather boas.

Some plastic eggs

And a little Easter grass.

Then I put it on the door to take a peek.

But it didn't feel complete without a ribbon...well another one.

So I made one.

And I was finished.

The Glass Castle

Jeanette Walls The Glass Castle was an interesting story. It's hard to believe it's true. This is the story of a very dysfunctional family. The mother is mentally ill and the father must have been a little too. He was an alcoholic but it would have taken more than that to live with this woman. She had money and a lot of it yet she let her children starve and never took care of them at all. In fact Jeanette caught on fire when she was cooking hotdogs (at the age of 3).

There was one wild story after another about this family and the crazy things they did. So, if you don't want to hear a sad story about the mistreatment of children, then this isn't the story for you. But, if you'd like to hear how children can overcome adversity and rise above their upbringing, then this might be the story for you.

DIY Library

There's an odd spot, behind a chimney, in our house. It's never been used for much of anything except for storage until now.

Now, my husband is reworking the area (with the help of his brother) and creating an entirely new space. Together they have framed in the odd angled walls and slopes and are building me some hidden benches behind the chimney, where I can put cushions and pillows, and they are creating shelves that will store my books. So this odd unused little corner will soon be my very own reading nook - or in my mind, at least, a tiny little library.

And, I'm so excited.

Just wait until it's finished. I can already picture it now. . . it's going to be beautiful.

ReWilding the Apex Predators

Last week we went to see an Oregon Wild presentation. It was the Wild Things movies. No, this wasn't the Maurice Sandek movie of Where the Wild Things Are. It was about apex predators and how they are being driven from our landscape.

These animals include the bear, wolf, coyote, cougar and they are disappearing. The movie talked about ways to live with these "beasts" without killing them.

It was an interesting movie and it is definitely worth seeing. 

Making Easter Eggs Out of Chocolate

It's easy to make homemade Easter candies. All you need is some white chocolate, food coloring, a paint brush (food quality) and a mold.

Here's how I made these Easter Eggs.

I took white chocolate and melted it then I added in food coloring to create my colors (you can also buy chocolate in different colors - but I just use food coloring to make my own.

Then I painted the first layer of chocolate onto my molds and let it set it in the refrigerator. After it had hardened, I added my next color and let it set again.

The next morning I unmolded them eggs.

Some of my chocolate had seeped over the edges because (when it comes to food) sometimes I'm too generous.

 So I had to trim away the excess.

Then I put them out on a nice platter - I'll probably get some Easter grass from the store to make it prettier. But I thought these turned out nice and it was fun.

Tulip Festival

We went to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon today and we lucked out. We made it between rain showers. It runs from March 28 through May 4th and if you get a chance you should go.

Woodburn is 37 miles from Portland so it takes a little longer than 40 minutes to drive and make it to the tulip festival. But once you're there, it's worth it. It's $10 for a car load of people so pack up the kids and make a day of it.

Where else could you ride on a pink tractor? Or view mountains and fields at the same time?

They also have cow trains for the kiddies and sometimes even facepainting. They also had a man carving wooden shoes right on the fields. And you can get 4 bouquets of flowers for only $15.00. Plus they have food and crafts available. You can wander the booths and look at some great craftman's work and fun kabaubles too.

These barrettes and pins were made from old zippers. And hooks and hangers made from recycled water faucet knobs.

and mobiles and wind chimes made from old cans, forks and watering pots...or maybe coffee pots.

But, if you come, please wear boots and pants (unless it's a sunny day) because otherwise you are going to be walking fields that are damp and sometimes very muddy.

and you're not going to be wanting to be walking in white tennis shoes (which we saw a bunch of young girls wearing...and skirts). You can do that, if you want to stand on the edge of the fields and take a few photos but otherwise, come prepared.

And if you don't want to buy food there, pack a lunch or bring some snacks and a few water bottles.

So, if you're driving from Portland and you make it to the Woodburn Outlet Mall, instead of taking a right at that exit, take a left and go straight for about . . . 5-10 miles (just keep your eyes open for tulip signs) the signs will lead you to the fields.

And then be ready to spend a couple hours wandering the fields, taking pictures, looking at the gift shop and booths and watching the carver . . . plus more.

It's a great way to spend a day.