Bend Blogs

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon: Around The Block Fiber Arts Stroll with Trisha Hassler on Saturday, July 5, 2008, Sisters Oregon

High Desert Gallery — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:05:00 -0700

High Desert Gallery is pleased and honored to host an artist reception for nationally known mixed medial fiber artist, Trisha Hassler. Please join us during the 5th annual "Around the Block" Fiber Arts Stroll in Sisters Oregon and meet Trisha! For our Trisha collectors and gallery clients this is the best time to see a major exhibition of Trisha's work. More than 30 fiber artists will be in merchant locations throughout Sisters Oregon -- Many demonstrating their fine craft.

Artist Reception with Trisha Hassler
Saturday, July 5, 2008 -- 4:00 - 7:30 PM
High Desert Gallery -- 281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak, Sisters Oregon
541-388-8964 or toll free 866-549-6250

Meet and chat with Trisha while enjoying great art, lively conversation, live music by our friends, Doug and Katie Cavanaugh, refreshments ( beer, wine and more) and great art!

Don't forget about the kick off of the Fabric Post Card Auction for Wendy's Wish Appeal -- Visit Sisters Art Works and bid high , bid often and walk away with support of a wonderful program.

About Trisha Hassler: Lifetime quilter and award winning Oregon Artist, Trisha has enjoyed numerous group and one woman exhibits in the Pacific Northwest. Former “Art in the Pearl” board member and former member artist of L.O.C.A.L. 14, she has been featured in Fiber Arts Magazine and other national fiber arts magazines. Trisha Hassler embraces both torch-cut steel and improvisational quilting and through her artistic abilities combines the two mediums in one art form even though they are considered being on the opposite ends of the artistic spectrum. Trisha Hassler’s artwork is available exclusively in Central Oregon at High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Redmond and Sisters, Oregon.

What's happening during Quilters Affair week? Please join us for the 5th annual Fiber Arts Stroll -- "Around the Block" on Saturday, July 5th, Quilters Affair week, the Artist Receptions for Paul Alan Bennett and Libby Lehman and of course -- The Big Day -- The World Famous Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show on Saturday, July 12, 2008. The gallery will have extended hours starting July 1 and running through July 13^th. For more information please call 866-549-6250 x 3 or visit our events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com or subscribed to the following: Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

For additional information about the artist, the work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 or toll free 866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery's online art gallery is found at www.highdesertgallery.biz

Original artwork by listed artist(s). All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon. Subscribe to our Feeds: Follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TMis a trademark of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show and used with permission.

How the Real Mother Hen Sees the World: 4th of July BBQ: Grilling Yellow Banana

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:14:00 -0700

Asians have strange habits which scream out like two headlights in a moonless night. If you are Asian and reading this, you would probably nod. If you aren't Asian but find yourself nodding, dude you either need a life or a wife.

Here are the first 8 Asian clues about me and my Asianity:

1. I've had several hair cuts from my mom. Even husband had to strip down to his underwear, squat on newspapers in the bathroom and let my ma cut his hair a few times. Don't ask, just imagine.

2. I can tell you which items in the Dollar shop are more expensive than in WalMart.

3. I re-use the water I use to wash veggie and fruits to water my plants. By the way, the starchy water from washing rice is a good fertilizer for plants. Maybe I can start selling them to Spa.

4. Talking about rice, yes I always have a bag of rice sitting in my pantry.

5. Not only I've rice, which usually means Jasmine Rice (Long Grain), I've Basmati Rice, Calrose Rice, Brown Rice, and of course Glutinous Rice – both white and black Glutinous Rice. Don't ask, just eat your rice, and don't you dare to leave one grain on your plate!

6. I don't order Spaghetti dishes outside. For one thing they are overpriced and... I really can't eat Spaghetti with a folk and knife; chopsticks people, chopsticks! (What was Marco Polo thinking? How could he steal noodles but not chopsticks? That's like Panda goes to do business in the wood without leaves!)

7. I save some grocery bags and re-use them as garbage bag. It is too "wasteful" to buy the real garbage bags – what, you pay money for something that you already have the intention to throw away? You crazy?

8. I've very good handwriting - all Asians have very good handwriting. That's why we can never be doctors! Sigh!

Prada, politics, & push-up bras: Oh, life

W. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:51:00 -0700

Today was so perfect in such a weird way.

I'm falling nicely into the routine of waking up at 6 and being in the office at 8 - not near as tired as I used to be. I remember complaining about having to be at work by 9 when I was a mere part-timer - ha!

The ex asked me to lunch today, and he even paid. That's three days we've lunched together this week. I've also noticed that instead of long texting conversations, we're having a lot more face-to-face conversations.

Although having my feelings for him come back so strongly is kind of a burden, it feels nice to know that we've matured with each other; no fighting, just enjoying each other's company and sharing our thoughts, ideas, and laughs.

Today was also my first off-site meeting. And to top it off - it was without my boss. I was sent to Sunriver (of all classy establishments) to handle the details of the upcoming event we're promoting. OK, so it wasn't that difficult of a task by any means, but that doesn't mean I wasn't intimidated.

Fortunately, it went really well. It also made me realize that I am more ready for this grown-up job than I had previously thought and that I love what I'm doing. It also gave me an idea of what kind of career goals I'd like to achieve. It was definitely a good experience.

My boss obviously thought I did well, as he seemed pleased with my presentation of the facts upon my return. He also gave me a platter o' difficult tasks meaning he's putting more trust in me and giving me more responsibility. Next week he's on vacation all week and gave me the rundown of what he'd like me to handle next week. It's quite a big list, but I'm feeling more ready than ever to prove myself.

The Beeb, the Beagle & My Bestfriend: Pretty Chuckalicious

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:55:00 -0700

I giggled.

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

UtterlyBoring.com: In Case Anybody Gives A Rip...

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:18:05 -0700

Bend's pregnant "man" has reportedly given birth to a girl.

Karen Duvall: Thursday Thoughts

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:55:00 -0700

No post yesterday, which I dubbed Working Wednesday. I'm hard at work wrapping up a direct mail campaign for a Seattle, Washington publisher. Want to see what I do when I'm not writing? Here you go.

I'm very excited about the new book, Mystic Taxi, which is still in the story development phase. I'm casting the characters now and have a great protagonist in Henry Paine, and his spunky young partner-to-be, Wanda Snow. As part of their character development, I like to interview them to learn what makes them tick. They surprise me sometimes. But their answers are necessary for laying out the main story line and subplots.

I asked Wanda what's in her purse. She said she doesn't carry one. So what does she carry? Pockets. Lots of them. Why? Because it makes stuff harder to steal. So what's in her pockets? A small pocket knife, pack of chewing gum, cash, tube of lipstick, several squares of aluminum foil, headache powders (not pills? Wanda: What's a pill?), a shaker of salt, and an old locket containing a photograph of her great, great, great grandmother. Alrighty then.

How about Henry? He doesn't carry a purse, either. In fact, the joke itself makes his eyes glow red. Pardon me. What's in his pockets? Cash, hack license for the State of New York, a handful of pumpkin seeds, a comb, a small harmonica, and a lot of lint. Seriously. His pants are due for a good washing and there's a rip down the seam below his knee. What's that all about? He doesn't want to talk about it.

What does this tell me about my characters? A lot I didn't know before checking their pockets. Now they're becoming real for me. I've started hearing their voices as they talk and I now have a clue about their personalities. We're making progress. Some of the tougher questions, though, have yet to be answered.

But Henry and Wanda must sit on the side lines a while longer as I work through another set of revisions (more like additions) to Knight's Curse. It's not unusual for a writer to work on more than one book at a time, but these are two totally separate series and I can't mix them up in my head right now. I'm afraid it might put me in a coma.

she's just saying ...: Flickr

Melissa Hochschild — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:40:00 -0700

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Samurai Camera: Gettin’ hitched by Luis and Zoe

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:26:00 -0700

Esther Havens and I shared some camera time (and cameras) shooting a wedding for a good friend. Luis and Zoe were joined together before witnesses and god on June 29 a little after 7pm and before the ...

Our journey to Paige: The day we met.......

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:58:00 -0700

One year ago today we met for the first time. I wanted to take you with me so badly but we were told we had to wait one more day. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I fell in love with you instantly.

The Wizard: Some Unanswered Questions

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:55:00 -0700

If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea...Does that mean that one enjoys it? If people from ..Poland.. are called Poles, then why aren't people from ....Holland.... called Holes? If a pig...

bikebuzz: Biking to work has been good

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:08:00 -0700

I have to make note.

its been a good month of commuting to and from work. There have been a few windy days but for the most part things people have been great.

There is always the drivers who cut in front of you to make the turn 20 yards up or the few bad applese. I guess I just get prepared for it now. And really I have never had the experience i have had here in Bend where people randomly stop to let you cross the road if your sitting at an intersection. Even though they don't have to it is still a pretty nice thing to do and probably because many folks here in town can appreciate waiting to cross a busy street at 5pm.

I pass or get passed by about 10 people a day by bike on my commute now. It's pretty cool.
Yesterday I had some folks from out of town who rode their bikes from the Shilo inn to downtown ask me where a good place to get breakfast was. That was pretty cool to see some folks come to town with the intent to not use their cars.

Dating Is Weird: Up For Debate

SGLoughlin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:48:00 -0700

Which would you find weirder:

A. Guy who asked for your phone number from one of your male friends and then started texting you out of the blue.

B. Male friend who gave a stranger your number.

This happened to me a few weeks ago. I began receiving texts from a nice guy whom I had met in passing. I didn't know him nor how he got my number until I ran into my friend who admitted to giving out my digits.

The one relieving aspect of figuring out how he got my number is that I didn't give it to him in a drunken stupor, which is what I assumed happened.

Blessed Wanderer: Time’s Acceleration.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:35:00 -0700

You know how when you were a kid, time went by so slow. Mom was taking you to the store and you couldn't wait because you were going to get a toy for being good. Mom say...

Life by Nate: System of a Down interviews

Nate — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:58:52 -0700

Here it is… my confession. For all the contemplative, Celtic, Sacred Music I listen to, I have to say that it is equally balanced by System of a Down. There is no band that does what these guys do. It’s brilliant. To really understand who they are it is helpful to watch interviews that they have [...]

Life by Nate: What the Bible says about itself

Nate — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:25:29 -0700

The notion that I am addressing (per Erik’s comment) is that the bible does claim inerrancy/infallibility–or at the very least teaches principles which require and imply them. Ps 19:7, Prov 30:5, 2 Tim 3:16,17 are good places to start. Let’s look at these references (including some of the verses around them): Psalm 19:7 – 1 The heavens declare the [...]

THE JC PEOPLE: An update about a whole lot of nothing.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:14:00 -0700

My week thus far.

Monday we were still recovering from the weekend with as little activity as possible.

Tuesday we wandered into town to go to a birthday party at the local bowling/video game/mini-golf/go-cart place and that was fun.

Wednesday my mom came in the early evening to see the kids and we went for drinks at the pub to catch up, since she'd just come back from New Mexico. She caught me up on the extended family and I caught her up on the college crap we are dealing with now. Got home from that, put the kids to bed and started a movie (License to Wed) which sucked. We watched maybe 30-45 minutes of it and then shut it off. I then vaccuumed the whole house (except the boys' room, they were sleeping in it) and spot cleaned all the carpets and rugs. They look much better today, but I think we'll still rent a carpet cleaner before we move and do them again. I'd like to move with clean rugs.

So, yeah. My week has been pretty boring so far, and I'm ok with that. I've visited with a few pals, but mostly it's just the daily grind. Here are some random photos for your enjoyment.

bikebuzz: Throat singing fun before the holidays

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:04:00 -0700

My buddy told me today that he and his wife are headed to Mongolia for 3 weeks. Its a pretty common journey for them as his wife is Mongolian.
It reminded me of when he introduced me to the Tuvan throat singers Chirgilchin.
I saw some Tuvan throat singers about 10 years ago and absolutely enjoyed it.

A little weird for folks that don't like mellow music from strange lands, but coming from a family of musicians, opera singers, and masters of instrumentation I cannot help but be amazed. Probably because I cannot even do anything like it, but something in the music makes me feel their life and culture bleed from the songs.

This is an interesting movie on the blind blues singer Paul Pena's journey to master the style.
http://www.genghisblues.com/

Pomegranate Seeds: Greetings, goodies & giveaways for the Fourth of July

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:52:00 -0700

Here's to a happy, fire-free Fourth of July! Both Pomegranate shops will be open on Friday the 4th; if you get tired of rafting, golfing, or your odious cousin Newton who cheats at croquet, you can dash in for a little shopping therapy. Our River Mall Avenue store will be open from 10:30 to about 3pm... if you need a last-minute hostess gift or something fun for your summer table.

Downtown, we're open all day and into the evening, because ta-dah, it's also First Friday ArtWalk, and all of downtown will be open and serving goodies. Here's what we've got lined up for you at our downtown shop: we're open at 10:30 (after catching a few minutes of the beloved Pet Parade), and will be giving away free 4th of July fans and tattoos (don't worry, it won't hurt), plus doggie treats for your pet stars. By the way, your dog is always welcome in our downtown shop as long as he/she doesn't piddle on anything or take out a whole display with a tail swipe.

Later, somewhere around 5ish, we'll start serving up First Friday libations. This time, Robert's going to make Pometinis for y'all, and it should be very festive and fun. We'll close when it's all gone, or around 8pm, or maybe a little sooner... because we want to get home and enjoy a little bbq on the deck, too (and see the fireworks, if the haze clears). The point is, get there early.

In case you're still thinking about your menu for Friday, just want to pass along our all-time favorite dish for the 4th. It's Chef Jody Denton's delicious Tuscan Babyback Spareribs that he serves at Merenda; a few years ago he generously shared his recipe in a newspaper article, and we cut it out, used it and loved it. Our copy is in tatters by now, but I found this link to Food & Wine where it was reprinted. Highly recommended.

Life by Nate: The bible without error? I guess that depends…

Nate — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:42:56 -0700

Erik left a comment on one of my previous posts, which I want to reply to in a post… as I think it may serve to clarify or even raise some further conversation and questions. I also think it is important to say what difference this makes. (This is not a blog for simply spouting [...]

Journey in Bend: time to relax

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:22:00 -0700

This past week has been one of those go, go, go... kind of weeks. I haven't had much time to sit and reflect and blog. Not that my blogs are deep, but I do like to take a second to write my thoughts.

I enjoy my work... I minister and I get paid. woo hooo! dream job. (for me)

Today and tomorrow however are going to be relaxing days. I will spend a great deal of time with my kids and my wife.

I say all of this because I dream of ministry being life changing, growing, and amazing... BUT, if I don't take time to spend with my family and my God... it's all in vain.

I want my God to know that I am in love with Him. I want my family to know the same.

Praise be to God for the life He gives us in Jesus Christ.

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!

we live in a great nation... thank God today.

Berlin's Whimsy: Chicken Chronicles: Pesky

Berlinswhimsy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:31:00 -0700

At first it was charming----our chicken's ability to wander about the yard and scratch for bugs. And scratch. And peck. And bite off. Yes, bite off---as in biting off our burgeoning vegetables and flowers. Each time they travel through our corn patch, we find yet another stub where once there was a corn plant.

And the scratching-----as they've grown, they've become more adapt at scratching. Typically, they're scratching for bugs under the surface, but in the meantime, they uproot our plants in the process! We've found more than one cucumber plant uprooted in the past week.

As a result, the chickens now must have a babysitter when they're out of their pen. My son is more than happy to fill this important role. It seems that out of all of us, he enjoys the chickens the most. He returns from his babysitting duties with tales of chicken quarrels, funny antics, and general observations. He takes his job very seriously...

Juniper Berry: Wii Fit

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:56:00 -0700

Wii Fit is an amazing game/exercise program, in a previous blog post I wrote about the Nintendo DS and how much I liked it. Well I had to give it back to my girlfriend so Glenn bought me this game to go on the Wii System. I have to say this is a great exercise program for someone like me there is something about getting your stamp everyday, see the little feet on the calender I haven't missed a day since we got it. The Yoga is crazy, but you know I am pretty good at it. The aerobics is fun but my rhythm is not the best my trainer tells me to step faster, etc. This little orange guy is me, the system calls this person "Cuteness"! This is the hula hoop exercise, fun and it really can get your heart rate up there. I have not caught up with Monica yet, but I am coming close.
The funny thing about this whole system is we don't own a Wii system, My Step Son Andrew let us keep his system here for awhile but he is coming over for the 4Th of July and you know what he will be taking his Wii back home with him to the Portland Area. Don't get me wrong I really appreciate him letting us keep it as long as he did, but my biggest concern is how in the world am I going to get my stamp everyday. Oh! lifes ups and downs. Maybe I just need to stop borrowing other peoples gaming systems then this won't happen. :)

My Back Pages: "As GM Goes, So Goes The Nation"

jessefelder — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:50:00 -0700

The Mercury News reports:

Shares of General Motors Corp. plunged Wednesday to close below $10 for the first time in more than half a century, on worries about the company's cash needs and speculation about a possible bankruptcy protection filing down the road.

There is an old adage that goes, "as GM goes, so goes the nation." The company's stock is down nearly 90% from its all-time high reached in 2000 to prices it hasn't seen since 1954. So if the old adage holds true we better be ready for armageddon.

Editorial cartoonists have certainly bought into the idea of a dying Detroit. These selections were published in national newspapers today:

And my personal favorite:

I enjoy these cartoons as much as anyone. The only problem I have with this stuff is, like the magazine cover indicator suggests, by the time it hits the mainstream like this, the theme is probably played out.

And I still can't seem to embrace the mass negativity that is currently gripping the country.

Sources:
GM shares fall below $10 for first time since 1954
Bree Fowler
The Mercury News
July 2, 2008

Editorial Cartoon
John Cole
Scranton Times/Tribune
July 3, 2008

Editorial Cartoon
Gordon Campbell
Freelance
July 3, 2008

Editorial Cartoon
Tom Stiglich
Journal Register Newspapers
July 3, 2008

best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever had: Two bogies and a par, for an under par round.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:40:00 -0700

Someday I have to meet the headline writer at the Bulletin, because he or she is very good at their job -- if their job is to put the best possible face on things.

Last week, there was an article that said something like, "Bend Swimmer First in the Water." The crux of which, was that the swimmer finished 65th or something (I'm not denigrating that achievement) but she/he was the first swimmer from Bend to compete.

Or Ashton "Finishing Strong," when he finished 5th at the Olympic Trials, (Which is a hell of an achievement), but which I believe was exactly where he started the day.

Minor things.

There's been a little fun made over at the Bendbubble 2 blog about the Bulletin story on the guy with the battery trailer, starting with this from Bend Economy Man:

"Someone needs to tell this guy about the First Law of Thermodynamics..."

Just too funny. I kinda thought there was something 'off' on that article, but because my science is weak, my instinct was; sounds too good to be true or why hasn't someone else done that?

Because it defies the laws of physics?

To which Buster ran with it, in his inimitable way, because it turns out that he's both a physicist and a millionaire:

"Besides, those that have been here for over a year, know that perpetual motion machines are not a new idea here in Bend, only a year ago, Juniper-Ridge was going to turn garbage into oil via coal, ... all of these 'perpetual energy' devices..."

Pretty funny stuff, if you got the stomach for it. Sometimes I just can't improve on what someone is already pointing out. But I think he's completely right on to compare the subsidizing of developers and builders by deferring SDC fees with the perpetual money machine, money from nothing, too many houses, let's make it easier to build more frame of mind.

Found another example in this mornings paper.

"Despite soaring gas prices and a lackluster national economy, Central Oregon purveyors are expected to start making up some lost ground this weekend, according to tourism officials and businesses who say reservations for the Fourth of July weekend are on par with last year's holiday."

Hmmmm...."on par" doesn't make up "lost ground" in any golf game I've ever heard of.

Nitpicky things, because I just can't face saying what I really think is about to happen to our local economy. I think things are just piling up, and we're going to get slammed.

But we're now at that moment -- over the next six months -- where I think it will become obvious to everyone. Even to the Bulletin headline writer.

Sentences We Love: Metolius River

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:40:00 -0700

"Upstream the canyon is silent.
Water innocent and steady as window glass
slides over speckled stones.
Brook trout and kokanee, rose and silver,
cast moving shadows on the bottom,
announce themselves to eagles, to flies.
Hard to be either predator or prey
in such transparency."

A poem by Sharon Fain I found in a guide book to my favorite place: Some Common Birds and Flowers of Central Oregon's Metolius Basin. The river is spring fed, about the same level and temperature all year around, and is clear as glass as the poet writes. I fly-fished the river BC (before children), and today hike along the river banks lush with lupine, paintbrush and corn lily. When she was four, my daughter said, "I love the nature" and I hope today finds you out it in.

Standup Paddle Flatwater: Heat and UV Damage to Your Board - It's in the Bag

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:30:00 -0700

UV light and heat can damage your surfboard and stand up paddle board. Don't worry about the exposure your board is getting when you're in the water. The usual UV protectants added to high quality surfboard clear coat resins are adequate for the typical gloss board. (Soft top board coverings are especially durable.) Most people have problems arise because of the way they are storing and transporting boards. The UV light isn't the only culprit, the heat of the sun can cause unforeseen issues.

Here are some tips to remember for safe transport and storage:

Long trips on the top of your vehicle add up to hours of unrelenting sun exposure, purchase a board bag designed for travel. Not only will your board be protected from the sun, excessive heat and flying road gravel, you won't have to scrape dead bugs off your board before you can paddle.
Do not wrap the board in plastic or bubble wrap -- The greenhouse effect created by the sun can cause the temperature to build up to a point that the board may delaminate.
Store the board inside, under cover and dry. Big temperature fluctuations from hot to freezing temperatures (for those of us in the colder climes) stress the materials.

We sell board bags for your SUP for $180., $190., or $200. depending upon the length of your board. Check out our Accessories page on our website www.StandupPaddleFlatwater.com

The Debut Effect: street art

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:07:00 -0700

Wooster collective inspires by showcasing and celebrating ephemeral art placed on streets in cities around the world.

Tangled and True: i want to rock & roll.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:35:00 -0700

recently i came across rattle-n-roll. a company specializing in

"the coolest announcements you will ever find! styled after gig posters for rock concerts, these announcements will stun your friends and family and stand as a great keepsake for the coolest kid on the block... yours."

i love their unique style, coloring & the fact that each announcement will be customized with a drawing of your own little rocker. imagine the possibilities... birth announcements, birthday invitations, the list could go on & on. with no babies or birthday parties in my near future, i'm seriously considering having posters made of my two little guys - they would be soooo cute hanging in their rooms! check out all their offerings HERE.

xoxo, K

Tangled and True: from my book shelf to yours.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:30:00 -0700

from a very early age my mom instilled in me an incredible love for books. although, until about third grade, i really struggled with reading. it was then, that a very wise grandma introduced me to a girl name nancy drew, from that day on, i was hooked. lucky for me, i grew up in a houseful of books, so feeding my addiction was never a problem.
anyway, some friends & i were recently talking our favorites books, & i thought i'd share. so here it is... my list of all time favorites. some are classics, some aren't. some will make you think & others are just fun to read. they probably aren't your favorites, but you might find a book or two that you like. enjoy & happy reading!

shadow castle anne of green gables
the once and future king
rebecca the mists of avalon katherine
whale done! the power of positive relationships
pride and prejudice ballet shoes
fish!
dragonwyck
good to great the power of positive thinking the giving tree emma to kill a mockingbird gone with the wind little women the secret catch 22 hatchet winning a wrinkle in time the chronicles of narnia alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day

so what are your favorite books, the ones you read over & over?
xoxo, K
image via flickr.

The Beeb, the Beagle & My Bestfriend: Still no patio . . .

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:23:00 -0700

. . . yup. We haven't built it. The heat just keeps sapping the energy right out of us. We are early morning risers and you'd think we'd get up and do it before the heat pours on too strong but we keep finding other things to do before the rest of the house wakes. We're working on the blue ribbon for procrastination!

Saturday we woke up with the best of intentions -- then got immediately sidetracked by some much needed adult time. After taking our showers we were both pretty hungry and darned if a breakfast at Black Bear didn't sound tasty. Kids were still asleep so after a post it note to the fridge off we went. By the time that lovely repast was complete it was already heating up good but we thought we'd head over to Home Depot and look at stone (before going home to get the rig to haul it in, because, dummy me, we took the scooby!). Well, World Market was opening and they had a sign out about nice patio furniture, and you know darn well that if you have a patio, you need patio furniture! I bought chairs. Nice wicker chairs with the fat-puffy cushions, a perky yellow and orange to offset the sage green color of chairs themselves.

And of course we were going to grill for supper so we started talking food and Rob suggested we grill because it was already too late in the day to do slow-n-low so off we headed to Wal-mart for the propane. By the time we got home from shopping it was already hot-hot-hot-hot-hot (imagine Bill Engvall chanting that, it works better)

So . . . . .

We invited Tory & Dawn, Rob's best friend and his wife, who also happen to be the kids godparents, over for supper. It's a very family gathering and as usual what was supposed to be 3-4 hrs of dinner and conversation turned into 8 hrs and it was the wee hours before we finally got to bed -- so that shot Sunday morning all to hell for building the patio too. We slept in. Kinda of a shocker really, to sleep in to almost 7!

No patio last weekend. Think it will happen this weekend? Maybe. I dunno really, but it's a definite maybe!

The gr8ful grind: Icons of a confederacy wanting to keep ...

Gr8fulTed — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:51:00 -0700

Icons of a confederacy wanting to keep other humans as slaves have been etched into the rock above a pond at Stone Mountain, Georgia; October, 2004.

she's just saying ...: Day 13

Melissa Hochschild — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:41:00 -0700

I just realized that in the many years I've lived in Bend, I've never left for longer than a week. I've traveled: East Coast, California, Texas, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Spain - but each jaunt has been for 8 days or less.

I remember when I got my first real corporate-type job in NYC after grad school, when it sunk in that I'd only get one week off for the first several years. I was stunned: one week?! Cram the entire year's vacation into one week? This was after a life of summer vacations and under-employment. I felt like I'd been given a jail sentence.

Since then, I've learned to fit the vacation experience into one-week trips, extended weekend getaways, work trips that included relaxation time (Costa Rica beach, anyone?), and of course the random layoffs that occur with ad agencies. (Hard to relax when you're looking for work and close to broke,though.)

So the point of this ramble? I've never been away from my pets for this long. I really miss them.

The Wandering Eye: Wrong Address, But Right Neighborhood

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:37:58 -0700

Blogger Jeff Mapes at The Oregonian discloses [blog.oregonlive.com] the Jeff Merkley campaign made a boo-boo in its latest attack video [www.tsweekly.com] task=view id=2994 Itemid=153) against Gordon Smith: The posh home on Country Club Drive in Bethesda, MD that the video identifies as Smiths actually isnt.

Red Carpets, Saw Dust & DC Insiders: Initiatives and Referendums are Bad; the People Unqualified to Participate

bluecollarmuse — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:07:05 -0700

A friend sent me a link to an editorial from the Hartford (CT) Courant authored by Robert Satter. Mr. Satter is a judge trial referee in Hartford Superior Court and author of “Under the Gold Dome — An Insider’s Look at the Connecticut Legislature.” He is also, in my opinion, a very dangerous [...]

The Wandering Eye: Battered Bend Builders Beg Bend for a Band-Aid

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:50:35 -0700

Builders in Bend want the city to kick-start their stalled industry by giving them a break on Systems Development Charges.

Homeless on the High Desert: One Hundred Forty-Six…

homelessonthehighdesert — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:27:08 -0700

Dollars a barrel, Republicans know economics.

High Desert Diva: Hmpf!

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:08:00 -0700

Really glad we bought plants that were deer resistant...

All the white-grey haze is smoke from the fires in California. We've had it for days.

chuggnutt.com: Here's something I bet you didn't know about Ashland...

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:44:04 -0700

I'm referring to Ashland, Oregon, naturally, and something I found out from this article (via Jack Bog) (emphasis mine):

Ashland city ordinances allow nudity anywhere in town, but genitalia must be covered in city parks and the downtown commercial district.

I was pretty surprised when I read that; I don't remember a single naked person while in Ashland last year. But overall—that's pretty crazy; I had no idea it was that liberal of a town.

You can bet I'll be reading the Bend city code pretty closely the next few days to see what our local ordinances say about the subject.

(The article overall is about a fruitcake "activist" who likes to wander around around (nearly) nude, and the city of Ashland's refusal to allow her to be in their Fourth of July parade. She's claiming "discrimination" against her by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, claims she's "not trying to get attention" (riiiiiiiiight), and for good measure even throws in a hint of creepy pedophilia in there. Seriously, she sounds mental. I'd deny her, too.)

Red Carpets, Saw Dust & DC Insiders: Waterboarding Hitchens

Media Lizzy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:28:29 -0700

It was a dark and stormy night…. Oh wait. Not really. As told by one-time Sexiest Man Alive (A2ML = according to Media Lizzy) Christopher Hitchens in the newly minted August issue of Vanity Fair, the story Believe Me, It’s Torture reads thus: (excerpt) “In this pregnant darkness, head downward, I waited for a while until I [...]

Hack Bend: July 4th happenings

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:24 -0700

Lots of things happening this Fourth of July, which falls on Friday this year. I've updated the calendar, but here's a rundown:

The Pet Parade and Old Fashioned Celebration, Downtown. Starting at 10am, this is a perennial favorite; people walking pets of all stripe through downtown. Then the rest of the celebration is taken up in Drake Park, from 11 til 4, where "You'll find craft and food booths, old fashioned games like three legged races, watermelon eating contest and water balloon contest as well as wonderful live entertainment."
Also starting at 10 (and lasting until 4) is the Friends of the Bend Library Summer Book Sale. Deals to be found here as always.
WebCyclery's Firecracker 100 Bike Ride is a July 4th tradition (it's their 9th). "Patriotic clothing is recommended, so wear your stars and stripes! The ride is about 65 miles (starts and finishes in Alfalfa), is fully supported, and has a rest/food stop in Prineville. Meet at the corner of Alfalfa Market Road & Johnson Ranch Road (at the power station). Ride begins at 8-8:30AM (Beat the Heat)."
It is also First Friday, and since I haven't heard otherwise, I'll assume it's still going on (didn't know if it was clashing with the holiday?). Downtown Bend and the Old Mill hosts art gallery receptions with music and (typically) wine and snacks. Starts at 5 and runs until 9 or so.
The Fourth of July BBQ at Jake's Diner runs from 6 until 8pm, and people are welcome to watch the Pilot Butte fireworks from their parking lot.
Of course, the annual fireworks show from Pilot Butte starts at 10pm, and lasts about 20 minutes. Don't miss it!

Outside of Bend:

Sunriver Resort has an Old Fashioned Carnival from 4 to 8pm and provides a shuttle ($15 per person) to take you into Bend to watch the Pilot Butte fireworks.
Redmond has their own parade downtown starting at 10am, and a fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center starting approximately at 9pm.
Prineville's Old Fashioned 4th of July has a multi-event race, a pancake breakfast, parade, music and vendors in the park, and fireworks from their viewpoint in the evening.
La Pine's Frontier Days are running through the weekend, with their own parade at 10:30am and fireworks at 10pm.
Out in Culver at Maragas Winery (north of the Gorge), they're having their Independence Day Weekend Barbecue. Through Sunday, from 12 until 5 each day. Cost is $10 for wine and cheese tasting, and there will be music and winery tours.
Sisters Elementary School hosts the weekend's "Sisters Round-up of Gems"—free admission. Not necessarily directly related to the Fourth, but it always takes places on the respective weekend.
Black Butte Ranch has a ton of things going on, including a Bike Decorating Party and following Bike Parade, live entertainment, and a BBQ picnic. Cost is $15 for the BBQ.

Diner Life: Dud and Duke

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:54:00 -0700

It doesn't happen very often when you meet someone who makes such an impression on you as these two did on me. Two separate retired guys from two separate lifestyles. And then to have them pass away a month apart. I feel so honored to have known them both and so sad to not have their presence around anymore.

"Dud" Lemke was the first. I met Dud shortly after I began to move Jake's over to its new location three years ago. I did not know it at first but this friendly happy man was the father of a close friend of mine, Carl Lemke. Carl had talked about his father many times but I had not met him and now....he was living right behind our new building. I got to talk to Dud many times. Sometimes when he was just outside his house tending to his plants, or when he would come over on a Wednesday to look at the old cars, or when he would come in with his family or others, or the special times, when he would just come over for a cup of coffee and talk. Dud had some great old stories and jokes.

I was shocked when I found out that he was in his nineties. Especially since he had come over just a couple of years ago with his how and said, "I know you are busy, Lyle, so I am going to how down your weeds for you." and then did. It was hard but I visited Dud after he had had his stroke and was in a home. He laid there and looked up at me. I talked but he could not say anything. I asked him if there was something that I could do for him. He tried to speak but could only open his mouth. His caked lips said to me that he needed some water. I remember telling him, "I sure wish that I could read your mind and then know what you need.". Dud personality came out with a gleam in his eye and the sides of his mouth curling up in a smile. I knew then that he could hear me.

Dud passed away on May 24th.

The very first week that I began working on our new building, I was out back looking over the old appliances that the last restaurant had left behind. A man rode up on his bicycle. "Are you Jake?", he asked. "Actually, my name is Lyle.", I returned. I am not sure if he caught that or not but he always called me Jake from then on. He was riding around picking up cans. I immediately liked his smile and personality so we figured out a place between us where I would leave my cans for him to pick up. I enjoyed a few conversations with him but never got to know him real well. I always wanted to but I guess I just never found the time. That truly became my loss.

After picking up the cans in our special place last week, he rode down to the Costco parking lot and was hit as he crossed Purcell. He passed on Saturday, June 28th. I deeply miss his smile, wave, and his "Hiya Jake!".

Two totally different men with two similar names and the two people from the park behind me that affected me the most. I have always prided myself with being a good judge of people. These two men were both characters and both of them were men of character. Good character. Men to look up to. Men who left behind loving wives, children who loved and respected them, and grandchildren who adored them.

Goodbye Dud. I wish I would have stayed there at the counter longer with you instead of jumping up to do my "work". Goodbye Duke. I just wish that I would have invited you in for that cup of coffee that I never did because "I was just too busy".

I miss you both, my friends.

UtterlyBoring.com: What's The Difference Between A Douche Bag and a Tool?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:31:50 -0700

Leave it to former Bend blogger Dane to explain the difference.

eMusings: Recent Pics

dkgoodman — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:22:00 -0700

A few photos I just uploaded to my Flickr account:

The view from the drum circle tonight at Drake Park.

Folk dancing last night at a friend's in Crooked River. When's the last time you danced on the front lawn?

A recent sunset as seen from our bedroom window.

Ground cover in our front yard. I love this stuff.

Posted by Dave Blog Tag: Images