Monday, December 5, 2011

Chasing the Cotton Candy Mountain

I went swimming today and the sun slanted across the pool and sparkled on the water - there wasn't a cloud in the sky today.  We're having the sunniest December in my memory. When I walked out to my car afterwards I saw the sun shining on the fresh white coat of snow on Mt. Hood.  It was getting late and I knew it would be turning pink - called "alpen-glow".  I snapped this shot from the parking lot but was unhappy with the poles and buildings.  So, I headed home via the countryside way to see if I could get a better shot.
I actually went on quite the wild goose chase trying to find a good photo of the mountain.  And the funny thing is I drove this huge loop over hill and dale and ended up going back to my first vantage point near Strebin Road.  
Once home at sunset I drove out into our pasture and up onto the hill behind our house as I knew we had a peek at the mountain up there and wanted to see it.. that's it here.  See? 
And then I realized that I had a pretty view of the sunset colors from up there.  That is looking back towards Portland, Oregon. 
 I also noticed a Hawthorn tree up there literally covered with beautiful red berries.
The farmhouse and garage barn lie below.. and our trailer and our 2 son's trailers. 
Then I bump-ity bumped down and shot this of the barn and house and the red Pin oak tree. 
When I came in the warm house with a cold nose hubby told me that I received a package from England.  I participated in an Ornament Swap with fellow crocheters on a Facebook group that I started many months ago called "We Love Lucy II".  There are now 323 members!!  This was sent to me by Karen Beattie - I sent out my "signature" Scandinavian Heart Ornaments!  It is now happily hanging on our Christmas tree!  If you want to make an ornament like this below, here is Lucy's pattern from Attic24.
Yesterday our son Shawn and his family came to visit, then we went to dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant - "Lee's Garden" - and I called our younger son Travis and invited his family to join us.  10 of us for dinner - and Hayden our little grandson decided he wanted to wear my hat and gloves.  How cute is he?
Just to prove that we're having unusually sunny weather - here is proof.  This is going to just ruin the reputation of Oregon being wet and dreary.  Shhhhhh.. don't tell anyone. 
Tomorrow will be more decorating and Christmas card writing.. busy time of year, eh?  

How is your season coming along?  
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 *M*E*R*R*Y* * *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos of the mountain. The weather here is stupid too at the moment - usually we're sweltering in the heat but right now (3.45pm) I'm sitting here with a fan heater on behind me. My computer is telling me its 17 degrees celsius which is 62.6 deg F. Crazy for this time of the year.

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  2. Wonderful post and photos Teresa. How lucky you are to live with such beautiful scenery on your doorstep. It's getting colder here in the UK, I might have to dig out my Winter vests and flannalette bloomers shortly :))Di xx

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  3. Thanks for sharing those beautiful views Teresa I love your snow topped mountain. The weather is still sunny here but colder 8°c is the max for today. Glad to hear you are keeping up with the swimming . Your new ornament will look great on your tree . Enjoy the festivities .
    Jane x

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  4. Amazing photos, you live in such a beautiful place (I think I say this every time I comment, LOL) Glad the weather is lovely for you at the mo. Im in the UK too & right now its sunny but soooooo cold at 4c! Love the ornament, I wish I'd taken part, maybe next year eh? Although my tree definately needs one of your heart ornaments. Better dig out some red wool.xx

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  5. Teresa,love the beauty that surrounds you. Everyday you must be so thankful for where you live. I bet dinner was fun with the whole gang, love the Santa hat and your picture wearing it when you left a comment on my blog.
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  6. Everything looks so beautiful! We are unseasonably warm here as well.

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  7. Absolutely, perfect day to me. I quick dip and a few laps, followed by a beautiful drive home with pink skies. Then up the hill to see more. But how many holly berry stick to you cut to bring home for a little vase? Your ornament all the way from the UK is too cute. Don't you just love getting mail like this. What's you got cooking today?

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  8. I loved all your pictures, and I also loved the term 'alpen glow' for those snowy pink skies! How pretty the mountain looks, and all the red berries and your beautiful red barn! And your very festive red hat!! Have a happy week, Teresa, enjoying the countdown to Christmas.
    Helen x

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  9. Gorgeous pictures! I love the color of your pin oak tree.

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  10. Beautiful scenery Teresa. Your grandson looks so cute in your hat. I love chinese food we are planning some soon. It certainly is a busy time but I love every minute of it. Anne x

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  11. Y'all are having much warmer and sunnier weather than we are here in Texas the past several days. I am NOT complaining as I absolutely love it. I've been enjoying the fireplace and looking out the window at the wintry-looking skies. I'm sure we'll be 80 by Christmas. LOL.

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  12. Just caught up on your last few posts and enjoyed them so much, Teresa! Thanks for sharing so many of your creative pursuits with us. Lovely pictures...and the best of Mt. Hood from your backyard! November 26th, my oldest daughter and I drove over to the lookout on SE Bluff Rd. in Sandy, our favorite spot to take pictures of the Sandy River valley and Mt. Hood. I posted some of the shots I took on my blog if you want to take a peek of my views of the peak! (: <3

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  13. Your house looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL all lit up in your blog header Teresa! What a joy to behold! I've just been admiring the wonderful houses you painted in one of your older posts, and enjoying your photographs of the mountain, and all the effort you went to to get the photos. I just love your red barn too, and the shot from your previous post of your dining room table in the beautiful winter sun. I feel all cosy and happy now! Thank you Teresa. Love Vanessa xxx

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  14. So fun...such pretty photos...I love your new profile image...ho ho ho to you my dear. xoxoo Happy mid week day.

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  15. You and back home in NY is warmer than we are in the desert. I would take a picture of the snow on our mountains, but it is 27F when I'm at the bus stop. I'm busy just trying to keep warm.

    You're pictures are always so lovely.

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