Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bears, Flowers & BBQs

The bear now has eyes, nose and mouth.  It's almost done - but I think it needs two little brass buttons where the straps come onto the overalls.  What do you think?  Now.. I've shown my bear to family and someone who will remain nameless told me that the eyes are crooked.  HMPH!  I tried to explain that it's handmade and by it's very nature, things aren't store-bought perfect.  Do you think the eyes are okay or should I add some to the left one?  :-)
Hayden looks somber here.. him and his bear.
Dang.. I love this flower and am sure I have identified it before but do you think I can remember?  NO... do you know what it is? 
I was out back of the shed where Dayle is preparing the ground for the play structure construction project - they've bulldozed the hillside a bit to make a flat spot and Dayle has picked up a truckload of wood chips that are recommended for play areas - and I noticed the apples on our old tree are small and turning red, aren't they cute? 
Back on the deck - my Playboy rose has 2 new blooms.. they beguile me.. so very pretty. 
The above rose has been open longer and has darkens.. the one below is newer to open and is still yellower.  LOVE. 
The 4th of July rose has one stem that just opened.. the rest of the bush is spent.. it should put on more buds soon.   
I love the look of these roses.. they are exciting! 
I was visiting with Dayle while he was planting the Jasmine in the new ceramic pots he found for them.. and I admired how nice the garden is looking since Kristi weeded it.  Dayle hung up a few geraniums on the gazebo for me. 
Here is the pellet BBQ I got for Dayle for his Father's Day - it's a Green Mountain brand.  You get pellets in different woods such as apple, maple, cherry, pecan, alder, oak, mesquite and hickory!  He's BBQed chicken and steak so far... and next we want to try salmon.  On the grill right now is marinated teriyaki chicken breast.  We have this with our salads, and also small portions of mashed potatoes and lots of fresh veggies.  We are VERY happy with this BBQ.  The heat is indirect so there are NO flame-ups from drippings onto hot coals or hot gas burners.  The meat has a nice smokey flavor.
The deck is a bit messy as we're planting and such.. and it's been cool today.  But of course we ran out of potting soil on the first Jasmine and have to get more before we can plant the 2nd one.  :-) 
We are taking Kristi and the little guys on the Sternwheeler day after tomorrow.  The big boys went last year.  The Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge gives our volunteers at Multnomah Falls a complimentary cruise to familiarize our people with their product, it's a win-win situation.  I will take photos.. but you knew that, didn't you? :-)  Enjoy your week!  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

15 comments:

  1. I think you teddy bear is just as cute as he can be! It's ok if one eye is just a tad smaller than the other...he's wink'n at us! I bet it sure smells so good around your house with all those flowers, plus all the BBQ!!
    Hugs, Shari

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  2. Teresa,
    I hope you leave the Teddy exactly as he is. That is what makes our handmades so charming. He is darling. And yes, on the buttons for the overalls!!!
    Your roses are stunning! And the pergola is going to be fantastic!!! The sweet scent of jasmine, and looking out onto the Koi pond! So wonderful!!!!
    Looking forward to your photos on the river trip! Oh, that BBQ sounds interesting!!!
    xo Kris

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  3. I agree 100% with you on the handmade is not perfect and besides years ago I read that even a real face is not always symmetrical, the left side is often a tab bit different from the right, besides, little things like that give handmade character. Your grandson will love that bear regardless. Another thing, store bought falls apart before you can even get it out of the shopping bag and into the house, handmade is made to last, especially when grandma makes it. Lovely, lovely flowers. more of God's perfect creations for us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing, the colors are awesome!
    Susanne ♥

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  4. I agree with Shari....her entire comment. However I'd like to add that the sternwheeler cruise sounds like lots of fun. I hope your weather is better than ours for it. Apparently we're in for a rainy few days.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  5. Such a cute bear! I wouldn't touch the eyes, it's the charm of a handmade toy that it's not mathematically perfect in its symmetry isn't it? And yes, I would definitely add some little buttons! Have a great day :-) xxxx

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  6. The gazebo look seven more pretty now :) Love the flowers you have now in your garden - they made me smile.
    Have a wonderful day!!!

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  7. Hello Teresa, Enjoy the lovely cruise down the River. The view will be great on both sides.. The Teddy is wonderful and of course you flowers are glorious. Love them hugs Judy

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  8. Hi Teresa,Your Teddy is just perfect!!!A big yes to the buttons!!!!Your gazebo is looking lovely already!!!Have a great day out!!!And have a happy week!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  9. Please....hand craftsmanship leads to slight irregularities! That's part of the love!!

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  10. I think the bear's face is cute just the way it is so I'd leave it that way:)
    Have a wonderful time on your cruise--hoping you get some nice weather!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  11. Hi Teresa I am home from my holiday on Kephalonia, we had a fab time. I am glad to see that you have been busy with bear making and gazebo building. All looks great and I think the bear has a very cute lop sided wink...it's all part of his appeal ;0) Jane x

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  12. Love the bear and his quirky face, very sweet......great overalls too! Love the pretty roses you've grown, gorgeous colours. The gazebo is looking very at home there! Wishing you a happy week.
    Helen x

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  13. Oh my goodness... love the teddy! love the gazebo... but the flowers you have oh my... They are absolutely incredible... beautiful part of the country where you live in.. wonderful post.

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  14. I am looking forward to your shots of the cruise!

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  15. Rose Campion
    And I had the same trouble:
    http://runningwithrocket.blogspot.com/2010/06/memory-lapses.html

    Re: bear - eyes are just fine but brass buttons for overalls would be too cute.

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