MYSTERY - Just off the Road

  Hiking in the woods near Marymere Falls in the Olympic National Park, we were surprised to happen upon this mysterious little house built into the base of a giant tree.  There was no sign of where it came from, who built it, or who lived there.

  Our grandson got on his knees and peeked inside, but could find no sign of life.  The story we invented was of a little family who came around only when there were no "normal-sized" humans to disturb them.

  We live close to the area where vampires and werewolves roam, courtesy of The Twilight Saga series of books and films.  Consequently, we rather expect to find unusual beings or at least signs of them.  But this little home, too small for either Twilight species, is not threatening, nor is it explicable in human terms.  It simply exists in a little spot in the forest, beckoning passers-by to invent stories to fit inside its small rooms.

  I've heard it said that imagination is necessary for life.  What a neat place we live in that encourages imagination to take wing!

WHAT IS IT? - Just off the Road

 Taking pictures of everyday things can get a bit boring, but not when my husband is around.  The other day, he called me over to his computer and showed me this series of photos and asked me to guess what they were.

Naturally I could see that they were bubbles, but how in the world did he manage to get the exotic colors, and the textures that seemed to be changing in front of my eyes.

After several attempts, I gave up and he disclosed his secret - he had poured water into a Pyrex bowl, added some canola oil, set it on a cardboard box, and slid one of his favorite, colorful sweaters under the bowl.  To get the movement, he barely stirred the oil and water and voila!  Magic!!  Who knew I had a magician in my very own house?

SUNSET - Just off the Road

Our little family spent a day recently near Forks, WA on Second Beach - the beach made famous by the TWILIGHT series.  If you ask me, though Twilight was pretty cool, this beach really doesn't need a book or movie to give it credence.

My husband, the photographer, insisted that we go prepared with water, lunch, snacks, and headlamps, since the only way to get a sunset picture is to stay until the sun sets, after which it gets dark.  I must admit that, after seeing this incredible sunset, the hike went by in a flash.  We were all dazzled by the beauty that God shares with us if we're only willing to hang around and watch.

WARMER CLIMES - Just off the Road

Last week we spent a few days in a warmer place... Laguna Beach, CA.  It was warm enough to swim in the pool, or even the ocean.  The resort had multiple pools, with the wall of one adorned with rather cool fish and sea kelp.

In California there are lots of plants that we don't see around here.  Cactus, ice plant, bougainvillias, and other species that like hot, dry weather.  So different, but after a few days, I realized that I really don't like California too much.  It's beautiful, but busy, impressive but expensive, warm but wearying. 

Don't get me wrong, it was nice to get up early and walk on the beach. visit amazing galleries, dine in fabulous restaurants, but when all is said and done, I'll take our lovely, quiet, quaint little town anytime.

FOOTBALL - Just off the Road

Driving around the week after the Super Bowl, I couldn't help but replay that last minute in my mind.  Why oh why didn't Marshawn get the ball?  What was Pete thinking?  Would they have another chance next year?

But then my 12th Woman kicked in, and I realized that in my car was this Seahawks cup, just waiting to be photographed by my loving 12th Man.  He's gazing across a field, just waiting, still fierce, and determined to WIN THE SUPER BOWL in 2016.  Go Hawks!!!

FEATHERS - Just off the Road

 There are lots of birds where I live.  All types, colors, and sizes.   I never paid much attention to birds before, but now I'm an unofficial bird-watcher, thanks to my daughter, a variety of feeders, and my friends at Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner.  Who knew that they even sell books that feature bird feathers?

Never one to miss an opportunity, my husband took this Northern Flicker feather and made it the focus of his recent class in close-up photography.  We spent a full day in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out backgrounds for my flicker feather.  "The Feather as Art" is the result. 

 

Beginning with moss, moving to bark patterns in a Western Red Cedar stump, progressing to sword ferns, then rocks, he was able to create a photo that highlights the beauty of a simple bird feather.  This is such a special place if you take the time to look.

WILDLIFE UP CLOSE - SEQUIM-STYLE - Just off the Road

When I first heard a lion roaring from my deck, I decided that it was necessary to find the source.  Amazingly, just about 2 miles from my house, I found the entrance to the Olympic Game Farm, home to some of the friendliest "wild" creatures on earthy.

From bison to elk to deer to bears who wave at me, these wondrous animals are the legacy of those wonderful Disney nature movies that I loved in my youth.  Feeding is encouraged, though only wheat bread will do.

Being a transplanted Alaskan, I was skeptical about the brown bears they advertised, but a stop beside a huge specimen, and the offer of a slice of wheat bread was all it took to entice this big guy to give me a little wave, though he proved to be camera-shy.  It was a no-brainer to follow the signage.

Olympic Game Farm is now my 90-year old mother's favorite place in Sequim. She loves getting up close and personal with the animals, and it gives me an excuse to visit as well.