Addictions...

These two websites are so addicting, such a time suck and adored by me...

...anybody else?!

Though, I've gotten some great ideas...like the idea for the decorations at work for the Clown Day, oh yeah...those plastic tablecloths that rocked the ceiling decoration and made it look like a big top, that idea came from Pinterest. I've also gotten other great ideas from Pinterest and lots of free crochet patterns from Ravelry. I sometimes think I should spend more time crocheting/crafting than looking at these two sites for ideas. Sometimes a girl just needs some inspiration, though. Right?! RIGHT!

In Cahoots!

I was driving along I-84 the other day and a particular billboard caught my eye....

Apparently, my home state is in cahoots with Portland. The city I love and where I live. The next time I drove that same stretch of freeway I had to take a picture. You see, Wyoming Tourism is doing this huge media-blitz and there have been multiple t.v. commercials and now billboards popping up to advertise the wide open spaces and wild horses that run free in Wyoming. It's funny to see how they depict Wyoming and to compare it to my recollections and experiences there. But, whatever brings the tourist to that romanticized version of reality, right. Although the commercials aren't particularly my favorite, I do appreciate the billboard comparisons....as seen below.

"SALMON STREET FOUNTAIN, MEET OLD FAITHFUL" (pardon the MAX lines and light poles, etc)

 And, this is Salmon Street Fountain, just for your comparison...

A few days after seeing the Old Faithful billboard, I saw this one on I-205...

"US BANCORP TOWER, MEET DEVILS TOWER"

 And, here is the US Bancorp Tower, for your comparison. This tower houses Portland City Grille. 30 floors up and amazing views....

So, are these messages that I need to visit my home state?! Maybe, just maybe.

"Even the sidewalks bloom!" ~Dad

One spring when my Dad was here he was so impressed by the colors of and the amount of flowers here. When he returned home he would tell his friends (and still does say this) that even the sidewalks bloom in Portland in the spring because of all the rain. I can't help but think of him when spring flowers are in bloom here. And, I most definitely couldn't help but to think about him when I saw this Rhododendron in bloom on my way home from work the other day. I had to stop and take a picture. You can barely see any of the green vegetation, but it is prolifically pink. It isn't just a bush either, I'd classify it as a tree...smaller than some, but taller than I am.

This is also one of many examples of why I love living here. It's beautiful!!

Sunday Drives, Alpacas and Potato Salad

I'm thankful for the friends I have in my life and for the beautiful places that surround me. Today I rode with my friend, Linda and her husband and daughter to Hood River, OR to drive parts of the "Fruit Loop," which I love. They were hopeful that all the orchard trees would still be in bloom, but we were a week late. It was still a wonderful trip. The sun was out and it was gorgeous.

We, of course, had to stop at one of my favorite "parks" turned to one of their favorite parks at my recommendation. Panorama Point Park...it blesses its visitors with this view of Mt Hood!

 And, of the Hood River valley.

 We made multiple stops, but I neglected to take multiple pictures. Though, when we stopped at the Cascade Alpacas 'farm' and their accompanying business Foothills Yarn and Fiber I did take a few picture. There is some yarn that I wish I would have bought in the shop...I will go back and get it...someday.

 Alpacas and their "watch dog," who is huge and adorable.

 Aren't they just the cutest things you ever did see?!

After the ride we stopped in Hood River for a late lunch and I had the most amazing Blue Cheese, Bacon Potato Salad at the restaurant we were at. My mouth still waters when I think about it. It was a glorious day! Thanks for the invite Linda, Larry and Connie!

On Being a Clown

One of our 95 year old participants has always wanted to go to "Clown School" and was never allowed too. So, at 95 she took to private lessons on clowning from one of the entertainers who isn't normally a clown at work and had a "graduation ceremony" where she had to complete a few tasks before officially being deemed a clown. We went all out at work and decorated the day center to put us all in the mood. 

I had seen the following idea on Pinterest and adored it. Such a great idea. It is just plastic tableclothes that have been bunched, and swagged out for a sort of streamer decoration, but even better. It gave the room a very "big top" tent feeling.

 Kelli tackled the staging area with these 50, yes 50 balloons.

 Another big top shot.

 We had a preschool group that came to be part of the audience and they had a fan club seating section! They were adorable!

 I even got decked out as a clown, as did many of our staff, in support of the participant.

 On my way home from the work day, I stopped to see my buddy Myles in my clown get-up and even came with a balloon. Trust me...it took that balloon to get him to come to me since looked a wee bit different and he wasn't so sure he wanted to have anything to do with me. Eventually we got close enough for this cute picture!

Everyone should do a bit of clowning around every now and then!