Family Backpacking Trip #2

(Last year we went on our first family backpacking trip. It was just a one nighter and the kids were ages 6, 4, and almost 2. We went with my parents and a nephew who was 5. It was a couple miles in and a couple miles out.)

NOTE: pictures are more or less in chronological order and may or may not relate to text which is near it. I'm not sure I like the publishing features of Blogger, or I don't know how to use them. So, I guess this is a game - match the captions to the pictures!
- weigh in
- trail head
- on the trail still looking clean and happy
- skinny dipping in glacier pond near summit
- family photo on summit
- S. Sister from base camp at Moraine Lake

This year we had bigger things in mind. We just got home from spending 2 nights at Moraine Lake at the base of South Sister in the Cascade Mountain range in central Oregon.

This time everyone was a year older and my sister was able to come along with her son (the nephew). Again, it was a short hike in, about 2.5 miles. The boys had their own backpacking packs and carried their own sleeping gear, clothes, food, and water. Myles actually borrowed the same pack that my youngest brother used 21? years ago when he was about the same age for his first backpacking trip, which my mother held on to for some unknown reason. Cedar was too big for the kid carrier pack this year so we brought the jogger and it actually worked out great. Though, carrying 40 lbs. and pushing 40 lbs. was difficult at times. Highlights of the first day were sliding down and playing on snow patches, splashing around in the lake and creek, and cheesy potato soup with slices of hot dog. Why my mom thought to bring and add barbecued hot dogs to the soup is beyond me, but it was surprisingly tasty and a real hit with the kids. Unfortunately, the kids didn't want anything to do with the macaroni and cheese that was prepared for them. It's a good thing the adults weren't picky eaters.

The next day we went on a very popular, yet challenging hike. Ethan, Myles, and Kim strapped on day packs and I strapped on Cedar. I actually improvised carrying her with 2 neon green strips of rubber exercise bands that I used to strap my sleeping bag to my pack. Thanks to my sister, Cedar had a reasonably comfortable ride; a ride that lasted approximately half the day. Yes, literally. Well, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm is, yep, as in 12 hours. The terrain was too steep and loose for most of the way for Cedar to walk so she just stayed on my back. Thankfully my sister took a turn on the way up so I could take a break.

So, in our minds we were flexible with what would become of the day hike because we were hiking with kids. In our hearts we were determined to summit (10, 300 ft) and get a family picture and the bragging rights that go along with having 3 generations age 62 down to almost 3 on top of a mountain where we gained 4,000 feet in 3.7 miles. I don't think we broke any records and it wasn't Everest or even McKinley, but it was challenging, even a little dangerous, and I'm looking forward to more backpacking with my family. Maybe in 30 years Kim and I will be backpacking with our grandchildren.

Highlights of day 3: walking back over the log bridge and Dairy Queen in Madras on the way home.

July 4th

As little and out in the middle of nowhere as our town is they do a decent 4th of July. This morning we went the to Scout breakfast. You can't beat all-you-can-eat pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. I smiled as we drove past the 5k runners. I used to run and sometimes I still think I do, but my lame excuses were that I have 3 little kids and it was nearing 80 degrees by 8:00 a.m.

The parade was fun and Ethan and Myles were in it. They were on the Funtastic Kids summer program float. One of my favorite was the mariachi band followed by the Mexican horse riders, sombreros and all. They looked sharp and several of the horses danced for us.

The kids are back at the park for kid activities like the jumping castle, water slide, etc... There is a talent show and several other things going on at the Maria. Of course, the day will end with a firework show. In the meantime, I'm at home watching the home made ice cream and helping getting ready for a last minute BBQ at our house. It should be fun. There's nothing like a BBQ, ice cream, friends and family.

A Father's Day

I'm going to share my day. Depending on how you read this it may appear braggy or annoying, like, who really cares about how wonderful my day was? Keep in mind this is just one day, not my whole life, every day. It was a great day so I'm going to write about it, dang it, whether it sounds annoying or not.

My day began with sleeping in until 7:00 am. I knew I was going to skip my first morning church meeting, so this wasn't a surprise. I normally wake up to an awful sound at 6:00 am. I got out of the shower and the aroma of bacon filled the house. I sat down to a nice family breakfast of English muffin fried egg and bacon sandwiches, kiwi fruit, cocoa puffs, and a smoothie. The kids must have thought I would like the puffs. And I most certainly did this morning. Before school got out for summer Ethan made me a Father's Day place mat, which I enjoyed with breakfast, as well. Myles made a card and inside drew a lovely picture of me. After breakfast another gift was presented. I got another big canvas to paint! I'm thinking I'll apply a cool blue color scheme this time. It should look good against an orange wall, which is another home improvement project that hasn't happened yet.

Well, I was a little late in getting out the door to the 8:00 meeting, so I stayed with my family and helped them get ready for church. At church I got my own little bag of delicious homemade cookies from the Relief Society presidency. I didn't have any small children with me so I got to have it all to myself. Though, I would have been happy to share. During the Sunday school lesson the teacher passed around taffy, so I took three for my kids to make up for hogging the cookies.

After church Kim put together a quick, simple, and tasty lunch of turkey multi-grain wraps loaded with spinach. After, I was surprised with my own special dessert of a Twix and Henry Weinhard's gourmet root beer. This treat was shared with the kids even though I didn't really want to. Don't worry, there aren't any hard feelings. Jack Johnson is right - It's always more fun to share with everyone.

















Then on the couch I napped, and napped, and napped. I came in and out of consciousness with children's voices and loving reminders to whisper because "Daddy's sleeping". I finally opened my eyes and saw another surprise. I don't think it was actually for me, but I enjoyed it. Kim and the kids painted a lovely nature scene of flowers, trees, clouds, birds, and the sun on the outside of the sliding glass door with tempera paint. I think we'll make this a regular event.

Then came dinner: wild salmon glazed with a homemade pineapple apricot jam (We feel like we can afford this luxury for special occasions because we have discovered the kids don't like salmon. Sorry, Grandpa. Your age-old salmon baking skills passed on through generations don't show much potential to be used by these grandchildren of yours at this time. Though, I'm sure things will change.); a fresh garden salad (I love having a garden!) with feta cheese and dried cranberries ; hot-out-of-the-oven-fresh baked crusty bread; and dark chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream for desert.

I don't know what it is, but my senses have been heightened and I am filled with gratitude for all my blessings, from the simplest things, like how the blue-green wall in the kitchen interacted with the orange salmon, to the children's laughter, to my love for my wife and kids. The whole day has just been very simple and romantic.

I think being thoughtful leads to being grateful. I guess it's a good thing we have special occasions to help us to be thoughtful, even if they are commercialized. Too bad we aren't always as thoughtful as days like this. It just might make the world a better place for everyone.

Myles Is Still All Smiles!

There it is folks. The result of the collision Myles experienced earlier this week. It was worth a dollar. Right, Myles? I heard he was a champ while the dentist worked on him. The personal TV and movie probably helped a little. Life is back to normal just in time to celebrate his birthday

I just got to thinking. Between Ethan and Myles they have had about 4 teeth pulled in the last year. Zero have naturally come out on their own.

JUMP!?

Okay, they say that if you verbalize and tell other people of your goals then you are more likely to accomplish them. Well, while saving for a trip to Puerto Rico or Mexico is still in the back of our minds it is a long ways down the road and therefore has been difficult to put $100 or more away every month.

Here is another goal that is more likely to happen. This is a special year. Kim and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage. And what better way to celebrate 10 years of happiness and struggle than to jump out of an airplane! AAAHHHH!

Nothing is official, but I would like to go with Skydive Oregon out of Molalla. A group of six would get a $20 discount per person if paid in cash. WHO WANTS TO CELEBRATE!? Goodness gracious, my heart is racing just thinking about it.

Better Late Than Never

I wanted to write about fighting allergies with rinsing your nasal passages, but Kim vetoed that one when she saw me trying to take pictures of the procedure on myself. It's really great, but I have chosen to write about our garden instead.

I really like the wood frames we put in. Though, I'm not sure they can be called "raised beds" yet because we didn't fill them with any dirt. Maybe next year. We did throw in a few bags of steer manure, but other than that the soil is the original goat-head infested sandy stuff with last year's sunflower jungle seeds everywhere.

Generally, we try to grow things that can't be found in a standard grocery store. Okay, that might sound a little snobbish. We try to make it as exciting as possible for as much labor we are required to put in it. In the end, we are happy with what the Earth gives us. So, we have some purple potatoes, rainbow carrots, yellow watermelon, and a few varieties of heirloom tomatoes mixed with your standard pumpkin, yellow squash, beans, and peas.

Anyway, as usual we planted things late and the garden is very young. As the saying goes, better late than never. We could have been enjoying the fruits of our labor by now if we had been on the stick. The more delicate spring plants will just have to toughen up if they want to be part of a Kim and Kevin family garden. Because the plants are so small I tried to get really close to make them look bigger, but since I told you that I guess there will be no illusion.

Hope your gardens are doing well!


over 250 sq ft of growing space doesn't look like much when the plants are tiny

sunflower

tomato

lettuce

peas

purple potato

bush bean

Spring S'mores

I finally did it. I took those stinking rocks I've collected over the past 4 years and made my fire pit. I dug out several buckets full of dirt because I wanted the rocks to be level with the grass in hopes that it would ease maintenance when mowing. I was so excited for having done something productive that I wanted to have a marshmallow roast to celebrate. I figured I deserved it after a blister and an afternoon of hard work. Nobody argued with the idea so we set off to the store, called the number on our burn permit, and then I threw away a dead mouse from the garage so that Kim could get to the bin with the roasting sticks. Although, finding something to start the fire with was an adventure. We even tried asking the neighbors. Thankfully, after the 5th house someone was finally home and they were able to help. Yes, we were determined and it paid off. And it was a miracle that there was no wind. We had a great time!

P.S. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were a fun substitute for chocolate bars.

What Not to Say to Kids About Food

I am really enjoying the weekends when I make more time to read - blogs, that is. I've never been much for novels of any kind. I much prefer academic journals or articles related to education, culture, or health, or things with an emphasis on design, whether it be landscaping, architecture, interior design, photography, painting, product design, graphic design, or the like. Above all, it has to be short.

Anyway, I was reading a Psychology Today blog after putting the kids down. I had to laugh at myself because I have said ALL the things the author says not to say to children about food. Interestingly, I seem to remember a parent or two saying the exact same things to me. They are:

"Don't play with your food!" The picture above was taken today before I read the blog. Ethan and Myles were playing with their food. I'm all about this kind of play. However, I don't like tossing, flicking, flooding, or submerging. I guess if they cleaned it up, more power to them. So maybe I should say, Don't make a mess with your food unless you eat it...? Note: Ethan said the apples are the dimples of the banana smile

"No dessert until you finish your meal!"

"Finish everything on your plate!"

"No laughing at the dinner table!"

"Feel bad? Let's go for ice cream."

"If you're good, you get a treat!"

"Don't you realize that kids in Africa are starving? You should feel thankful to eat!"

Click here or the link above to get the article, which explains why we shouldn't say those things.

Cheers!

"We don't do that" and Easter Morning Traditions

Okay, this morning at one of my church meetings someone was sharing Easter memories they do not look fondly upon. It was the whole Sunday-Easter-outfit-and-family-photo tradition that this person was recounting, which I have heard grumbling musings about from many different people on this very thing. I have memories of an Easter outfit, believe it or not, which I felt embarrassed about. Sorry, Mom. I am grateful for everything you've done for me, but I felt like the biggest dork for having such a coordinated spring outfit. Fortunately, I don't have a picture. This is what I remember - pastel yellow pants, matching socks to be worn with my leather stitched boat shoes and matching belt, a pastel yellow knitted tie, and short-sleeved, spring-colored madras pattern button-up shirt. Apparently, that was cool ... at least the knitted tie.

Thinking I have been a better parent for not making my family participate in such a seemingly high priority of family bonding I commented something like, "Oh, yeah, we don't do that", implying that my wife and I have learned from other people's mistakes. I was surprised by what my eyes saw when I walked in the door of my house upon returning from my meeting. I froze as I saw Kim frustratingly trying to compose the equally frustrated and uncooperative kids to capture the Kodak moment. I even started helping by opening up the blinds and curtains to let in the natural light! What was I thinking? At least the lighting will be good. Admittedly, we bought the boys new Sunday clothes (white shirt, tie, khakis) for the occasion, which they needed anyway. Pretty standard, no pastels. Kim made Cedar a dress, which, although made for Easter, is highly functional in just about any setting. No pastel colors either, just standard pink with polka-dots. Plus, Kim made it and that's pretty cool. But the photo session - that was a surprise and ironically timely considering my comment without her knowledge. So, here's to a tradition that must be hard wired somehow in our genetic makeup. (In case you're wondering, Cedar is drinking from her new water bottle she got in her Easter basket this morning. Each of the kids got one and she was particularly attached to it at the moment.)

Chickens and Lions

Ethan and Myles have been playing all day in the dining room. They have taken a few eggs and put them in a scrap fabric nest, rearranged the chairs, and added some yarn and tape in there too. I have heard them refer to this creation as the 'chicken yard'. They take turns being the rooster and farmer. The rooster cock-a-doodle-doos and wakes up the farmer, who then takes the basket to collect the eggs. More recently this afternoon Cedar put on the lion costume and roared at the chicken and farmer. I thought it was a fairly funny event.

For Evelyn In Memory of Loyal

My Grandpa Loyal's birthday is coming up at the end of this month and Memorial Day is not far after. He died at the age of 80 about a week before Memorial Day in 2005. He was fishing on the Rogue River and reeled in a really nice big salmon (with the help of a fishing buddy) for my parent's annual Crescent Lake camping salmon bake. It wore him out so he sat down to rest and then passed away. It sounds like a movie scene to me and if I were a writer I might attempt to write the script. The movie would be about life and love.

Anyway, he served in the Navy. I was talking with my Grandma around Labor Day last September 2008 letting her know that my son Ethan had taken Grandpa's "whites" to school to share with his classmates. Before this conversation I had put on my late Grandpa's gift to me. It sounds kind of silly, but it was neat to put them on. He was obviously shorter and more muscular than me. Well, and even though there's about 10 years difference in age ... The clothing was made for his 20 or so year old body. I'm 32 and haven't changed much since high school, but that's for another day. So, my grandmother, upon discovering this bit of information about me in his whites, decided she wanted a picture. I'm not as sharp looking as my grandpa was and I have had 10 plus more years to develop a nice hairy chest.

In loving memory of my Grandpa Loyal, who took me fishing (at my request at a young age) even though he knew we wouldn't catch anything in that Crescent Lake.

OMSI

OMSI came through town last Friday and we enjoyed it. Cedar touched a real snake (with Dad) and experimented with a wind machine and a balloon. She also enjoyed the magnets. I had a quick conversation with the librarian about free energy and satellite ladders. He was interesting to talk to and I think would really enjoy conversations with my dad.

The boys appeared to really enjoy the whole thing as well. There were so many fun puzzles - hands-on, open-ended science and math puzzles. The picture of them is experimenting with color/light and motion. They liked spinning those discs around to make the colors change (a yellow and red disc turned orange, etc.) I would love a grandparent to make some of these puzzles and give them to their grandchildren (my kids) for birthdays and Christmas. Good idea, right, Dad?

Art is Great

One of Kim's friends sent this along. I know nothing about it, other than that I like it and wanted to share it. I know any person with any ounce of creativity will appreciate it. I think it also resonates with the philosopher in me. I tend to think about things, like the meaning, value, or importance of things like art, design, nature, power, intelligence, truth, education, and learning. Sorry, didn't mean to bore anyone with that last sentence. Enjoy the show.

Response to Title Explained

I thought I would post my comment to the previous posting's comments. Huh? If this posting doesn't make sense then read the previous post and comments.

okay, so I feel the love.

A couple of things - I know there are all types of people no matter where you go. With time you will associate with the ones you identify and have common values with.
The other, I hope nobody feels I was singling them out. I know at least 3 people have read my blog (yeah!) and thank you for your kind comments.

I think I understand teasing. What I don't understand is the repetitious pattern. I think when you meet someone new or discover something new about someone it is normal to find the humor, notice the differences, and tease them a few times about it.

Oh, I forgot to mention the stranger who asked if I was a tree hugger. I was in Pendleton working at the ESD last year, shared some small talk with some lady and she asked me if I was a tree hugger. How do you respond to that? I was perplexed. I think we should allow fires to burn naturally to clean the forest floor (otherwise too much fuel will be allowed to grow and when a fire does come through it will cause a raging hot fire and kill the trees, too, instead of just the underbrush.) And I don't think we should clear cut or slash and burn. If I understand the science correctly, trees are the reason we have the air we breathe.

So, maybe I take people's comments of being a granola, hippie, or tree hugger more seriously because, well, I'm not a big teaser, but because I take seriously comments and attitudes that don't serve to help or educate - in anything, not just the environment. Again, I have my own areas of inconsistencies and apologize in advance if you catch me taking a long hot shower. I know it's wasteful. I don't think I even have a low flow shower head. Anyway ... Unfortunately, people really believe environmental issues are a bunch of hogwash. So, that may be why I automatically put up the defense and interpret comments as negative.

What we say and do individually has a collective impact on this world.

Title Explained

I am staying home from church with my sick daughter today so I have a little time on my hands. I thought I should explain my blog title.

Ever since moving to this small Eastern Oregon town I have been called a hippie by youth and adults alike. Not every day, but enough. Apparently I stick out like a sore thumb. Any real hippie would laugh because I am far from what I know a hippie to be. Being called a hippie actually makes me laugh, too, but out of confusion. What do they mean? So, what if I really am a hippie? What do I do to deserve being called a name they seemingly understand as a person's physical characteristics or way of life and acceptable to make fun of? It didn't take long for some of Eastern Oregon's stereotypes to reveal themselves. Anyway, then someone admitted that I wasn't really a hippie, but that I was more of a granola. (Would hippie and granola be proper nouns?) Personally, I identify with the term granola more than hippie so I guess that's an improvement. I still can't help but wonder why or how that's how people see me. Why is it seen as a point of difference? What is it that they think they know about me? Yeah, I enjoy quality outdoor clothing and gear. I camp and hike. I don't hunt or fish. I wouldn't mind fishing for salmon but I don't have the gear. I like to eat quality and healthy food, including food from a garden or farmer's market or food from different countries. I believe in the medicinal power of common things in their more or less untouched state. There is nothing better than being able to grind your own wheat and bake bread with it, especially when it turns out right. I don't like being a consumer or being wasteful. I want to recycle and be a good steward of Earth. I don't believe in a whitewashed truth from any country or culture. I hope for equity and justice for all, not just those who are like me. On top of that I may be inconsistent and hypocritical at times. If that's what makes a hippie or granola then so be it. I don't see what is so funny or peculiar about those things. I wonder if it doesn't come from a deeper root of intolerance. Sheesh, sorry to get so serious.

So, the title of this blog is now Granola in a Different Bowl because of my experiences of feeling out of place here in Eastern Oregon.

P is for Paint

Today the family decided to celebrate the letter P. Kim was inspired by some friends with kids who are about our kids ages. The day started off with going to starfall.com followed by eating pancakes, picking up, playing at the park, pastries after lunch, painting, taking pictures, and pizza for dinner all while in pajamas. It was fun except for when kids were being a pain.

For my last birthday Kim gave me a big canvas, acrylic paints, and a brush. It's been years since putting to use the wonderful things I learned from LBCC art classes. I've been neglecting to make that part of me a priority. I'm really glad today was P day because while Kim and the boys went to pasear (to go with the P theme - it's Spanish) on their bikes I stayed home with Cedar and I painted. Cedar watched movies, but she got to paint later.

Kim really likes daffodils. I try to get her a boquet every year for her birthday. Keyword: try. It doesn't always work out but she has some good memories. Hopefully this will add to those good memories. I'm not sure it's any good, though I'm proud of it. I would put it on the fridge except that it's too big for that.

Anyway, this is my first acrylic on a canvas of any size but I had fun painting.

A New Look

Not that many people will notice or care but I have a new look ... that is, for my blog. I figured out how to download a blogger template, unzip it, and then upload it to my blog. I also figured out how to make a playlist of music with ilike.com. This all came about because I thought I should create a blog for my work even though I know next to nothing about blogging platforms. There is a team of teachers leading the rest of the staff in making our work environment a Professional Learning Community (PLC). I am on that team and I thought we should document the process because I wasn't able to find many people bloggin about their PLC. The blog for my work is http://www.sbeplc.blogspot.com/

Maybe these new things are a result of the new president. :-) I was glued to the TV for at least 3 days (the day before, the day of, and the day after the inaguration). How has President Obama's presidency impacted your life? Are you looking for ways to serve?

excuses are like ...

Hmmm. Well, it's really cold this time of year. Isn't it? Yeah, um.

So, do I have an exuse for not posting to my blog in forever? Wait, here's the real question. Do I have any reason to post anything on my blog? I know lots of reasons for keeping a blog. Most recently I read how it could possibly get me a job. It could serve as a new way to network and show potential employers that I have something to offer. I'm not sure having made a few posts in the time frame that I have would show employers that I'm the go-getter, competition driven, productive type - so I'll just keep this on the down low. I'll resort to the good 'ol fashion ink-jet printed cover letter and resume with organizations I already know people are in.

until next time ...

See! 3 months later

I have thought about making another post once or twice in the past three months since I jumped on the blogging bandwagon. Maybe this just isn't for me. I'm not sure how much I would want to reveal about myself if I were to continue this. Maybe I need a focus for my blog so that I don't feel like I have to write about my life. Maybe I could write about the nuances of where I live. Oh well, I've got to mow the lawn and fold laundry. Bye for now. Maybe I'll think of something in the next three months.

I guess I will continue learning

I know about blogs. I have heard about blogs for several years now. Have I ever cared? For some reason, no. I don't even keep a hand written journal. Plus, I don't really think I enjoy writing. Those are two good reasons for having never delved into the blog sceen. In addition, who in the world would really want to read my ranting, rambling, bragging, history, goals, wishes, accomplishments, and/or shortcomings? I'm sure my family and friends have better things to do and the novelty of having my own blog will wear off soon. Having a blog is having another thing to do, not to mention another username and password to remember. Having a blog is a committment. Not like marriage or anything that serious, but a committment nonethelss. I will have to update it, otherwise I will feel like a failure. There's nothing like getting another thing started and not finishing it. I don't need my wife to have another reason to nag at me. The garden and simple home improvement jobs are quite enough, thank you.

So, as much as I despise it I am curious. If nothing else I am learning something new about my everyday world. Being an educator I have to agree that is a rather important thing to do. The more I know about my student's world the greater chance I have of helping them make connections. I have heard at a few technology workshops for teachers that I can use blogging as a tool to make writing more exciting and authentic. I'm not sure I'm totally convinced, but I will try this out.

I am now officially on the blogging bandwagon.