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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

ABC Wed U for Umbrella





I bought this decorative Umbrella last yr when we went to Quartzite Arizona, as i am planing on having my last theme room done in Asian theme. But have not used it yet. Not sure that i will specially if the place sells .
This is the underside , i think this was made out of some kind of wood, i was thinking it might be bamboo but not sure. Be sure to click on photos to get larger images.

The invention of umbrellas is a gift to many as it is very useful especially for both seasons of summer and rainy days. The word umbrella is another term of parasol, which means protection from the heat of the sun that could cause damage to the skin and used in most Asian countries. Umbrellas have a rich history since its use traveled from one country to another. From its typical form, umbrellas now come in a variety of physical features especially on its form, colors, and design.

Umbrellas were first invented and used in China mostly by high-ranking people though not necessarily royalties. This was been proved when servants carried about twenty-four umbrellas before the Emperor to protect him from the rain during his hunting activity. The use of umbrellas has become the country’s tradition, which existed until now. After that, umbrellas were then carried to Japan through Korea and were introduced to Persia and Western world countries. On the other side, the other name of umbrellas called parasol conquered some of the sculptures of Nineveh where it appeared frequently. Various shapes of umbrellas had been found also in Egypt and some of the carved work in Persepolis, an ancient city of Persia. The use of umbrellas became popular also in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world until now.

Umbrellas are usually made of a wire frame that serves as its bone topped with a silk or linen fabric when it was first used but now made with water resistant fabric stretched until the tips of the wires, forming a cover. Its handle usually forms a “J” shaped for easy handling though there are also umbrellas without it but is using a typical handle. There are other types of umbrellas other than the parasol and the classic umbrellas we’re using everyday. The one we usually see in outdoor markets and sidewalk cafes on every table is called market umbrellas whose primary use is to offer shade to its customers. Beach lovers are very much familiar with the use of beach umbrellas as these umbrellas are typically large to protect one or more people against the sun. These beach umbrellas have skirted valance and spiky end made perfectly for anchoring the sand.

Patio umbrellas are umbrellas commonly used in ones backyard. Patio umbrellas can be used both with a patio table and could be stand-alones. These umbrellas can be as large as the beach umbrellas and can be smaller as the hand-held umbrellas. Unlike the other types of umbrellas, certain features are available in patio umbrellas like the tilting mechanism wherein the user can adjust the coverage area whenever the sun moves. Lights are also installed in patio umbrellas that can be plugged in the evening if there’s an occasion.

The typical hand-held umbrellas we’re using these days can be sometimes folded or not. Folded umbrellas are perfect for those who don’t want to bring bulky umbrellas as they can put it inside their bags. Umbrellas now come in a variety of colors and designs, made attractively to support the consumer’s taste.

Christmas decorations

Here is my carousel, I have not taken this one out of its box in about 3 yrs or so. Last yr i didn't even decorate the house. We new we weren't going to be here, so didn't even bother. It was our first yr on the road to go to Niland Calif. to meet some friends for x-mas. And then on to Arizona.
Ok, I don't get to put a tree up, with 10 cats and a dog, I figure that I wouldn't have a tree standing, so going to forgo that. I usually have one up in the office were they couldn't get to it.

So here i am testing my camera, or should I say playing with some of the buttons on it, the darker ones are with the candle setting.Which do you like best?



Monday, December 10, 2007

Winchester Bay Part 2


So this is were we stayed with our friends Rich & Mary, It is dry camping there. I am not sure how many folks were there with the group called the RovingRods, a yahoo rver's group that get together every yr at Winchester Bay, for the crabbing season.I am guessing there must of been at least 20 to 30 rigs. Some of them are fulltime Rver's who live in there motor homes yr round. Others may be on the road 6 months out of the yr.Or like us a very short time.




Here is our rig, among the rest of them . Anyway they come here to crab, but this yr the crabbing was not very good. So there wasn't too many crabs that they could have a crab feast with, I guess they get all the crab together and have a feast. This yr it did not happen.. At least while we were there, so NO crab for us.

They do have a get together were we all bring some food , there was so much food and so many different things to eat. YUMMY!


And i got this guy watching to see what he could steal off the table, But then maybe
He was eyeballing this. Yup that was the only crab they caught and was able to keep. while we were there . Don't know if they did anything better later in the week or not. He also won the price for the biggest catch of the day and i guess the only catch.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Winchester Bay Part 1


I don't think i ever posted photos of our trip in Sept, when we went to Winchester Bay. Please click here for whats to see and do there.
So i am posting some photos of the bay with some boats here, and then continue the next posting with our friends and the one crab that was big enough to keep.

Also check out the Dune Fest in 2008

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Cold, Fog & Snow


This is what we woke up too this morning. Boy it was cold

Friday, December 07, 2007

Sky Watch Friday




Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Largest Ponderosa Pine Tree In Oregon




This old giant is located near the Deschutes River in La Pine State Park. Sign at tree list height as 162 feet and diameter as 8.6 feet. Recent measurement is 178 feet, Age 500 yrs.




Tuesday, December 04, 2007

ABC Wednesday Tired Cats































Really didn't have much of a T today so thought i would
share my tired cats with you. Here is 6 of the 10 cats i have.
3 brothers, 3 sisters,all were bottle fed. After a lot of
running and chasing this is called being Tired.....

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Papa's Toy car show





One man's car collection. Altho i won't show you all of them there is too many, i believe he has over 150 private collections.
Stewart Stiles Trucking, in Cornelius Oregon holds a annual open house for the Doernbecker Childrens Hospital Please go here to this website to see how he got started very interesting history

My reason for sharing this now, is because it is the season to be giving, so if you have a favorite charity, open up your pockets and give what ever you can for those in need.

We went there in 2006, and i just thought i would share some of these photos with you, i know the men will really enjoy some of these. I took some of my favorites and put them here.











Saturday, December 01, 2007

Cannon Beach



A couple of yrs ago Nevada and I went to Cannon Beach, I am not really fond of the coast, at least not here in Oregon, reason one is, i have always found it to be cold, dreary, and windy & foggy.But many people love it, they say the best time is in the winter. Nicer weather.
And please don't let me discourage you, this is my personal dislike, I do like the scenery, and there is plenty of it.

So coming here was not my choice of places to visit, but have to say i was glad we did as it was a beautiful day...

Our water is pretty cold as well. Not like the waters say in California or Florida. You do see some brave souls out in the water , But usually with wet suits on.
Now if you ever do come to Oregon, Our coast is a must stop place to see.

The city was named after a small, iron cannon that came ashore from a shipwrecked U.S. Navy schooner, "The Shark."



And i think this must be the most famous rock when it comes to photography.