The Oregon Statehood Sesquicentennial Stamp

Today is the first "date of issue" for the Oregon Stamp, celebrating Oregon's 150th birthday.

Oregon's birthday is on February 14, Valentine's Day. Although it's not Oregon's birthday, yet, it is the birthday of someone I love dearly.....

My husband, Matthew.

We both love Oregon very much and are blessed to have been raised in this beautiful state.

There was a very small celebration of the first date of issue for the Oregon US Postage Stamp in the small town of St. Paul. I stopped by their post office today to pick up a couple of the new Oregon Stamps, and was told the party for the stamp was across the street in the community hall.

While at the community hall, I was able to purchase stamped envelopes with a special first date of issue cancellation on them. I also met a grandson of the first postmaster of Oregon. That was pretty cool. His name was Harold. He was old enough to be my grandpa. Nice fella, he told me some of the Grande Ronde indian stories his grandfather used to tell him.

A gentleman from the Salem Statemen Journal newspaper interviewed me, perhaps because I was one of a few people in attendance, and he had already interviewed Harold. He asked me what I thought about the stamp design chosen. I told him that it was beautiful, but I would have liked to seen a design that would have incorporated more of what makes Oregon beautiful, like Crater Lake, Mt. Hood, Eastern Oregon, etc. I admitted I wasn't sure how they would be able to fit that all on the stamp, so I agreed with the beauty of the design that was chosen.

All-in-all, it was a worthwhile trip to be a small part of Oregon History, and to pick up a unique gift for Matt--A first date of issue cancellation on his 40th birthday!!! I tried to frame it nicely for him.

-Lori

Sign on front door of St. Paul Community Hall

Lori in front posing with picture of new stamp


Gentleman from Salem Stamp Club, volunteering to hand stamp each envelope with first date of issue from St. Paul Station

Brown Betty and Betty's Brown Pitcher

It's been a few years, maybe four, since I experienced my first "tea house".

It was a wonderful tea house run by a cordial lady. The name was "Royal House of Orange Tea Company". The name was from family history of the owner. I miss that tea house, as she had to close down due to family committments. She made wonderful homemade soups, superb scones, and the best-est house tea in the world.

When she was liquidating retail items, I decided I better pick up a teapot for my own home use. If I recall, the colors she had at the time were pale blue, white, and brown. I remember thinking the blue was pretty, and the white was more traditional and couldn't decide between them. I suppose my hmm-haa-ing about my purchase grabbed the owner's attention. She let me know that the brown tea pot had a name, it was known as a Brown Betty among tea enthusiasts. That did it, the brown tea pot I hadn't considered was now the one I own.

This last Christmas, my dad and step-mom gave me a precious gift. A brown milk pitcher from my dad's childhood. He told me the story of growing up with this pitcher in their refrigerator. His mom (my Grandma Betty) had passed it down to him recently. It's in fine shape, and is brown just like my Brown Betty Teapot. How ironic!!!

I love it! I haven't yet put anything in it yet, but will soon when I enjoy tea or ice tea with friends.

-Lori

My Grandma Betty, 86 years old, and Bear (3 years old)

Cute Candy Gifts

Lori received a gift from a friend today. It was made by her friend Christine and her two small sons. Because we didn't see each other during the holiday, the gift was delayed--but worth the wait.

Made from candy canes placed in a heart shape with melted white chocolate poured into the center of the "heart" and a paper stick to hold on to. The other candy that isn't pictured very well are two large marshmellows dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with decorations.

A thoughtful and creative gift!

First Snow of 2009

While out grocery shopping this afternoon in preparation to returning back to work and school in the morning, small snowflakes began falling in the grocery parking lot and by the time we got home we had a good sprinkling of snow.

Two of our dogs, Tiger and Bear were eager to race around the front yard with Matt--having forgotten about the snows over a week ago that hindered their playtime outdoors.

The weather report says that the snow will turn to rain overnight and is anticipated to be gone by morning. Shame to waste the beauty of the snow on the dark of the night. Bummer.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

It has been a Merry Christmas at our home this year--all of our kids were home today.

O' Christmas Tree on Christmas Morn

Shovelin' the driveway

Abi and Bear-ness

Shoes by our front door are replaced by snow boots lately

Abi with Tiger and Bear

Our plans to visit Grandpa and Grandma Nichols were not hampered by the snow and ice. Matt and the kids shoveled the drive way and also a trail to the road. The drive up over Chehalem Mountain was absolutely gorgeous! The snow was highlighted by the streams of sun rays. Matt told us to soak in these sights, as this snow fall in our area is rare and may not happen again for another 40 years.

Grandpa had baked a huge lasagna for our Christmas meal. Super huge, like 5 inches deep. A terrific garden salad and toasted garlic bread topped off the meal. In tradition, spiced cider was simmering in the crock pot. Delicious!

Our visit was cut short by icy roads after dark. :(

Grandpa, Abi, Dan, Nicole, and Grandma Grandpa's famous Christmas Lasagna Abi, Grandpa and Grandma

Dan and Grandpa Lori, Debi, and Abi Abi and Nicole

Dan and King-size Lasagna

Miss Gizmo

Christmas Eve

Well, it's Christmas Eve.

Matt has been working his toochy off at his jobs, and hasn't been home much.

I managed to get all of my "to-do" list for Christmas completed--with the much-needed help from my daughter, Nicole.

• The tree is up and decorated
• Christmas shopping budget has been used
• Presents are wrapped and under the tree
• Fudge has been made
• Toffee candy has been made
• Goodie plates have been delivered to our neighbors
• Snowman is in the front yard
• Sugar cookies have been baked--awaiting the frosting tomorrow
• Dough for cinnamon rolls has been started
• Handmade heating pads have been made for Nicole's friends

Now, all I want for Christmas is time with my husband. He's still working as I write this. :(

Happy Christmas Eve....

40-Year Record Snowfall

We're not quite sure how much snow we have exactly at this point. The measurement is quite a bit more than our 12 inch ruler. Guestimate is about 18 inches.

A lot of snow, right outside our back door

It snows at least once a winter in our town, and average is about 2-3 inches that usually melts away later in the afternoon. Certainly not the case for this storm. I don't really like referring to this snowfall as a storm, or use negative-type words. I am really enjoying the beauty and awe of the snow and I am thoroughly thankful for the amount of snow we have received.

Our resident squirrel enjoying some peanuts

Matt is a true storm-trooper. He is loving the fact that he can use his 4x4 to navigate the snowy icy streets. He has not missed a day of work in the past week, and does not intend to. The pictures were taken this morning, before we received an additional 5 inches. You can see Matt in the picture next to his truck, before he left for work.

Matt warming up the truck

Matt made it through the snow last night to pick up Nicole and bring her home for Christmas. Nicole and I enjoyed our walk to McDonalds for lunch, and to the store for shopping. We took some pictures along the way. Nicole and Lori

Our cars buried

The Beauty of the Snow

Click on any photo to view larger image

My name is Tiger....

Hello, world....

I am a lucky dog. I was adopted a week ago from a shelter. I've have had a really rough life. I am underweight, weighing in at 7 pounds.

My new family drove through the snow and ice to pick me up. They have taken me to the doctor for a check up, and also to the groomer to get my new hair cut. I have a warm home now, with lots of hugs and kisses.

My two new brothers, Checkers and Bear look out for me, too. I hear I have a sister, Cindy Lu, who is living in Arizona with Grandpa and Grandma Andrews.