Having fun on a Snow Day

Winter is here.

Now, it's not unusual for it to snow in Portland, Oregon. But it is unusual for it to snow this much and to stay this cold for so long. I live on the east side of Portland and according to the news, inner Portland received up to a foot of snow, while my area accumulated about 5 inches worth. The city isn't very prepared for that amount of snow fall, so needless to say that much of the metro area had a snow day.

I spent the day with my long johns, snow pants, gaiters, wool socks, fleece and snow coat with hat on and tromping through the fluffy snow. I'm lucky enough to live within an easy walking distance to the pond at Mount Hood Community College and was able to photograph it under snow and ice.

There was a small gathering of ducks that kept a weary eye on me and my husband as I dialed in my camera setting to capture them. As I recall, it was around 22 degrees F with a windshield that made it feel around 17. It was quite cold, but with the layers of warmth and walking through the snow, I stayed toasty warm.

If you were in the Portland area, I hope you had at least one day to just enjoy the snow before the hustle and bustle of life caught back up to you.

I hope you enjoy these images I captured to remember the snow day.

Christmas at Vanderbeck Valley Farm

Do you love getting together for family gatherings, but hate cleaning up your house to host? Well, that problem has occurred the past couple years and I've been itching to celebrate Christmas with my cousins for years. So it was time to find an alternate for this holiday season.

Here comes in the Vanderbeck Valley Farm....

If you ever wanted to see a cute barn decked out in Christmas joy, this is the place!

Our family had a wonderful time in the barn celebrating family while enjoying a comfort food potluck, family games and a simple gift exchange. If you're ever out near Mount Angel or Scotts Mills in the countryside of Oregon and looking for something with a flair of country and comfort of home for an event, then contact Wendy at Vanderbeck Valley Farm!

Christmas Ornaments of 2016

Once again I was busy before Christmas working on commission for hand painted shatterproof ornaments for many people. I'd have to say that it was my first year painting many duplicates - two ornaments with the same critter on it. Some of them with the same pose and others with a slightly different pose between the two ornaments.

Here's the creations that adored many a Christmas tree for 2016. They are all hand painted with acrylic and then sealed with a varnish to protect the unique paintings done on shatterproof ornaments. And if you're interested in your very own Christmas ornament, please send me an email and I'd love to create on just for you!

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and may 2017 be filled with love and adventures!

Nice Weather Means It's Time to Get Out!

Today was the first time it's been sunny for a while and I was able to get out to the Columbia River Gorge. I decided that it was time to visit Shepherd's Dell. My mom said that I've been out there before, but only when I was really little, so I don't remember it much now.

It's a hidden little set of waterfalls right off the scenic highway. I loved the soft light from the overcast (non-rainy) day. And what else was awesome was there were rain drops still clinging to the fern covered basalt cliffs. This is a great little stop with a short distance to stroll with great views, and it wasn't crowded like all the other waterfall stops along the gorge.

So make sure to get out while the weather is good or just wear a raincoat and good boots.