The Real Meaning of “Some Assembly Required”

We recently bought a new two barrel composter so we can process leaves, grass clippings and some kitchen waste.  We want to use the compost to improve the flower beds at the B&B.  When we opened the box, we found that there were 152 parts, it was kind of overwhelming.  Nothing difficult, but very tedious.  It took several hours to assemble, but it turned out ok.

Sunbeams on a Misty Morning

Of course the sun will win out over the mist in a few minutes, but its an enchanting scene in the meantime.

Elk in the B&B Yard

In late June this four point elk caught us by surprise.  The antlers are still in velvet.  He stood as still as a statue for several minutes, so was still there after I finally found the camera.  The Dept of Fish and Wildlife tries to keep the elk on the South side of the Cowlitz River, but since they are good swimmers they they probably cross whenever they feel like it.  There is not any sign of an elk herd in this area, and this bull seems to be a loner.

Flyover Of The Shepherds Inn

On May 19th, Ellen and I did a short flight in our nephew Devin’s float plane.  We were able to get a few pictures of the area as well as the B&B.

Flowers To Cheer us up

The new daffodils came up very well.  There are four varieties that bloom at slightly different times.  After the long winter, they cheer things up a lot.

Daffodils 2012

Mt Rainier Park Road Closures

Stevens Canyon Road Closure on September 6, 2011 for Road Work.
Posted: August 26, 2011

Due to extensive roadway embankment stabilization and subsurface compaction grouting efforts, Stevens Canyon Road will be closed between the gate located just west of the Grove of the Patriarchs to just east of the popular Backbone Ridge viewpoint from September 6, 2011 through the 2011-2012 winter closure. Visitors will be able to access the Reflection Lakes, Box Canyon and Backbone Ridge areas and adjacent trailheads from the west during the fall 2011 closure.

During the closure, visitors will only be able to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at the east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area can detour via SR 7 beginning in Morton on US 12 and ending on SR 706 at Elbe. (US 12 may have delays due to road work, for more information check the Washington State Department of Transportation WASDOT).

While the construction, closures, and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.

Stevens Canyon roadwork is also scheduled for periods during the 2012 & 2013 seasons. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is available on the park’s website under News Releases.

For information on other Mount Rainier roads check Road Status.

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is Saturday, August 6, 2011

Book a room at The Shepherd’s Inn during the month of August and receive a gift of 2 lb of blueberrys, or a jar of blueberry jam from Pan American Blueberry Farm.   http://www.pan-am-llc.com

For more information about the Blueberry Festival go to:  mossyrockfestivals.com

A Barred Owl From The Breakfast Room Window

A family of Barred owls has made  their home here for more than ten years now.  Although they have hundreds of acres to nest in they prefer to be where the action is.  They are a bit like us in that respect. Why hang out in the woods when you can watch the people coming and going.   We have learned to follow their call to each other and can thereby locate their dwelling place.  Yesterday morning this particular owl decided to make a closer appearance and entertain the guest during breakfast.

Gluten Free Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie

It seems that more and more people are being diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Two family members have recently found they were gluten intolerant and more of our guest are telling us that they are also.

We currently have a guest that is staying four days who is gluten intolerant. One day to cook without gluten isn’t too difficult but 4 days has become a little challenge. Yesterday I found a Betty Crocker box mix for gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookies.  While he was eating his Gluten free Strawberry Waffles made from gluten free Bisquick,  I made these wonderfully easy gluten free chocolate chip cookies.  I sampled the first batch and decided they could use a little enhancing even though they were pretty good as they were.   I like the blended flavor of orange and chocolate so I added a Tablespoon of zest from a fresh orange to the remainder of the dough.  The result was very delicious and gave the cookie a whole new dimension of flavor.  If you are gluten intolerant or know someone who is you should try these!

Lovely White Orchid Lip Resembles Swans

I just happened to notice after zooming in to capture the vibrant colors inside this gorgeous white orchid that the lower petal or lip of the orchid resembled two beautiful white swans as it they were back to back. It caused me to do some research on Google  and to the best I could figure this portion of the flower is called the column .  [The male and female reproductive organs of the orchid. The column (technically called a “gynostemium”) is formed by the fusion of male portion of the flower (stamens) and female portion (pistils). This is one major characteristic that defines orchids and differentiates them from all other flowering plants.]  If this is correct, I can’t think of a more beautiful depiction than two swans together.