One Of The Many Falls At The Lake Quinalult National Recreation Area.

This just happens to be the fall where Darren fell in.

After Darren had changed, we took out and did a nature trail which had another water fall to see too. (No falling into this one.) The trail had snow and ice on it, and the bridges were completely iced over. So we only did the 1.7 mile trail.

We ate lunch at the Lake Quinault Lodge. Pres. Franklin  D. Roosevelt actually stayed at this lodge  in 1939.(I think that was the yr.)  It was because of this trip that he had this declared a "National Forrest". The lodge was beautiful, and the food was  good, but expensive. I think a hamburger was like $13.00. But it was the only place open for lunch that day. That's why I said next time we go, we will be taking our own food to stock our little kitchen, there at the Lake Quinault Resort Village.

That's another good reason to get a cabin. You can cook your own meals to help save money as opposed to the other lodge up there which just had sleeping rooms. Plus, did I tell you how immaculately clean our cabin was, and how we soooo enjoyed our stay. For just stumbling into this place, we sure lucked out.We found out by talking to Julie at the office/store, that this place was owned by three brother's by the name of Morrison's. Two of the brother's take care of the business end, and one takes care of the maintenance. Let me tell you, you will not be disappointed. They even had daily maid service! (We've stayed at cabin's where you don't get it each day.)

So just in case you need that website again to the Lake Quinault Rain Resort Village  www.rainforestresort.com

Before we lost sunlight we took the drive around the lake. Some of the road is paved and the other half is not. This area has some of the most awesome sights you'll see. It's funny because you're in this rain forest and yet it has snow, barren trees, then the trees that looked like you expected to be in a rain forest.

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT HAPPENED?

I have had a really busy and full day. Too pooped and tired to give the story. But here are some pics. So here is the gist of it. Husband, waterfall, slips, falls into frigid water. I try to help him, I slip and fall flat on my butt. Poor teenage daughter with both arms stretched out-one for her dad and one for me. Who should she save first? Hum, hypothermia? Get Dad out first.




Darren running to the truck to get out of the soon to be frozen clothes. His entire body went down into the base of the waterfall.



It used to be said that my guardian angels took tranquilizers in order to keep up with me. Now, I think we have a team of angels trying to keep up with my family.

THROUGH MARGIE'S CABIN WINDOW

This was a view from our bedroom. We could hear the stream and it just made our sleep so much better.



This is the view from standing at the kitchen sink. If you look hard you can see the lake in the background. Washing dishes with this view can be an actual pleasure. SHHHHHH don't tell my family. Hee Hee



View  from the side kitchen window. Is this not beautiful!? You know how when you're stressed, and you're told to go to a peaceful place in your mind to be able to relax? Here it is.



Our first night there, we still had about an hour of sunlight left, so we walked down to see the the World's Largest Sitka Spruce Tree. It was ONLY  .3 miles from our cabin!

As we walked back up to the cabin the sun was just going down, giving the most beautiful  orange -golden sunset. Because we didn't have food with us to have cooked in our kitchen, we walked up to the Salmon House Restaurant for dinner. The portions were so large we took our left overs back to make another meal with it. The food was delicious.

The next time we go, and I mean when we go, not if we go back, we will be more prepared and take our food in with us. The closest food store is back in Aberdeen. The little store at the resort had bread, milk, and cereal and souvenirs, but I would have liked to really made a nice meal or two while there.

Okay, before I forget, I wanted to let you know this resort is three hours from Seattle, WA, three and a half hours from Portland, OR, and only two and a half hours from Tacoma, WA. Also, here is their website in case you would love to go experience this yourselves. http://www.rainforestresort.com/

Now for tomorrow, let me just say it has a potential for hypothermia, possible chance of "help I've fallen down and I can't get up", and once again another moment of "We could have won a million with America's Funniest Home Video's".

ARE WE THERE YET?

Continuing up the coast we decided to go to Ocean Shores. Here you can actually drive on the ocean shoreline.  You had the waves rushing up to you as you drive along. We saw where you could rent horses to ride along the beach. People were riding mopeds up and down the beach too. Hundreds of cars, RV's, and camp trailers were parked and people were setting up camp for the weekend right on the sandy beach itself!

The sun was shining with clear blue skies and kids were running and playing in the sand. Beautiful bright colorful kites of all shapes and sizes were whipping in the windy sky.

"I want to ride a horse on the beach", I squeal. My husband's says "Me too". Our youngest daughter informs us she only wants to "pet" a horse. And our other daughter is like "I don't want to do any of that, I have to keep myself injury free, for the military".

There was an anonymous vote to rent mopeds and do the touristy thing, like riding them down the beach and back. Because of the time of day, we decided to go get our hotel room first, and then go out and have some fun.

RAIN FOREST RESORT VILLAGE



We went to three different hotels. NO VACANCY. At the last place, the front desk was turning away so many people that they had actually called a 25 mile radius to find anything open or available. Nothing. They suggested maybe we go over to Lake Quinault and see if they had anything. It was an hour away! Turns out that this weekend was not only Presidents Day Holiday, it was also some big clam digging event.

Totally disappointed, we knew we would figure out something to do over at  "Lake Quinalut". Besides, we where on an adventure and our plans had no plans.



As we are approaching this place we realized it was part of the rain forest. My goodness it was so spectacular. Even in Feb. Darren had called ahead to the Rain Forrest Resort Village and found the last cabin available and we took it.



As we drove up, tired from driving all day, hungry, we walked into the store where you check in and were greeted by the most welcoming woman you'll ever meet. Her name was Julie, she was so informative and gave us all kids of maps of the different trails to hike. We asked her alot of questions about the area and she was so sweet answering all of them.



 When we opened our cabin door, the fireplace was already on welcoming us. This place was the best surprise of a great adventure you could ask for. We suddenly were not tired at all. And there was much we wanted to do. 

 We had a two bedroom cabin. Look how nice these beds are! 



CHECK OUT OUR JACUZZI !



Tomorrow, I'll show more pictures and of course another moment in our trip that will tickle you. Because, we all know that wherever we go things happen!






TOO BIG OF A TRUCK-FOR A LITTLE DRIVE-THROUGH

 So off we go on our trip. We decided to drive over to the coast and go check out the town of Aberdeen, WA. When we arrived in Aberdeen, it seemed to be a good time to stop and get some tea for a little pick-me-upper. A Starbucks Coffee Shop was right off the road there.  Turning into the drive-through I actually had to back up and try to straighten out, to fit into the lane. First I thought maybe I had taken the turn to wide, and that's why I didn't fit. Now you have to know, I drive a BIG 4-wheel drive Silverado  full-size, 4 door truck. It is big and lonnnnnng. Anyway, as soon as I entered the drive-through lane it immediately had a 90 degree left turn where you placed your order. So I just figured I was a BIG truck I could just drive up over the curb to reach the speaker box. Of course, my husband sitting on the other side is saying things like "stay to the middle of the curbs, and don't drive up on the curbs you might hurt the wheels. But, at this point, there was two cars in front of me and now two more cars behind me! I had to keep going. It was so sad I just started giggling. When the lady took our order, Darren was trying to give me directions on how to drive through this obstacle course.

Have you ever been to Disneyland or an amusement park where you drive the little cars, and they have bumber rails on the outside of your tires? Then in the middle of the track runs a line of metal that if you aren't staying in the middle it will force you back to the center? Well, that is how I felt, minus the metal rail in the center of the road. But, because there was a curb on each side of my tires I just kept hitting them!!! And once again just as my tires were finally on the ground, here was ANOTHER 90 degree turn! So I had to go up over the curb with my right front tire, and as soon as it dropped back down on the pavement, my back left tire went up over the curb, by this time I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe! My eyes were watering like I was crying, and I couldn't stop laughing.  So with my back left tire on top of the curb I had to keep pressing on the gas to get my back right tire up on the curb too. Have you ever seen a truck straddle a drive way before?

By this time, my teenage daughter's in the back seat were laughing, yet mortified at what the people around us were thinking but I was laughing so uncontrollably that by the time I finally made it to the window to get our drinks, I couldn't even talk. It just happened as I opened my door I saw the occupants faces in the car behind us, and they were laughing as hard as I was which made me laugh even harder. I actually was holding my stomach because of the pain. The poor girl at the window didn't know what was so funny, but she started laughing because we were all laughing and couldn't talk.

Once the truck was straight again I was able to drive on out of that poor place.  I did however, leave them with major tire tread all over their curbs and some good hardy laughs. I bet they wish they had a camera to have shot this and then sent it to "America's Funniest Home Videos'.

Now you all come back, ya hear. Because, this trip just kept on getting better, and better, with more surprising adventures.

ROAD TRIP



Guess where we went this weekend?

 We decided to do a three day weekend road trip. There was to be no planning on where we were going, how long we would stay in any one place or make any plans. It was suppose to be "let's see where the wind blows us".

Now to pack for such a trip. What do you pack? The Pacific Northwest has a very diverse weather and landscape from the ocean coast, to rain forest, Mt. Rainer, desert, lakes, and rivers. This time of year we have snow, rain and sometimes even sun.

For me, who had a father as a scoutmaster, and all my flight training, I knew to pack for all scenarios and always "be prepared".  So which of these shoes do you think I packed? Huh? Yep, it was all three pairs. And I have to say it turned out that ALL of these where needed.

As always, life is an adventure, and where ever I go things happen. So come on back and I'll finish telling you the story and where we ended up going. But for now I need to unpack those shoes and get to bed.

NIGHT OWL PARTY

THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A PARTY.

You'll have to go to this blog to see ALL the things she did. The owls she made are sooooooooo cute. You cannot afford to not read the whole blog, on this party or you will miss some great ideas you can use.


Follow this link to the SnowyBliss blog.
 http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2011/02/night-owl-party.html

TUESDAY'S THRIFT STORE FINDS

Evening in Paris Perfume

I actually found this about 7 yrs. ago at a thrift store in AZ. My mother wore this in the 50's and 60's, so this was a real blast from the past item to find. I've only worn it once just to see if it smelt the same And IT DID!
Now I just smile when I see it, because it brings back soooo many memories of my mom.



I did a little research on this bottle, and it was produced in the 40's and 50's. Plus, I also found this info.
 The Evening in Paris perfume was first seen in 1928 when perfumer Ernest Beaux created this masterpiece for his perfume company called Bourjois. As soon as it was launched, the word of this perfumes magnificence spread like wild-fire across Paris and this perfume was an immediate success.
When it was launched in 1928, it was only known as Soir de Paris, but the company soon realized the global potential and for sale in the US the perfume was renamed Evening in Paris.
What makes this perfume so special? Let’s give you an insight into what really goes into making this masterpiece. This classic perfume has a soft and sweet floral scent that is enhanced by bergamot and violets. The heart notes of this perfume are formed by jasmine, tilleul, lilac, clover and rose, whereas the base notes comprise of styrax and vetiver.
This combination has made the Evening in Paris perfume by Bourjois’, it’s most successful ever perfume. The perfume gained immense popularity in the 1930’s and 1940’s and popularity peaked in 1950’s. However, surprisingly in 1969 the perfume just vanished from the markets.

Just thought you'd like to know.

I Don't Always Understand Him..... But, I Still Love Him

This morning my sweet husband decided to cook up some eggs for him and our daughter. I keep a large thing of eggs  in the refrigerator out in our garage. And then I keep a 18 count egg container in the kitchen's refrigerator. (We use a lot of eggs.)

So this morning as Darren was about to cook up some eggs, I noticed he put the box back in the fridge,with a look of dissapointment. I told him that we had more eggs in the garage fridge, so he went out and brought in the big batch of eggs. I asked that he be sure and fill the carton  of eggs up before putting it back in the fridge. He said "ok".  As I'm watching him, he filled up the 18 count container, then proceeded to take the eggs out of that same container he had just filled, to crack for his omelet. (Both of the cartons are sitting on the counter side-by-side!)

Now, I ask you. Wouldn't it make more sense to fill the smaller container, put it away. Then use the eggs from the larger container? When I questioned him, why? He just said "cause". See, for me, that is double the work. Because after he broke the four eggs out of the small container, he then had to RELOAD the darn thing again! For me this doesn't make sense, but to him it did.

This is why you could use the old saying, "Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars."

THRIFTY TUESDAYS

I have a daughter that has an after school activity every Tuesday. Just so happens that not a mile away from where I drop her off at, are two thrift stores. It seems that I find something really cute, fun, or "I just have to have it," item. So I thought I would start showing you some of these great finds.

This was purchased for $14.99. Solid wood, and not one thing wrong with it. It weighs about 40pds. Now I know,  I only have teenagers and above. BUT, some day I do plan on being a grandmother. My kids have always wanted a rocking horse, but we either lived in a small space where you couldn't fit this, or we were tooo broke to buy one.
When I brought this home all three of my kids were giddie to play with it. Turns out every teenager that comes to visit ,now uses this for a chair. See, I did need this.

Made Me Smile

I wanted to share this with you. Found this joke @,  http:// reallifeinaminute.blogspot.com

A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?" God answered, "No, you have another 40 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a facelift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.

After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit by a car and died immediately.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years, why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the car?"

God replied, "I didn't recognize you."

WHOOPS!!!!!!! Did I Do That?!

Guess I won't be cleaning my shower anymore today. Hee Hee. I was adjusting the shower head to rinse it down . Then BAM! CLANK!Water shooting  across the shower like a fire hose, hitting my drywall on the other side. SHOCK, you'd think turning off the water should have been easy, but NOOOOOOO, when the shower head is off, it is just a hugh  blast of water shooting out, and SPLATTERING all over the carpet, and me. Golly gee, what's a girl to do? Guess I won't be cleaning that today.  HUM......... LOL....