69 hours after exposure...

The other day I decided to get the H1N1 vaccine. My local pharmacy was offering the vaccination on a drop by basis up until 7:00 pm. I didn't even have to miss work to get it!

When I stopped by the pharmacy there were only a few others in the pharmacy area...I waited as an older couple ahead of me got the shot. I took off my jacket and the technician informed me that wasn't necessary since I was to have the nasal spray.

I asked to have the shot instead since I've never had a nasal vaccination and don't like sticking things up my nose. But she was adamant-saying I was healthy and she needed to save the other form for those who were more at risk...so I complied.

Unfortunately, this was the day before Christmas Eve. That night I could hardly sleep because my nasal cavity became so dry. Things quickly developed in to a head cold. By Christmas Eve, I was huddled in a corner feeling rather bad at a family gathering. Christmas Day, I decided not to attend a different family gathering because I did not want to expose others...especially the week old baby that was the guest of honor.

I've had regular flu shots in the past and never developed symptoms that lasted for days and up until now, I had worked with coworkers who had been sick and was the only one not to fall victim...Today, after 11 hours of sleep, I fell much better but am still blowing my nose every 5 minutes. I'm sure I will be fine by the time I have to go back to work Monday.

More sunset photos from Lincoln Park

Just one other reason why I love living in West Seattle.

Last night we went to Lincoln Park to watch the sunset. While we walked along the front we saw a seal swimming out in the distance and a bald eagle fly overhead.

Coyote came a callin'

Early this morning, I was woken from my sleep by the call of my husband. It was still dark out and when I glanced at the clock it flashed 3:30 am. Why did he wake me? Not that I was mad, in fact I was thankful because I was having weird dreams bordering on nightmares. I sat up in bed and felt for my glasses. Once able to see, I forced myself to focus on the silhouetted figure peering out the window. "Quick! Come look at this..." he whispered. Something had triggered the floodlight, but what?!

My mind was racing...was someone out there? Did I need my hockey stick? "What is it?" I demanded- whispering back.

"Coyote- there are 2 at the end of the driveway."

I was out of bed and looking out the window in a second. I could barely see the outline of a large canine at the end of the 50 foot driveway. Yes, it was a coyote indeed. "Where is the 2nd one?" I queried.

"It must've gone in to the bushes." Our property borders a greenbelt along Longfellow Creek and I've often heard coyote in "our backyard." I've heard up to 5-6 running in a pack late at night in the past.

I decided to chance running in to the next room to get my binoculars for a better look. He was still there. The floodlight barely reached him and he stood like the saying "a deer caught in the headlights." He seemed to be looking right at us while I was able to get a close look at this fine specimen. He looked like a healthy adult with a beautiful fine coat. He looked fast and agile. (The first coyote I saw was about 4 years ago when I was on my way to work just after daybreak. The coyote followed the Longfellow Creek trail and sauntered across SW Brandon right in front of me in my truck and 2 girls walking to school. The 3 of us had stopped in awe of the creature that looked old and salty with its matted fur. I have also seen a young, adolescent coyote bound across the road like a jack-rabbit in front of me at about the same time on 2 different occasions).

We watched the coyote until the floodlight dimmed. Then the coyote withdrew back in to the shadow of the woods.

In (my neighbors) garden

An ex-coworker used to tell me to do a blog on the dead things I would find in my garden...this is an ode to that idea. However, the following images were found in my neighbors gardens on my way to the mailbox.

A victim of the neighbor cat.

Sneak Peek

These are a few items I will be posting on my etsy vintage shop next week. I will have 3 scary cats just in time for Halloween! These are tin/foil type made in the USA! Very cool. soldout!

Whoever originally owned them stapled a back on to it, so the kitty could stand.

Also, for dog lovers I have a sweet, needlepoint Scottie! This miniature work of art measures 2.75 in x 4 in. Crafty.

A lovely, floral Vera Lucky Ladybug scarf. sold!

And I did not do this scarf justice with my photo! This is an amazing oversize scarf measuring 31.5 in x 31.5 in. It does not have a tag, but I believe it is pure silk and was hand screened. I must say, it is my favorite! Click on it and view the larger image to see how beautiful it truly is...

Lovely hand knitted lace collar.

Calling all tree-huggers. Very cool Lady Arrow top.

Love the grove of trees.

This will not be for sale. I've been in search of a lampshade for 5 years now to top off my granny's milk glass lamp base that I've been waiting to take out of my basement. Finally I found the perfect shade with daisies that match the flowers on the base!

sweet dreams

UBNA Chronicles

Another visit to the Union Bay Natural Area and grass is starting to grow back in the burned fields. The emerald blades are a stark contrast against the black, charred remains. This time there weren't any birds foraging in the burnt meadows, but there were plenty in the nearby pond. I haven't yet identified the bird above. There were a pair- so cute! They were very tiny. The other one (not pictured) was more white and they swam nervously- reminding me a lot of an irish Moorhen.

Least Sandpiper

Ladybug and Queen Anne's Lace

My token photo of a heron which I rather like

Garden Harvest

Wondering what to do with all of your garden zucchinis? Other than give them away to all of your friends and family, how about zucchini bread? When a friend gave me an abundant supply of zucchinis from her garden, I gave some away and made zucchini bread with the gianormous ones I kept.

I used the recipe from cooks.com found here. I chose this recipe because it seemed to call for less sugar than other recipes. Although it uses 1.5 cups of sugar, at least it isn't 3 cups!

I was able to make the recipe quite a few times and experiment while giving the loaves to friends and family. The loaves were very good and extremely moist. I discovered when I ran out of walnuts that if you use pecans instead- the bread is still moist, but didn't seem as oily. Now, I prefer to use pecans instead of walnuts.

Welcome to my vintage closet

I've been collecting vintage items as long as I can remember...I've recently organized my closet and discovered many treasures from long ago. I find it a shame that these items are not receiving the admiration they deserve- so I have started my own shop of vintage finds.

Everyone needs a gnome sold!

Starry skies vintage shirt (women's)

Dreamy pink nightgown sold!

Sweetest bird pin

Union Bay Natural Area brush fire

A group of us went to the Union Bay Natural Area (the Montlake Fill) on a regular outing and were surprised to come across a burnt out field. We thought it must have been a controlled burn but found out later on the internet it wasn't planned. According to the UW Daily, Campus Crime Blotter post the fire occurred July 29th- only 8 days previous from our visit. The brush fire burned roughly 2 acres and the charred remains is a stark contrast amongst the golden fields thriving with wildflowers.

Blackberry surprise

I must admit I have secretly enjoyed our recent spell of dry, hot weather (upper 80's to 104 degrees- this is summer!). The heatwave has brought on an early crop of blackberries which aren't usually ready to pick until late August. We have already picked berries and made delicious jam and now routinely use them in smoothies and as an addition to our breakfast.

I also had a change of heart against the invasive blackberries that invade our parks and greenbelts...Fresh, abundant fruit- not to mention FREE is great! It's almost a shame that the city and volunteers have been eradicating them in the nearby parks and greenbelt during these economic hard times.

My favorite breakfast at the moment- granola, peaches, milk & blackberries.

What to avoid when picking blackberries...

• Don't pick berries without having your 1st cup of coffee
• Don't wear shorts
• Don't attempt to reach faraway blackberries while balancing on one foot, leaning downhill

The secret lives of bees

Every evening I go out in to the yard in hopes of getting a photo of the flickers that take a dirt bath on our gravel road in front of the driveway. While I was sitting amongst the flowers, trying to blend in- I became distracted by the bees. I also discovered a bee thief in my garden.

This guy is covered with pollen.

(click on photos to enlarge)

This little bee was so tiny I almost didn't see it.

I'm not sure what this guy was up to, but it kept stealing petals and coming back for more!

Stop thief!

Week in review with photos

I love when the purple finch visits my yard!

This is the closest I've ever gotten to a flicker- they are so flighty! This was taken outside my bedroom window. There was a pair of them together on the wire, but again, I was too slow to get a shot of that...oh, I did get a video of it.

Before

Our beds which were very unsuccessful for vegetables last year, turned out to be great for wildflowers!

After

We put down packets of wildflower seeds to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Next year, we're going to find the "bucket" of wildflowers.