Palouse Daily Photo

Taking a break

2009-06-18T16:27:00.001-07:00

As you could probably tell from my lack of posts, I am in need of a break. I can't do everything I have to do and maintain this blog with any semblance of consistency. I hope to be back at it before the end of the summer!

Theme Day: Feet

2009-06-01T22:35:00.001-07:00

This tiny, two-hour old foot belongs to the daughter of one of my very best friends, Julie. I had the honor of serving as her doula and watching her beautiful baby girl come into the world.

Down they go

2009-05-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

Our mall has one of these fun gadgets that eats whatever money you toss into it...probably a great source of income for them! It is a good way to get rid of your pocket change I suppose! I snapped this photo while some kids were putting in pennies. The centrifugal force keeps them spinning around for a looooooong time!

Under the apple trees

2009-05-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Quiet garden under a grove of apple trees. I could hear the bees buzzing as they went about their business. It was very peaceful.

Pinata!

2009-05-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

This was one tough old bird! It took the kids about 100 whacks before they managed to get to the candy treasure waiting inside.

Once again I apologize for the delay in posting...the husband had yet another surgery...hopefully the last one. Forever!

A memorial

2009-05-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Two years ago in the early am hours of this day and the late night hours of the previous, our town suffered several losses. Some tragic losses that won't soon be forgotten, nor should they be. My thoughts and prayers are still with all the families and friends on what I know has to be a very hard day. Gone, but not forgotten. RIP.

Tunnel and fence

2009-05-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

One of the play structures at Rotary Park where we held my sons 6th birthday party this past weekend. It was a beautiful day to be at the park, and the kids had a great time.

Here's Your Sign

2009-05-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

That gorgeous looking burger is a new offering from Carl's Jr's 6$ Burger line, the Kentucky Bourbon Burger. It had been about 10 years since my husband and I had entered a Carl's Jr, so I figured what the heck...I got the double. I like laughing in the face of arterial plaque and at a whopping 1,000 calories and 51 grams of fat, it won't be a frequent meal...though, in it's defense, it also sports your daily allotment of protein as well, matching the fat gram for gram.

All that aside, it was delicious but could have done with a bit more of the tangy barbeque sauce. Yum.

Lichen Rock

2009-05-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have always loved this lichen covered rock...unfortunately on this day it was overcast and the brilliant lime green color of the lichen just didn't show up very well in the photo.

Kibbie chunk

2009-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

When I was out taking pictures of the Kibbie Dome a few days ago, I noticed a huge chunk of the roof missing. I am also wondering if they plan on replacing or repainting the tiles you can see just behind the scaffolding that decorate the face of the dome. I will keep you posted!

Tree lined

2009-05-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the farmers are getting their fields ready for planting. I liked the way the trees seem to line this ridge. Trees are not something you would normally see taking up prime farming land on the Palouse...I was happy to see that a few trees were left in place!

Track and field events

2009-05-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

There were some track events going on this past weekend at U of I. It was a nice day for it...mid 60's and sunny! We enjoyed watching for a few moments.

Dome facelift

2009-05-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

We drove past the Kibbie Dome a few days ago and I took some photos of the dome which appears to be undergoing a facelift. I am not sure what they are doing, but it sure looks cool with all the scaffolding around it!

Spring Blooms: Tulip bed

2009-05-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Spring Blooms: Tulips and Bamboo

2009-05-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Little clucker

2009-05-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

I love chickens. They make me smile. We have a few hens for enjoyment and fresh eggs. Nothing from a grocery store can beat the taste of a farm fresh free range chicken egg. The girls went crazy with delight when we tilled up our garden area last weekend...they were in worm and bug heaven!

Brick artwork

2009-05-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love this colorful mural on the side of a building in Oakesdale, Washington. It's much nicer to look at than a plain brick structure.

Derailed

2009-05-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Purposeful or not, you decide! I couldn't figure out this scene when I came upon it. The tops of the railcars are facing the tracks instead of the wheels...does this seem odd to you? Yet, the grain has spilled and the whole scene is quite a mess! I captured this photo between Oakesdale and Rosalia, Washington.

Two photos today! The photo below is my almost 6 year old sons own 'capture'. He drew the above train wreck on his sisters Nintendo DS...he is quite the artist, wouldn't you agree? :)

Thunderhead

2009-05-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

Amazing cloud formations were to be had last week in our area. Some of them more incredible than others!

Theme Day: Shadows

2009-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

This month's City Daily Photo theme is Shadows. I had no idea what photo I was going to present...or even try for, and then today as we were rototilling our garden, my youngest son asked if he could take a pass with the monster tiller and I had the opportunity for this shot. We got the garden mostly ready before we called it a day. I don't think I have it in me to tackle another pass tomorrow before we have to return the tiller!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Steptoe Battlefield

2009-04-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

The sign pretty much tells the story here. The bridge I posted about yesterday can be seen in the background of this photo.

Train overpass

2009-04-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

This great bridge is a train overpass in Rosalia, Washington. The area it passes over is a slightly famous battlefield that I will expound more on tomorrow. :)

Rain storm

2009-04-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

We managed to beat this rain storm home yesterday. It started out as a gorgeous day and then these dark clouds moved in and the rain came down. It's good I suppose since the wheat fields are starting to green up and need the rain.

Serene kitty

2009-04-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my lovable furball again. I couldn't pass up this photo of him looking all serene. He was very nearly asleep like this sitting on the warm hood of the car the other morning.

Famous explorers

2009-04-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

The famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the cities now known as Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington (such original names, I know! haha) in October of 1805 on their journey to discover the Northwest Passage (a water route) to the Pacific Ocean at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson. The Idaho section of their trail follows along side several rivers and what is now known as Highway 12, or the Lewis & Clark Highway. The terrain is pretty much the same now as it was back then...except of course for the highway...and is a very beautiful drive into Montana.

Divided highway

2009-04-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last year saw the completion of the new Moscow-Lewiston 4-lane divided highway (Hwy 95 South). This used to be a two lane highway which could be a little frustrating with semi's and slower farm vehicles taking up space...or for those of us who might sometimes have a bit of a lead foot getting stuck behind a slow-poke! The new highway has a speed limit of 65 mph which is really nice and makes the daily commute to and from Lewiston much quicker for those who live in one town, but work in the other...like my hubby. :)

Maple blooms

2009-04-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Everything is starting to bloom around town, including this maple tree. In a few weeks, all the flowers and trees will be in full blossom...of course, we are supposed to have snow at the end of the week from what I have heard. It's hard to imagine that when it was very nearly 80° here today!

Ornate Steeple

2009-04-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after our brief foray into the Presbyterian church for a rummage sale, I took this photo of the church steeple. I had never really noticed how beautiful and ornate the brickwork is!

Blooms of Spring: Illuminated

2009-04-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm sure you are all tired of flower photos, so this is the last one for awhile! I just couldn't resist snapping these gorgeous daffodils this morning in the parking lot at the Presbyterian Church. We went for the rummage sale...this photo was the best thing I got!

Blooms of Spring: Bunch of Daffodils

2009-04-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Our backyard is terraced with rail ties...I have always liked the setup and think it makes a great backdrop for all the flower bulbs that the original owners planted.

Blooms of Spring: Orange rims

2009-04-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

These are my favorites of the daffodils, creamy white petals with deep yellow trumpets and orange rims. I only have a few of these, so when they come up, they always get special attention. :)

Blooms of Spring: Daffodil trumpet

2009-04-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Another shot of one of my daffodils. It's amazing what the camera sees that I do not...cause I never saw the two bugs that are on the flower!
Posting again from Sacred Heart in Spokane...and outpatient surgery for my hubby ended up as an admit...sigh. Hopefully we can go home soon!

Eggcellent dye job

2009-04-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has had or is having a wonderful Resurrection Sunday! My kids have always enjoyed egg dyeing and the hunt afterwards, so here are a few of this years colored wonders.

Blooms of Spring: Daffodils

2009-04-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Two photos today because I couldn't really decide which I liked better! These Daffodils (Narcissus) opened yesterday...I just love these flowers, they bring back such wonderful childhood memories of my best friend Kim and I. We were a couple of crazy little girls, let me tell you...but what fun we had! I posted another blog and photo here about Kim and the daffodils if you care to read it. :)

Blooms of Spring: White Crocus

2009-04-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

These white and yellow Crocus blooms are so pretty. I think the white ones just look so perfect. Normally white flowers just aren't very attractive to me, but I love these. They remind me of all that is good about Spring...a fresh clean start.

Blooms of Spring: Striped Crocus

2009-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

I love the Crocus...to me they signify that Spring might actually be close! These are in my front yard and bloomed last week...then they had 8 inches of snow dumped on them, yet here they are still looking beautiful. I was so glad that all the blooms seemed unaffected by the snow!

Blooms of Spring: Lavender Crocus

2009-04-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

For the next few days I am going to post some flower photos...other than pics of my kids, flowers are my favorite subjects. :) These pretty lavender Crocus blooms are in my front yard among a hundred others that have popped up through the leaf and pine needle debris.

Hello...again!

2009-04-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

This morning as my husband sat outside, our resident woodpecker decided to show his little face for the first time this year...well the first we have seen of him anyway. I blogged about his 'mate' (or what I call his mate!) in this post last year. I don't know how long woodpeckers can live, but I swear this is the same bird that we have seen each year and in the same spot since we moved into our house in July 2004! He is a pretty little thing and very tolerant of my acrobatics out the window as I try to get a good shot of him! He stayed for half an hour before flying off.

Road work

2009-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

A week ago I was rudely awakened at 7am by the sound of a jackhammer and large equipment...and the annoying beeps they make when put into reverse. Did I mention that it was 7am? When I finally dragged myself out of bed, resigned to not being able to get back to sleep and looked out my window, I was greeted with this site. They worked all day, tore up a patch of road about 20 x 8 fixed whatever was broken, and laid new asphalt before driving off at 5pm. How can construction workers always look like they are doing nothing and yet get stuff done? I swear each time I looked out, there was either no one in sight or they were all standing around talking! One of life's great mysteries I suppose!

Ahhhhhhh...Sunshine!

2009-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have the best cat...he has never met a human he didn't love, and the feeling is usually mutual. Here he is on the front porch doing what cats do best, sleeping...while reaching out to the sun as if to say, "Where have you been old friend? Please don't leave!" I couldn't resist posting his photo today.

Seedlings

2009-04-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...once all the snow is over with that is! These seedlings are in my mini indoor greenouse. I can't wait until the garden is in full production!

Here's Your Sign

2009-04-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

This one pretty much speaks for itself! I love it when people go out of their way to think of something clever for their signs!

Early Spring Snow

2009-04-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

Look what we woke up to this morning! Yep, that's a full 8" of snow out there on my deck table and a winter weather warning still in effect until 5pm, so who knows how much more we will end up with...guess Mother Nature forgot it was actually Spring! After 8 years of living here, I am kinda resigned to these last minute snow storms, but what gets me EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. is that the superintendent of schools balks at even running on a two hour delay let alone actually closing school...so it puts all the kids and the bus drivers and the parents who drive their kids at risk being out on the road. Our plows just can't handle the volume that quickly...and with the warning in effect until 5pm, we will be getting more before the day is out. Ok, rant over! At least two of my children were off anyway for teacher conferences, so they will have a good time playing out in the snow and building a snowman. :)

Theme Day: Yellow

2009-04-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my long absence from the blog. We had a nice 10 day stay in the hospital and since coming home have had so much going on and I have been running in twenty different directions!
Thank you to those who emailed or left get well comments. That was so appreciated! My hubby is 'ok' and about at 60%, so we aren't pushing it.

Today's theme for the City Daily Photo this month is the color yellow. I took this photo today of some cut flowers that my husband received while in the hospital from his employer...so nice of them, and a beautiful display. Two weeks later and they are still looking good!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of this months theme day!

The Gem State

2009-03-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

When people think of Idaho, usually the first thing to go through their minds is the potato. Yes, we have famous potatoes, but Idaho is the gem state. You might wonder how we got this nickname when Idaho really doesn't have a plethora of gems...we DO have the star garnet which is only found in Idaho and India, Idaho's one claim to gem fame...but that doesn't really account for the prestigious name. In fact, Idaho's nickname is a mistake! The word 'Idaho' was thought to mean "gem of the mountains" in a native American language, but was later found not to be true. Still, the name stuck and to this day, Idaho is the Gem State.

This sign hangs on main street and points the way to a local shop.

I am posting this photo from the 2nd floor at Gritman Medical Center where my husband has been admitted. I am not sure how long we may be here, so I may or may not have a photo for tomorrow. Please bear with me.

Friendship Square clock

2009-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

This clock is 4 sided and sits at the intersection of Main and Friendship Square. There are many activities throughout the year here in Friendship Square...not the least of which is the Farmer's Market which runs from May through October. Also many music events take place in the square and all the parades pass through it making it a hot spot for people watching.

Moon on the Palouse

2009-03-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

The last few mornings as I have gone to pick up my son from his job, the moon has been out and almost ready to leave the horizon. I managed to snap this photo today, just as the sun was starting to come up on the opposite horizon.

Biggest Loser

2009-03-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

The North Idaho Athletic Center in downtown Moscow is running this Biggest Loser contest. It's a great idea...I just wish my husband had gotten involved with it! He has lost 40 lbs in the past 3 months (not by choice), but because he has been having gall bladder pain and has changed his eating habits completely. He is feeling great, has more energy, is sleeping better, and has dropped 4 sizes! The gall bladder pain seems to be a thing of the past, thank God. Nothing like feeling like you would rather die than be in pain to make you rethink what garbage you are putting into your body!

Oxymorons...

2009-03-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Or double oxymoron...Save Money, Live Better...and it's printed on a soda pop dispenser? LOL Spend your money and ruin your health would be more apt, but there you go! This one really made me chuckle. Also found at our local Walmart. :)

Line of carts

2009-03-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

Our local Walmart recently got in some shiny new carts...I always manage to get a bum one, but nevertheless, they are new. These were against the south wall during the start of our latest batch of snow.

Mall Car

2009-03-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

Every few weeks it seems, there is a car or two parked inside the Palouse Mall. What is surprising is that I go to the mall often enough to notice this trend. I am not a mall person, but I suppose they are a benefit when you need to go to several places at once. Or in the case of the local car shopper, you can ooohhh and ahhhh over the latest offering from Paradise Ford all within the comfort of climate control.

Peeking

2009-03-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

Despite the 4 inches of snow that fell last night, these tulip bulbs have decided enough is enough and were brave enough to poke through the snow to give us hope that winter is nearly over. I have to admit I won't be sorry to see the last of the snow melt away...this winter has seemed so long to me!

The steam plant

2009-03-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

The UI steam plant was built in 1926 and originally burned oil, but now burns wood chip debris from our local logging industry. The plant not only provides heat to the university buildings, but steam pipes under the sidewalks and common areas on campus keep them free of snow and ice during the winter. At some point I am going to take the tour of the facility...I hear from my oldest son that it is 'pretty cool'.

UI Water Tower

2009-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

This is the west hill water tower on the University of Idaho campus. When we were up near the Ag Complex, I took the opportunity of shooting the tower from a higher vantage point than I would normally be able to get.

Wood Silo

2009-03-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

This old wood grain silo sits just off of Dry Creek Road in between Steptoe and Garfield, Washington. Littered on the ground all around it were the dilapidated debris from the outer shell and what is left here are the inner workings.

Here's Your Sign

2009-03-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

Each month I am going to feature a sign or billboard that catches my eye. Here is the offering for March...a billboard at the corner of Division and Shannon in Spokane. I'm not a big drinker, and beer is not high on my list, but Corona is pretty tasty and it just won't do to leave out the wedge of lime! This one made me LOL.

Theme Day: Glass

2009-03-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

I chose our local recycling center, Moscow Recycling, to take my photo this month. Moscow is a small town, but the amount of glass to be recycled on any given day is staggering. Well to me anyway! We are an earth conscious community as a whole, so the center gets plenty of traffic from citizens concerned with helping recover and reuse our natural resources via recycling.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of the City Daily Photo Theme Day for March!

Palouse from Steptoe

2009-02-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

On our return from the city, I decided to take my daughter to Steptoe Butte. Unfortunately, the road up was still covered with patches of deep icy snow and I decided not to try going past the park. This is the view after we had turned around, and I also posted a photo of Steptoe in a previous post. If you look at that photo, the left edge of the trees is where I took this photo from.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my contribution to our monthly CDP Theme Day photo!

Clock on the corner

2009-02-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that technically this has nothing to do with the Palouse, but I wanted to include it. This building is in downtown Spokane, Washington and the way it sits between two converging streets has always reminded me of Times Square in NYC. Architecturally I just love it, especially how they integrated a clock into the building face.

Snowy Spokane

2009-02-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

On Highway 195 heading north into Spokane, Washington, you can see a few of the mountains that surround the city. This is really where the grain fields of the Palouse end and the more mountainous areas begin.

Garfield Station

2009-02-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

Another photo I have wanted to take for a long time. I know that this isn't Moscow, BUT since I take pictures of the Palouse area, this qualifies! This old station sits in Garfield, Washington. I just love this building and wish that the town could afford to renovate it or turn it into 'something'. Every time my mom comes out for a visit, we both remark on the building and how it could be made into an amazing B & B. The tracks are still in use.

Distant barn

2009-02-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

On our recent day trip up north we passed this field with the barn in the distance. I have always wanted to stop and take this shot, and think this one turned out pretty good! Taken from the side of the road between Highway 95 in Idaho and the city of Palouse in Washington. The field and barn are on the Washington side.

Heading north

2009-02-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I took a drive this morning and headed up highway 95. The section of road just past the curve ahead to the left is known as Steak House Hill. At the small summit there sits a house that at one point in time was a restaurant. The house has been for sale for several years, but as we passed, I noticed the sign was gone. We have looked at the house several times, but it has always stayed just out of our price range. Hopefully whoever bought it will have it looking nice this spring!

UI Barn

2009-02-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is one of the ag barns at U of I. There were quite a few bovines out and about as we were going by. It had snowed earlier that morning, very lightly, but most of it is gone and we are left with mud and cold and overcast skies. I think most of us are ready for spring around here!

Interested in humans?

2009-02-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

I felt so proud of myself when I managed to be more interesting to these cows than their bins of hay. At first it was just the one that stopped eating to give me a once over, but then another joined in and pretty soon there were quite a few that were probably wondering what I was doing near their fence. I think these guys may actually be steers, but I am not sure. I know that you can buy meat from the UI ag center, so it is possible these guys are intended for slaughter.

Little calf

2009-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no hearts or Valentine's from me today, just this adorable calf at the UI ag center that was enjoying a rest. He/she was the only one that didn't run away in fright when I walked up to the fence. His momma was quite perturbed at me however, so I took my photo and left her and her baby alone! I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

In the muck

2009-02-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

We drove up to the ag center at the U of I and I snapped a few photos of the bovines. I thought the 'cup' dealie on the side of the cow was very interesting, so if anyone knows what its purpose is, please post a comment! These guys were munching their hay...like, what else do they ever do, right? haha One of them stopped eating to check out what I was doing at the fence. I was more interesting than chewing cud! Yay!

Palouse Mall and Smoky's

2009-02-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

Down at the bottom of the Palouse Mall sign is the name of another favorite eatery of ours, Smoky Mountain Grill. Everything I have tried there has been wonderful, the atmosphere is perfect, and the service is exceptional. In fact each time I go, I now request the same waiter because Joe is just an amazing person, really makes you feel welcome, never misses refilling your drink and making sure you are happy with your meal.

Feel the burn

2009-02-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, one of our favorite eatery's had a kitchen fire. Of course they had to close to make repairs and are still closed. However, the owners also own another local establishment and have moved their famous wings over there to accommodate those of us who are addicted to Winger's Sticky Fingers. So here is a picture of Winger's undergoing it's construction to hopefully be back in business SOON!

24 Hours

2009-02-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

Our local Winco is a 24 hour grocery. It is usually our choice for shopping because the prices are normally quite a bit lower than their competitors and there are no 'clubs' to join in order for them to track your spending...the prices are just low. Of course with our economy in the tanker, I have been noticing increases even here.

I apologize for the lack of postings these past few days. I have had sick children and then the end of the week we had a tragic accident involving two of our local high school boys, friends of my daughter her boyfriend. The whole town in is mourning for the loss of one and injury of the other, and I haven't been in the mood to post photos. My heartfelt prayers go out to both families.

Empty scoreboard

2009-02-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

A forgotten photo from the recent series of shots I posted from Wazzu. This is the scoreboard at Martin Stadium.

The Palouse River

2009-02-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

A bit of the shallow area just beyond the rail tie dam at Laird Park. It is one of our favorite summer getaways. There is a campground which is always busy, the swimming area just behind the view of this photo, and a large grass and sand play area. The area is also riddled with walking trails but be careful...they go for miles into the wilderness! I also posted about this photo at Sherry's Favorite Photos.

Red light district

2009-02-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

No, not really! This beautiful lamp and others like it sit above the tables at the Fireside Grill in Pullman. My hubby and I stopped in before a movie to grab a quick appetizer. I can't rave about this restaurant...each time we have gone, it has been rather lackluster...this time it was the service. It is one of the nicer places in Pullman however, and usually busy even though it wasn't at the time of our visit this afternoon.

Theme Day: Paths and Passages

2009-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

When I commented to my daughter that I was trying to decide on a photo for this months City Daily Photo Theme Day, she asked what the theme was. When I told her, the first thing that popped out of her mouth was this idea. My husband and I burst into laughter and I immediately knew that rather than hiking part of the Palouse Trail as I was thinking of doing, the photo I needed was fairly close at hand. So here you have it...maybe not as the true intentions of this months theme would have...and thus the reason that I didn't join in on the official theme day.
None the less, I give you...the path oft traveled.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Farming barn

2009-01-31T19:39:00.000-08:00

This old building used to serve as either a barn or an equipment storage building and sits just off the highway between Moscow and Pullman. Old barns like this fascinate me for some reason...they just call to be explored and see what small piece of the past you might find inside.

Welcome to Moscow

2009-01-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

Misty Snow

2009-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

The weather today is foggy/misty and the snow is coming down again. This photo was taken from Hwy 8 looking south over Paradise Ridge...well you can't see the ridge, but I assure you it is there!

Snowy ridge

2009-01-26T22:57:00.000-08:00

This tree lined ridge is just off Robinson Park Road as you head east out of Moscow. It was -10° when I took the photo and it looks as cold as it was!

Freezing fog #8: Icicle branch

2009-01-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

Freezing fog #7: Totally frosted

2009-01-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Freezing fog #6: Delicate shards

2009-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

The delicate branches of this plum tree are made even more so by the ice shards that cover them.

Freezing fog #5: Frozen winter

2009-01-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

I know I have taken a few similar pictures, but I just love the contrasts of this one!

Freezing fog #4: Crystal stems

2009-01-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Freezing fog #3: Ice blue

2009-01-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

I love taking photos that have such great contrast between subject and background. The sunlight this morning was just perfect, the sky was a gorgeous shade of blue, and the fog of the previous night had left a coat of spikes on everything.

Freezing fog #2: Frosted coconut

2009-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

This fuzzy coconut is far from it's normal, temperate climate! We hung the coconut when we first moved into our house and it has provided a momma bird and her brood with a home each spring and summer since. I am not as versed in our local bird life as I would like to be, but I plan to stalk this house during the coming spring to see if I can't capture a few photos of it in action.

Freezing fog #1: Ice spikes

2009-01-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

These past few days we have had many nights of 'freezing fog'. If you have ever wondered what freezing fog does to the trees, this is it! Shards of the most delicate ice crystals form and make these spikes all over. This next week I will be featuring a few of the photos I have taken of the aftermath of freezing fog.

Winter robin

2009-01-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

This lone robin came and spent half an hour picking on the slightly rotten (I am assuming it is rotten) apple just below. It didn't seem to mind my close proximity and the click of the camera. I guess it was worth it for he tasty meal being enjoyed.

Cotton candy clouds

2009-01-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Another photo from this past November during a few brief moments before the amazing colors were gone. We had gone out to a friends home and I took this photo from their horse pasture as we stood there talking.

Booths 10 and 11

2009-01-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

The ticket booths at Martin Stadium were very lonely looking when we visited campus...students were gone, football games over for the year. Maybe that is why the snow was heaped off the street and piled in front of the stadium entrance. It was nearly 8 ft high in places!

Pasture call

2009-01-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

The life of a large animal vet has to be an interesting one. Having grown up surrounded by horses, I have seen my fair share of 'pasture' and 'stall' calls. This sculpture scene sits on the green (or in this case the white) outside WSU's Veterinary School. A boy with his sick calf, and the Dr with his bag of medical equipment. I really like this sculpture and will be back in the spring to take a better photo...I am not very happy with this one.

Waste and recycling

2009-01-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

These bins at WSU can be found everywhere on campus. I think it's good that they are so involved with their recycling and hopefully it is teaching the kids to be responsible about their waste habits which will carry over into their post-graduation lives.

Cougar banner

2009-01-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

Just one of the banners that line Stadium Way. I thought it was colorful and a nice change from the normal maroon and gold.

Wind chime

2009-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Another photo from outside the WSU Museum of Art. I don't think this was part of an art display as it was kind of tucked away and was the only thing in the immediate area. It's a pretty little wind chime and looks like it is copper with a growing patina.

Iron Mule

2009-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

I have no idea if this sculpture is actually iron, but I loved the way it looked. The Mule has artwork along it's body and an arc of interesting object above it. I am sure it has something to do with the Veterinary school as it is one of several sculptures that sits on the lawn outside the school.

Breakfast table

2009-01-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

As we were walking through the French Admin building at WSU admiring the architecture and artwork, I happened to look down and spotted this scene. I imagine someone was enjoying their breakfast and stepped away for a moment to get something. Upon closer look of the photo once I arrived home, I noticed that the open magazine is actually a research publication...pretty hefty reading, so perhaps a student or professor at the Vet School?

James Wilson Hall

2009-01-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

WSU's James Wilson Hall was named for the Secretary of Agriculture who served from 1897 to 1913. The building has served as not only a horticultural and agricultural facility, but for a time as military barracks and a vocational training facility for soldiers.

Nothing but a shell

2009-01-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

Outside the Museum of Art at WSU is another display...or rather this is just sitting upended on a patio. I am not sure if it was a past display, a future one, or if this is just where it belongs. Perhaps someone nose dived from a few stories up and it just stuck there! In any case, if you click the picture to enlarge it, you can catch a glimpse of the 'heads' that have been displayed and currently reside on the Museums' front webpage. The link is in a post below. :)

Recycled pipes

2009-01-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

Outside the WSU Museum of Art are several pedestals with various works displayed. When we visited, it looked like garbage until I got a closer look and realized that these are different varieties of pipe...clay, pvc, copper, all bound with wire, and painted. Technically I don't suppose it could be called garbage anymore, and it certainly looks better as an art form than it would look at the local dump.

Museum of Art

2009-01-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Wazzu's Museum of Art had an interesting display out front when we visited last week. They change things up every couple months, so you never know what you might find. :) Tomorrow I will post up a photo of the most recent exhibition.

Heart for the arts

2009-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

This rather interesting looking object is...well, it's interesting! A giant blue heart with a variety of objects embedded into it's surface. The WSU Museum of Art sits just to the left and has a number of unique exhibits outside which I will be sharing this week. If you click the photo, you will have an enlarged view of the heart. :)