Oregon's famous Douglas fir tree in Scotland...

This is a picture the publisher took of a Douglas fir tree growing on the grounds of the Scone Palace in Pershire, Scotland. In fact, David Douglas planted it.

You see, in 1823 (after Scotland came up with fences to keep sheep and cattle off the castle grounds), they sent a 24 year old David Douglas America to gather seeds so they could then beautify those grounds. The first time he sailed to New York where brought back new varieties of apple trees, oaks and all kinds of other plants, trees and flowers.

The next time (to save money) they sent him here as a passenger on an annual Hudson Bay supply ship and he brought back:

1. Grand fir, white fir and Noble fir

2. Lodgepole pine, big-cone pine, sugar pine

3. Vine maple and broad-leaf maple

4. The madrona tree

5. California poppy

6. Sunflower

7. Honeysuckle

8. Lupin

9. Oregon grape

10. Forget-me-nots

11. Flowering current

12. Bluegrass

13. Huckleberry

14. Bear grass

15. Snowberry

If he hadn't been killed at the young age of 35 (when he fell into a bull pit on the Big Island of Hawaii), Great Britain might look just like Oregon.

Anyway, they named our tree after him and I think David Douglas is a nice name for it.

Luv

Sissy

You can surf the waves in Lincoln City...

... The water may be cold but the surfing is hot according to Ben at the Oregon Surf Shop (the oldest one on the Oregon Coast). Glory be. I thought that was a California or Hawaii or Australia thing. He says they do it 12 months a year and they have pictures of people surfing with wooden boards at Agate Beach in the 30s or 40s.

Just when you think you know everything? Bam. The truth comes out. I guess you can't just watch for whales any more - you need to try and spot wave riders too.

More about this later after I catch my breath.

Luv,

Sissy

P.S. The surfing photos on this website will amaze you: http://www.oregonsurfshop.com/gallery.php

Music schedule for Mt. Angel Wurstfest...

... February 12 - 14, 2010, at the Mount Angel Community Building (Biergarten) 500 S Wilco Highway in Mount Angel. Persons under 21 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult; after 9:00 pm, adults only. Free commemorative beer or wine glass with each paid entry (while supplies last). Special Mt. Angel restaurant $10 gift certificate to each lady on Valentine’s Day. Call 503-845-9440 or visit www. oktoberfest.org.

Friday, February 12 - 5:00 to 11:00 pm

5 – 8 pm The Oregon Polka Band

8 – 11 pm Mount Angel’s Own Z Musikmakers

Saturday, February 13 – Noon to 1:30 pm

Noon – 1:30 pm Alpine Echoes

1:30 – 3 pm Jagermeister Volksmusik

3 – 4:30 pm Alpine Echoes

4:30 – 8 pm Paul Smith’s Still Kickin’

8 – 11 pm Mount Angel’s Own Z Musikmakers

Sunday, February 14 – Noon – 6:00 pm

Noon – 2 pm The Greg Meier Alpine quartet

2 – 3 pm Jagermeister Volksmusik

3 – Closing Paul Smith’s Still Kickin’

Really don't want you to miss this.

Luv

Sissy

Watch this Mt. Angel Wurstfest video...

... from last years blast of winter at Wurstfest and you will want to do two things.

1. Dance.

2. Put this years dates dates on your calendar.

Make a note: February 12 - 14 in Mt. Angel (visit www.oktoberfest.org for the details). Just watch this and see ( don't tell anybody but I'm going to try and sneak in there myself).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvjEKNvpjok

Luv

Sissy

Shaniko continues to perk...

... the old storyteller Bing Bingham checked in again. Tumbleweeds Grocery and Gas in Shaniko passed their last fire marshall inspection and now they are just calibrating the pumps so they can order the gas. Travel between Biggs Junction and Madras just got sweeter.

And sweeter yet, since your stopping in Shaniko anyway, you might as well go in and buy an ice cream cone from Mayor Goldie. Tell her Sissy sent you - that'll make her shake her head - smile.

Luv,

Sissy

Something's happening in Shaniko...

... just heard from the old story teller Bing Bingham that Shaniko is getting gas. Can't wait to see what that is about. Ha ha ha. There's lots of things you can take for that you know.

I'm waiting Bing. Tell me more.

Luv,

Sissy

More from the country poet...

I looked up at the evening sky

And watched a barn owl flying high

Wings stretched out on either side

Little mousies, run and hide

Luv,

Sissy