Thursday Treasures....Compliments of a Friend

I received a package the other day from my good friend LaVonne. It wasn't my birthday, it wasn't Christmas, it wasn't a gift exchange, so what could be in this box weighing 14 pounds?
Last summer she had a very magical season with farm helpers and guests. Every Saturday, the gang would go to garage sales and they would have great adventures. Little did I know, that I was joining in the fun each week as they went on the hunt. She was collecting strawberry items FOR ME and they all joined in the fun. Whenever someone would see a strawberry themed item, they would yell out "strawberry"! She kept the goodies in a box all winter, waiting for the season to come around to send me my package. Can you believe all the treasures? I was so surprised and I must say, delighted.

A closer look at some of the fun things in the box from Montana! I really liked the clear glass strawberry bowls.

Can you see the little metal plate hiding with two Strawberry Shortcake dolls?

That's a strawberry kitchen timer along with a strawberry stamp for shortbread cookies and a bar of sweet smelling soap.

I have never seen strawberry tea light candles! One of her guests made me the potholder and I adore the vintage tablecloth.

Paper goods were in the group of  items too...such cute little notecards.

I adore this photo album!

I could believe she found another beautiful strawberry cup and saucer! Now I can have tea for two!

This is the cutest little ceramic strawberry, perfect for jam or jelly.

I had to laugh at this one...a mouse trap. LaVonne actually sent this one to Jimmy. Too funny!

This adorable pink glass punch bowl with matching cups is for my dolls. Can you see the strawberries in the pressed glass? Oh, how I love this gift!!!!

Flip flops too...who knew????

This is a long homemade frock made from a very cute strawberry print fabric. Too bad it didn't fit as I could have worn it and had a good laugh. I guess LaVonne put it on at the garage sale! She is a riot and it made me laugh to imagine her having fun.

How do you thank your friend for such an unexpected and delightful package? Thanks so much...you are so fun and a great friend. 

Strawberry Time at Aurora and the Strawberry Full Moon!

Yesterday was just the most beautiful early summer day, but when we woke up this morning, it was raining. We had plans to go out to Aurora Colony for the Strawberry Social. We were a big worried that we would get soaked, but heh, when you live in Oregon, you just go with the weather, rain and all!
I write about the Aurora Colony all the time but we had never attended the Strawberry Social. What a treat! You get this yummy shortcake, ice cream and strawberry shortcake yummy treat plus you are entertained by old time fiddlers and other musicians. It was a blast!

 Jimmy loves strawberries, and because he loves to support the Colony, he has to have an extra goodie!

The court was there helping bus tables and doing PR work! The were just delightful. The queen is in red. They were all good friends and were so fun to watch running around, full of giggles.

We shared a table with Adam and Lettie! Aren't they just the cutest couple? They were from Salem and are celebrating their first wedding anniversary in two days. Little love birds for sure. We enjoyed chatting with them. Happy Anniversary you guys!

Boy could these guys play the fiddle! A fun variety of songs with some vocal additions too. This man in the picture below was 97 years old and he was having so much fun and was so full of life.

This gal was fantastic and got the crowd really going!

They had put up tents to make sure we were out of the rain. A nice turn out. You can see part of the herb garden in full bloom in the front of the photo.

Can't wait to attend next year! A fun afternoon and a great way to support the Aurora Colony.

Some strawberry jam made it's way home with Jimmy....yummy! This is the 50th anniversary year of the museum so lots of fun things have been planned to celebrate all year.

By the way, there's a full moon tonight and one of the names for the June full moon is the Strawberry Full Moon...perfect! Too bad we can't see it for all the rain and cloudy skies.

A Surprise From a Friend....

A knock on the door and oh what a pleasant surprise! Our friend Len Otto stopped by with these wonderful fresh local strawberries! When he visiting earlier in the week, he told us about a local grower close to his home who sells lovely strawberries! Yes indeed. Too bad Jim is off in Idaho and they are all mine!

Thanks so much Len. I cleaned them up and have been enjoying them. Good mixed with yogurt for breakfast after an evening treat last night with some Grand Marnier drizzled over them.

We met Len years ago when he was our daughter Angie's kindergarten teacher. A few years later, he taught our other daughter Gina in the second grade. I was a mom helper and down the road, Jim and Len became fishing buddies. They are both retired now and get a bit more fishing in these days.

Troutdale Elementary School..home of the Tigers and lots of very fond memories. Thanks Len for all your hard work.

This is the sweet friend who came and sat with me at the hospital when Jim had his surgery. This is the friend who attends weddings and family functions. This is the friend who delivers strawberries. This is a treasured friend!

Len married his Gloria last June and it was a lovely wedding. I didn't get the best of pictures but you can see their love for each other. Happy "First" Anniversary to you both.

Len has a very interesting retirement business called Honor Your Past. Check out his website...www.honoryourpast.com.

I'd love him to preserve my dad's history. Better take care of it soon. Len is quite the local historian and he knows how to do this right.

The Strawberry Full Moon

It's strawberry time in Oregon. We just finished up our second batch of fresh local berries tonight  and will have to head to the berry stand tomorrow for more! As my Jimmy says, "You can't get 'em in January!"

I don't know how they are so yummy and sweet as we haven't had an abundance of sunshine. I like them best just cut up in a bowl, but these treats sure look delicious.

My friends on the east coast often talk about Moon Pies. I have never had one but found that they do make a Strawberry Moon Pie!

How perfect as it's a full moon on Monday and one of it's several names is the STRAWBERRY FULL MOON. Other names are: blooming, rose, lotus, windy, green corn, planting, moon of horses, and moon when June berries are ripe.

This is a great pattern you can order on line from one of my favorite companies...Bird Brain Designs. They are located in California and have so many fun things to offer...check them out!
The offer a free embroidery pattern every month. Guess what they are offering for June? A strawberry pattern for your tea towel. Pretty cute!

So grab a cup of tea and read this little quote I found. Celebrate June as we begin summer, enjoy the longest day of the year and enjoy those strawberries. Have a good week!

"As the strawberry resembles the shape and colour of the human heart, it also represents the sweetness and kindness of emotions that bring people together to feast and exchange ideas."
Peterborough Examiner