Life is a Beautiful Journey

 

This week, I spent some time looking at things around me that make my environment a beautiful place to be. I looked beyond the trash lined portions of city, beyond the graffiti and the ugly places people have created in what was once a nice scene. 

Between runs I chose to step out of the car to snap some photos of places around me that bring me joy, because the beauty of the planet is here for us to enjoy and to love. 

This aromatic tree was in Stewart Park. Terry and I took Togo, our Siberian husky for a walk the other day and began to be showered with a very nice floral scent. The tree was pretty and a good home for bees to pollinate. 

A few feet away was this lovely dogwood tree. Gorgeous pink blossoms that were large and there were many of them. 

As we walked further along the sidewalk, we ran into this engine that was given to the city of Roseburg in 1958. I'm sure it was instrumental in taking loads of wood to other cities many years ago. Roseburg is known for lumber. 

The box shown here was where coal was stored before being shoveled in to keep the train traveling. 

Coal could be moved from the bins to the furnace in one fell swoop since the two end points were directly across from one another.  

The wheels were so much larger back then than they are today. As I stood up against the engine, the wheels came to my waist. 

Engine 1229 was retired in 1958 after several years of work. 

After retirement, this engine became a play area for children and a display for adults. 

I know this engine and other retired engines are inanimate objects, but I still hate seeing them retired and placed in a park to have everyone romp around on them. It just seems as though various items from so long ago should be respected and cherished for what they were back in the day. Although I hate seeing their use come to an end, I'm not sure what else they could do with them besides displaying them the way they do. I guess it's time that I hate to see slip by. The simple days. 

Terry and I loaded our fur baby up after the walk through Stewart Park and drove home. Back to our duties as adults. I hate adulting sometimes. 

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As I sit at my desk to work, I look over at my flowers given to me by my sweet man for the 17th anniversary day. He celebrates our wedding anniversary date every month by bringing home flowers and telling me how much he loves me. How can you beat that, eh? 

One of the favorite things about this bouquet are the tiny pink flowers that are placed in the arrangement. Little tufts of these add splashes of pink color to the bouquet, and I love that. 

I love these little flowers! A tiny enjoyment of life but look what nature has done!

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Sunday, May 31, 2026, was a great day for work. I had several deliveries, including one that took me out of Roseburg and into Myrtle Creek. If you follow the blog, I have taken a few photos of Myrtle Creek scenery before, but this time I got out of the car and hiked up onto the bridge. What a gorgeous day!

South Umpqua River is really hurting for water this year, as it typically does, I guess. I have noticed that this area of Oregon does seem to remain fairly dry, where I think of my hometown of Eugene remaining green and lush, with the rivers flowing full throughout the year. There is some dryness in Eugene as well, but it seems to keep the greenness pretty much throughout summer. 

By the end of summer, this river will see much lower levels of water. 

You can actually see the bottom of the river as you look down on it from the bridge. 

 Rapids are not running as fast and deep as they usually do. 

While standing on the bridge, overlooking the river, a flock of birds began to move out from underneath the bridge. They were small birds, larger than a tiny sparrow, but smaller than a robin. The birds took flight and didn't land again. They went from one side of the river across to the other side, taking the route underneath the bridge. 

Bird after bird flitted swiftly back and forth under the bridge. They acted upset or fearful that I was out to take their nests they may have in the bridge architecture. I had not seen a nest, although I could not see directly into the rafters of the metal bridge. 

And speaking of birds, several weeks ago, Terry purchased this hummingbird feeder complete with camera. It's a solar feeder to keep up the energy it takes to capture the birds as they feed. I can't wait to hang it and begin to retrieve pictures! It also has a "live" feature so we can invite our family and friends to the live shows as the birds are eating. Of course, there will be pictures and videos on the blog as well as time goes on. 

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My stepdaughter came over to visit the other day. With those visits, comes the invasion of the pussy cats and pup. Togo has to involve himself in the mix of Mallory and I and the cats begin to take over her lap. 

I don't think Mallory has seen her lap since she began coming to visit her dad and I. 

It's not just Mallory's lap that has been taken over. Our Esme loves to cuddle with anyone who will let her snuggle up to them. About a year and a half ago, our Esme was an emaciated stray who chose to come to our porch and grab a few bites to eat. I would have given her about two more weeks, tops, before she died. We could feel every bone in her body underneath her drapes of skin hanging over them. Now I call her Fatty Patty, and rightly so. 

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As you saw in last week's blog post, Terry and I made a trip to the coast. In one of the shops in Old Town Florence, Terry spotted this cobra made from desert jade and felt the need to have it. 

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That was our weekend. Nothing much, yet we got out and saw the world around us. Until our next post, please take care of yourself and those you love. Spread your light and love. Bless you all for reading the blog. 

Vicki & Terry

Two old people in search of a large spoon to stir the proverbial pot.

("Fly Trap" taken by Vicki Macrae)