I do try and read a little on social media topics and trends that are currently working their way around the blogosphere.  With Kristin’s involvement in blogging, I have gotten involved with what happens in her life, as it is only right for me to be concerned and interested in what she does.

If have written here on my blog, a little on my take with mom bloggers and problems.

So I came across this article titled “Do Big Brands Exploit Mommy Bloggers Who Work for “Prizes and Rewards”?”

Now this is nothing new if you pay attention to how and why companies want or need to work with these “moms” who “blog.”  Kristin falls into this category so I have been aware of what happens and how some things work.

Nestlé’s approach to mom and dad bloggers was a somewhat failure for them.  They got the bloggers to come and say what was needed.  They got press from it, but sparked a lot of controversy.  So much that it continues onto this day in that pseudo case study of brands and bloggers. [continue on…]

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With the sunny weather we are having in Oregon, I decided to take the family out for a trip to our local giant historical waterfall, Multnomah Falls.  There is still a lot of snow on Mt. Hood which does add to the falls flow.

I have always had a love for nature and getting out these days does not have too much nature involved in it.  What can you do?  Go out to the park, which many are overlooked, or they overlook a house(s) or business.

I know that is just part of living in a populated area and big city, but it is always good to make sure you truly get out and experience and see nature for yourself with your own eyes.  It is good for your self-being and relaxation and stress management.

One of the best parts to experiencing nature is the pictures.  We are still learning and playing with our new Nikon D90.  Nature provides for some of the best shots possible.  Oregon is known for historical landmarks I am thinking about trying to showcase them which would be a good way to get practice.  Below are some pictures we took of Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.

I also have a short video I took of the river flowing what looked to be upstream and east.  Some info about the Columbia River, it flows from Canada through Washington State and Oregon flowing west into the Pacific Ocean.  Since that recent earthquake in Chile, I am taking it that the surges from the Ocean made their way up the Columbia.  It’s weird because I have never noticed the river this calm and flowing the wrong way.  Check out my pictures.

The Columbia River Gorge - Washington state across the river.

This was taken at Vista House which overlooks the Columbia River.

The Historical Multnomah Falls.

Kai and I posing for Kristin down below. Fun picture!

Smile for the Nikon D90.

Relaxing Picture

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Welcome to Beaverton, basically SW Portland, OR.

We have had a sudden flowering of trees and bushes around my city. I have never had a real problem with allergies in my life until the end of last summer in 2009. I had the same thing as I do now, hay fever, along with what seems like a mild cold. It sucks.

To start combating the problem, I took some sinus stuff like Benadryl, and that knocked me out. I am cool on that option. It worked for a little, then I passed out, both times I used it.

I replaced the furnace filter, which was completely filled with dander. I would recommend checking on this periodically, but for the allergy season, replace it. I went with the maximum filtration and it seems to help.  I will let it run constantly on auto fan to filter the air inside.

I don’t know what else to do. Maybe look into Claritin? Or just deal with it. It’s hard; my head feels light and congested. I have been sitting over a humidifier on and off, but that doesn’t do too much.

I wanted to share some pictures in response to a tweet I was sent from @twistedxtian “you have flowers blooming? In Feb? I want to live where you are.” If you have allergies it’s not fun. But it does make for some beautiful weather. They are already predicting a drought for the summer, so I guess it’s time for me to get used to it.

Give us some of our cold weather back East Coast.

And they begin, I think spring is here!

Big trees like this everywhere with many flowers!

I am glad I do not live next to this tree.

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