New Tricks for an Old Dog: August 2012

Saturday, August 25, 2012

A little more Summer

We are still in the middle of crabbing season. When we go out to check the pots we are always on the lookout for wildlife. Seals usually sun themselves in the afternoon but it's always fun to see them. This one looked right at us and no we were not this close... good ole close up lens.

I tried something new. Zucchini chips in the dehydrator. They dry super quickly since their pulp is not dense (like apples) and consist of water. I salted them and put them in... I put a little too much salt on and they will probably be better in soup than eating as a chip. Will try again minus the salt.

The Oak tree is getting much bigger. This is the only known baby from our parent tree that grew at 8809. Remember that this all began with an acorn from Momma tree before she was cut down?

I had Joe come out to join me to give you a little scale. I had a talk with it and told it "You're a big boy now and need your first haircut. You want to be a beautiful tree, not a bush. Then I cut off lower branches and trimmed off little sucker branches. Lastly I had to put it's cage back around it because the deer love to eat it, so a little Bobbex (nasty smelly deer repellant) will help insure a happy tree.

I am a lazy farmer. I grew some plants inside from seed but never got the garden going. Just working too many places to get the job done. I finally put the starts in old buckets, canning kettles and planters out front. I love seeing my garden grow on my front steps. I have been harvesting Zucchini and yellow beans. There are a couple of crook neck squash coming on. It works for this year!

Mo Mo. When I saw this picture I melted. We will get to see Mo in early October. Grandma and Grandpa are very excited to get to play with Mo and visit with family.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Happy Anniversary to US !

This is a picture taken in our first year of marriage... We haven't changed all that much. Thanks Ricky for being my best friend through the years. Happy Anniversary.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

ZZZZZIP LINE!!!!

Well I have to say that getting ready to ride the Zip Line provides you with some of the most unflattering pictures you will ever have taken of you. You feel like a turkey trussed up for Thanksgiving with the trimmings. :) We signed our lives away on paper... got briefed on the longest zip line in Washington State (1,000 feet) and then began our walk up to the far Tower.

While walking up we were able to watch others Zippppp by and the sound the wire makes is exactly why they call it a Zip Line... in my humble opinion. The tower is supposed to be the highest structure in the entire San Juans. All this is supposed to make you feel SuperCool that you are going to "step off" into the air... Well. Once inside the tower you see the awesome climbing wall that Camp Orkila enjoys with their campers. Keep walking up, up, up.

You wait in line. Hear others getting briefed on how to position yourself for stopping... how to go real fast... Oh and no jumping off. You climb two steps and then just lift your feet. No bravery necessary! Off we go!!