Community ZIP

 We had such a good time 2 years ago when we tried the zipline for the first time that we wanted to go again. We had Angie, Dawn, Keith and Rick and yours truly.

 You can barely see her but Angie just shoved off and is on the far line. I had some wacky filter going on my phone and didn't know it at the time. This is the Start Tower.

 Ricky was really enjoying himself. Too bad it is yellow and blurry!

This is Dawn arriving to the end of the Zip line (which is 1,000 ft long). It was so much fun Rick and I went back for a second ride. The YMCA has two free Community Zips in the summer. You have to be a certain age and under a certain weight... but we were fine. Thanks ORKILA!

More Fall Fun

Well we took the long trip to go see Joe at school. Along the way we stopped by Ginger and Dave's in Yakima for an overnight.  We stayed up chatting into the wee hours like school girls and then started in again in the morning. It was great fun and sorry to see it end. I just know I would have too much fun if I ever lived nearby Ginger and Dave! No pictures there. Silly me. We spent a couple of days with Joe dropping off a couple of things and taking some things back home that he will not need in the dorm room.  On the way home we decided to take the Steven's Pass Route to see new scenery. While in Leavenworth there was a fire in the hills. The helicopter in the first picture is one of 3 or 4 that was taking turns on the "bucket brigade". We stopped and watched for close to a half hour. It is fascinating and scary to see how a fire reacts during the fighting.

 The Buckets were refilled down the river and if you look closely you can spot the helicopter as it is refilling. It seems almost lost among the trees. Precision work not for the faint of heart.

 This shot was taken on the return trip home. Such a gorgeous day and Mt. Baker was showing off shamelessly.

 Ahh a rest stop for us and the dog. It was very warm on our entire trip and we were careful to keep hydrated and take extra stops along the way. If we had more time we might have tried out some of the trails...

 I just thought this was cute and probably honest. It makes me want to adopt an ugly duckling.

 Looks a little sleepy?  Not sure where I took this but it's a keeper!

 Angie and I played "beauty shop" doing our nails in the Jamberry wraps. This is the fanciest thing ever to adorn my little chicklet nails!

 And living proof that we are officially in the season of Fall.  We always like to get great produce in the Yakima Valley to make the next year's supply of salsa. It is a fine batch this year. Now we can breathe easy!

Signs of Fall

 To already have Red Fallen Leaves on Sept. 4th seems premature but that is how our weather has been. We seem to be two weeks early. Does this mean a rough winter? I should have asked the caterpillar that was scootin' on the sidewalk a couple of days ago.  Seemed to have on a dark fuzzy coat with spikes of yellow every half inch. It just might be my favorite time of year?

 So we get these beautiful views while we water a friend's flower garden. Sometimes it is just hard to concentrate on the task up there. They live on the tippy top of a Mt. Oh, and by the way, this view is for sale. Yes comes with a house. I can put you in touch with the owners if you'd like to secure this for retirement, weekends or everyday.

 This set up reminds me of the movie "Holes" and Kissin Kate Barlow. But the mug was my best find at a yard sale. The coffee is the real reason I was excited today. Just a day to ease into tasks.

So the tasks for the day besides the usual dishes are Make Milk from soaked almonds, then make granola from leftover almond meal. It's in the dehydrator right now.  Then on to make vegetable broth that I will freeze until I need it. This is the perfect task to clean out the hydrator drawers in the fridge.  I can't believe I am totally out of carrots. The broth is still simmering (90 min.) and soon will be strained and into jars. Then since the drawers are empty... time to clean the fridge.  This remind you of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?"  Oh yes, and the plums were ripening too fast said the fruit flies, so I cut them in half and they too are in the dehydrator. I  hope to escape to the sewing area for more organizing. It is going to take a year to get it done... and I have a baby quilt to begin.  Any guesses who this one is for?  Margaret!

So thanks for stopping by for a glimpse of my Thursday morning!

Well it has been a very long time since my last post. I think a combo of life and Face Book took over. I hope to write occasional blogs instead of just one sentence responses to people's posts.  I hope I will again find the joy in writing, in being creative and keep family and friends updated about what is happening in our life.

This is the sweet birthday picture sent to me by Barb of Mo Mo saying Happy Birthday Cheese! Love the bright smiley greeting MoMo!
I will try to organize my life so that at least once a week I will post something.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

 It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since your 160th (combined ) Birthday Party. I was just looking through a few of my favorite photos of you and wanted to pay tribute to the Best Father In Law I could ever EVER have imagined having. And you've been my Father (in law) for 30 years now. To say I am blessed is just the tip of the Iceberg. This picture of you and Kathy at Grace Clinic is a tribute to your caring spirit towards others.

 I am glad we finally had a chance to get out on the water with you to crab and enjoy the beautiful day. I don't recall if we got any keepers that day, but it was just superb weather. Remember the wind in your hair?

 When you come to Orcas Island I think there is a switch on you somewhere that moves to the RELAX position. That is what I love about your visits. You really know how to enjoy the moment. With our flag flying in the background this portrait looks downright patriotic.

And you really surprised and delighted me to take time while in Washington DC on the IJM prayer conference to meet Barb, Robb and your newest Great-Granddaughter Maureen (Mo).  This made me feel so loved and I know it spoke volumes of love to Barb and Robb. Thank You so Much for Who you Are. THE MOST THOUGHTFUL AND WONDERFUL FATHER,
As a Birthday Tribute we have made a contribution to the International Justice Mission on your behalf.  We love  you bunches Dad (and MOM).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST SON IN LAW AROUND!!!

 Robb is quite a natural to being a good Father. He is always ready to answer the call  when Mo yanks his chain.

 It  all began when she was a wee lass. The bait was taken and the hook set.

 They became the best of playmates in and out of water.

 Two of my favorite pictures are new ones of Robb. He loves to fish and has a competitive nature that is itchin' for a challenge. Just look at these fish. Awesome.

 Yet he is ready to do what he must to be everything his little Mo needs. Just look at that perfect etiquette! Pinky and all!

We just want to say Robb that we are smitten with you. Sure hope you get the opportunity to train out here in the Wild West so we can see more of all of you??? But Here's to a wonderful birthday for a great guy. Pinkies Out!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BARB !!!

 As you will see in the following pictures there is a not so secret recurring theme

 She has blonde hair and wherever you see one you usually see the other.

 Also there usually are lots of grins, giggles and shenanigans going on.

 There is lots of love evident in all the photos. It is to this dedication of Barb's life that I take my hat off and say Here Here!

 Here's to the Mom with her priorities straight that enjoys her life as it unfolds.

 Here's to Barb who is intentional in all she chooses to do. And here's to the family (Mo and Robb) who share it with her!

Happy Birthday was just Not Enough!  Much love to you on your Birthday Season!