What 100 Degree Heat Does

I took this picture for two reasons. First, with the one hundred degree heat wave, the gladiolas bloomed at once; and second, see the slight patch of yellow at the end of the grass on the left of the flower near the street? Yes, it is yellow and dried out. That is also what happens when you fill the low spot in the front yard, sod and then leave for vacation.

If it doesn't come back with watering, we will re-seed. If it doesn't come back with re-seeding, we will re-sod. This dip has been 25 years in the making, so I can wait another year until it is totally restored.

It's Worth It

I love visiting Judi's house, because no matter where you look, when you are sitting in a room, there are unique displays of art.

It might be a framed picture, a colorful crewel pillow, a painted tile, artfully arranged books or a carved blue bird of happiness, like here.

Take a moment to look around in this eye-candy house. It is worth the time it takes to pause and take things in. Everything is just right.

Judi's Garden

I love to visit Judi's garden. It is so sculpted and interesting. No matter where you turn, you think, "isn't that a delightful surprise?"

I learned how to sculpt the lawn from her and became the lady in our neighborhood, "who takes out grass".

And here is her generous approach to the flower beds: Plant the seeds in a row, one for the market, one for the crow, one to eat and one to grow!

Come visit.

A Bit Of A Tizzy

We had a short overnight at Judi's to be ready for a morning departure from PDX back home. Neil questioned the time we arrived, and it turned out to be "direct", not "nonstop". We went to BWI by way of Kansas City - two straight lines - but we didn't leave the airplane.

Judi is selling her house. Go check out the pictures. I managed to take some, and Neil magically loaded them up for advertising.

4971 Suntree Lane 97035.

We had lunch on that deck - delicious.

Now That Is A Solid Table

Still at Whistlin' Jack's restaurant up on Chinook Pass for dinner with Judi, Mom, Andy and Neil when this picture was taken. Look at those solid supports for the picnic table! It won't collapse.

We had fish for dinner mostly, and determined the Whistlin' was a marmot and the building dates from 1931, before heading down the Naches River Valley. We were detoured to the other side of the river where the fellow was prospecting for gravel and drilling holes and the whole mountain slide down and re-routed the river. Quite spectacular. I'll have to look up the link sometime and share.

Now we have loaded Judi's house particulars onto Zillow and I am the photographer! Over night here and a non-stop from PDX to BWI tomorrow and back to our regular schedule.

Cocktails With Uncle John

The Court of Sir John. It seemed like Mary and John were only here for a few minutes. We could have talked the night through!

Margaret and Judi putting the finishing touches on the preparations for Mary and John's arrival. Check out the size of those olives for the martinis.

Dill Dip with carrots, celery, and radishes; Christmas almonds; pita chips; and wheat thins with sliced Swiss cheese. Who needs dinner?

Judi patiently lets me take her picture while we visit. And being West of the Rockies, Neil enjoys a Coors Light. Let me just mention that I have no control over where these pictures are going because I am loading them all left. But at least you are left with the impression that a good time was had by all.

Nana's Background

What a cheery way to start the day when you check your email. This Gramee never gets tired of seeing her number one grandchildren and notice Nana has Omar Sharif Bridge ready to play on a moment's notice.

We arrived in time for a fabulous macaroni dinner - a very good "do" this time - and home made strawberry short cake....mmmmm

Neil crashed early and I made it until 9pm (midnight our time).

John and Mary for cocktails, dinner at Whistling Jack's, and big breakfast out on Sunday are a few of the plans.