May 31, 2013

Loooong day for me.  I got a trail run in with the Dirty Girls before completing school lessons with the boys. Then I was on the road to Seattle to meet up with Jordan for lunch, shopping, packing, dinner and a trip to the airport.  The Girl is headed to University of Indiana for a weeklong leadership conference for her Fraternity position.  Duffle packed, backpack loaded (and on), pillow under the arm and Jimmy Johns sandwich dinner in hand.  I think she's ready to go!

Seattle, Washington

May 30, 2013

Mother Nature has chosen to be finicky and fickle today.  Sunshine, fog, sunshowers, clear skies, rain, rain and more rain.  It just gives me so many different backdrops for pictures!  Here is a shot of my neighbor's boathouse and recently refurbished (raised) pilings and dock.  The county went through a phase in which it required all structures to be at a certain level above the water to avoid tsunami floods.  The board has now come to the understanding that our bay has never and most likely will never experience tsunami floods, thereby removing the height requirements of any structure over the water.  My neighbor has no intention of lowering his boathouse.

Fox Island, Washington

May 29, 2013

Rain, rain, wind and rain all morning long.  The skies finally cleared late in the afternoon and we all got out for some fresh air.  I've got a patch of wild strawberries near my vegetable garden that has really started to take off.  I've never seen much of a harvest from this plant, but it certainly provides some vibrant colors.  

Fox Island, Washington

May 28, 2013

Salmonberries.  I think they are a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry.  Regardless, they're edible berries growing on the property that need to be harvested and made into something!  

Fox Island, Washington

May 27, 2013

A cold, soggy Memorial Day for us.  This is the first year in 25 years in which we have not been at or participated in a military Memorial Day service.  Instead, the boys and their Boy Scout troop participated in a service at our beautiful, little cemetery.  Even though the weather was dismal, not  one single Scout, including the younger Cub Scouts, complained or even commented.   They performed the presentation of the colors, laying of a wreath and continued to stand in the rain for over an hour to honor those from our small community who paid the ultimate price for our country.  So very proud of all of them.

Fox Island, Washington

May 26, 2013

Dave and I watched last night as a dozen sailboats of various sizes came to anchor and tie up together in our quiet, calm little cove here on Echo Bay.  What a fun weekend for these boaters and sailors... essentially camping on the water!  Fun, that is, until they got a bit rowdy and kept our pups growling and barking through half of the night..... which translates to a not so good night sleep for us.  Karma swoops in quickly around these parts.  Downpours, buckets and buckets,  this morning.  Huh.... I'm not seeing anyone enjoying a steaming cup of joe or hot tea out on those shimmery, slippery decks.  It's kind of nippy too.  I think I might need to turn on my fireplace to warm things up here in my dry, cozy home... sip my coffee and ponder... pancakes of waffles?

Fox Island, Washington    

May 25, 2013

Early morning start at our house.  The boys needed to be at the drop-off point for a Boy Scout sailing and camping adventure no later than 6:30AM and I was running with the Dirty Girls at 8:00AM.  The boys got off just fine and I was then off to Fort Steilacoom Park for a trial course run before next week's race.  It's not really a race for me, but just a fun trail run to help prepare me for my upcoming running weekend with the girls.  After my run, I got out with my camera to take in some of the blooming foliage.  The rhododendron is the Washington State flower and has a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors.  I'm partial to the pinks.... and I like the big bees.... from afar.

Lakewood, Washington 

May 24, 2013

My weekly trail run with the Dirty Girls was experienced by Zach this morning.  Since he's thinking about trying out for Cross Country next year and wants to start training he's been running with me lately.  It's kind of fun for me to have someone to run with.  We had cloudy skies with no rain for our run, but as we were driving home we could see the next storm moving in.  We stopped just over the bridge to get some shots of Tanglewood Island and the state park.  Our house is behind this little island on the inside of Echo Bay.
A big congratulations to my beautiful niece, Brianne, who will be walking across the stage for graduation this evening.  We'll be thinking of you and cheering you on. Great job!

Fox Island, Washington

May 23, 2013

Our daily bread.  Since cold weather and heavy rains were forecasted again for today, I decided to do up a batch of sourdough.  So far, this is THE best batch I've done.  The prepping, mixing and baking aren't too laborious, but the rest and wait times are looooooooooong!  To achieve maximum rise, the first rest needs to be 15 hours, a quick beat down, light knead and throw into pans/forms then another 4 hour rest before 40 minutes of baking in a steamed oven.   So worth the wait!

Fox Island, Washington

May 22, 2013

Heavy rains and thunderstorms predicted for today.   I wish we could just hunker down inside for the day.  Unfortunately, we've got appointments to keep and errands to run.  Blah.  I don't think the dismal weather is going to affect this guy much.  The only thing bothering him today was my two soggy poodles barking and jumping at him.  He finally just flew away.

Fox Island, Washington

May 21, 2013

Group French lessons.  It's pretty relaxed.  Each boy has individual French lessons for writing and reading practice, but we do a group lesson as well to help with speaking.   At least once a week I have them read aloud (in French) a paragraph or dialog and then translate to English.  This helps to improve those translator skills that can be used in the future.

I also want to note: the boys recently got short haircuts in preparation for hot weather in Moab and the Cutter family holiday.

Fox Island, Washington

May 20, 2013

California poppies are blooming everywhere! I love how they close up when the sun starts to set and the temperatures drop.
Fox Island, Washington

May 19, 2013

I'm almost certain this is a species of honeysuckle. It's emitting a light, sweet scent and is abuzz with bees. We had a light drizzle all morning and into the afternoon which makes for a quiet, inside day around here. 

Fox Island, Washington

May 18, 2013

As many of you know, I'm not a big fan of spiders. This was not a thrilling thing to see in my garden spaces this afternoon. Please go find a different home.

Fox Island, Washington

May 17, 2013

Prep sourdough, trail run with the Dirty Girls, Bake some bread, coffee and catch up with Louise Coats, beloved returns with treats from Japan, eating true sourdough bread (!) , time with my boys, on again off again rain showers, quick walks with the pups, raindrops on irises, homemade macaroni and cheese.

Fox Island, Washington

May 16, 2013

A quiet, misty morning on Echo Bay this morning. This is Tanglewood Island just across the way from us. Accessible only by boat, there are maybe a half dozen homes and a state park on the island.

Fox Island, Washington

May 15, 2013

We had a little bit of sunshine this morning so I got out and snapped a few shots of my Lily of the Valley flower bed. This is the official flower for the month of May. Each delicate, bell-shaped blossom is about the size of my pinky flinger nail.

Fox Island, Washington

May 14, 2013

I'm sure many of you were relieved when my beloved retired from the Navy and you thought you wouldn't have to put up with anymore aircraft photos. Well, so sorry. We happen to live close an Air Force base and still get to watch all the flight traffic. This afternoon we got a real treat! There must have been some formation practice going on because not once, but twice 5 of these giant C130 Hercules transport planes flew over the house. They are SO large they need a little extra room in between each one so I couldn't get more than 3 in one picture! This aircraft is incredibly versatile and is still widely used my the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Fire fighters as well as by many of our allies around the world. 

Fox Island, Washington

May 13, 2013

This is our camper, Happy. He's been a helpful family member for almost 15 years now. We've popped him up to get things aired out and ready for a trip to Moab at the beginning of summer. A nifty little feature is the zip open windows which allows for some cooling breezes. Unfortunately, it also allows water to get in when they are left open during rain showers. A rain and wind storm is what we had today. Good thing we have some time to let him dry out!

Fox Island, Washington 

May 12, 2013

Chocolate pavlova with whipped cream (done by hand) and fresh strawberries after a fantastically relaxing Mother's Day. I even took a nap!
Fox Island, Washington

May 11, 2013

I went out to cut some rhubarb from the lower lawn to whip up a batch of rhubarb jam and look what (else) I found. I have a calla lily plant! And it's in bloom. I've always loved the simplicity of this sturdy flowering plant. Beautiful.

Sending a great big thank you to my cousin Gerry for stopping by last night with his mom (my Aunt Karen) and son, Jack. It was so wonderful getting to see all three of you and do a quick catch up! We will have to get together for a longer period of time very soon!

Fox Island, Washington

May 10, 2013

Even though the sun was coming out just up the hill at the house, the fog was hanging low and heavy over the water. Normally we can see the houses on the other side, but not this morning. I had an eerie drive across the bridge to meet up with the Dirty Girls Trail Running Group in Gig Harbor. By the time we finished our run the fog had finally burned off and we were blessed with yet another beautiful Pacific Northwest day.

Fox Island, Washington 

May 9, 2013

So, the Girl needs a conservative white dress for an upcoming sorority function. She's scoured the stores looking for the perfect pure white dress that she can afford, wear more than one time and not see on her fellow sisters that day. After no luck whatsoever with her search, she finally asked me to make something for her. The Dad will meet up with her in Seattle for lunch and a dress hand-off. Since parents and friends are not invited to the special event, I want someone to take some pictures! Please.

Fox Island, Washington

May 8, 2013

There's quite a bit of road construction going on in Gig Harbor this Spring. Since Nate has music lessons in town every Wednesday morning, we have to leave about 30 minutes before class in order to make it on time. We usually get stopped or slowed due to school buses and this detour. While waiting for traffic to start moving again, Nate asked what the big orange sign with the pigtailed girl on it means. I told him it meant a flagger was just up ahead and to use caution. He did the big, "Aaahhhhh" indicating his light bulb moment and new found understanding. After we got through the snarl and out of pure curiosity, I asked him, "What did you think it meant?" A bit sheepishly he stammered, "Well... the real people are holding slow or stop signs, not flags.... well, this sign looks like a girl is winding up to throw a doggy poo bag! There are a bunch of those signs in this area, so I figured there was a disposal place close by." 

Huh.... very different interpretations.

Of all the flagger signs out there, this one is my favorite because someone used a marker to give the person some pigtails!

Gig Harbor, Washington

May 7, 2013

Look what's growing in my garden! It's a radish... planted by my sweeter than ever nephews, Paxton and Porter when they were here last weekend. Today was an incredibly productive day for me.... a plyometric workout, yoga, dress making (more pictures later), agreeing with my husband (yes, that's agree, not argue), garden transplanting and weeding, school with the boys, paperwork from our last move, more sewing, test grading and now for dinner. I'm feeling very Kelly-ish!

Fox Island, Washington

May 6, 2013

Enjoying an ice cold, refreshing ginger orange water in my newly acquired water bottle after a rigorous, hilly, 5 mile road run. Look like it's going to be another beautiful day!

Fox Island, Washington 

May 5, 2013

What a great, sunny Cinco de Mayo and birthday for me! It started out with a run for Carey, then some grocery shopping at the commissary and finally a tasty nacho and frozen margarita dinner special! I heard from all the friends and family who mean the most to me. Thank you for all the good wishes! 

Fox Island, Washington 

May 4, 2013

Gorgeous sunset over the Olympic Mountains to finish off an amazing day with friends and family. The girls and I woke early to get out for a fun-filled, easy 6 mile run around the Space Needle and into Elliot Bay park. Then I got to spend a few hours with my girlie girl before heading home for dinner with my boys. What a day!

Fox Island, Washington 

May 3, 3013

Spending the day and evening in Seattle with some friends. I took the ferry from Bremerton over to the city.... brings back a lot of memories. Gorgeous weather forecasted for the entire Sound for the whole weekend. It's about time we got some warmer stuff!

Seattle, Washington

May 2, 2013

The morning was cool and crisp, but also very clear. Here the moon was fading just over the house as the sun was rising over the treetops.
Fox Island, Washington

May 1, 2013

The ferns are all sprouting young fronds. These remind me of seahorses.
Fox Island, Washington

April 30, 2013

We have dozens of puppy toys around this house and they choose to fight over this little, ratty, torn to shreds, stuffing removed Lamb Chop. All. Day. Long.
Fox Island, Washington

April 29, 2013

These blue beauties line most of the upper driveway on the property. They really are so vivid and bold! I still have a few daffodils hanging around.
Fox Island, Washington

April 28, 2013

Another day at the Cutter house for my sweet nephews. We started with a hefty serving of panhacks for breakfast, then down to the dock for some fishing. We didn't seem to catch anything as I'm almost certain the fish avoid Echo Bay, but we did have a bright, sunshiny start to another gorgeous day. 

Fox Island, Washington

April 27, 2013

So my boys and I worked all week long last week to get the garden bed dug out, constructed and re-soiled for our vegetable garden. Since Zach, Nate and Sam had a Boy Scout rifle/shotgun campout scheduled for the weekend I needed to recruit a few new farm hands.... In come my cuter than ever (and very eager to help!) nephews, Paxton and Porter! They planted the carrots, radishes and beets for me. It took longer than I expected because they felt the need to plant and push down each and every seed they set in the soil. SO stinkin' adorable! The reward for all that hard work? We got to throw the rocks (plucked from the garden bed earlier) at the giant trees in our woods to help perfect our aim. 

Another perk for my day.... The Girl found out Uncle Dave and the boys were going to be up, so she insisted on coming over (with friend Jenn) to hang out for the day. Love that girlie!

Fox Island, Washington 

April 26, 2013

Yeah!!! My beloved is home for the weekend. And look what he brought back from his latest trip.... Japanese mochi. My Japanese and Hawaii friends will understand this.... I LOVE these little morsels. Not only are they the perfectly tasty treat, but impeccably packaged. That's just how things are in Japan.... perfectly in order. Thanks for the special surprise.

Oh... I can't WAIT for my brother Dave and his adorable, crazy boys to get here!!!!

Fox Island, Washington

April 25, 2013

Breathtaking sunset reflected on the snow covered mountain and ocean inlet waters. A glorious finish to an gorgeous Spring day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds! 

Gig Harbor, Washington

April 24, 2013

It's been several years of expressing interest, reading music books, self teaching on the Ukulele and asking for lessons. We've finally decided Nate is serious about learning to play a stringed instrument. One month of lessons and he still loves it and practices every day without being asked!

Gig Harbor, Washington

April 23, 2013

This was the picture I thought I posted yesterday. I somehow caught a mild flu bug from somebody and I've been a little weak and tired the last 18 hours, so I forgot to climb the stairs again to click the share icon. Sorry. It was a gorgeous day and I did get out with my camera when I took the pups out for a short stroll. It was about the only time I went outside. Oh well. This bush is at the end of our driveway and is only half blooming. The bees seem to like it and are a buzzin'! More sunny weather in store for us for the remainder of the week and I'll perk up as the time marches on.

Fox Island, Washington

April 22, 2013

After some house cleaning, laundry and school work, we went outside to celebrate Earth Day. The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS and perfect for turning the soil for our garden. We've all decided our new favorite tool is the adz. It was the most effective at pulling up and turning over grass, moss and rocks. We spent about 4 hours outside enjoying the glorious day.

Fox Island, Washington

April 21, 2013

Artichokes.... Kleven Italian style. With a sprinkle of Hawaiian in there. We also had some Belgian frites topped with cowboy chili and cheese. The boys were in Heaven!

Fox Island, Washington

April 20, 2013

So this is the beginning of this year's vegetable garden. I've decided to start small and add more each year. The former owners were not interested in gardening or even yard maintenance so I have A LOT of work ahead of me. This space seems small for our family, but I'll be growing potatoes in containers, herbs in a different area and lettuce in the deck railing planters. I've also got some fruit trees, raspberries and blueberries planned for the currently unusable slope space. I'm looking forward to showing an after picture when I've gotten more work completed.

Fox Island, Washington

April 19, 2013

I found a local trail running group that meets every friday morning! Today was my first time on the McCormick Forest Trail with the Dirty Girls Trail Running Group. The rainy weather made for the perfect maiden run through the woods. It feels so good to be running on the dirt, over tree roots and through the mud puddles! Thanks ladies for letting me join you.

Gig Harbor, Washington

April 18, 2013

As soon as we got settled into our hotel rooms back in January, the boys got right back into scouts with Troop 27 on Fox Island. Today we got to help out with a fellow scout's Eagle project. This young man took on building new raised planter beds for the Fox Island Community Garden. The Scouts constructed 3 large (4x8) and 5 small (4x4) planter boxes and then installed them inside the deer fencing. Luckily the rains held off until we finished up the project AND had the pizza! Great job. I'm feeling the inspiration to get my own garden started!

Fox Island, Washington

April 17, 2013

Look what I found in my front yard today!!! I was just walking around cooling off from my run and there they were. I have no idea what variety they are but these tulips are beautiful! I'm excited to see more in the coming weeks.

Fox Island, Washington

April 16, 2013

A few days ago I made breakfast for dinner. I used and modified a new recipe that was a cross between pancakes and crepes. The boys are calling them 'panhacks' and they are the new favorite. They're fluffy and light and tasty and wonderful. Especially with lilikoi syrup! Here Sam is helping out in the kitchen to make panhacks for lunch today. 

Bonus for those who can name the movie the word comes from!

Fox Island, Washington

April 15, 2013

Beautiful sunrise this morning over Echo Bay. The skies cleared up just a bit, but have since clouded over again. During that short break in the weather I took the pups out and got a few pictures off. I think Mother Nature is trying to keep the warm temps around rather than give us some sun. I'm okay with that.... for now.

Fox Island, Washington

April 14, 2013

Today almost felt like Spring! At least long enough for me to get a good run and to wander around the property taking pictures. I'm seeing these and the traditional yellow dandelions popping up everywhere.

Fox Island, Washington

A big Happy Birthday wish to my brother Tyler. Hope it's a great day! Love you

April 13, 2013

I love these tall sea grasses on our side slope. They sway and wave so gracefully in the wind... which we've experienced quite a bit the past day or two. We're supposed to be getting rain as well. I think it's the perfect 'inside with a book' day.

Fox Island, Washington

April 12, 2013

I am back in the Italian pie making business! At least for the family. I really like this picture because it shows off my new butcher block cutting board island. An awesome, amazing work space all for me!!! Made to order calzones for dinner this evening. Even Sam is partaking with his open faced calzone. Yes... that translates to pizza.

Fox Island, Washington