July 31, 2013

I've lived all around the world, experienced some interesting, unique signs in my many years and locations.  This, I though was funny.  It's as if the creator has forgotten a small item.... like a wine glass or maybe a beer bottle.   If you're going to get that close to the edge AND fall in, you really should have a good excuse. Or at least just an excuse.

Gig Harbor, Washington

July 30, 2013

These are the tomatoes the deer didn't get to.  In just a few short weeks I should be picking these guys and many others from my garden as the growing season enters the winding down phase.  After these, I'll have the squash, squash and more squash to harvest.  Plus the radishes, beets and carrots.  I can't wait!

Fox Island, Washington

July 29, 2013

The beaches around here are a bit different than the ones we experienced in Hawaii. Instead of fine, white sand we have rocky beaches.  Here is the beach park near where Nate has water polo practice.  Another beautiful sunset in the Pacific Northwest.  

Purdy Beach, Washington

July 28, 2013

This little guy is so cute!  With the warmer temperatures and full bird feeders, we've been seeing a lot more activity around the house.  Obviously, this is a hummingbird but we've seen several golden finches as well.

Fox Island, Washington

July 27, 2013

A gorgeous sunny day allowed our Boy Scouts to complete their Canoeing Merit Badge this afternoon.  Here is a dad and son hauling out and putting gear away.  We were lucky enough to have most of this little Sand Spit State Park all to ourselves to work, demonstrate, play and eat for most of the day.

Fox Island, Washington

July 26, 2013

They're almost ready for picking.  The great thing around here is that they are ripening in stages rather than all at once.  Blackberry pies, tarts, sauces, dressings, jellies, jams, muffins, breads, spreads and ice cream.  That is just the beginning.

Fox Island, Washington

July 25, 2013

A friend's daughter was asked to sing our National Anthem at the Tacoma Rainiers game last night.   So the boys and I were off to listen to Emily belt out a fantastic rendition in honor of our great country and take in a baseball game!  It was their second game. Ever.   Me on the other hand..... well, let's just say I lost count sometime around my freshman year in high school.  Having grown up in an athletic minded household,  receiving a hefty injection of the major American sports, I chose not to put so much emphasis on them while teaching my kids.  Yes, athletics are important, but I prefer to focus on health, fitness, well-being and team building rather than refining specific skills.  Anyway, it made for interesting conversation with the boys during the game.  A few facts learned:  They don't score points - they earn runs,  they don't play periods - they're called innings, they (usually) play 9 - not play just UNTIL 9... P.M., shut down the lights and go home.    And yes, the fans do get pretty serious about their baseball.  Regardless, we had a great evening and the Rainiers won the game 6-5.  In the 10th inning.  Ending at 10:30 P.M. 

Tacoma, Washington

July 24, 2013

While Nate was in his guitar lesson this morning I sat in the car, read a book and did some people watching.  Every few minutes I would look up and see this gorgeous Lily in front of one of quaint little shops downtown where I parked.  At first, I didn't think it was real because it appears so perfect.  Too perfect.  I finally put the book down, got out of the car and checked it out.  Upon closer inspection, I determined it's real. Wow, is it beautiful.

Gig Harbor, Washington

July 23, 2013

Catching an early morning Airporter shuttle bus for Dave had me driving in this stuff.  Unusual?  Not really.  For the past couple of weeks, we've woken to a fog shrouded bay that doesn't burns off until after 2:00pm each day.  A few positive aspects of weather like this are the cool, morning runs, productive work time in the house, quiet school or reading time for the boys (and sometimes me) and if I have to drive anywhere, I get to use the European high powered, bright fog light we were required to install on the back of Maggie (the Super Honda) when we lived in Belgium. 

Gig Harbor, Washington

July 22, 2013

Sunset from the bridge going to our little island.  Absolutely glorious.
Fox Island, Washington

July 21, 2013

So, about every other Sunday Dave and I drive down to what is now called Joint Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma.  Dave drops me off at the commissary then swings by the barber shop for a quick trim... sometimes fills the tank up his commute before coming back to get me.  On our return trip to Fox Island, we sometimes like to stop by this little place just off Route 18.  It, along with Harbor Greens in Gig Harbor, has become one of my favorite places for specialty items for cooking.  If they don't have an item in stock that I'm looking for, they'll order it for me.... and not charge me a fortune.  If you're ever in the area, stop by Tacoma Boys to pick up a few must have items.  Usually though, you won't know what those items are until you walk through the doors.

Tacoma, Washington

July 20, 2013

This is the latest find in my yard.  Once again, I have no idea what it is, but it's nice to see something orange instead of purple.  The former owners must have had a thing for purple.

Fox Island, Washington

July 19, 2013

A few months back, this guy anchored just off the island near the bridge for a few days.  Each morning he would row his colorful dinghy to shore, hitch a ride to town, load up with supplies and then reverse the order back to his bright teal boat.  I figured once he left we wouldn't ever see him again -- like moving on in the world.  Well, he was back again today.  He certainly doesn't have any issues with the liberal use of color....

Fox Island, Washington 

July 18, 2013

This is the gorgeous viney flowering plant that's taking over the deck railing next to my bedroom.  It's a wisteria plant and it was in full bloom last month.  I kept meaning to get some pictures of it, but always got distracted with the many other beautiful things around me.  Well, this single bloom must have been confused because it's opened up a bit later than all the others.

Fox Island, Washington

July 17, 2013

Last year at Christmas time each of the kids received a Binto Box from Mom and Dad.  A Binto Box is essentially a meal carrying bag with individual containers to hold various food items.  It looks quite tiny and doesn't seem as if it would hold much.  Looks can be deceiving though.  The rectangular snap containers (left) each hold a whole apple in slices and the round thermal container (right) holds 20 ounces AND keeps food hot for over 5 hours.  Also included is a nice set of chopsticks in a compact case. They've come in handy with all the evening sports/scouts/driving activities we've had this month.  Definitely a good investment for us.

Fox Island, Washington

July 16, 2013

The swirls on this hornet nest are beautiful.  It's just too bad it will be coming down tomorrow after I pick up some hornet spray at the farm and feed store.  I couldn't figure out where all the hornets were coming from so I did a thorough search.  Right under the front window in between the front and side doors.  That just won't do.  The one thing I dislike more than the spider is....?   You guessed it.... the hornet.  It's a nasty bugger!

Fox Island, Washington

July 15, 2013

Gorgeous Summer day today with more of the same forecasted for the rest of the week.  Nothing beats a run in the woods when the temps are high and the sun is bright to raise my spirits.  Well, nothing except maybe a 2 hour long Skype conversation with my Girl while she travels and studies in lands far, far away.  Thanks for talking with me, Baby!

Gig Harbor, Washington

July 14, 2013

Oh my goodness!  These daisies are everywhere I look these days.  They are incredibly prolific and seem to take over wherever there's an open space.  Gorgeous rows, patches and fields of them.

Gig Harbor, Washington

July 13, 2013

Sam has been wanting to make something different for the evening dessert, so I finally relented. "Okay, but nothing from a box and I'm not making a special trip to the store to purchase supplies."  Here's what he came up with... from scratch peanut butter cookies and homemade frozen Greek yogurt/ice milk sandwiches.  Nicely executed, young man.  Now, I need to come up with a halfway decent dinner!

Fox Island, Washington

July 12, 2013

I finally found some time to start enclosing my garden.  Earlier this week I moved all of my potted plants to the back of the deck because the sneaky little guys were chowing on things that were inside their escape radius.  Not so easy now.  I think this will discourage them at least for a little while.  I'm not looking forward to the day I find one of them stuck inside the fencing!

Fox Island, Washington

July 11, 2013

I have no idea what this is but I love them!  They're sitting in the middle of one of my larger herb beds, so I'm leaning toward that.  They smell like garlic or onion and seem to be getting more beautiful each day.  What I need to do is figure out how to get them to grow around my vegetable garden because the deer seem to be avoiding them!

Fox Island, Washington

July 10, 2013

A couple of weeks ago Nate started water polo.  There's been a pretty steep learning curve going on because Nate's never been in any kind of swim program. Ever.  The first week started with explaining that he did not need to hold his breath and sprint the entire length of the pool for each lap.  That he is indeed permitted to take those side breaths after every few strokes like all the other guys are doing.  After lots of hard work and some pretty patient coaching, he can defend, block, steal and shoot with the best of them.  He even said now that he's no longer feeling like a drowning rat before, during and after practice, he's looking forward to the regular season this Fall.  

Purdy, Washington

July 9, 2013

With all the flowers, trees, bushes, shrubs and plants growing like crazy and blooming prolifically I've been spotting a lot of these dragonflies.  This is one of the little ones, but I love the bright red-orange color.  It seemed to be able to fly just fine even with the broken off wing.

Fox Island, Washington

July 8, 2013

I took this picture early this afternoon. I was so excited about all the zucchini, yellow squash, patty pan, pumpkins and cucumbers I would have this season! That is, until I got back home from running boys all over the place. The deer got to them and enjoyed all the flowers and leaves while we were away! Blasted deer!!!!  I don't think they're so cute anymore....
Fox Island, Washington

July 7, 2013

After finding some fresh local fruits and vegetables at the commissary and picking others from the garden this morning, I decided to make these Jalapeno Corn Fritters for dinner.  I was a bit concerned about the spiciness of a whole pepper, but it turned out to be just the right amount of zip!  I topped it with fresh avocado and tomatoes to round out the fresh taste.  I love summertime cooking in the Pacific Northwest!

Fox Island, Washington

July 6, 2013

I almost walked through this as I was going to do some gardening.   Eeeewwww!!!!  I wish I could figure out a way to make these scary to the deer who seem to be enjoying some of my young garden treats.
A special Happy Birthday wish to my incredible brother, Dave.  I don't know what I would do without you as my talented, funny, quietly intelligent and uplifting brother.   Happy, happy birthday to you.  Love you!

Fox Island, Washington 

July 5, 2013

I went for a walk-about in the lower yard this afternoon to enjoy the sunshine and take some pictures.  I found a lavender plant just beginning to blossom.  Of course, the bees need to collect as much pollen as possible, so they were buzzing all around. 

Fox Island, Washington

July 4, 2013

Things I learned today:

1.  One of our neighbors has a relative who owns a fireworks stand.  He loves setting off fireworks. Giant, flowering, showering fireworks. Gobs of them.

2.  There are a few firefighters living on our road.  They like setting off fireworks.  Big, booming, bright fireworks.  Lots of them.

3.  Every other house in our neighborhood had copious amounts of fireworks.  Loud, sparkling, colorful fireworks.  Oodles and oodles of them.

4.  Watching the many pyrotechnic displays from our dock is an amazing experience and only brings a small amount charred debris showering down on us.  

Things I knew, but didn't fully comprehend until today:

The little bay we live on is called Echo Bay for a reason.
Fox Island, Washington

July 3, 2013

Having 'overworked' my lower back recently, I thought this was funny.
Gig HArbor, Washington

July 2, 2013

I had to make a quick trip north to Anacortes to take a few things up for our renters.  The sun was shining and the drive was beautiful.  I love this time of year when the planted fields are just sprouting, thriving and showing off their gorgeous colors.  This is one of the many potato fields I passed along the way.

Conway, Washington

July 1, 2013

Zach got his driver's permit last week but hasn't really been interested in getting some time in behind the wheel.  Since his month long Driver's Ed. course starts today, I though it was time for a least a few minutes of practice while we had a large empty parking lot available.  Not too bad.  He definitely found the brake pedal.  That's a good thing.  He looked a bit nervous so I asked him how he felt and he said, "It's nothing like driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats."   With lots of practice we'll all be just fine.

Gig Harbor, Washington