Summer Break

I guess that's what I have been having - a break from writing this journal/blog. Summer has been absolutely great up here. Loads of sunshine and lovely temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. But I haven't shed my windbreaker jacket for the daily commute in the morning as it still feels cool (50s). By the afternoon, when I'm ready for the hike down the hill to the ferry, I wrap it around my waist or stick it in my work bag. But soon, I think, I'll be needing it for both directions and even a little more. Last Thursday we had the first taste of actual rain again, and it was a torrent.

The sun is setting before 8pm now. Just a month ago it seemed to be light well into the evening. And some mornings, particularly on my early days (catching the 5:30 bus), I need to put on the outside light. Summer is gracefully leaving.

We traveled down to California last weekend to celebrate the Grandson's first birthday. It was a fun break in the routine and so good to see him up close. He has changed  much in this year and how quickly it seems to have gone. We will see him again at Thanksgiving this year and expect to see even more changes. My guess is he will be saying actual words as he certainly has intentional conversation now. And so serious about it.

Son Jake is up for a visit this weekend. We're enjoying the company and having a really good time. Today we will take them to the Olympic Music Festival after brunch at the Port Gamble General Store Cafe .

We are making a new friend in the form of a black cat who was discovered sleeping in a chair on the front porch Thursday. It's not willing to get close yet, but it does appreciate the food I provide. It will stand yards away and meow at me. We think it's sheltering under the shed which, hopefully, will keep it safe from the coyotes who are on the prowl in the early mornings lately. I wouldn't mind having it as a pet but we're on a short timeline for that as we are going on vacation soon. Roosevelt is not as sure.

 

John took some photos of a couple deer who wandered into the lawn/meadow/jungle clearing last week. They had a look around and calmly left. They even inspected the apple tree and respectfully left it alone. Those 3 apples are our entire fruit harvest this year. But that's 2 more than last year! We also seemed to have hit on a tomato plant that will bear tomatoes for us up here in this not-quite-hot-enough environment. It's a derivative of the Early Girl variety and we have enjoyed many yummy toms. 

So, life continues up here in the Pacific Northwest.  There is little to complain about and much for which to be grateful. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? We'll take every moment.