Hello, Dear Friends, I have missed you!
I am back from my busy summer vacation!
I have many lovely memories and I enjoyed
every one, but time seems to be hurrying along
without me and I am perpetually lagging behind.
I've decided that lagging behind is really not all that bad.
It's actually a nice vantage point. You get to watch all
the activity for a little while longer.
I am not one to race ahead. I like to savor my time,
enjoying it in the moment and then thinking
about things later.
That way, I get to enjoy it twice.
xoxo
Anyway, that's my excuse...... :)
So, while I ponder all those sweet summer moments,
I'll share a few with you here.
We all know that life is not always sweet, and we must
deal with many bitter challenges, but it is always
worth seeking those special moments that lift us up,
to hold highest in our thoughts, to help carry us
through those difficult times.
xoxo
Summer, here in the foothills of western Washington State
was very dry and unusually hot. Forest fires raged above us
in British Columbia, Canada, below us in northern California
and Oregon, and beside us in the mountains to the east.
We were shrouded in perpetual smoke at times, especially when
the air was hot and still. We were, at one time, listed as having the worst
air quality in the world.
My goodness.
I certainly cannot complain because there was loss of life, homes,
livelihood, and many millions of acres of wild lands.
My heart breaks for all who have lost so much
and I am also in awe of all the brave men and woman
who put their lives on the line during disasters and crises.
They are the true heroes of this world.
On clear and cooler days, we worked on repairing
and painting the deck.
My little grandson sits on the antique baby crib/bench
that I found at a flea-market, before painting and
adding new cushions.
It was so heavy that it sat in the driveway for weeks
before my son's helped carry it up onto the deck
during a family visit.
It clearly needed some love.....
Here are the results.
I used outdoor fabric from Here to make the cushions
and mattress cover.
They even have zippers so that I can remove them for washing.
(I'm pretty proud of myself :)
I've never sewn with outdoor fabric, but it went well,
even with my very basic, 25 year old Kenmore sewing machine.
Here is the finished deck.
I was very glad to get that project done!
Ever since, my knees have not been the same.
Meanwhile, we celebrated the wedding of my daughter, Jennie
and her beloved, Steve.
It was a beautiful day, and I will share more in a separate post.
Ramblin' Man's brother, wife, their daughter, son-in-law,
and precious little one, flew all the way
out from New England to attend.
It was the first time we met this little angel,
who is my grand-niece.
She was not feeling well here.
Poor little thing had to visit the emergency room
for a double ear infection while visiting.
I am happy to report she recovered quickly
with no lasting effects.
The family keeps growing......
In between, we enjoyed all that summer had to offer.
Including the grandchildren.
xoxo
And then we went to Italy.
We have been home just a week, and I am still trying
to process how amazing it all was.
All of my dreams take place in Italy, now!
The trip was in celebration of my son's 40th birthday.
He and his sweet wife, Erica arranged the whole thing.....
I can't convey my gratitude.
And the immense pride I feel towards my son.
He has lived his life with integrity, honor,
compassion, accomplishment, and generosity.
xoxo
But I will leave Italy for another time, as I have
much to catch up on.
I look forward to catching up with all of you!
xoxo
