Summer Memories

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