Posts Tagged ‘flowers’

Our World Has Shifted Again

March 26, 2017

I don’t have pictures to add, so I will use Ellen’s  from last year.

It’s been quite a while since I did a post – 3 months to be exact!  I have had trouble writing because my little finger on my left hand has put in extra letters and I have to keep going back to fix it.  I have finally decided on the 2 finger hunt and peck system to eliminate as much as I can.  I’ll do spell check and if there are other errors, I’d say you will be able to figure them out without any problem.

We’ve had 2 snow storms, one on the 1st of the year, the other last month.  I definitely don’t go out in snow – I did my show from home rather than risk finding myself in a ditch.  I would have been fine, it was smarter to do it from home.  I had one I had to have a rebroadcast because I lost my voice – not helpful in radio.  I feel I am getting the hang of the show after 5 months, though what seemed clear a bit ago, isn’t quite so clear.  Definitely a learning experience.

Eddie has retired for the 4th or 5th time.  Two weeks ago was Eddie’s last day with Andy – finance is not his thing and spending time at the aviation conference really brought that home to him.  He had such a great time that week – like a kid in a candy store.  He met all kinds of people and his Kaplanian Report was a hit.  He is following up on contacts, talking to people and looking to creating a new venture in commercial aviation.  We don’t know how it will show up or how it will look yet.  Eddie has decided that at this age he doesn’t have to do something he doesn’t want to do.

That also means he is home a lot more – a big adjustment for both of us.  I let him know I haven’t retired, I have my own life and business.  There also my medical life,.  Tomorrow is a cardiac scoring the cardiologist wanted me to do – on me.  I am going to see my dermatologist on Friday to check if I have to do minor MOHS surgery or not.  I opt for not.   I need new orthotics, I have a list to the right since I broke my hip and I am noticing it more as time goes on.  Maybe they will even help me clip my toenails, I am having trouble reaching as well as strength to clip.  Both of us are dealing with runny, stuffy nose and sneezing – is it sinus or allergy?  No one seems to know.  Doc Pierce would rather save the antibiotics for heavy-duty situations – that’s fine with me.  I prefer to go do the things I want to do and not spend so much time on medical.

My personal injury case is finally settled – it’s only been a year and a half.  I got money earlier and then the second one just came recently.  I called Brad to find out when he can start on the downstairs bathroom – he came by this week with ideas and a budget.  He needs to schedule the plumber and electrician, so I’m not sure when he will start.  Since there will be a new shower stall, he wants to dig up the old one and see what is underneath before the plumber comes.  So he will do that first – Eddie can still the sink and toilet but will shower up here.  Since he will probably be home, he can make the decisions for his bathroom.

We had Mr. Rooter out because the hot water went wonky.  He had to replace the elements, my bad for not draining the water heater every year.  It’s so lovely to have it working properly again.  The joys of home ownership.  I also have a new toilet seat – the other one was loose and I have a bit more bulk now, so the mix didn’t work out very well.  No more loose toilet seat.

We have had more rain in the last 3 months than all of last year.  Not sure why – it still feels like fall and winter even though the flowers are blooming.  The crocuses were out last month – it was chilly – and they bloomed their hearts out.  Then the mini daffodils are blooming and a pink Hyacinth came up from out of nowhere.  Now the grape hyacinths are showing their pretty, purple faces.  The Scillas have greenery all over the place, soon they will have lovely lavender blossoms.  The forsythia on the bank finally bloomed, they are usually the first.

The moles have been busy off and on – Eddie is sure if he leaves them alone, they don’t produce so many mounds.  Let’s face it, they haven’t helped the lawn except to maybe aerate the soil.

As you can see, not a lot of excitement or big news lately.  However, I hope to get back into the groove of writing posts again – I miss it and it helps me process things.

 

Candy sent this lovely butterfly – great finish for the post.

Thank You both for the lovely photos you send me, I love to seeing them.

 

1st Barbecue of the Season

March 27, 2016

Friday I had to go to Wound Care again – what a lovely day it was.  Eddie left in the morning for work with clouds a bit of rain; when he came home to pick me up, the sun was out.  For the first time in a long time, I had the car window open and it felt quite warm.    More rain today and tomorrow, then they promise the sun for several days – does Mother nature agree?  We will see.

I am back wrapped up again – my legs swelled again – and wouldn’t you know, my compression socks arrived and were sitting in the mailbox as we drove out.  Well, I won’t be wearing them for a couple of weeks, then I will take them with me to have them help me learn how to put them on.  This means spit and duck baths again; so far the hair doesn’t look too bad.  It does tend to stick up a bit when I get up in the morning, I will have to run the shower with my head in to have the steam tame those wonky parts.  I have an appointment on Wednesday afternoon to remove sutures, then I can lean over the shower chair and wash my hair at least.

My forehead has been numb since the first plastic surgery, yet at times I feel it tingling, sometimes as if something is walking on my head.  It is an odd sensation but not unpleasant.  I asked the doc about it last Monday before surgery, he said it will take a long time to  go back to normal.  I expected that answer because I found that with the hip incision.  It was numb and I would get sharp pricks when I least expected it – that was unpleasant.  Seems to be  fairly normal now, four years later.

I am determined to drive again after Wednesday, I don’t like being so dependent – at least I can see a lot better now, that makes a difference.  When Eddie comes back from the Car Museum, he is taking me to Bartell’s – it is sometimes difficult to explain to him what I want.  I think he is very uncomfortable buying “lady things”, but does a pretty good job.

Yesterday was fairly sunny and when Eddie came home from shopping, he had hamburgers with him.  He decided to start the BBQ season and I noticed Eric across the street had his big grill on his deck.  Eddie said he could smell someone else getting ready to BBQ.  We have had such a lot of wind and rain this winter, it feels good to look forward to spring.  Each time I go out, I see new things blooming – I almost feel I am missing out on spring.  The Scillas in the beds have abundant leaves up and it will be fun to see all the lavender flower stems blooming.  The grape hyacinths are blooming, not as many this year and the two clumps of yellow daffodils on the bank are doing well

My sister Ellen on the Jersey Shore has had rain, snow, sun and wind – I’m so glad she sends photos of them.  The last photo I enclosed in the blog is now a painting – she is so talented!  She is able to show the ocean in so many different moods and colors – so amazing.

This was the Nor’easter the other week – she had snow as well as windy.

P1200295_2

This was on March 24th – spring is coming.

I have been so self absorb in myself lately, both my sisters reminded me March 24th would be Dad’s 102nd birthday.  I also thought about September 24th, Mom’s birthday – it will be her 98th.  In 2018, it will be her 100th birthday and that year was as eventful as Dad’s in 1914 – so many historic things happened that changed the world during those years.  Because they met, fell in love and married, my sisters and I are a part of this changing world.  They gave us so many gifts – being loved and wanted, integrity, respect for other people, discipline, manners – so many things that have given me a strong foundation.  (I won’t speak for my sisters)  I am grateful for all of it, they were very loving parents.

A blog wouldn’t be complete without a couple of photos from my sister Candy in Nashville.

100_8006

She puts lovely backgrounds in her photos

100_6322

She has done a series of Christmas photos with flowers and also ornaments.

I have been sleeping a lot, though I still feel draggy,  I need to walk a bit every day – exercise needs to be part of being rested.  I have hesitated to go outside and walk up and down the sidewalk because I don’t want to trip and fall.  Now that I can wear my glasses better, I am willing to give it a try.  Windy and stormy is conducive to walking outside – I seem to have missed the worst of the weather during my captivity.

My posts have been so “me” centered, it is time to focus on something else for a change.  Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

The Last Promise Kept

January 18, 2015

When my Dad died in 2000, he had arranged to be cremated and his ashes scattered by plane on the Sound.  I don’t know when he arranged it, but in 2000, the plane company had gone out of business. So Mom kept his ashes in the bureau.  About 3 or 4 years ago, while Mom was still lucid, she became antsy about arrangements for her.  I thought she and Dad had done them together, but apparently not.  So we took her over to Cady Cremation (I had met them through Breakfast Club) to make the arrangement.  She was to be cremated and was insistent that it be written down that her ashes were to be mixed with Dad’s.

I found out you can take a ferry and have ashes dropped in the Sound, so she was fine with that.  The ashes have been here since late October because it seemed their anniversary was the right time to do it.  So I called the Washington State Ferries but only got a voicemail on Monday.  I called again Tuesday – same thing.  By Wednesday I was getting uptight because they say 3 – 5 days notice.

I had another voicemail message, so I called the main number to explain what was happening.  Turns out the woman who does the booking was sitting at her desk.  So I was told to call the number and the woman knew I would be calling.  What a relief.  She was away on Monday and swamped on Tuesday, but she was able to help me so I could do it on Friday – their anniversary.

I wanted to do it on the Fauntleroy to Vashon ferry, but that was booked.  So I made arrangements for the Edmonds to Kingston ferry at 11:10.  She explained I was to go to the 2nd Mate’s office after the ferry left and let him know I was there.  Then he would make arrangements for the captain to stop halfway and I would have 5 minutes to release the ashes.  She also said I could bring flowers, but they had to be all natural – no wire or floral tape.  It sounded fairly straightforward but I will admit to being apprehensive and unsure how it would go. It had been a weight on me and I wanted to complete it for Mom and Dad.

I didn’t want to do it by myself, so I asked my close friend Vickie, my long time friend Charlotte and my next door neighbor to be with me.  All three were pleased to be with me.  Vickie only knew my Mom because I met her when I came back in 2002.  Luzma and Charlotte knew both Mom and Dad,  both felt close to them.  I’d say Dad and Vickie would have enjoyed each other’s company – Dad was always welcoming to people and enjoyed talking to them.

Vickie came at 9:30 and brought flowers, Luzma came a couple of minutes later – with 2 roses.  We drove up to Edmonds and met Charlotte at a QFC outside town – she lives in Mountlake Terrace and it was more convenient for her.  We drove down to the ferry and were in time for the 10:30 ferry – but they were expecting us on the 11:10.  There was a woman directing traffic and when I explained to her, she had us wait until the ferry was loaded and then we got in line.

I figured it would be a wet, windy and cold day – I was pleased and amazed to see clear sunshine and a beautiful day.  We rode on the Spokane.  I had hoped but wasn’t sure how it would be – I asked God to work out the whole thing, I would just show up and get out of the way.  It couldn’t have been a more lovely day for it.

Vickie and Char went to the stern to wait – I went up to the 2nd Mate’s office with Luzma.  Man, do they have steep stairs on the ferry – later we found there was an elevator.  I was so out of breath, but I made it and had time to sit and catch my breath.  We went down tot he car deck – going down isn’t quite so strenuous.  The crew was so great and understanding.  I stood by the rail – they would only let me do it – I released their ashes to the Sound.  Then as the ferry started up, Vickie and Luzma threw their flowers onto the water for them as well.

I thought I would be very drippy and teary, but only a bit as I released the ashes.  As they went into the water, I said “For you Mom and Dad on your anniversary.  The last wish fulfilled, the last promise kept.  May you spirits soar in love, peace and joy.”  I really didn’t know what I was feeling – not even sure if I felt anything.  I found myself coughing a lot, not sure what that was about.  I wondered if I was holding everything in rather than expressing it – still feel that way now.

They also gave me a certificate – a gorgeous photo of a sunset and they had Mom and Dad’s names, the date as well as latitude and longitude.  The only reason I don’t have it in the post is because I am not sure where in the car it is.  I can’t find it – bummer – and I need to ask Vickie where she put it for me.  I need to check the car again.

We came to Kingston and went to have some lunch – I wanted to buy them lunch to thank all of them for being there and supporting me.  We found a place that is about to move to Silverdale, but still open.  We had a great lunch and all three were having a good time.  Luzma was quiet and Char said she was a bit teary when I released the ashes.  I hope she had a good time.

Then it was time to take the ferry back – I may have been more quiet than usual, not sure what I was thinking or feeling.  I thought there would be a feeling release and relief, but there wasn’t anything.  We dropped Charlotte back at QFC and we drove home.  I dropped Luzma next door and then Vickie drove home.  I went inside and suddenly very tired.  I just sat like a bump on a log, I think I was tired mentally, emotionally and physically.  Eddie was late coming home, so we just had something light.  We went to bed at 9 at 9 and I slept hard – got up a couple of times for the bathroom.

I haven’t been crying or upset, I just am.  Maybe it just hasn’t sunk in yet.

I looked in the bag and by George, there was the certificate.  what a relief!

Ferry Certificate

No Idea For A Title

November 2, 2014

I just realized it has been a week since I posted – not a lot to write about that is interesting.  I’ve been going through the days, often not sure what I need to be doing.  That ugly word “Should” tends to creep in and I am not boarding that bus voluntarily.  I heard an intuitive talk about letting go of the past programs rather than keeping them playing in a loop in my head.  What a great idea!  I have spent too much time and energy with several and enough is enough.  I have an appointment with an intuitive on Tuesday to help me clear a lot of the “Mom stuff” that feels at this moment as if it is choking me.

There has been a situation that my husband keeps harping on even though it is now resolved.  The last time he brought it up, I told him it is a dead issue.  Wonder why I didn’t use that a lot sooner for things I know are dead but I keep them in the mind loop.  I decided in Ike Pono I don’t board the guilt bus any more – I am only responsible for me, not anyone else.  I have finally learned that no matter how small I play, it never makes anyone else feel secure.

Last Monday on my show I talked about the gifts from Mom’s dementia experience – I wasn’t sure if I would get drippy, it worked out fine.    Late in the afternoon I heard the buzzer on the back door – a fellow bearing flowers.  It was a gorgeous bouquet of white lilies, roses, stock and I am to sure what else.  It was from the Breakfast Club.  I had already received a card from them on Saturday – signed by everyone.  Such wonderful friends and colleagues!

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Tuesday I looked at my calendar and realized I had missed my infusion the Thursday before – I don’t think I looked at my calendar at all last week.  So I called my rheumatologist’s office to see if they could fit me in the next morning after Breakfast Club – they could.  I also asked if I needed to change my next infusion because it would be only 3 weeks in between.  I was ready to go to my regular doc and realized it was 9:00, not 9:30.  By then it was 9:15, so I called his office.  Turns out he hadn’t come from the hospital yet and had 2 other people waiting. So we rescheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

I had coffee and lunch with my friend Patti – we hadn’t met for quite a while and it was good to see her.  I was dragging and spending time with her helped me so much.  I have a very boring life next to her, if it isn’t her house, her family, her business and computer – it is her neighbors.  Sounds a bit like a soap opera.  She has been through taking care of her Mom as well, so she had some good advice and insight.  Also, she is in the same business of promotional marketing, though she specializes in gold mining supplies.  I have learned a lot about gelding from her.   I hope she benefited as much as I did.

Wednesday was medical day – I went to Breakfast Club, then to my infusion, then to my doc in the afternoon.  My doc is a little concerned about me and dealing with Mom’s death.  He has offered to give me the name of a really good grief counselor if I need it.  I  like to wait for a bit to see how I do – he wants to see me in a month.  I may take him up on his offer.

Thursday I spent at Apple first at the Pages Group Session, then a One to One about podcasts and putting them on iTunes and my website.  I seem to give Larry a challenge when we do a One to One.  I need to make another appointment so he can figure out the RSS code and how to apply it to my stuff.

Back in a bit.

I took advantage of the sun while it was out to take pictures of John’s handiwork.  It has been raining, often pouring so much, there hasn’t been much sun.  John and his crew worked in the rain – it had almost stopped when they were finished.  This way there is more light to really show what they did.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Looking down the porch to the road

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

It may not look much different because the big trees belong to the neighbor across the street

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Things look so much better with the ugly hedge gone.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Now you can see the sidewalk to the front door

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Donut lilacs that dark core is rotten.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

The camellia was so big, too big for the space.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Looking to the back door

Friday John Van Zanten came with his crew to give us our view back and also give some  things a hair cut.  I asked him to take out that ugly hedge by the outside stairway and then he trimmed some branches on the lilac and the camellia.  Turns out the lilac looked like a donut inside, it was rotted.  Things look a lot different now.  Also, Bob ad Delores next door appreciate the haircut for the view, it helps theirs a lot as well.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

There is a lot more light in the bathroom – small window

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

It looks a whole lot different with the branches gone

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

I want the camellia, lilac and the rhode bloom in the spring, then we will cut them and dig them up – plant something to soften the brick but not above the windows.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Not sure what to do with the two camellias on the left – not really the best place for them.

I took naps for several days  in the week, I slept, then sleep well at night – still tired.   Lots of weird dreams, wonder what they are telling me.   I went to lunch on Saturday with Char, Joan and Joyce in Marysville for Lois’s birthday lunch.  It was cloudy here, but as I got near Everett and Marysville, it was foggy – cold and raw.  However, we had a lovely time and I am glad I went by the time I came home, it was too late for a nap – I could certainly have used one.

That’s my week.

Her Journey’s End

October 9, 2014

Yesterday morning at 4:50 my Mom died peacefully in her sleep.  She had her 96th birthday last month and she finally was ready to let go and make her transition.  We had a call shortly after from Judy, her caregiver to tell us Mom had died.  It was part expected and in part startled me.  Since the doctor had said she was going into the last stages of dementia, I didn’t know how long she would be with us.  It is a relief and also upsetting; even though I knew Mom didn’t want to be here, that she missed my Dad and her cat Josephine.  Judy asked if I wanted to see her body, but I said No; I wanted to remember her the way she was when I saw her Friday – fast asleep under the covers, looking warm and comfortable and holding the weighted baby doll.

I am not sure what I am feeling or what I need or want – I feel at sixes and sevens, sort of wandering around wondering what I am supposed to do.  I called my sisters to let them know, I spoke to Ellen and had to leave a message for Candy because she wasn’t available.  Eddie had a conference he was helping put on and there was no need for him to stay home.  I think it helped him concentrate on that rather than Mom.  I went to my Breakfast Networking Group – Julia asked why I was there.  I didn’t want to be at home.  I’m so glad I went, this group of people have been there to support, encourage and help me through some difficult times – they are close friends rather than just people with businesses I network with every Wednesday.

I am still alternately calm and teary/drippy, never sure when the drippy will appear.

LATER

I’m having trouble settling to anything – I quit writing this because I couldn’t  keep going – usually I go into a flow once I start writing.  I’ve been wondering if writing it out would help – not really sure any more.  I tried having a lie down, to possibly sleep; didn’t happen.  I know I am tired – probably exhausted, but sleeping is not working out very well.  It took me a while to get to sleep last night – then I noticed how stiff and uncomfortable I was.  Not sure what is going on.

Back to the story:

After Breakfast Club I went to see Judy.  She told me Mom was very different on Tuesday, she noticed changes that weren’t there before – she recognized it probably wouldn’t be too long.  She checked on Mom quite often that night and then Mom was gone.  She reassured me that I had done everything I could for Mom and that she feels the loss as well.  She loved my Mom, as she loves all the residents as long as they are there.  It is difficult for her to see them go.  I have tried to tell Judy as often as I can how much I appreciate her, all that she did for Mom and to thank her.  She told me many times that it made such a difference for her to be appreciated – I don’t think too many do that.  She said Mom was a darling and everyone in the house loved her.

I keep meaning to tell Ellen the lilies she sent for Mom’s birthday are still beautiful – they are on the dining room table for everyone to enjoy.  Some have lost their petals, but quite a few are blooming.

I came home  and found a voicemail from Candy – I’m sorry I wasn’t able actually talk to her.  I called the Allens and also John and Luzma to tell them.  I ended up checking my emails and then had a cup of tea and a pear for lunch.  I suddenly felt very sleepy, so I went to lie down for a bit – I think I slept but then the tea kicked in and She Who Must Be Obeyed let me know I needed to get up and use the bathroom.  I went down again for a bit, then Luzma came by.  John had told her when she woke up.  We hugged each other and we sat and talked for a while – she will definitely miss Mom.  She remembers how kind Dad was to her, accepting her and treating her well.  She loved Mom, she said she was like a grandmother to her.  Their shared their gardens and many other things.

I decided I needed to do something, so I worked on the expenses for the business, I have let it go for too long.  it seemed to be the only things I could concentrate on.  Suddenly John and Luzma reappeared, carrying flowers.  She said she knew Mom loved her rose and she thought the house should be filled with roses.  There is one vase is small roses in a deep pink, one vase with red roses and a third vase with apricot roses.  The last vase had white daisies – plus a balloon.  In each vase is a lovely butterfly.  (I’ll put the pictures in another post).

They told me to call them for whatever I need – as soon as I know, I will.  While they were here Eddie called, he was on his way home from the conference, it didn’t last as long as he thought.  I was glad to see him when he came home.  We just had tea and bread – it was later than we usually eat and we were both tired.

I left a message for June, one of the domino ladies and also called and talked to Kathy.  I know there are people to tell but I can’t quite think of them at the moment.  That was Day 1.

What’s New In The Garden

March 23, 2014

It’s the 1st week of March and the flowers are slowly blooming – won’t be Spring officially until about March 21st.  Doesn’t seem to faze them about the hard rain and wind along with the cooler temperatures.  I saw a few flowering fruit trees all in bloom, the crocuses have been up and blooming for a couple of weeks.  Unfortunately it has rained so hard and for so long, the poor things are lying flat on the ground.  They were lovely when they were upright – I didn’t get out to take pictures soon enough.

I just notice by the side along the garage the little daffodils are about to bloom.  The Scillas pushing leaves up all over the place, the back porch bed is full of them.

100_0338

100_0341

I noticed some thin, twirly leaves in the garage bed while the Scillas were bringing up leaves – not sure what they were, almost pulled them out.

100_0342

100_0343What do you know, they are grape hyacinths.  Not easy to see in the photos.

I certainly can’t complain about the weather, I much prefer it to the white stuff and that seems to be happening over most of the country – all our rainstorms will turn into snow as they go over the Cascade mountains and head east.  My concern is when the fruit trees blossom, if it rain and is too windy, all the blossoms are gone and we won’t have pears and apples.  I do need to make sure there are fertilizer stakes for things this year – poor babies have been starved for the last 2 or 3 years.  Now they are in full bud.

100_0344
100_0346
100_0348

Unfortunately they are also covered with lichen and some fuzzy stuff – they would probably do better if I cleaned it off the branches.

I bought something for the cat garden – a cat of course.  I checked Home Depot and they had a cat curled up asleep, I bought it and Eddie put it on the Fortinia stump so she can sleep in the sun.  I must admit, I am sorry to see her in the rain, but she will be fine.  I am also thinking about putting in some pieces of sea glass as decoration, or maybe as a small pond.  Still deciding where and how to arrange it.  Still not sure what to do about the other two beds, the rest of the yard is on its own for the moment.  Most important right now is removing weeds.

100_0272

100_0273

100_0280

Some days I feel badly leaving her out in the rain and cold.

3 Days Later

Wow! You should see all the flowering fruit trees out in blossom; the camellias are out as well – I took a picture of the big camellia tree but I stuck my finger in the middle, so I will retake that.

100_0339That didn’t come out too well either.

I had the two forsythia bushes  taken out in the front, but I looked down the bank and this is what I see now.

100_0337

Two bushes have taken up residence on the bank.  There are a few daffodils down the front bank – who would have thought it.

I never know what I will find blooming these days, I admit i I am not much of a gardener at this point, though I have a lot of ideas I want to try.  Today is one of our sunny days, it is supposed to rain again and of course, all that rain goes over the Cascades and becomes  very wintry weather for everyone east of us.

It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

March 31, 2013

How lovely to have some pretty sunny days with a cool north breeze – what a treat!  I had an interesting week, seems as if everything needed to be done for others right now this minute.  I was able to have an adjustment with my chiropractor, go to breakfast club, (I am now President Elect – in 6 months I will be President), have a lovely massage and enjoy yesterday with Eddie.  Along the way I have been noticing the flowers and trees blooming.  Our next door neighbors are back from Hawaii – they had great weather while it rained and was cloudy and sulking here.  Strangely enough, no new mole mounds in our yard but Sheila, on their other side, has 2 or 3 fresh ones.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

This is what I see out the front windows

The mountains are gorgeous, snow on them and quite far down too.  Haven’t seen the big snow cone much, too many clouds over that way.  Yesterday it was sunny and the mountains were clear – except by the foothills – the fog was sitting there like a collar of whipped cream.  Usually the fog drifts over here and then we can’t see anything for a while.  Funny, that dissipated before it was halfway across the Sound.

I need to go out and take some pictures of the camellias, daffodils and Delores’s flowering quince – it is just coming out.  I have enjoyed seeing some azaleas blooming as well.  I wanted to add some pictures to this post – I will use some pictures from both my sisters – thanks Ellen and Candy.

P1130819P1130549

Thank You Ellen for the Easter Daffodils and the earlier crocus

100_6496100_2742

Thank You Candy for the apple blossoms

I noticed our Cherry trees are showing three or four clusters of blossoms – I doubt we will be getting any cherries from either of the trees before the birds.  I actually though the cherry tree was dead, so it is a surprise to see buds.  The red pear tree has an amazing number of buds, let’s hope the wind doesn’t blow the blossoms off before the pears are set.

100_0113100_0112

I took these last year, those pears are delicious.

Now that I think of it, I do have a picture of the Big Snow Cone.

sn-ranierNow that is a mountain!

It has snow all year round and when you go up to Paradise in the spring, there are the most gorgeous wildflowers all around – with the mountain right there.  And up at Tipsu Lake, you see the lake with the mountain behind it and wildflowers too – what more could one ask?  Having the Olympics outside my front window, across Puget Sound, it is a wonderful place to be.

However, people have to remember, it rains a lot here and there are many cloudy days where it just sulks or else can’t make up its mind what to do.  I love rain, so it is not a big deal to me, but people who like hot weather in the summer and snow in the winter can be very disappointed.  A good friend of mine is a Yooper, born and brought up for most of her childhood on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – she hates the constant rain, having hardly any snow and the mountains.  She feels closed in; whereas I love to see them in all seasons.  Some people even say there are no seasons here.  You have to be a little odd to like living here.

I have shown you a bit of where I live and what I see, I’ve lived in the Midwest, South and Northeast – this is the only reasonable place for me.


Angelswhisper2011

Me and my Granny

TWO Spoiled Cats

Angel Sammy and Teddy Make TWO

Northwest Outdoors

This WordPress.com site is the cat’s pajamas

countingducks

reflections on a passing life

Universal Cosmic Consciousness

All experiences are the journey.

Tofino Photography

Professional Wildlife, Landscape and Seascape Photography

Rocking This Illness: My Story of Life with Behcet's Disease

Navigating Life with an Illness that Doesn't Define Me

I used to be indecisive...

...but now I'm not so sure

livelovebegreen

making my world greener, one day at a time

LEANNE COLE

Trying to live a creative life

Wiley's Wisdom

Joy: From the Ground Up

StickertyClick.com

" Creativity is a drug that i can't live without' - Cecil B. Demille StickertyClick, Destination for all of your edgy creative needs.

brent's iPhone & japan

what am i up to...

TwoCatsViews

Life as Seen by Hemingway and Steinbeck

Kalliope Amorphous

Art blog of Kalliope Amorphous

Top 10 of Anything and Everything

Animals, Travel, Casinos, Sports, Gift Ideas, Mental Health and So Much More!

The Jiggly Bits

...because life is funny.

All Flared Up: An Arthritis Blog

Living Rather Than Wallowing

∞ itis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, autoimmunity, and life

%d bloggers like this: