I had such a great time traveling around the Northwest with Brandon and family. 

We enjoyed some great activites and saw beautiful sites.  One of the favorite activites was exploring the tidepools at Salt Creek.   

We had previously been to the Seattle Aquarium and and saw fabulous sea life - but there’s nothing like experiencing it out in the natural setting.

Tidepools are cool - and we all had fun touching the anenomes and finding the hermit crabs.   

The girls LOVED it…

I was a bit surprised (but delighted) that Emily wanted to hold the little, recently deceased, crab I found.

I think if we hadn’t had to run to catch the ferry to Victoria, we could have spent hours here.

Come visit again and let’s go see more tidepools!

As suggested by friend Chris Spiro on her blog, I’m playing the Memory Tag game. 

Here’s how you play:

1. As a comment on this blog post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory of you.

It’s actually pretty funny to read the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don’t want to play on your blog, or if you don’t have a blog, I’ll leave my memory of you in my comments.

And if you know Chris, be sure to post a memory on her blog!

Today, my little sister turns….  well, let’s just call it another year older.

She always has to share her birthday with that of our nation, but this year, I’m not celebrating Independence Day at all - today, it’s just

Kristin’s birthday! 

Isn’t she cute as a 3 1/2 year old?
(or was it 4 1/2)     

Here are a few things you may or may not know about Kristin….

First, you’ll never find a more loyal friend.  She’ll defend you to the end - but will also be your conscience, because she is, after all, the fairness police :)  It’s been a difficult struggle for her to recognize and accept that life just isn’t fair - because she wants it to be for EVERYONE!

She used to be the responsibility police as well.   But over time, I think she’s discovered life can be more enjoyable if we don’t take responsibility for others responsibility or lack thereof.  With age comes wisdom.   

Kristin is generous to a fault - as exhibited by her innumerable acts of thoughtfulness.   A card with a little cash hidden in the back, just because she knows you’ve hit a rough spot financially (never mind she might be too)….   cards and gifts sent off in time for every birthday or holiday, hours upon hours spent editing photos or videos to make a special surprise, finding ways to help pay for my trip to Hawaii with her when I couldn’t really afford it.   

As a teenager, I’d find sweet notes from her hidden in my room, or flown at me in the form of a paper airplane. I’d come home to discover a gold lame’ bag, filled with M&Ms on my pillow…. Kristin spent her allowance money to do that - even though I teased her horribly, pretending I was going to drop her off the balcony (I suspect she actually enjoyed that game, knowing I wouldn’t REALLY drop her) and making her sell popcicles with Chris for a measley reward. But this post is about Kristin, not me…

She has always been a good sport too.  Especially with her hair.  Whenever I’d get the itch to cut my long hair, she let me satisfy it by cutting hers instead.   She’s had a lot of hairstyles over the years.

And she’s been willing to indulge my silliness and cosmic musings in a way that only a sister can.   She can be pretty silly herself, though.    We have an ongoing habit that if we ever go to a restaurant or store that takes your order/reservation, and then says “could I get a name?” - the name they get is Guenivier, which always draws strange looks.  I love seeing how they try to spell it.   Mind you they never ask, “could I get your name” - it’s always just a name… so we feel no obligation to give them ours.

She has always been there to help with the really hard stuff, whenever I’ve needed her and when no one else showed up (or even if they did).  

Stuff like apartment hunting, packing/ hauling/ unpacking for multiples moves, painting houses, cleaning out houses, drafting divorce and child support agreements, working til 2am (hours after everyone else had left) to help me hang a hundred butterflies from the church ceiling/arrange huge trees to create the perfect “enchanted forest” for Ashley’s wedding, working her butt off in the kitchen during the reception (along with mom, bart and grandma) because the stupid R.S. ladies who committed to be there didn’t show up.  I could NOT have pulled off Ashley’s wedding without her.

Kristin is smart as a whip - though she didn’t realize it til far too late in her life.  She is a talented writer, a whiz with numbers, and can turn ANYTHING into a chart or graph that will blow your socks off.    She’s really quite brilliant.  And, I’m so happy that she shares my disdain for “tacky forms” - and recognizes the importance of a well laid out newsletter or webpage.   

AND - even better, she’s a total wordnerd!

Oh, and along with this smart thing - she’s ORGANIZED. I have made a pie chart graphic in her honor. As she has said many times: A man without a plan is not a man…. (I, apparently, am not a man).

She thinks ahead, when we travel she provides these incredible checklists to make sure we don’t forget anything. When we traveled to Hawaii together for the first time, over a period of a couple months she emailed a history of the islands, information about the culture, just stuff to make sure the trip was all it could possibly be.  She’s just very considerate, including sharing the benefits of her organizational skills with all - and I really appreciate it.

She’s also got a great sense of humor and we do our fair share of laughing when we’re together.  And we seem to keep her kids amused.

Speaking of which, she’s also a great mom, and has raised (is raising) two incredible smart, gifted, thoughtful, respectful, fun kids. She’s instilled in them the understanding that they can trust their own feelings and judgement - that they are capable of making wise decisions - and they do. A devoted companion to Craig, I think he’d tell you she’s the perfect wife for him.  She starts planning months in advance for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift for him - to make sure it is something thoughtful, unique and meaningful.
  

She can be tough and strong and put you in your place if you’re out of line… it’s the Marine in her. Yes, a Marine. (”I can make you handicapped if you want to park there legally….”)  She’s also sensitive, compassionate and tenderhearted. I’m grateful she was able to attend to our mom/grandma during the last couple of weeks of my grandmother’s life. I know it was really hard for her - both physically and emotionally - but she never complained and turned it into a beautiful experience.

We share more private jokes than one could possible count. She’s been my travel companion, commiserator, emotional counselor, technical support, fellow photo fanatic, partner in crime, conscience, cheerleader, moral support and best friend for longer than I can remember. And, honestly, I don’t know how I would have survived many of my life experiences without her. I’m so glad I didn’t have to find out….

Love you - happy birthday!

P.S. Let’s plan another trip!

And now, part 2 of our
British Invasion adventure…. 

Journey to the San Juan Islands

On Sunday Kathleen and I took a somewhat leisurely and scenic drive north to Anacortes Washington (stopping only for brunch at the Swinhomish casino). 

The rhododendrons (which are Washington’s state flower) were in brilliant display in a rainbow of colors.  

After a ferry trip through the beautiful islands we pulled into port at Friday’s Harbor - a charming little town with a lively waterfront - shops, art galleries, restaurants.  Just sailing over, even without a car, to spend a few hours in Friday’s Harbor would make a fun day trip.

For the educational part of our journey, we decided to visit the English Camp we saw on all the maps.  Here is Kathy on the road to the camp, saluting in memory of fallen comrades, perhaps?  

Frankly, I’m not quite sure what Kathy was doing, but it was along this road that we waved to Patricia, a lovely woman simply going for a walk (back toward the main road).  Wondering how we knew her name?  Read on.

And here is Kathy at the marker which tells the story of the Pig War between the British and Americans. (click photo to read it)  Did you know that San Juan Island was the last American soil held by the British? Me either.

It was at this point that we met an older gentleman, returning from the path to the bay, with whom Kathy engaged in conversation…

Kathy: Hello, how are you today.
Man:  (seeming a bit despondent) Oh, I’m doing ok. I just lost my wife.
Kathy: (consolingly) I’m so sorry.
Man:  Oh, I’m sure she’ll turn up sometime.

LOL.   I spoke up and told the man we had passed a woman, who was probably his wife, walking up on the road.  So he called out “Patricia!?“  I pointed out that she had been WAY up the road… far enough she probably wouldn’t hear him calling.

He headed up the road after her, and we took the path to the bay…. but for the next 15 minutes we were heralded with sounds of Patricia!?   PATRICIA!!!!   PA-TRI-CIAAAAAAA!!!!!!!   We could hear him clear down by the bay.  

From there we headed to Roche Harbor for dinner, but made a stop at the Wescott Bay Sculpture Park.  VERY COOL.   There are about 108 sculptures in the 19 acre park.   This piece is called “Broken Melody.”

If it had not been so hot, we’d have explored further - but the weather was warm and after our hike (for most people it would be considered a walk, for us it was a hike) around the English Camp, we were a bit overheated and worn out.  

We drove into lovely Roche Harbor, which is a charming resort town.  Dinner was so-so, the water tasted funny, and the service slow, but the view & ambiance were spectacular.   

After dinner we took a stroll through the beautiful formal Victorian garden, filled with peonies, forget me nots, lilies, wisteria, clematis, hydrangea, poppies, and many more…  including this really interesting plant.  I have no idea what it is.  Do you?   More pictures at the link at the end of this post.

We stayed at the States Inn & Ranch - a working alpaca ranch bed & breakfast.  They also had chickens, sheep, and a friendly cat.   Although it was a pleasant stay (& the lavender shortbread cookies were delicious), I probably wouldn’t stay there on a future visit.  The most memorable part for me was the wonderful frog chorus which sang us to sleep.  Yes, I recorded them   Listen and enjoy….

The next morning, we woke up to breakfast in the dining room with the other guests -  made from locally grown produce and their own farm fresh eggs.  The scones were particularly yummy.

In addition to the farm animals,  we saw quite a bit of  wildlife as we drove around the island.  There was a fox sitting near the road, with two smaller foxes tumbling and playing.  I really wish I’d stopped in the middle of the road and taken a picture (a car was behind us, and no where to pull over).   

We also saw several deer - including a doe and two small fawns hiding in the trees, along with a pheasant, a bunny, an eagle, and a fat lazy seal.

On our final day we made a visit to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse / State Park.  We met a family from Minnesota (or Winconsin?) who have traveled and spent every summer for 15+ years volunteering at the lighthouse - which is one of the best places to watch for whales.  
 

 
We didn’t stay long enough to see the orcas that were making their way up the coast that day…  we had a lavender farm to visit!

We stopped by the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and store.   Of course we bought more lavender shortbread cookies.  Even though the lavender was not yet in bloom, it was still a beautiful farm.  And don’t you love this huge pi sculpture sitting in the middle of the field???
         

After spending an hour or so browsing art galleries, gift shops and book stores, we grabbed a bite to eat at the Rocky Bay Cafe and then hopped on the ferry for the trip home. 

Look - a marshmallow farm!   On the drive back, we were lucky enough to capture a picture of this new and extremely rare crop of giant marshmallows.

We left for the airport the next morning where I bid farewell to Kathleen and sent her back to SLC….  it was so fun to have you here - come visit again soon!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF OUR ADVENTURE

Ok, so it was more of a visit than an invasion… and really more from SLC than from Britain… 

Two days after the Ashleye departed, Kathleen (who really is British) arrived to spend 5 days in the lovely northwest with her fantastic friend (me).  She thought she was coming to relax, but I had other plans.  Actually I didn’t really have other plans, but we kept ourselves busy nonetheless!

She arrived in Seattle at the ungodly hour of 7:50am (neither of us are “morning people”) and we headed straight into Seattle for the “Savor Seattle” tour at Pikes Place (review to follow in another post).   This is Kathy standing by one of the many flower peddlers in the market.

After a fabulous, but exhausting, 2 hour walk around the market, we made a few purchases and headed back to my place.   Kathy (who hadn’t slept the night before, worried she wouldn’t hear her alarm) took a much needed 2 hour nap…. that lasted until late the next morning .   

We took it pretty easy on Friday, exploring my small garden and left the condo only for dinner at Azuls and a little shopping at the fabulous Musings, which features the work of local artists.  We finished the evening off with pedicures. Our feet were very happy.

Saturday was another big day.  We started off by browsing a couple of shops at The Country Village, then headed to downtown Bothell (which is tiny) for a bit of lunch at the Kozy Corner Cafe - and then were off on a quest to find the Chateau Ste Michelle winery.    We took the scenic route through some lovely Woodinville farmland (i.e., I didn’t know where the hell I was going),  and eventually found ourselves entering the incredibly beautiful grounds.

Neither of us had ever been to a winery before so decided to take the free tour.  We both learned a lot about how wine is made, why red wine can be so expensive (aging them in expensive, hand made oak barrels imported from France or Italy) and all about why Washington’s Columbia Valley offers the perfect climate for growing wine grapes.    And did you know that the year of a wine is not the year the wine was made, but the year the grapes were picked?    Neither did I.

The tour ended with a tasting of 3 wines….  I should point out that I hate wine.  I think it’s nasty.  And it’s deceptive!  It smells so wonderfully fruity, and then has this dry, bitter taste.  Blech!  So the tasting was a bit awkward to say the least.   I graciously did try a sip, and when our cute tour guide noticed I was disposing of the remainder (or pouring them in Kathy’s glass for her to finish )  I explained that I like my drinks sweet.    

So she was delighted to tell me that the final wine we would be tasting is a sweet wine…  a dessert wine, Muscat Canelli (2006, I believe), available only in the retail shop at the winery.    I was a bit apprehensive, but discovered it was quite tasty and finished the glass.   Wouldn’t it figure that I’d like a dessert wine?  And an expensive one at that.   I’d probably never buy a bottle, but if you offer me a glass of dessert wine, I’ll try it.

Kathy, on the other hand, really enjoys wine in all its varieties.  She can expound on which were her favorite. 

We would have loved to spend some time exploring the beautiful grounds, joining the other winery visitors who had spread blankets on the grass to enjoy a picnic or some wine and cheese…  such a delightful place to spend a Saturday afternoon… but it was TOO DAMN HOT!   Most residents of the area were enjoying Seattle’s unseasonably warm weather (80-ish) that weekend, but we both prefer a cooler temp, so we got back in the air conditioned car and made the requisite pilgrimage to nearby Molbaks.

Look - while I was taking photos of hydrangeas, Kathy found more wine and passed out on a lounge chair.  

Molbaks is the ultimate garden store…   acres of flowers and fabulous interior decorating/gift sotre. On a rainy or cool day we’d have spent hours there.  But, unfortunately, it was also a bit warm for both of us - so our stay was brief. 

We had a party to get ready for anyway.

After a bit of freshening up, and preparing a tasty spinach salad for the potluck, we headed to Mercer Island for lovely evening socializing with 15 members of my fabulous Seattle Post Mormon group.  Great conversation, good food, perfect temperature, and a beautiful view of Lake Washington. 

Kathy was a hit at the party, of course.  This woman is very clever and knows how to tell a story… she can even make funerals funny.  They were very disappointed to learn she lived in Salt Lake and won’t be a regular attendee.

And so ends part 1 of our adventure…. tune back tomorrow (or the next day) to hear about our journey to the San Juan Islands…

Thank you Ashley and Ashlee for sharing your “girls trip” with me.  It was so fun to have you nutty girls around.   What a treat to be able to spend Mother’s Day with my (all grown up) baby.   I’ll let Ashley share the details of her trip on her blog, but will post a review of our “Savor Seattle Tour” soon!

I just learned that my sister, Kristin, has adopted a very important family tradition.  I’m so delighted!

It began when Ashley started dating.  The first time a new suitor would come to do the door, I would answer and greet them.   Unbeknownst to Ashley, The dialogue woud go something like this:

   boy:  Is Ashley home?
   Me: Yes, she is - but first, a song.
   boy:  Huh? 
   Me: A song. You need to sing me a song.
   boy:  (visibly weighing options)  Umm…  what song?
   Me: Oh, any song will do. Maybe ________ (then a suggestion).
   boy:  really?

Some took a bit more convincing - not wanting to look foolish, I’m sure.  But when they realized I was dead serious and they were NOT getting in the house, nor was Ashley being made aware of their arrival, they’d give in and sing.   Some even enjoyed themselves, and those were the boys I knew would be fun dates for Ashley.

I heard “Give Said The Little Stream“, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” among others.    My all-time favorite response was Ashley’s friend Josh - all 6′4″ of him…. without batting an eye, he launched into “I’m a Little Teapot” (which he chose) and even did the actions.  He got bonus points.

One kid, named Richard, absolutely REFUSED to sing and I eventually relented in letting him in.  But I knew he’d be a very POOR MATCH foor my daughter (which he was… not a fun bone in his body)… and after a far too long dating spell she finally realized it too

Justin, now her husband, performed Rod Stewart’s - “Have I told you Lately That I Love You” beautifully… ending up on one knee, I believe.   The two of them are still singing today!

So…. today I learned that J’Neil (my neice) had her first suitor arrive today - and Kristin was serenaded with “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”   I nearly cried with joy.

Since J’Neil is just entering her dating era, Kristin would love a list of song suggestions…. any ideas?   

Did, or do you have any “first date” traditions like this?

I recently spent 10 days in Salt Lake, celebrating my birthday and enjoying time with family and friends.   Of course I haul my suitcase of camera equipment with me so I can photograph my favorite subjects.   Here are my three grandaughters at our Spring Party / Easter Egg Hunt…  Aren’t they cute? 

It was so much fun spending time with them - though when the three of them get together they go nuts!   They enjoy each other a lot, and wear all of the adults out with their enthusiasm. 

Their parents are pretty cute too…

One of these years, all of my piscean friends need to be together for our birthdays…    but for this year, at least, I was able to spend time with Kathleen on her day (which is the day after mine) and got her to sit for a photo.  

She is so much fun.  Ashley, Kennedy and I stopped by with a small gift and Glaus French pastries (I have yet to find a comparable bakery in the Seattle area) and we had a great visit.  Especially Kennedy, to whom Kathy ALWAYS gives her personal attention. 

Kathy and I spent a couple of days with each other the next week, dining, running errands, watching movies, shopping, laughing and just catching up.  It’s good to spend time with friends - and this is one I just don’t see often enough.   Thanks Kathy.  Can’t wait for your visit next in May!

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Michelle….   

aka Honey, Goob, Shell, Shelly and Buns (nickname given to her by the neighborhood buys who appreciated her cute derriere). 

We’ve been best friends since 9th grade (which is a lot longer ago that it feels) and some of my best memories, most embarrassing moments, and my greatest laughter, have been shared with her.  

She’s smart, wickedly funny, talented, compassionate, a loyal friend, and looks as great today as she did 20 years ago.  Maybe even better.   Including her “buns.”  I’m jealous.   

I don’t know why, but when we are together we are very different than when we are apart.   Something synergistic happens and creates a force to be reckoned with.  Together, we were (and are) nuts. Immune to peer pressure… or family pressure…. fashion sense or any other boundary.  We were good kids - but we truly didn’t care what anyone else thought of us when we were together.  We did the silliest, dumbest things - and kept ourselves laughing constantly.

Things I’d never do on my own.  I could write volumes about the pranks we pulled and things we did together….  Umbrella tree fiasco, belly button filters, pantomiming food while walking down the street, tea parties, prank phone calls to our classmates that led to their embarrassment in the classroom (that is my favorite)….

Some people were really annoyed with us, some jealous (we got away with a lot)… and there were a good many who just loved to be around us to see what would happen next.   I’m sure my siblings will concur…. 

I love that when we’re together EVERYTHING is funny.  We could look at a piece of toast and burst out laughing.   And Michelle is full of the best one liners… really very witty.   She kept me in stitches on our trip to Butchart Gardens last year.  And she’s good sport, not afraid of looking foolish or laugh at herself, and she’s willing to be poked fun of and accept teasing as good natured fun.   Thank you for letting me draw hats and faces on your toes.  Have I mentioned she is really funny?

A true friend - knows me well, all my faults, my embarrassing secrets, and more - and loves and accepts me as I am.  Doesn’t matter how much time has passed, when we connect it’s like we were together yesterday.  I hope we’ll be making a lot more memories together in the next phase of our lives…. 

Love you!   Hope your day is great!