All posts by Allison

In the Garden

Fair Weather Gardener

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It’s been too hot here the past week or so… hovering in the low 80s. I know, I know, I’m a weather wuss. But that’s (one of the reasons) why I moved here!

What I think it looks like in AZMy iPhone has a handy, dandy feature where it shows me the current temp in whatever cities I have selected to check. It frequently reminds me how glad I am I live here, rather than in the parched desert. Here is where things stand at 12:56pm on Sunday, July 19th.

  • Mill Creek, WA: A perfect 64°
  • Salt Lake City, UT: 94°
  • Kennewick, WA: 83°
  • Princeville, HI: 80°
  • Phoenix, AZ: 110°

The high today will be around 74°. And if that weren’t enough to make me love living in Washington, take a gander at what’s been happening in my garden the last while. Those tall pink and white foxglove just sprouted from seeds that blew over from the field behind my condo. Cool, huh?

In my garden

How are you enjoying the weather??

Family/Friends, Photography

Fun 4th

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Shaun, Darren & Jordan What started out as a rather ordinary day turned into a very enjoyable holiday celebration.

My neighbor, Darren (in the center), who happens to be a chef, invited me up for a delicious barbeque late afternoon. I enjoyed meeting his his nephew (just moved from NY to attend college) & his friend Jordan.

David I also got to meet and become friends with David, a friend of Darren’s visiting from Chicago.

David is a landscape designer and we started talking plants and gardens right away… and didn’t stop for most of the night. We plant nerds tend to bond quickly.

We made the drive into Seattle for fireworks over Lake Union…. and, after driving up and down nearly every street, were amazingly lucky to find a parking spot just a couple of blocks from our vantage point above the freeway.

It was a beautiful night and we were gifted with an incredible sunset prior to the fireworks show.

Sunset at lake union

I found what I hoped would be a prime spot for photographing the fireworks and set up my tripod. Darren & David found a less crowded viewing area, so I socialized and discussed classical music with Steve, a local resident. We were surrounded by a very international crowd – I heard several languages being spoken, including Russian, Japanese, French, and what I believe was Farsi.

And then the fun began! This was probably the most artistic fireworks display I’ve ever seen…. simply breathtaking. Here are a few of the 300 pictures I took…

Fireworks and Lake union

So what did you do for the holiday? See any great fireworks?

Whatever

Ants in my pants

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antsI’ve been wondering what amusement, what mischief, what possible thrilling prize awaits the little black ants who wander aimlessly around my bathroom floor?   

Yes, they’ve even ventured into the mysterious folds of my pants, lying in a crumpled pile on the floor as I shower.

Where do they come from?  Why are they here?  What do they want??????

Family/Friends

Happy Birthday Jen

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Jen on her wedding dayHappy birthday to my favorite daughter-in-law…

Jennifer is such a sweet and caring person.  She’s so easy to be around and is such a wonderful hostess. I always feel so welcome when I stay at her home.

She’s a fabulous cook – adventurous in the kitchen. I’ve had something new and delicious every time I visit (I always look forward to it). And she always has dessert 🙂

I have no idea how she manages to keep her house spotless with two little girls and a husband home all day!

Jen as a WhoAnd very talented!  She has a beautiful voice and is an actress.  Here she is in the musical Seussical.    I admire that she’s always taking a new class, trying a new thing, learning and doing more.

In addition to being a great wife and mom, she is a good friend, a loving daughter and a dear person.  I wish I had known her as a little girl and teenager. I so enjoy our late night conversations whenever I’m in town (she can stay up as late as I do, believe it or not), and hope that we get to spend lots more time together this coming year.

Have a very happy birthday Jennifer!  Love you!

Brandon, Jennifer, Emily & Marie

Funny Stuff

Congratulations

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While at the Hallmark store the other day, I came across a card that made me burst out laughing.

Even though I have no one to send it to, I just had to buy it – and I share it with you now.   I hope at least some of you find it amusing.

Your engagement

Congratulations.

Family/Friends

Happy Birthday Paul

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Dear Paul,

I realized today that I didn’t get a birthday card in the mail to you – which I had fully intended to do.  So, instead, this year you get an online birthday greeting. I have no baby pictures of you to share – but did come up with a couple of gems 🙂

Paul in 1981?So…  Happy birthday to one of my favorite people in the world – certainly my favorite former in-law.    I have so many fond memories of times spent with you – most of them filled with laughter and or witty/ironic observations about the insanity that surrounded us.

Thank you for giving me crazy perms and purple, red or blonde hair and making me feel beautiful even when I wasn’t.  Time spent in your salon chair was better than therapy.

Thanks for helping me survive the “Pearce years.”   For the listening ear, the commiserating, the humorous observation, support and the shoulder to cry on.

Thanks for taking me dancing when your brother wouldn’t.  Memories of our trips to the Sun still make me smile.

Thanks for being irreverent and snickering at the back of the room with me at those gawd-awful Christmas parties, where the entertainment was watching videos of the previous year’s entertainment.  I’m so glad I found myself among the troublemakers of the family… there weren’t many of us, but we banded together and had a good time 🙂

Paul in the early 90s?Thanks for being one of the few people to whom I could send a birthday card I got at Cahoots back in the 80s 🙂

Thanks for opening my eyes and completely shifting my perspective and view on being gay…. you were the first person I knew to come out – and, in that very moment, I realized that nearly everything I’d been taught about homosexuality was wrong. And I just keep thinking that if everyone could really know you, they’d all “get it…” and their eyes would be opened too!

And though we are no longer officially related, you feel like family to me… we’re now family by choice. I’m so glad that you finally got online so we could be in regular touch!

Craig & PaulYou are a bright light and always a joy to be around, Paul. I’m so delighted that you have found a place you love to live, and someone you adore to share your life with. May this year be the best yet.

And yes – I am still planning on coming for a visit before the year is over!

Happy birthday and love you!

P.S. Anyone else want to wish Paul a happy birthday or share a memory of him with us? 🙂

Music / Entertainment, Reviews/Recommendations

Previews

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I rarely see a movie at the theater anymore, preferring the convenience, comfort and affordability of Netflix.  However, I do make exceptions.    Saw Angels & Demons with Kathleen while in Salt Lake (really enjoyed it) and took in Star Trek yesterday.  Loved it.   Some films just have to be seen on the big screen.   And one of the benefits of a movie at the theater is upcoming previews.

Here were the movies  I previewed at the theatre last night – along with my desire, or lack thereof, to see them.

Public EnemiesPublic Enemies.    I love Johnny Depp – and Christian Bale ain’t too shabby. This looks like it will be pretty good, though violent. It’s a “wait for Netflix” movie.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.     Definite theatre movie.  Can’t wait.

Transformers:  Revenge of the Fallen  -  meh.  No interest in seeing this at the theater or at home.

A dumb movieYear One.    LOL…  This looks like it will be a really dumb movie – typical Jack Black fare (and Mike Cera), but the previews made me laugh despite myself.   I think I’ll wait for netflix.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Ummm.  Not sure I’ll want to see this…

Are you looking forward to any of these movies?   Seen any previews that made you really want to see the movie – or really want to stay away from it??

In the Garden, Whatever

Random Thoughts

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It feels like it’s been a long time since I posted and, for some reason, the thought of doing to has been a bit overwhelming.  To break myself back in, here are some random thoughts that have occupied my mind since I last posted.

Delphinium BouquetWas thrilled with the $5 delphinium bouquet I picked up at the local farmers market Friday.

Yes, $5.00

I think I’ll drop by every Friday and pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers.

I get grumpy when I’m too warm.  Anything over 80 degrees is too warm.

I’m glad I have access to a pool when it gets over 80 degrees.  I love swimming – or at least exercising in swimming pools.  And preferably the water won’t be ice cold next time!

Unlike most people in Seattle, I was happy when the heat wave passed and cooler days returned.  I spent much of yesterday planting in my garden (a garden post coming soon).

Hummingbird foodHummingbirds make me happy. Don’t have a pic of them, but here’s where they comes to dine every day.  Last night one came by while I was sitting on the patio, and he hovered down at eye level and looked straight at me for several seconds.   I love him.

On the other hand, snails, slugs, spiders and  mosquitoes – still not a fan.

Also not a fan of the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold mean-spirited Prop 8.    Also still not a fan of Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney.

Still happy that Obama won the election and am pleased with how he is engaging internationally.

hphbp.jpgI’m eagerly awaiting the release of Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince movie!

I think I’ll go see the new Star Trek film this afternoon. Have you seen it?

While I’m gone, please share a few of your random thoughts.

Family/Friends

Adventures in babysitting

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Kennedy loved riding TraxOn Monday, Kennedy and I stopped by JVDGE Cafe and bought one of those sinful brownies that Ashley is always raving about. Delicious.

Then we took Trax (Kennedy loved it) and met Brandon & family at Clark Planetarium at the Gateway center.

The girls visit marsKennedy, Emily and Marie brought their swimsuits to run through the dancing fountain in 90 degree weather but, unfortuantely, it was closed for maintenance. I spotted another (small) water feature, and we were happily surprised the girls seemed to have just as much fun in it as they would have in the big one.

Back at the planetarium, the girls had an exciting adventure on Mars and well as the moon. Fortunately I was there to capture photos.

On the moon

Under The Sea 3D Movie at the Clark Planetarium We wrapped up our day at the planetarium with the 3D movie, Under The Sea. Very cool – highly recommended, even though Kennedy was startled by a cuttlefish quickly snapping up another fish for dinner, and wouldn’t wear her 3D glasses through much of the movie.

I especially enjoyed the jellyfish, sea dragons and the sea turtles. The girls loved the seals at the very end.

On Wednesday, Kathy brought her grandsons, Ben and Jonas, over and we all walked to the park. They played really cute with Kennedy.

On the swings

Ashley & JonasBen Pearce

Thursday night I hosted a sleepover with all three of my granddaughters….. Kennedy nearly 5, Marie age 3 1/2, Emily 5 1/2. The girls decorated foam crowns with jewels, and we watched Beauty and the Beast.

Three little princesses

The next day we went to the park, made foam sticker princess story pictures (Emily is quite the little artist), played dress up and Barbies, made cookies, watched several movies/tv shows… It was a very fun 24 hours but exhausting. Fortunately, Brandon and Jennifer picked up all the girls for a sleepover at their house the next night. I really enjoyed sleeping in on Saturday 🙂

Ashley returns home tomorrow….      but I’ve had a great time playing grandma the last 10 days!

Whatever

Werner

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I’ve met several of Ashley’s friendly neighbors while staying here. I’ve talked gardening with Linda and her partner Sara from next door. Another dropped by with her kids, bearing cookies, to introduce herself. Was delighted to learn they have a girl Kennedy’s age.

Blah blah blahOne neighber, in particular, is very nice and helpful, but a bit odd… an older German man named Werner who Kennedy asked one day “why do you talk and talk?”

He DOES talk and talk…. and talk…. and talk…. The other day my mom stopped by to visit and he kept her verbally captive for quite some time. He tried to convince her he’d met her the day before (it was me he’d met… )

 When I came out of the house she said, “No, I’m HER mother… you met HER.”

It was sprinkling and I gleefully cried out – “Oh, it’s raining just for me – I miss Seattle.”

He looked at me and said, “It’s good we’re all different – good to have different kinds of people.”

I assumed (and I imagine you will too) that he was going to launch into a verbal essay about how some people like warmth and sun, and some like rain and cooler temps, etc…. but no. No, that’s not what he said.

Instead, what came out of his mouth was this….

“Yes, some people are big (as he held his hands out kind of wide… and I can only assume he was referring to me), some are smaller (as he moved his hands in a little closer… referring to my mother???) and some are even smaller still…. I like them all. It’s good to be different.”

My mom and I exchanged perplexed looks and I couldn’t decide whether to burst out laughing or punch him in the mouth.  I opted for standing there dumbfounded,followed by a quick escape to the back yard.