Work and Play

It was a beautiful weekend and we managed to cram a lot into it. Saturday was cloudless and warm, so we tackled some long overdue yard work. I had to chuckle at Sherry's recent post about the new "gadget" Mauri has acquired for his yard work. (See "cutting edge" http://www.mauriandsherry.com/) And I can't resist adding a pic of our handy dandy edging tool!

On Mother's Day we drove up to Semiahmoo to walk the beach. It was a hazy, humid day, warm enough for shirt sleeves and a long, leisurely walk along the beach. We saw a plethora of wildlife including a curlew--our first. There were lots of sea ducks, herons and a juvenile seal who was having the time of his/her life leaping out of the water, turning sommersaults and flapping its flipper on the water...that's the first time I've seen anything like that. Just as we were leaving at dusk an eagle landed on the snag tree next to our car and I was able to get a quick, blurry shot of him as well as the little bunny that was working hard not to be the eagle's appetizer.

Birthdays All 'Round

Our family has LOTS of "springish" birthdays so this year we decided to celebrate 4 of them at one time. We all rendezvoused at Wayne's place in DesMoines and spent the day laughing uproariously and eating way, way too much. Wayne predicted 70 degree weather for our Bar BQ, but he missed it by a day. Instead we had clouds, rain, sun, thunder, lightening, more rain, some more sun and then just clouds. Not to be deterred, there were still hamburgers and munchies. And of course, there was cake made by none other than himself and Kris. My sides were sore from laughing so much. The best part was the "scream" blow up doll that Terry and Kris have been passing back and forth for years. This year Kris dressed her up in fine spring attire, complete with "hair", a bonnet and a lovely pink boa. It's going to be hard to top this one.

Happy 27th Anniversary To Us!

Flowers by Wally....table runner by me!

It Takes A Village

The very best part of my job is interacting with the various kids who consider the library "home away from home", or as is often the case, their ONLY home. We make our library a fun, safe place for kids who tend not to "fit in" in other social situations. These kids are my VERY FAVORITE ones. Here's a group shot of the self-named "freaks" who spend the first part of their school day with us. Delaney (dead center, front row) is the most kind-hearted young lady you can imagine and she has an incredibly difficult life. Look at those eyes...they say it all!

Spring and Then Some

It has been a long, long winter in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Spring has teased us several times over the last 6 weeks, only to retreat as cold winds and plunging temperatures moved in to set up camp for a little longer. But I think I can safely say that spring may really, really have arrived. How do I know? Well, one sure sign is more than one cloudless, sunny day in a row. And last week we had just that. In fact, we had many days of sun and temps in the 60's in a row. Doors and windows were flung open. People were giddy and took to the streets and parks. Why I even donned sandals without--gasp--SOCKS last week. This is the first time my lil' doggies have seen fresh air since last October!

And....I was able to hang my clean sheets on the line to dry in the SUN!

And the tulips in Skagit Valley are finally blooming. Even though we go down to see the fields every spring, it never ceases to thrill my heart to see pink, yellow, purple and red stretched as far as the eye can see. Why is that? I have my theory that it's vindication for my nursery school/kindergarten days when I spent too many hours in the "thinking chair" because I didn't color my pictures the proper way. Well, who says grass has to be green? Where's your imagination I ask? Skagit Valley is living proof that God thinks wide bands of bright colors are A-OK!

Follow the yellow brick road!

There are "rebels" everywhere! :)

The Day The World Changed......

forever! He is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluiah

Happy Easter

The Problem With Education Is.....

NOT this teacher! http://jessicakelseywhitaker.blogspot.com/

It is good to remember that for every "teacher" who's in the job for the summers off (and there are those!), there are many, many dedicated and passionate ones like my daughter who are there (and hopefully will get to stay there) for all the right reasons.

Hats off to you, Jess!