Summer '08

This summer has brought more wildlife to our neighborhood than we have had in the 30 years we've been here. Most exciting was the black bear that had been reported, but not seen by us until last month. He was crossing the street seemingly unaware of us as we drove on to our street. We'll watch a little more carefully when we are out walking now! We've also had reports by neighbors about bobcat sightings. So far we haven't seen one ourselves, but our next door neighbors photographed two on their property. The usual coyotes haven't caused a stir, nor have the ever-present deer other than eating my roses and berries.

Wildlife is abundant and part of the allure of living here in the Great Pacific Northwest.

Deer on our front lawn.

We've also had a few short trips away from home. In June, we went to California to visit Mark who had a summer internship down that way. We also got to see my sister who is in that area.

Last month we went to the Oregon coast for a couple of days where our daughter-in-law's parents were celebrating their 40th anniversary. What a great place the Oregon coast is! The beaches are wide and expansive with relatively few visitors. We went on long walks, flew kites, rode beach bikes, played with the grandchildren, and roasted marchmallows on the beach as the sun set.



Houseguests have been abundant, as well. My cousin from Texas who had never been to the northwest, came for a short visit. The weather was uncharacteristically very cooperative and we had a grand time showing off the local sites. They had heard rumors about all the rain, but they were pleasantly surprised at the balmy days we had during their visit.

The grandchildren came individually for visits, which has become a much anticipated event for them and for us. They also came with their family a couple of times.

Mark is due home on Monday and will get to be with us for 2 weeks before heading back to Boston.

That's it for another session. We'll be back when there is more to say.......