Flowers, Fruit, Veggies, and Visitors

In the Pacific Northwest, summer is when we meet ourselves coming and going.  The days are long, so we don't sleep much, we cherish every day of sunshine, and sometimes think wistfully of winter when we can slow down.  The true sun worshippers live here - when the sun shines, we can't bear to waste a single minute inside.

A wonderful variety of flowers are in bloom 

My sister, Molly, introduced me to dahlias and gladiolas many years ago, and I can't imagine summer without them.

I used to dig the bulbs every fall and replant in the spring.  However, one year I didn't have time to dig them, so I mulched them good, and they have continued to come back year after year without digging.

Most of my flowers are in a swath along my garden fence, but I've moved a few to the front of the new house.

I've added a few new colors this year and planted some along the front of the new house.

When I choose bulbs in the spring, I usually forget what colors I've picked, so it's always interesting to spot new blooms and marvel at their beauty.

My friend, Karen, gave me a bunch of lily bulbs this year, and they just might be my new favorite flower.  They have come in a variety of gorgeous colors,

My entire garden is engulfed in the wonderful aroma of lilies this year.

With the spectacular weather we've had this summer, my garden is overflowing with produce.  The corn should be ready next week, and I already have 8 quarts of pickles in my pantry.

Wild blackberries are ripe, so I'm fully into my jam making season.

And it's the perfect time to enjoy some of our stunning parks and beaches with visitors.  Our granddaughter, Sara,  her husband, Dan, and their wonderful little munchkins came to visit last week.

We started in Granite Falls at the annual car show, "Show 'n Shine" and then went to Deception Pass State Park for a picnic and some beachcombing.

It's so much fun to watch a toddler choose rocks and sticks to collect. Even Grandma brought home a new rock collection.
We love summer!

Showing our World To our Friends from Florida

We met our friends, Bill and Cynthia, on a bike ride when we were in Florida.  At that time they both rode Harleys.  That was a couple of years ago.  Since then, they have given up the bikes and traded them in for a mini-Cooper.

They are full time RV'ers,

in a very large coach.  Which might be what you need if you are hauling everything you need around with you all the time.  We tried full timing for about 4 months in a much smaller rig, and I was ready for the some serious therapy by then.

With all the tipouts, it's probably as big as our house.

We headed out around 11 - with them in their mini and Ron and I on the motorcycle.  First stop, Jordan Bridge.

 

on to Deception Pass

One of the "must see" places for out of town visitors (even those fearful of heights, like Cynthia).