Spring and Summer Under Lockdown!

 Since we have all been hearing about Covid-19, the lockdown and politics in this crazy election year, I promise to keep my comments non-Covid, non- lockdown and non-political. Wow....2020 has certainly been a unique and unusual year to navigate! I have spent a great deal of time at home, so this chapter will not be filled with much in the way of excitement!! LOL! My last post recounted the more "normal" days of winter and early spring, but now instead of travel and exciting adventures, it has been a time of evaluation and introspection....which is of course quite valuable....or maybe just downright scary!

Part 1- Spring

As always I am delighted to see spring arrive so I can begin playing in the dirt... Ariel's dogwood tree was lovely this year!

My Mother's Day flowers from the Larsens...here it is October and they still look beautiful!

The clematis, sage and lavender have taken over my little herb garden!

Although off to a slow start this clematis is quickly catching up.

Planted this box early as it has peas, lettuce, carrots and spinach.

Numerous pickings have helped to fill my freezer!

For the past two years I have not been able to grow any type of squash due to  the voracious appetite of the local squash bugs....yuk! This year I thought I would outsmart them by netting the squash until they bloomed, then I would have to let the bees have access. It worked! I have had enough zucchini for the entire neighborhood and even managed a few butternut squash..VICTORY- never saw a single squash bug!

Of course the roses, peonies and hybiscus never disappoint!

   

Nathan and the kids helped replace the plastic edging around the lawn and along the flowerbeds with very sturdy steel edging. They did a stellar job! Love my Larsens!

Part 2- Family, Feline and Friends

One of the advantages of having Haven's family in town is my getting to take one of the grandkids out for lunch and a day together each month. One of the popular stops is the Japanese park that boasts some 40 or so Koi. By the way, they really like Multi-Grain Cheerios! Even Little T (who is now 16 and 6ft tall) enjoys this activity!

Here is Dulcinea (now 14) being very Zen at the Japanese park...

Noble's son, Julian (now 12) came to Moses Lake to spend 2 weeks with Mima. Nathan and Ariel went to Utah over Labor Day weekend and he came back with them, then I flew him home...well Delta did most of the actual flying! We had a great time together. He especially enjoyed his cousins and Ariel's chickens!

My friend Naoko Kawahara Johnson whom I met while serving in Japan on a mission, now lives on the west side of Washington state. On occasion she and her husband pass through Moses Lake on their way to Idaho or Utah. It is fun when she has the time to stop so we can catch up!

Ariel opened a draw to get out some linen for the bed I would be occupying over the weekend, and of course Gus saw that as an opportunity to claim a spot among the sheets! She is one funny cat!

Part 3 - The Getaway

Deanna came to visit for awhile..such a treat to all be together. We decided to take a short trip to Harrison, Idaho, which is on the other side of Lake Coeur D' Alene. A tiny town of 300 filled with friendly people, little shops and a delightful Bed and Breakfast that we called home for three days! Our hostess was an excellent cook and we enjoyed the peace and quiet in this laid back community.

Sherry sets a charming table and the eclectic interior of this "home away from home" is very comfortable!

The building has served many uses over the many years, including being the town's hospital.

We had lunch at a pier -front eatery in Coeur d'Alene. The weather was fabulous!

It was warm enough for these two to take to the water...my job was camera-woman!

The Harrison Creamery had quite the reputation for ice cream and fudge...and we were not disappointed!

Part 4 - Fires and Frosting

The West Coast fires were not a threat to us here in Moses Lake, but the smoke was horrific. We had about a week where going outside was not a healthy option! The sun was an orange ball in the middle of the day and every surface was covered in soot...I was never so grateful for clean air and blue skies!!

Speaking of fires, Ariel and Haven decided 70 candles would be a good idea for my birthday cake! It is a wonder the smoke alarm did not hail the local fire department!

Knowing my great love of flowers, the kids all chipped in for 70 gerber daisies!! Had to use the cookie jar for a vase!! Was an enjoyable weekend with family and friends! I am so very blessed!

Well that about brings you up to date. Not too painful for a 6 month synopsis I hope!

October 5th Kelsey would have been 42! Doyle has no doubt been his companion these past four years. Each May and October I head to the cemetery to check on the boys. Haven went with me and we cleaned up the headstones and let them know that we were still missing them !

How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings me hope, peace and the expectation of seeing all of my loved ones once again.

May the Lord's richest blessings be yours until we meet again, either in this life or the next!