A bug in the house

Summer saw our first non-holiday/non-cider related offspring visit. Kristin came for six days in August and brought smoke-free skies and pleasant weather with her. We enjoyed it very much. We took her to the winery in Brewster we like for an early birthday celebration and drove to Perrygin Lake for a lazy summer getaway. Kristin tried out her SUP on the lake and Loki enjoyed some deep swim/fetch sessions. Luna napped in the shade. 

 

Light my fire

The good news this summer was that very few wildfires occurred in the valley itself -- but there were many in the region that were only too happy to share smoke with us. We went through many weeks in August with days on end of air so polluted we hesitated to go outside at all and we looked outside to our post-apocalyptic movie view with despair.

 

Going out with a bang

 

B's sis Leah had a big transition this summer, a post-divorce move and house sale. We visited over July 4th for the wonderful water-side house's last hurrah. It was a wonderful celebration for a home that has hosted many gatherings of family and friends. Moroccan friend Drissia and her twin girls attended and it was great to have her there after many years away in California. We were sad to say goodbye to the home but now are looking to set up new adventures. 

With a little help from my friends

 B took a full week away from home and construction chores and headed to pal Jason's home to help HIM with construction. They built a new deck/pergola for his coastal house and word is it turned out great. Brad came down from Portland to assist for a couple of days as well. 

A gorgeous gorge

We went to our first concert at the Gorge Amphitheater this summer -- Brandi Carlile. It was a fantastic show. We can't wait to go again next year or to see another performer at that venue. 

 

Sharpshooter

This year's shooting competition was a big one for us -- B won first place in one division and was very happy to do well in an event named for his dad.  

 

a day for fathers

Father's Day we were on our own so we decided to go exploring. We drove to Black Pine Lake and areas in the hills around there. We talk about more "Sunday drives" like this but have not had much time outside of this.

 

Packy and a lot of boats

During our June visit south I spent an afternoon with Mary, at our old haunt -- the zoo. Hadn't been there in decades and it was a kick. Then we headed to PC and Charlie and Jess joined us for the weekend. It was the Blessing of the Fleet event so we attended to support the organization. Fosters had cleared some trees from the lot next door, the sign of changes coming.  

 

Brown's Point last hurrah (almost)

 

We headed over to Tacoma in May and Bug and Boo came up to celebrate Mother's Day early. The girls and I took the ferry to Vashon Island and we helped B's sister sort and pack some of her stuff. It was great to spend more time in this spectacular home!

Holidays in the Valley

We hated not seeing any of the kids for the holidays this year but hope it is just a one-off. 

Christmas Eve we drove to Chelan and spent a couple of hours at bar, sipping hot drinks and playing games. It was much like other holidays -- just quieter!

 

When is a house a home?

 

We had to installed  our bedroom in the new garage for the duration. It works fine but feels kind of like a college housing set up. 

In the old section of the house we tore off the old lap siding, exposing the home's original siding, and adding rigid foam insulation with new siding. Should be a whole new energy savings!

Basement former kitchen/dining & soon to be exercise and guest space

Our new retaining wall turned out great and should last a long time. 

Springtime is bustin' out

Spring this year caught us deep in the work on the house, settling into a new climate and getting used to it, learning about growing things here etc. The chickens are doing okay in the new pasture, however we've lost two to predators and need to figure out what kind of critter it was. We won't plant any garden and flower beds until all the construction is over. So much dust!

 

Springtime in the city

We continue to head to Portland every three months or so. This spring we did some house material shopping, went to the art museum with Sarah and met Jess and her friends to enjoy her wedding dress shopping. and key is time for Brian to connect at his company's headquarters. Good trip!! 

Loki Loki Loki

 Overall, the  worst of Loki's bad puppy behaviors are easing up...but not gone.  He decided to eat nearly $100 in yarn right after I bought it recently. Count...one...two....three. This too shall pass. 

THIS is winter?

road trip to Oroville

Strange holiday season this year. Because of the construction we weren't able to host folks at the house and because of the same we didn't feel comfortable traveling. So we stuck close to home, having a simple dinner with just us on Thanksgiving and joiningnNancy and Leah the next day for a road trip to Oroville. Nancy wanted to spread some of Ray's ashes where his dad was buried and she wanted company. Can't say a whole lot about Oroville (and aggressive dogs meant our visit to the cemetery was no fun) but we enjoyed family time.