Home . . . .

 

First sunflower of the season. 

Bill and I arrived home yesterday afternoon just in time for a 102-degree temperature reading. 

We were somewhat spoiled in Seattle with significantly less heat;  temps staying in the 80s. 

So, it was a definite adjustment to drive across the state into an outdoor inferno.  

Nonetheless, it was great to come home after a wonderful weekend.  

We received excellent reports on the doggies, who like their mom and dad, stayed at a hotel. 

It was their first experience in overnight stays, and we received great reports. They ate, they drank, they pottied and behaved.

 The staff told us that Bridie did snarl at Foster a couple of times, but even that wasn't bad.

It was fun driving home with them; both wanted to come up to the front seat for some loving. 

By the way, if you're looking at those photos, yes, I do look a little strange.  

I sometimes wonder if cataract surgery was worth it because I still have to use the cheaters for close-up stuff, and, of course, these days, sunglasses are a necessity. 

So, when in the sun and while looking at my cell phone or trying to read anything up close, that's my new look.  

It works even if it does seem strange. 

Thanks, Boston, for watching the horses and watering. 

As noted yesterday, we stayed at the Hotel Nexus in North Gate off from I-5.  It location handy for the light rail for going downtown and to get on the north-south freeway.  

In addition and more importantly, many members of the hotel staff have become friends. 

Such is the case with Signo from the Ivory Coast of Africa, who works at the front desk.

 We both sensed some familiarity yesterday morning and then remembered that we had met and visited last December.  

Signo is pursuing a career in agriculture and is currently attending Shoreline College. 

I've also included some photos of the "surprise" that we found in our hotel room late Saturday night after returning from the Sounders soccer match. 

The flower bouquet, the wine glasses, the sparkling cider and the balloons were orchestrated by hotel manager Bridgit and front desk clerk Jessica. 

Ladies, if you are reading this post,  amazingly, the bouquet survived the trip across Washington. It now sits in one of the living room windows. 

Bill and I have yet to drink a toast to our recent 50th anniversary and to the thoughtful folks who extended the celebration so beautifully through this gesture. 

The Seattle visit was filled with gifts, both tangible and of fun people whom we encountered. 

My sister-in-law Mary and brother Mike spent some time in England on their recent European tour.  

When Mary saw the tea cup above, she couldn't resist bringing it back with her because she thought I might like it.  

I do.

And I love the poetry book about cows which she found at the London School of Economics.  One of these days when I snap a few more neighborhood cow pictures, I'll include one of the poems in a post. 

I do love cows. 

Thank you, Mary. 

Anyway, we're back home, and there's plenty of work staring us in the face.  That includes another mowing of grass that just keeps growing and a bunch of picking (beans, raspberries and blueberries) and preparing for weekend company, which includes five 19-year-olds who are on a cross-country road trip. 

Even with all the work ahead and facing another hot day, "home" feels good, and tomorrow we should start cooling off. 

So, it's all good. 

Happy Monday.