Don't be afraid of watermelon!

What a beautiful month of September - the geraniums, roses, and Black-eyed Susans are keeping my back yard in a state of beauty and we are still eating most of our meals on the patio. My everbearing strawberries have had a very tasty fall crop. I love going out and picking fresh tomatoes and zucchini.

But fall is in the air. Yesterday when I stopped at my favorite produce place, the 4 Seasons Farmers Market, there were no Hermiston watermelon. I asked the proprietor if they were done for the year and he said yes, most likely. "But did you notice the black watermelon?" "Yes," replied I, "but I was afraid to try them." He assured me they have great flavor and yes, the flesh is pink like a normal watermelon. I consented to try one. He judged my selection as too soft and went out to choose just the right one for me. He helped me carry my fresh local corn on the cob, nectarines, apples, cantaloupe and watermelon to my car. After I closed the trunk, he shook his head and said in a slightly scornful tone as he walked away, "You don't need to be afraid of watermelon!"

Ok, so I wasn't afraid of watermelon, duh. What I meant was, I didn't want to spend money on something that we might not like.

And speaking of awesome produce, the strawberries at another fruit stand, the one 7 Mile Lane just off Hwy 34, are delicious! I got a flat for half price ($10) because they had been picked the day before.

And what about the black watermelon? The family liked it. It has a good flavor, but the texture is a little firmer. I definitely prefer the normal beautiful green watermelon! But I'm glad I tried it and I will try not to be "afraid" to try a new fruit again. At least if I am, I won't admit it in the hearing of a produce store proprietor!

Weekend Whimsy

Today the forecast called for temperatures in the mid 90s, but we beat the heat by driving out to Newport. It was a little breezy on the beach - ok, it was actually downright windy. So we found a sheltered spot up on the dunes where we could put our chairs and see the ocean as well as watch all the kites flying. When Will decided it was time to fly his kite, I once again witnessed his curious magnetic effect on little girls! There he is, just minding his own busines, trying to get his kite to take off...

...when two little girls showed up offering to help. One of them ran off with her own kite, but her sister stayed to assist. I heard her tell Will, "I might know more about kites than you do!"

Sad to say, by the time she got done "helping" Will, his line was hopelessly tangled, and we won't mention how long it took him to get it straightened out!

Yes, flying a kite is a blast.

You just never know what might happen when you go somewhere with Will. Last night we went to watch my nephew Duane play football at Santiam Christian. (Great job, Duane, but ahead 65-0 at half time?! Really!!!) At the admission table, Will was in front of me and the gal there motioned him forward and stamped his hand. I thought it was a little odd to do that before we paid, and I had the money. Will stepped back behind me, I paid and stuck out my hand to receive the stamp. The woman saw Will behind me and gasped. "Did your twin brother just go through? I just stamped the hand of someone who looks exactly like you! He's even dressed like you!" I said, "Yes, it's really embarrassing at their age, they still insist on matching their clothes whenever they go out. I'm trying to break them of it!" Oh my goodness!

Tomorrow it's only supposed to get up to 92. I think I will soak up and enjoy every morsel of warmth while sipping iced drinks in the shade of my back yard.

Please do not grade my writing!

The warm evening air surrounded me as I sailed down the road on my bike, accompanied by a plethora of sights and smells that enhanced the cycling experience. The odiferous scent of sheep dung accompanied me for a good part of the journey. Fortunately the delightful aroma of sun ripened blackberries wafting across the road negated the former nose-wrinklng redolence. The golden orb of the setting sun in the pink western sky and the reflecting light glowing on the diminutive clouds clustered across the eastern sky reinforced my belief that the sky is one of creation's most scenic wonders. I congratulated myself that I did not disturb the twilight calm by shrieking when I nearly ran over a coiled snake on the road. I went by Tyler's memorial in the park and inhaled the sweet fragrance of the petunias there, while trying not to be too grumpy about the empty Pepsi can that I had to get off my bike to pick up.

I am indeed fortunate, after a busy day working with awesome teachers and students, that I can come home and enjoy relaxing on my lovely patio as I listen to the fishing adventures of my happy husband, and then take a bike ride in the country.

Today I walked a visitor down to our Basic Skills classroom and enjoyed observing those awesome staff members caring for the special kids there. It was such a calm and happy place, with so many things going on with different students, including a busy boy crawling around who I managed not to trip over! I know it can't possibly be that calm and happy all the time, but it was really cool to be in their environment and see how caring those staff members are with challenging needs of students. I need to get out more!

Sunday in church, Pastor John asked us to think about our most influential teacher. My high school Creative Writing teacher came to mind. He encouraged, complimented, and laughed at things I wrote, but the main thing I remember he said was that I needed to work on my descriptive writing. That was 34 years ago. It's never too late. I thought I would start working on it tonight! I believe long sentences were sometimes an issue also. I don't want to even think about what kind of grade or comments he would put on my first paragraph! But it was fun coming up with it anyway!

I have so much respect and admiration for all my friends who are teachers and classroom support staff. It is a very noble calling! Sometimes I wish I would have become a teacher...

Join me for a walk along the Metolius River...

Hey kids, if you take a walk with Great-Aunt LeAnn to the store, I'll buy you a treat! It's only a mile! And there are many things to see along the way...

There are ducks playing in the water and the occasional fly fisherman wading in the water gracefully waving his line....

Lots of wildflowers are still blooming, although I keep thinking how much prettier it is in July when the gorgeous purple lupine is blooming...

The butterflies love the flowers...

There are butterflies everywhere!

A drink or ice cream? How about both!

Some bright sweet peas!

Ah, speaking of sweet, look at Tavin and her grandma walking with their arms around each other...

Oopsie daisy, down she went! Did Tavin trip her? No, of course not! But a small stump was hidden under the greenery right next to the path and Grandma Carol didn't have a chance! Isn't she a good sport! She's even smiling! Luckily she is ok, just skinned up a little. Look at all the loving family support she receives!

We continue sedately down the trail, in a safe single file manner.

The ducks are resting now...

And it's time for us to rest too. Why do the kids get the good chairs?! Because we love them.

Yes, a walk along the Metolius is a thing to be savored, alone or in the company of beloved family members. Coordination is desirable but not required. I have tripped on rocks and roots so many times but manage to gracefully skip my way out of the stumble so far!

(Pictures posted with permission of my awesome fun sister-in-law Carol. What a great person to camp with!) Will was up there for two weeks, and I went up for the weekends. During that time, we got to enjoy the company of my brother Doug and his family, all of Galen's girls and parts of their families, and all of our boys and some of their friends. I am so thankful for the great company, good times, beautiful location and NO mosquitoes.

I Like It

Last night when I watered my new project, I decided it needed more blooming flowers, so today I picked up a few annuals from Home Depot. By the time I finished planting this evening, it was growing slightly dark (because after work I went to visit my sister Hope who just celebrated her 50th birthday!!). I took a picture, dim though it may be, to share what it looks like when you create a flower garden by keeping a few existing pansies and dianthus plus randomly adding the best selections on the clearance rack, then adding some of my favorites, petunias and chrysanthemums

Here's another view since it's kinda dark.

I like it.

Yesterday when I was over there watering, a neighbor from the other side of the loop walked by and stopped to talk. We hadn't talked in ages, and I learned that she has a grandson in Afghanistan who is heavy on her heart. We had a wonderful conversation, and I was very blessed! Courtney's little boy spotted me and got drove his little car over, and I was honored when he listened attentively as I told him about Tyler. Very awesome.

I'll post a brighter photo in a few weeks when hopefully the plants grow and flower profusely!

So Much Better!

I feel so much better now.

Saturday I was at the park behind our house with my great-niece and nephew, Jenna and Brenden. It's so much fun to take visiting children there to play. Of course I had to look at the veteran's memorial there right next to the playground, dedicated in memory of my nephew Tyler and other veterans. This picture was taken back in 2006 right after it was completed.

Beautiful, right? And as usual, when I read the plaque, it brought tears to my eyes.

Even more tears came to my eyes when I observed the area. No flowers were planted this year and the weeds had taken over. It really upset me that something in my neighborhood dedicated to Tyler looked like that. On our second trip to the park, I brought some supplies and got busy weeding! Jenna and Brendan had so much fun playing together that they didn't even care if I wasn't playing with them. (Well, except for that tearful "He stepped on my ponytail." "But it wasn't on purpose and she punched my side on purpose!") As I listened to the children laughing and playing, I was struck with such strong nostalgia for the good old days when Tyler and my kids were enjoying the innocence of youth and playing at the park. My Nick was Jenna's age when that park was built! How did their childhood disappear so fast? (Just when I was thinking the empty nest thing was maybe ok!)

Well, I can't do anything about that, but I can plant flowers. I got permission and went shopping yesterday. Since it's late in the summer, I thought maybe I'd find some colorful cosmos that would reseed next year or maybe some geraniums. I didn't want to spend much money this late and after all, it is in a park where lots of kids (including young teenagers) play and they don't always respect the property. I checked a few places yesterday and today after work but couldn't find anything. So guess what, I asked God to please help me find something. Hmmm, how about BiMart? Would you believe, BiMart had all their remaining large perennials and annuals on clearance for $1.00 each?! They weren't blooming much but I was able to pick out 12 very healthy looking plants, a mix of annuals and perennials! Twelve big plants for $12!! Thank you Lord!

As I was leaving with my prizes, I thought about digging 12 holes for those big plants. Now this may surprise you, but I'm not very good with a shovel and we have very nasty hard clay out here. I usually get a big strong man to dig my holes. Will is gone right now, I knew Craig and Eric were scheduled to work, and Nick went to work at 6 this morning for at least a 10 hour day so I figured he wouldn't be thrilled to be my digger. (And strangely, his phone went straight to voice mail when I tried to call!)

But another young man popped into my mind, a wonderful young veteran from Tangent who used to occasionally play basketball at that park and who is a long time family friend. I got up my nerve and gave him a call. He didn't hesitate to agree to come on over and help me out! By the time I had the plants all delivered to the park (and made about 10 trips back to my place for things I forgot!), Brent Riley and his lovely wife Kathrin were there to help me with the planting!

I had texted my friend and neighbor Courtney that I was near her house planting, so before long she and her family came strolling along. In no time at all, everything was planted and it looks so much better! Everyone was kind enough to come to my patio where we enjoyed watermelon and iced tea. I was even able to finally give Brent and Kathrin their wedding gift (a juicer) which has been in our garage for about a year because we were out of town on their reception day! He was very excited because he really wanted one!

We have missed Brent on the family camping trips to the Metolius over the past few years while he was in the Army. Brent always impressed me with his kindness and patience with the younger kids (like my Nick!). I told him tonight that when he was overseas, I would see the lighted flag when I looked out my kitchen window at night and it would remind me to say a prayer for him. I can't describe how good it felt to be working together at that place with that young man, safely returned home. I so appreciate that he and his wife were willing to come help, especially at the last minute. Obviously he is still a very kind and helpful young man, and I believe God has great things in store for him and his beautiful wife.

The day was topped off by some girl chat time with Courtney, who I also love dearly! No wonder I feel better!

Brittany's Wedding

On this beautiful sunny Saturday, my dear niece Brittany got married in a beautiful garden. Here are a few pictures of the family there. (This is for you, Aunt Lela!)

Brittany was an absolutely beautiful bride, with a gorgeous dress and fabulous hairstyle. Cody was quite handsome also!

I enjoyed sitting at a table with my sister Hope, her daughter Janelle, and my sister Linda. My husband and boys sat there too.

My brother Dave (the father of the bride) and his lovely wife Sandy. I could't decide if I like the natural, unposed look...

...or the posed picture, so I am showing you both! (Sorry Sandy! You looked beautiful also! And Dave - very handsome!)

This lovely couple, my niece Venisa and Anthony, will be getting married in December! Sorry, I failed to take a picture of Doug and Anisa on the other side of the table!

My sister Jean and her lovely family. My cute little niece Serena came trotting over to my table and spent some quality time with me....I was the "gum aunt" at the recent family get-together in BC! Best thing I ever did!

My niece Jody and her husband and adorable little girl Jenna. (People really love it when you take pictures while they're eating!)

My niece Dawn and her family who are growing up way too fast, here from Hermiston.

Mom, brother Galen and Carol, and Jody's son.

Since I missed Simon in the last picture I took one of him and Brenden. Brenden doesn't seem to love getting his picture taken...

And of course, the handsomest men at the party...Missing Craig because he couldn't get off work. Wonder what they were scheming about?!

As the bridal party stood at the front and again at the reception when I saw the bridal party at their table, I couldn't help but think that Brittany's brother Tyler should have been there. He has been gone for nearly 6 years, but he will always be dearly missed. I like to think that he got to take a peek from heaven to see the joy of this wedding and to know that Brittany has found a wonderful life partner to walk with her through all of life's joys and sorrows (and may the joys outnumber the sorrows a millionfold!) I pray that God will bless them greatly with a long lifetime of wedded bliss and delight with each other.