Lily Pads

From a nearby pond.

Summer Programs

We took our bike around Blue Lake yesterday and rode along the lovely houses that prevent you from getting more than a glimpse of the lake itself. But in the park there are plenty of paths where I even rode the big bike by myself; one day I'm going to ride in front with Eric behind, but I really prefer being in the back. One of the paths goes by Metro's gardening demo area where all the plants are labeled and there is always someone to answer your questions and to give little kids pages to color.

Clematis

Clematis produce a marvelous seedhead, and this one, so soon after that wedding, reminds me of a certain elderly great-aunt who plopped a wig on her head rather than deal with her real hair.

Anemone

After weeding and watering at Karen's, I find something that has caught my eye. Then I go home and find it's something else that works. All the little buds popped out and surprised me.

Tractor

Yes, it's a tractor. It's Eric's tractor. Soon it's going to be grading roads, and digging fence post holes, and maybe even plowing. It's a whole lot of fun to drive, too, but for now it's parked in the Car Condo.

Weatherbird

Our new whirly-gig sometimes whirls her left wing and sometimes her right one. Eric thought it may depend on the barometric pressure; I think it depends on which way the wind blows. Speaking of Bob Dylan, we are going to see him at Edgefield next Saturday!

Watering Can

I checked my chickens on this 90+ day and decided to give them a spray. They squawk, but surely must find some relief in it. But first I had to run all the hot water out of the hose (it was hotter than any shower I'd take) so I spashed here and there and filled a watering can until the water was cool and refreshing.

Thornbirds

It's the huge thorns on my climbing rose that fascinate me. A few weeks ago one snagged me at a tender, bare spot on my arm. It's still sore.

Waiting for the Bride

My cousin's daughter got married yesterday. We were the older relatives who sit a few rows back. Not too far, mind you, but just about where you'd expect. And, who are we: aunt Dorothy (leaning over in the front), cousin Penny, brother Keith, brother Ken, cousin Cassie, sister Barbara, sis-in-law Dee, sister Karen, husband Eric. It was fun; we danced and ate wedding cake with surgary frosting.

Portland Backyard

View from Marjorie's Deck.

Portland Apartment

View from my sister Barbara's deck.

Pointed View

OK, so this is a couple weeks old; I did mean to post it then, but it got bumped by the bike picture.

We are having cloudy, cool morning and by 2 it burns off and burns you. Or, at least it would if you were here.

Brave Daisys

Refusing to give up their cheery outlook even after days of way-too-hot weather, these daisies seemed to be telling me to not give up hope, reasonable weather is on its way. That's a difficult argument as reasonable weather is only what is between about 72 and 73 degrees. And it was that temperature sometime last night while I was asleep.

Same View, Different Circumstances

Trying to cool off on the dock under the St. Johns Bridge. Today should be our last day in the 90's.

Country Roads

That's Mt. Hood in the background. You can drive across this alfalfa field in the summertime only. The rest of the time you would just make a mess of things.

Decomposition

Decomposition?! Is this a statement on my photographic eye? Well, all I meant was that the window seems to be breaking down, much like a leaf. Actually, my eye feels like that, too, and into Kaiser for a checkup I go.

Museum Walls

Just being at a museum exhibition is as pleasing as the exhibits themselves. This is from R. Crumbs Book of Genesis at the Portland Art Museum.

Anniversary Mirror

Here we are, each having washed our hands in our separate, but equal, restrooms. We looked up, and there we could see the other. One moment, one camera, probably even one set of plumbing for the back-to-back sinks,

Gleaning and Cleaning

With our cool summer, the lettuce is queen of the garden. Most of the other veggies come with working at the Beaverton Farmers Market. Even there, the food supply is low and I only put in a short day - all I did was cut up tomatoes with herbs for sampling. The big farmer I work for covers his growing tomatoes; only a few of mine are beginning to ripen.

Killingsworth Bikes

We've become regulars at the food cart lot across from Tsumani Thai. These bikes may be regulars, too.

Bird Houses

From a collection of bird houses. One is so American and the other looks like it's from Thailand.

Reflections

We spent a day in the woods by ourselves. We chopped, sawed, loaded firewood, and then actually sat still and contemplated our lives by the pond.

Catch me a Trout

Not so lucky the trout! Kent hooked the fish, but I swooped it out of the water with a big fish net. Kent cleaned it and I cooked it up for supper.

Skimmers and the Bee

A honey bee fell into the pond and was attacked by a pod of skimmers. But the bee fought them off, grabbed onto that rock, climbed out, shook off the water and flew away!

Red Rope

Found a boat show on the way home from the car show. I plan to stay close to home this week and am wishing myself luck.