Trappist beer

I love a good beer

Well, what do you know about beer? I know very little, actually, except for what I enjoy after a satisfying hike or a nice repast at the end of the day. I also like red wine, but there's something special about a good dark beer that just cannot be beat. When I was in Germany years ago, I was introduced to a wonderful Trappist beer, dark and heavy, nothing like I had experienced in drinking American beer.

I also learned that German beer is changed dramatically by the laws and regulations that allow beverages to be imported. All I can say is, don't bother to look for a good dark German beer here.  However, these days there are many delightful beers to be enjoyed if you live in the Pacific Northwest, where all kinds of dark beers are brewed. But there's nothing is quite like a Trappist beer. There is an amazing history to these monastic beers that you can read all about on that link.

Tonight, I am sitting here in the evening hours while I drink a good winter ale from a local brewery, and it did bring back memories of those days in Germany when I learned a great deal about beer. Today I am drinking this ale because of a massive change in our environment, which started when I woke up this morning to a home without electricity. You don't know how much you need it until it's just not there. Dark, wind blowing a gale outside, and no internet, no coffee, no nothing!

I got myself out of bed and went to the car to drive somewhere that would be able to bring me some caffeine. By the time I go to the first intersection, I saw lights galore, so I went off to the coffee shop. We ended up being four or more hours without power, but I was able to communicate with my guy through text messages until I learned it was time to come back home. Our hike for the day was canceled, and I didn't get in a walk, but otherwise it's been an okay day.

Tomorrow I will take the bus to the coffee shop and will maybe go to the Senior Center. Our terrible weather is predicted to start tomorrow night, while much of the country is already in the midst of severe winter weather. Anyway, that was my day and now I'm thinking it's time to chill even more and then  hit the sack.

:-)

No hike today

Behind the counter at my favorite coffee shop

We, Melanie and I, didn't venture out to hike anywhere today. Although it's way more conducive to outdoor activity today than it has been for the past few days, it's still super cold and, even if the wind has moderated, it's still not much fun out there. Both Senior Trailblazer groups canceled their hikes and suggested that people stay indoors during the worst of the weather. We have a foot of snow (still) on the ground, and such cold temperatures that slick sidewalks are not an issue. There aren't any exposed sidewalks!

Where did the chickens go?

John picked me up and drove me to our coffee shop, where we enjoyed a very nice time inside a warm and cozy place, and then he took me home. I didn't want to venture out after my last attempt, when the cold wind made me really miserable. But today, a little after noon, I realized that the wind had moderated somewhat, so I walked to the bus stop. I noticed that the chickens in the chicken coop have been taken out of the severe weather, and I hope they are enjoying their vacation from the pen and have not been turned into dinner. I think I'll see them again once the weather improves. I hope.

There's a path under the snow

I walked in the street for most of the way, since the sidewalks are knee-deep in snow. As you can see from this picture, it's not a very easy walk. See the huge snowdrift behind? That was from the snowplow, I suspect.

Little snowdrifts making patterns

I do like looking at the wind sculptures in the many places where the snow accumulates. And I did need to find something to put into my usual Thursday post. Although it's not much, at least I got a teeny bit of exercise (but needed to dodge cars every few minutes). We have more snow coming tonight, so I don't know if I could repeat or add onto today's venture out. We'll see. 

This bad weather is pretty much everywhere right now, or if not in your area yet, it's on the way! So, please stay safe and warm, if possible. I am so blessed to have a warm apartment that is so much nicer than being outdoors with nowhere to get out of the elements. My heart goes out to those who are homeless and hope they can stay safe during this awful weather.

:-(

Grace once agaIn

She's so pretty even in rust

Someone on Seeing Bellingham (a Facebook group) captured this lovely image of our very own Grace, and I've posted many a photo of her before. I especially like this closeup, unsure of how the photographer got so close, but nevertheless felt I could share it with you. She is performing the Standing Bow pose, which I remember from those years long ago when I did Bikram Yoga. I got tired of the intense heat, and then I learned that Bikram himself is somewhat of a charlatan, even if he did start a movement that has helped many people get stronger and healthier. All his studios have been renamed, at least around here. I never did get really proficient at this pose, and we don't do anything remotely like it in Iyengar Yoga, which is what I practice now. But I do remember it well.

Did you watch the Super Bowl? I sort of did, since I really wanted the Bengals to win, and so Hubby watched it with sound (using headphones) and I sort of halfway watched it over his shoulder. Once the Bengals were ahead and it was getting close to the end, I stopped watching because I was WAY too involved in the outcome. But I have to say, if you must lose a game like that, they did it in just the right way: on the very last play of the game. It truly was a contest, and anybody's game right to the last. (I caught up with the action today online.)

Today's Wordle almost didn't get solved. I was poring over what it might be when some of the other people in the coffee shop got involved, and we solved it through discussion. I knew the first and third letters, as well as the fourth, but nothing I tried seemed to fit, and then a couple of people saw me struggling. As I shared my dilemma, one person took out a paper and pencil and rummaged around with the letters and said to try one word that fit, but I didn't want to because it meant a consonant would appear twice. (That works but doesn't occur very often.) With nothing else to try, I put it in, and lo and behold, it was the correct answer! It amazes me how much solving that puzzle improves my day. And I am so glad there is only one word a day to keep me from endlessly playing the game. 

I am reading three different books on my Kindle, which means I read whatever I think might make me feel better, rather than getting involved in a thriller that keeps me reading until I finish the book. Since getting exercise every day is becoming more realistic, as the weather improves along with my back, I think I'll head out to get some miles in. I didn't walk home from after the coffee shop trip, as it was raining very hard and John was willing to take me straight home. But now it's stopped raining and looks good for the next bit of time, so I'll take advantage of it. Hope you have a fun Valentine's Day!

:-)

Coffee shop updates

Cool Halloween latte

Yesterday (Halloween) at the coffee shop, my new barista surprised me with this wonderful spooky skeleton in my latte. As I sipped it, the creature began to look like "The Scream" portrait by Edvard Munch. It was just the best way to begin a very fun day.

Then I called my friend Lily to see if she would like to walk around Lake Padden with me on chilly but sunny day. She accepted, and after we went once around, we drove over to Whole Foods, where before the pandemic we would sit down to a buffet breakfast. Although the foods are limited in comparison to last year, we were actually able to sit down and eat inside at our favorite pre-pandemic spot. So things are definitely getting back to normal, even if it's happening s-l-o-w-l-y.

Four days post-op

And then, this morning we at Avellino's were treated to a quick visit by John, only four days after his massive right-shoulder rebuild, accompanied by his daughter Peggy. She's acting as his caregiver during these first weeks until he can return to his own home. With a little help from his family and friends, he should be comfortable and able to get around indoors for the coming period. He says the shoulder hurts way more than his left shoulder did after the surgery last year, but the doctor said it was in worse shape and required more work. He cannot do much right now except sleep and eat prepared meals, but that should change by the time he gets the stitches out in a couple more weeks. In any event, it was so nice to see him getting up and around, even if it was because he needed to see his insurance agent and sign some papers.

I did wonder just how he's going to manage signing since he's right-handed. But that isn't anything I need to worry about. He had to drag his right hand up to the table with his left, in order to tap numbers into his phone, and there is no possibility of him taking off his jacket just yet. The things you don't realize you cannot do when your arm is completely out of commission. But it will get better, day by day.

:-)

Labor Day 2020

Kaffeeklatsch Avellino

During this pandemic and the most unusual summer season of my almost eight decades of life, this particular spot outside my coffee shop has become somewhat famous. John and I (the two oldsters on the right) have been doing this ever since the pandemic made it impossible to hang out inside. Other than when we've had a bit of rain (when we sit inside the cab of his truck), we've hauled out our lawn chairs and enjoyed conversation, scintillating and otherwise. The definition of the word kaffeeklatsch is as follows:

kaf·fee·klatsch/ˈkafāˌklaCH/
(noun) An informal social gathering at which coffee is served. Talking or gossip at an informal gathering where coffee is served.

Yep, that's us, all right. Our gossip is often of the political kind, or about the latest movies or books we've read and want to share with each other. It's been a really wonderful morning interlude for me during the shutdown. I don't know when we might actually be able to be inside again, but we now have dozens of people who drive by us and wave, apparently happy to see us still there.

When the weather changes, I don't know what we'll do. Perhaps drill some bolts into the trees and put a tarp over the area? Or just see what comes into being from the remnants of the fall season? In any event, I have been enjoying the time spent outdoors talking with friends who sometimes join us. Of course, they have to bring their own chairs, and the seating is limited. But the conversation is always lively.
:-)

My day as we start a new week

The coffee shop threesome this morning

I know I put a picture up last week of John and I in our new hangout place in front of the coffee shop, but when Gene joined us this morning, we got the attention of the barista, who took this picture of us as we drank our coffee and chatted. It doesn't look like the coffee shop will open to indoor customers any time soon, but we don't let that stop us from getting together. It's nice to have friends who are willing to get up early and venture out.

I just finished Mary Trump's book, the tell-all about her family and her Uncle Donald and how he became the person he is. It's not a long book, and it simply tells the story of a dysfunctional family unit that has lots of money, most of it from Fred Trump's dirty dealings long ago. After having read the book, I now understand why Trump doesn't want his tax returns to become public: they probably show that he owes millions in back taxes.

It also helps me to understand why Trump is so psychologically damaged. It was mostly his father's cruelty, something that came about when he was unloved and abandoned as a toddler. I don't know if that actually excuses his own cruelty, but it explains it. Mary does not seem to have much of a sense of humor herself and I found her no-nonsense account to be a little annoying at times. I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure I would give it another read. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, just from watching the news and having read other people's experiences about dealing with Trump. I think I learned more from Tony Schwartz's description of having ghostwritten "The Art of the Deal" with him.

Garden bounty

On a more positive note, our community garden is producing wonderful goodies. Now that our dry season has begun, I am going to be watering the garden every morning. It's so wonderful to see all the good food at my fingertips. To be honest, I have just about had my fill of zucchini, but I am now snatching up the cucumbers. Lots of delicious possibilities. I'll be showing more as they begin to ripen.
:-)

Our new normal

John at our "table"

This little spot outside the coffee shop where we have been hanging out for years is our new meeting place in the mornings, when there's some sunshine, anyway. That is my lawn chair in front, with my sweatshirt that I wear to keep warm during these cool summer mornings. You can see how early it is by the length of the shadows. John is busy calling Gene to see if he will join us (he did, for a short one while he grabbed some coffee). Our coffee shop will not be having sit-down inside dining any time soon.

Even "Pipe Man" is masked

While I was on a walk yesterday, I saw this funny plastic pipe figure, and then I noticed that it is also wearing a mask. So many people here are doing the same. Our governor has asked us to help get this virus under control by wearing a mask whenever we leave our homes.

Beginning June 26, every Washingtonian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, will be legally required to wear a face covering.

 There is a curious visitor to my front porch: this handsome fellow who has decided this is his chair. I don't know where he lives, or if he's a stray, but he certainly seems to be well fed. He's what is called a "tuxedo" cat because of his coloring.

*snore*

For whatever reason, he seems to spend at least a little time here in this spot every day. My next-door neighbor thinks he is a feral cat, but he just doesn't act like it. He seems quite comfortable with people. I tried to feed him once, but he wasn't interested, so I haven't tried again. Once, he slipped inside while the back door was open, so I picked him up (he's heavy!) and placed him back outside. He meows to say hello, but that is the extent of his conversations with me. I feel a little like I've been "adopted." Maybe along with many of the other apartment dwellers.

We've got the fabled perfect weather going on right now. It only lasts for a few short weeks in summer, but when it's here, I am in heaven. Lots of sunshine, cool nights and days in the high sixties and low-to-medium seventies (20-25°C). Hope you are keeping comfortable, too!
:-)

Coffeemaker for home use

French press

Several readers wondered why I don't make coffee at home, and I figured I should tell you the truth:  I really like GOOD coffee, and those usual drip coffee makers don't do a very good job. Plus, I like the social aspect of having a cup or two with friends. My usual order is a "shot in the dark," coffee with a shot of espresso.

We've now got a French press coffee maker. It actually turns out that I must have bought it years and years ago, and when I suggested to SG that we get one, he paused for a moment and looked thoughtful. Then he rummaged around in our cabinets and pulled out a Bodum french press that looked vaguely familiar. It's never been used, and had all the instructions inside to tell me how to use it.

I think I bought it because I had been served some coffee at someone's home, made with a french press, and I liked it very much. But then after the purchase sat on the counter for awhile as I continued to go out for coffee, it disappeared from sight and, obviously, out of mind.

Today I bought some coarse grind coffee and tomorrow I'll give it a try. I think it's more like espresso (which I prefer to drip), and the coffee I bought is a local Bellingham blend. Just today our governor announced that all bars and restaurants will close for at least several weeks. He didn't say anything about coffee shops, but now I'm all set for the foreseeable future.
:-)

Our missing rain has returned

All smiles

We had a very long period without any rain, almost a record for this time of the year, but this morning as I headed out the door, I noticed a light patter of rain on the stairs on the way to my car. I was going to walk with the ladies, and I had decided to meet my friend Lily halfway between my place and where the walk would be. But alas, she didn't show up. I received a text that she had overslept.

I frankly was not unhappy, because walking in the woods in the rain might be occasionally fun, but I wasn't feeling up to it today. (The light rain never stopped and picked up enough to make it a bit soggy.) Instead, we went back to the coffee shop for another round of coffee. I ended up having twice my usual amount of espresso, and when I started dancing, the barista decided I shouldn't get any more. I was feeling really jazzed.

However, I ended up missing my usual Saturday walk and considered going to the Y for a date with the treadmill, but somehow I just couldn't work up any enthusiasm for it. By the time I got there, the caffeine had begun to work its way out of my system, and I decided that it would be fine if I skipped a day. Maybe I'll make up for it tomorrow, and maybe I won't. It's nice to take a day off now and then.
:-)

Three weeks post-injury

This morning's latte

It has now been three weeks exactly since I slipped and fell on that muddy boardwalk, and I'm definitely much better. This morning when I got out of bed and walked across the living room to peek out the front door, I felt little discomfort in my tailbone/sacrum area. I decided to treat the day like it was just another weekday (not a Thursday) and take the bus to the coffee shop, then to the gym. I like the pretty design in my coffee; you can also see my new glasses and iPad to complete the picture.

Our apartment, upper right

Then I took the bus back home and pondered what I would write about today. The Senior Trailblazers are on the Yellow Aster Butte hike, one of my favorites. I went to the search widget on this website and searched for last year's trip, which is linked here. I haven't missed this hike in ten years, but there is always a first time.

A poem

I saw this poem outside the downtown library, written by a three-year-old artist. It's titled "Sky Goes Flying." If you enlarge the picture, you can read it for yourself. It made me consider perhaps it would be fun to put up pictures chronicling my own sky flying, pictures of my skydiving career, but I decided to save it for next week, if I am still unable to hike. It's possible I will be healed enough to attempt it, but it's too soon to tell. That's a whole week away.

Lots of herbs

Last Saturday while walking around the Farmers' Market, I saw this picture and decided to save it for my "photo safari," but I didn't get enough gathered to make it worthwhile. However, this picture sure shows the abundance we have around these parts in locally grown herbs. I wandered around for awhile longer and then came home.

I'm under the care of my acupuncturist, and he is admonishing me to take it slow, walk briskly for no more than 15 minutes at a time, and eventually I'll be my old self. It's interesting how long it took today for me to start having pain with each step as I walked home from the bus. Every day it's a longer distance, but it's still there. One day soon, I'll be able to throw caution to the winds and dance in the green mountains again.
:-)

Busy Tuesday

Our coffee group this morning

This morning at Avellino's, my coffee shop of choice, we had all six seats around the community table filled with this motley assortment of people. Me, John, Gene, Teresa, Roger, and Tim. We all enjoyed our usual coffee and scintillating conversation, and then I realized I had stayed longer than usual and was in danger of missing my exercise class. I didn't, however, as I was able to hustle out the door a little faster than I have been. I'm slowly getting better.

After the class, I headed to Fairhaven for my usual 11:00 yoga class. I was pleased to find that several poses that were beyond me last week are now getting easier to accomplish. Then a trip to my acupuncturist for another round of needles. It never fails, I leave there feeling much better, although I definitely have a love/hate relationship with the needles going in. Most are just a little pinprick, but some give me zingers that last for seconds before settling down. He offers to take them out if it's too much, but heck, if I suffer through their placement, I'm going to enjoy the effects later on.

I would say I am probably 75% returned to normal, and I have been told by Warren (the acupuncture guy) to continue to limit my exercise to 15 minutes at a time. I told him I've been stopping at 20 minutes, and he says that if he told me 20, I'd go for 30. (In other words, he figures I'll always overdo a little bit. He knows me by now.)

Then I came home and am presently finishing my final task for the day: a post. Now I can pick up my latest book and bury my nose in it.
:-)

My Thursday exercise

Out the door and down the steps

Another Thursday when I cannot go out with the Senior Trailblazers on one of my favorite hikes, the Chain Lakes loop. But I decided to head out to catch the bus downtown and pretend like it's not Thursday. The day was a perfect temperature, in the low 60s (around 16°C) with lots of sunshine. The trip to the bus is about a 15-minute walk at my current pace.

My chariot

Our bus system has a few spots for people to take a bike to use once they get to town. And when you get to know the bus drivers, they are very friendly and helpful.

My favorite coffee shop

My first stop is always Avellino's, my favorite place to start the day's activities and meet up with my pals. John was the only one there this morning, but he had some homemade dill pickles to share, which were just wonderful.

Shane making a latte, Carrie in the kitchen behind

Although it's just a little after 7:00am in the morning, Shane is ready to brighten my day with a smile and a double Americano. Sometimes I have a latte, but this morning I thought straight espresso was the way to go. Then, around 8:15, I left for the Y to get a little workout going.

Stationary bike

I usually warm up with twenty minutes on this stationary bicycle, which is very comfortable; I do an interval program and have worked my way back to using a Level 3 resistance. When I first got injured, I did the program at the lowest level but am now back to my normal resistance. I'm getting better, a bit at a time. I usually then take an hour-long strength and tone class, but today I skipped it, not feeling much like it. (I've also caught a summer cold.)

A nice front yard garden

After taking the bus back, I walked back home and noticed this lovely garden, with the gardener Judy working away. I said hello, and she smiled at me and asked if I wanted any summer squash. (It's all getting ripe and the time has come to share the bounty.)

Inside the garden

She invited me in, and I didn't mention to her that I have some zucchini squash in my own garden, because I always look forward to seeing how other people's produce tastes.

Two kinds of squash and strawberries

I selected these two delightful squash, and she asked if I like strawberries. Doesn't everyone? These were sweet and perfect, so much so they didn't make it all the way home.Yum!

My sister Norma Jean

Once home, I made myself some lunch and got on FaceTime to chat with Norma Jean, who is visiting her daughter and granddaughters in Virginia. She's staying in the basement, which is not quite finished, as you can see. It's her birthday today and I wanted to catch up with her. It was a nice visit, but I sure wish I could be with her to share some wine together. We'll have to do it separately, but I will definitely quaff a glass to celebrate her advanced years (she's younger than me).

Now it's late afternoon and time for me to take something to help dry up my runny nose and finish my latest book. Hopefully the Trailblazers are having a wonderful day. Melanie, I'm sure, will post pictures on Facebook, and I'll just have to reminisce, thinking of all the wonderful times I've gone there in previous years. I'm happy to have had a good day anyway.
:-)

Happy birthday, Lily

Lily's Chantilly cake and Hedi behind her

My friend Lily is having a birthday today. Yesterday evening our friends Hedi and Dan, who live in the apartment complex, hosted a very small party (five of us) for her birthday, and it was so lovely. I bought this Chantilly cake from Whole Foods for us to enjoy, and boy, did we! She did have a small amount to take back home, but we all had to fight off the urge to eat it all up.

Whatcom Falls park

Then this morning Lily joined eighteen ladies for a lovely walk in the park, of which I was one. Although we went just under five miles, we felt we got a good workout, while some of the ladies went up to Big Rock Garden to add another mile or two.

Some of the ladies having coffee afterwards

And then a few of the ladies joined Lily and me to have coffee or a smoothie before heading back home. Lily deserves whatever good things the day might bring her, but we sure had a good start. The sun is shining, we are exercised and happy, and the day feels just right to continue a birthday celebration.
:-)

Two great guys

John and Gene

As I was leaving the coffee shop this morning, I snapped this picture of my two friends who are almost always there when I arrive. Since Lily didn't make it for the walk, I wanted to send her something to remind her that she's missed, so these two guys sent her a greeting. "Lily, we miss you!"

We ladies walked from the Farmers' Market to Marine Park in Fairhaven, a round trip of about five-ish miles. It was overcast and very pleasant. None of the "R" word, just lots of clouds. We don't have any rain in the forecast until next Thursday, just in time for our hike. Oh, well, I'll take that over heat any day.
:-)

Another glorious Saturday

Zuanich Point

I'm beginning to wonder exactly what miserable January weather I'm going to be escaping when I head to Florida next week. It's been incredibly beautiful, and today is no exception. We ladies (and one man) met in front of a coffee shop and all 22 of us walked briskly to Squalicum Harbor and Zuanich Point. Those in the picture are waiting for some of us who are slower to catch up. Although it's hard to see in this picture, we could see the Olympic mountains in the distance.

Boats in the early morning sunshine

We continued our walk around the harbor and admired the glass-like water reflecting mostly clear skies. I was the only one of the walkers who ended up taking off my jacket; even though it was cold, I warm up quickly. Guess I tend to either wear too many clothes to begin with, or my internal thermostat turns up fast. We didn't walk far, maybe four miles, but it was quite simply a lovely walk with delightful company.

All smiles

I feel incredibly fortunate to have made such good friends, all of whom like to exercise. I don't think any of us look old (we're all "of an age") because we like to sweat! When I get to my sister's home in Florida, believe it or not, my exercise routine will be pushed up a notch. Not only will I be walking briskly every day with Norma Jean, I'll also be swimming alongside her before breakfast!
:-)

Another Tuesday post

John catching up on some missed sleep

I walked into the coffee shop at my usual time and couldn't find my friend John anywhere. I had walked right past him, as he slumbered away in this chair at the front of the coffee shop. He had a half-full cup of coffee, which was obviously not doing the trick for him.

After I got my own coffee, I went over and touched him gently on the shoulder. His eyes opened and it was obvious from his confused look that he had been FAST asleep. "John, didn't you get enough sleep last night?"

"I went out for my usual dance class, and I didn't get to sleep until 9:00. Late for me."

But since he had apparently gotten about a half-hour of quality sleep in the chair, he was then awake, and we moved over to our usual table and then had a nice chat, until it was time for me to leave. I saw our friend Gene arrive just as I left, meaning he'd continue to have somebody to talk to instead of sleep.

He offered me five bucks if I wouldn't put this picture on my blog. It's worth more than that to me, but he wasn't willing to bargain, so here you go!
:-)

What are YOU doing here?

Gene seems unhappy to see me

Yes, it's Thursday and I'm not hiking. I went to the Senior Center and met seven other Trailblazers who wanted to find someplace that would be moderately healthy for us to go, with the air quality still bad. Very bad, to be exact. This morning when I woke and checked Bellingham's air quality, it had gone from the "unhealthy" range to the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. Great! That told me that, as the day wears on, it would continue to improve. But in checking to see if those numbers were continuing to fall, I discovered that it had returned to last night's miserable numbers and that it is bad everywhere we might go.

After much discussion, I decided that it would be best for me not to go anywhere at all, and the others decided to leave all their hiking paraphernalia in their cars and take a walk from the Senior Center down to Boulevard Park, just to get in some exercise. I decided that enough exercise to make me sweat would not be a good idea. So I went over to the coffee shop and got that look from my buddies.

The "acid ball" with Trailblazers

While sitting there with the guys, Melanie sent me this picture taken from their walk to the waterfront. This is actually part of a new addition to our city, called Waypoint Park. It's in construction right now, but out of curiosity I looked up what the heck that ball is. It turns out it was from an old pulp mill and is being repurposed as art.

As for the art, that comes by way of an industrial artifact from the closed Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill on the waterfront. An old piece of equipment known as the “acid ball” is being turned into a new beacon. About 30 feet in diameter, the round steel tank stored acid that helped break down wood chips at the mill. It will be moved to the new park and coated with luminescent glass beads to create a glowing beacon at night.

I don't think they have added the glass beads yet, but that will certainly make it interesting to see at night. Here's a picture of an artist's rendition of the finished park.

Waypoint Park sometime in the future

The park is supposed to be finished by November, but who knows? I will enjoy seeing it all lit up, for sure. Right now my cohorts are probably sitting in a coffee shop somewhere.

At the top of my stairs

I decided to just come home. When I climbed the sixteen steps to my apartment, this scene caught my eye, showing the hallway between the front porch and the back porch. Can you see the smog in the air? Sometime today it is supposed to get better, but it sure hasn't yet.
:-(

Summer is in full swing

The rosebush taken from inside my car

Last week I mentioned that lovely rosebush I see every time I park my car. If you knew how sparse those roses have been in previous years, you would be even more impressed. The tenants' front porch inside the apartment above is also covered with lots of flowers. I took this picture just moments ago.

John, Carrie and Shane

This morning I asked if I could take a picture at Avellino's to send to Lily, who is having to work the weekend, which means she didn't get to join us either for coffee or the ladies for our walk. We had a small group this morning, just 12 of us, as we walked from the ferry terminal down the Interurban trail. It's almost 80°F here in Bellingham already today, and when I look at the forecast for the future, we'll be sunny and warm, verging on hot, for the next week or so. But it's MUCH better than many parts of the country, so I'm not complaining.
:-)

A lovely place to live

Roger, standing, me, John

A friend took this picture today of the three of us enjoying our coffee and playing on our devices. John looked at the picture and immediately complained about his shiny scalp. He's getting so brown from being outdoors in his garden and riding the lawn mower around his grounds, keeping things under control. Gene didn't show up this morning, but we managed to have fun without him.

My front porch potted flowers

And just now I took a quick shot of my pretty flowers on the front porch. Every year I get new ones, just whatever strikes my fancy, and they give me great pleasure whenever I sit outside with a glass of wine, or when I open the front door on my way somewhere else. Brings a smile to my face every time. You can see we are overcast today, but it's very mild and most pedestrians aren't even bothering with a jacket. It's just a wonderful place to live, if you don't mind a little rain now and then (understatement is on purpose).
:-)

Fisherman friend Gene

No, that's not him in the picture

Most of you who have followed my blog for awhile recognize Gene, my fisherman friend who brings me wonderful Alaskan salmon, which he just gives away to friends. I saw this picture in our local coffee shop (Avellino's, where we meet most mornings) and asked Gene if I could take a picture of him standing in front of it. The portrait is gone now, so I'm glad I got this shot.

Lily in Gene's ancient truck

Last weekend Gene came to the coffee shop in his old truck. He asked Lily if she wanted to sit in it; she did. This is not the sort of truck (made in 1952) that most people could even drive. You need to double-clutch it to change gears, and the steering wheel is HUGE. He said vehicles like these don't even allow you to drink a cup of coffee while driving. You need all your wits about you, and all hands on deck! Makes for a fun picture, though.
:-)