So, after my recovery nap, I'm ready to regale you with the exploits of our yearly "family weekend". We did a semi-camping thing at Baker Lake. By semi I mean we rented cabins in the campground, and with our numbers we ended up with the 2 cabins with lots of beds but no potties, not to mention no showers, and this-is-a-BIG-deal.. NO SCREENS. Well...to be kind, we won't be renting these cabins again, not only were they pretty dreary but they are scheduled to be torn down at the end of the season (not a minute too soon).

Enough about that, we all tried hardily to keep a good sense of humor. Seems like all of the attendees had a slow start, we had to make a couple of stops and this was the only day these places have ever seen lines, then we forgot a couple vital items at home so back we go, fortunately it wasn't too far back. Junior's family had to make an unscheduled trip to the store for dog food so the pups wouldn't starve while they were gone. Walmart on a friday, need I say more? Daughters family rushed out and left behind the brand new Sponge Bob fishing pole. They were too far when they remembered it was in Dylan's bed, obvious place for a fishing pole, what were they thinking? Another big mistake we all made..we forgot our fans, we are fan freaks, all of us. We even have a battery powered camping fan, that we left at home. AND...Of course we all left our respective homes with the sun shinning merrily and got to the lake with threatening clouds.

Dinner was gourmet, Daughter-in-law is a superb cook and made marinated chicken and beef kabobs, with tons of veggies, over the fire they were seriously marvelous. We forced the kids to eat their weight in s'mores and expected them to immediately fall asleep . Grandpa and I were in the kid cabin, (grandpa did end up in our SUV with Jed because of claustrophobia (no screens and no fans)just 6 kids and us, and did I mention no potty? Talk about fun!!!!!

Now about those clouds, yes they produced and only stopped when grandpa finished putting up the tarp the next morning. The grumpiness factor was running high that morning with lack of sleep issues and wet and muddy everything. Food helps and we were not lacking in that area and of course my traveling coffee pot helped me, lots!

The weather cleared up in the afternoon and the kids learned to fish, well, they learned fishing theory. See photos. The kids and daughter took a dip in the lake and all nearly froze their tails off, but it was enough to wash off the grime! A hot shower would have been the solution to many ills but alas, the ONE bath house in the entire campground was a joke. One shower per bathroom, and it was functional 1/4 of the time we were there. We should have gotten a clue - when we arrived the ladies was closed for cleaning and then two guys came out with masks and goggles on, NOT a good sign.

Sleeping was assured Saturday night as everyone was exhausted...then daughter came back from the “adult” cabin reporting that she was met by a mouse, a big, nasty mouse (probably not) anyway she and hubby slept in their SUV and daughter-in-law slept in the front seat of their pickup. Surprisingly they all slept well. The kids did sleep in (a little). We all laughed a lot and the kids had a ball. Next year we are upgrading the accommodations to include working toilets and showers, screens and we won't ever forget our fans again.

OK, so I haven't been real diligent in keeping this current, I have been pre-occupied with, Oh, who know what, just lots of stuff. School has ended for the year, which may not mean too much since we homeschool. I had been driving Jake to classes twice a week which was stressful not only because it's far enough away that I have to find something to do while he is in class, but because of the cost of gas!!!! Whew, I don't know what I'd do if I was still driving the Ford 250. It's amazing to me that we don't live too far from a couple oil refineries, and have the most expensive gas in the state. Seriously thought about a horse, for a minute. Anyway there have been other distractions, getting the pool ready, the chickens, and designing a book cover pattern and getting the kinks out of that. BTW I will send you a link to that pattern just for the asking debi@patchworkvalley.com. I've posted a new breakfast casserole recipe that I tried for Father's Day and it was a big hit.www.patchworkvalleyview.com

 

 

Check out the photos, I haven't been taking regular shots of them but "mother hen" Jed took some today. They are 5 weeks old, enjoying their house and enclosure. They are kinda gangly looking but still cute in a chicken way. Jed has his favorite (how he can tell the difference is a mystery to me) Ruth, and he claims that she is the same one that comes when he calls. A couple of them enjoy having their tummies (do chickens have tummies???) pet and they close their eyes and fall asleep, That is just too weird.

 

 

We are hopeful that the weather report pans out to a weekend of summer(we're not greedy we'll take 2 days) sun and heat!

 

Grandaughter Amanda aka Sparkle graduated from kindergarten the future class of 2020. They grow too fast.

What a fun few days! Portland is a great destination, lots to do and see, great free transportation, and the friendliest people I've ever met in a city. The Quilt Market was as overwhelming as I figured. Seems like it was bigger than in Salt Lake City last year. Awesome new fabrics, super new patterns and ....... everything was terrific. It will take me a while to digest what I saw before I decide what I will add to my shop. I've added some pictures from the quilt display. As you can see the contemporary colorful arty quilts appeal to me. I'll also add some city photos that only hint at Portland.We came in by train (Amtrak) and the station was a preview of the wonderful architechture. Parks are everywhere in this city, the waterfront the best. Quilt Market or not I am planning on another trip to this place.

Very interesting, these chicks. They grow almost before your eyes. At a week old they seem to have a pecking order, well they obviously push "Tiny" around. She is eating and growing but not as fast and the others seem to exclude her from the coveted under the box nap space. She is getting extra people attention from ?mother? hen Jed.

The chicks are here.

There is nothing like watching kids and new born puppies. I'll try to update puppy photos as they grow. They ALMOST make me want to have one.

We've lived in Washington for 18 years and outside of driving past on the interstate we have not been to Tacoma. Interesting city, unique. We visited the State history museum, very interesting and outside and next door are amazing displays of Dale Chihuly art glass. There is a glass museum but we'll have to save that for another time. The first photos are from the walkway bridge over the interstate. The collection of many pieces of glass are incased in the ceiling. Other individual pieces are in a case in the wall, again over the interstate. The flowers mounted on the window are in the Federal Building next to the museum, as well as the HUGE hanging sculpture, round thingy and spikes set in logs.  

Hope you all had a great Christmas. Our family get togethers are hectic, wonder why with 5 kids running around. Hard to get them all to sit still for photos, unless it was their idea!! God Bless you in the coming New Year!

 The highlights of December are the kids in their Chrismas programs and the rare sprinkling of snow. Photos are of 2 of my angelic grandkids Tony almost 8 and Amanda 5 - at their elementary school program. It was too cute even if the photos are sub - standard. (HINT HINT Santa: I need a new camera!!) Jed was in the program at church and as you can see was in the choir. What a great idea labeling the parts, just incase you couldn't tell, and in some cases you couldn't, as with a 4 year old wiseguy or supposedly "wiseman". The kid should persue become a standup comedian. Wish I had the video camera with me!!

Yeah, those photos are of my valley. And yeah, I walked up to this point. I really love the shots of the blueberry farm with the bushes in their autumm red mode. Reminds me of "Patchwork Valley"

I almost missed this one but caught a glimps in my rearview mirror in time to record this. I still can't figure out what the shadow lines in the clouds were from?

I'm constantly amazed by the Creator's artistry in the sky. I was working in my office when I looked up to see this beautiful scene. Unfortunately, I could not capture the awesome colors with my inexpensive camera. Also forgive the dirty windows.

Turkeys in the oven and I thought I'd escape the football games and upload some photos from our camping get-a-way last September to end summer.

As if the reported 4000 calories that is the average consumption on Thanksgiving, isn't enough, I've added a yummy recipe on my blog Patchwork Valley View

Finally after 2 days without any internet access I was able to add more pictures of quilts. I also added a collection of flower photos that remind me of warmer and sunny days past. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Added some photos of quilts, mostly made by me. I'll try and add the rest of my quilt photos later, right now power and cable internet is becoming an issue with the high winds we are having.