More photos of Parade

Enjoy!   

John's New Shop in West Seattle

Liz was kind enough to drive us to California Avenue to see John's new shop.  The showroom is not ready as yet but the shop is impressive. Sami & Alex work there most days but were swimming this morning. Lucky for us (not so lucky for them) the pool was shut down because of lightning and thunder. We waited until John picked them up so we could say hello, see Alex's new haircut, get a hug, and take a photo.

Zoe wasn't with us as she is taking a class where you learn to build your own bike. I can see Zoe welding.

Parade in China Town

This guy asked for a photo with Liz. 

Whether it is called china Town or International district it is a fantastic place to view people celebrating their different cultures.
Zoe was in the All City Marching Band...the reason we attended, but we got much more than we expected.

I heard someone call my name from across the street, and it was a friend from St. James. Madeline was there as  her daughter, Rachel is a member of one of the best groups.

Visitors Return

                                      Doe and two fawn

                                    Fawn having lunch  out of Liz's doll buggy.

Resting Place.

One of the Gay feather plants has been devoured. One is left. We'll see how long it lasts.

The deer are so adorable. How can you be angry with their destructive ways. They give us so much pleasure.

Enjoy!

Liatris spicata Or Fewmets

                                                        Liatris spicata   ..Gay feather

                                               Crocosmia

                                            Mountain Blackberries

Buds ready to burst into bloom. How can I convince the deer to let me enjoy the beauty of the flowers before they become fewmets.

While I was checking out the Gay feather I spotted the blackberries growing in the holly tree.
Yum!

Interesting Intercession

Last night Joe and I watched Primetime Nightline. The reporter, Bill Weir, traveled to places all over the world where people claimed to have seen the Blessed Mother.

It reminded me of a story my Grandmother Marianina told about a faith healer.

Brother Isaias, a faith healer, traveled from town to town preaching the Gospel. When he was near Nonna's town (Georgetown, I think)  everyone traveled to a meeting place in hopes of being cured of their ills. Nonna suffered from rheumatism and Aunt Mary, ten years old at that time, had a large lump on her neck caused by surgery she received as an infant.( Nonna claimed that whenever Mary saw the Dr. walk past their home in Black Diamond she would cry...because he was the man who caused her so much pain.)
According to Nonna, as  the faith healer prayed and put his hand over the lump, it disappeared.
The crowd began singing the praises of Brother Isaias.  "Miracle worker", " Faith Healer" etc.

Not willing to give him the credit, Nonna began to shout.  " The Blessed Mother cured Mary, not Brother Isaias. " All the Italians in the crowd began to shout, "Brava....Brava.."


Poor Brother Isaias...  no good miracle goes unpunished!

Some Of My Favorite Wildflowers

                                                        Mock Orange

                                                                Ocean Spray

                                                           Pearly Everlasting

Joe and I journeyed over to the Renton Farmer's Market today to see what it has to offer. We bought lettuce and berries. We avoided the baked goods, homemade ravioli, jams etc.

This morning I took photos of some of the flowers in our yard,  Ocean spray, mock orange and Pearly Everlasting, all white.

At the Renton Market the flowers were spectacular.  A myriad of colors. Next time I'll bring my camera.

The Secret Garden and Other Surprises

Dinner with Joanna and family is a treat.  The food is fresh and delicious. Always something different when Becca is involved.
I love Joanna's home. It is clever, artistic, yet homey. You want to explore the nooks and crannies.

The porch is a haven for birds that are able to fit through the openings in the trellis.  Gourds hung on the walls have been made into nests by the birds. 

The yard is a tapestry of colors, plant filled pots and even a kite in the cherry tree.

The way to the picnic table is a little Harry Potterish with uneven stairs and stepping stones.  Charming.

My favorite quote of the day was Dakki  who while pouring a multitude of sugar into her tea cup said,"Salt and sugar are just preservatives."

All in all...a great experience.

Corfino, Italy

This is the town where many of my father's ancestors are laid to rest. A few still live there.  The memories  of the Torlai family are alive and well.

This is the first story I remember hearing about Nonna.

                        Love in Marseille

While working as a governess in France, Nonna met a handsome Frenchman. They fell in love but were not allowed to marry as the family had already chosen Guiseppe Torlai as her future husband. The family felt that Italians should marry Italians. Marianina was fond of Guiseppe and agreed to marry him.
They received permission from the church to marry. This was necessary since they were cousins. ( I don't think they were first cousins, but who knows.)

On the day of the wedding, the Frenchman confronted Nonno and announced his plan.
"If you marry Marianina there will be three bullets fired."
Nonno answered, " All right, go ahead, just remember, your skin will hurt as much as mine."
The wedding went on, no shots were fired.

(I'm sure it sounds much better in Italian)

Close-up of Mount Rainier

Joe and I took a ride to Sunrise yesterday.  No matter how many times you view it, the beauty of the mountain is never lessened..
  Maybe in my next life I'll climb to the top, but for now, I'll enjoy the view from a safe zone.

The lower photo is a lake covered with snow. the blue area is water.

July 3 continued....

Joanne was excused from attendance as her parents are celebrating 60 years of marriage...She was sweet enough to stop by and surprise us with  a visit. Joe and I appreciated her thoughtfulness.
Joanne and I each wanted the middle spot  but June was making this strange face in the photo where Joanne was middle person.. so I won.

This stump is one of my favorite things to see on the trail.  Above it is the tree house built by our son, John and his friend about 12 years ago.

Joe doesn't like this photo but I do.................

Fun Without The Fireworks July 3

This photo was taken on June 26. James,Meagan, Dylan and Ian wanted to visit as they would be at Duckabush, in a cabin over the 4th.

July 3......Liz and John

Roger and June near the empty table....no food as yet.

Zoey and her friend, Mindy.....too cute.

Joe and I pretty much live in a hermitage, a place of seclusion. It is
unusual to have company two Sundays in a row but we did and we liked it.
Nonna Rosa used to have family over every Sunday. ( I may have mentioned this before.) It was not considered unusual.   Nonna loved having her family with her and seemed to enjoy cooking etc.  She made one main dish and a salad. Aunt Blanche and Aunt Annie brought some kind of dessert.
We lived close to Nonna so didn't attend the Sunday gathering. Dad was very considerate (strict) in that way.

Joe and I love having our family and friends over but don't do it that often.
We had cleared our trail and were hoping that at least some of us would walk it. Zoey and her friend, Mindy,seemed to enjoy the woods as did our neighbor (and friend) Kenny.  Of the adults, June was the only one who took the bait. We walked the rugged terrain like Lewis and Clark.
Liz shared a delicious strata....Chin and Michele a delicious shredded pork and rice dish.
June  brought a very large dish of watermelon.  Everything was delicious.
As usual, too much food....won't have to cook for a few days.
I always forget at least one dish. This time it was a beet salad.

All things considered, it was a great day.

John and Zoe.....Adventure in Florida

A picnic, a walk through the woods, will be mild compared to their adventures.