Interesting visitor on deck

Apparently these are not rare but it is the first time we have seen one It is a Banded Alder Barer Beetle.
It feeds on dead trees and is not harmful to live ones.

Hawks and Figs

We spotted 3 hawks in back yard and woods today. As usual, my excitement prevented me from getting a photo!

The figs were more cooperative.

Hawk far away

Hawk on top of one of our trees. Dark but look at the size!

Lovely Visit

James, Meagan, Dylan & Ian stopped by on their way home from a family gathering in Redmond. It was so good to see them.
As we visited, I could hear hawks nearby. Actually while I was at St. James, Joe saw one on our deck.
Wow!  Of course not time for a photo. I saw one on top of one of our trees and took  photos. Dark.

View from the deck

          A male House Finch

                            The happy couple!

                   Lovely bouquet from John and Kristen. I'm drying the yellow one and will plant the seed.

Most of the Family Picnic

Doe & Fawn

Nice cafe. Thankyou dear.

Mike helping me with the camera.

Not for vegan or vegetarians....

Our neighbor has been parking his boat in our field and feels compelled to bring us food from the Sound. I'm not complaining but cleaning crab is not exactly fun.
However, it is delicious. Joe helped me clean the little creatures and there will be enough for a salad topping and  crab cakes (one of my favorites).

Mixed Emotions

Yesterday was certainly a day to remember. I attended the service for my dear friend John Burton who left this earth at the age of 52. John was a joy to know and love. Such a crazy sense of humor that was similar to my own ( He was a little naughtier) The service was beautiful and you could definitely feel the love.
The choir consisted of present and former choir members and friends. It was a fine tribute to John.
I chose to sing from the assembly as I wanted no distractions. I also wanted to sing my best for John.
So I just belted out every note. ( I  didn't sit too close to the ears of anyone else.)

I didn't stay for the reception as I needed some time to collect my thoughts and get ready for a great experience.
Zoe takes vocal lessons from a great jazz singer.  She was chosen to sing at the Jazz Club to give her a chance to sing with a great jazz band.  Zoe did not disappoint.  Vocals were great, stage presence awesome and she is funny. Zoe is a natural and it will be interesting to see what she does with her unique talent.
It was great seeing quite a few family members as well.
Liz was nice enough to pick me up and James and Meagan took me home.

James and Meagan stopped for a bit to say hello to Joe. I decide to open the blinds  to look outside and watch the birds.
Shortly after  that ,James spotted a buck and doe in the back yard. The buck is a rare sight  and was a magnificent creature.

Maybe the spirit of John Burton has found a new home!