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!

Trial & Error

Still trying to figure out the camera from Mike.

Birds

So far the new bird feeders have not been invaded by the squirrel. I hope it stays that way.
Trying to get photos but every time I open the sliding door the birds fly away. I am forced to take photos through the sliding door.

Butterfly....lucky shot!

Wish you could see the color! At least the size is visible.

Happy Father's Day Joe!

Taking a break from the news

James ( gluten-free) is coming up from Tumwater this Saturday to help out the old geezers. I decided to try to get food ready ahead of time.
Dylan ( a good worker) will be here as well and it would be nice to have some time to visit.

I made my gluten free  many cheese potato casserole. As I was preparing this I decided to try a gluten free cookie recipe.( I usually have a roll of dough in freezer of lemon cookies.) Let's try a white chocolate, chocolate chip cookie since James can not have chocolate.
So while stirring the cheese sauce I began my error ridden recipe for disaster.
First, I put in baking powder instead of baking soda. I tried to dig out the powder, add soda. While doing this I realized I put in 3 cups of flour instead of 2/1/2.  I measured out and discarded 1/2 cup.
while placing cookies on sheet I remembered that I forgot the vanilla. I put vanilla on my hands and wrapped them around each  cookie on the sheet. Then I added vanilla to the bowl and attempted to mix the dough. How could these ever turn out.

As you can see, Joe kept stealing cookies ( He is not gluten intolerant). He thought the cookies were great.  I tried one. I can't believe it. So delicious!

The deer love Mock Orange blossoms

Taking photos through a questionably clean kitchen window is not the best idea. But if I go outside the deer will move on and I will get nothing.
So, Joe actually got one that is not too bad. we still haven't learned to use my new camera. Help Mike!

                                      Outside view.