Washington

Washington has broken teperature records since we've been here. Yesterday we went to Seattle and the temp topped at 104. Thankfully, it does cool down enough at night to sleep. Hardly anyone has A\C here but, store sold out of a\c ubits and fans! Nathanael was able to gert one by calling a buddy WHO HAPPENED TO BE AT A wAL-MART WHEN A TRUCK LOAD CAME IN. His buddy ran back and got the last one!
This morning we went up the road a couple miles and got a few pics of eagles. Going to try for some more tonight or in the morning.
This area reminds us a lot of AK. It's a very liberal area though. To be able to hunt requires jumping through a lot of hoops. I guess they figure if it's too much of a pain people just won't hunt.
Tom was very impressed by the cleanliness of the area when he hiked into the Olympic mountain on the Dungeness trail. The state does a good job of keeping the area clean by enforcing strict rules. They're nothing the good hiker can't live with and it does keep the rif-raf out.
He hiked in about 7 miles, spent the night and came out in the morning.He saw a lot of beautiful scenery and some wildlife. Unfortunately, the camera battery ran out! When we get home I'll be able to post some more pics. Without the 2nd screen it's hard to see what I'm choosing.
This is just a quick update and a few pics to change the sceneery here!

26 years!

26 years ago, Tom and I were in Florida. I was waiting for my parents, sister and nephew to arrive, Tom was working and we were getting ready to be married that eve.
I must say, I love him more today than ever. I'm so glad he chose me to be his lifes partner and companion.
I was up at 4 a.m. this morning to make the cinnamon rolls and bacon and egg souffle'. I had candles lit at the table, lace tablecloth, balloons , card and a new, beautiful flowering plant. I was pleased with the outcome---Tom was very touched by it all. I love to surprise him and do special things.
He is my sweetheart, friend and husband and I wouldn't want it any other way!

Anniversaries

The background is obviously Valentines but, it works! On the 17th it will be 26 years since I married my forever Valentine. I'm thankful to have a man who loves me and his children. He is a wonderful man and just what I need.
Hannah and Andy will also celebrate 2 years of being forever Valentines on the 9th! Man, where does the time go!? We are so happy for the husband God gave to her. He is just right for her and they compliment each other well.
Then, the elderly couple I sit with will celebrate 60 years of togetherness on the 18th! I think I'll bake some cupcakes for them and be sure to take my camera that day!
Then, of course, our newest little love--Chastity Ruth, celebrates her first birthday on the 12th. She is such a joy and oh-so-cute! Hannah and Andy are doing a great job training her and trying to insure she's a lovable, obedient little girl.
So--to any of you who are also celebrating an anniversary this month---CONGRATULATIONS to you, too!!!

Paper and toys

These are some of the recent finds at the Goodwill outlet. Hannah would like to have the doll set for Chastity but--who wants to pay $30 or more if you don't have too! So, while she was here, Hannah found the stroller. Chastity couldn't walk behind it very well but, she will the next time she comes! I found the high chair--I need to replace the seat cover-and the carrier after they were gone. All we need now is the pac-n-play and Chastity will have a set for less than $10.
The other find--and hopefully a bit of a money maker--yes-EBAY!--was 319 12x12 scrapbooking papers. 41 were double sided, 25 were just single sheets and the rest had at least 3 of the same--most had more. Also, I found 229 earthy brown card envelopes, 1 8.5 x 11 sheet, 1 pkg. page protectors, 2 stickers, 1 baby sheet of stickers, 1 alphabet set of stickers and 1 pkg of templates. Of the 319 sheets of paper, there were actually 5 Marines sheets! I've sold stamps on ebay and some have done very well so, I'm hoping these will do well. I know I'll recover what I spent--which was maybe 6 dollars or so--but I hope to earn a bit on them, too!
I do like a bargain and if I can make a bit on it that makes it better! I know--if you don't need it--no matter how cheap it is--it's not a bargain. This is what I know and keep in ind when shopping. I'm amazed at all the stuff some folks have in their carts! I know some resell but, I don' think they all do!!!!!!!!

Hannah, Baby and this and that

We so enjoyed having Hannah and Chastity home with us for a week. It was a surprise for Tom--he had no clue! This was actually the first time Chastity has felt good when we've seen her so, it was a real treat to be able to connect with her. She managed to tighten the final loop on Papaws finger! The pink horse is a thrift store find-$4.00. A lady at the office keeps telling Tom he needs to get Chastity one of those $250.00 horses! When I saw this one, of course I snatched it up! It doesn't do anything but, Chastity doesn't know that! She actually liked it!! It's hard to believe she'll be 1 next month!
We do hope you all are enjoying your summer--Tom and I are.














I so enjoy the seasons of flowers! It's amazing to think how creative God was in choosing the colors--what a dull world if everything were black and white! Of course, if it were, we wouldn't know the difference, would we???
Our small garden is coming along as well as some things in containers. Thanks to our new "neighbors" who so graciously offered to plow up a garden spot for us this year. We were pretty settled on just some container gardening. We had this same family over a few weeks ago for a meal--there are 13 of them at home and 2 not at home! They are very nice people, truly seem genuine, and the children are interesting and well behaved.








Thankfully they don't make their way to the front porch all the time!



Squeek and her pups

Awwww--how sweet

It was so nice to come home Saturday and find these beautiful flowers that Tom picked waiting for me. I call that SWEET !

Yummy homemade yogurt and puppies

No, the 2 things don't have anything to do with each other--just giving this a title!

Talk about eating on your feet!






I found a recipe from a blog I follow for crock-pot yogurt! This is very easy and it turned out very well! I do believe this one is a keeper!

Random things

Just a few random pics to give something new to look at. Life is moving right along for Tom and I. We have much to be thankful for and we're enjoying this phase of life.
I MUST get better organized so I can fit everything into life! Doesn't life have a way of getting away from you?? One minute at a time. Wow! I will be working on simplifying and getting organized. Too much STUFF truely makes life more difficult. Hopefully, I'll be able to fit blogging into the schedule a bit better. I do enjoy reading them and I know it gets rather boring not to keep mine updated so, that's one thing I'll work on!
Till next time--hope you enjoy.

We think Chastity is adorable!




Just enjoying Baby




Grammy's little dolly




Notice Miss Chastity's purse--she carried it around like a little lady.




The new puppies-1 boy, 2 girls


One of the best looking Marines there is!!!! Aaron and Tom




Tom's family-all together for the first time in about 20 years!


Sleeping Beauties!




Grotto Falls in the Smokey Mtns.





Not very clear but, these are the pups