Old Fashion, But Never Out of Style

The 4th Of July

We have been going to the small town of Melba

for several years to watch their parade.

(Population 500 but during July 4th, 20,000)

It started with a "fly over" an A-10 Warthog, 

from the local U.S. Air Force.

Plenty of tractors, local merchants and of course

the local Fire Department with hose to spray us.

It's always a welcome relief from the hot sun.

This year we parked out RV in a prime spot for 

watching the fireworks.

We left it there and went back home to do some

swimming in the pool.

Followed by a BBQ!

Our RV came in handy for sitting or

for potty breaks!

We had the most perfect spot of watching the fireworks.

Kimmy took these pictures.

This one below shows how close we were.

We were even lit up!

FREEDOM 

Isn't that a wonderful word!

We are blessed to be free!

~~~~****~~~~

Now the Lord is in the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Corinthians 3:17

Seattle and Back

We traveled over to Seattle
 and stayed for a few weeks.

We didn't go alone.
Our daughter and son-in-law came,
along with the 5 grand kids!

It was a fun but a sad trip.

We have sold our little Cottage
and the properties next door, 

where we kept our trailer.

Inside our trailer

It was so convenient when we visited Seattle to

have our own little place to stay.

I called it The Penny Lane Condo,

The hardest part was saying good-bye to our
 Little Cottage.

We lived there for three years. 

It holds so many wonderful memories

Inside the Cottage


Lulu, one more time at...

The Little Free Library,
that we built.
It's still going strong!

Tom bought the Cottage

a few years after he moved into
 the "other" little house.

Both the "Business" house and our little Cottage,
side by side


Tom ran his business here for 22 years.
Then the building was rented out.

The back door.

This huge hedge and opening
 is between the two properties.



These adorable little homes were built in the 1930's.

******

The trip wasn't all "good-byes"

While we were visiting,

we went to our grandson's Pre-School graduation.

We also celebrated Todd's hard work.

He is renovating his basement,
one wheel barrow and one nail at a time,

with a lot of sweat.


The cement crew came to pour
a perfectly level floor,
that Todd has been working on.

Trey peeking in.

I added my 4 cents worth.

Each penny has the birth year of
Todd, Steph, Trey and Scarlett.

They carefully place them in sight
 but not in the way.

We also celebrated Father's Day, while in Seattle.

Tom got a hand, painted shirt...

and an apron, with a picture of ALL
the grandchildren,

Then headed home, with our trailer in tow.

God only knows
 what our next adventure will be.
We are looking forward to
what He has in store for us.


~~~~*****~~~~

"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

~James 1:17~

So Many Celebrations... So Many Pictures

Tom and I just returned from a trip to Seattle.

Boy, did we celebrated!

Two Birthdays!

Stephanie, our daughter-in-law, received the

picnic blanket, I made for her birthday.

Trey celebrated turning 4!!!!!

We gave him, his very own shovel, rake, hat and work gloves.

He is really into dirt.

He went right to work, digging in his play area.

We also, celebrated with Trey's friends and family

with a party for him.

Todd and Steph bought a blow-up slide for all

the kids to play on. 

Perfect for this very HOT day!

One of the days, Tom and I got to babysat,

 while mom and day went to work.

Hot tub, Bonfire, walks to the "Club House",

 (otherwise know as the grocery store for a cookie)

and snuggles. 

Just couldn't get enough!

LOOK WHO IS WALKING!!!!
We celebrated this moment!

 Scarlett took some of her first steps

while we were there!

In this picture, Papa is dragging Trey.

It's a fun thing, that they do together.

We visited and celebrated
my Aunt Bobbie's new home.

She now lives with her grandson and is so happy!

We went out for a seafood lunch.
(Really miss fresh seafood)
On our way back to Seattle,
we rode on a ferry boat.

Ahhh...fresh, salt water air!!

Tom and I went to our annual, concert at a winery.

We joined hundreds of others, waiting in line.

Another evening, we walked around Redmond and celebrated, Night Nosh.

There were  a variety of food trailers with live music and dancing.

It's always fun to go "home" and visit with family  

and the friends we left behind.

Seattle / Redmond, will always have a place in my heart.

We are home now and enjoying the end of summer.

Looking forward to Fall!

~~~~***~~~~

"Therefore I tell you, what ever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Mark 11:12

Trip - Surprise Ending

Penny Lane Condo

Here is a quick tour, after we packed up all our stuff.

The stools at the couch and bed

are for our little dog, Lucy. 

We spent many hours around this table.

This portion of the trailer in what is

called a "bump out".

*========*

It's always hard to say good-by to loved ones.

The key is to have a plan in advance

 for coming back.

That way you have something

 to look forward to 

and the departing isn't tearful.

(that plan went out the door! 

I cried!)

Look at her!

I couldn't get enough Kisses planted on her forhead!

And this guy... look at that face!

I can't wait to see them soon.

I love them very much!

*-*-*-*-*-*

And now for the surprise ending.
( for Tom and me)

When we left Idaho,
we were happy, grandparents of 5,
with one on the way.

When we came back to Idaho,
we were the ecstatic, grandparents of 8.
Yes...Eight!!!

Kimmy and Mark
are now Foster Parents of two
adorable little children.
A baby girl and a two year old boy.

This picture was taken the day we returned  home.

Their identity is private so that's why the heart on their sweet faces.

Life has been so busy around here!

We have been helping out as much as

we can.

Well, life is back to our new normal.

***~~~***

Pictures of the 

Blood Moon eclipse,

from our backyard! 

"Let love be genuine, Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit. serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Romans 12-9-13

Trip - Part 3

Trailer living is great but

three and a half weeks is

a bit much.

Tom and I made the best of 

the situation, in our true form.

We ended up having a lot of fun,

and on top of that,

 being with our grand kids. 

The Penny Lane Condo

doesn't have a washer and dryer.

So, here we are at the laundromat! 

Don't feel bad for us. There are several 

Starbucks within walking distance!

We didn't have TV or WiFi.

Again, don't feel sorry for us.

To watch our beloved Seahawks, we

dropped in at the local hotel.

We had front row seats.

This hotel also has free WiFi,

So, Tom would sip on a cup of coffee,

 while sitting in the lobby to 

catch up on his emails

My favorite place in the whole, wide world 

is Carillon Point, in Kirkland Washington.

It's a must for me, when we visit.

Especially, on such a beautiful day like the one we had.

My friends helped us out so much!

Anita let me read from her library.

(I stayed up really, late one night because

 I couldn't stop reading!)

Another friend had us over for dinner.

We brought along our bikes.

Pure joy to be riding on the bike paths

 and the streets

of Redmond, again.

Tom bought us tickets 

to an outdoor concert.

We didn't know if we would be going,
 but baby Scarlett arrived a day before the event.

Tom likes to arrive early and people watch, 

while reading the newspaper.

I on the other hand, enjoy the leisurely, 

four miles, bike ride on the trail.

I usually arrive just in time to enter into the venue.

(We saw Mark Knopfler)

Our last day in Redmond,
 we cleaned out our teen, tiny refrigerator.

Oh No!
What do we do for food?

We go have the world's best clam chowder!
Waterfront views, a beautiful sunset, and a big, hot,
 bowl of clam chowder.

The only thing better is.....

holding Scarlett and

being with Trey!!

to be continued...

(a surprise ending)

~~~***~~~

Got home in time to harvest

the rest of the tomatoes

and cucumbers -mmmm

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Proverbs 16:3

Trip - Part 1

Tom and I are back from our 

month long trip.

This trip was so exciting and full of all kinds of fun.

Yes, we have a new grand daughter!

It was glorious in every way.

But let's start from the beginning.

Because we have driven this path so many times,
(this is our 18th time, over and back!),
I have been naming each drive.
This trip is called,
Baby Girl Trip

 We packed our car with enough

stuff for what ever might come our way.

Even Lucy had her bags packed.

We left early, the sun was coming up,

 in the smoke, filled sky.

Glad to be leaving the smoke behind.

Then we came upon a dust storm.

It was so freaky.

The wind blew so hard, 

it blew one of our bikes

off the stand. 

Thankfully, Tom has a motto,

"If a little is good, 

a lot is better."

He is a master at tying a bowline knot .

It's an eight and a half hour ride to our
"new to us" trailer.
We have named it the,
Penny Lane Condo

to be continued...

~~~***~~~

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, 
mourn with those who mourn."
Romans 12:15

So Long For Now...

Tom and I are heading back to Seattle to

help with the birth of our 6th grandchild. 

SHE is due September 9th!

We are going over early just in case.

I can't miss this birth!

We will be staying in our

 "new to us" trailer.

We have already had our trial run.

Things are in place and ready for us.

~google images~

Tom is still packing his suitcase.

~google images~

Me? Well, I've packed, and repacked.

I'm READY!

Being gone for a month,

 a girl needs a lot of things. 

Cause you just never know!

~google images~

I also, packed my Doula bag with items that will come in handy for the labor.

Things like;

 Massage tool

Honey sticks

Heating pad

Note pad & pen

Snacks

Chap-stick

Phone numbers of family and friends

(the list goes on and on)

~google images~

I've gone over my classroom notes,

 re-read my text book.

But after helping with five births,

 one thing I know for sure,

each one is different!

~google images~

I won't be around for the month of September.

I will miss all of you.

I will miss reading your advice, recipes, crafts, thoughts

 and what you have been up to.

If you remember, please say a prayer for me and our growing family.

Thank you.

~google images~

Ahhh Autumn!

~google images~

~~~~~***~~~~~

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28