So Simple...

Crafts aren't my forte.

Love'em but need help with getting ideas.

Last year, I tried the chalkboard paint, on a plate

and was, somewhat successful.

But this one is so easy and fun.

Thanks to Judy at Just A Little Something For You for the idea.

All you need is a plate and dry eraser markers!

To take it off, use a paper towel.

My plate sits in our kitchen and has been fun leaving messages.

It only took Tom two weeks to see his message.

(it's has been erased)

This is the message (picture) I came home to,

when Kimmy and kids took care of our dogs,

while we were away for the day.

~~~~~~Y~~~~~~

~Tidbit~

Metallic-looking scratches on plates:
Most likely, they are from regular silverware use or utensils rubbing against the plates in the dishwasher. To make them vanish, apply a thick baking soda-and-water paste over the marks, and gently rub in a circular pattern until the scratches disappear; if baking soda doesn't work, try a dab of silver polish. In the future, leave some extra space between plates and flatware when filling the dishwasher.

Thursday at Friday Harbor

This is like one of those "come over and look at our slides" type of post.

Lots of pictures.

Tom and I took a day trip, last Thursday and drove up to the

San Juan Islands via a ferry boat.

Our destination was Friday Harbor.

The summer weather finally arrived.

This is us, boarding the Ferry Boat early in the morning.

View of one of the hundreds of big and small islands up here.

View of the Ferry wake.

After a hour and half ride, Friday Harbor is in view.

Driving off the boat.

We decided to drive to Roche Harbor on the other side of the Island.

This is the Hotel De Haro at Roche Harbor

with it's beautiful grounds.

We walked up and down the docks looking at all the yachts.

And I mean YACHTS!! Really BIG boats!!

People come for the day, or weeks. Spending time relaxing.

More walking...

This is how people get to shore, while their yacht is tied up.

Couldn't resist taking this picture of four ladies,

all reading and sunbathing on the back of their boat!

How fun!!

Walking back to shore.

Notice the two flags... lots of Canadians come here because

it is so close to the border.

This is the restaurant where we had lunch.

Of course, we ate outside!!

Look at all those yachts!

Look at what I ate!
Crab Louie, best salad I've eaten in a long time.

Pizza for Tom.

Look at that plate... cute presentation.

Our walk back to our car.

Then off to see the Orca Whales!

Fifteen minutes later we arrived.

We walked down this beautiful trail to the water.

Watch point for whale watching.

Ahh... there's one!!

(double click to enlarge)

Actually, it was a pod of "Killer" Whales.

Back up the trail.

Being the blogger I am, couldn't resist this picture.

Back at Friday Harbor. More boats.

Did someone say ice cream?

Look who is in the ice cream shop.

Ummm, so delicious, on a warm day.

Just had to take this picture of the

"walk on" passengers, departing the ferry.

Leaving...

Our Titanic moment.

See our shadows?

Another ferry passing before us,

with Mount Baker in the background.

We arrived home about 8:00 PM.

Our mini vacation was perfect.

Yes, we plan on doing it again.

Anyone want to come with us?

~~~~~~Y~~~~~~

~Tidbit~

Dashboard Dining: bring along lots of snacks and drinks. You'll have much more control over when and where to stop, if you can quench a thirst on the spot, or postpone a meal.

Volunteers

This is our walkway leading up to our front door.

We live in a cul-de sac and don't have a lot of traffic.

Just a friendly neighbors.

This is what it looks like from the front door looking out.
(our driveway and the street is to the left, at the end of the walk)
We have a small patio, with a bistro table.
We like to sit here and say "Hi" to our neighbors in the evenings,
or read the newspaper.
Occasionally, some neighbors will stop by or come over to
join us for some refreshments.
Other times we will wait out here for our guests.



This is our tomato plant. We encourage everyone to
pick and eat, either on the way in and on their way out.
But look closely, do you see some lettuce?


Yes, lettuce!
It's a volunteer.
I don't plant lettuce because we have so many slugs.
(we have a lot of rain)
Last year we had a huge tomato plant that grew all on it's own.

Volunteers are so much fun to see where they might pop up.


~~~~~~Y~~~~~~

~Tidbit~

Slugs and Snails: To keep slugs away from sensitive plants sprinkle eggshells around them. Ash and grit are also supposed to be effective. It is also possible to trap slugs using containers in the ground that have some beer in the bottom. Empty grapefruit halves work as well. Vaseline smeared around plant pots stops slugs getting to the plants inside. –