[day 220 ... aug 8]

Homecoming went well, and in the late morning, we headed down to Bellevue to pick blueberries at the Mercer Slough. The berries are a bit thin now, with the very early season due to the hot weather, but we enjoyed picking a bunch. It's the first time the little ones have been berry picking, and Tynor hasn't been since he was little.

Unfortunately, it didn't end up being very appealing for Cory because he doesn't like blueberries (I didn't either at his age - maybe he'll come around eventually). And unbeknownst to me at the time, Niall was coming down with a rip-roaring cold, starting with congestion and chills. But other than that, it was a fun outing and great to get all those fresh berries!

[day 219 ... aug 7]

The pastel contrast of the open window and frame on Mom's cottage caught my eye. It reminded me of the "When a door closes, a window opens" saying (though I don't think of it with the usual religious implications).

I looked out over the peaceful river this evening and enjoyed the reflections, the birds swooping, the occasional chatter of people passing by on the trail across the way. This has been a restful getaway, desperately needed.

[day 218 ... aug 6]

I invited Tynor over for dinner this evening. I miss him! And I wanted to reassure him that I was feeling better.

We got takeout burgers and shakes from the Ranch Drive-In. First time I've been there in many years, though we used to go pretty regularly back when Kellen and Tynor were young.

We ate out on the deck and took a few photos by the water afterwards. One of the resident herons was perched on the bank directly across from us! Of course, as soon as we got out our cameras, it lazily flew off. I captured a nice blur, but Tynor got a better shot. At least one of us got it!

[day 217 ... aug 5]

My home-away-from-home this week: my mom's mobile home along the Sammamish Slough. The front rooms inside are all knotty pine (just like my mom's childhood bedroom), with a shelf that runs around the top on three sides for books, dolls, baskets, and other items.

That's my laptop over by the window, looking out onto the water. And my bags on the floor, just beginning to gather things up to get ready to return home. I think I'll be ready by Friday. I hope so, anyway. I could use a month of peace and time to myself, but a week was enough to bring me back from the brink. At least for now.

[day 216 ... aug 4]

I enjoyed taking some photos along the waterfront at Mom's place this evening. Just seeing what struck my fancy and playing with the composition and lighting. These pics were my favorites.

[day 215 ... aug 3]

I'm not sure if this is one of the original plates from the set, but I remember this pattern so well from my childhood. My mom still has a few of these plates, so I got to use them at her place this week. Brings back memories from so many years ago. I love the pattern too. I wonder if someone still makes it? (Unlikely!)

[day 214 ... aug 2]

Cory and I went for a nice paddle on the slough this morning - down the river and then up the river. Cory alternates between wanting to paddle and taking a more supervisory role.

On our way back down to Grandma's, we saw two big herons standing by the water. This one looked a bit old and ragged, but still majestic. Such stately birds. I didn't know they frequented these parts.