I Just Couldn't Do It.

Yesterday worked out to be a good day to mow the lawns after nearly one week of rain showers. As I was mowing the back yard, I noticed this grouping of flowers down the small hill and into the yard. The more I mowed, the more it bothered me that I would have to make the decision of chopping them up under the passing lawn mower or saving them in spite of where they were located. As you can see, they breathed a sigh of relief as I worked around them, sparing them the same fate as the grass. I just couldn't do it.

The August Wedding of our Niece.

Steve and I went back East to Michigan to attend our niece's wedding. Erin and her new husband Brandon have been planning every detail for a year. It turned out to be a very beautiful service with an harpist ( my sister-in-law's teacher ) who plays with the Detroit Symphony, performing some beautiful pieces for the harp. She ended with an Handel piece that would have brought the house down if it hadn't been played in a church setting. Erin's mother, Cherrie is standing at the left with her harp teacher.

This is Erin posing with the harp.

Erin and Brandon taking their vows. Tara, her sister ( on the left ) will be marrying in this same church about this time next year, so . . . the uncles will be back for more of the festivities.

After the ceremony, the congregation of well wishers were awaiting the bride and groom's appearance. Instead of throwing rice, which evidently kills the birds who eat it, bubbles were blown at the bridal couple. It was interesting participating in the bubble-making and watching grownups blowing bubbles with wild-abandonment, keeping up with the kids. I'm actually, in this picture, see if you can find me. ;-)

Here's another picture of the well-wishers.

My side of the family, that came up to Michigan from West Virginia, love to meet for breakfast before heading back to their homes. In this photo, from left to right, is my sister-in-law, Tammy, her husband, my youngest brother, Kevin, both living in Michigan, and Steve.

This is my cousin, Tommy from W. Virginia sharing a moment with my younger brother, John. It was his daughter who was married. If you are familiar with the state of Michigan, it looks like a mitten. The wedding took place in the town of Bad Axe, which is located in the "thumb" of Michigan.

This is my sister, Sharon who resides in Michigan and Steve. We had stopped for gasoline and noticed the sign on the building. "Mooney's Ice Cream" My last name happens to be Mooney and my sister's love of adventure, especially when it involves ice cream, brought us to this picture. I should add that we had just finished a nice country breakfast and she was ready to taste the ice cream. Taste was about all I could do on a full stomach.

We made it to the airport in plenty of time. I am always setting off the alarm system operated by the Homeland Security, so we always plan ahead for more time allowances. I have a titanium knee replacement and one can count on being pulled aside, patted down, and "wanded." I felt like an extra in an "Harry Potter" movie with all the wands being waved around. ;-)

It was off to Chicago, Illinois where we visited Steve's half of the family.

( to be continued )

Solarium blooming plants

The Geranium is in bloom with beautifully, bright red flowers. I thought I would add some of the other blooming plants in our solarium.

Enjoy!

Our very hot weather finally broke this past week bringing us much needed cooler weather. I awoke this morning to lightly falling rain. It wasn't enough to really quench the earth but, was enough to clean the air of the pollen, dust and other things that come with a dry spell. This time of year is our "dry-season" and is looked forward to by many Washingtonians. The very hot weather we experienced is unusual for this climate. We reached 111 degrees in one part of the city of Tacoma. On my drive home, it varied between 107 and 110 degrees F. on the expressway. This weather felt more like the temperatures you would expect in Los Angeles, California. Generally, it is much cooler this time of the year staying in the 70s and low 80s.

Is Global Warming finally catching up with us here in the Northwest? We shall see.

The Enumclaw Scottish Highland Games 2009

Last weekend was the annual Scottish Highland Games of 2009.

The dog on the left is an Elk Hound and the two dogs on the right are Irish Wolfhounds.

This is one of the Pipe & Drum Bands competing in this year's event. You can see one of the judges in the left of the picture watching them as they march to the performing field.

There is an annual procession of all the clans that are present and they walk past the grand stands for viewing. This is the Clan McKay with their piper following.

Clan Cian

Clan Stewart

This was the marching field and the grand stand. The dancing competition was also held in this general area.

Clan Wallace

Clan Campbell

Clan Gunn

Part of the crowd of people who attended the fair. Last year there were over one-hundred pipe & drum bands competing. Due to the recession, there were no where near the same numbers.

The featured musical groups this year were "Golden Bough", "Molly's Revenge", and "The Wicked Tinkers."

The weather wasn't as bad as it was forecast. It was in the 80s with a nice intermittent breeze.

Unfortunately there wouldn't be enough room to show pictures of every clan that attended and I didn't get pictures of them all. There are lots of things to see and do at this event with plenty of ethnic foods to sample as well.

Enjoy!

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The Flowers of the yard and a solarium surprise

This is one of two African Violets I have in bloom. This one shows off its beautiful blueish-purple and white colours among the other plants.

This is the other one.

Because of my injuries, I was unable to get out into the yard to capture these wild roses in their prime. The first bunch were pink and then came the red ones.

Look closely and you will see the moss growing on the bench in the design that runs along the flat surface. I thought this looked rather neat.

My "better late than never" lilies have finally made their entrance this year. The plant is much smaller this year than what I remember of last years flowers.

HAPPY JULY 4TH, 2009 !

Time to get the barbecue ready for today's celebration.

Here's wishing all of you a great 4th of July!