Go Outside

We had a small outing to the nearby city of Anacortes a couple of days ago.  My husband had a customer to go see so my son and I went with him to wander around.  There is a great waterfront park there so even though it was grey and misting a bit we decided to go throw some rocks in the water.   

We ended up meeting this guy

 There is a boat launch at the end of the beach and according to one of the fishermen I talked to this seal has been a local fixture for about 15 years.  He hangs around the waiting for the fishermen to come in and hand over their extra bait.  You might notice that one of his eyes has been damaged, the man I spoke to said it's been that way as long as he's been around.

Yesterday was bright and sunny so we stopped on the local rainbow bridge to take a couple photos of our picturesque little town.

Picturesque right?

Here's a photo of the rainbow bridge I took a couple summers ago from a neighbors boat, it's named for it's shape, not it's color

I really is nice around here.  I really should drag myself outside more often, but for today I have some embroidery to do.

Pumpkin Shopping

Gordon Skagit Farm is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall.  

We stopped by yesterday on our way back from town and it was the perfect time to go, the weather was chilly but not too cold and it wasn't too crowded (on weekends the place is packed, and I'm not a fan of crowds).  

They really go all out with the displays and there are so many different  pumpkin varieties to choose from.  Looking through the photos I took I'm noticing that they really don't do justice to the variety of pumpkins and squash they had available. 

Besides pumpkins, squash and apples they sell local honey, apple cider and gorgeous dried flower swags and wreaths.

We picked a bunch of yummy Jonagold apples. Great for pie!

I wanted to take that fabulous huge pumpkin painting home with me

We will definitely be stopping by there again soon.  You can never have too many pumpkins right?

I'm totally inspired by all the Halloweeney autumn goodness.

Stopping by this place every October has become a tradition for us.

What are your favorite fall activities?

Cannon Beach Ahhhhhhh

We just got back from 2 days in beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon.
It's amazing how rejuvenating just a couple days of vacation can be.

It was sunny and warm and wonderful.

We walked on the beach

Built Sandcastles

Then stomped on them.

Ate good food, and rested.

How would you like live in a house with your own little path straight to the beach.

Beautiful!

(This is not where we stayed, it was just down the beach a bit from our beautiful hotel)

I can't tell you how badly I needed this trip. It was such a great way to shake off the winter blues.

Cabin Fever

I have horrible cabin fever. Every year around January....February, March and April I get sick of Washington State. The grey grey days with just a tease of sunshine every once in a while. This year spring is slow to start again, it's beautiful and sunny today as was yesterday but we had snow nearby just last week. Bleh. I long for summer weather, skimpy clothing, sandals, picnics and other outdoor activities.

How is the weather in your area?

On another note but still having to do with cabins, I found this listing on Craigslist for a rental house on beautiful San Juan island:

800 sq.ft. (feels bigger on the inside, sort of like the Tardis) newer cabin in the middle of the island. Quiet, and sunny, this one bedroom cabin offers parking for 2 cars (or 6 Smart cars or 5 Smarts cars and one motorcycle/scooter or 1 really big truck/2 Smart cars or 1 boat and 1 car/truck and a scooter AND a bicycle - the possibilities are endless!) propane fireplace/heating (a real one, not one of those HeatSurge Amish plug-in fireplace things) , newer gas range (perfect for stir-fry - veggie OR meat!)) and lots of windows to let the sun shine in and birds fly into. Native front lawn abuts the woods (great for Sasquatch watching from your front porch) and small raised garden (3x6-ish) is already planted for spring. Separate storage unit (6x12-ish) for boxes, bikes or even small boats. Fresh artesian well provides the best island water you've ever tasted and awwwsome water pressure. Water and sewer is included in the price of rent (that'll save you what, $200/mo. - can you believe it?). No dogs, but small domesticated cats (no, a housebroken ocelot does not qualify) are negotiable. 1 year lease @$850/month.

Even though we are not looking to move at the moment, and its quite small and out of the way (browsing rentals is a hobby of mine) I almost want to live here just because of their add.

A Deer a Doe

I was looking at the rock face just outside our back window this morning, and noticed a visitor.

How about a closer look...

It's always a pleasure to have a visit from a doe and her family. The family moved on before I could get to my camera.

Have a lovely weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

On the Farm

I am by no means a farm girl, but had fun this morning helping to get hay for my father in laws horses. We started bright and early...up with the sun.

The sun is still working it's way up by the time we arrive at the farm.

The horses are very happy to see us, and apparently kinda hungry.

Need to watch out for these things.

This is Rose, she is such a sweetie someday I may have to steal her.

The barn

Happy Sunday!

Drive by Blogging

I had to make an extra trip into town because I forgot to take care of something the first trip. It's about a 20 minute drive so on the way back I took pictures to entertain myself. It may not be the best idea to take photos while driving down a country road at 50mph but I made it home safe and sound.

I like the yellow fields.

Soon, this is where we will go get our pumpkins...There will be more pictures later.

I dig this guys make shift cover from the elements.

This is a turkey feather my son found today. We have roaming turkeys here. Well, I'm pretty sure it's a turkey feather.

There's Gold in That There River

Friday we decided to go to a river and pan for gold...yup...no kidding. My honeys brother has been trying to get us to go for some time.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but we ended up having a great time.

The spot we went to was about a half mile hike up a beautiful wooded path.




Even our 5 year old tried it.


Beauuutiful! And not a soul around.


I wonder what this building was used for.


The hike back up the path was also pretty.


This is what we came home with....I think maybe we will go buy that 900sq ft castle.


It's not a way to strike it rich (not that it's impossible, just unlikely). More like a fun activity to do while cooling off at the river.
I'm sure we will go again.