Strawberries

Strawberries are wonderful this year. I picked the other morning and other than about dying of heat stroke is was really fun. I froze most of them except for making two batches of jam. Of course I saved enough out so I could have strawberry shortcake. Now you know why I need a bicycle.

Peppers are thriving

As you can see, I hope, I already have four little peppers growing and many blossoms. It's great when they are at different stages, because I can pick one every couple of days. Isn't summer wonderful! I also have some jalapeno peppers almost ready to eat in a pot next to this one. It's hot on the porch and peppers love it.

Rooftop garden

My garden in the sky is looking good with all of the rain and muggy weather we have been having. It's been kind of like a rain forest lately. Great for the plants, but I'm wilting.

Rhubarb Dessert

I made the rhubarb dessert Saturday night and it looked so good I had to take it's picture before and after I drizzled frosting on it. I hope it looks as good as it tasted.

Trying to stay fit

As part of my attempt to regain strength in my legs after my break, I decided to buy a bicycle to use in warm weather when it is boring to ride my stationary bike. Whether this is an incentive to ride or a colossal mistake only time will tell. My granddaughter insisted I buy a helmet due to previous mishaps in Fairmont, and we tried some on, but nothing fit. Well, I finally found one big enough and sane enough so those of you who know my history will be reassured. The cartoon was in my Sunday paper and it seemed appropriate since I told Bob he had to be here when I rode it for the first time. Actually it was to take my picture.

Mixed-Media

As part of my mixed-media exploration, I'm making some more clay tiles. One side is one kind of clay and the other side another. I'm going to try to paint each and see how that goes. Painting the one kind didn't work well when we tried it in Boise. Wish me luck.

More Door County

Robin just sent me these pics from her camera of when we were in Door County.

Mom

Robin had some good visits with my mom when she was here. One day we took pictures.

Door County in May

Robin and I also were able to squeeze in a few days in Door County. It was beautiful and really warm for May, but the lake level is down again which is disturbing. Both in Chicago and Door County we ate very well and that has increased my desire to get out and ride my new bike. Bob is encouraging me to buy a helmet before I start out.

Robin Arrives

My cousin Robin paid me a visit last week. She had lived her whole life in Southern California, but she and her husband Jeff have recently bought a new home in the hills above Reno and are in the process of settling in. While she was here we took the Empire Builder train into Chicago and spent several days shopping and enjoying the "big city". Sorry I can't figure out how to turn the pictures. Here we are in front of the infamous Chicago Water Tower with our Victoria Secret pink bags.

Soccer

Nora is also an athlete, she plays soccer three seasons. With my digital camera and only 10x I have a difficult time getting good pictures on the field. I may have a bring out the old 35 mm and a telephoto lens. She is the one in the middle (blue team shirt) running.

Eugene Marathon

Tam ran the Eugene, Oregon Marathon while I was visiting. She enjoys the challenge.

My picture doesn't want to import, I will have to add it later. Sorry.

Flowering Trees in Boise

Luckily I was in Boise when the trees were blossoming. There are thousands of blossoming trees along the boulevards. I took these pictures along Boise Boulevard. By the way, the Oregon Trail into Boise was right along Boise Boulevard, just steps from where Michael and his family live.

Oregon Trail

One of the things I've wanted to see, after reading books about the pioneers who traveled west in wagons, was the actual ruts that are still visible in many places along the various trails. Suzanne and I went out to the Oregon Trail and we walked in the ruts which gives one a lot of respect for the stamina of the people who walked there, especially as you look out over the valley and see the high mountains in the distance to the west. Of course, my brother's comment was, "How can you be sure the ruts weren't made by the trucks of the men who put up the power lines?".

Birthdays

While I was in Boise we celebrated Michael's belated birthday and Nora's 14th birthday.

Quite A Cook

Nora is quite a cook, specializing in sweet treats. She especially likes to bake cakes. She sent me home with a yummy batch of lemon muffins. Her dark hair is a shock for me. She actually is a light blond, but decided to try something new. Everyone else in the world wants to be a blond.

Tasty Treats

While I was in Boise, Nora and I attempted a new skill. We decided to try to make petit fours which included making new recipes for butter pound cake & fondant as well as having to make leaves and flowers. This is the result. We were pleased with the result and learned both things to do and things to do differently. I consider that a success.