Feelin' HOT, HOT, HOT

Well, we finally got to experience some real summer heat. On Saturday we were delighted to have my niece, nephew and sister-in-law come over to play. We ate watermelon, played in the sprinkler, tried to stay in the shade, and watched the chickens scratch around. We caped it off with grilled teriyaki chicken, squash, corn on-the-cob, carrots and a nice salad. Though Miss O focused solely on the watermelon and corn. :) Later, after putting the chickens to bed, this is the view I got on my way back to the house.

Jet noise, the sound of freedom!

The sound of the jets has always been the thing that i've missed most about living on an Air Force Base.

We got a lovely invitation from some of our favorite people to cruise out to Lake Washington to watch the Blue Angels air show. This was a first for us. We've seen the show from Leschi, but never from the water. I still can't believe how many boats were out there. I also can't believe the seeming lack of decency and all common sense that was on display. Teens and twenty-somethings out in boats with friends unaccompanied...where are these parents. How in the world could any parent say, "Sure not-yet or barely legal daughter, take the boat out by yourself. Oh, sure go ahead and go to the air show. Don't forget to bring your bad-influence friends. One more thing, here are some thimbles and dental floss, wouldn't want you to end up with awful tan lines. And be sure to talk to strangers!" I mean, really.

With all of the boats on the water, it was the choppiest we've ever experienced the lake. Unfortunately, the combination of a beer on an empty stomach, very choppy water, and very strong diesel fumes proved to be the perfect storm for my tummy. Too bad for me that the storm struck just as the Angels were starting the show. So, I stayed in the cabin and tried not to toss my cookies. But, E ended up taking some awesome shots. Don't feel bad for me. With a dad who was a 25-year veteran I saw my fair share of air shows, with the Thunderbirds, the Air Force version of the Blue Angels.

Look at all the boats!! Oh yeah, and there's a jet flying by...really, really fast and loud.

This just made us laugh. I love it when people are funny. In case it's not clear, these two boats are the Labrador and the Retriever. :)

What is Seafair anyway?

Among other things, Seafair is a celebration of Seattle's rich sea-faring history. The event culminates during the last couple of weeks with the Torchlight Parade, hydro races, and an air show by the US Navy Blue Angels. Another happening is Fleet Week. Military ships sail into the sound, dock at one of the piers, and allow the public to take tours. Pretty cool. It's a lot like the air shows of my childhood. There were always lots of planes and jets that you were allowed to climb in and check out. The boat pictures below were taken from the conference room at my office. I'd have gotten better pictures, but I was stuck in a meeting.

Here are two of the military ships coming into port. The one in the lead is a Destroyer and the other one is called a Transport ship.

Here is a closer image of the Transport ship. Whenever they bring the Navy ships into port all of the sailors line the deck and stand at attention. Neato.

I had to include this one, Lake Sammamish at sunset. (sigh) Too bad our "summer" is rapidly coming to a close. :(