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.

Phoebe...No, Chick...No, Phoebe?

We are starting to have a little bit of a problem. Phoebe and Chick look remarkably similar. At this point Chick is a little smaller than Phoebe and that's about it. What happens when they're both full grown?

Phoebe is on the left and Chick is on the right

Same here, Phoebe on the left and Chick on the right. Hmm, maybe we can just train them to always stand that way. That would solve the problem.

If I can, anyone can.

It's amazing how good God is. I have aspirations to be crafty and a good gardener and all of that Martha Stewart stuff. But, truth be told, I don't have the time or energy to be anything more than a mediocre weed farmer and an ADD crafter. So, when something survives and thrives in spite of me, I find it truly amazing and indeed a gift from God. There is a hydrangea bush on the shady side of our house. I rarely go over there, but for some reason I did a couple of weeks ago and BAM there were flowers blooming. So, we've had fresh beautiful bouquets in the house! Yay for God!

Flowers for Mary

Flowers for us

How do you know...

...when it's been too long since cleaning the floors? Ew.

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. :)

From peeps to clucks

During the week we don't get to see too much of the chicks. Just a peek in the morning to let them out and peek at night to lock them back in, the yucky weather doesn't help the situation either. So, when the weekend arrives, we are basically getting a look at 1 week of development from the previous week. This weekend I went out to let the ladies out and was very surprised to hear, not the usual "peeps" that we've been hearing for the last 3 months, but instead little "cluck-clucks." Mrs. Dashwood and Lady Catherine are looking more and more like they are fully grown...and now they are sounding like it too!

Mrs. Dashwood and Lady Catherine, big chickens with fluffy feet.

Ten paces, then turn and fire.

Phoebe and Lady Catherine

This is chick (haven't come up with a name more in keeping with her sisters).

Here's Chick, looking at the camera. I never really thought about the fact that chickens can't see in front of them really well. So, they have to turn their heads to look at something.

Pretty little maids all in a row.

The ends.

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. :(