Saturday Meanderings

I have been out and about again today. The day started off with a Zoom get-together with two dear friends, which was absolutely wonderful. Having moved to a whole new corner of the world where I don't know too many people, I treasure these zoom friend dates. They make me feel connected and supported and happy to spend time with wonderful people. 

Then it was off to the recycling center. I'm sure you want to know what it looks like, yes?

  

I had several weeks worth of cardboard and cans and such, so there were a lot of trips to and from the car. There were two adorable little boys whose eyes got very wide with surprise when I accidentally started dumping my aluminum cans into the tin can receptacle. Oh no! Rule breaking! They giggled while I fished out my errant cans. I'm glad I provided surprise entertainment this morning. 

 Then I set off on a back road toward Langley, the village that is nearest to my house. Along the way, I stopped when I came upon a barn quilt decorating a local grange hall. One should always stop to admire a barn quilt, I say. It reminded me that I have not yet found the two barn quilts that I painted a few summers back. They are in the garage in some box somewhere, I know. It will be fun to hang them in the yard when I do finally find them.

 But onward, to Langley. I love Langley. A cute little village, right on Puget Sound. What's not to love?

 

The "downtown" consists of two parallel streets of shops and restaurants. It's tiny but oh so charming. 

 

Heading in, there were big black crows lining the road for a stretch. Excellent Halloween decorations.

And look, fall flower pots accessorized with brooms and pumpkins. Far better than the typical bats and skeletons, to my mind. 

One of my favorite shops in town is the Star Store, a wonderful mercantile with something for everyone. There have home goods, clothing, shoes, cards, a wine area, and even a toy area tucked up stairs.

 

There is also a substantial grocery area, where you can get a sandwich made for you at the deli or various prepared foods to take home. I got a half-sandwich of ham and swiss on rosemary bread to eat later at an appropriate scenic spot. It was delicious. 

From there, I headed on back roads in the direction of Freeland, which is a bit south, along more tree-lined roads.

I enjoyed the Halloween decorations along the way. These guys were just hanging out at one intersection.

Following my GPS map and trying to just stay along the water's edge, I came upon a new-to-me area which appeared to be the Baby Island Homeowners' Association. And look, I think that must be Baby Island.

 

I got out of the car to get closer.  Mainly a rock, with some grass, I think?

Baby Island! That immediately reminded me of a Scholastic paper back book I bought in elementary school that still sits on my bedroom bookshelf - Baby Island by Carol Ryrie Brink, the author of Caddie Woodlawn. Remember TAB books, and how you'd check off your desired purchases on the newsprint sheet, and the books would be delivered right to your desk a few weeks later? This was one of those. 

Does this cover look familiar? This is the exact one I have. I have a vague memory of a story of girls who have to take care of a bunch of babies. Here's the Amazon synopsis:  

"When a ferocious storm hits their ship, young Mary and Jean become stranded on a deserted island. They’re not the only survivors; with them are four babies. Immediately the sisters set out to make the island a home for themselves and the little ones. A classic tale of courage and dedication from a Newbery Medalist author."

I may need to read this tonight. 

But I kept on going, admiring the Baby Island neighborhood.

 

I was enjoying the pretty houses set off the road in big fields.  (Excuse the less-than-ideal photography. I pulled over and snapped this fast.)

Then I'd turn and see water again. Remember, this is an island.

Oh, and I stumbled on ANOTHER dahlia garden. The stand was empty but I jumped out to take a quick photo. It made me so happy to see these flowers.

In Freeland, I ventured into a few stores. I was in search of better recycling bins for the garage, as the small ones I have are simply not very useful, and I need to have four separate sorting bins. (I must keep those tin cans and aluminum cans separate, you know!) The hardware store did not have what I needed. I popped into the "big" grocery store for Sunday dinner items. This chilly fall weather feels like roast chicken weather to me. 

I have saved the best for last. Look what I saw on the bulletin board at the Star Store:

Nancy Pearl will be speaking at the Langley Public Library in November! I love Nancy Pearl! Do you know her? She is a librarian who has written some wonderful books about books. My favorite is "Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment and Reason." I think she has made it her mission to introduce readers to older books that, to her, need to be revived. Based on her reviews, Amazon released a series of "Book Lust Rediscoveries." She has even been made into an action figure! I've heard her on NPR from time to times on I did not realize she was from the Seattle Public Library, so her presence here makes sense. But I'm excited and have the event calendared.  

The dogs were watching out the front window when I got home, and they are happy that all the members of their pack are under one roof again.