I hope you are starting your summer off with fun and relaxation. Here on Whidbey Island, the weather has been mostly gray and drizzly but this week there has been the occasional bright blue sky to hint at summer weather to come. When I moved here, I was told by more than one Islander that summer weather starts on July 5, as if the weather gods flip a switch. That proved to be true last year so we will see what this year brings.
I’ve had a lovely week. My longtime friend Moe came up from Southern California for a visit, and that was really fun. We met in our college dorm just about 50 years ago, which is utterly shocking given that we are both so young and as silly as ever. Today she ferried off the island to accompany a mutual friend on a road trip to Minnesota. I am traveling vicariously with them by following them via the “find my friend” app on my phone. I have her permission for the virtual accompaniment, of course.
We had a fun time while she was here. We had one brilliant sunny day and ventured out to walk through Meerkerk Gardens, a lush rhododendron garden in Greenbank. I’ve been meaning to visit, so it was the perfect time to finally take the morning to wander through. We strolled on gravel paths through groves of huge redwood and cedar trees, with lots of blooming rhododendrons and azaleas and other flowering shrubs. We came upon several ponds as we wandered, and admired the many well-placed benches for resting and appreciating the views. When we were standing in the meadow with the gorgeous water view up there, I wanted to pinch myself. I feel so very lucky to live here in this beautiful place.
There was even a treasure hunt so we kept watch as we wandered. This fairy and her toad were one of the treasures we found.
Before and after Moe’s visit, I made good use of my time at the sewing machine. I got a lot of sewing done while listening to the trial news out of NYC. I’ve had the fabric cut for a “Swoon Sixteen” quilt for some time, and I got the blocks all made this week. Now I’m waiting for a particular sashing fabric to arrive to I can get the top together. Maybe I’ll call it “Justice Prevails.”