Your lunch was delicious and I loved our conversation! So sorry about the miscommunication. I still feel bad about that! John looks great in his suit and I'm sure it was an interesting time. (but getting gussied up isn't my style these days either) That thunderstorm was something! I expected to lose power. Quinn is adorable! I want a grandchild so bad...

How wonderful to have visitors! I wish our area would show off more of its beauty when we have company. I've preferred this summer's weather to the constant 90s of last summer, and do enjoy a bit of rain to water my lawn and plants. Happy 40th to Zerek!

The house looks very nice, and I'm delighted that everything is falling into place. My Ohio kid might have a job interview Thursday and is looking for a position in her field. I hope she gets a job soon!!

Yes to all of this! Give the f*ckers muskets!

It's so great to have access to videos, Face Time and the rest of technology. If I ever do get a grandchild he/she will probably live far away. :(

I've tried to be better about blogging since it's a record of my own activities, thoughts and emotions. I got very into genealogy a few years ago, made some fascinating discoveries, then hit some brick walls that I haven't been able to penetrate. You sound like a gifted knitter! Ashley is good at knitting and crocheting, which I never got the hang of. :)

That is an incredible piece of glass work, T! I love it!! The kids' news is great, and it will be so nice to have them close. I know that life is gray without Mojo and will be for a long time. I think of you guys a lot.

Yes, keeping busy and engaged is the only way to escape(briefly) those horrible moments of sadness. I thought the same as you "Big Little Lies." Even the title was offputting. Are you enjoying Brokenwood? I got very attached to the characters, although I needed to have the subtitles on at all times. :)

I'm still in disbelief that Mojo hasn't returned. It seems unreal. He was always a larger than life presence and personality. He seemed indestructible.:(I'm glad that you had company and lots of wonderful goodies to eat. That quiche sounds fabulous; I'm a huge fan of quiche anyway and love Gruyere. Your deck furniture is gorgeous. It looks so comfy!! Yes, time is the only healer. And it's a roller coaster ride.

Glad to hear it!! They're feeling them to the east, but not so much to the south.

I'm so sorry, Tonya. These cats wrap themselves around our hearts. Hope that Mojo returns or that you get some closure. So very hard. Sending love to John and you!

That's a great looking BBQ! I need to get rid of Patt's old one(dump) and figure out if it's worth getting another one. Sometimes it's nice to have people over, but I was never the one who cooked. Quinn is SO handsome, and looking very grown up indeed! Those air mattresses are surprisingly comfortable. Ashley and Ryan have one in New York and it's almost better than a bed. :)

Test.

These are wonderful photos and we are indeed fortunate to have our families, different though we are, and a new group of ladies to hang out with. Camano is breath taking; the last time I was up there was for your wedding reception? I'm not enjoying my latest BC book but am forcing myself to read it. "America for Beginners"--not recommended! Poorly written and cheesy, in my humble opinion.

Yes, please. And convicted too.

So cute! I'm with Quinn; I get very dizzy on those things. But unfortunately, I also barf.

What a mess! Poor Dave, having to deal with a ton more when he thought it was going to be just adding some gravel. Yikes! I've read that crows are very intelligent and have LONG memories.

Gorgeous photos, and money for flowers is NEVER wasted! They bring such joy and peace. Those eggs are quite colorful. Do they taste a lot different from store bought?

They do look VERY angry!! Watch out as you sleep...

That's wonderful! I'm so glad it's working again. The beds look fantastic. I need some of that Preen!! I used a different version, but it's not working. :( I love that watercolor app. I need to give a try. Is it an iPhone app?

I almost always have to turn my photos so that they show up the right way on the blog, but they don't take that long to download. That's crazy! I think typepad automatically saves as you go; when I've lost posts I've been able to recover them. I agree with you about change for the sake of change; it's probably good that we have to keep adapting, yet why do they always seem to make things worse, or harder? Love the pictures! Captain Dave has a nice ring to it!

What a wonderful trip, and great news about Nate, Sandra and Quinn moving up to Everett. I know how worried you were about them going even farther away! So sorry that you're dealing with blog issues. I hate tech frustrations because it seems like it's always on THEIR end. I just want it to keep working the way it has in the past; is that too much to ask? P.S. Not sure if it's my computer or more issues, but the written words on the right side are cut off--not by much, but it's not normal on your blog at all.

I would need a couple beers before I would do so! Kids are so uninhibited and free.

I have noticed that the accents are all over the place. Steven Robertson is from Shetland, so his is probably accurate. I read that it's mostly not filmed in Shetland, which is a shame, but probably not practical. Many shows that are supposed to be set in Seattle are actually in British Columbia, where it's much cheaper to film. (but the buildings and streets are all wrong for those of us who know Seattle) John is a very nice man--such a great addition to my life!

There will be rainbows, but there will also be rain. The way of the world. I'm constantly fighting for perspective, and in that battle, I grow a lot, sometimes painfully. :)