The summer has been busy. Quite a lot has happened. As noted in the post from a few months ago we strong-armed the slum lord into fixing the roof. Our plan was to deep clean the house afterward. But first we survived the Seattle heat wave. It was no joke. We made it through by covering ourselves and our animals with wet towels and drinking Gatorade. It's seems like we are complaining excessively about it. But it really was a serious event. Our roads buckled in the heat and the glaciers melted off the mountain.
The following weekend our friend, Sue came to visit. I will probably write about her at some point. She is a real character. This visit was followed quickly by our Family Vacation to Ft. Worden. We stayed at the state park this year instead of the farm. We loved the NCO housing at the fort. To Army brats like us, it was like a visit home. But like so many things, many of the attractions and shops are still closed for Covid. But Sue joined us for the first day and then another friend, Sandy came for the rest of our stay. We enjoyed the beach, the beautiful surroundings, worked puzzles and ate great sea food and just generally had a relaxing time of fellowship. It is really is nice that we have two affordable and enjoyable places to stay there. It is one of our favorite places.
But for me, the best part of the summer was my birthday present from Mollie and Chris. This year they gave me a present of their presence. They flew over from Chicago to celebrate with me. I had four whole days with them and their only request was to let them know they weren't in Chicago anymore. Easy peasy in Washington State. This place is a type A overperformer when it comes to raw beauty. Add the Museum of Glass, Pike Place Market, The Lindwood Troll and a trip through the passes, well I think they knew they were in a different place.
But the best gift is one that I don't think they understood they were giving me. They have invited me to visit over Christmas. I am so excited. I was disappointed after I flew here more than two years ago. I felt that I had wasted the entire trip because there is this whole beautiful country and I flew over it. I didn't really get to see it. So I will remedy it. I have purchased a ticket on Amtrak's Empire Builder. I will see the Lewis and Clark trail and Glacier National Park on my way to Chicago. I will be taking the California Zephyr and the Costal Starlight on the way home. It will allow me to see large swaths of the country. It will have me on trains for a total of 5 nights, and I'm a little worried about personal distancing. But I am vaccinated for Covid and the flu and will get a booster before I go if they are available. I will keep my mask on and douse myself with hand sanitizer. What could go wrong? Still, it is amazing what having something I'm excited about and looking forward to has done for my mental health.
So, I am sorry that once again I have neglected you. I will make no promises, but you may be where I write incessantly about my excitement and upcoming travels.
