The Night Before

Getting ready to head out on the boat tomorrow for our three weeks in the B.C. Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. I feel better about leaving knowing that our daughter and family are staying here and taking care of our house and yard.

This photo is "Seascape" anchored at Cabbage Island on last summer's trip.

Have been packing bags full of art supplies and books, and even a goodly amount of my bead stash in case I feel like making something. The boat really isn't very big , and storage space is minimal. Unfortunately I always have overflow of my materials in carry-ons beneath the dinette, or on the seat beside me...just under that aft window! Clothes and food take up most of the out of sight storage space. Wish i was one of those people who can leave home with a few drip dry clothes instead of all the things I "might possibly" need.

Likely will not be able to post much enroute, as we will mostly be at remote anchorages.

Until August,

Sarah

This is the top of my desk, and a pastel painting I did of a forest scene. I rather like the sunny reflection, sunshine has been way too scarce these past few months.

Chuck bought the prints when he was in the Navy and in Okinawa.

This next painting is of Swankey my cousin Karens sheep, who also lives at Decatur. I have posted it before, but not in this context. ( on the fireplace mantel).

In early June Chuck and I drove down to Yacolt, WA, stayed with dear friends Linda and Fred. They served us a wonderful dinner, and we played a board game, "Settlers Of Catan" that we always enjoy together. I always lose, but it is fun, never the less!

The next morning Chuck and Fred headed out to a Tool flea market, and Linda and I went yard saleing for treasures! Found a few. Lovely big fluffy bath sheets for only 2 dollars each, and Linda got a whole service for 12 set of English ironstone dishes really cheap. I told her she must have a party now, and invite me! After we ran out of yard sales we drove into Portland Oregon on the back roads, and wandered through antique stores in the neighborhood our son Nat and Kari live in. More treasures!

Chuck and Fred met us about 2 at Nat's house, and Fred and Linda went home. Kari was at a graduation ceremony for the school where she teaches . So, Nat took us to The Rhododendron garden near Reed College. These were some of the flowers and scenery there, plus one of Nat and their doggy "Bella".

Went out to dinner with Nat and Kari at a restaurant in their neighborhood of Selwood. I really like the neighborhood, old Craftsman style houses and pretty gardens.

Birthday Flowers

My birthday is May 19th, and I think this is the perfect time of year, especially when the sun is shining as it is today. Flowers are blooming and all the summer is yet to come. We are supposed to have 3 or 4 days of sun in a row now, and after a really soggy spring this is such a joy. When Chuck was in the Navy and we lived in far away places I used to tell people that when the sun comes out in western Washington we say, "Oh, look! the sun!" Maybe I scared away a few!

I need to practice flower arranging for Cyndi's wedding table decorations next year, but she very sweetly told me she will love whatever I make. I am hoping there are still tulips in bloom on May 12, 2012. I may have to plant bulbs at staggered times to make it happen.

Lisianthus, white bleeding heart, lilacs, and bells of Ireland, the arrangement on our dining table at the moment.

Roche Harbor Trip

Last weekend we went to Roche Harbor on our boat, Seascape. Here is Captain Chuck at the helm as we are transiting the slough from LaConner marina to the San Juan Islands. The weather was calm on Friday, a few showers Friday night, but mostly nice on Saturday. The church is called "Our Lady of the Sea" and is part of the resort. This was our view from the boat: beautiful! The photos don't do the place justice so I may have to paint my impressions.

There were many large planters of spring flowers, including tulips and narcissus, arranged down the brick walkway that separates old Hotel De Haro from the gardens and the marina. Even on a cloudy day it was "sunny" with bright flowers. Chuck attended a few workshops with the Grand Banks Assn group, while I wandered around taking pictures.

The bench flanked with flowers was in front of "The Company Store".

Pretty well stocked for a small place. I was even able to find gluten free crackers, and some great olive tepenade to add to our lunch.

This arrangement was in the "Sunken garden", and there was a wedding there on Saturday. They lucked out between showers!

The hotel as viewed from the waterfront. we didn't stay there since we had our cozy nest on the boat, but it would be fun to sometime.

Here is Seascape, tucked in with mostly larger yachts. MUCH larger!

She is plenty big enough for two of us, however. (facing out, next to empty slip).

The trip home was in a solid downpour with mists resting on the island tops. I won't complain about rain when the water is this calm though. We were warm and dry in the cabin, and I got my art supply bag totally organized en route!

Painting On The Boat

Here I am, working in a sketchbook on our boat. this only works at anchor and on smooth crossings of the straights. The laptop was set up to view some of my photos.

My Grandsons: Kevin at age 4, Ryan at age 2 oil on canvas