Our beautiful weather continues, with days in the upper 70s and no rain. We're actually having to water the lawn and plants now - what a concept!






















We took some time recently to enjoy a local park at Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Wa. and the dogs joined us. Yes, dogs are actually allowed here at parks, some restaurants and even the beach!! We just arrived here and Ronn is attempting to get everyone organized so I can take a picture:






















Aha, that's more like it!!






















The park outing was a big success. It was also a chance to try out Ronn's new minivan, and the dogs approved:). Here are some more pictures of a beautiful place:





































































The dogs were in an uproar this morning, and we were sure there was nothing to bark about, but when we looked out the window, this is what we saw:



















Ronn grabbed the binoculars and I got my camera and started snapping pictures. They turned in our direction as though to say, "What in the world is going on in that house? Can you tell what those crazy people are doing?"


















Or maybe we were saying, "Look - deer!" and they were thinking, "Look - people!"


















Eventually, however, a truck came down our driveway, and they were off:













Of course, the deer aren't the only wildlife we've seen. We have had a more than desired experience with moles in the area - in the pasture, the lawn, etc. Ronn finally decided to ask for Divine Intervention to get rid of them. The next day a weasel (first and only time I've seen one) ran up to my sister and me and dropped his prey - a mole - at our feet. We suggested to Ronn that he be more specific next time about HOW the moles were to leave. I preferred that they find a more suitable location - not become someone else's dinner on my behalf:). Now that's a mole hill (I have my shoe in the picture for size comparison):



















We are amazed at how quickly everything grows here - especially if we don't have anything to do with it. Obviously this is the perfect place for plants that grow in the wild - how's this for weeds?










































For those of you who remember Laura, our technician at the clinic, we just got a card from her. She got married and is going to Ireland for her honeymoon. She is also graduating with honors from vet school and will be practicing in Bradenton. My how time flies!


After many months of jewelry making, I decided to get back to art work and portraits. I had wanted to do a portrait of the daughter of a friend of a friend of mine, so I did. I haven't done many portraits of people, so I am still learning as I go:




























Georgia wanted to help me sign off tonight - I think she's saying, "It's late, so goodnight to all":