Pastoral and a Cascade Peak

We now own a patch of land on Whidbey Island. The setting is pastoral. Gabe, Lydia, and Sheba have room to run and roll in the lawn daisies and dandelions. Friends of the family came to visit us, and I heard the word "bucolic" several times. I looked it up, "From the Latin word, bucolicus, cowherd: of or relating to herdsmen: PASTORAL: relating to rural life." Yes, that fits! We have the neighboring herd of black angus grazing in our sweeping view of the wetlands inland of the bay. The cows and calves were herded up this week for different pasture while we were there.

The neighboring farm, so tidy and serene. We could be on Prince Edward Island, for you Anne of Green Gables fans.

Mountains! Mountains have been part of the fabric of our lives. Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Mt Rainier, the Olympics, and now we make our home with the sunrise behind Mt Baker and the evening glow over its white flanks.

Apple Blossoms and Lawn Daisies

Blooming trees and pasture...

Old Orchard

Gabe and Lydia's dream of an apple orchard was fulfilled on Whidbey. An old orchard has long been neglected, but is in full bloom. We should be home there when the fruit begins to fall.

Below, Tirza likes to sit and watch the cows.

Salvaging

Here the Moms are salvaging blue bell bulbs from the demolition area (garage/barns) and transplanting them in the garden bed on the interior barn board wall between the house and garden shed/well house.

Looking through passage way to Northeast, Dugualla Bay.

Below: My mom loves to haul away garbage!

Future Home

Did I ever dream a white picket fence and a weeping willow would usher you into my front door? Here is a sneak peak of our home in Whidbey.

The Big 4-0

It is a wonderful life. Marshal surprised me, really surprised me. Everyone should have at least one good surprise like that in life. He sneaked in the drive with his lights off, while talking to me over the phone, and rang the doorbell last night. The kids, dogs, and I were all surprised and a little fearful at who would ring the door bell at that late hour of day. Turning on the lights, what a surprise to see Marshal on the other side of the glass with pink, red-centered roses in hand to celebrate my 40th! I thought he was in Portland! I thought we had agreed to skip the birthdays this year since we'd be apart for both his and mine. Apparently not, and he was pretty pleased with himself for pulling off such a complete surprise. It was the best present I could have asked for. We started the day today, still in bed at 9am with the kids piled in with us. Lydia had me unwrap her gift of a girl in white dress with rose bouquet statuette from the dollar store and her hand drawn card of herself, jumping for joy with Mommy. The three decided to start their goal of giving me 40 kisses before the day was out. Sheba began her whine to let us know that she was missing out, and it was time to take the dogs out. We had banana nut pancakes and eggs for breakfast. The day was the warmest, most golden spring day yet. Lydia made chocolate cupcakes with my help. I sat on the porch with my eyes closed and soaked in the sun rays for some minutes in the afternoon.... I heard from each member of my family by email, card, phone, and skype! Thank you all for a wonderful birthday! I love you!

Early Spring

Spring in my own back yard, although I've tried convincing my kids for months that it is still winter by the calendar. Gabe has finally given up hope on a winter snow and one last sled ride on the hill. Not even a flurry yet. Maybe in April.... Meanwhile, loving the sunshine the past few days!