Crops are Planted

 Jacks Early Girls are planted and waiting for some heat.  I planted Summer bulbs and some herbs. The weather and the wind changed this afternoon. From sun and a slight breeze to heavy rain. Check out the flag and how it changed directions.

 The current temperature here is 57. 

Lunch and Stuff

 

                                        Lunch with Katie

 It's still kind of cold and rainy here but we've managed to squeeze in some yard work between showers. It's still too early to plant anything. Too cold at night. 

 I set up a little paint studio in the loft upstairs. I've been trying to paint Franklin, the Bulldog, but realism doesn't seem to be my niche. Jack has been getting the boat ready. Salmon this year? Fingers crossed and always enjoy the boat ride anyway.

Orca pods have been spotted all along Hammersley Inlet and under the Narrows Bridge. On my bucket list to see them swim nearby.

I met Katie for lunch on Monday. Had not seen her since September so it was nice to visit face to face. 

Random stuff. It's good to be back in the NW.

Settling In

                                    Baby Goats at Hunter Farms

                                Wally's obstacle course

                            Tibetan prayer flags to ward off deer

                                                  Low Tide

We arrived in Shelton on Saturday and are slowly getting things set up in the cabin and getting used to the rain(?) It is seriously better than 100 degrees in my opinion. Visited Hunter Farms today in Union, on Hood Canal, to get some Early Girls (tomatoes) for Jack. I peeked in on some baby goats there.

Jack spotted several deer families relaxing in the grass at the bend in the road and that just confirms that the majority of the gardening will be on the deck this year and out of their reach.

Wally, the Squirrel, has been spotted. Our landlord Brian has been feeding him. I am going to train him, Wally, not Brian, to jump through this flaming tree cut out thingy.

 

Habits

 I spent 20 minutes today in the Walmart parking lot looking for Jack's truck, which I have been driving for 7 months. I realized my error when I walked past MY car and thought, "Oh right my own car, lol" 

Bates Motel

 Our last night on the road was spent in Halsey Oregon at a place we've nicknamed the Bates Motel. Psycho reference... I didn't take a shower by the way. Actually, the motel was an older Travel Lodge  next to a truck stop and quite clean.  I check  all motels for weird smells and bedbugs before  settling in anyway.  Altogether our trip from California was great, good weather, minimal traffic and although we had some rain and hail approaching Shelton we arrived safely and started the unpacking process. 

Wet T Shirt

Throwback to 2018 and Jack's ice hat and wet T shirt

Last week we hit 101 degrees. This week we're seeing 75 and really windy. 

Slight change in our travel plans as we head North. There is a huge snowstorm predicted for the Reno/Tahoe/High Sierras so instead of heading that direction we'll aim for Williams CA our first night. Certain areas of I-5 trigger anxiety issues for me, Sacramento, definitely Portland. We avoid Pasadena, L.A. and S.F completely.  I have special gummies that help me through it. Don't judge I'm not driving. 

Final Approach

 I want to give kudos to Jack for the preparation he tackles every year for our leaving. It is no small job, requires thoughtful planning and execution. I'm sure it's exhausting. He does all the driving back and forth each year and always asks if you need a rest stop and generally packs snacks. 

 I like to clean before we go.  Sand and dust inevitably creep through hidden cracks during those 6 months away. We cover electronics like the computer and the TVs with sheets. 

 Our once-a-week gardener keeps the yard maintained however every year something in the garden is sacrificed to the125 degree heat. 

Our kitty feeder neighbor is ready to take over for the Summer along with a backup who lives in the Ranch as well.

Spoiler Alert: My Summer plans involve teaching Wally the Squirrel some tricks.

Leaving Early

 Another hot day here. We've decided there is no reason to hang around, so we plan on leaving Thursday the 14th of April. The weather app shows a chance of snow showers in Shelton. I'll pack another sweater and one of the hats I've been knitting all year.

101

 Yep, 101 today but the good news is there is a cooling trend next week to the upper 80's. Grandkids left on Thursday. I am amazed at how fast the week passed. We had a busy, fun week and I hope we created some nice memories. They are both so mature, intelligent and engaging. Madison will graduate from high school next year and decide on a college. So far it looks like she is considering WSU (Washington State University in Pullman WA) where her parents attended, and where she was born, in the Pullman Hospital in 2004. Go Cougs! Rowan (age 8) can solve any problem, knows the answer to any question you pose, and will beat you at UNO. 

Now we begin the "staging" process, packing essentials and crossing things off the to do list, in preparation to leave the Desert and head to Shelton.

This NW girl is ready for some salt water, mountains and fir trees. My goal this year is to train Wally, the Squirrel, to do some tricks, and buy a kayak. 

Joshua Tree

Nice drive through Joshua Tree National Park today with a couple of stops to play on the rocks and watch rock climbers.   All of the campgrounds were full.  If I were so inclined and 20 years younger, I would camp up there just to see the amazing stars at night. Joshua Tree N.P is designated as a "dark sky" area. Less light pollution means amazing star gazing. We stopped at the Visitors Center on our way out of the park and bought some souvenirs.  These two are like a couple of mountain goats hopping up on these rocks. Grandma, of course is worried about snakes. Back home to cool off in the pool.

Living Desert Day

 Out of the house early to check out The Living Desert. There have been many changes since Madison and Rowan, and even Jack walked the grounds. We were able to see all the new babies: baby Giraffe, baby Addax, and baby Meerkat.  Also saw Wallabies, Warthogs, Goats, Wild Dogs, Ostrich, and many more. It got a bit warm for the kids who are not used to the temperatures, but we were out of there by 10:30 and back home to the pool to cool off. Watched a movie last night, played some Uno and tomorrow we cruise through Joshua Tree National Park.

                                                                Wallaby

                                                Grandpa and Rowan at the Oryx look out

                            When you go to The Living Desert you visit my goats, no exceptions

                                                        Rowan and the baby Meerkat

Welcome to Palm Springs

Busy every day. Sunday, we rest, then Monday The Living Desert

                                                        Pedicure and shopping day

                                                     College of the Desert Street Fair

                                        Labyrinth at Sunnylands and Flamingos at The Marriott