Fishing

 We took the boat out onto Spencer Lake for the first cruise and fishing trip of the season. Jack caught a nice fat trout and we let it go. Neither of us are huge trout fans but it's always fun to catch them.

Is it Summer Now?

 Memorial weekend and we chose to stay home do yardwork, watch golf, car races and then garden during the sun bursts.

Neighbor, and landlord Brian has been trapping grey squirrels and Ubering them out of the neighborhood. The grey ones are non-native. The Douglas squirrels look similar to Chipmunks and I'm okay with them as long as they are respectful. 

Sleeping with Kevin and Frank

                                                  Kevin

Frank

 Spent the night at the Katies while Derek went Shrimping. Spent a nice evening eating homemade pizza and watching a movie with Katie, Madison and Rowan. Kevin, the cat snuggled at my feet while Franklin the enormous Bulldog attempted to climb into my lab to wrestle.

Random: A Cougar has been spotted on the Huff and Puff trail in Shelton, a trail I love to walk. This trail is across the street from Shelton High School. 

Smoking Fish, Mt St. Helens and Extended Warranty

 I store my car here over the Winter. Disconnect the battery, cover with a tarp and cram it full of items we don't want to haul back to California. This year upon our return my car started right up when the battery was re connected but several warning lights were also lit up. I was able to determine it wasn't anything major that was about to explode by checking the owner's manual. The manual is written in 5 languages; however, the English section is all symbols. It is kind of like car Pictionary. In the interest of safety, I took it to the Hyundai dealer in Olympia for a checkup.  Fortunately, Jack had purchased an extended warranty that covered all electrical issues that were discovered. Well worth it.

Jack was not so fortunate with the Lil Smoker we keep up here. It crapped out before the salmon was finished. A new Smoker was delivered today (thanks Amazon) and we'll be back in business tomorrow. Ribs on the menu this time.

Yesterday, May 18th was the 42nd anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens eruption. Like the Moon landing and assassination of JFK we all remember where we were. I was asleep until I heard the first boom. Katies Dad (Alan) and I bought a van later that day to tow our race car. Everything was covered in ash.

Bayshore Preserve/Johns Creek

 A few days ago, in between rain showers and icing my foot. (It's better)

Calendar Says May....

                                     But feels like February

Family Visit

 Katie, Derek and Rowan celebrated a rainy Mother's Day with us. Madison was working at her bike rental job on Ruston Way (Tacoma). I think she is now the assistant manager. I wonder how many bike rentals they log on a rainy Sunday.

This has to be one of the wettest Springs I can recall in the Pacific NW. Not complaining, I like the rain and prefer it over the windy desert weather this time of year.  The flowers are starting to bloom, and Jack's Early Girls are withstanding the cold temperatures at night. 

This month is flying by as they all seem to these days. We're looking forward to some warmer weather for boating and fishing.