Soak It Up

When we were down in Newport, OR there were a bunch of seals laying about the docks. That's when I saw this particular guy and I thought how he totally captured how I think I look when I'm not worried about housework, there's a nice breeze blowing, and I've got the iTunes going in the warm sunshine. Pure Nirvana! Is he smiling?

Watching From Above

You can never be quite sure who's looking down at you unless you take the time to occasionally look up. I caught this guy peeking in downtown Seattle.

Is It Really Safe?

I took a ton of pictures one day in Victoria and it was a cornucopia of personalities. I first noticed this guy because of his hair. That's when I saw his shirt. Enough said!

I'm Worried

This woman's face encapsulates the word; concern...I think the only thing she should be worrying about is getting rid of that shirt. It looks like a big ol' granny bra!

 

Flower Power

While in Victoria we had the opportunity to people watch and I really enjoyed not only the weather but some of the strong personalities that shouted out to me without saying a word.

Your Turn

As we traveled to Victoria on the ferry we were surrounded by all of these people going to the same place for different reasons. So many stories that I'll never know. All I know about these little guys was that it was a really exciting game of Skip-Bo.

Where to Look?

At the dog park this evening I wasn't sure where to look first. Would it be the Hanes hanging out or the tattoos? Oh, did I mention that it's been exactly a week and I began to experience withdrawals? So...I'm back!

Day 365

"Full Circle"

Well, today is the last day in a year long journey of observing the world around me in photos. It's been much more difficult than I first imagined but also, much more enjoyable than I ever thought possible. I can now sit back and look over the past year in a way that I've never been able to do before. This photo was taken at the same spot that I took my first photo in this journey one year ago. There are a few differences; it rained today, the little birds are no longer there, and they've boarded up the front window of the house. I also included a photo of a mud puddle with a road sign seen in the reflection. Time marches on...

Day 364

"Detour"

This afternoon Nathan and I headed down to the Marysville Library after which we located a driving range a little ways up the road. It always amazes me how rural different areas down South are when you get off I-5 and Marysville is no exception. Nathan also knows that when we're in a new area, that I just have to go explore a bit so, after he did awesome practicing his drives, I took a couple detours before finally getting this shot. It was a really beautiful old barn with such a peaceful pasture!

Day 363

"Beginning of the End"

Nathan got his braces on today and of course, I had to document the beginning of the end of his old smile. Just in case you care, the bands are Caribbean blue.

Day 362

"Too Late"

Heading home I saw a gorgeous pink sky as the sun set. But too late for me to get in a position that would allow me to get a shot of it. 

Day 361

"Busy Bees"

This morning the boys went up to the golf store in Bellingham with their dad and Gramps. Evidently Tim hit the jackpot and found a few things he couldn't live without. When they returned we had some BBQ chicken sandwiches and said goodbye to Gramps. Then we headed out to go see The Expendables and have a nice dinner later on at Max Dales. The sun came out and it was a very nice ending to a very nice day but not before we saw the biggest bumblebee ever!

Day 360

"Last One Standing"

After a warm and balmy day out at Bayview, my family not only celebrated the successes of my nieces as they prepare to head off to college, but also my upcoming (impending) birthday. We didn't intend to be the last ones there but Nathan, Tillman, and I shut that party down. In the end Tillman was the last one standing.

Day 359

"Priceless"

Today we got the news. Braces are expensive! After our initial "free" consultation, which ended up costing $200, we then again met with the doctor to go over the game plan. Well, the plan is to set up a direct one-way link from our checking account to his savings account. 'Nough said...we are thrilled that our little darling can now more fully experience the thrill of his awkward teenage years with a mouth full of metal.

Day 358

"Her Story"

As I filled the car's gas tank today, I noticed this young lady sitting dejectedly by the phone booth. It made me wonder what her story was and where was her family. I then thought back to day 347 and considered how fortunate that young girl with the bright pink hair was to have a mom willing to make a fool of herself because she loved her daughter. I just hope the girl below has someone who is willing to be the fool...

Day 357

"Going to Seed"

Driving around I've noticed all of the thistles lining the road going to seed. So soft and fluffy till you reach in and grab hand full of stickers.

Day 356

"Instant Art"

There are times when I just sit and look around me marveling at the beauty found in the simple things. As I prepared to wrap up seashell's for my niece and nephew I grabbed my camera and snapped a few pictures. It was only later that I was able to zoom in and marvel at the beautiful colors found in a very simple item. Later, as I sat waiting for Nathan to finish up at basketball practice I noticed a window in the high school building that appears to have some sort of sunscreen coating that has started to peel. When taken out of context it almost looks like a mosaic.

Day 355

"Field at Sunset"

Spent the day at work in my air-conditioned surroundings so I have no complaints in this 80+ degree heat, other than the co-worker who will never change. I think I was holding out the hope that after a nice long break they might have mellowed out...but they haven't. On the brighter side, the corn's almost ready!

Day 354

"Why?"

Unfortunately this is the question a local family is having to ask themselves as they deal with the loss of their son and friend. I can not imagine what that would feel like and it breaks my heart that they have to deal with this while the world continues to spin and everyone goes about their lives as if nothing changed...but it did. The river can be so beautiful but so dangerous at the same time.

Day 353

"Heat Wave"

While enjoying the air conditioned atmosphere of the library with harp music gently wafting in the background, I remained oblivious to the sweltering heat outside. I was only reminded of the warm weather each time a patron came in red faced and breathing in the cool air as they then blurted out, "It's so cool in here!" With the warm weather continuing through the weekend and into next week I guess the dogs will continue to get ice cubes in their water dish and I'll go to the store and load up on the Popsicles and some salmon to try out a recipe from a co-worker...delicious!

Day 352

"Back to the Grind"

Well, I'm back to work and I couldn't be happier. I'm rested and relaxed but I will definitely need to get back in to the swing of things. I could barely make it through today without my afternoon siesta. After work and some dinner we all headed to the Skagit County Fair. We saw some beautiful birds and then settled in to listen to a young band called Lonely Forest. It was fun to see the band interact with the crowd.

Day 351

"Au Revoir"

After checking out of this beautiful English inn our day consisted of hanging out in Victoria and then along the water. There were cruise boats, sea anemones, and tourists. It's surprising how many non-American's there are in Canada and it's fun to hear lots of people speaking French, German, and Japanese. While people watching I had one lady make a face back...most people just ignore the camera. 

Day 350

"Hidden Gem"

Our second night in Victoria was spent at a beautiful estate that is called English Inn & Resort. It's five acres of wooded gardens and it has a Shakespearean theme. We're staying in the room called, The Baron of Gilsland Room. It has a wonderful deck with peekaboo views of the bay. So, we're going to skip the movie tonight (Steve pointed out that it's playing at the Lincoln for the next two weeks) and enjoying this surprising oasis. Oh, I almost forgot, my presentation this morning went fantastic, if I do say so myself. Didn't end up needing my notecards, everything flowed, and there was very positive and kind feedback...yeah!!