Morning summer light

  

There's nothing more beautiful than early morning light-- especially shining on these blooming trumpet lilies. 

In the Northwest, we almost always wake up to crisp, cool air. And yes, sometimes that heavy marine layer of grey clouds, but there's no doubt, Seattle has some of the best summer weather in the country.

Yesterday at the Coliseum in Rome, a different light-- the intense brilliance of Italian sky on a blistering hot morning. 

The families are on their way home now, with a lifetime of memories for the kids to someday share with their kids.  

But frankly, this makes me so thankful having seen some of these places way back in the 1970's, when we just strolled into St. Peter's Basilica with a baby in a backpack (Amanda.) 

A cardinal patted her on the head, and we caught a glimpse of il Papa walking by. Talk about unforgettable. 

Simple pastimes

 

It took me about a year to finish these embroideries on dishcloths. (Well, I do have a life.)

Speaking of stichery, the 900 year old Bayeux Tapestry was in the news this week, returned to the UK under cover of darkness in a high-tech, climate-controlled container. It will be on temporary display at the British Museum. 

The work is so unique because it gives a rare visual of the Norman Conquest and medieval life, showing castles, ships, warfare, clothing, food and furniture. 

 

The tapestry is 230 feet long! That amazing texture was achieved with just 4 basic stitches every stitcher knows: stem, chain, split, and couching stitch. Historians say it was likely created by English women, whose needlework was admired throughout Europe.

Speaking of Europe, the travelers return to Seattle tomorrow night. Rome has been hot and crowded, but they've still managed to see the major sites: Vatican, Colosseum, Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountains, etc. Good for them.  

Zone 9

 

 

I never dreamed of growing gardenias in our zone, until I saw the neighbor's blooming patio pots and jealousy reared its ugly head. 

Our neighbors are frequently down in Portland visiting their daughter, and they brought me a gardenia (above) from Versailles Garden which looks like a fancy place. What a nice gift.  

Typical gardenias need sweltering heat to bloom, but there are several newish varieties bred for the coastal Northwest, including "Gardenia jasminoides Frostproof" (above) which is considered one of the best for our cool and damp climate.

The smell is so evocative. One sniff and I'm 15 again, wearing the corsage on this eyelet dress I sewed myself.  Mom took the picture before my prom date arrived with the box. Now kids just meet up, but boys always came to the front door in those days.   

 

A gardenia was an old fashioned choice for him in the 1960's, when orchids were considered exotic and special. But that corsage was unforgettable because of the scent. 

The weekend is here with the annual Summer Fest going on at the West Seattle Junction. Every year it gets bigger, louder, and more crowded. I walked down there this morning to search for sidewalk sale bargains as usual, but there isn't much of interest for us anymore. Especially not the food. 

Well. The family is now in Rome sightseeing until Tuesday, when they fly back to Seattle on the Alaska Airlines non-stop flight. Nice. What an incredible number of experiences they've packed into 3 weeks. But I'm sensing they're ready to be back on the Carlton farm. 

The contrary ones

 

I've tried growing calla lilies in different parts of the garden, but they are finicky things. Who knows why, but this yellow one loves this particular spot. 

It wasn't even nursery stock, but a small florist pot John gave me years ago for some occasion and I randomly stuck it in the ground. Slowly but surely, it thrived.  What a pretty sight glowing in the bright sun.

Speaking of that, we probably have the best weather in the country now (contrarians as usual.) The sun is slow to break through the morning clouds, but the afternoons are in the low 70's perfect room temperature.

John has taken on a carpentry project to replace decorative lattice chewed up by critters. He is a good handyman, but would much rather be in the basement fiddling with knives. 

I've lost track of how many trips to Home Depot. It should be bear proof by the time he's done. 

 

He's not happy about it-- not so much the job, but the lack of a workshop. He has to pull out the table saw and tools each day. Carpentry is a real drag without a wood workshop. 

I told him at least he has a "pretty" place to work-- which fell on deaf ears. 

 

Clematis gone feral

How pretty is that? The clematis vine decided to climb up the olive tree this year. 

Well, for those of us living vicariously, here's a few more photos sent this morning from Amanda in Puglia. 

 

 

A long awaited beach day, and they had plenty of company at this beautiful, fancy town. 

The aperol spritzer vendor on the beach. La bella vita, indeed. 

 

 

And a visit to the most famous tourist attraction in Puglia-- the UNESCO Trulli of Alberobello.  Amanda said hot and crowded, but a must see. 

 

 

 

 

Southern Italy is certainly a feast for all the senses...

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, our glowing girls.

 

 

  

Postcards from the boot

 

The region of Puglia is located in the heel of Italy's boot, and the families are staying in this rental home for 5 nights. Amanda said it was comparatively reasonable for eight people, but sure looks like something from a luxury travel magazine. 

Puglia is famous for conical "trulli" houses, amazing food and beaches. 

The region is popular with vacationing Italians, who know something about "la dolce vita."

Like our Methow Valley families! 

What memories...