Chinese Moon Festival

 

 

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, dating back 3,000 years and celebrating the end of the harvest. The moon cake is the iconic symbol of sharing and togetherness. 

Traditionally made with taro, lard, bean paste and salted egg yolk, an acquired taste for sure. 

 

Not much new in Seattle today, other than the novelty of rain and wind sweeping away any lingering summer warmth. We've probably seen the last of the 70 degree days until next year. The winter comforter is back on the bed. 

 

There is much discussion lately of this super El Nino winter, but no one can (or wants to) predict what that means for the Northwest weather. Little boys are full of surprises. 

 

Have a good weekend.  

 

The last big road trip

 

 

Looking back at the blog this morning, I could hardly believe the last time we were in the Napa Valley was September 2016. Ten years ago, is that possible? 

In fact, that was also our last big road trip (I don't count going back and forth to Twisp.) John was still working and what a fun vacation we had, with overnights on the Oregon coast and California redwoods.

We even stopped to see friends and family along the way.

 My niece and nephew, April and Jordan, cooking up a gourmet meal in Medford.

And friends Bill and Estelle in Portland. Sadly, Bill is no longer with us, but what happy memories.

The Napa Valley was our go-to spot in California for years, and part of the charm was Calistoga stayed pretty much the same through the decades. 

Big changes came with the pandemic, and the family run Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Motel was sold and converted into more of a luxury resort. We really have no intention of going back. It would be painful to spend $600 on a gussied up room we once got for $80! (We're trying a different old spa motel this time called Golden Haven.)

Anyway, we will soon see how much the town has changed. Good news, some of our favorite restaurants are still here, just three times more expensive ha! 

And the familiar sights to check out again, like The Old Faithful Geyser on the outskirts of town. 

And the wonderful petrified forest...

 

Not to mention, the many beautiful wineries. We are only staying four nights so no road trip this time, we're flying non-stop in and out of Santa Rosa, about 30 miles from Calistoga. We're looking forward to doing things both familiar and new. 

First day of fall

 

 

Today is the first full day of fall. By tomorrow, it will sure feel like it with rain storms headed our way. The Napa Valley looks beautiful next week (we leave Tuesday) so that will be the final taste of summer before the October curtain comes down and we start the dark season in the Northwest.

While I was in Twisp, the man next door in Seattle (I hesitate to say neighbor because we almost never communicate) came over complaining about "hornets" in our black pussy willow along the shared fence line. 

Well, they're a species of Parasitoid Wasp, a beneficial insect feeding on an aphid infestation in the tree. They are non-stinging, harmless to humans and actually a form of natural pest control. 

I enjoy listening to their loud buzzing which to him, sounds like a dangerous swarm. I suppose they could be annoying and scary if you don't know what's going on.

 

Our yard is teeming with insects and obviously not everyone views bugs through the same benign lens. The wasps will soon disappear for the winter, but I'll spray, mostly to control the aphids, and hopefully the wasps won't return next year. He wants me to use an exterminator, but I don't think this warrants calling out the big guns and having the yard drenched with pesticide.

Big dog, little dog

 

 

Never underestimate a Chihuahua. Those tiny dogs are descended directly from wolves.

Scrappy Yoko follows right behind Nica when Amanda takes them on long hikes in the Golden Doe wilderness adjacent to their farm. 

Yes, there are many potential dangers lying in wait for a five pound puppy (birds, snakes, coyotes, to name a few) but my money is on feisty Yoko. 

And she loves to snuggle, a bonus. Dogs are natural opportunists. 

A few snapshots of farm life. I've sure enjoyed spending time in Carlton on these spectacular early fall days. 

 

Only seven miles, but Carlton is a world away from the construction chaos still going on in downtown Twisp. The town is saying now the elaborate paving projects will last until November, if the snow doesn't fly before then. It all seems like a bit much to the locals, but I suppose the town will eventually grow into this new grandness. 

 

Anyway, out on the farm, simple pleasures. This afternoon Amanda and I strung lights on the old pear storage barn in the back yard. That will look so charming on the dark nights ahead. 

Back to Seattle tomorrow. 
 

Seize the moment

 

 

We're having a perfect stretch of late summer weather-- chilly overnight but then warming up to the 80's by afternoon. 

That's Dave, along the river in front of the house, playing around with his fly rod yesterday. The water is low and clear so you can sometimes see the trout hanging out along this smooth stretch. 

We're at the end of the Methow River catch-and-release trout fishing season, and the smart ones can probably see the fishermen as well as we see them.

Dave and Amanda at the Twisp Community Market yesterday morning.

Everyone came over for taco bar night. A simple meal but I always enjoy cooking for a hungry gang. 

Maya is having a terrific season on the middle school soccer team, and she made a goal and several saves this week. Impressive! 

She got her mom and dad up and out for a scrimmage on the lawn after dinner.

 

Some cutthroat action there...no rest for the weary parents. 

 

 

And this morning?  I'm just hanging out, enjoying the magic moment with my local deer friends. Dave left, but I'm staying on for a couple days and getting the house transitioned for cooler weather, just around the corner.

All quiet on western front

 

 

I had a nice drive today with beautiful weather all the way and light traffic, once out of west Seattle. 

I stopped at the usual places-- McDonald's in Cle Elum for coffee (I know, but it's easy)  and then about 100 miles on to Lone Pine. I had their pea soup outside with my sandwich and bought apples and a giant pumpkin. 

Always such a pleasure returning to the peaceful riverbank and finding the house just as we left it. No construction next door yet! The good thing about Twisp is everything takes forever and nothing ever happens in the winter. 

The lawn is green as a golf course, which is a bit excessive considering the cost of town water, but what the heck. The robins and deer are happy. 

 

The beavers are gnawing away at the giant cottonwood they downed a month ago-- this is the one that crushed my beach chair flat.  I guess it's too much to hope that tree will keep them busy through the winter.

 My property management guys have already wrapped the trees close in to the yard. I think they saved the one that was just chewed. The grey wire is hardly noticeable, although when winter comes, I guess the beavers can just stand on top of the snow.

But one season at a time. "Let tomorrow worry about itself." I'm happy to be here and looking forward to the next few days.