The last hurrah

 

The first hint of leaves changing on the cottonwoods by the river. We're in a stretch of weather that just doesn't get any better. The days are warm and clear, the nights cool. The smoke (for the moment) is blowing over to the western side of the state. 

There's a sudden profusion of grasshoppers around the house, maybe the last hurrah hatching. Another ubiquitous insect I know nothing about really. The trick is avoiding getting stung by a yellow jacket. "Twisp" is actually a Native American word for the yellow jacket's buzzing sound. You get the picture. They own the valley right now.

I always drop by the Methow Valley Senior Center Thrift Store when it's open. All the locals flock to their big seasonal sale events (Christmas, Halloween, Western, Spring, Winter) and you can find real quality items. The rest of the time, most everything is sold simply by the $4 grocery bag. It's a treasure hunt and beneficial, because things get recycled through the community.

You can find expensive outdoor wear in Winthrop, but the nearest Ross, Marshall's or Target is 90 miles away in Wentachee. Girls love clothes, and in Twisp they have two options, the Thrifty Fox second hand store and the Senior Center. The kids are shrewd thrift shoppers and can really spot the cool stuff. 

 

As I was leaving the house last night, Nova ran outside in this dress. Honestly, it looks like something from that expensive LoveShackFancy designer line. Nova looks like a model. And not a bad iPhone photo, if I don't say so myself.