Feast or famine

 

 

Our poor old abused plum tree is just dripping with fruit, and many are on low hanging branches right in the yard, not over the outside sidewalk. John doesn't like dodging branches on his way to the recycle but too bad. He likes making and eating chutney and if it stays this warm, we can pick in a week or so. 

Last year, there were almost none! Who knows with that fickle tree? The most common reason is poor bloom time weather (cold rainy days) or the lack of a cross-pollinator nearby. I happen to know there is another Italian plum tree living just across the street. (W. please tell B. not to ever chop it down.)

Anyway, time to think about canning, especially since I didn't do much last year. We are low on good plum chutney. I am a slapdash cook but a fussy canner. Everything has to be super clean and exact directions followed for processing, so the jars are still good two years later. In fact, the chutney mellows over time and gets even better. 

Also looks like a bumper year for tomatoes. The big dark pots bake in hot sun along the side of the house, a perfect spot for ripening. 

 

For some reason, I've enjoyed the yard more than ever this year, and trying to embrace all the work with more pleasure than annoyance. We should not take for granted how long we can do these things. As the saying goes:

"Everything is borrowed." 

 

 

  

 

1374?

 

That is a screenshot from the Purple Air app yesterday. Check out the gob-smacking number "1374" on the air quality index.

To put it in perspective, the standard index tops out at 500, and any number above this (such as 700 or 800) indicates catastrophic pollution. 

The town of Nespelum on the Colville Reservation in northeastern Washington, is roughly 90 miles from Twisp. 

 

This is one of the poorest areas of the state, and now that little town (above) is surrounded by a 65,000 acre fire. As often happens, the people who can least afford it lose everything. 

 

We woke up to a red and orange sunrise, but our air quality is still OK here in Seattle. It's going to be hot (for us) today close to 90 degrees. 

That's about all the news. Oh yes, some person dumped a big pile of junk in front of our hedge the other night. Our neighbor and I have reported illegal dumping to the city, but that can take days until they get around to cleaning it up. In the meantime, I hope people don't think the ones who live here did such a disgusting thing. 

Meaningful forgetfulness

 

 

Now that is one happy dawg face after a dip in the Methow River and a picnic with her long lost family.

 

Our animals, bless them, don't need yoga or mindfulness practice to relax. They are always in the present moment and for Nica, that sad 3 week separation ended the moment her family came home and life went on just as before. 

Humans minds are usually planning for the future or ruminating about the past. Yes, we can "practice" mindfulness, but sitting on a cushion trying to empty your mind has the opposite effect for some of us. "Try not to imagine a pink elephant" and all that. 

There was an article in  the NYT this week about the resurgence of granny crafts like quilting. Anne Kirketerp, a Danish psychologist, wrote a book called “Craft Psychology,” and she calls this phenomenon "meaningful self-forgetfulness." She says: 

“When we create something that requires full attention, the part of our brain called ‘default mode network’ is diminished,” Dr. Kirketerp said. “The constant inner noise or negative ruminating thoughts are absent.”

Hand embroidery is my go-to craft at the moment, because it doesn't require set up like painting or sewing. And I can pick it up for just a few minutes at a time. I guess people will get granny embroidered tea towels for Christmas.

What glorious summer days we're having in Seattle. I'm enjoying every moment of this fine weather. (Twisp is hot and smoky at the moment.)

Our yard is filled with birds chirping from morning to night. The quiet nesting period is over, and this is called the post-breeding surge, when the population doubles or triples with family groups foraging for food. The chickadees and bushtits love that olive tree. I spray it with the hose, then sit and watch them take showers in the drops. Who needs a meditation cushion?

 

Vindow Viper

 

That old joke/story kept coming to mind yesterday. We've never had the outdoor windows professionally cleaned. 

Yes, one more thing I've always done myself, in recent years, with a Windex hose attachment so I don't have to drag around a ladder. That leaves much to be desired, especially the top of the kitchen greenhouse window, which stays filthy no matter how much you squirt it. 

Nice and clean! 

I don't usually fall for front door solicitations from companies who are "working in the neighborhood" and can give me a "deal," but I liked the guy for some reason, and this time it worked out. His Revive Pro Company also cleans house exteriors and puts up Christmas lights, among other things. Maybe we will use them again. 

They use a brush and cleaning solution that dries (almost) streak and spot free-- cheaper and quicker than a hand squeegee job. They were done in under an hour.

Nothing scary about that. 

 

To my blog family

 

Petrichor

 

"Petrichor" is that fresh, earthy scent when rain falls on dry ground. Seattle might finally get wet this morning. 

We've only had a trace of rain (0.06 to be exact) so far this month. I water the flower beds by hand almost daily, which is a chore. The grass went brown and dormant weeks ago. Very few people irrigate lawns in this neighborhood, mostly because of the expense. 

Seattle Public Utilities charges homeowners on both ends for water: what comes in through the street meter and then out the sewer (which of course is not metered.) That means you pay the sewer charge for drinking water dumped on the ground. What a racket. 

We see more of those plastic lawns now in West Seattle, especially with the new construction. I get it, but just give me brown in the summer. In the winter, the grass turns green as Ireland again.

I'm happy to report the family is safely back on the Carlton farm.

They were met by one ecstatic dog and two indifferent cats. The house-sitters took good care of their place, although Amanda said the poultry flock looks slightly diminished. A mystery, but eagles in the area sometimes help themselves to a nice chicken dinner. 

A peaceful morning on the farm. All is well.  

 

Morning summer light

  

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

In the Northwest, we 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 thankful having seen some of these places 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...

 

 

The east sides

 

How did we miss the Bellevue Botanical Garden all these years? In my working life, I commuted across Lake Washington daily, but now it's a big deal getting us out of West Seattle. Well, times have changed. 

Anyway, we decided to finally check out this garden on Sunday, the morning after the 4th, always a great time to avoid traffic and crowds.

 

 

 

The 53 acre site is a real treasure, including one of the largest public perennial gardens and a bird filled, forested natural ravine with a suspension bridge. 

 

The grounds were teeming with lovely insects. I want a bug snug. Given half a chance, nature is adaptable, being just a stones throw from the freeway, skyscrapers in downtown Bellevue, and some of the most coveted real estate in the country. Way to go, Bellevue. 

After a mostly sleepless night for me on the 4th, the early morning solitude and quiet in that garden was bliss. 

Like most sensible cities, it is illegal to set off fireworks in Seattle, but there's no enforcement so no one pays the slightest attention. I feel for people with pets and small children, not to mention, some of our veterans. Anyway, that's over for another year and I hope to be in Twisp in 2027. 

 

Speaking of east sides, I have bad fire news. To put this Watch Duty map in perspective, that is the exact location along the Columbia River of Lone Pine Fruit and Espresso! 

Zooming in, it appears the fire hasn't crossed Highway 97, so our beloved stop on the river side should be OK, at least for now. But those burned out hills will make a very different view the next time we drive over. 

This fire is 0% contained, moving toward the northeast. Homes and other structures have already been lost. Horrible thought, but all this destruction may have been started by fireworks. 

Postcards from the Italian Alps

 

Amanda said "like hiking through a fairy tale." Wildflowers, meadows, cows and ancient farms with the Alps shining above. Their Tour du Mont Blanc trek ends today in the wealthy Italian resort town of Courmayeur. 

Last night, sharing a room with 20 people at a hut-- tonight private rooms with bathrooms. Luxury! Everyone is tired and hungry but well. They have a flight to Brindisi tomorrow night, then off to new Italian adventures next week. 

All we can say is, what a trip.  

On to Italy

 

The Val Ferret is a famous segment on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the legendary hiking trail connecting France, Switzerland and Italy. 

Sitting directly beneath Mont Blanc, the valley has unobstructed views of the south glaciers. 

 

 

And this is where our eight trekkers find themselves tonight. They will have plenty of company. In the summer the area is bustling with mountain bikers, climbers, hikers and golfers. And plain old tourists. In the winter, this is a mecca for winter sports. 

 

They are probably staying someplace like this. 

 

We've enjoyed following along on the adventure (thanks, Amanda, for the morning photo drops.) It sure brightened up a long and cold week in Seattle.

Well. The sun finally burst out of the clouds last night about 9, just as it was setting. What a spectacular sight. 

Hoping for some warmer weather this weekend. Enjoy the holiday.