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. 

Red. White. Blue.

I still love this flawed and beautiful country, but the 4th of July holiday leaves me flat. Above is my single patriotic contribution, and prettier than a flag. 

The 4th is more fun in Twisp with a small town parade (cowboys on beautiful horses!) then the Methow Arts Fest in the afternoon and a barbecue potluck at the house. Well, hopefully next year.

The world seems to be divided right now between those who follow soccer and those who don't. Ashamed to say, we are in the second category. 

The big news buzz this morning is the US team returning to Seattle Stadium on Monday to play Belgium. Good for them. The cheapest tickets are about $2000. Pioneer Square and the waterfront will be mobbed, with locals giving the area a wide berth. 

Basketball and football are made for TV, but I can't follow that little white ball on a screen.  

From AI: 

"The continuous, low-scoring nature of the sport and the wide camera angles on TV can make it feel incredibly disconnected and monotonous."

Right on that. 

On the trail

 

Finally a cool down in Switzerland, with some refreshing morning rain. Amanda said they slept well in the "crush of humanity" at the hut last night. Exhaustion helps. 

Howdy, fine fellow. The Swiss cows must be used to legions of hikers tramping along the trails. The sound of their clanking bells is omnipresent, day and night. That big bell with the deep pitch means he is the alpha (no argument there) and the others can follow the sound in the fog. 

Speaking of heat, it's so cold our furnace is running. This comes courtesy of Alaska, with a low pressure system pulling damp cold air down our way. July 1st? Sometimes it is downright weird living up here in the left hand corner.

Too bad we can't sell the country some of this natural air conditioning.  

 

Yesterday's mashed potatoes

 

Life is pretty dull in Seattle right now (compared to trekking in the Alps) and it doesn't help that we've been under a cold blanket of grey clouds all week. 

While rest of the country is sweltering, we're the contrarians as usual. Seattle might finally get back to a toasty 70 degrees in time for the 4th of July. Food has been on the heavy side, to match the weather. 

Who eats corned beef in June? Well, there was one languishing in the freezer, along with a container of mashed potatoes, so I mixed up batch of potato pancakes to go with. They soak up the butter and olive oil like a sponge. 

Last night I made homemade fried chips to go with the tortilla soup. Good grief. You would think it was February.

The girls would hate this picture so good thing they don't read the blog. The trekkers have now crossed the Switzerland border. Amanda said it is still very hot, just like when we were there a few weeks ago. 

Temperatures in the Alps are rising at twice the global average, melting glaciers and changing the ecosystem before your eyes. It will be a different place if Nova and Maya ever bring their children here. 

The families are staying tonight at a Refugio near a tiny town without even a general store. Amanda said the kids have an amazing yurt to themselves, but the adults have "mattresses on the floor in a massive communal situation." Her words. 

 

 

Now that's my idea of a restful night after a long day of hiking!

They have excellent cellular service (Europe is ahead of us in many ways) so we look forward to the pictures and messages she sends every morning. 

There is WiFi at the Refugios, although tonight is an exception, so the kids are bummed. They are roughing it because the parents didn't get them expensive international plans for their phones. 

Very cute, unless you're a teenager stuck in an isolated yurt on a mountain. Well, memories are made of this. 

 

Postcards from the French Alps

 

It looks incredibly beautiful (and civilized.)