Homer update

 

Of course dogs respond to human kindness. Homer was transformed after we gently bathed him last week with Burt's Bees dog shampoo and conditioner. Nicer product, I should say, than we use on our own hair, ha ha. He loved it. After being starved and neglected, he got a bit frisky for the first time, it felt so good to be clean.

This old guy was once a cherished companion. Perhaps even a service animal, because he is strangely well-trained for a little dog. He doesn't bark, or even jump on the furniture. We'll never know the whole story, but at least it has a happy ending.

He has just 3 teeth left after his big visit to the vet. All the others were broken or rotted and had to come out. But no problem apparently scarfing down the homemade dog food Marji makes for him and Doodles. The good life begins.

And the rain came

 

Northwest weather made the national news, so you may wonder about our little Twisp house, perched on the edge of the Methow River. 

As you see from the red dots, this is a western Washington flooding event, caused by warm rain from the Pineapple Express melting the snow pack at high elevations. Most of the moisture from these tropical storms doesn't make it over the crest of the Cascade Mountains. 

The Methow was trickling along this morning at just 630 cfs. Compare that to 12,000 cfs last May. Our risk comes in the spring, if the snow melts too fast on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. But I feel for the people in these river communities near Seattle. The last thing you want to see a few weeks before Christmas.

The good news is, the rain will turn to snow again in the mountains as the temperature drops. It was almost 60 yesterday in Seattle. Everything is waterlogged, so we're waiting until next week to get a Christmas tree. Picking out a tree in a rainy parking lot is pretty depressing.

I'm off to the Cafe this morning and it will be good to get out of the house.

Roses in the rain

 

A few late yellow roses, a bright spot in our messy yard. It's been warmer than usual for December so the weeds keep growing. I didn't rake up the sodden leaves before this last fire hose of rain. A depressing sight out there, especially compared to sunny desert skies and Marji's tidy winter patio.

Adding to the dismal scene, the crows are pecking out sections of grass looking for grubs. Hard to believe mere birds did that-- it looks more like wild pigs.

Oh well. This too shall pass. We are snug and dry inside, and the beautiful flowers from my sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and John sure brighten up the house.

Ready or not, Christmas is coming. I'm keeping busy organizing stuff to make some space for decorations. When it finally stops raining, we'll get out to buy a tree. 

There's comfort in these same routines and traditions, although tinged with sadness. Dad always looked forward to my Christmas cookies more than anyone else.

Tears and smiles

 

Samuel H. Bleam, Jr.
September 3, 1924-November 27, 2023

Our beloved father passed away peacefully at home. Our family has lost a wonderful dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. The world has lost a great gentleman. He was an unforgettable friend to many, admired for his strength, humor and unfailingly positive attitude. 

Dad lived a long and eventful life with grace and dignity. He witnessed unbelievable change over the past century. He will be dearly missed, but leaves behind sweet memories to uplift us. Even so, it is hard to imagine a world without him. 

 

Mount Pisgah Cemetery

Family and friends will gather next spring in Cripple Creek, Colorado, to lay his ashes to rest next to our mother at the beautiful and historic town cemetery.

Sunrise, sunset

 

Tomorrow I have an early flight to Las Vegas to be with my sister and dad. I'm not lugging the laptop along, so will take a little break from blogging this week.

The white edge of winter

 

Yesterday we went with the kids to cut their Christmas tree on the vast national forest land that surrounds the Methow Valley All you need is a $5 permit and follow a few simple rules. This has become their Thanksgiving weekend family tradition. 

Tom drove up a narrow road along the Chewuch (pronounced "chi-whack") River outside of Winthrop. We passed through miles of burn zone before reaching a good spot and cutting the perfect tree. The fun is in the hunt.

Truly the edge of wilderness, we all marveled at the enormous wolf prints. We are driving back to Seattle today. Bittersweet for me this time of year, as visits become less frequent.

I wanted to let you know that our dad entered hospice care at home yesterday. Only in Las Vegas can things happen so quickly and efficiently. And all thanks to my sister, Marji. Within a few hours they had already made him more comfortable with a hospital bed and delivered oxygen. He is resting in the family room, where he can see the sky through the high windows and look at Marji's beautiful Christmas tree. Our hearts are heavy, but what a blessing.