I’m sure some people think I just goof off, sip coffee, play in the backyard, eat bon bons, and read great books.
It’s true. I do those things. Occasionally. Or maybe even almost daily.
But I also work. At home.
Last week, my grands and great-niece and their adult caregivers (mom and Nama) hit the road to visit Owen Beach at Pt. Defiance Park near Tacoma, Washington. As the road trip one-way was about 3 hours, there was plenty of time to talk. This conversation came from the way-back seat of our van.
Nama: Audrey, are you talking to grandma (via Face-Time)?
Audrey: Yes.
Nama: Is she at work?
Audrey: No, she doesn’t work. She just goes in her office.
Hayden: (Looking incredulously at Audrey) Nana does that! She works in her office. (Now looking at me) Nana, you write books in your office!
Long-distance-front-seat-to-backseat high five!
Yes! He gets it. I am working in my office. I do have a job. I don’t make much money right now, giving credence to the term “poor starving author,” but I am working.
This writer felt very pleased and encouraged by the voice and total belief in the voice of a 7 year-old boy. He believes in me.
Who encourages and believes in you and your life’s work?
When in Washington (the state), going to the beach may look different than going to the beach in other locations.
For instance, one may need to wear a winter hat at our beaches.
Hayden, Audrey, and Khloe sporting layers, hats (including winter), and beach tools.
Sweatshirts may be required.
You will get wet. With rain more than salt water.
Barnacles and tiny crabs abound.
Picnics are held under shelter. Or you eat wet food.
Picnics under shelter keep the food dry.
Seagulls will peck open unattended packages and ruin the cookies.
Sand will be discovered in odd and stayed-in-the-van-how-did-sand-get-there places.
You will bring too many things in order to plan for any type of weather.
Gage, 1. The same beach and same age when Hayden first went to the beach.
You will take home more than you bargained for. Some of those things will smell after a day or so.
Laundry and deep cleaning will be necessary once you get home.
He who wanted to throw himself into the water. Or eat sand. It was hands-on-Gage for one adult at all times.
Wet, cold, damp, briny kids smell just like that in the close confines of a van. Wet. Damp. Cold. Briny.
Umbrellas are often in use.
Can you see the little feathery barnacles? The openings are ones that are feeding.
One might wear a camera around the neck, but it will be covered with a plastic grocery bag that is tied tightly to keep out the rain. And sand. And stuff.
Water sandals are the perfect shoe. Waterproof and protective against stones.
Seals will wonder what you are doing. Bald eagles will soar, seagulls will annoy, ferries will pass, squirrels will steal, raccoons will beg, deer will graze.
Looking at wildlife.
Those dead looking rocks with barnacle crusts are not dead. Just put them in a bowl of ocean water and see what happens.
Strangers are kind. They may even bring a new crab specimen and seaweed clump for investigation.
Our barnacle and crab observation project.
On rainy days, you will mostly have the beach to yourself.
You can still get sunburned if it’s raining and cold.
If you want to go to the beach, go. Sunny or rainy, windy or stormy, the beach is a wonderful destination. Just know that our beaches will not resemble southern beaches (most of the time). The water will not be warm. Body extremities will turn blue. Noses will run.
But it will be the beach.
The group – minus the photographer who quickly unwrapped the camera for a quick shot.
Layer up, my dears. Or at least plan for a variety of beach weather. This is the life of Washington beaches.
A few days ago, I was reading in 2 Corinthians, chapter 2. Immersed in the words, it took me a moment to realize that I was reading with a scent in my nose.
Tantalizing wafts of fragrance swirled through my thoughts.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, ESV).
As the words I read floated through my mind, they were accompanied by the memories and aroma of lavender.
Lavender.
In my heart, Christ (and therefore God) has the refreshing, calming, soothing, and beautiful fragrance of lavender. He smells like lavender! The Peace that fills my soul and permeates my life is that of lavender.
Quiet. Peace. Reverence.
Is it no wonder that lavender is one of my favorite blooming herbs? I am drawn to lavender as the bees, seeking scent and beauty. I gently brush my fingertips along the flowers and attempt to capture the faint scent. Or I crush and bruise petals and stem between these wretched fingers, forcing the flowers to release their fragrance. For my benefit.
Isn’t that what happened so long ago? He was crushed and bruised, all to release the gift of His life, the fragrance of salvation. But that was not just for me. Rather, it was for all of us.
The fragrance of lavender.
Do you read with your nose? What fragrance is God to you?
A total of 7 children and adults plus our tour guide Mr. T. visited a local fruit ranch to pick not-quite-full containers of fresh ripe delectable cherries.
Not only did we have fun traipsing through the cherry trees and orchard rows, the young fruit pickers learned several new things.
Picking cherries is harder than it looks.
It’s takes lots of cherries to fill even tiny buckets. Lots.
It’s more fun to visit and play than pick cherries.
Don’t use the port-o-potties (as advised by Mr. T.).
It was a great outing. Plus I have a big bowl of the yummiest cherries just waiting to be gobbled up.
Fresh and raw, pitted and baked. Any way, any time.
I’ve always loved dollhouses, so I was instantly attracted to This Is My Dollhouse.
A young girl uses an old box, craft materials, and toys to create and decorate her own dollhouse. Her imagination is in full swing as she makes food, clothes, and props for the little family that lives in her dollhouse.
Her friend, Sophie, also has a dollhouse. It is a fancy store-bought dollhouse with pretty furniture and a family. When the girl goes to visit Sophie and play with the dollhouse, their imagination is stilted and comes to a stand still.
After seeing Sophie’s dollhouse, the girl is afraid of showing her own dollhouse to her friend. But one day, when Sophie came to play, Sophie discovered the hidden house and was delighted. Many hours of creative play followed and the girl was once again pleased with her own dollhouse.
I don’t think this book is against store-bought dollhouses at all, but rather This Is My Dollhouse celebrates creativity and ingenuity of those who build from scratch.
It was so much fun to see the creativity of the young girl and the way she used her imagination to create scenarios and adventures for her little family. This book will inspire little ones to create from miscellaneous materials found around the house.
This is a little sewing room I made in a wooden box. Can you find the tiny mouse?
KID KANDY:
Make A Dollhouse
Materials: box (any size will work), cardboard, paper scraps, fabric scraps, ribbon, markers, scissors, tape, glue, toy figures, wood scraps or blocks
1. Make a dollhouse. You can use ANY type of container to make a little house. I once made one from a teapot! Cut cardboard and paper to make walls and floors. Ask for help in cutting a door and windows.
2. Use craft scraps and other materials to decorate your house. Add curtains, rugs, furniture, and whatever else you want. Use markers to add color.
3. Make your little family comfortable. Cut blankets, clothes, and other household necessities from your supplies.
4. Give your family (and their pets) names. You are now ready to imagine adventures for them!
P.S. This would be a fun activity to do with a sister, brother, or friend!
I’m amazed at how quickly the garden is taking over the backyard.
I’m sad that several icky pests are winning and eating as much as they can (slugs, earwigs, pill bugs, and aphids). Since I prefer not to spray my garden with pesticides, it’s a daily battle to find those critters. Loss is expected.
Strawberries are still blooming, though they are exhausted!
But mostly, I’m happy to see this dirt produce food and beauty for our eyes, nose, hands, and tummies. I supposed I could add ears to that list, as the bees are a humming, though they classify as beauty not food. At least for us. The cats love to snatch and gobble them up.
Here are some things growing in the garden.
Oregano, much loved by bees, is heading towards full bloom.
Tea roses – beautiful though they were plagued by aphids early on in the season.
Creeping thyme, a walkable plant (you can walk on it). But watch out for bees!
Edible thyme is blooming.
Radishes are tasty and almost gone. Mmmm
Sunset lily. I love the color of these blooms.
Ripening Roma tomatoes.
The pumpkin plants that are threatening to take over our tiny backyard. Soon, it will be true.
Poor, sad, dwarfed okra. I’ve replanted 4-5 times. This is the best so far.
Wax beans love my back yard. Green beans? Not so much.
Dill entices more bees and is ready for canning.
Part of the sunflower jungle.
Lavender and friend.
Raspberries are coming on strong, much to the delight of the icky pests.
Baby zucchini.
The parsley is blooming. Those tiny sweat bees love this stuff.
Garlic. I have no idea when it is done!
Kale.
Baby yellow squash. If you squint, you can see someone else was impatient to try it. Go away, bugs!
Sage. This is also in bloom. But there is more than enough to go around. Five times around.
That’s my garden so far, all from the backyard. I’d be happy to share, especially the herbs. Has anyone else grown okra? What trick am I missing (other than heat, which I think it really needs)?
Happy tasting, smelling, seeing, touching, and hearing in your garden today!
The first hint that something was wrong was the sound of the cat door furiously flapping.
The next hint was the flash of gray darting across the floor to the cat box. Monet had the kitty runs. Eww.
I mean the nasty smelly potty stops. While I’ve been there myself (though I don’t use the cat litter box nor do I go through the cat door), I’ve never seen a cat make a mad dash to the toilet!
Poor baby!
The dash and go lasted all evening and we were getting concerned. But since she continued to eat, drink, and play with her toys like a wild thing, we figured it would pass.
But this morning there was blood.
That definitely meant a trip to the vet. There was initial interest in the cat carrier by both girls, but the second I grabbed Monet to put her in, Mabel dashed off for hiding, afraid she would be next.
$125 bucks later, Monet was home. Colitis. Who knew cats could have that?
Cats eat all sorts of things. Especially Monet. She’s the wild girl and she very aggressively hunts, consumes, and shares her prizes. According to the vet, this is common.
No fever, healthy teeth, eating and drinking, playing, good fur, no temp = colitis and maybe a some worms (from eating before mentioned outdoor treats).
“Are you able to give her pills?” he asked.
“My guess is no, though we’ve never had to give them to her before,” I said. “Monet is our more intensive cat and pulls no punches when she plays. I’m guessing I would earn a bite or scratches from any attempts.”
This idea was confirmed when the vet came back with Monet after a little visit to the back room. “I did manage to give her a pill, but I had a technician and an assistant helping me. I gave her a shot. It’s not my first choice, but to prevent bites and scratches, it will be best for her.” (And me!)
As I thought.
How Monet loves to sleep.
So, guess what $125 buys? A vet inspection. A very strong antibiotic injection. One pill. Worming medication.
And a very happy-to-be-home cat who has already brought me a moth.
Not just any cat, but a very talented, imaginative, and creative cat.
Chester loves to be in the limelight. He also has ideas about what type of limelight and focus he wants.
And while Chester is all of the above, he is also – gasp – somewhat NAUGHTY!
Meet Melanie Watt, the author who is trying to tell the story of Chester, a very large calico cat who carries his own red correcting pen. At all times.
Meet Chester, the star of the book, who repeatedly hijacks the story and turns it to his own purposes.
Chester and Chester’s Back! are delightful, funny, and imaginative picture books. The voice of Chester interacts seamlessly with the author’s voice of Melanie. Kids will love Chester and his antics.
But beware, kids might get some ideas from Chester!
KID KANDY:
Make a Paper Plate Chester
Materials: wax-free paper plates, construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, crayons
1. Draw a cat face on your paper plate. Include eyes, nose, whiskers, and mouth.
2. Color your cat Chester colors (or any color you like – that’s what Chester would do).
3. Cut ears, paws, and a tail from construction paper. Glue them in place.
4. Cut a pen from construction paper. Make sure it is red! Glue it to Chester’s paw.
Now you have your own Chester. Both of you can make up your own stories!
There used to be an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don’t know why, but she swallowed that fly. Kids love to read and sing this silly song.
Now we can enjoy There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight.
A dragon, not a lady. A knight, not a fly.
I love this book!
Part nursery rhyme song, part fairy tale, part humor, part adventure. This picture book has it all. Sure the knight gets swallowed (along with many other fairy tale sorts), but what happens in the dragon’s belly is quite comical.
Told in rhyme, There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight is a delightful and inventive take on the old stand-by. Never fear, the dragon does not die at the end.
KID KANDY:
Make-Believe Castle Fun
Materials: connecting blocks, horse, people figures, blue felt, dragon (or a large sock)
Make up your own story or use the items to retell There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight.
1. Build a castle with connecting blocks.
2. Choose people figures to be the knight, cook, squire, and lady. Add the horse and blue felt water.
3. Retell the story and let the dragon pretend to gobble up the other characters in the story. Or put your arm in the sock and pretend it is the dragon grabbing things to eat.
What other things could the dragon eat? Make sure he burps at the end and spits out everyone!
Do weekends go faster and seem busier than the rest of the week, or is it just me?
Pull up a cup of your favorite tea and let’s chat. I am drinking PG Tips with a tiny swirl of honey in the bottom. If I really wanted to be reminded of my visits to England, I would add a dash of milk and use raw sugar instead. Delish!
Here’s what I’d share with you about my weekend:
On Friday, I went grocery shopping. This is only worth mentioning because of the crowds! It was insane. But I did have my pint-sized helper, Miss Khloe. She assisted me as we grazed our way through Costco.
Nana with her 5 grands, from 5 weeks to 7 years-old.
The Quantrells took Fort Simcoe by storm on Saturday for a birthday plus a birthday plus a graduation picnic day. It was very nice, but it turned into a HOT day as the temps kept rising. We were done by 1, back in the cars, and on the road seeking AC. We enjoyed hanging out together. Nana especially loved having the grands in one spot, though it only lasted for 5 minutes. And then they were off and running.
Saturday was a free National Park Day, so we wanted to take advantage of the special day by visiting Fort Simcoe. You can read more about Fort Simcoe here.
We saw:
– a passel of squirrels, rolling and tumbling all over each other
– no snakes (Amen)
– no bears (double-Amen)
– cows (yes, cows – and plenty of cow-pies, ick!)
– old buildings
– 2 springs
– canons
– a tiny museum
– a parade of Model T’s that also traveled out to Fort Simcoe for a picnic
– a park worker in a golf cart chasing away the poopy-cows who wanted to graze (and poop) on park grounds
– the location of my son and daugther-in-laws’ wedding
On Sunday, we continued our celebration of graduates at church with a relaxed gathering where we viewed photos, chatted, and shared cake.
Our beautiful graduates!
My honey and I went on a lunch date. This was followed by relaxing in a cool theater and watching a movie. We migrated home, dodging the heat, and stayed inside and under shade. Temps were in the triple digits, so there was no working outside or going for a walk. Nope.
Back-to-work Monday has arrived. Triple digit temps are in the works as I type. I think I hear the beach calling me, if only it weren’t 5 hours away.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ve so much enjoyed tea with you.
Lavender from my garden and a tea cup we received as a wedding gift (31 years ago)
What did you do during the weekend? I’ll make another cup and you can tell me about your weekend.
