Crater Lake

Two months ago I vacationed in Oregon, one of my favorite places to visit.  This time we took a road trip to Crater Lake.  The views and the lake and the scenery were so picture perfect it felt like I was walking through a painting.  You could even see the brush strokes on the water, in the sky, and in the shoreline.  -A

Farewell August

It's hard to believe August is almost over. My flowers are in full bloom but signs of fall are already here. Here's to enjoying the last few weeks of summer. I know I will. -P

Happy July!

I picked up some reading and listening for the summer today at the library. -A

Signs of Summer

I think the end of spring and beginning of summer is one of the most beautiful times of year. Spring flowers are still in bloom while summer flowers are also budding. Check out the photos. - P

To the Market

This morning we made our way to the popular downtown market.  We don't get there as often anymore as it is not as close to where we live, but is definitely worth the trip.  The variety of items offered makes it almost impossible to choose what to get.  Today was a mixture of oysters, salmon, watermelon, corn, tomatoes, Hungarian bread, and German pretzel rolls.  It is celebrating 100 years this year, which to me is amazing it has withstood our ever changing city.  I can't wait for dinner tonight. - P

Daisy

I thought I would brighten up my kitchen table with some fresh cut flowers.  While wandering around my yard I noticed the daisies were in full bloom.  With a glass of wine in hand I put together a bunch to enjoy for the rest of the week. It was quite a peaceful way to end the weekend.  - P

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Thanks to all the soldiers and their families that have given so much to make the USA so wonderful.  Also Happy "not technically summer but officially summer"!  The weather definitely made it feel like summer - humid and hovering around 90F.  I packed the weekend out with as much summer stuff as possible.  I turned on the A/C and I did a 5k and hiked and biked and ate.  I even spent some time with my family and the new dog (my sister lol).  I saw an ice cream truck jingle down the street, but mom had some amazing dirt for us for dessert or I would have run it down like I was eight years old.  I also enjoyed the sunset while driving home. -A

Bike Night

After planning some different activities with our bikes this summer, it was time to venture out for one last adventure to enjoy the last night of summer. A suggested attending bike night at a restaurant which was about a 10 mile ride roundtrip.  The weather was absolutely perfect for this time of year and of course the last day of summer.   Although we would have preferred to wear less "bikey" clothing we still went to the restaurant, even though most of the patrons were dressed casually and not in athletic wear.  We may re-think our wardrobe decision when we do this again next summer.  The restaurant offered 15% off our bill for riding our bikes there, as well as entrance into a raffle to win a bike.  The servers were friendly and the food was good.  They even thanked us for riding our bikes.  Since the sun is now setting rather early we rode our bikes home in the dark.  It was actually not scary like I would have imagined and actually rather pleasant. With the help of A's bike lights and the street lights it couldn't have been more perfect.  I am hoping we can gather some more friends to try this with us sometime. - P

Evening Tennis

The weather on Tuesday was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for an outdoor evening tennis match.  I met up with tennis friend I from our team.  We both had not played in months but after a few rusty games we started to play better.  It was nice to get out there for a match and enjoy the weather. We were able to catch up, and I got to hear about her adventures in Germany where she taught English for about 7 months this past year. Welcome back I.  It reminds how I would love to work for one of the bicycle tour groups in Paris.  I hope to be able to do that at some point down the road.   - P

Perform a Maintenance Task On Your Bike(s)

As the fourth event in the Let's Go Ride a Bike Summer Games I decided to perform some bike maintenance.  It works out perfectly as I am expecting family in from out of town tonight and plan to let my sister ride the hybrid bike.   I haven't been on my road bike at all this year since I have been riding my hybrid.  The tires on my road bike were, of course, flat and the bike was slightly dusty.  I washed both bikes, cleaned and put lube on the chain, put air in the tires, checked the brakes and gears.  I have a bicycle repair manual which I have used for reference in the past.  Aside from what I did today I have been lucky as my husband usually helps me with more difficult repairs.  I do want to learn more so I can do them on my own in the future. - P

Something That Says "Summer"

On my way to and from the neighborhood park to read this evening, I took some pictures of what says "summer" to me for the LGRAB Summer Games.  I have more than just hinted at it before, but dusk/sunset is definitely one my favorite things about summer.  There is just something in the energy of the air at this time.  The crickets are loud, the street lights are coming on, and the lightning bugs are all in sync with the glow of the sky.

This is also the time of day that if I have spent anytime outside whatsoever,  I start to feel the affects of summer on my skin.  The sweat starts to dry or the freckles start to show up.  Of course I am a loyal wearer of sunblock, but the light of the sunset is when I begin to see the lack of color on my skin disappear.  Which reminds me of the song Summer Skin by Death Cab for Cutie. -A

P agrees and the first picture is from her evening.