Kayaking in the rain!!

But first, a bit of gardening.............

 The cactus is beginning to bloom. 

 The birds seem to think my Swiss Chard is their dinner.  Now that I've controlled the earwigs, the birds are the ones doing damage.  I don't care so much about the beet greens, though they would be yummy, the chard is one of my favorites!!  Boo birds!

 We were planning a nice weekend of camping with Jason and Mindy to introduce them to kayaking and Hosmer Lake, but the weather didn't appear to be cooperating, so we decided to stay here and do some day trips.  Friday, we went out to Lake Billy Chinook and put in at the Upper Deschutes boat ramp.  It was sprinkling a little, but  relatively warm, so it really wasn't that bothersome.  Until it started pouring, and pouring.  By then, we were maybe a mile upstream.  And soaked to the bone!  I must say, though, that it was one of those "if you don't try, you won't know if you can do it" moments.  I did it.  And had fun!
You can't tell in the photo, but I was wet!  But smiling.  We let the kids use the hard shells and Dean and I used the inflatables.  All of the boats were full of water.





  Jason and Mindy coming in

 Wet, but happy kids!!!

Yes, the sun did come out - the next day.  When we got home, we left everything in - and on - the car.  Good thing our car is an Element - with seats that won't be ruined by wet clothes because it took until today for the inside of the car to finally dry out.  We put the inflatables on the back deck to dry - had to take them apart, which is a real pain to put back together, but they need to be dry to put away.

All in all, it's been a great weekend.  It's always a joy to have them visit.  We laugh a lot.

I'm Baaack!

The garden is happy that, hopefully, the weather has stabilized.  

And I am happy, too.  I'm going to TRY to update this blog more often - which could be anything since it hasn't been done for 'a while'.........

I'll post mainly about my gardening and cooking activities, but you never know what might end up here.  We'll be taking a road trip to Alaska next month and I will try to post from that if I get this new blogger system figured out.  Meanwhile, bear with me, please.

There is cilantro where none was planted.  

 

Lots and lots of potatoes beginning to bloom.

Peas are fattening.

Strawberries are looking good.

Now for the mystery plants.  I planted this one, but sure can't remember what it is.  It dies back in the fall, but comes back with a beautiful vengeance. 












This, I believe, is a volunteer - is it a weed?  Anyone? 

 Also this one.  I have 2 of them - one is on the North side of the house, gets little sun and only water when it rains.  The one pictured here is on the East side - gets some sun and some water.  The leaves are sticky.