Northwest Pretty and the Butterfly Wing

Now that I've had a little time to think and reflect, I thought I'd give you one last look at some pretty Washington views. This boat hangs in my uncle's carport. It's pretty, isn't it? They have a fine little island home.

The woodland ground cover makes every inch of space around the island (Guemes) look fantastic.

The roof you see is my aunt and uncle's one room cabin. It's been in their family for years. He was a Lutheran pastor and at that time pastors lived in parsonages, so this was the place they could really call their own. They invited my big family over for picnics and I distinctly remember reading Pollyanna as I reclined on a lumpy sofa in front of the fireplace.

The little cabin below is where my brother Dave and his family stayed last week. My family would often rent cabins at this tiny little resort. They haven't changed much in over thirty years. Do you like the way they look? I do.

They are little, but people can fit inside. Here's my mom looking organized (as always) and my dad making a funny face! He makes VERY funny faces.

Do you like the stone fireplace? The utilitarian kitchen serves lodgers' needs. Most people grill outside on the beach anyway.

Dave's rental had two bedrooms. Aren't the log walls charming?

Below is my cute brother, Dave. He worked so hard to catch loads of crab for us. He took the crab traps out and dropped them in the water, attached a float with his name on it, and with sufficient bait inside, the crabs crawl in and when the crab catcher goes out to the float later and pulls up the cage - food!

Mom and Dad sitting on the beach soaking up sun and appreciating the view. I don't think I could ever tire of this breathtaking beauty.

Dave getting ready to retrieve the crab lunch.

My cute niece Sarah and her boyfriend. Do you see the shiny pot where the crabs are cooking? Poor crabs.

Here's my Uncle Jim and my twin cousins. Jim married us all those years ago. He's retired now. I love him and his girls. They are lovely ladies.

Here are some pictures of my brother Dan's house and yard. His wife Susan is a fantastic "cozy home" sort of person. It's always fun to poke around their house.

And she quilts.

She thrifts! Isn't this adorable?

I love her lipstick red cupboards and her Alice in Wonderland floors!

Meet Betsy. She pretends like she can save lives. She's HUGE and slobbery. She makes friends easily.

But, there IS no place like home. I'm so happy to hunker down and inhabit our house twenty four hours a day for two more (sigh) weeks.

Everything GREW while I was away!

Also, I have a "TA DAAA!" Yes, I finished my shawl (which as you know, I am only wearing in the privacy of my own home, with pajamas!)

Do YOU think it looks like a butterfly wing?
Guess what I might do tomorrow? Paint a wall. Yep. I'll show you IF I actually do it and IF it looks interesting when I'm done. It's going to be a sort of buttery gold. Fingers are crossed.

I'm off to the store to buy buffalo burgers, corn on the cob, and watermelon.

Do you know what I thought about today? Christmas. I was looking at a Christmas cookbook that Reve was going to give away (so, she gave it to me!) and I really started getting in the mood. I liked looking at the sweet tips for Christmas warmth and cheer. My mom and dad are going to try to come to our house for Christmas and with little Millie arriving on planet Earth around the 12th of December, we ought to have joy all around. Are you thinking about Christmas yet?