Home Waters

 Hello!  I'm back in Colorado and her blue, blue, blue skies are here to greet me this morning.  My zinnias are blooming, the tomato plants are full of fruit, and I had a pile of books and surprises awaiting me.  I'll tell you more about the surprises soon.  The water in Washington did not fail to please me.  I spent the first day of my visit at Guemes Island, one of our family's vacation spots.

 This is where I'd like to have our blog retreat.  You know.  Someday.  The cabins have stone fireplaces.  Isn't a stone fireplace impressive, especially when the cabin is tiny?

 Here's my papa.  We all spent the day looking toward the Puget Sound.

 The island is so woodsy and magical.  See the birdhouse?

 Here is the boat.  My brother and mother are zipping out to check the crab pots. 

 Fresh crab.  Tender, sweet, delicious.  It tastes of the sea.

 The next day, we were back to town and in search of farm produce.  Favorite farm produce = berries.

My sister-in-law bakes shortcakes, pies, and cookies in her commercial kitchen.  Her offerings are the best goodies I've tasted in a looooooooong time.  

 Here is her farm stand where the baked goods are sold.

 She and my brother raised their family in this house.  It keeps getting cuter and cuter.  Don't you want to move in?

 It has a garden shed!

 This is the driveway that leads to my other sister-in-law's home.  My brothers have lovely homes, don't  they? 

 Their house is in the country, close to the bay.  Don't you love the shake siding?  It's wonderful inside, too.  A huge added bonus = their neighbors have sheep! 

 Not too far from their house is this lovely bay. 

 My dad and I stopped here to buy fresh oysters.  I ate ONE.  Next time, I'll eat two.  Most Northwestern people love them!

 On my last day, my mom got up early and made coffee.   I stepped out on the deck to take pictures of the sunrise.

 It's a soul investment to be with one's family.  Their homes feel like our home, their voices tend to have similar lilts and drops.  They often have deep rooted and matching convictions regarding life choices.  They enjoy similar foods, shared while kindling memories.  
I feel girded up by my five-day visit and thankful for such sweet responses to my coming back to my childhood home.

This morning, I am thankful for quiet, for coffee and tea, for books to dip into, blogs to catch up on, and the snug provisions of my own home.  
For my give away:  rocks (calm down, I know the excitement is hard to bear) from the beach,  a doodle (subject to be determined), a tasty delicacy (chocolate) and several sweet and childlike surprises.  Do you want a chance to receive a Pom Pom package?  Leave a comment today and I'll draw a winner before the end of the week.  In your comment please tell me something about your childhood home and its setting.  Thank you, good reader.  Now I am off to visit blog spots.  I've missed you.