Red Hawk Meadow

A Walk in the Park?

When we first saw our home and the surrounding 5 acres, we fell in love with it.  Our only concern was the size of the house, which is on the small side.  But after much deliberation we decided that the property was worth it.  After living here for four years we have never regretted our decision.  The majority of the land is forested with large firs, cedars,hemlocks, maples and huge lush ferns.  When we moved here we knew we would not be  allowed to clear any more that 25% of the land because it is designated as a Spotted Owl habitat (which we have seen).

The first thing we did when we moved in was to put in a small 1/4 mile trail through our wooded area.  

The trail begins out the rear of our yard and proceeds up a small rise to a stand of dead alders.            

 

          We have had a pair of piliated woodpeckers nest in these alders for the last two years.  

As we proceed along the trail we have found a few "surprises".

 An "artifact"---we have left where we found it.

"Heart in the Woods"

       A small bench under a large cedar.

              Large fern on the forest floor.      

Some of trees are true giants that we are in awe of every time we walk through them.           

   My husband, VG, on the trail.

            The trail winds around and through the woods, sometimes looping and backtracking along the 1/4 mile.  We try to get out and walk a couple of miles each morning and always begin by walking our trail.  We love to witness the changing of the seasons as we are out there.

   VG walking down the trail toward the house.  End of the trail.

Where Has Summer Gone?

  My sister is a school teacher and I can't believe it is almost time for her to go back to school.  Last year I was planning to go up to her home to spend a couple of days with her and her family, but it never happened.  It isn't like we don't spend time together, because we do---we both plan to visit our mother at least once a month at the same time.  The three of us always have a good time together,  shopping, eating and just chatting about books we've read, shows we've seen, just sharing, you know--girl talk.  But it isn't the same as being one-on-one with your best friend, which is what my sister is to me.  So getting together has been a priority for me.

 You see ---she is only 13 months older than me, so we grew up very close to each other.  I married when I was 21 and when I was 25 (1976) we moved across the continent and only on occasion would come back for visits with family.  Recently, my husband and I returned to Washington State to retire.  We now live in a rural community about 45 minutes from my mom on 5 beautiful acres.  It has bee wonderful to finally be close to my family ---I now feel like a member instead of a visitor, but most importantly to re-establish the friendship I had with my sister.

So----Monday I took the ferry up to Edmonds and stayed with my sister and her family in Marysville until yesterday.

I had such a great time visiting with all of them, including my niece, her husband and her adorable 4 month old son.  My sister's home is warm and inviting and her gardens are lovely.  Although she lives in a small subdivision, her backyard garden is quiet and secluded, not unlike a "secret garden".

On Tuesday my sister and her husband took me up to LaConner.  I had never been up there---and what a treat.  It was a beautiful drive on a perfect day.  Such a sweet small town with all the farmland and  grand old farm houses.  Not only was the scenery great but the company surpassed that.  We spent time lingering over lunch catching up, sitting on a deck overlooking the canal as cabin cruisers floated by.

I'm back home now after this short visit, but it will reside in my heart forever.  I'm certainly glad I was able to go before my sister returns to school in a few weeks.  My only question is -- Where has the summer gone?

 

New Beginnings

I have decided to begin to journal again.  I have been very busy spinning, knitting, and just generally "playing" with wool. ------ Stay tuned.