Downtown Snohomish

I love this shot from Main Street looking out over the Snohomish River, with the red geraniums and the bridge in the background.  I love where I live.  I've dreamed of living here since around 1992, when I first really explored the area. That dream came true in 2001, when we found our Maltby home.  Over twelve years later, we can truly call this place home.

A Girl and Her Dog

Today was the 31st day without rain in the Seattle area, and we are truly having a summer this year.  Nala the Dog was very patient today, waiting for me to finish all of my errands, so I took her to Maltby Park this evening.  We did a complete loop around the park, and she was exhausted but happy. I love the way she looks up when a picture is being taken!

A Midsummer Night

The day's end came gently today, with filtered gold sunlight, a light and fragrant breeze.  Summer imbues a sense of well-being, and of extending our world to the out-of-doors.  One can almost imagine no Fall or Winter, just warmth and ease and being one with the earth and all its bounty.  Flowers have invaded barren spaces, the birds have doubled their singing.  As the words to the song go, "Summertime, and "the livin' is easy".

The darkness is not so dark in summer, and all living things seem to rise toward the sun, day and night.  My last glance at the outside world tonight was of this lovely backyard scene, a place filled with memories of sharing coffee and conversation, meals with friends and family, and a place to call my own.

A Summer Window Box

This charming cottage window next door to our beach house reminds me of a window you'd find in the French countryside.  The cerulean blue of the shutters sets off the lovely profusion of petunias, which seem to be thriving in spite of the ocean air.

Last Day at the Beach

Today was overcast and very warm, and we spent the day riding  Beach Cruiser Bicycles, reading, napping and walking on the beach.  There was no wind this evening as we walked from Roosevelt Beach in the direction of the Sandpiper Resort.  Nala loved chasing the birds and running into the surf.  She's very tired this evening, and is now fast asleep.

The water was beautiful tonight, with the clouds overhead and the sun getting ready to set.

Dorothy Anderson Cabin at Seabrook Completed

The historic Dorothy Anderson cabin was recently completed at Starbucks.  See my post earlier this year to read the history of this woman and the dwelling she built. 

http://slowlifeinmaltby.blogspot.com/2013/05/dorothy-anderson-cabin-at-seabrook.html

Here are pictures of the exterior now, and pictures of what the original cabin interior looked like.  The original wood stove was salvaged and installed in the new cabin.

 

 

 

 

The True Meaning of Vacation

 A vacation is a day when you can do the following:

• Wake up "naturally"--this means 9 a.m. instead of 5 a.m.!
• Don't get dressed until noon
• Eat breakfast without any notion of what time it is
• Have no plans for the day--just do what you want
• Skip lunch and have an early dinner
• Eat dessert at 8 p.m.
• Put your manicured feet up and relax
• Throw away your watch
• Watch marathon TV episodes of your favorite series
• And finally, grind fresh coffee beans, inhale the aroma while the coffee brews, and savor each sip

Repeat above until the last day of vacation.  :)