Summer update

Sunset at Birch Bay

I cannot get over the weather this summer. There is absolutely nothing I can complain about. It's been sunny and warm - only occasionally sizzling. The nights have been cool and I sleep with the covers on. The rain poured a couple times and we had a few days of fall-like chill, and we got an incredible lightning storm with rain and wind gusts one night, but summer always returned in its traditional fashion. If all summers could feel like this one, I would enjoy the winters that much more.

Here are a few things we've been doing from the list.

We paddleboarded! I rented a couple inflatable SUPs from work and we paddled downriver from Plese Flats and back upriver for a challenging ending. It was a pretty stretch of the Spokane River. 

Trotting the bases in Peaceful Valley

We picnicked on the river on July 1! But it wasn't quite as charming as in years past. Luna was pretty anxious about our elevated concrete perch under the overpass in Peaceful Valley, and a late-season black fly bit my face shortly after we arrived, and after that we were paranoid about every little bug. We packed up after we finished eating and walked around the neighborhood instead.

I didn't drink martinis, but we celebrated Tony - who did - at Birch Bay! It was a sweet celebration of a wonderful human. It was a charming little beach town, too, and I enjoyed a bike ride with a view of the ocean and of Canada just beyond. And games each night.

I sewed a summer dress! 

The barbecue awaits patiently in a corner of the yard

The deck is getting there! We had some delays after the demo revealed a few problem areas we needed to address first. But now it's all framed out and is ready for the decking and railing, which we're making final decisions on. It's possible this deck could be done by August, but I'm prepared for it to take a little longer if necessary. 

Farmers markets! We haven't biked to all of them as I've hoped, but we stopped in at the Perry market on a Thursday night and that is my favorite one so far. The food alone is worth the trip (naan pizza! Portuguese sandwiches!).

The moon! I wanted to do something fun for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing but kind of forgot. Until we were out on bikes with our friends that night for ice cream and beer (yup) and we stopped on our way home to take in the city view on Cliff Drive and gazed at the moon rising over the hills. I'd say that's a pretty nice way to celebrate.

Presidential debates? I don't need them. I did mail back my local primary ballot, though. I'm still a responsible citizen.

I won the Tour de France! One of my fantasy cycling teams, did, at least. I am feeling pretty proud.

Christmas in July is real! I have completed three sections of my first Christmas stocking, and I'm horrible at stranded knitting. I can't get the tension right. This project is as much for me to learn how to get the hang of it, so to speak, as it is to knit a usable gift vessel. 

The movies! We checked out a new (to us) venue at the casino that offers dinner and a movie, and it was there that we saw Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. We also sat in a theatre with kids aged 4 to 60 for The Muppet Movie. It warmed our hearts to hear a little girl giggling hard over scenes with Miss Piggy. 

Stranger Things! I thought I'd be disappointed but they hooked me once more. And the theme from "The Never Ending Story" has been in my head ever since.

Other highlights off the list:

Folding bikes! We both have them now and can fit both of them in the trunk. With Luna in the backseat and our luggage...somewhere...we're ready for our trip to Boise!

Weird kitchen smells! I created my own sourdough starter and named her Edith. I have yet to make bread with her. She seems to be slow on the uptake.

A quick trip to Sagle for more family time at the lake.

I planted zinna seeds and 6 of them bloomed!