Ahoy Mates!
On the bank of the Clackamas River, I celebrated Independence Day in the USA, having a BBQ with a family member and friends...see the smoke drift over the river?
Margaret and I explored a part of the great Columbia River by floating in sternwheeler for several hours.
It was a just-right sunny day to enjoy the lovely scenery as we listened to the captain's stories about the area.
Several days later we also got to see a bit of the Salmon River at Wildwood Recreation area near the base of Mt. Hood. It was interesting to see into the river through the fish window.
One of the stars of the July flower blooms around me is Hydrangeas. The deep purple-blue blooms of this bush near my home is my favorite.
Margaret and I enjoyed starting to knit preemie blankets. Margaret made much faster progress on hers than I did on mine.
Both of us used acrylic yarn. It was very pleasant to knit out on the patio.
After Margaret flew home I invited three friends over to work on our scrapbooks. I especially enjoyed working on some pages that featured my husband, Louis, who passed away ten years ago.
He enjoyed working as an engineer at Train Town in Sonoma, CA, while we helped to run an eldercare facility. The photos were from a day we took some of the residents to ride on the train.
Have you explored rivers, enjoyed crafting and enjoyed time with family and friends in July?
Gracie xx
Lots of happy family memories. The scenery in your neighbourhood is glorious. Looks like perfect weather too. Have a lovely weekend. B x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a wonderful summer, making memories with family and friends alike. I'm glad to see that you and Margaret are having a wonderful time together. I would like to see that fish window and the mysteries it would reveal. The paddleboat adventure looks like a lot of fun too. The happiness on all three of your faces in the first photo is a joy to see. I'm really glad to see that.
ReplyDeleteYour knitted blankets are beautiful. I always use acrylic yarn for charity because that's what most places prefer for the ease of washability and dryability. I know the blankets you and Margaret are making will be cherished by the families that receive them.
Blessings,
Betsy
Part of my comment disappeared for some reason. Maybe I hit a wrong key? It wouldn't be the first time. :-) . I wanted to tell you that I hope you continue to enjoy your summer of adventures. Missing you my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Oh it is so lovely to see your beautiful post. Those blankets will be so loved. We had happy 4th times this year with Zach here and his pals. Right now my flowers are in bloom mode and iM delighted. It is very hot however and need daily watering but that' ok.
ReplyDeleteI have been IN the tomahawk river about a hundred times in a tube. We had a lazy float route when my dad owned a cabin in minocqua, wisconsin. Rivers are magical
Looks like you've had a nice month. Hard to believe it is just about over.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely times with family! You and your sister have such great times together. That is just wonderful. I don't have a sister but I do have a best friend from 1972 (summer camp!) and we are each other's sisters.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had been widowed for so long. I've been divorced, but that is a different situation. Now that I am happily married, I can't imagine life without Keith, and I've made him promise to outlive me! His parents are very hardy, so I'm hopeful.
Charity knitting is truly a mitzvah! Do you know that word? It is the Hebrew word for a good deed that will hasten the coming of the messiah.
Sounds like you had a wonderful visit with your sister, I love how close you are. July has been a very nice month for you Gracie, now onto August!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a good time in July. I enjoyed Time with lady friends from church. We went to the Beth Moore event in Eugene. One night stay in hotel. Great sessions that blessed us and so ready to get into my notes and bible verses again. Take care and a blessed weekend!Hugs my friend!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and pleased that you are having a varied and interesting summer. Good to spend time with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteNo rivers for me but spent some time near water with family. A fun time. Lots of crafting!
Anne X and
Awesome to see you here Gracie some good fun times 😀😀😀 xxoo
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful visit with your sister and that you have filled your days with friends also. Like me you have so many craft interests that it is a joy to see your creations. What a delight it must have been for you scrapbooking some of your old photos of your dear husband, evoking lots of wonderful memories that's for sure. No rivers for me but plenty of time by the sea.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your sister came to visit you and your family, it looks like you had a good time. It was neat to see Louis as I don't think I've seen a photo. Thank you for your kind comment about the loss of my sister and nephew... this has been a very rough week and one more to go. Hope to see you soon. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteLoved your post today Gracie. Catching up on precious memories in scrapbooking is on our summer holiday to do list too. Jo x
ReplyDeleteNo rivers in July for me although I enjoyed MANY rivers in June on our road trip.
ReplyDeleteSeveral visits with my sister-in-law is always a fave with me. And her son spent a day with us too!
Crafting? Well, of course. Spinning, knitting and weaving.
Such a lovely post, dear Gracie. Time with your family, maritime adventures, crafting... sounds like a recipe for a great summer.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Sounds like July was a good month for you, too. Oregon is a beautiful place, just like the rest of the PNW. Loved your hydrangeas; they are such pretty plants. Your preemie blankets will be much appreciated! Have a wonderful August!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun adventure to travel on a sternwheeler! That is something I'd like to do. Seeing a river by boat is always quite different than seeing that same river when in land. Glad you could spend some good time with your sister and family.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Aimee
Oh those hydrangeas are gorgeous! The ones around here are huge this year - I think they like all the rain we've been getting.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a lovely July. Is that the sister I met with you last year on Portland? I'd forgotten she lived in SoCal.
The riverboat trip sounds like fun. The Columbia River valley is so beautiful.
Hope you are having a pleasant August! (I almost typed July. This year is going too quickly for me.) :)