PNW Roundup Sept 24, 2011 - a fun gathering of DG friends

She just got of surgery last week. We are still battling cancer and chemo effects. Into a year now. So I need to take them out to dinner Sat night and hug my Leia and her 2 babies. We will be leaving around 4 or 5 pm.

That is good. Your presence will definitely cheer her up. How is Karen doing?

Karen is always sunshine even on her worst days. She is anxious to see our grandbabies because I have been there many times without her through the cancer battle. She is back at work and I am sure it is hard to continue in the schools over 30 years but we need the medical and the money. So she is good but tired.

You have a priceless wife, Steve. But you already know that.

EVERYONE: If Steve doesn't object, we are going to put out a donation can for his little granddaughter, Charlize. This was my DIL's idea tonight. I wish I had thought of this sooner. So Joey wants to dedicate this party in Charlize's honor.

Ooooooh, I might have a date. This is my really good friend Roland, who sells my stuff in his coffeehouse/gallery in downtown Seattle. We really need to hook up & swap money/merchandise, and I had intended to swing by his place after leaving Lynn's but threw out that maybe he could join us on Saturday instead? (Lynn, he thinks that you already love him because I SAID you would) ... It was a longshot BUT:

Saturday night in Lakewood could be the cat's meow, to meet Lynn who already loves me, to practise my French, to swap impossible fish stories and clueless tourist anecdotes with the Alaskans [18 years in Juneau with 10 of those continuous where one winter I witnessed an avalanche from a safe distance that took out Juneau's electricity for two days and whose force showered us with ice crystals a half mile away...], and you and I could talk Quilt-textile-turkey and I could give you a check for items sold [I don't know, yet, how many], and we all could sing strange ballads from far-flung places while sipping Yakima fermented grape juice while debating how soon the clouds will bunch together and squeeze out some precipitation as the evening honeysuckle wraps all of us in a delirious toxin of "come hither" aroma... heart be still....

I technically work 'til 6pm on Saturdays but could be coerced into bolting out early if Lynn whispers in my cyber ear, if ya' get my drift...


Yippee! And I haven't even mentioned the hot tub to him yet! Roland is a gem, Sofer I'm so sorry you probably will miss him. Although, hmmmmm... did I mention to him that Lynn also has a husband? I'm slightly concerned, will have to rectify that ...

Sharon, I'd be very interested in the jade plant if no takers yet. I have my entire cabinet full of seeds for sharing!

Have a great time everyone. I wish I could be there, but I'm buried in school work for the the next year or so. The butterflies look really cute, Lynn.

I am ensconced in the upstairs bedroom after getting lost every which way in the Tacoma area.
Wow, what a place. Sure wish EVERYONE could join us.

Patiently waiting for photos and/or report of the festivities...

Well, grrrrr ... I spent a lot of time taking pix with Joey's fancy SLR, so those are still with the Phillipses, AS IS MY OWN CAMERA. I certainly came home with a Panasonic Lumix, but it turns out to be Lynn's! What a goofball, but what are the odds. It took me until today to figure out what was wrong with "my" Lumix. So Lynn has all the photos, and I do not think that she will bust out with a whole bunch of posts right now because she is still digging out from the terrible windstorm that swooped down on us Sunday morning. (Sharon, that's why I didn't make it by for the jade plant.)

But WHAT a party! You will just have to use your imagination for now, but try to picture 5 acres of happy, healthy plantings, tended by the consummate hosts with the perfect entertaining setup. I just loved every minute of it. Of course, Sharon, Julie & Linda are a pleasure to be around always, and what a treat to meet Steve & Karen! We took up a nice collection for Charlize, and chowed down on a never-ending variety of food & treats. Everyone loved the target practice, and sign-painting, and charm-making, and I especially loved the hot tub (for about 4 hours, in fact). There was just something for everyone -- Corvairs, Harleys, heuchera, great music blasting out of the "barn," dreamy night lighting, awesome massage chairs ...

I stayed 2 nights & have seldom felt so welcome & comfortable.

Thanks Lynn and Joey for the wonderful party...so sorry I didn't get pics!

Lynn,

Thanks so much for hosting such a wonderful event, and tolerating those of us who were kind of wishy washy attendees. It was a wonderful day, and I hope there will be pics posted before too long. This group is such a great group of people... even if you have been out of touch for a bit, they welcome you with open arms. Great to see you Summer and Steve and Karen!!!

Oh yeah.. and Linda and Lynn.. great to see you too, but I kinda take you guys for granted cause I am spoiled and get to see you often :P !

Lynn and Joey were the best hosts! Everyone got a free Harley, 2000 dollars, free massages, rare vintage wine, and most importantly got to spend time with the nicest people on the planet! The people part is true and the host comments the rest well just to get a better turn out next time. LOL

I agree that they are the best hosts!!!! You know I would have liked to have been there, But the commute is a killer!

Thank you everyone for the compliments. I am glad everyone had a good time. I really enjoy these get togethers. Maybe next year, more of the DG'ers will be able to attend.
It was a week ago today, and boy, did we luck out on the weather, it couldn't have been more perfect. Today it is raining.

Sorry to have taken so long to post pictures, but this past week , we hosted a get together for the families from the church who helped us out with Sally's memorial dinner. And thenJoey had a spur of the moment idea to invite all of the neighbors over for one last BBQ before the weather changes (and the house was clean!) Plus the windstorm made a huge mess in the yard and flattened most of the plants, so we had to rush like crazy to get it cleaned up before the other get togethers. When it rains, it pours! Now for some pics.

Coming down the long driveway.

Front porch, Where is everyone?

Here we are!



Fore ground: Karen & Steve Lowry, Stephanie Williamson
Seating: Sharon and Linda

Party on the Patio

Lots of food and drinks

A garden photo. Limelight Hydrangea in full bloom

Little Lamb Hydrangea is very happy in its own little island.

Helianthis Sunflowers were a favorite. I got these as starts from Kate 2 yrs ago. They are so cheery. If anyone wants a start from it, come and get it.

My little red wagon is full of sedums

Relaxing on the patio

"Jasmine" is discreetly watching us.

Joey and Steve, just hanging out.

Joey hanging up the targets for the "Shoot out". The teapot tree must have got him!

You better get out of there, Joey. You don't want to be the moving target.

Go the other way , Joey! Run!

Where did everyone go?

Here we are!
Steve, Sharon, Julie, Colton, and Gail

Sure looks like a fun day!

Just beautiful Lynn. You two have done fantastic things to your spot of heaven. Sorry I could not come to visit.

Great photos! Looks like a super fun day. Your garden looks just outstanding. You really have a green thumb! So jealous...

Didn't take many photos for some reason this time around.

Here is one of the early birds getting the kitchen organized. Sorry about the quality of the photo.

Lynn had ordered her special treat for the party: A 5 foot high peacock which turned out to be 5 foot wide instead. Here is Colton beginning the assembly process.

Moving along on the assembly process.

Project completed. "Proud as a peacock!"

Meanwhile, Joey is doing a final touch-up on the lawn.