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July 8, 2022

IT'S FRIDAY, MY FAVORITE DAY!!

What a great week we had! Not only was the weather perfect, but most of the family was here (all but Ashtin who is in Florida).

Saturday was my 80th birthday, so we had a family celebration for that. I fixed a roast and of course birthday cake for dessert. I got a new set of frying pans from Leslie's family and the cutest pelican to decorate my yard from Lara and her girls. We named him "Bill".

The next day, we all worked together to get the steamboat ready for the 4th of July parade in Rockaway. Lara polished brass while the rest of us cleaned the boat and car. It looked beautiful when it was all done. Monday, we headed for Rockaway for the parade. We had to be there by 8:45 to get the boat all decorated. This is the first time we have been in the parade in Rockaway, so we didn't know all the details like where to line-up and all that. But it turned out just fine as the parade crew was very well organized. We had other issues, too. The guys were having a tough time getting the boiler fire to stay lit and it was beginning to look like we wouldn't have any steam to blow the whistle. But they got it running just before the parade headed out and we had a great time tooting the whistle at everyone. We even took first place!

When we got back home from the parade, we ate lunch and our plan was to launch the boat and move it to Kahrs' dock. Well, the boat just wasn't going to cooperate (it was missing a part) and so we ended up parking it in the driveway until Dave can get that figured out. Hopefully in time for next week's Journal.

It was Dave's plan to launch the fishing boat at the same time, but that didn't work out either. The guys spent an hour looking for the two fuel tanks that go with that boat and they just aren't anywhere. All we can figure is that someone helped themselves to those fuel tanks while the boat was parked along our street last winter. So, we have new ones coming from Amazon - and there's $140.00 we shouldn't have had to spend. It used to be that we had no crime problem here in town, but I guess those days are gone.

The rest of this week we have been working around the place. I did a lot of washing of laundry and making of beds. I also managed to get some more yard work done this week too. I replanted (again) some beets and carrots. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they grow this time. I am having a terrible time this year getting my garden to grow. It must be all the rain that we have had. At least that's my excuse. And before anyone says anything, yes, I know it's difficult to get things growing before the 4th of July around here. But I get impatient!

Did I tell you about the bees? I have a bee bait box and the bees have been swarming around it. When the bees start to swarm, the bee people come by and take the beehive away. They will locate it in an orchard so that they can pollinate the blossoms to grow fruit. As soon as they have successfully relocated the colony, I will get my bait box back and it will be time to start the whole process again. It is kind of exciting that I can play my part in this project.

We are planning a trip to Shelton, Washington this weekend where we will catch up with some friends who have a steamboat. They have asked us to join them on a steam trip around their lake - Lake Nahwatzel - Saturday evening. And then on Sunday, we will take a 4-hour boat trip on a loop on the Chehalis Slough. I am looking forward to the trip.

Well, while I'm taking a breath and keeping my head above water, I will end this. I hope you had a nice 4th.