"I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man." - Dwight L. Moody

Throw back?

No post yesterday. I'm in Seattle to visit my folks, but staying at my brother and SIL's place. They only do the internet on their cell phones so I couldn't post last night. I'm currently sitting in my folks' unit where I have internet access, hence a brief post. Soon we'll leave for dinner in the cafeteria and come back up for Chez Craig's Famous Apple Pie.

Yep, Tuesday I made my first-ever pie. I brought the whole thing up to my folks without first tasting it (risky!) and it actually tastes good. The apples were pretty tart and could have used a bit more sugar, but the crust is what surprised me. Doesn't look good but tastes like a pie crust and has the right texture. Two outta three ain't bad at all. Next up: blueberry.

Surprise...my dad's sister is in town (she lives in Spokane) and stopped by for a visit this afternoon. I haven't seen Pat in decades but have very fond memories of her from my childhood. She took the four of us kids on camping trips where we were allowed to get dirty (gasp!) and eat whatever we wanted. I told her this afternoon she may be the one responsible for my affinity for the rural life.
Pat is 18 months younger than my dad, who is 95 (you do the math). She spent her career teaching psych classes at Whitworth College (Ph.D.) in Spokane. Pretty smart lady, and fun to be with. I'm very glad I got to see her. This pic represents almost 200 years of more wisdom, wit, and knowledge than you'll likely see on a single couch anywhere.

While we talked I asked questions about my family history. I learned my grandad, their father, had a 3rd grade education and left his home in Nova Scotia when he was 14. Made his way across the northern states and ended up logging in WA for most of his adult life. He was saved at 65 and died just a few years later of prostate cancer.
I also learned my sister's middle name was my great-grandmother's first name, Melana.

I don't know if I'll be able to post tomorrow. I had planned to leave after breakfast but will stay for Alisa's memorial service at 2 p.m. and leave from the church for the 6 hour drive home. Or more. Leaving the north end of Seattle at about 4 p.m. promises a freeway that will look more like a parking lot, especially on a summer Friday. But I'm thankful I'll be able to attend that service. Super good family.

Why does my 95-year old dad get sale catalogs from Harbor Freight?

Pam's home taking care of the goats and chickens. Driving into the city yesterday I realized how glad I am we live out in the woods. I much prefer the space and quiet isolation of Baker Rd. to the crowded frenetic pace of a major metro area.
I am also VERY thankful that Pam and I are on the same page regarding that lifestyle. It has never occurred to her to complain about our humble 1978 single wide, or the dirt that gets tracked in during the rainy winter, or the run-down and outdated kitchen she uses to prepare good meals, or the tiny bathroom, or.....
A great place to live and the perfect person with whom to live there.
T'ank you, Fadder.