A Lazy Sunday Mother's Day

First things first; Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Of course, my mother doesn't read my blog, but it's the thought, right? This picture shows where I got my penchant for making a fool of myself--it comes naturally.


Darby and I. Darby spent the first eleven days of his life in an incubator in intensive care; this photo was taken just a few days after his father and I were finally able to bring him home. What a joyous day that was!

Here in Ohio thunderstorms are going to rain on the parades of many family celebrations. Denny and I would have grilled burgers and brats when Darb comes by later but Mother Nature having her April showers carrying over into May will move us indoors. But that's okay since we have a whole summer here ahead of us.

Denny and I are still in the errand running mode so there are no new pictures this week--all that's new is the central vacuum system Denny installed and a portable ice maker to replace the one in the refrigerator that has started leaking for a second time. Poor insulation allows the water line to the ice maker to freeze and split (twice) and so we're not going to replace the line again. Now there's an elephant in my dining area.

Since it's been raining and it is going to continue to rain this entire upcoming week, I'll do pictures from the state of Washington, which is known for its rain. Although in none of the pictures is it raining. Go figure.



This sculpture is called "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies" and is located on a ridge above Interstate 90 in Washington. It remains unfinished, as the Indian story behind the sculpture refers to a "great basket" which is not yet part of the sculpture, lacking the proper funding. From the highway, the horses look real.


Desert chicory blooming in Washington, because the state has a desert-like climate east of the Cascade Mountains.


Frying Pan Creek flows along the roadside within the boundaries of the Mt. Rainer National Park. Hiking trails abound in the park, with the trail head to Summerland near the creek being one of the most popular ones.


Standing on a hummock at Mt. St. Helen's National Park looking out over the vast area affected by the volcanic eruption. The park management has wisely allowed the area to renew itself naturally, without interference by man. A wise decision.


The beauty of Mt. Rainier in the sunlight is beyond words.