The Boyds in Richmond

My brother, Charlie, and his clan live just outside of Richmond an area rich in American history. (Actually most of Virginia is full of history. Everywhere you look is another historical site.) 

Charlie's youngest, Sawyer, looks just like Charlie did as a kid. Their oldest, David, has the coolest hairdo. I told him his hair looks a lot like mine did when I was in high school (which I am not sure excited him a lot). He is an aspiring rock musician, and played the drums for me. Sam is taking guitar lessons and showed me his electric guitar skills.

Charlie's wife, Alison, is such a sweetie. In addition to everything else she does, she is part of an organization that pairs neglected and abandoned horses with challenged and troubled children in an effort to heal both. We went to visit the newest addition to their stables, this little pony who I think they named Blossom.

Sam is raising chickens. He and his dad are building a chicken coop in the backyard and these hens will be ready to move in next week. Sam's favorite chicken has a very wierd distorted beak. I loved telling the boys the stories of our chicken coop when we were kids. They get to hear their dad's version, and then mine. I am the oldest, so of course I remember more. And they never know when I am embellishing the tales. In fact, I am not always sure anymore. I just like to tell a great story.

Sam and Ernie

There is no one in this world I get more than my sister. And no one is more suited to her than her husband, Ernie.

I think the photos say it all!

Spring in Virginia

I always get a little nostalgic on the final descent of the plane I am on as it prepares to land at Dulles Airport, just a 30-minute drive from my old neighborhood where my sister now lives. As soon as I catch the Virginia scent, it sends me right back to my childhood creating a warm and comforting spot inside me. I always feel like I am coming home. That seems strange when you consider that July 19 this year marks 30 years of living in Idaho. But I think I have said before that you just cannot take the Virginia out of this girl.

My sister and her husband just last week moved back into the home they had completely renovated. It is gorgeous! I am happily sitting in the kitchen at this enormous center island. The smell of fresh paint still lingers, and I am watching the workers outside through the kitchen window. Sam has been dreaming of this kitchen for a long time, and it is pretty much exactly what I expected after listening to her plan for all these years. I will post photos tomorrow. Today I am just enjoying being here.

The Bee Keepers

We picked up our honey bees yesterday, suited up, and introduced them to their new hive.

Even in a protective suit, all those bees buzzing around freak me out. I watched Kevin do all the work from a safe distance.

He, on the other hand, not only hung out making sure every last bee entered their new home, he stayed out there for a while talking to them and listening to the hummmm of the hive.

All the work now is up to them. We will enjoy watching them busily leaving every morning to collect pollen, and return to the hive every night... no days off. And come this fall, we will be collecting the slats of drippy honey. In a normal year, we will get about 3 gallons.

Stay tuned to the continuing saga of the beekeepers.

Woody Woodpecker is retired and living in Florida

I am so boring lately, working hard and not having much to say. So I am featuring Beth's photo of a woodpecker from her yard. Beth emailed me this photo, and I thought it was a very good one. (She gave me permission).

So, if you were wondering what ever happened to Woody Woodpecker, he is living happily in a tree in Beth's yard.

Room with a view

The view from our cabin on the Olympic Penninsula looking out at the sunset over the pacific ocean. Lynne and I went to help Shelley celebrate her 50th birthday. What a great trip!

Idaho spring, day 2

We are famous for impromtu get-togethers. Yesterday was such a nice day, all the neighbors were outside working in their yards, or just soaking up the sun.

Jill and Richard came over and we ended up having dinner on the patio for the second evening. Their daughter Kelli and two of her friends joined us. We just enjoyedthe outdoors and the lovely evening with the sky gradually fading into a light pink and the moon rising over the weeping willow.

I, of course, found a great photo op and took advantage.

Today is even better! 70° and sunny with a cloudless sky. The yard is almost in need of some water after these last three days. I have my seedlings out soaking up the sun on the patio. Still have to bring them in at night, but they are looking so good. I will be planting the cool weather crops in the garden next week. Yahoo!

Spring has finally arrived!

And to celebrate, Lynne and Don came over for the first beer and bbq of the season. Kevin roasted two game hens and grilled beef ribs. Mmmmmm. It was like heaven after what feels like the longest winter. 

The sun is shining today. And the temperature is supposed to rise to 70° for the first time this year. I think I will work outside.

WANTED! Dead or Alive

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this fool, don't tell anyone. She is on the lam.