Really, I'm doing OK

Just in case you've been checking on me, I rally am fine. So fine that I haven't had time to post in a few weeks. There has been school -- which includes a 5-credit Pacific Northwest History class that is INTENSE and a book repair class that meets all day on Saturdays -- and there has been the "moving to Yelm" project. Plus, last weekend I got the pleasure of teaching a seminar for new agility people on Saturday then spent Sunday judging a mock trial for a local agility club that's getting its feet wet. It was an exhausting weekend, but we had a lot of fun (Katie was along for all the fun) and helped introduce a lot of new people to agility. Plus it gave me a good introduction to the world of judging. Incidentally, that may just mean I put that on hold for quite a while. I realize now how much work it takes for one weekend.
Later, probably next week, I'll be posting about the fascinating project going on in Yelm. The new house is on site, just not on the foundation yet. Monday will be the big day for that. We're taking pics AND video, so stay tuned!

Speaking of projects

I’m getting started today on the project to learn (er, re-learn) Spanish. I’ve checked out an audiobook from the library and put it on my iPod. For those who don’t know the story here: I learned quite a bit of Spanish when we lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for about a year when I was 8 or so. I don’t think I really kept up on it in elementary school and then when I went to Jr. High, I took 3 years of French. I followed that up with a year of Latin in High School. (At that point I wanted to be a vet, so it was good for learning all those Latin names for things, right?) Result: Three languages jumbled up in my head and not one will come out at once. I can understand a lot of spoken Spanish and French; unfortunately they come out garbled together if I try to speak one or the other. Grrr.
So I’ve decided that I need to learn Spanish once again. Katie has taken Spanish in high school so we can practice together and Mel has decided it sounds like fun, too. I have an inkling that when CJ signs up for language he’ll be taking Spanish as well. (High school graduation requirements include two years of foreign language.)There you have it, a new subject to learn that will help me greatly in my journey to work in Library Land PLUS something I’ve been meaning to do for some time. Now I’ve got to see how this whole audiobook learning process goes….

A special holiday

Today, while most of the country is celebrating our nation's independence and patriotism, the JDC tribe will be honoring La Doctora. Her birthday is WAY more important than any national holiday could be.
So everyone take time off work so you can say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" to her in style. We love you and look forward to another 60 (or so) years sharing our lives with you.

Strawberry update

OK, so after the lack of strawberry pie was duly noted, it was off to Spooner's for more berries. This time a half-flat should suffice, right??
Safely back home, I grabbed the trusty Strawberry Pie a la JDC recipe and commenced to workin' my magic.
The pie was assembled and taken to the Yelm property to share with Mums and in honor of Rosie's 8th birthday. (We had a doggie pool party!)
The pie was so delicious that it was tough to save a piece to take home to Katie. (Good thing she made me promise her one!) With the pie polished off Thursday night, but with berries remaining, the cry went up for "More Pie!"
Friday morning, when I went to make more pie, alas there weren't enough berries left. I told Mel if he wanted more pie, he'd have to go get more berries -- but a pint would do.
Not one to let the opportunity slip by to get even more pie made, he returned home with not a pint, but another half-flat (6 pints)!
So there's another pie made, plenty of fresh berries to be eaten plain, and the hopes that I will be makin' more pie later.
As my FB status says, we're trying to see if there is such a thing as Strawberry Overload, but haven't reached it yet!
Nothing like the fine summer weather we're having and fresh strawberries for a Fourth of July weekend!

Sun-loving dog

Bridget loves to lay on the brick pathway and soak up some sun. Silly dog.

Mmmmmmm, berries

Summer is definitely here! I managed to get out to Spooner’s Strawberries and score a flat before they were sold out for the day. It took a few days to get out there early enough to not drive up to the “Sold out. More tomorrow” sign that always makes my heart droop a bit. For those who don’t live here and can’t experience the sweet, juicy goodness for themselves, I’ve included a picture so you all can drool over them. These berries are locally grown and the best strawberries you might ever taste. Their arrival usually sends the Olympia area into a frenzy to buy, eat and store up as many as we can before the season is over all too soon. Definitely a mark of summer here in South Sound.

Why the fork, you ask? Well I wouldn’t want to get my keyboard all sticky, would I?

Now to settle in to read some more of George Vancouver’s descriptions of his exploration of the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound – fascinating stuff! But more about that later…

In celebration of Father's Day

We pick today to celebrate our fathers, when in reality every day is a celebration and acknowledgement of how marvelous and wonderful our family is and at the head of that collection of individuals is our beloved JDC.

El Padre should be proud to look at his “progeny” and realize that he had a hand in creating a circle of individuals who come together as deep friends as well as siblings. We might range in ages, interests, talents and abilities, but there is no doubt we all draw from the same source. Our personalities are at once very similar and still so different, yet we are encircled by a love and understanding that binds us into family. And that sense of family extends far beyond the bounds of blood ties and genetics to create a widening group that includes dear friends as part of the family. It is important to note that all of us were nurtured to develop those deep loving bonds that draw others into our nucleus and they become family as well. That is a trait Daddy managed to pass on to all of us.

While he would humbly say that a father should not boast and proclaim his children are his doing, it is undeniable that he played a large part in who we are. His love, encouragement, nurturing, and ability to lead by example all helped us along the way. He can take pride in his children and grandchildren and we all in turn are proud to call him Dad and Grandpa. We honor you not just today but every day as our friend, counselor, and father. I love you immensely Dad.