July is a fragmented month for John’s and my relationship. For the past however many years, his older daughter has come up for a week or so and brought up his older two granddaughters to spend the whole month, usually with John’s younger daughter although he’s still as involved as possible. John doesn’t know these girls very well since that family lives in Texas; they’re at the tricky ages of 14 and 12 and can be hard to handle, especially for John who would much rather give in to every demand than ever say no to them or deal with any drama. So, tomorrow I’m hosting Anders’ third birthday party, a casual affair with make-your-own sandwiches, some cold salads and whatever dessert YD comes up with. On the other hand, John will be on a ferry to Vashon Island with his family; he was disappointed I couldn’t come along and even invited me twice because he’d forgotten about the birthday party.
In other ferry news, the girls and I with grandsons will be heading to the San Juan Islands at the end of July. No John because…different trajectories. In an email OD sent today about the logistics of the glamping trip, she said, “Mom, this is for you. DO NOT FREAK OUT! IT WILL BE FINE!” Although I’ve never been to the San Juans (and apparently must do so now that I’m nearly 70), I’ve been freaking out for a week or so over the 2 1/2-hour distance from the ferry terminal in Anacortes (where’s that?), the necessity to make a reservation two days before, the packing of food when I don’t even have a cooler, and the anxiety of traveling with four small boys. I will be pathetic here and admit that John always handles food details and driving on our adventures, so that’s part of my stress. At least OD had the good sense not to invite me on their whale watching excursion. I’ve seen humpbacks and orcas (not really a whale) in Alaska, as I huddled miserably in a rocking boat, willing myself not to throw up. If I could see whales from the shore, I’d be perfectly content. From a boat again, no way.
Friday Harbor is where we land and is the largest town on the main island of San Juan. It’s very historic and artsy, with charming buildings and shops. The coffee shops and ice cream parlor attract me the most, naturally. San Juan Island is a mere 12 miles east of Victoria, British Columbia–pretty cool, eh?
At home, my Stargazer Lily is tall and getting ready to bloom. Without the rhododendron blocking it, the flowers are going to be much more obvious and stunning. Many people didn’t even realize the lily was there!
The weather has been beautiful, even though the mountain is a little socked in.
Walking is such a pleasure when it’s in the 70s with a slight breeze. This is the shady part of my route. 🙂
My Subie got an oil change and new back brakes. While I waited, I forced myself to read “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny.” Will I ever finish this book? For me, it’s not living up to the hype at all. I hope there are insightful Book Club discussion questions at least.
Is there anything cuter than sweet baby toes? Ian doesn’t think so.
Leave a Reply