Last days on Bainbridge Island
Trip Start
Nov 19, 2007
1
83
165
Trip End
Ongoing
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Bainbridge Island,
Washington,
United States
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Andy and I finished our projects on the Welfare Avenue house and it is looking "good"! Mercury is a magician in the way he keeps his energy so high and efficient. The secret to a good Realtor and new owner, of a fixer upper. It is all coming together. Investment property, Real Estate Sales and Carlee's Farm Courier...Excellent job kids!!! They both retain high minded attitudes while doing the grunt work it takes to get businesses off the ground . We have been priviledged to watch Carlee and Mercury work diligently and creatively on their respective businesses and together on their lives. It has been a beautiful and heartwarming time. Thank you for sharing so much time with us!!
Saturday 9th
Mercury took some time off to hang with us and show us Fort Ward State Park. It was drizzling so we decided to walk instead of 'bike' it. Fun and interesting walk through the old Fort area right on the water. We then went in the back way to a very upscale residential area. See the Pix of a most interesting evergreen tree below. Perhaps a type of spruce? Anyone know? Check out the weird little shoots that look like mushrooms growing right out of the limbs!! Nice tree!!!
Andy had me take the pic of the runner who was catching his breath under the road sign...."Toe Jam Road"....really! Good grief...a runner on Toe Jam Road!
It started to rain and in an area that everyone says, "it never pours here, only softly rains"....it poured! We took refuge under a lovely tree right on the shore.
Fort Ward
Listening to the sea lions talk as we waited for a break in the down pour. Fun for all! Sunday 10th
Barbara and Doug drove over from Vashon Island (which takes hours by car but only 30 minutes by skiff!) for an early Sunday dinner together as a send off! Alec and friend Christie and John all showed up too! How excellent when everyone can come with almost no lead time!
It was so generous of Barbara and Doug to take the time to drive over for goodbyes. They had just completed hosting a Northwest Compassionate Communication Family Week at their farm on Vashon and were tired and in need of quiet time! Instead, Barb showed up with her arms full of the most gorgeous baby greens from her garden. They shared stories about their successful family camp week as Barb and I fixed dinner and Carlee set the table. The table looked fabulous as anything our Carlee touches looks! Thanks Carlee. We all sat outside on the deck overlooking Carlee's lovely vegetable and flower gardens that give way to one of the most spectacular views of Manzanita Bay. I was very touched by all the connection and warmth from all of these beautiful people we had the pleasure of sharing this past month with. Renewing friendships and making stronger ties is one of the great pleasures of being human.
We had a wonderful time eating greens from Barbara's garden (I must get the greens mix Barb..that was too delicious!)....fresh fish, baked sweet potatoes, and collard greens. A platter of organic vine ripened tomatoes and basil freshened the palate.
Fort Ward shore line
I couldn't resist using Carlee's, Farm Courier delivered, Bainbridge Island, Organic strawberries and raspberries over shortbread and toppped with whipped cream. Everyone ate as they shared with us ideas of what sights and areas to take in next in our travels. Barb and Doug left with Merc to see Welfare Ave and help him tighten things up for the painters tomorrow. Alec sat down with the Rand McNally Map and proceeded to deliver an irresistable expose of "the knuckle" in the most northeastern tip of Oregon. Andy and I sat in rapture over his descriptions and decided to follow his direction!
Carlee encouraged us to take a walk as dusk came on....which was a super idea! The feel of the evening air and the smells of Bainbridge Island are enchanting. What a truly magical place. Sleep came easily to Andy and I that night as we dreamt of new places to see. Bitter sweet is in the leaving for us travelers. We itch to be on the road yet cannot imagine leaving this wonderful life.
Monday August 11th
Andy and I did the "big clean" and maintenance on the RV. Then off to the Welfare house to see the new paint job. Really looks fabulous!!! The color is Ashwood and so now we name thee "Ashwood Place"!!! Paint really pulls a place together. Looks ready enough to show potential rentors!!
Carlee fired up some smoke'n hamburgers and layed out a spread of sauteed onions, fresh onions & tomatoes, with romaine lettuce......YUMMMM.....thanks Carlee....a wonderful sendoff for us to sleep well before leaving for the ferry tomorrow.
