Life on an Island

Fair Parade

2008-08-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

This year we missed the fair completely. It was a busy weekend however we did make it to the Island County Fair parade on Saturday morning.

Typical small town style with the Grand marshal in a Volkswagen Beetle

These youngins were in the parade and yet having so much fun watching all the activities surrounding them.

This is our friend Ray. He's big into the fair and this year politics! He's discussing this with little ones below however realized they are not quite old enough to vote.

The look on their little faces.... huh Mr.... what are you talking about.... Farmers for Phil. I know little people... I feel the same way! (Phils running for our local commissioner seat)

Everyone's pushin something. This little guy is supporting a local pool. The only one available to the public is our 'one and only' athletic club. So the community is trying to get the voters to pay for one. I think they will need a little more help than the goat.

Then we have a wild man on a vespa

And our local 'city cop' keeping an eye on everything. Can I just say... he does not like the country fair parade. He tells me he's a 'city cop' in charge of the 1,060 city folk. These country people are a little too barbaric for his taste.

I guess anyone who dresses their dogs up with scarfs and the like... are considered barbaric. Dog 4-H... and they are not happy about the hats one bit!

Kids in support of swimming at the lake. I think just pushing the point home to have their parents take them there more often in the summer.

This cute little couple with the little stuffed tiger and the license plate reads 'LEO'

Women in Black protesting the war... that always goes over well at a fair parade.... don't get me started!

The guys that work at the Pizza joint... look like a bunch a little kids waitin for someone to throw them a saltwater taffy.

Kids and adults just having fun!

Supporting our local animal shelter. We've gotten a dog from there before... 'Dodger' he was a great dog.

HEY... I know these two....

How cute... it's the Tom and Jacki show

Tommy bought Jacki that cute little Vespa for her 50th birthday... she hardly looks a day over 39

I did watch the parade as a spectator for a good portion but then this hadsome guy came along in his car and offered this little girl a ride and since I'm voting for Curt Gordon... I accepted. Turns out Billy's drivin.

How many times did I say 'little'... enough already.. did you enjoy the little parade?

This wraps it up.... another fun filled time at the Fair parade.

Date night with Kids 'AKA Smore Night'

2008-08-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Most of the men folk in these Island Girls lives.. took a little trip together this weekend (Football coaches meetings) so the women and children were left to fend for themselves. We planned a very impromptu night out at Billy and M's house where the children could run the acres of land... fish in the pond and most importantly roast marshmallow's over the fire pit

There were lots of girls who loved the fishing and the lucky boys, Jack, David, Billy and Tommy.

If you didn't get to catch the fish... everyone got to touch one. There is nothin better than eatin S'mores with fingers that have been touchin pond fish.

No one seemed to mind so much except Sarah who had to get the fish off the hook. It's catch and release at this pond... unless you happen to catch 'The Big One'. Sarah's bottom lip seems to be curling up a bit.

You can do it girlfriend.

You've got the audience waiting to applaud and Jacks ready to help you throw little fishy back.

Date night with kids would not be complete without one of these. Before you say it... we know.. it's not your traditional S'more. These are country S'mores inspired by P-Dubb's Marguerites. It's got that sweet salty delicious and oh so good for you flavor.

Here is the cast of characters: Marshmallows of course, Ritz Crackers, Nutella, Cashew Butter and Peanut Butter. Then the condiments if you like a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top. Can you really put condiments on top of condiments and consider it food? Let's ponder that question.

Then the work begins of roasting the perfect marshmallow. No burnt ones please.

Jacki must be a city girl. Paper plate all ready... I'll bet she has a wet wipe in her pocket as well. We'll work on her. Wait for the new 'Country Jacki' in future posts. Rumor has it... she's taking up drinking too.

Now there is a good country boy. He just popped that whole dang S'more all in his mouth. Now be a good boy and wipe that chocolate off on your sleeve honey.

This is how you do it kids so you don't need to get your fishy fingers on the food.

Everyone seems to be having a good time.

The finished product of fishin, fun and date night with kids. Although how many times do we have to remind these kids to wipe their faces on their sleeves.

Date night with Kids

2008-08-16T07:03:00.001-07:00

Jack and Valerie. Her youngest of four.. the only boy... and lucky him... CURLS!

More photos to come of "Date night with Kids"

Photo Friday

2008-08-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

It was going to be skywatch Friday... however I'm still not sure what that's all about... so instead
Here is last nights sunset

A lovely afternoon from where I work..... terrible job, but someones got to do it!

And... Charlie says' Happy Friday.

Island County Fair is this weekend. Crazy posts to follow!

Summer is almost over... eeh gads

2008-08-13T08:09:00.001-07:00

The true sign of summer is almost done.... Idaho Anna and Kids have left the beach, heading home to their potato state. Their last day was Monday and so in celebration of all the good times we've had... the day was full of leisurely fun..... a true Beach Day

You can't take the cowboy out of this child. He makes bull whips out of kelp.

Jen... I mean Joe is all smiles. He's sporting a new retainer. Do you remember those days?? He also talks a little funny now too (no offense Joe) kinda with a little more spit and his S's really get the stuff flying. Can you say 'Sally sells seashells at the seashore 10 times fast?'

Just beyond the shipwreck there is a great drop off where the tide comes into the back bay. In the process the water is warmed by the tide flats and OH... it's delightful! The only thing one could need at this moment is a floaty, a sippy cup with a fruity drink.. and maybe a cabana boy to deliver it... OK.. kidding on the cabana boy

Cowboy John... he's really taking the kelp whip thing seriously. Get this guy a horse please.

Then he says this.... "HEY MOM... Can you really pickle this stuff"??
Fortunately I was present when the cooking with seaweed conversation was going on. Makes sense! Although we are NOT trying that in my kitchen ... no matter how dirty it is. (some things have to take a back seat when it comes to beach days)

NO John... we are not cooking today. Just let these old ladies enjoy the moment for summer is just about over.

Simply delightful. I see a pedicure appointment in the near future... Hot pink perhaps.

View from where I work

2008-08-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

The surnrise this morning from where I work was amazing! If I have not stressed enough... ALWAYS, ALWAYS carry your camera. Heather is off in Montana with the family soakin up the beautiful views from a lake house.

SOOC

Photo Shop Express... Try it... you'll love it!!

This is our favorite spot for dinner on any day that's above 65 degrees and not raining.

Send us a photo of a beautiful sunrise in your area and we'll post it here later this week.

Happy Tuesday

Must have Skis

2008-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

These are perfect deck chairs for the beach. Of course they are on the neighbors deck next to Idaho Anna's folks. However I covet them and have been searching garage sales for old skis. I now have three. That will get me ... a half a chair... or

An entire bench.

We love to recycle. These are the days of living green. What funky recycled material would you use for furniture??

Friday Fun

2008-08-08T06:49:00.001-07:00

Ladies... Go do an everyday chore with your fancy red shoes and a flower pinned in your hair.

Me... I've got a daisy behind my ear, going to put a fruity drink in a sippy cup and mow the lawn.

Enjoy the day and weekend to come!

Dinner and a Pirate Movie

2008-08-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday night.. Billy, myself and our friend Jacki were having a lovely dinner and a movie moment. Which entailed a BBQ on the Langley waterfront and then a short skip up to town to our local Clyde Theatre.

When... at the moment where the burgers were almost perfectly cooked, a pirates ship sailed into the scene. What happened next... let's just say the burgers got a little done but it was more entertaining than any action packed Bruce Willis movie any day.

There seemed to be the most unusual crew aboard, but then again it's a pirates ship and one should not expect anything normal.

It all looks very unassuming... but as I get older every day teaches me never to assume anything... especially when you think it's all going to be normal day.

And then this happens and I'm wishing that I put on a little more eye shadow this particular day.

Or had worn my sequin tutu

Or .... had just stayed in my pajamas

This little person with the horse head actually lives on Whidbey and decided to join in the fun. She just happened to have a furry horse head on hand for the occasion?!

This is Heather... not OUR Heather but one who is an inspiring circus member. Not that OUR Heather hasn't always wanted to join the circus she just realized long ago that she isn't that limber.

This gentleman juggles ping pong balls... not very well however (hence the close up) and it might have something to do with the large glasses.

And then the music started and people began doing things with hula hoops, batons, bowling pins. There was twirling that would make your head spin.

This is the parade leader on roller skates.

And her followers

Off they go up the hill to the unassuming little town of Langley.

Tractor Show

2008-08-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend Billy and I jumped on the Harley, drove through beautiful farmland to experience the annual Puget Sound Antique Tractor show located in Lynden Washington. The 2008 fair featured Hart-Parr, Oliver, & Cockshutt tractors & implements. Now ladies... this may not sound exciting to some of you... but go grab your husbands and you will soon see glazed over eyes and the words "how cool" leaving their mouths.

I must say it was pretty "cool" and entertaining and since some of you requested more testosterone on this site... We're packing it all in our post today!

Daily Events included threshing, sawmill demonstrations, gas engines, tractor pulling, antique vehicles, bookstore, corn grinding, steam engines, blacksmithing, & more! For the Kids, events included pedal tractor pull, candy scramble, watermelon eating, and youth driver safety class.

I can't explain what is going on in most of the photos below except it involves tractors, farmers and those who love them.

Aqua Chautauqua

2008-08-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

While I was at work yesterday, A crazy parade just happened to show up at my doorstep.
Always ... Always... Always... carry your camera everywhere you go. Who knew when I left for work yesterday that I could have worn my stiped stockings, three inch heels, bright fuschia lipstick and something furry. Another missed opportunity. But at least I had my camera.

More photos to come I just couldn't go through all 150 of them this morning.
They put on a show last night at our local middle school theatre "Palladium". Heather wasn't sure she would take her kids because these characters were slightly scary looking

See the World

2008-07-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

What to pack in your pretty little basket? I think a beach towel, bathing suit, flip flops and an American Express Card. What more do you need? Dreaming of traveling the world on a bicycle with a basket.

What's in your basket??

2008-07-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Team Insanity Island - 2008

WE DID IT, WE FINISHED and WE HAD FUN and we beat our last year's time!!!!

So this is how it happened.... Our Van #1 with six runners left Friday morning for Blaine Wa. Our first runner jumps out and starts running at 9:00am. The rest of us stay in the Van and follow the runner along the route checking in to make sure all is Ok... does the runner need water? electrolytes? and the like...until the next exchange where runner #2 takes over. This continues until all six runners in Van #1 are done and we hand off the baton to Van #2. Here is where the runners in Van #1 get to rest...but only for a short time. So we eat a little, try to sleep a little and then jump back into the Van to start Leg number two. It's a little crazy but a lot of fun.

Here is one of the exchanges where runner #3 is handing off to #4.

Getting the tunes ready.

These guys were from Texas. The photo was taken purely because of what the rear window said. UH HUH! Hello rear window...

No matter how painful some of the runs were... all teammates had smiles on their faces.

Here are a few quotes from teammates the morning after.

"My quads are so painful i can barely move. Going to the dog park to try to walk it out a little. Ouch! I love how even through all the pain there is still talk of next year"

"Dear Van Driver .... You ran water to us, made sure we ate, ran to support Kelly when she needed it, constantly consulting the race bible to keep us on track. In the middle of the night, you were there on the bicycle on some unrelenting hills lighting my way to Deception Pass (hills that I would have much rather run than rode). Thank you!"

"Thanks for being the 11 other parts to my race! If it weren't for you, I could still be out there waiting my turn! My body is still very confused about what I asked it to do, so if I am even going to think about next year, I will have to do it quietly. Thank you for all you did to pull this off so all I had to do is be where I was told to be. The newfound friendships are a joy and I am glad to know you all. I suppose we are a rare breed of some kinda crazy and I love that about all of us."

"My quads are singing. Another year over and on to the next year ...we all can say we ran from Blaine to Langley!!!! As always it was fun and painful, great weather, made good friendships, couldn't ask for anything more "

Beatrix Potter's Birthday

2008-07-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

As you first open the computer after checking email... Googles page pops up and the title is lovely with with soft child like colors and a bunny hagging off the G. What's the special occasion you wonder?

Beatrix Potter's Birthday.

I think of this silly rabbit often this time of year as I walk in my garden each morning and observe the damage done overnight by peters friends and family. Then I get a hold of myself and remember this is a fairy tale. "CHARLIE" Go get em! If he wasn't so slow he would but he gets the job done chasing them out to the right side of the fence. May my beans finally climb the pole.

For more on the world of Peter Rabbit and the wonderful lady Beatrix.
Happy Monday.

Running Ragnar

2008-07-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ragnar!

2007 Insanity Island Team

UPDATE
** Team Insanity Island crossed the line in Langley Saturday afternoon finishing in 28 hours and 45 minutes . A few sore thighs, calves and feet however overall feeling pretty good. It only took one strawberry margarita and 5 advil last night to decide that I would consider doing this race again next year. However as I write this over coffee this morning and feel the throbbing of my toes... I'm considering the position of driving the Van.

Starting bright and early Friday morning ... myself and 11 other absolutely out of there mind friends will jump in two vans and travel far North to the town of Blaine Washington. This is as close to the Canadian Boarder you can get without having to show your passport.
We are participating in a running relay where from the Seaside town of Blaine you run through the day and night to the Seaside town of Langley on Whidbey Island. A mere 184 miles. Each person will run 3 different legs ranging between 3 - 9 miles each and with little sleep.

Why the heck for you ask?? Don't think we have not asked ourselves many times that very same question.
The answer we always come back with is...were doing this because it's fun! And for the sake that we can. Our team "Insanity Island" (explains alot don't ya think) starts running at 9am Friday. Hopefully if all goes according to plan... we will finish the race Saturday mid afternoon in our hometown.

It is a beautiful route and the folks at Ragnar that put this together do a fantastic job. There is live music at the exchanges (where Van #1 hands off to Van #2), food and good spirited fun. Check out the Ragnar Web site. They have races across the country and most likely somewhere near your hometown. You should try it if you are a runner... and if not they need volunteers along these routes. It's a fun way to participate in your community. The charity this race sponsors is Room To Read

2007 Insanity Island Van #1

So in the Spirit of Ragnar ... this weekend go out for a nice walk, jog, run, bike ride, or something active and fun... just because you can!

Learn to Sail

2008-07-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Can we all learn how to sail little Pelican boats....you can build them from a kit , I don't know if you could go around the cape but it works for our little corner of the world, aren't they lucky?

I want to be eleven, sleep till 10 sail till 4 ...remember the days of summer fun....

P-Dubb.. you're in our thoughts

2008-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

In honor of Pioneer Womans dog Nell...

Sweet Charlie and Tess take a moment

More of Tess & Charlie

Baseball at the Beach

2008-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

We just love summertime. There is nothing better than warm days and nights spent mostly outdoors. In the Northwest the season is short and days are long. So from sunup to sundown it's all about enjoying the warmth of summer. Living on an Island the best place for this is at the beach... and there is one to be played on any direction you turn.

This night after dinner it's outside to play a little ball. Here is Idaho Anna's youngest up to bat. We call him... Jennifer (don't ask)!

One thing about Photoshop... if you chop a head off in a picture... there is no fixin it although the smile makes up for the missing forehead.

How goes it Jen?? I mean Jo??

After a few balls hit up on the roof.. it's time for the adults to show up the kids. Why is it ... we as parents have to prove something to the kids??? Someone always ends up getting hurt and it's usually the adults feelings!

I feel a Grand Slam coming on.... however there is some background noise that's getting my attention.

There is nothing better than a warm summer night playing baseball on the beach and watching the boats go by....

FREE!!

2008-07-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

It had to be too good to be true. Most photos you see here on Life On An Island are .... or should I say "use to be" SOOC (straight out of the camera). One day however as I was reading through Pioneer Woman's photography site this picture posting was ruined forever. She takes her lovely photos and chops, crops, colors, highlights, and many more touch ups... until they look... fabulous.
Since I have not the money to buy the photo chop, crop, highlight Photoshop P-Dubb has nor the hours it would take me to figure it out, I went in search for something much simpler and heck FREE! I will now share a little secret with you. This is what I use. Adobe Photoshop Express.

Here is an example of minor changes made to an already cute boy... Idaho Anna's boy!

BEFORE

AFTER

Nothing drastic however a few little changes to a good picture and voila, the grass is now greener and who doesn't love greener grass. Which reminds me.. I think I left the sprinkler on at home.
Download and try it... practice a bit on your own and we'll go over the details next time.

Strawberry Pickin

2008-07-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is one of our FAVORITE things to do when the season is right. We are blessed to have one of the best strawberry patches on Whidbey Island. Located near the town of Coupeville facing west looking up the San Juan straights it makes for beautiful views as well.

Bells Strawberries! It makes your mouth water just thinkin about it~

Hi Jacki... she's wearin Red for the occasion.. and red lipstick to match. I guess that way if she gets a little strawberry juice on her... who would know?

Getting those flats full. It makes your mouth water just looking at them... did we say that already??

Idaho Anna and her brood. It goes pretty fast with help... although I sense there is tastin going on while pickin. One in the basket... two in the mouth.

Oh shoot... I shouldn't have said that. Now look what happened.

I'm afraid Joseph has had more than his share... he's getting that strawberry pirates eye

Man... my mouths watering just thinkin about it

Good thing we ate a few off the top. These boxes are heavy but we're dreaming already about Jam, Smoothies, and Strawberry Margaritas!!

That will make a perfect Christmas Card boys.

The car is full and so are we. Stay tuned for Strawberry recipes!

Let your sails fly

2008-07-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

Take advantage of summer... it's here for such a short time. Enjoy every moment of free time by doing something you love.

Inspirational Tears

2008-07-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Christian The Lion

Here are two very wonderful clips from you-tube. Just Click the name under the photo. If you are going to cry this is the best way to go about it. Gets us every time.

Dick and Rick Hoyt

Someone pass the Kleenex Please!!

Gasp... the horror

2008-07-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

Snakes!! Not a lot a people are big fans of them. However despite this fact you will have to agree the next photos are.. well ... kind of wild kingdom like. Maybe not as dramatic as the ever so fast Cheetah chasing down a gazelle but in this neck of the woods... quite impressive.
You can click on the photo to magnify this worm eating action. Yes that's a worm!

Feel fortunate I have spared your from last weeks vole attack.

Rats... (he wishes) he's been spotted. Off to higher ground

Almost gone

And there you have it folks... the worm eating snake. Applause Applause

Farmers Market

2008-07-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Do not adjust your set. This is the Whidbey Island Saturday Farmers Market

Can you read that?? Wicked Woopie Pies!!! Yes... they are Wicked indeed.

Always beautiful flowers. What colors!

This little twinkie and her lamb!

Chess Anyone??

Tell us where your closest Farmers Market is and what you buy. We're stickin with the Whoopi Pies & fresh seasonal berries.

Love Where You Live

2008-07-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yes... it is true we live on an Island and it is pretty hard to beat. Often we look at each other and say "Arn't we Lucky"?

This is the time of year our little Island is overrun with tourists and from the looks of this sign in a car window they would agree that Whidbey is a magical place.