The Past Couple Weeks

 Low tide in Yachats' little bay.

 On a minus tide, the water really moves out here!

 We've had a number of days in the low 80's prompting a few paddles in the river. We call this spot "First Beach".

 One way to keep your bottom cool!

 Gail, practicing her balance beam moves.

 We got a couple cords of fir to lay up for the winter. There is a huge paper wasp nest under the roof of  the shed, so Gail wasn't taking any chances.  The wasps have been mellow - so far!

Fir burns a lot longer than the alder we have.

Gail and her fruiting chamber.  We have been riding our bikes into town on Sundays to go to the farmer's market. Gail bought this shitake block as a kit from Bob the mushroom guy.  In 5 days she had these mushrooms!

Rather beautiful, I think. The block is made of wheat bran and sawdust.

We sauteed them in olive oil with onions and garlic. I put mine over fresh picked green beans.

At the farmer's market, we've been getting soup and grilled cheese sandwiches from this family run soup booth called "Souperb".

I showed Gail how to mow with the tractor mower, and now I can't get it away from her!

We thought we had two giant weeds in the yard, but weren't sure. It turned out they have bloomed, and I think they're hollyhocks.  The other one has black flowers.

 We're not sure what these are, but they resemble mallow.

 We don't know what this is either, but we have them in several places.

 Fuscia and salvia.

More salvia.

Plants are doing well in the greenhouse. Basil and tomatoes.

We are getting enough blueberries to keep us supplied.

 We have beans coming in like crazy!

 ... and potatoes.

...and more strawberries than we can eat! We're starting to get help from a doe and her two fawns, however.

Hiking the Gwynn Creek Trail, we came upon some old growth douglas fir.  The canopy of this tree was like a platform of branches and other plants.

A goodbye hug.

 Below the house, we have some beautiful elderberry shrubs overhanging the trails.

One of the two large Oregon Spotted Frogs that live in our goldfish pond.  All for now!