It just doesn't seem possible that our short summer is slowly slipping away. The sun has barely been out, and now I'm seeing signs of fall. Starting to see golds, and browns, which tell me autumn is just around the corner. Talk of back to school makes me sad. I'm not ready for school, and dark mornings, and all that goes with it.
Our family garden is growing, but as of yesterday there are only three orange tomatoes. Maybe we'll eat fresh tomatoes before the first frost, but I still wonder. Lettuce, green beans, and kale have found their way to our dinner table, but I'm waiting for those sweet heirloom tomatoes that can't be found in any store. Hoping the sun can hold out a few weeks longer.
Swim lessons have given way to soccer camp, the passing of the baton has happened. #1 has gained so much confidence in the water, if only there were a few more weeks, he might really be swimming. Turning his head to the side and taking a breath were just beginning, so I know it's just a matter of time before he's a full fledged guppy swimming round and round.
This past weekend was our neighborhood's yearly garage sale. It's a big time operation with police, and fire dept. helping out with the congestion, and barrels set up to collect can goods for the needy. If you plan on leaving or coming in on that Saturday, you need an extra helping of patience due to the congestion of cars and bikes, and pedestrians.
I told my friend in Vienna that I would take photos of the sale to show him how crazy it was. Problem was, I was so busy, that I didn't remember until my yard was all cleaned, and the neighbors were boxing things up to be given to charity.
My house was given to the Keizer Park's Foundation. We started setting up on Friday at 1:30. Tables were set, things unloaded, items priced, and arranged. By 4:30 we declared that we deserved a break. Moving to the patio, cool breeze blowing, I brought out a bottle of wine. Surely one bottle of wine between six people couldn't land us in too much trouble? Well, as things often go, one bottle led to another, and that to another, and people were coming and going, neighbors stopping by, pizza's were brought in, and by the time 10:30 rolled around, I knew I'd had it!
The next morning was a little foggy for the committee, but we managed to get things ready to sell, had a steady stream of customers, and managed to raise over $500 for the parks.
Our friends were next door raising money to bring Rush home (see link at top right hand corner of blog) and they had the mother of all sales. The amount of goods that were donated was mind blowing. I worked my way over at 6 AM to see if they needed help, and did so until 7 when my people arrived. Then at the end of the sale, I went over to help them box up what was left. The really nice part of the sale is that St. Vincent de Paul had a large truck driving the streets and collected all unsold items for charity. Sure was better than having to haul it all away.
It's usually fun to walk the sale and see what people are getting rid of. I've never had a sale at my house before, and I must admit, once all the stuff is priced, sorted, put on tables, it's not nearly as much fun to go out and visit others. I did make a short walk, but the mood just wasn't as festive as in years past.
This is what was left at the end of the day. The clothes were put in large bags, and everything was quickly loaded on the big truck.
Rowdy entertained himself at the end with a balloon bouquet and enjoying the "man in the mirror" He should be proud that so much money was raised to bring him a sister.
Today to enjoy what's left of summer, Rowdy and I and a girlfriend took a walk around Staats Lake. It was fun in the little car that is on loan to me. Rowdy had fun driving, and pointing at the ducks on the lake.
We need to make hay while the sun shines, for it won't be long and the rain will return, and we will have to find entertainment indoors again.
