I rode home with Abby after the BBQ and was able to spend about two weeks with her in Shoreline. While she worked from home during the day, I spent most of her work hours playing pickleball at Yost Park (which was only 4 miles away), and running errands. Before or after dinner we often went for long walks. Abby introduced me to the “Game Shows” network. I especially enjoyed the crossword puzzle one, “People Puzzler“, and “Chain Reaction, and some “America Says”. They could get addictive.
Some sites from our walks:
The entrance to this neighborhood park was a bit creepy and a bit magical at the same time. Felt like we were about to go through the looking glass or down a rabbit hole. 🙂
Entrance to a park 
The neighborhood building below seemed to us like a religious center, but oddly enough there was NO sign of any kind to identify it. l liked how the sunshine radiates through the tower windows.
Barry came up to Abby’s on July 16th to spend the night so that together we could go with Abby, Richard, TJ (Richard’s good friend), to Leavenworth the next morning. The plan was to float the river, but first of all, three of us needed something to float on. Luckily, Barry thought to call places in Leavenworth Friday afternoon to check on rental availability. No one had anything left for Saturday. Next step – check with local Les Schwab dealers. Score! Ian, at the Les Schwab in Kenmore was super nice on the phone and even more helpful when he greeted us Saturday morning. Ian inflated the smaller auto tube and it was perfect for me. Then he inflated the larger truck tube for us to compare and select what would be best for us. We took two of those. He provided us with additional connections to make it easier and faster to inflate. Then he deflated them so we could put them in the Jeep and get on the road. He was also nice enough to take a few dollars off. Barry got to experience the ride to and from Leavenworth in the back seat (with the top off).
Now to get them to the river.
By the time we got everything inflated and one vehicle dropped off at our exit point, it was close to 1:30 by the time we were actually all in/on the water. The water was stunnningly crystal clear, but boy was it down right frigid! So glad I took the smaller tube with just a bit of butt in the water. The scenery was amazing and perfect for a peaceful float. The current was ideal.
VIDEO: Leisure float
VIDEO: Richard play the “air guitar paddle”
When we stopped for a late lunch, I hesitated standing up and out of my inner tube for fear my body would dry off only to repeat the shock of the frigid water when we resumed our float. But I did, and my fear was correct. My body didn’t like it any better this time. Richard and TJ offered for me to ride in the towed raft where our food and beverages were, but I didn’t want to be wimp. However, as 4 o’clock approached I had goosebumps and had begun shivering. Abby laughed at me, but encouraged me to go ahead and transfer into the raft. At this point I agreed. Man–why didn’t I do this from the start! LOL
VIDEO: Group shot
Ah…This is NICE!
Loving the view on the entire float! Barry even hitches a ride. LOL
Once we finished the float and changed into dry clothes, and Barry and Richard were back with the second vehicle. Since it wasn’t that long ago that we had lunch, we decided to get over the pass before traffic would get heavier. Abby treated everyone to dinner at El Paraiso at Silver Lake in Everett. It was a great day with my kids!
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One evening Terry Morrow Baird (Abby’s long time best friend) came over for chicken tacos and game night. OMG We had so much fun! We laughed and laughed all evening. We started off with a few rounds of a new game of mine, “Games Puzzle”, then we played, “What Do You Meme?”. With just three of us, the dealer dealt a random card from the deck to go with the answer choices provided by the two other players. Almost every time that random card was the card that chosen as the best response! CRAZY! We couldn’t believe it. Needless to say the “house” won! Next was “Pictionary Air”. This was hysterical. I had just seen the game at Fred Meyer earlier that day, but have never seen it played or tried it myself. Loved it! It is hard not being able to see what YOU actually draw. Evidently you have to keep your drawing space narrow so that it fits on the vertical phone screen, and you have to keep the light tip facing straight ahead to the phone capturing your performance as you draw.
VIDEO: Pictionary Air-Nancy draws & tries to “cheat”?
VIDEO: Pictionary Air-Terry draws
VIDEO: Pictionary Air-Nancy round 2
VIDEO: Pictionary Air-Terry round 2
We finished up with “Heads Up”. I love playing games. We should all laugh like this more often. It just feels good! You smile inside and out! Laughter is actually very healing-physically and emotionally.
Sunday, July 25 was my last night at Abby’s. I planned for us to have dinner with Abby and Richard. Unfortunately, Barry and I hit horrible traffic on our way back from Anacortes. It took us an extra hour! I immediately started the peach cobbler I promised Richard for dessert. While it was baking I started dinner. Fresh salmon filets with cauliflower risotto, and salad. How nice it was to have the four of us together again. I love them SO MUCH!
I had hopes for a bit of a game night, but due to dinner being later than expected, and since both Abby and Richard get up really early for work, we didn’t have time. Next time. 🙂
I hated saying goodbye to my kids because I don’t know when I’ll see them again. They work hard at their jobs and manage a full plate of activities outside work with friends, so I know I wouldn’t be seeing them much more if we still lived in Everett. We all need to make the most of our life and be happy by pursuing what feeds our soul. We mutually love and support each other with our life choices. I hope I can be a model for them to be healthy and to live passionately .
Loved all the beautiful pictures!! Wonderful seeing you and your kids… What a blessing. Of course Barry looks great..😁 Awesome family!,💕
Family is everything! Looks like a great time. ~Coni