The weekend at Home with Karen and Patrick

April 24, 2010

The original plan for the day was a drive along the Russian River for the scenery but it was such a lovely day in the yard, we relaxed there. Patrick graded papers, Karen and Judy dug holes and mixed the dense clay soil with amendments in hopes of producing an amenable medium for the flowers that Karen is planting in her garden. Harry included relaxation with his ball throwing duties.

The puppies are almost always totally focused on that yellow-green tennis ball. If one person isn't throwing it, they place it by another and watch for the slightest weakening in the resolve not to throw it for them right then. The ball is next to Karen's hip behind the white pot in the following photo.

Installing her favorite daisies from a wonderful bouquet Patrick gave her into the cat planter she got at Valley of the Moon Pottery.

Taking advantage of a chalk label we found on the sidewalk during our walk in Tanglewood Park, within walking distance of their house.

Some children learning to ride their bikes with their grandpa, filled in doing the ball throwing duties. Good time had by both sides.

Patrick teasing his pups by taking the ball into a tree by the creek to see how they would react. They WANTED to get up there with him to get it but was ... just beyond their reach.

The water obstacle didn't stop them - just plowed right in, swam or walked across.

A loud, raucous cry had us curious.

A macaw called to us from his large outside enclosure.

April 25, 2010
Patrick's Birthday
Karen decorated the house for the occasion, gave him a card. Then we went to the East West Cafe for breakfast, then back to the house for Patrick's Present Hunt that Karen had set up.

Sequoia, caring for Cody. Such a nice brother and sister pair (in practice, but not reality)!

Searching for that LAST present.

More planting in that dratted soil. Everything will be soft and loamy eventually, I'm sure. Really, but patience will be needed to see how many years it takes. In the meantime, things will grow with all the care given them.

Interestingly, the trash pick-up recycling accepts compost which is used by the city after the veggie and garden scraps are composted but Karen will be setting up a compost bin in her yard to take advantage of this black gold.

We were sad to say good-bye to still more loved ones on our journey. Had a wonderful time but will be moving on for our return trip to South Carolina and our life there till we meet again at the family reunion in August.