Adventure 873: A View from the Perch/12

Anyone who's ever owned one knows that BOAT stands for "Break Out Another Thousand". I concur as Davey Boy's motor is currently in the shop after already running up over a thousand dollars of towing and maintenance costs. The new diagnosis is a possible fuel pump failure. Time will tell since I am now waiting my turn for the shop fix. In addition, the pump mechanism on the "head" has failed. Thanks to Amazon, I'm now armed with a new pump and I'm eagerly anticipating squeezing my gymnast's body into the small bathroom space in order to replace it. Sometimes things go smoothly in the repair world. Sometimes that Irishman, Murphy, gets involved. Again, time will tell. Meanwhile, life continues apace at the Perch. We enjoyed lunch with several friends this past week in an effort to use our monthly food allotment. One nice side benefit in that attempt is that the kids have been joining us for Sunday brunch. Mostly, we've decided we'll never be able to keep pace unless we want to look like a couple of bulbous Michelin tire creatures. Instead, we've adopted a new paradigm, a back to the future approach to normal living. We actually cooked a meal at dinner, our favorite summer dish of pasta with cherry tomatoes, sautéed onions, a dash of red pepper flakes, and a chiffonade of basil all of which was covered with parmesan cheese. For fun, Judy has started practicing piano duets with Jace, a new friend and resident. So, basically we're all a flutter here at the Perch where life is good, especially today.

The Perch at rest.

This pump failed after only twenty years or so. What's this world coming to?

Judy and Jace practicing.

Sad to say, "The Wiley Cager is up $1.84 with two days to play this month!"

We enjoyed a few giggles at lunch with our friends, Liz and Deb.
 

While tasty, this  dish didn't quite match the past where we plucked ripe tomatoes from our garden. Still pretty good.

Adventure 872: A View from the Perch/11

Before Judy went to bed, we wintled a little bit in the front room. After a few sways I asked, "Remember when we first met, we wintled at the Seattle waterfront on Pier 60?" "We thought it was fun." Judy replied, "It's still fun." I agree. Recently, Judy has been tending to Falcon while Leitica either works, or works to replace her vehicle. Either way, Mimi to the rescue. As for me, I spent the morning at my friend Pat's house, discussing the progress of the new griddle he's installing on his outside Smoker/BBQ. Things are coming along nicely. Yesterday, Judy and I had a delightful time with our across the hall neighbor's, the Koehlers. We drank wine, chit-chatted, and enjoyed a nice time at dinner. We look forward to more time with them. Tonight, we ventured downtown to meet up with our old and dear friends, the Cramer's. We met at a place called the Wooden City. The place was packed, a bit noisy, and very good. It was fun. We've come to the realization that we can never catch up with our excess in house food money, even if we were to give in to weighing a lot more. Instead, we just accept the cost as part of doing business. That's why going out tonight felt so good. It's more of our previous life. I imagine it's just part of the modification process as we adjust to this new life paradigm. Anyway, not to worry because life is good, especially today.

We also enjoyed a burrata cheese over bread pudding and a stuffed pepper.

It was a high calorie day. I smashed this burger Pat made me at lunch.

 

This is the serious end of the new griddle. Elements work!

I brought these cactus starts from Tucson. They seem to be thriving.

Me and my Bunny waiting be seated a the Wooden City.

 The place is cool. It felt like walking into a magazine.

Adventure 871: A View from the Perch/10

It's always been about the rug, which finally arrived leading to the next phase of decorating the perch. Dave Burgad, craftsman extraordinaire, mounted the TV, two floating shelves, and the reading lights above our bed. All this enabled us to move furniture into a semi-final resting place. Looks and feels good. Earlier in the week, I took KebMo and Kelsi sailing. It was hot, and at first the lake was calm, so we dove off the boat for a refreshing swim. Then the wind came up to 13-15 knots and lasted for about three hours. KebMo manned the helm and we had several over and backs out in front of the marina. Finally, KebMo want to try and sail back to the marina, which he did. It was a fun day. So I'm here to report the usual: Life is good, especially today.

No bad days at the lake.

The water, clean and refreshing, provided a nice respite from the heat.

DebMo at the helm; first mate, Kelsi, by his side.

The new diorama.

This view.

That view.

Side view.

Dave's view.

Folding table; Floating shelves.

Reading lights.

Family corner.

 

Adventure 870: A View from the Perch/9

Fully loaded, Judy, Leticia,  Falc and I hit the road Wednesday morning, eager to spend a few days celebrating Angela's (Tia's) birthday. Out time together proved wildly successful. It included a walk around Mt Tabor, too much delicious food, two relaxing nights at the cottage, a trip to the country fair in Veneta, OR, and a delightful over night in an Air B & B in Oregon City. Add to that a safe trip back home, we're currently basking in the warmth of the memories. Certainly, life is good, especially today.

Miss Judy striking a regal pose atop Mt. Tabor.

The fair included several groups on stilts. Here, we were accosted lovingly by the penguins.

Falc, all grins.

I'm always on the lookout for natural hearts for my friend, Liz. This is a pine tree root!

TC and Falc enjoying the fair.

Our little cottage in Oregon City.

My own regal pose.

Judy taking a couple "Judy Bites" from the egg roll.

Falc feeding the goats at Tia's house.

First class accommodations in Oregon City.

Judy ogling the Warbling Vireo.

Enjoying a little book time in Tia's tiny house living room.

Falc putting on his sour flower face.

Mom and son love beaming.