Date Night - Couple's Style

About six months ago a lovely family in our church gave Steve and I a beautiful Christmas Basket filled with many wonderful treats (i.e. candles, jams, etc). Also in that basket was a gift certificate for the Chuckanut Manor.



Steve and I have never been to the Chuckanut Manor, so we were excited about finally making reservations to go there for dinner. We also decided to ask another couple to come along with us.

If you have never been to the Chuckanut Manor you have to go! REALLY! The scenery is spectacular (even when it is overcast and rainy), the service was marvelous and the food was excellent! The guys opted for Steak and Friteas and the gals were undecided so they opted to share two meals - the Crab Mac 'n Cheese and the Halibut and Fries. Everyone's meal was fantastic! [And let me just say, if you are looking for a restaurant that serves seafood, this is the one.] :)

After dinner we had some great tasting coffee and split a dessert.



The cheesecake was amazing and splitting it three ways was perfect (Yes, there was one person who had the amazing ability not to cave in and eat dessert)!

In the end, no one felt like they needed to be rolled out of the Manor in a wheelbarrow and for that I am thankful.

So a big hearty THANK YOU goes out to the family who gave us the gift certificate and another big THANK YOU goes out to the family who was brave enough to go to dinner with us. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We had so much fun!

Freshening Up the Backyard

Yesterday afternoon the outdoor temperature (low 70's) combined with the sunshine motivated me to get down to the store and purchase some flowers to freshen up the backyard with. The color variation and flower choices were overwhelming, but after strolling the garden center for nearly an hour, I finally made some choices and came home.

Before I could plant them I had to do some ground work. I pulled out old plants that had died, trimmed the rhododendrons, as they were WAY OUT OF CONTROL, cut back some wild rose bushes that are growing in the yard, and raked up the pine cones and dead leaves that had fallen from the trees. Once this dastardly deed was completed, I was able to get those new, beautiful, vibrant and refreshing plants into the ground. The end results screams SUMMER!

Almost four hours later I dragged this worn out body into the house and collapsed. Yard work is EXHAUSTING and I think every BONE in my BODY was ACHING. I was SO spent!!!

Thankfully, I got all the yard work done just before the rain moved in. God's timing couldn't have been any better for these newly relocated plants. Once the weather clears up, which may be a few days from now, I will update this post with some pictures.

Updated 7/3/2012: Here are the pics I said I'd post:

Now all I need to do is purchase some mulch and it should complete the look.

Father's Day

This is a picture of Glen and Steve from 1968. On Sunday afternoon we took Glen out to lunch to celebrate Father's Day. He has been doing the job since April 1963 when Dave (Steve's older brother) came on the scene. We really enjoyed his company and the time we spent together.

While at the restaurant, I was able to get a new photo.


Although I was glad to spend time with my father-in-law, I couldn't help but reflect back to my own dad. My dad had his quirks, but he was my dad and I loved him so! I really, really, miss him!

Fender Bender

If you have a FB account than you probably already know that Steve was in an accident yesterday. Every day before Steve leaves for work I say, "be careful honey, there are a lot of crazies on the road". To which he usually replies in a jovial manner, "I know, I am one of them."

Sometimes we take for granted all the blessings God bestows upon us, and his protection is a blessing we almost expect daily. However, we never know once our loved one walks out the door, if that will be the last time we see them.

Steve travels almost an hour and a half, one way, to work five days a week and has been doing so for almost four years now. I just can't help but praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy. Truly, I am thankful for the hedge of protection God surrounds Steve with on a daily basis. Thank you Lord for the reminder!