Thursday, May 8, 2025

An Adventure - Pacific Northwest

 

It's amazing what you can pack into a week. One week ago today my two adult children celebrated their birthdays. They are four years apart, but both born on May 1st.  We had cake for two, chocolate and vanilla.


And then the next morning my "live-in gardener" and I drove north into Washington State to do some visiting. Along the way there were many sightings of rhododendrons and other beautiful things.

The first night at my sister-in-laws home, she took us out to dinner. Now that was a treat, but the restaurant manager said that we must walk in the garden. It was near sunset which made the garden all the more beautiful.







Each sunrise is amazing from my sister-in-laws home. This one really touched my heart.

One day we walked in the Rhododendron gardens at Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington.



The lighthouse at the Fort's park.

Then on another day we took the ferry to Whidbey Island to have lunch with a friend from my youth. We met at a garden shop that has amazing plants and their cafe has amazing sandwiches. I had the best tuna sandwich I have ever had and their special rhubarb/elderflower spritzer was a delight to sip.


 

And because we had a hour before catching the ferry back to Port Townsend, we walked in another rhododendron garden.




There were a few gorgeous primroses too.

 

Then as we headed home there was one more stop to visit a favorite Thomas Dambo troll with friends.

 

I think the past week could be called, Rhododendrons and Special People.

I do love a good adventure and this one was filled with JOY. A perfect ending to the past year of working of moving and personal business. It felt good to be released for awhile to play. It was much needed.

Sending love,

Marilyn

3 comments:

Lorrie said...

You saw some lovely sights on your short vacation. Love the smiles on your two kids' faces. How fun to celebrate together.
Glad you could relax after moving.

Red Rose Alley said...

Happy Birthday to your dear children, Marilyn. That's something they are both born on May 1 and four years apart. The gardens look beautiful and it sounds like a peaceful place to take a walk. Your flower photos made my heart smile. And that sunrise from your sister-in-law's home! The giant trolls are so funny.....and creative.

Happy May days.

~Sheri

Jeanie said...

Happy Belated to your beautiful kids, Marilyn. And what a grand time you have been having. The view from your sister in law's home is lovely and I love that you went to a restaurant with such a lovely garden. Your photos are terrific! Then meeting up with an old friend, more gardens, more beauty. I loved it all. And maybe the troll best!