Month: June 2013

Yesterday was a perfect day in several ways.  The weather was so pleasant, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 70’s, no wind.  I ventured out for a 25 mile bike ride in the rolling farmland near my house.  Here are a few pictures.

  Here is where we pick strawberries each summer, across the street from where we pick peaches.

After the bike ride I helped Blair install his back yard sprinkler system.  He dug all the trenches by hand the previous day, so I got to help with all the fun part, namely hooking it all together like Tinkertoys.  It was such a satisfying project, even though it took a few hours longer than expected.  The kids had a blast running in the sprinklers when we tested them out.

Each June we pick strawberries at a local commercial field.  It is such a pleasant time of year, with mostly cool spring weather mixed with sunny days.  We went out for our second picking yesterday and were joined by three grandkids.

There is nothing like fresh, deliciously ripe strawberries on cereal or shortcake.  And we also make freezer jam with it, and freeze some for putting on pancakes throughout the year.

Another common memory for me at this time of year, and especially associated with strawberry picking, is hayfever.  I’m usually slammed with itchy eyes and throat, and sneezing, particularly after being outside and active.  But not this year.  My rush immunotherapy allergy shots, which I started a mere two month ago, have been wildly successful.  I’ve taken no allergy medication and have almost zero symptoms.  I’m already at maintenance dosage, needing a shot only every two to four weeks now.  I’m a happy camper.

I’m enjoying my free time since leaving Intel (it became official two weeks ago).  I’m working my way through a long list of projects around the home, and Friday Suzanne and I took a full day to drive some back roads to and from the Oregon Coast.  We stopped at our favorite place, Cape Kiwanda, to hike around the sand mountain and tide pools, then drove down 101 to Newport for dinner and sightseeing.  We drove through coastal forests on lonely, winding roads, and on country roads through scenic rolling farmlands.  It was a pleasant day and we continue to be amazed at God’s beautiful creations.

Click on the Flickr link at right to view more photos from our trip.