The House on Queen Anne Hill and the Pendleton Round Up

Picking up my puppy was one of the purposes of my trip but not actually my most important one. I went to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Uncle is my mother's youngest brother. They live in a glorious old house on Queen Anne Hill--a quite fitting place considering my aunt is from England originally.

After a dinner of Chicken Wellington, Auntie Pat gave us all a dance lesson. Karen and Jonathan were learning the Tango

I felt like I had gone around the world after eating Indian, Vietnamese, French and English food while there. Oh and then there was the BarBQ at the Qunicy Farmers Consumers Awareness Day--good old American! My cousin Shirley won the quilt show.

Next on the trip was to see the Pendelton Round Up with Scott, Jo and Dan, a friend of theirs who is a professor at Central Washington University. The "Round-Up" is known for the unique fact that it is a rodeo held on grass, which has quite a different effect on rodeo events. We went the day before to watch the team roping--it is called "Slack"--as in take up the--.

Jo was trying to point out a specific cowboy to me and said, " See there he is--the one in the white hat". I am still trying to find him :)

This cowboy was in first position when he pulled a chair out onto the field and sat down with his hrose to watch the other who were trying to beat him. Scott said, " He was watching his money."

Back from Washington

From my cousin Jo's place in Ellensburg, you can see the Stuart Mountains. Jo told me you can tell when fall is coming as the white of the snow gradually moves down the mountain day by day.

When I was a kid, Jo and here sisiters lived in this little house in the Manashtash Canyon. It was painted white then with yellow trim and looked like a little chalet. Behind the house is a mountain stream that is so cold you would swear it had ice in it. There used to be a little bridge over the stream that went to the barn. The bridge is in ruins now, and I could no longer see the barn--fond memories there of riding horses with Jo in the canyon.

I couldn't wait to go over to Rusti's place to get a look at my puppy, Skye, for the first time. Her and Jadon's ranch is down the road and around the corner from her parent's place.

Little Skye was laying quietly in the grass while the rest of the litter was running and playing. I laid down in the grass to get a better picture, and when I did, six bouncy little puppies got on my back and started pulling (eating) my hair and just basically creating havoc--I was laughing so hard~!

Smile for the camera Skye!! When the wind blew it stood her ears straight up. She has freckles on her nose and under her chin. What a cutie!!

Mother Kate. What a great mom she is. She had nine puppies in her first litter. They are all chubby, happy little puppies. I think she was secretly glad that the responsibilities of motherhood are almost over.

The entrance to WestStar Ranch--one of my "Died and gone to heaven places".

Off Again

Off again to Washington State. I have so many incredible memories of Washington as a child. I have always dreamed of living there. I guess that will never happen. Jim wants to stay close to our granddaughter.

I can't wait to see the breath taking views in Seattle, the mountains and enjoy the drive over the pass. The only ones left of my mother's family live there, how I have always wanted to live close to them. Each time I go, I think it may be the last time I visit--but the mountains and beauty always call me back.

I get to pick up my little border collie pup, Skye. She will be 8 weeks old. Since I can't be close to my granddaughter, Skye will have to be the next best thing!!

Pictures to come!!