<p>Very early on Tuesday morning I quietly left the house and set up the tripod facing to the stars in hopes of viewing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids">Perseids</a>.</p>
<p>Hours and hours of yard work have kept us close to home this weekend and last but I wanted to get in a short hike, no matter how short. At my reading group I was told about a beach access trail I hadn’t traveled so my daughter and I set out on Saturday morning to check it out.</p>
<p>A quick garden update. We have a large grove of hydrangea starting to flower but the small buds really catch my eye.</p>
<p>I’ve watched many a <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?0&entityName=Chicago+Air+and+Water+Show&entityNameEnumValue=183">Chicago Air and Water Show</a> and Friday enjoyed my first <a href="http://www.seafair.com/">Seafair</a> from a boat on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Washington">Lake Washington</a>.</p>
<p>Somewhat surprisingly the budding naturalists had yet to visit the <a href="http://bloedelreserve.org/">Bloedel Reserve</a> – so visiting we went.</p>
<p>After nearly six years at Orbitz, and a lifetime of memories, I have decided to move on – my last day will be this Friday July 18th. I’d like to thank everyone for a good run and will be offering a toast of beer and tayberries Friday afternoon from my backyard. Enjoy and best wishes!</p>
<p>Out and about in the garden and what to my wondering eyes should appear …</p>
<p>Series: <a href="/2008/07/15/sunsets-flowers-and-the-olympic-mountains/">Sunset</a> > <a href="/2008/07/16/sunrise-flowers-and-the-olympic-mountains/">Sunrise</a> > <a href="/2008/07/18/heather-park-trail-an-enchanted-forest-and-views/">Heather Park</a></p>
<p>Series: <a href="/2008/07/15/sunsets-flowers-and-the-olympic-mountains/">Sunset</a> > <a href="/2008/07/16/sunrise-flowers-and-the-olympic-mountains/">Sunrise</a> > <a href="/2008/07/18/heather-park-trail-an-enchanted-forest-and-views/">Heather Park</a></p>
I'm not here.