We had a surprise on Sunday, clear blue skies and fluffy clouds. It was a one day event but we were grateful. The days here in NE Washington State have been like the following photo for a stretch now. Several fires are contributing to the smoke filled skies.

This photo isn’t the worst of how the skies have been but it gives you an idea of how our usual layered mountain views are hidden by the smoke.

Onward to the Hodgepodge…

Hello Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you, Joyce!

1. What’s something on your August calendar you’re looking forward to? Or dreading if that’s easier to answer. 

It is soccer month for our Grands with parks and recreation here in town and that is something I always enjoy. It’s the month that the folding chairs live in our vehicle ready to place on the sidelines to watch youth soccer.

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day…do you partake?

I do enjoy an occasional Oyster.

How do you feel about pearls? 

I think pearls are elegant.

Here I am way back in 2008 wearing pearls to a ‘Tea Bridal Shower’.

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like ‘the world was your oyster’. 

I think this phrase fit best with my High School and early college years. Carefree days, lots of choices, no huge responsibilities, still living at home, school achievements and awards, college acceptance letter, summer beach days, part time work, trip to the East Coast, and tours in England.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you’re answering today from outside the US you’ll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let’s pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month…which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

I have been to Mackinac Island way back in the early 70’s. Greg was at Catalina Island for a school trip when he was in the 5th or 6th grade.

Twenty Six miles across the Sea, Santa Catalina is waiting for me…

This is a rare view of Catalina Island from Huntington Beach.

I lived in Southern California for 37 years and never ventured to Santa Catalina.

I would take an all expense paid trip to Catalina this time of year. The other spots, weather wise, are too hot and steamy for me this time of year.

Here are some photos I took on Mackinac Island. Heidi, Faye and I stayed in Michigan with Peter and Ruth who owned a cottage on a lake. Peter and Ruth generously entertained us at their home and took us up to Mackinac Island where we rode bikes around the island. I remember buying Mackinac Fudge and I have a letter opener that I bought for a souvenir.

I’m surprised Trip Advisor didn’t mention Whidbey Island in Washington State or the San Juan Islands.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

The quote doesn’t resonate with me.

Growing up we started school right after Labor day so August became the back to school shopping time. That was always exciting. There were big sales in downtown Los Angeles that we’d enjoy going to. We found great bargains at Buffums and in the wholesale shopping district.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are in full swing with Vacation Bible School this week. I love the theme this year. I’ll share more on Thursday.

Happy August everyone!