Monthly Archives: September 2024

Olympia, Conclusion

Unfortunately, I don’t have the energy to put my video clips up so here are some pics. This is what an outdoor concert looks like in Oly Wa in August. Note the rain gear and cold weather clothes.

Actually, it just happened that we had a rainy weekend for the concert. The weekend before and after were hot and sunny. In expectation, there were notices directing us to the water stations and there was tenting material that I bet was good for shade but wasn’t so good for keeping rain out.

We had to strategize our attendance carefully because I can’t stand out in the rain in wet clothes and 58 degrees and think it’s fun like I used to.

I also ended up buying a new wool hat and new wool socks. In August.

Bikini Kill! This is the short people view. Originally I was hanging out closer to the stage but I was mosh-pitted back to the drinking tent. I noticed another similarly aged couple also retreating. But we loved seeing the kids having so much fun.

And here they are X! I have seen them previously in 2013 and 1985 – post here. I am pleased to report that we’re all still here! Lots of grey tops and glasses rocking out.

Posted in doing it wrong | Comments Off on Olympia, Conclusion

Olympia Part 2

Olympia coverage continues with a photo of the Spar where my cousin worked for awhile back before it was a McMenamins. We did not go in this trip. We had other evening plans all the nights we were there and much as I would have liked to, my day drinking days are long over.

I used to like to have a drink in the afternoon on vacation but now it just puts me to sleep. I can barely even finish 2 drinks now and everything gives me a headache.

Aging means a new relationship to your body. See also: big greasy meals, staying up late, sitting in uncomfortable positions for more than 15 minutes.

During the non-raining part of the weekend we walked up to the capitol building and wandered around. So many cool trees.

The second night of the outdoor music festival we had perfect weather. Incredible view while we waited for X to come out. There was a paddleboard guy who came out and stayed even after dark to watch the show. A jetski guy joined him for a few moments. Also seen: a seal, heron, and lots of boats.

Posted in doing it wrong | Comments Off on Olympia Part 2

Olympia Washington, Part 1

We went to Olympia, Washington a couple of weeks ago to go to an outdoor music festival and celebrate our anniversary. I used to have family living in Oly and there was a period of a few years in the 90s where I was up there almost every weekend and had so many memorable adventures.

I love Oly and I can’t remember the last time I spent any time there.

I happy to report: it is the land that time forgot. At least superfically, it has changed very little. Lots of cool little shops, tons of fun places to eat, beautiful scenery.

We went to the farmers’ market and I got this amazing panzanella salad with lots of fresh fruit, little bread slices, savory green salad with parmesan curls and a fruit vinaigrette that was not all cloying or overly sweet. It so delicious.

This is a new and smaller location than last time I was there but Orca Books is still a fabulous and well-curated bookstore. I don’t know why I am standing so weird in this photo.

I have more Oly photos and stories for later. As per my entire life, I had a computer problem I had to solve when I sat down and by the time I finished I didn’t have a lot of time and I am rushing to post this.

Posted in pamily | Tagged | Comments Off on Olympia Washington, Part 1

APPLES!

When we were in Olympia we went to the farmers’ market and I found Gravenstein apples. This is my favorite pie/sauce apple. I used to find them at the local farmers’ market but it’s been a few years.

I bought a whole box. I told the guy it was my favorite pie apple and he said there isn’t much of a market for them but people who grew up with them love them.

I made apple sauce. It seemed pretty labor intensive for just 4 quarts but I guess 4 quarts is a lot. It’s always such a great treat in winter. We didn’t have much left over to eat now so I will buy some other apples to make some fresh apple sauce.

When I first started canning things I was always so nervous about it. But now it seems like common sense and following the directions and keeping things clean and boiling the crap out of everything.

We have a ton of jam and now the applesauce. I don’t expect to do anything else this year.

I also made two apple pie fillings. This is my favorite in winter when we need dessert and it’s so easy to thaw one of these and make some crust. It was a lot of apples to peel and slice. When I went to bed my right wrist hurt and at first I wasn’t sure what I did to it. Then I remembers: 10 pounds of apples.

I love living in the apple state.

Posted in doing it wrong | 1 Comment

They Fixed My Backpack!!!

Remember back in December I reported that I had a DIY fix it project and I was going to attempt to fix the zipper on my backpack? I chickened out and decided to live with it. Here’s the post where I bought it in 2017.

The zipper situation further deteriorated. At some point I decided to check if they could fix it — I didn’t even mind paying. I hated to get rid of a perfectly good backpack just because of a zipper.

They had contact info and told me I could mail it in and they would check it out. I think the contact said there was a fee — but they didn’t charge me and they fixed it. Look at these amazing zipper pulls. And they gave me some tips to keep the zipper zipping smoothly.

Waterfield Bags are terrific. I have a laptop back and we have a bunch of laptop cases. All great.

Here’s my favorite dahlia. My dahlias aren’t the healthiest. The earwigs have taken over and my half-assed attempts to address haven’t made a dent. I am digging a few up at the end of the season. But this one is so pretty.

More posts on deck. I am just pooped tonight. I woke up at 4am and just decided to get up. (Tell me you are old without telling me you are old.) And then I cleaned house and made applesauce and did a bunch of laundry and worked out and went for a walk. I’m going to watch a show and go to bed early.

Posted in doing it wrong | Comments Off on They Fixed My Backpack!!!