Sunday, October 14, 2007

Sunday, Pumpkins, Leaves & a Bunny

Sad news tonight from Harborview Hospital in Seattle. 64 year old Charles McDonald, the propane truck driver in last Saturday's big explosion, died this morning.  He had burns over 75% of his body.  My heart goes out to his family.  The investigation of the tragic event continues.

We had a great time with Bob's daughter and family.  On the way we stopped at a huge pumpkin farm so I could get a picture or two.  There were probably 100 cars parked at the farm...with people everywhere.  This farm also offers old fashioned hay rides in the evenings.

Pulling into their developement, Mt Rainier was standing proud in the background.  It's very pretty from there but unfortuantely if that mountain every erupts those people will be in harms way.  They have frequent lahar warnings in the little town of Orting, because the lava and mud flow will come right down thru that area.   When we got to their house we were introduced to the newest member of their family...Henry.  He's a beautiful and very tame rabbit.  Bob's 16 yr old grand daughter found him hopping around a friend's neighborhood.  After doing some door to door checking, no one claimed him and one neighbor even said she thought he'd been dumped there.   He's litter box trained and loves to stretch out on the sofa.  Obviously, he's been someone's pet. They took him to the vet for a check over and he's fine but hasn't had his "surgery" yet, so that's scheduled for next week. (Poor Henry).  The family's boxer, Rusty, is very protective of him, watching over him when they put Henry in his carrier to sleep.  And Fred, their parakeet, pays no attention to the new addition. 

This family has two teenage daughters, one in the 11th grade and the other one is in her first year of  college.  But another teenage granddaughter came from Gig Harbor for the evening so we got to visit with her too.  Her mom, Bob's oldest daughter was unable to come.  By the way he's got 4 daughters in all...Cheryl, Paula, Hope and June.  And one son, Lance (June's little 3 year old is also a Lance) but he and Bob have been estranged for several years...it makes both of us very sad. And there are 7 grandkids in all...all teenagers but June's Lance and little Marin Rose who was born the end of June.

We thought maybe we'd get clear into downtown Orting for their Pumpkin Festival but we didn't.  Maybe next year.  They had beautiful weather for it...both Saturday and today have been beautiful sunny days, in the 60's. So I'm sure that those who attended had a great time.

Well, my insulated panels are up over my sliding glass patio door.  I really like them.  Today I went back to Penney's and got "hold backs" that match the rod.  I have a bakers rack/bookcase on the one side of the door and probably won't open that panel very often but the other one I'll want open everyday, for light and to see what's going on out there.  I have a birdbath on the little porch out there and various pots of flowers.

The last update on my friend Judy's daughter was that she is still in the hospital.  And having a hard time with the whole thing and rightly so.  It would be very scary for a first time mom.

Well that's all for today...hope you all had a good weekend.  We are looking forward to our trip to Ikea tomorrow.  My main goal is some bags of their wonderful Swedish Meatballs (I promise I won't forget yours, Jan!).

Happy Monday....until next time,  Linda

 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love your new drapes, they look really good.  You got some very pretty pictures and it sounds like you had a fun day.  Joni

Anonymous said...

Great catch up Linda.  Sounds as if you had a great weekend.  My heart goes out to the family of charles mcDonald.  How tragic.  

I loved your photos, especially the ones of the autumn colours.  I miss that over here.  our leaves do change colour, but they are not as vibrant to look at as yours!  

It looks as if you have a cosy little home there.  Wonderful, just wonderful!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

I think your drapes look great -good job!  It is so sad Charles died, the poor man was just doing his job - I feel for his family.  I love the japanese maples...my gosh they are vibrant!
Great pics, especially of Mt Ranier.  Living near that would scare me but I guess we all have things around us, I have 2 nuke plants so who am I to talk!!!  Glad you had a nice visit, Henry is adorable!!!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

((((((((((((((((((((LINDA))))))))))))))))))))))Sounds like you had a busy weekend.I am sorr you dont get to see one of your Grandkids,I know how hard that is.My Mom doesnt get to see one of Hers very often.I hope you have a nice day.

Anonymous said...

I so loved the beautiful pictures of the fall leaves....we haven't had much change in our trees yet due to the hot weather. It's cooled down now...so hopefully soon we will see some color....June:)

Anonymous said...

So sad that the driver died in the explosion. I'm glad you had a good time with Bob's family. Henry has got the identical carrier that Nina has got! I loved the pic of Mt Rainier, it looks so majestic and kind of ghostly with the snow! Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

Ooo you have got some lovely plates too ,Your blind looks the business ,Im sure it will keep out the winter draughts ,enjoy those meatballs for me lol ....love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful Japanese Maples!
That's alot of pumpkins and Henry is too cute!
Love the new window dressing....
Linda :)