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