Washington 2017 - Part One

It's September, which to me means that it's time to go Back to School...

Of course, I've already been teaching classes for three weeks. But when I was a kid, I wouldn't return to the hallowed halls of public education until after Labor Day.

And as soon as I returned to class, I spent most of my time staring out the window, daydreaming... often remembering the fun and freedom of summer. So, since I've got some spare time today (because I was a good teacher boy and finished grading my daily allotment of essays), I'm going to post some of the photos and videos from July.

For the past few years, I have been blessed with a career that allows me to take summers off, if I choose. So, Cheri, the girls and I have spent most of July in the Pacific Northwest.

How do we get there? Like so many other Californians, we travel in a silver Prius.

It's air conditioned and usually quite comfy. But keep in mind that I am not only traveling with three other humans and their luggage. We also have these two numb-skulls: 

Lizzie and Chase, two adorable mutts, sittin' in the back seat with their human counterparts. The drive takes over two days with lots of potty breaks for people and canines alike. 

Oh, and how could I forget, we were also traveling with our bunny rabbit, Mr. Knightley.

But we survived the drive. We stopped in the middle of Oregon on the first day, and stayed at a very dog-friendly hotel /casino. Well, I should specify, the hotel is dog-friendly. I didn't take the dogs to play the slot machines, so I don't know what the management policy is... 

Anyway, after two days, we made it to my mother's house, where we enjoy a beautiful view of the Puget Sound. 

Notice the little fence? That's an electric border to keep those dogs around the house. It doesn't always work, though. Last year, Chase and Lizzie escaped and my daughter Emily was the only one around, so she chased them for over an hour until some good Samaritans helped her retrieve those rascals. 

Here's a glimpse inside my parents' home. My dad passed away over 18 years ago, but before he died he enjoyed a handful of retirement years in this kitchen, designed to his specifications. 

I have a lot of fond memories of my dad hanging out behind that counter, making sure everybody is well fed. 

I love to hang out at this green counter and work on my books. 

Basically, the summer was spent writing, and going back and forth between my mom's house and my mother-in-law's condo. My daughter Mackenzie made a Vlog of her adventures... here are the first three sections, for those of you who want a glimpse of Washington state during the summer time. 

(The first day of the drive.)

(Second day on the road.)

(Somebody gets her hair did!)