What a wonderful day we had today. My cousin Robert, his wife Karola & their daughter Marion are here visiting from Bavaria. I had never met Robert or his family before today. After going out for a large breakfast we set out to show them around. We took them shopping at several local places where they picked up some souvenirs, then to the Tacoma waterfront. Earlier in the day it was cold and rainy, but by the afternoon it was sunny and beautiful out. We headed downtown to The Glass Museum. They really enjoyed seeing all the colorful glass on display. Tomorrow is their last day here, then they head south through Oregon and into California. Let's hope the weather stays nice for at least one more day.

Spotted on a walk recently we thought this Weekend Reflection looked like a painting.

For more Weekend Reflections click the link below.

For this Skywatch Friday I thought I'd share a photo that has a wide enough view to remind you of some of the places I've shown you on here. The lake is Capitol Lake. Recently I showed you another angle looking right back where this shot was taken near the Legislative Building. In the distance to the left you see the 4th Avenue Bridge. I took this shot from underneath it. See that building in the distance to the right? I told you the story of that right here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. If you'd like to see more Skywatch Friday photos click the link below.

Well, I'm posting this later than I had planned, but tonight was our oldest daughter's last high school concert of this school year. Each concert so far had really been good and tonight was no exception. My favorite was an old Tower of Power hit performed by the jazz band called "What is Hip?" What do you mean you don't remember it?

Another shot taken at The Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma, this area is dedicated to various exotic orchids.

As we do about once every couple of months or so, we headed up to The Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma. Currently they have a wonderful display called Hilltop Artists in Residence. Glass, locally blown is set amongst the plants and flowers. The artists' works are also for sale. In fact when we went on Sunday there weren't many pieces left that were not marked "SOLD". This is one that really caught our eye though.

Today we were up north in Tacoma seeing my Mom, doing some shopping for baby things and just sort of running around. Driving down the road something caught my eye. I had to turn around and look closer. Thankfully we were able to pull into an alley to get this shot.

What the heck??

As those of you who regularly follow along here know, Capitol Lake is one of our favorite places to go on a nice day. It's a great place to walk the dogs, take in some sun and photograph the goings on. I just couldn't pass up a scene like this.

With all the wonderful and historic things to see at the Capitol Campus here in Olympia one sad spot is the former Capitol Campus Conservatory. Built in the 1930's, what was once the home and birthplace for thousands of flowers is now an empty shell destined to someday be demolished. Why you say? Click here for the story.

Taken on our recent outing to The McLane Creek Nature Trail, I felt lucky that this beautiful Red Winged Blackbird held still long enough for me to take his portrait.

For more Ruby Tuesday shots click the link below.

This afternoon I went for a walk around the State Capitol. I spotted this tree and realized I had seen it many times, even photographed it before but I'd never shared it on here. I'm not sure of the history of this old tree. I looked for some sign or plaque, but there were none. I'm assuming there's something about this old tree that makes it worthy of saving. Check out the series of poles around it. Some have loops at the top with a branch running through them. At least one near the center stretches above the top of the tree and has cables which reach out and support other limbs. Quite the design.

Those of you that have been kind enough to follow along here for a while already realize that downtown Olympia is a colorful diverse place. So here's just one more thing that makes the downtown area fun. This bench, titled "Match Game" is one of I believe 5 benches with various forms of artwork on them. This was the brainchild of The Olympia PBIA or "Public and Business Improvement Area" who, in 2008 invited local artists to submit designs that would artistically enhance existing benches in downtown Olympia to "generate added artistic interest to our streetscape and to engage the Olympia arts community in a project that would highlight beauty and creativity in the downtown core." The photography on this particular bench came from Bridget Irish. You can read a little more about it here.

Another shot taken this past Sunday, (Mother's Day) on our walk around Capitol Lake. How perfect is this? Our youngest daughter and our French Bulldog Otis were ready for a rest at the same time. Why not share a shady spot with your best friend?

Have a great weekend!

Here you go, Mama and most of her nine babies. Does she look proud or what?

Taken this past Sunday (Mother's Day), these little fellas were just two of nine babies with their mama down at Capitol Lake.

For more Watery Wednesday shots click the link below.

Taken at Capitol Lake this past weekend, Mother's Day to be exact.

This, being my third and final post on The Olympia Wooden Boat Fair, is what things looked like late in the afternoon. For a day that had been so nice things really got ugly. Right after I took this shot we headed for the car.

Certainly one of the most colorful vendors at The Olympia Wooden Boat Fair this weekend in downtown Olympia.

Well, here it is Mother's Day weekend and time once again for The Olympia Wooden Boat Fair, an annual event. Wooden boats of all types and sizes, some old some new. Besides the boats tents line the boardwalk, vendors selling their goods. Today a local high school band entertained the crowd with some really good music. I'll show you more from the fair over the next couple of days. Oh, and if you look way at the far end, just over the tents you'll see the jets of water from this fountain hanging in mid air.

PS: Everyone from our house wants to send out a big Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms. We hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow.

Finishing up this series from The McLane Creek Nature Trail is Mr Wood Duck. For a little more info on this colorful and popular creature click here. I believe that link is one of Abraham Lincoln's favorite sources for bird and fowl factoids. Here's looking A-choo Abe!

On Watery Wednesday I thought I'd share with you another shot from The McLane Creek Nature Trail. I wonder if this tree is home to any gnomes?

For more Watery Wednesday scenes click the link below.

Yesterday I introduced you to The McLane Creek Nature Trail. Today I had to share this shot with you. This is the second local trail we've walked where there have been trees with these strange twisted roots. If you've been following along for a while you may remember this previous post.

On the weekends, and when the weather permits we like to go exploring right here at home. That's the nice thing about living here. You never run out of great places to go. Last week we drove about fifteen minutes from home and discovered another gem. McLane Creek Nature Trail. As soon as you've parked the car and hit the trail you feel as though you are miles out in the woods. In some areas there are raised wooden paths and in other spots the trails are more natural. You walk past beaver ponds, over skunk cabbage, and through lush green forrest. You hear numerous birds and see turtles sunning themselves. The trails give you options of several different lengths depending on your ability. Most of the time the trail was fairly flat though. I'll share more shots over the next couple of days. If you'd like to read a little more about this wonderful place click here or here.

As most know today marks the beginning of another month and a new CDPB theme day. Also many of you know my wife is pregnant and due mid July. This past March 17th, not only was it St Patrick's Day but our anniversary as well. I thought it fitting to give my wife this statue on our anniversary, and what better choice for this month's theme.