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.