Raspberries at Remlinger!

Carnation, Washington

What do I remember of childhood summers? River Ranch Girl Scout camp, endless days at Madison Park Beach, reading a LOT, the Popsicle truck, and berry picking in Carnation. Summer is here and there are a lot of things that are off-limits this year. But berry picking seemed like a fun and socially-distanced activity. Off to Remlinger Farms! The raspberries were divine, the sun hot, customers wore masks in line but not in the rows (no problem, I'd say!) and we had a fine time.

My first trip to this place was more than 50 years ago. Wow.

Masks, finally

Seattle, Washington

After weeks of "making do" with a random assortment of face coverings, I FINALLY got down to making masks for the family. I am not totally satisfied with the result (elastic would be nice) but they are reasonably comfortable, the fabric reminds me of another time and place (Malaysia!), and I can wash them. Anyhow, it's a good first attempt. Seems like we might be at this for a while...

Riding to a new soundtrack, part III

Seattle, Washington

Set out EARLY this morning on the Big Loop (I-90 + SR 520 + Sammamish River Trail + BG). How is it that Seattle summer days can be so cold sometimes? The rain started as I headed east across the lake, and I nearly froze for a good part of the 4-hour ride. But after two hours of Sunday Edition, I switched to L.A. Theater Works and THOROUGHLY enjoyed listening to their 2-part production of "Stick Fly." No, I hadn't heard of it either, but it's a funny/serious story about an African-American entomologist who is meeting her fiance's family for the first time. It was wonderful and, again, made the miles fly by. Don't miss it!

43.7 miles

Riding to a new soundtrack, part II

Seattle, Washington

Again this morning I headed out early for the Big Loop, my new favorite longer ride. It starts hilly over Mercer Island, and then starting in Redmond, the last 20+ miles are mostly flat. But what has really made the difference is listening to a new soundtrack. For months and months I listened to basically the same songs on Spotify. They DO make me happy, but in recent weeks I started to feel that all this time on my bike could be put to "better" use. Today, after listening to Morning Edition, I listened to two podcasts on NPR One called "Rough Translation"--the June 24 edition "So Long, Black Pete" and the June 10 edition "The Global Legacy of George Floyd." They were educational, fascinating, AND the miles flew by without me looking at my watch.

Don't worry, I listen to my podcasts (or streaming) withOUT earbuds to keep myself alert. But I am a total convert. And I am learning a LOT!

43.7 miles