Five Brown Kids

 This is a Mark specialty and I love it!   8 ounces smoked trout (flake with a fork) 5 tablespoons creme fraiche 2 tablespoons dice shallot 2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons freshly squeeze lemon juice Salt and Pepper to Taste Chives for garnish Mix all ingredients in a bowl and chill to improve flavor. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.  ( Recipe )

 Scotia went camping with friends for Memorial Day. The FJ is a paid actor on all their adventures. 

I could not tell you how this amazing trip ever got started - I think we just started talking about birthday plans and before you know it Courtney and Matt, Cheryl and Brandon and Mark and I were heading to Orcas Island in Washington state for a week long birthday celebration.  We ferried across to the island and had the best week hiking, eating, moped riding, whale watching, playing games and being silly.   I can't get over how relaxed I look.  Wow!  Mark is a good partner.  Pulled into the ferry line and texted my friends.  Where are you?   Then Matt jumped out of the car right in front of us! Lunch at Orcas Hotel with ferry in background. Hike up stunning Turtleback mountain.  The waving grasses and wild flowers in the field, all the islands in the distance.  Just stunning!  See the bald eagle on the top of the tree?  Watching it swoop around was magical.  Old growth forests with massive trees and ferns and moss ev...

Scotia went to her senior prom with her favorite school friends. I think getting dressed up, taking pictures and going out for dinner before were the highlight. Graduation coming up soon. Wrapping up childhood with a bang for this little bunny. 

Derick is now moved from rehab to a group medical home where he has a bedroom in a house in the community with 24 hour care to keep up with him. I showed up to help him move his old things in to make his room his own and to let the caretakers know that Derick is loved and deserves top notch care.  A few supplies to set up his closet. Hannah's family had lots going on and I got to go to a Ultimate Frisbee game for Isaiah and Clare and a play for Sebastian.  Lunch with Derick at the park next door.  Birthday celebrations for Sebastian and a hike on a bluff with Hannah and Isaiah. I visited with Derick four days in a row for a few hours each day.  Fun to reminisce about good old days.  He said, "remember when you picked me up from the Hardy's house".  Of course...I was planning on two days and here I am ten years later.  Some days chatty and other days kind of quiet and subdued.  Wrapped up watching Jake's band play at a bar and Hannah getting hit on...