Summer arrives!

Good day to all as we welcome summer at 4:09pm this afternoon pacific time.  We are suppose to get up to the lower 70's today so it will be a lovely welcome to the season on this side of the country.  Watching the morning news and see that the east coast will be baking in the mid to high 90's.  UGH!  Yesterday was a very full day with it kicking off as Cindy, my physical therapist arrived at 8am.  After three rounds of walking with just the cane and then standing 5 minutes in preparation for Friday's advancement to taking standing showers, I was ready to sit back and relax, but not to be.  A dear friend arrived from Vashon Island with a huge bouquet of Peony.  One of my favorite flowers and a sure sign of summer.

What I initially did not know is that they came out of his yard at Sound Cliff.  It was so nice of Gordon to get up and go out to the garden and clip the fabulous blooms so Stephen could bring them into the apartment and fill the air with a wonderful summer scent.  They are native to western north America and is right up there with French tulips and Casablanca lilies as personal favorites.  It was a delight to have them as Stephen brought tulips to me in the hospital and sadly, I could not have flowers in the ICMU.  By the way, sitting in front of the flowers is a set of salt & pepper shakers in the shape of the Golden Gate Bridge which is celebrating its' 75th anniversary this year.

Soon Stephen had to be out the door and on to lunch with an old friend plus numerous errands, but it allowed me time to enjoy lunch before a fleet of professionals arrived to recertify me for the coming weeks.  After numerous questions and a blood draw, a bed bath followed and I was feeling quite nice by 5pm.  Markie arrived for dinner and two dear friends stopped by for a brief visit.

Dan and Keith are dear friends from Portland and while the visit was much too short, it was a delight seeing them.   Dan and I were born on the same day and same year and so share a special bond.  He was in the hospital earlier this year as well.  It will not be so long before I see them again.  While they were visiting Markie was in the kitchen fixing what has become a favorite meal.  Simple lettuce salad is on the right in picture and in the square glass dish are two moist and juicy boneless chicken breasts topped with a lemon pepper blend.  They are resting on a bed of asparagus that was cooked in an Alfredo sauce.  Have you said yum yet?  After enjoying a couple of episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" Makie departed and I had a quiet evening.  A perfect way to end a very full day.