Magnolia in the Evening

This morning I felt a bit enervated, kind of lazy. I kept going on the deck and photographing the birds. Even got some good shots but I was not very enthusiastic. Soon it was time for my art buddy Jimie to arrive with a couch she wanted to sell. We had talked Wednesday at open studio about how she had sold her house and was downsizing. She had two couches and planned to sell one, a small one that had belonged to her mother, made in the 1930s. It was a maple frame one with pillows that Jimie had made. Arvin and I had been thinking about adding a couch to Helena's new living room area so I asked if we could look at it. Jimie brought it by this morning and we all really liked it. So we bought it for Helena. Jimie and her friend moved the couch in and now it sits among Helena's furniture. That motivated Helena and me to finish the unpacking and set up the rest of her things. Voila! Mission accomplished. Helena has moved in and is settled. Huzzah! We are even leaving doors open so the three cats can get acquainted. So far so good.

Next I took Arvin to Costco for a hearing aid appointment. His old one has gotten really unbearably bad not very useful and we decided it was time to get him a new one. It has been quite awhile since we got the last one. He had a long appointment and we ordered one that not only is great for speech but is specifically designed to enhance listening to music. Given that this is one of Arvin's favorite things to do, we decided to spring for it. We have an appointment in a week for the fitting. He is a happy puppy.

I made a shrimp and veggie stir fry for dinner. Afterwards Helena, Arvin and I took a walk around Bloedel Donovan Park. That's where I took this photograph. We heard the sharp "toot" of a steam boat and quickened our pace to the dock to watch it come it. It is called "Magnolia" and is one of a fleet of them that ride around on the lake during summer. They were bringing her in for her winter sleep. We were happy to see her come in. Here she is a bit closer.

Steve came over after we got home to help us bring up the last large box to be stored in the garage and have what was left of our dinner. Then we all played Mexican Train until it was time for a bit of TV while Steve went home to work on his newest etching. He is a night owl and often goes home to work after an evening with us.

All in all it was a great day and the weather was gorgeous.