We came to the Seattle area for our eldest grandson’s high school graduation. We had been here many times over Christmas, winter break and during summer vacation in July and August but never in June. June has a different feeling. There is so much diversity in the area, so much to see. My observations of the Pacific Northwest are just a tiny slice of this distinct area of the country. To quote Dorothy, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
One huge difference between Kansas and the Pacific NW is the tall, tall trees, mostly evergreens–thus the state’s motto–The Evergreen State.
The area with which I am familiar is very suburban. Huge houses fitted together like a jig saw puzzle. But there is still an abundance of towering trees.
Housing is expensive. A house built in 2014 has more than doubled in price. The houses are large with token lawns.
But every subdivision has a pocket green space with playground equipment–an ecology requirement.
The playgrounds are used! Each evening children are out playing on the equipment and the parents or grandparents are standing watch visiting with their neighbors. The sound of play and the sight of people talking face to face was wonderful!
Almost anyplace that is not meticulously landscaped has wild blackberries. We have seen the berry laden vines, but in June there is an explosion of blossoms.
Even if it seems there can be no more new houses, construction was happening where previously older houses or empty lots had been.
The Pacific NW in June is a flower show! Wild and carefully tended flowers are a delight! I walked reveling in the beauty and fragrance of roses.
The rhododendron at my son’s home had finished blooming, but neighbors who had bushes in the shade or tucked back were still showing off.
I was so envious of the hydrangea.
Of course lavender was everywhere, along with some flowers I had no idea their names!
Black bears have been sighted in this area. Today my grandson’s middle school implemented a “Stay Safe” due to a report of a bear in the vicinity. We would say we’re “bear hunting” when we would leave for a walk but this is the only bear we spotted……
But the major attraction for us this week has been graduation and all the celebrations that accompany this milepost.
Speaking as a retired HS teacher who has attended thirty plus ceremonies, North Creek did a great job. We were in a stadium and the weather was Pacific Northwestern–cool (had to buy a sweater to wear), misty/rainy. But we heard his name loud and clear and saw him clearly on the big screens. We will attend a fifth grade graduation ceremony and the first three games of a soccer tournament. Grandparents that live a plane ride away crowd as much as they can into one trip!
But I do miss quilting on these trips. I miss Wednesdays with Quilters at First. To keep my hands busy I brought a dish towel to embroidery.
Next week, I am sure I will have lots of new projects to share.
With every trip I dread saying good bye, but Kansas is home and it has it’s charms.
Quilts, Etc. 
Thank you for your post. I’ve never been to Seattle. It’s beautiful. We’ll be glad to have you back on Wednesday. We missed you! Peggy
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