Charming Seattle Cottage

When on our trip in Seattle, (North Bend, Washington to be precise) we were hosted by a lovely couple who shared their lakeside cottage with several family members. This "cottage" started as a retreat for this family but has morphed into a permanent home for them, they are empty nesters with a passion for creating a peaceful oasis. This is the backyard

They added on and expanded the kitchen and upstairs porch, and they bought the charming little home next door as well.

This is the view of the lake from the back of the house, the water is lower than they have ever seen it, but it was still home to ducks and geese and my nephew took the canoe out one morning. The inside is full of charm, the kitchen is huge and takes full advantage of the view. This lovely woman gathered flowers from church members' yards to make flowers for the funeral..

The obituary requested no flowers and fortunately Seattle's temperate climate is home to gladiolas & hydrangea and numerous other wonderful blooms and greenery that worked wonderfully.

One of my favorite features of this kitchen I stumbled across innocently while looking for plastic wrap. (Seriously) It took my breath away! Located in a long cupboard -- directly behind the counter with the above flowers -- was a closet devoted entirely to TABLE LINENS!!!

Be still my soul! Not just table linens, many appeared to be Williams Sonoma..... My husband wasn't thrilled but each and everyone of my female relatives was feeling the love!

The Love of Family

Tradgedy brought family together last week. We have struggled to cope with the unexpected death of our much loved brother-in-law, Art Vikari. The one great thing that comes from funerals is the reunion of family members. We drove to Seattle to share our love and ended up laughing, crying and enjoying one anothers company. There were lots of games...

Hanging out....

We spent a wonderful afternoon at a lake, picniking, floating and swimming.

Crawdad collecting

Ewwww -- they actually ate these things they caught in the lake!

We'll miss you Art!

We love you, Becca, Elise, Heidi, Scott, Valine, and Nick.