Lewy on the beach :)

Lew and I had a tremendous day at Fort Flagler the week before last as we walked the beach together. We laid in the sunshine and watched seagulls for 2 hours. It was wretchedly hot but the breeze off the water made it quite pleasant and a welcome relief. Lew found 2 dead gulls and lots of seaweed to sniff, I fear if he'd had pockets it all would have come home with us.
Today, August 12, we had a thunderstorm. The sky became a sallowed grey and thunder crashed overhead. People came out to search the horizon for approaching rain, giddy with anticipation. We have not had measurable rain since the beginning of March and only 3 days with a mist of any sort. The ground is parched and crunchy, trees are sagging, foliage curled to encourage stomata to hold their breath. All is brittle and browned, distressed and dusty. Desiccated leaves skip, making a skittery sound on the asphalt roads. The bricks smell warm and musty like a newly opened trunk too long stored under the stairs when these few drops of rain plop onto them. And everywhere the ground is mulched with a thick layer of pine, cedar and fir needles giving a rusty tone to the world.
I have put a photo on the extra part of the Marrowstone Island general store sign. Marrowstone is the island on which Fort Flagler state park is located and is very near to me now. It's a funny tiny place with one general store (sign pictured) and a harbor filled with sail and fishing boats. Also a photo of river otters meeting outside my window planning their synchronized swimming routine. And two of Lew, a close up in the back of the car riding to Port Ludlow for his first night in our new house and one that is quintessentially him in his place in front of the French door ready to pounce should a leaf drop.
Wishing everyone a very happy weekend!