Quick Quartet

Phil and I don't usually dress like this when we're spending time with our grandchildren, but we wanted to get a "group photo" today before he and I left for the annual Seattle Gymanfa Ganu (Welsh hymn-singing festival), hence the difference in our clothing styles.

We went to Bellevue yesterday afternoon to see grandson B, who turned 10 last month, play football (see Phil's back blip here), and to spend time with Phil's daughter E, who took this fine photo today, her husband D, and B's sister Z, 11-1/2. P's other daughter, S, was also there for the football game and a delicious dinner of grilled steak, au gratin potatoes made with Gorgonzola, salad, and rolls from Breadfarm and cupcakes we brought down from the best cupcake store in Bellingham. Candles in B's and Phil's cupcakes and the familiar strains of "Happy Birthday to you" honored their recent special days.

This morning, after a leisurely start and a fine brunch, Phil and I enjoyed a neighborhood walk with E, Z, and King, one of their Labradors. The weather was perfect, and we relished the sunshine on our faces, knowing the forecast for the rest of the week was going to be less pleasant.

The ranks of those who come to the annual gymanfa ganu are shrinking, the average age is rising, and there are fewer people who are as comfortable singing in Welsh as in English. That said, it still was a wonderful afternoon, and a chance to reconnect with friends we spent many hours with when we lived in Seattle.

All in all, a very pleasant weekend!