19 June, 2020 - My Jeep is Now Gone & Bing and Rainer Cherries

Dear, Mom -

A couple of days ago, I told you I sold my Jeep that I have had since 2006. It made me a bit teary-eyed when the gentleman drove off in it. I was a bit attached to the Jeep having had it for so long and using it for so many memorable things. Hauling music equipment, hauling skateboard equipment, taking huge loads of stuff to the Goodwill, transporting big furniture, and driving it in the snow when our other cars wouldn't do. It was such a dependable vehicle. I loved driving it and had really wanted to keep it to make it a camping car. I just have to save for my Subaru Crosstrek now instead. I've had to choose a new goal.

This is not a glamorous shot of me by any stretch of the imagination, but it's what I got to remember the ole girl by. I think I may have been chewing gum which is a rarity for me. I should have checked the pictures before moving on.

For work today, I drove Birgit out to Sauvie Island to pick up a flat of strawberries for her daughter and to get Birgit out of the house for a bit. It was nice driving out to a farm to look at the produce, honey, nuts, spices, and other assorted goods. I think I may drive out there once a week to buy my produce. I know right where it comes from and it is more affordable because you avoid the store as a middle man. Both Birgit and I bought a bad of mixed Rainer and Bing cherries. The Bings are surprisingly neutral in taste, whereas the Rainers are very juicy and sweet. I know people generally charge more for Rainers because of how sweet and plump they are. I just think back to the cherry orchard across the street from our house in Milton-Freewater and how sweet those Bing cherries were. I wonder if we just got ours too early in the season? I'll keep eating more to find out!

This is the bud of a bachelor button that I planted a couple months ago. It is right at its bursting point. I can't wait to see what color it will be. Blue, magenta, yellow, soft pink? Which color do you think? I am going to say blue.

The other day I said I would post a photo every two days of the progress of the opening of these wee flowers on the tree out front. You can see they are turning into sweet, little flowers now, evolving from the tight purple buds. The flowers themselves would fit on the tip of your finger they are so small.

I will post another picture in Monday.

Both of these flowers are also very small. The blue one above was smaller than a penny. The other is on a very, tall stem then poofs out these groupie of flowers at the tippy top. They're great if you need a plant with height behind some smaller plants. That's why I have them against the wall of the house.

The poppy below was at a neighbor's house on our afternoon walk with Elsa. I'd never seen one this color. I think I will plant poppies next year of all different colors. I've seen some really pretty and delicate ones this season.

Mom, I love you and miss you. I wish I had more things of interest to say, but I'm not doing much other than yard work, some cooking/baking, walking the dog, and a bit of show watching on the television. I try to always take pictures of this and that to post in your letters, but somedays I fall short. I know you said you enjoy seeing the flowers, so I will keep up on that, especially since we are now in full swing of flower season.

Take care. I really hope to give you a hug and kiss in person VERY SOON! Your #3 Girl, --- Sally