we broke a record...

...and it's not a record that we care to have personally seen broken. Today was the hottest day EVER in 118 years of weather record keeping in Seattle. Our inside temp at 4:30 this afternoon was 98. We've been driving around a lot with our A/C cranked.

Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com

This is one of the bands that I mentioned in my previous post - I really like this particular song.

FEST - I - VAL !!

Dan and I attended our 2nd Northwest String Summit this past weekend. It was the 8th year for the festival which takes place about 30 miles west of Portland at a place called Horning's Hideout. We met up with friends from Bend and shared the comforts of their Winnebago. Thank god because it was in the 90s most of the weekend and we had little shade in the RV area. But it was a fantabulous time and we didn't want to leave. The feeling of community at these types of events is something I long for in everyday life - people truly watching out for each other, I guess.

This year's lineup included many bands I had never heard of. Two Swedish folk/bluegrass bands were in attendance. Vasen had the crowd on their feet shouting "Polska !" The Abalone Dots were a trio of women who sang beautifully. My favorite was a band called Taarka. Their sound was gypsyesque. Dan and I were up late the first night and heard them practicing at their campsite - not knowing they were a participating band. Their sound was entrancing. And of course the remaining bands who are always a part of this event were spectacular. Yonder Mountain String Band really rocked the house this year. Danny Barnes is always a welcomed addition, in my book.

We met some new friends too - friends of our friends from Oregon. Their kids were so much fun to be around and we really enjoyed their company.

This is Kaleo as he pretends to run a street food cart. "We have some new items on the menu today, guys !" he yelled from the camper door. It was too cute.

We look forward the the 9th annual event next year. Thanks Bob Horning !

it's starting ...

the first of the Sungolds...

finger sangria...

I made these delicious sangria jello squares for the party last weekend. They turned out even better than I had hoped for. The recipe came from the food blog bigredkitchen.com. I was a little shy on the limeade, so I improvised with a little lemonade. I highly recommend for your next party.

remembering 1985...

My friend Maureen and I went to see Howard Jones at the Triple Door last night. It was a fun time. He started by playing a 30 minute acoustic set - then followed with an hour of 80's electronica, playing both old and new songs. He interacted with the crowd a great deal and only looked a bit older than I remember him from 1985.

a party for Dan and Nels...

We had a small party yesterday to celebrate both Dan and our friend Nels' birthdays. It was a perfect afternoon to be outside.

Happy 41st Birthday Dan !

And a very Happy Birthday to my brother too !!