This morning, bright but not too early, Erin and Cathy arrived bearing gifts from their yard: apples, plums and a bouquet of lilies, echinacea, mint and the single largest dahlia I ever met. It's the size of a dinner plate! From my sister's, we crossed the river on a six-car ferry and headed into Canby for the annual Swan Island Dahlia Festival. I always find dahlias kind of surreal: spectacular blooms, but no scent. Still, I love hanging out with Erin and Cathy and I jumped at the invitation. The farm has 40-something acres in dahlias.

How do you say it?
I've never had an up-close and personal relationship with a dahlia and pronounce it דליה as if both a's as the 'a' in father: ɑ
Everybody else says daaaw-lee-az: æ Maybe I like being wrong.

There were some great, old cars. The only thing with a combustion engine I drive is a lawn mower. Saving the planet and love of bicycles aside, believe me when I say that, with my eyes, this was a very sound decision. Still, you've got to love a car you have to crank. We tasted some Oregon wines: Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz?) and a Gewürztraminer. If I drink at all, it's likely more likely to be a dark beer. The Gewürztraminer (gah-vurtz-tra-meener) reminded me of my first year at university. Decidedly fruity. After the wine, we went into town for lunch. My niece just called from Idaho where she is settling back in and starting her junior year of college. My sister and I are waiting for the closing ceremonies of the Olympics to begin. Such a beautiful day!



Erin and Yehudit Ravitz Cathy


Still Life with Tipi It's all about the tipi!

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