25th April; Southeast Washington --
A visit to historic Fort Bale is an opportunity to see other sights that
are in the neighborhood. For example, there are the tulip fields that
are in their full glory this time of year. And there is the famous Hulda
Klager lilac gardens, which also choose this time of year to show off
their "lilac" colored variations: From deep purple with white edges [Grumpy's personal favorite] to pink and even white.
Grumpy's and the Grand Mother's
long-time friend, Margaret, joined me on this voyage of discovery. Based on the status of the lilacs in his own yard, Grumpy had feared we might be disappointed in our visit to the lilac gardens. It turned out to be somewhat true, in that some of the blossoms were past their prime, while some others has not yet become fully-opened. Most, however, lent their delightful aroma to the misty-air if one poked his or her nose into the cluster of flowers.
And perhaps the most impressive on this visit were these two Magnolia trees, with their sparkly-fresh flowers.
No visitor to Fort Bale would feel truly welcome if not met by Snow Bear, the Great White Pyrenees who zealously guards and herds the pampered chickens of Fort Bale.
Snow Bear is guardedly cautious even when a frequent visitor like the Great Grumpy shows up. The experienced and wise visitor, however, is not put off by Snow Bear's aloofness; since he insists on sleeping out in the rain (or snow!), his outer fur is usually fully hydrated (i.e., sopping wet!!) and any "close encounter" with his body will assure that your finely-creased dress pants will also be wet.
Snow Bear is guardedly cautious even when a frequent visitor like the Great Grumpy shows up. The experienced and wise visitor, however, is not put off by Snow Bear's aloofness; since he insists on sleeping out in the rain (or snow!), his outer fur is usually fully hydrated (i.e., sopping wet!!) and any "close encounter" with his body will assure that your finely-creased dress pants will also be wet.
After being assured of my welcome status by residents of Fort Bale, Snow Bear becomes even over-protective in his affection for the visitor, insisting in shoulder-herding him around obstacles and along dangerous pathways.
And what could be a surer sign of my welcome status than a finely-turned, genuine replica of the Grand Mother's Lemon Meringue Pie!? Although the pie was situated at Grumpy's place at the table, with his coffee cup for company, this appearance was soon shattered by the appearance of the "owner" of the Lemon Meringue Pie recipe, A., who promptly took possession also of the LMP. Despite tears and pleas from his Great Grandpa, A. would still not part with the recipe.
My friend, Margaret, is seen here enjoying the entertainment provided by J. and A. They were apparently doing some undercover work, spying on the chickens with A's 70-power refracting telescope.
Besides the flowers, we were privileged to join Grumpy's Swede-heart, H. and two Great Grandsons, J. and A. for a "gourmet" lunch [for which the "Sneaky Swede" paid -- gr-rr-rrr!!!], and then witnessed a hard-fought battle of Little League baseball, played out between Great Grandson J's team, the Mets, and another team called the Mariners. Yes, the Mariners even won this one!
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