Hogs and Dogs @ Owen's HD in Yakima

Two or three hundred bikes, mostly Harleys, made their way to Yakima and Owen's Harley Davidson for the Washington Harley Owners Group (HOG) Rally.  Saw plates from British Columbia, Oregon and Idaho.  Perfect weather (mid 70s), friendly people, music and food will draw a crowd.

I've always been a sucker for two tones.

This guy had the custom paint done in Los Angeles.  He said he likes women.

The crowd ebbed and flowed as groups headed out for rides.

How I spent my weekend

The hottest weekend of the year was spent helping Ross and Patti rebuild the fence that runs along the alley. Luckily it was in the shade, unfortunately so were the mosquitoes. Thirty years ago I was here to help put it up.  We didn't just put up the new fence boards that you see in the pictures. Every board was removed, cleaned up and reattached.  The main purpose was to remove the 3/4" gap that used to exist between the boards.  This will prevent prying eyes from looking in and there have been things going on in the alley that they would rather not see.

Backyard work party

All we had to do was call it a house warming party and we got some free labor today.  My Mom, sister Pam, brother-in-law Duane, daughter Erica came to help.  Thom's friends Jenny, Justin, Kelsy, Rex and Derrick put in some hard hours, too.  Boone and Wendy showed up, too.  It was so nice to see everyone.
We had too much food, just enough water, pop and beer - it is warm today.

I should have taken a 'before' picture - but here are some 'afters'.  The grass and weeds were over our heads in some places.

Da boys depart

Dave, Rob and Steve left today for Port Angeles, the beginning of the 2010 BC ride.  Every year our little group goes on a ride around a designated area.  We started in Washington, then Oregon, last year Idaho and western Montana, and this year British Columbia.  Pat bowed out early citing his intention to spend his vacation money in Ireland with his daughter Erin, then I dropped out due to my prostate problems.  It was sad to see them leave without me.  To be fair, they offered to delay the ride a couple weeks, but there is no guarantee that I would be ready then either.

You can read Dave's full report on Weenerbago Tales in my blog list to the right.

Retaining wall and fountain

When I got here you couldn't see all of the retaining wall and the fountain was a pile of rocks with some slimy water in the bottom of the pond.  It isn't much, but it's all progress.

Stained deck

Another neglected part of Thom's house - the deck.  I don't think it's been stained since it was built.

Progress in Thom's yard.

Thom bought a nice little house on the Key Peninsula near Gig Harbor.  Over the years it has not had the tender loving care that it deserves, but Thom wants to make up for it.  This past week has been spent pulling some weeds, cleaning/staining the deck, fixing the fountain/pond - but mainly addressing the curb appeal of the front yard so visitors will feel welcome.

In these photos, Thom is working to remove an Alder root, and enjoying the finished burm at the front of the yard next to the ditch.  I threw in a before and after shot, too.
I'm able to help a couple hours each day and light a fire under his butt to focus on one small part of the yard and not get overwhelmed by the big picture.  The lot is a half acre, with most of the back yard undeveloped.  Lots of weeds and brush to worry about back there.  We aren't going to get it all done in one summer visit.