Variety Is the Spice of Life

Tom and I spent Friday evening at Qwest Field, working with other members of the North End Faithful Sounders supporter group working on tifo.  For the uninitiated, tifo is an Italian word meaning fan supporter flags and banners, etc. used especially at soccer matches to demonstrate support for the home team.

We were re-working that 100 ft by 28 ft banner we helped make last year.  We were spread out on the stadium concourse floor gridding, drawing and painting.  From 6:15 to 10:30 I spent most of the time crawling around on that concrete floor.  By then I could hardly walk.

This morning we returned to help with  a "test" display, required by stadium officials.  It was windy, so we didn't exactly pass, but the official gave a few suggestions and wished us luck.  We arrived at 8:45 and left at 10:30, leaving the job unfinished, but knowing the rest had to be done by the younger folk.  My back told me so.

We stopped by the house briefly and were then on our way south to the Rhododendron Species Foundation plant sale and garden.  When we arrived it was raining so we headed to the new conservatory. From there we had a blurred view of the gardens beyond,

and close ups of some exotic, non-hardy species of rhodies.

 When the rain let up we ventured out into the garden, umbrellas at the ready.

There weren't many rhodies in bloom yet, but for me the main attraction is the woodland setting and the amazing ground covers that spring to life in shades of glowing green.

Blue poppies bowed their heads to the rain.

 Exotic Jack-in-the-pulpit.

 Next door is the world class Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection display garden.

 These are just a few of the masterpieces on display.

 After a lovely stroll, we headed back to the car.

Back at home, we had a late lunch.  Then I baked brownies for tomorrow, after which I was ready to sit for a while.

I watched the running of the Kentucky Derby, which I always do if I can, and then the pre-game show followed by the  Sounders Soccer match at Columbus.  The result was a disappointing tie 1-1.

Too tired to fix my own dinner, we went out to the local IHOP for a breakfast dinner, comfort food.

Now we have vacuumed and dusted and tidied up the house, so I think we can call it quits for the day.

We're tired.