camp and other assorted summer-type things

I realize I haven't updated this piece of fine literature in quite awhile. So here goes:
Salmon Science Camp started this week - 10 6 to 8 year old kids (only 2 girls) and so far so good. The weather was mighty hot today, but we were able to stay inside a (very) air conditioned building for good chunks of time.
Went "rafting" on the Pilchuck River in Snohomish last weekend. Rafting implies rapids and action. I say "rafting" because, while we sat in an inflatable raft, much of the 6 hour trip was spent floating, paddling, repairing holes and tears in said rafts, "racing" toward the finish, and eating malt balls. (I will never live down giving Melinda 6 pounds of malt balls just because I found a 6 pound bag of them). I floated with my IslandWood friend Morgan, visiting from Brooklyn, but there were a total of 14 of us (in 7 rafts - on 7/7/07!).
Saw the John Butler Trio at the Moore Theatre a couple weeks ago. They were amazing! Very great performers and musicians.
Summer going well, but am a wuss about the heat. Can't wait for it to be in the 70's again!

What's Rilke doing on a food blog?

Words of the day -
Silent friend of many distances, feel how your breath is enlarging space. Among the rafters of dark belfries let yourself ring. What preys on you will

strengthen from such nourishment. Come and go with metamorphosis. What's your most painful experience? If what you drink's bitter, turn to wine.

In this huge night, become the magic at the crossways of your senses. Be what their strange encounter means.

And if the earthly forgets you, say to the quiet earth: I flow. Speak to the rushing water -- say: I am.

--R.M. Rilke

I'm a sucker for nature-touched poetry or quotes and this one is fantastic. (Makes me want to read Jonathan's copy of Rilke poetry). I found it by accident on a food blog while following a link about salmon and Anthony Bordain... it's amazing how little coincidences and digressions lead to fun and enlightening things.