Rita......'nuff said.

posted by Patty James @ 4:47pm, Sunday 11 July 2010.

I arrived at the Methow River outside of Twisp, where my friend Rita lives, on Monday, a day ahead of time, and found an RV Park on the Methow River. I didn't want to call her as I didn't feel well and needed a day to feel better. As I was sitting next to the River, here is what honored me with his/her presence (do males and females look the same?) At first I thought it was a fish in it's talons, but as it flew away I saw that it was a big bunch of grass. Fluffing the nest I suppose.



So Tuesday morning I called Rita and she met me at the end of her lane. I love gravel roads where you have to have someone meet you to find their home.

I have known Rita for years, and she has been a perimeter friend, if you know what I mean. My dear friend Nancy and Rita have been close friends for many years, so I have always heard 'Rita stories.' Rita is larger than life, for sure.

This is the first thing you see when you arrive at Rita's. It's so appropriate.....





Let me introduce you to Rita...


Here are some photos of her property.

The Twisp River, a few hundred feet from her home...




By the river.


The path to the river...and the hammock...





Rita's house....



My 'office' on the covered porch.



One of the outdoor sculptures. I love crows, so this one was my favorite.



We made some really nice meals. There is cilantro, lemon peel and garlic in the mortal and pestle. I then added some olive and flax oil and poured on the fresh-picked greens.



She has a wine cellar....naturally....:)


Parked in Rita's driveway. The dogs were in heaven here. No leashes and the occasional deer to chase.



Rita took me on as a little sister and I had many lessons those 4 days. Just some of what I learned ...I should speak my mind more often, trust my heart, have more personal confidence (not just in my work-she hammered that one into me). I should wear darker lipstick, I have no clue about men..much more. She also taught me how to shoot a 22....and there is a shotgun leaning against her front door next to her Ralph Lauren jacket. An all around woman. I have a lot to learn....I'm trying! Next life I'll be Rita.

She dressed me up and took me to town for dinner after our 'photo shoot.'






We went to her book/wine club meeting where, oddly enough, the book choice had been 'A Stroke of Insight.' Timely as my own Mom had had a stroke just days before and I was still an emotional wreck. I think I had been sick because I was/am simply emotionally drained. I knew my Mom was with my sisters and I would be there soon (she was back at home the next day) but still....This was my Mom's 3rd stroke and more serious than the others. Other than Rita, I am way behind chatting with other friends in my life. I'm sure they understand.

I could give you some snippets of other 'Rita' adventures I had while there, but frankly, some of them are just too weird/embarrassing/crazy and combinations thereof...If 'they' ever make a movie of my life, there was an incidence of an email that Rita sent to the wrong person and should never have gone to anyone, that could go down as pretty funny (perhaps..years from now.)

All in all, it was a wonderful 4 days and I owe Rita a lot. I learned so many things from her and now call her sister-friend...

Thank you Rita...