Yikes!! Enough already!
Growing up in the NW our family did not have AC in our home or in our cars. Most people didn’t (as far as I knew). While there were always those few days in the Summer when we could have used it, we survived. I do remember a few nights during my childhood of just laying on the bed, no covers, window open and just sweltering.
When I was 5ish my bedroom was upstairs. I had one window that opened but I knew there were bats out there… And as hot as I was I was terrified a bat would fly into my room! So I would try to just crack my window, guessing just how much space a bat would need to fly in and lay there trying to think cool thoughts.
Then I moved to the South. We lived in Florida for 10 months with a car that did not have AC! After living in the South for 9 years I grew very accustomed to having AC on 24/7 and could not imagine living without it! Thankfully the PNW is very different from the South, however I’ve been having flashbacks lately!
Thankfully we have AC both at home and in our cars. We did notice through this heatwave that our AC didn’t seem to be quite up to snuff for these extreme temps. While our house did stay cool it wasn’t able to stay as cool as we set it for. I was holding my breath fearing that our AC would choose last weekend to break down. Thank goodness it didn’t and that horrible heat wave is over!
Senior Session – Hannah Class of 2022
Who: My first Class of 2022 Senior! Where: McMenamins Edgefield
Just before our record breaking heat wave we had a perfect evening for Hannah’s Senior Session. Hannah and her mom had come to the studio to talk about her Senior Session. We discussed her style and location possibilities. While talking I showed them some examples of locations to help them find just the right spot to fit Hannah’s personality. They both lit up when they saw McMenamins Edgefield.
I absolutely love shooting at this location! The property is very accommodating to photographers …which I really appreciate! The variety for backdrops are endless and its just a fun place to wander and take pictures!
Hannah absolutely wowed me by making her own dress AND without a pattern! I cannot even fathom how this was done but I do know the results were stunning! Hannah asked that we bring along the bike for the shoot and it all came together beautifully!
Here’s a link to their website – https://www.mcmenamins.com/edgefield?utm_source=Google%20Maps&utm_medium=Website%20Button&utm_campaign=Edgefield
If you’ve never been I recommend you go! It is in the most beautiful setting. Its just fun to just walk around and hang out! There are several restaurant options as well as a 3 par golf course. This is a great option for a date night or family outing!
Wedding – True love during a record breaking heat wave!
If your from the NW you know there is a risk in planning an outdoor wedding. Venues that offer a rainy day option (indoor or outdoor location) are very popular! Realistically no one who plans an outdoor wedding in June is worried that it will be during a record breaking heat wave!
This was the hottest shoot I have ever done! I began shooting at 3pm and the temp was 103 (it would top out at 108) I’m glad no one was taking pictures of me! The gorgeous bride and groom both managed to look fresh the entire time! The ceremony was tucked back in the trees and the time of the wedding was pushed back to begin in the evening which resulted in more shade cover.
Obviously the heat wave added some stress to the day, but the overall atmosphere of the wedding was relaxed. It truly was a beautiful wedding! Konrad and Joella have a beautiful love story and it was wonderful to share in their day (even if it was crazy hot!)
Happy Anniversary – Wow that went fast!
It was just a year ago we celebrated our oldest son’s wedding. We officially welcomed Jocelyn into our family on Father’s Day 2020. If you’d like to look back on the wedding post here is a link that will show you the wedding pictures as well as the wedding video https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/wedding-pictures-and-video-shelly-fry-photography-battle-ground-wa
They have just moved from Boise to Redlands, CA. Jocelyn begins medical school next month!
Dog Mountain – Killer hike, beautiful views, sore for days!
Dog Mountain – off of Hwy 14 in the Columbia River Gorge
6.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain 2,988 ft
I think this is the 4th time I’ve done this trail. It kicks my butt every single time! It is steep! But it’s a fun challenge to take on. Well it’s fun until you are coming down. Honestly that is the toughest part of this hike. Yes, of course I’m huffing and puffing and sweating and needing to take frequent breaks on the way up. But coming down is just a test of endurance! I developed a nice blister on the way down that didn’t make it any easier! But I don’t regret it!
We did this hike the weekend before our extreme heat. There is no way I would have done it last weekend!
Jeff and I were sore for days afterwards! Every step or squat had us moaning and grimacing! We are just happy we can still do it!
SFP News
Happy July! The first of each month a new edition of SFP News hits inboxes. I have moved my book reviews over there and if you would enjoy a monthly recap of what is going on here why not sign up? Here is a link http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join
Thanks for stopping by friends!
Shelly
