Robin, so glad to read your happy post! Washington state has plenty of annual rainfall, at least on the western side of the state, and the ocean moderates temperatures as well. Great area for growing things! I like soaker hoses because I can put them in newly planted areas and then move them in a couple of years when plants are established... "xeriscaping" plants generally still need extra water in their first year or two.
I'm up in Pittsburgh again this week, putting some time into sorting through Mom's clothes and things. Having a good visit with Dad of course, cooking good dinners and putting some microwave-ready food in the freezer for him.
