When the adventure leads home

We hiked every day, even on the couple of intermittent-rain days. The reward for putting up with the wetness was a dusting of snow on the mountains the next day. Dan dragged me out of bed before sunrise—twice—so we could catch the alpenglow. If you’ve never seen pink frosting on a mountaintop, you need to get out more.

Conversations with a 14-year-old boy

Our grandson, William, spent a few days with us recently. When all the grands are together, much rowdy fun is had by all. But one grandchild at a time provides the unique opportunity for deeper conversations and greater bonding.

Hiking Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park

Fishing and picnicking on Lake Billy Chinook

When you’ve been married for years and years

The water is as smooth as a mirror and the mountains are still wearing a bit of winter white. As I write this, I’m fishing with Dan on Lava Lake high in the Cascades. Well … more accurately, Dan’s fishing and I’ve got my laptop out.

Lava Lake with South Sister as backdrop

When your friends show up

The world is much smaller than I thought. I recently met new members of my family I hadn’t previously known—brothers and sisters in Latvia, this tiny country that was once part of the Soviet Union and has only been independent since 1991.

A children’s camp and a working sheep ranch spread out over 740 acres of rolling hills with patches of forest. It’s called Eagle’s Wings.

Eagle’s Wings Camp — Latvia

When you have all your ducks in a row

The antagonism has risen to a new level. After we housed and fed and entertained my daughter, son-in-law, three of the grands, and a grand-dog for five days—five days—we started finding tiny plastic ducks. Everywhere.

How are you doing at living fully?

Our time with family in Hawaii this year unfolded at a slower pace—partly because there were only two couples instead of four. Which allowed for time to read on the beach. And time to leisurely journal on the balcony to the crash of waves.

All photos: Marlys (or someone nearby)

Things to love about something you don’t like

Dan and I stepped off a flight that originated in Maui onto a tarmac covered with snow. (More about Hawaii in a later post.) A few days ago, we were wearing flip-flops. Today, Dan is shoveling this fluffy white stuff.

If given the choice

If Dan had asked me beforehand, “Do you want to hike 5.8 miles in the rain … or would you rather stay here and read while I make a Chai latte for you?” guess what I would have chosen.

Which is why I’m glad I didn’t know in advance how wet and steep and muddy the trail would be in places. Turns out, I loved this challenging and not-so-comfortable experience.

Jeep Wranglers, dump dates, and stuff

Dan and I enjoy a ‘dump date’ from time to time. We load up the small trailer hitched to the back of the Jeep, make Chai lattes, and sail away to the dump. It’s partly the idea of having the full attention of the one I love—seat-belted in, hollering over the noise of the ‘97 Wrangler with its top down, sipping Chai from thermoses.

What if you could be vulnerable?

Dan and I planted a little weeping blue spruce in our front yard two years ago. Some might say she looks a bit Dr. Seuss-ish, but I think she’s beautiful.

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