We just spent a week in paradise—a small island in the tropics where my son and daughter-in-law live, also known as Puerto Rico.
So much tropical greenery, sandy beaches that rim the island, beautiful old structures, and delicious food. And of course the best of it was spending time with son and DIL.
In her book, Celebrate Every Day, Shauna Niequist wrote:
I will confess that sometimes I want what Mary had: I want an angel, and I want an assignment. I want can’t-miss-it clarity, a special purpose, the certainty that I’m on the right path, doing the right thing, and that it matters.
Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash
Dan and I love dogs, but we’re gone from home too frequently to keep a pet of our own. Which means we need our ‘dog fix’ from time to time.
Mellie, a purebred mid-sized Labradoodle
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.
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.
Fishing and picnicking on Lake Billy Chinook
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
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
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.
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)
Copyright © 2025 Marlys Johnson
