Ya' mon

Since Christmas has been put away for another year, I finished some January/Post-Christmas baking, and it is 10pm, the house is clean, the pets are sleeping and Mark is out....Let's talk about Jamaica! Our wonderful pre-Christmas vacation with the family.





One of Mark's cousin's was getting married and invited all the Edey crew....and guess what...WE ALL CAME! :) It was lovely. Warm weather, warm rain, rainbows and so much more.

I thought I might have trouble posting about it as quite possibly it would be later in the month....turns out I was right. Luckily I wrote a few notes everyday of the things that I enjoyed. So here it is in a nut shell (in no particular order)

Drinks

Who doesn't love a slushy fun, alcoholic beverage???!! Especially when you are at an all inclusive. AND when they have even more fun names???!! Some of the choices I had were: Bahama mamas, kiss and tells, piña colada and rum punch (Mark enjoyed those for one night only). Bob marleys (the lovely green, red, and yellow drink) and the lovely banana drink called the ambassadors reef...yummy!

Water

We stayed at the Rose Hall Hilton Spa and Resort and were lucky to enjoy not only a lap pool but a lazy river with waterslides. Now my husband may have at times got into little water fight wars with some 7 year olds (and I quote from one little girl, "The smart people spray others with the jets.")...but I digress.





The lazy river was loads of fun, managing to get every single family member in there.
Lots of fun moments had there, Mark may have tried to splash his mother....sigh....poor mom. My favourite moment was when Mark's granddad and his auntie Sandra went in. Sandra wearing her glasses, and granddad wearing his hearing aids realized a waterfall was ahead...one covered her eyes, the other his ears...so I covered my mouth to join the trend (hear no, see no, say no....)




The ocean was slightly smaller than most but I enjoyed listening to the waves, feeling the breeze and smelling the salty air. My favourite spot was reading under an umbrella and falling asleep to the waves crashing against the rocks. Lots of beautiful look outs to see the sun rise and set, to walk around at night and day. Plus the swimming was fun too as I LOVE LOVE LOVE warm ocean water!

The hot tubs were fantastic when it rained a little harder than it should on a tropical vacation. It made everything all right as we soaked in the hot water with a drink in hand and the jets pounding into our backs.

Food

Let's just list the food shall we cause it was all delicious. All had at the hotel as well. YUMMY!
We had:
jerk chicken, jerk pork, paella, shrimp soup, mahi mahi with fruit salsa, festival (deep fried delicious dough), pumpkin rice
fresh fruit including mangos, passion fruit, star fruit, papaya, coconuts, and Mark's favourite, sugar cane (probably not a fruit)
Desserts of coconut macaroons, coconut cake, mango cheesecake, banana cream puffs, mango mousse, chocolate cake
Set up for everyone during certain nights was pasta stations, stir fry stations, smoothie stations, appetizer type food and an ice cream station. Can it get better?

Tours

On our second night we took the Rose Hall Manor ghost tour. Throughout the tour there were wandering ghosts haunting the place. They managed to scare me as a few jumped out and I may have grabbed strangers in fright. Others, (Mark's granddad) chatted with the said ghosts telling them that they have "scrubbed all the blood out". The whole house was quite huge with fabric wallpaper and beautiful furniture.

Another tour was one I did with Mark and his cousin Abbey. The adventure tour of zip-lining and tube rides. Done through Chukka tours and I must say some of the best tour guides I have had. Safe but fun and entertaining as I found myself laughing quite a bit.
Our tubing guide was called "Shrek" who everyone seemed to hassle, but who seemed able to give it back quite easily. Apparently it rained at the hotel that day but we had some lovely sun where we were so we jumped in the water, swung on the rope swing and enjoyed the morning.
Zip-lining may have given Mark and I a little bit of a hyperventilating attack. But we had to play it cool for Abbey (haha). Once we got a hang of it, it was super fun. The guides again were fantastic. And Mark had fun hassling them as they sure hassled him!

Entertainment

Reggae music, bar dancing (on the stage, just because we could), BINGO playing, card games, reading books, working out at the gym, some golfing, others enjoying the spa, water aerobics, sailing adventures, steel drums and so much more.

And most importantly...what this whole thing was about: Spending time with Family 

Watching two wonderful people get married, and just prior seeing a rainbow in the horizon (that has to be good luck, doesn't it?!)



Dancing with a little one, playing games with the little one, exploring with the little one, swimming with the little one and lazy river cruising with the little one.
Celebrating an 89 birthday at a fancy restaurant with plenty of family around to sing happy birthday.

Long talks with family whether it was in a hotel room with siblings and parents, at the bar with cousins amongst drinks, chatting over lunch, supper or by the pool. It involved reminiscing about times past sometimes prior to the oldest cousin being born, or when the last cousin was born. Some had hilarity, others seriousness. Regardless what they were, those were my favourite moments because I got a glimpse into all these family members past and how they became the people they are today.





It was a wonderful vacation. I am so glad/fortunate/happy I could be part of it. More weddings should have been in the tropics....:)

love
p.s. pics don't really give a glimpse to all the family members. but I really don't know who would object to their pics online to the world so I did a select few of people, that I think would be okay with it! :)

Snowshoeing on a snow day

When winter seems to be upon us for eternity. 

And the Christmas blues might set in. 

The best thing a person can do is go for a long walk with her partner and dog

The better thing to do is go snowshoeing. 

While snow is softly falling. 

Making slight swishing sounds as it hits the ground. 

And exploring new areas unexplored by all of us. 

It makes for a perfect winter day. 

Love

Last day of 2014

I love the holidays. And as we ended Mark's party last night (with wonderful friends and family, might I add) at one of his kind of restaurants (it's called MEAT of all things) our holiday season is coming soon to a close.

When this happens I start to feel a little blue. I find myself looking extra hard at the Christmas lights and willing them to imprint in my memory. Enjoying the snowmen and snow forts (with their extra festive appeal) a little more than I would on a cold blustery day in January. Smelling our Christmas tree and savoring the pine smell a little harder. It's silly really but it's what I do. 

I then look to the new year. What should my goals be. What should I strive to do, be, see, learn? 

This year I decided on nothing. I am just going to let be and live how I want and strive to do things that make me happy in a day. Maybe this is a goal/resolution in itself (ha ha). Or maybe I have learned quite a bit from what you have offered me, 2014! 

I know what it takes to be happy. I know it takes work. I know that just because you can doesn't mean you do. For a large chunk of the 2014 I did something that made me miserable. And letting go of that and realizing that happy things can come my way when I look for them, was not only a great relief but so self gratifying. 

I know that my family both on my side and husbands is there for me. I know I have wonderful friends and coworkers to talk to. I know I have a loving partner to depend on and who (like me) works really hard on our relationship to make it special and unique for both of us. I know when I come home I am coming home to our fur animals that only know how to greet with love, even if they were full of mischief during the day. I know my limitations but I know that I can continue to work on them and make them strengths. 

For what I know, I am grateful. 2014 was kind of an eye opener for me. I learned a lot. Found new happiness, appreciated old happiness. 

2015 you are welcomed with opened arms. I have zero expectations, resolutions or any other goal to make. I will just see what will be brought!

Happy new year!

Love

What my christmas meant to me

Christmas was a bit different for me this year. One is I didn't have to work (yay) so I could participate wholeheartedly into every bit of any activity that was available to be in. Also we went on a little vacation (mid-christmas) so I had to decide what I really wanted to do for my Christmas experience to make it special for both myself and others around me. Guess what? It was kind of fantastic. 

I had to forgo the baking this time around (slightly sad, but as Mark's Auntie Donna said, baking doesn't just need to be Christmas baking (so true, so january it is!) I also had to choose my Christmas movies with extra care as only a few selected would get chosen. Some of my traditions I let go of and just let the holidays take over. I can't say it enough it was lovely just for that. 

I shouldn't make it all snowflakes and poinsettias (har har). I did plenty of christmas shopping prior to leaving on our trip and may have done a bit of last minute to dos right before the 25. Something that at christmas time, I do not enjoy. Shocking but true, crowds and long lines make me antsy. But for the positive....

Here is what we did:

- walks around our neighborhood to see the glimpses of some of our favourite decorated houses. Bentley and I found one on Christmas Eve, it was incredible. I took Mark to it later on Christmas Day. Kind of like the candy cane keyhole, of our neighborhood. Love. 

- watched a few of my favourite movies. Home alone (yay I know, but it was what I grew up on), love actually (it just makes me feel warm watching that one) and a must, White Christmas (and yet again I cried when the general went down the stairs in his uniform, gets me again). 

- wrote Christmas cards. Ahhhh, the dying form of letter delivery. I enjoy getting mail every year from family and friends, sending me updates on their lives, delivering well wishes. So in return we do it. Although I cheat a little with a Christmas letter/picture that tells a small story. It is something that at this time I love to do....we will see how I feel in the upcoming years. 

- decorating our tree. With my insistence, we got a tree at the end of November. Plopped it in the tree stand and I watered it religiously for three days. And it was taking water like you wouldn't believe. Three to four times a day. Then on the third day I went to decorate the tree. And the needles started to fall. Kind of rain. I looked down and the tree skirt was drenched. Yes. Our stand sprung a leak and our tree died. We switched it up and found that although the branches rained when touched, the trunk continued to take up water, so decorating it began. And with the lights on, a few sprigs stuck in to sparkle, it was beautiful. That along with the lights that Mark strung outside (with such mastery) made it really feel like christmas. I would turn them on, make a hot chocolate and enjoy. Still makes me feel happy. 

- Christmas Eve. A little hectic with no reason to dwell and get into. But we went to church. And when we went I was happy. Great sermon, great story and they ended with my favourite carol, silent night. It always makes me tear up a little when I hear it. And we had candles which makes the carol more powerful. 

- Christmas morning. We woke up, and immediately took the dog for an am walk. Cool air, cold but not too cold. We facetimed my parents on the walk and wished well wishes, talked of parties, and presents, gave thanks and laughed. Jimi had successfully surprised my mom and we gave small giggles of all that was occurring without her knowing. Then Mark and I spent some time alone and unwrapped our stockings, taking pics and laughing. Bentley was given his big gift, a Dino bone, as we were not going to be around to entertain him. We then headed to Wendy and David's. Met with Lawrence, we unwrapped our presents, (the boys played with their toys) and we ate croissants. Joined in the afternoon by granddad, Donna, Abbey, and Margaret we ate a wonderful meal, played games, ate again, while outside snow fell softly (seriously, I can't make this stuff up!). 

It was a fantastic ending to our Christmas, (even though it was continued with more fun the next day with the Edey cousins and a rousing, gift exchange of trades and unwrapping...who knew baking sheets and drinking cups were hot commodities - ;) )

Great holiday, great fun, great people, makes for an enormous heart. 

Happy new year

Love

Late at night

I like to turn on the lights of the Christmas tree and sit and look and smell all things Christmas. 

Love

List of updates

I've been a bad blogger of late and I think it may continue sadly. I know it's the same ol, same ol...busy. But quite a few happy things came from this busyness. 

1. I got a new job. Still keeping my casual job as I continue to love that immensely but I got a temp position in another form of nursing that I think I could also fall in love with as it brings me back to my 'elves' days. Plus the people seem pretty amazing and friendly to work with. Not to mention super helpful! 

2. Christmas and winter decorations are up. And the house looks festive. Christmas presents are almost complete. Cards will be out (but slightly late as we are going away...more on that). And baking is to come. 

Sadly our Christmas tree took a bit of a turn with slight dehydration as we didn't realize our tree stand had a leak till three days of tree. It's a tad dry. But it is still pretty with the lights on and I got burlap ribbon so it goes with the old rustic feel of the poor tree. 

Other news is the amaryllis and paper whites have been planted. No movement yet on the amaryllis but the paper whites are just starting to bloom. And that just makes me happy. 

3. I starting running again. We have had a few nice winter days so I popped my spikes on, and put on my winter attire and Bentley and I went for a run in the river valley/dog park. I think he enjoys it as much as I. And he makes for a wicked fast pace bunny. Goal for 2015: keep up with my dog. 

4. My birthday has come and gone. I was very resistant this year to do the birthday week but for some reason my wonderful partner wanted me to have it more. And he definitely made it truly special cause he is just pretty swell overall. 

Went out for dinner with some of my fav. people in the whole world. And a very cool restaurant too. Three boars. Loved it. Great food and service. 

On the big day I worked but Mark came by and delivered cupcakes to my work. And then my dear friend Robyn also brought me the same. I guess everyone knows my love. And plenty of well wishes from all the lovelies in my life. 

I thought it would be over but Mark insisted on keeping it alive. He cleaned the kitchen (dishes and all), stocked the fridge on Friday night. And to top it off  made me, my brother, Wendy and David a most excellent brunch of my favourite french toast that I think he has officially mastered. Love. 

My heart is full. 

5. Finally. We are going to Jamaica. Eek. In a few short days. A big family gathering with a purpose. Looking forward to visiting, relaxation, sun and pool. Hence why a few Christmas things may be late...but they shall arrive a little after Christmas I'm sure!

I guess winter can have happy surprises too!

Love

Nights

I did it. My first ever night shift...ever! I don't know how I have escaped from it this far in my career. Days, evenings, no problem. But nights...sigh. 

Seriously though I didn't know if I was of the personality to handle them. I didn't think I would be able to stay awake. The night before I trialed at home and was asleep at 130. Not a good sign as that would be 2.5 hours in my shift. Ugh. Forced sleeping throughout the day and now to the actual work. 

Guess what. I could do it. There is actually enough stuff to do at night to keep you active. It was a little weird to have my stomach grumbling at 3 am but I packed enough snacks. All kidding with the face I didn't mind it all that much. Worked with some good nurses and had a pretty fantastic trainer. 

Maybe nights will be in my future?!

Love

It's winter

There is snow outside

It gets dark pretty fast now

My mittens are out

My boots are warm and cozy

I get excited this time of year

But this year I am putting my christmas excitement on hold

Instead I am trying and willing myself to enjoy winter

So far it's working 

I think at least half the reason I am enjoying it is Bentley 

He forces us to take an hour walk everyday

Even in the bitter cold

But I get to see and hear stillness 

I am surrounded by nature

I see the sun rise and set

I enjoy it

Grateful that we got our little, "big" puppy!

Love

Autumn has ended and the snow has come

And now winter is upon us. 

At least there is no wasps. 

Love

Part 12: yes truly...what autumn means to me

It's full of surprises!

The snow came for a day and promptly decided it wasn't time and disappeared. 

The sun is shining

The grass is green

The sky is blue

The temperature warm

And the confusion

The Christmas decorations are up in town. 

Christmas movies are playing

Stores are selling green and red goodness

And it's November 7!

This just doesn't happen!

Let's just relish in the warmness and greatness of this day (rumor has it this may be our last). 

Love

Friends

Sometimes to make a weekend go from ordinary to extraordinary you need to spend it with great friends. 

Xoxo

Love

Happy Halloween

Fun night of trick or treaters. 

Decorating the house in spider webs. 

Carving three pumpkins. 

Preparing the bat for his halloween debut. 

Getting scared by a gorilla.

And finding a unicorn!

Fun night!

Love

Part 11: autumn means to me

It snowed. 

Making it feel that autumn is over for me. 

Even if it's not officially over, my body can feel it. 

The cold chill of wind across the face. 

The frosted car after an evening shift. 

The mittens warming my hands. 

The thermostat turned up. 

For me it happened on Sunday. 

A nice visit with Mark's grandpa and aunt. 

Warm soup, turkey and buns. 

A quick visit to another neighboring town to see a baby. 

Saw another nursling that I graduated with. 

Back in lougheed headed to get Chinese food. 

Drive back into town in snow. 

White out conditions. 

Yes this is also what autumn means to me.  

Snow. 

Thus ending my fall posts. 

It was a fantastic fall. 

Love

Zombie Invasion

So my husband texted me the other day and told me about a zombie 5km this Saturday. Weird. My husband although in probably the most incredible shape I have ever seen him in, really dislikes running. I should know. 7 years trying to get him to run, I have been successful only twice. What's a girl to think?

Well a girl must go home to get the explanation. Eager to give the rundown, he explained, "it's a zombie invasion, Tracey. You get flags and zombies run after you and take them, symbolic of your life. You can either finish the race as 'dead' or alive."

So, my first initial reaction was probably shock. This, in all honesty is one of my worst fears. I mean running and having people jump out at me screaming. Seriously? It sounded like a recreation of the haunted corn maze where I spent a half an hour shrieking my head off. Plus people that look like zombies kind of freak me out. 

But then my partner looked so excited and his excitement rubbed off on me. I told him I was in. I mean how many silly things have I asked him to do over the years and he never fails to show up and have fun. 

He alerted the facebook network and we got two other people to join in on our zombie adventure.  My lovely friend Melissa and her husband John. Both with incredible outlooks. John: "beautiful day to be outside and have fun."  

Now for the honest truth. I am not and have not been in the greatest shape up to this date. The last run I have done was the colour me rad (I think in June?). Yikes. I have been enjoying my leisure work outs of dog walks, occasional hikes, and cruising on my bike. This is slightly a humbling thing for me to admit as there were times I could beat my partner but with his shape where he is and mine where it is he leaves me in the dust. Hopefully in the coming months I can keep up to his pace. 

The race began. All good except in the beginning my belt was too loose and I lost all my flags. Grr. Luckily we had extras so I ran with one for awhile. Managed to escape the zombies. Melissa and I took a bit of a leisurely run/walk...then the intensity occurred. 

Half way mark, the zombies increased. Melissa spotted cookies and a ribbon on the ground. Saying just that. Then my worst fear occurred as a 'zombie' jumped out from hiding behind a car screaming. There may have been louder ones coming from my mouth, as I ran away in terror. 

Continued on and found a few RN zombies. Tried to talk some sense into them (I mean come on, they were me once)! No takers. But dodged them too. Then it happened I died. Someone took my flag about 3/4 in. It was a sad death. I tried to protect Melissa with her two ribbons but some 'zombie children' caught her 100m to the finish. 

Even though we died it was fun. Our husbands were waiting by the finish line for us and also fell victim to the children. Dang it. We all laughed and reenacted our versions of the race. Add soup and muffins supplied by the race and some dogs to cuddle, it was a great day. 

Love

Happy thanksgiving

Happy thanksgiving everyone. 

It's been a windy fall day here. But we managed to sneak in a dog walk in the river valley, rake the leaves, and have a fantastic roast dinner with pumpkin pie. Yum. Really couldn't ask for more. 

Sometimes I think we (people) dwell on the things we don't have rather than focus on all that we do have. So many things to really be thankful for. Opportunities, people, circumstances, etc. It's nice it have a little reminder in a holiday form to give us all a gentle nudge.

Happy thanksgiving.

Love 

Part 10: autumn means to me

Harvesting squash

Preparing and cooking squash

Freezing squash

Gee I sure hope we like squash ;)

Love

ooo animal commericals...i love thee

I had been meaning to post these awhile ago...mostly just cause I love the commercials and they kind of bring an emotional tear to my eye. I guess the advertising worked...sorry Mark. lol

And I guess I am an animal sap.







love

Part 9: autumn means to me

Hot apple cider

On a cool day

With blustering winds

Right before work

Love

Part 8: autumn means to me

Frost in the mornings.

Love

Part 7: autumn means to me

Fall clothes come out

Skirts

Long boots

Warm sweaters

Fuzzy mittens

Tights

Hats

Feelings of being cozy

Love

Part 6: autumn means to me

Raking leaves

Cool breezes

Damp air

Cleaning out flower pots

Cleaning out birds nests

All with my partner

Love

Part 5: autumn means to me

Pickling

Beets

Carrots

Cucumbers

From the garden 

Love

Part 4: autumn means to me

It's not always good. 

Autumn also means fruit flies. 

Thus the apple cider vinegar traps are out. 

But....

Autumn also means the fall decorations come out. 

Quilts, pumpkins, candles. 

Oranges, reds, yellows. 

Love

Part 3: autumn means to me

Visiting old co-workers on a road trip to small town Alberta

Seeing a new little one that is only two weeks old

Getting a tour of the town

Having the best pumpkin pie I have ever tried

Looking at the beautiful fall fields, filled with cows, spotting hawks and deer

Meeting baby kitties, even if one was a little crabby spitting at us

Seeing combining up close and personal

Laughing hysterically at road trip shenanigans 

Good fall day overall with friends

Love

Part 2: autumn means to me

Biking in the river valley.

All the pretty leaves crunching against the tires

Enjoying a beautiful day.

Love

This is what autumn means to me

Warm days with leaves bright yellow and orange.

Markets filled with juicy fruits, sunflowers, and final veggies. 

Pumpkins. 

Crisp night air, winds during the day, sun shining. 

And pies. Lots 8 at this moment to be exact. 

Even if they did get a little toasted. 

Love

Beauty

Sometimes it just takes a moment to be present in a situation and marvel at the beauty around us. 

Love

What I learned about my family

My Great Aunt Elizabeth, who was an RN in the armed forces, delivered a baby all by herself. The doctor's wife, in fact as the doctor wasn't there.

She is also quite hilarious and had me laughing. Not only that but she is fiercely loyal now but even when she was young, it was her and my Grampie against the world. I love that about her and them. But I didn't learn that...I already knew.

My mother, who travelled all around the USA and Canada went on her first trip to Ottawa (along with myself) during this trip. Took a tour of the parliament and visited the pioneer ladies.

My dad with his brother had pet pigeons growing up. Homing pigeons. But when they set them free to get them to "home" back. They left....to their original home. Prior to them being set free, dad also had the pleasure to sell two of them at a local fair for 5$. Apparently that was a big deal. 

Lake Superior is very huge. The birth place of Winnie the Pooh is in Ontario. And in Wawa, ON I found a giant goose (AB isn't the only one with the world's biggest).

My mom's cousins Joanne and Greg seemed destined to bump into famous people all the time. In PEI they met the lead singer of RUSH.

Not only that buy Greg seems to look like famous people (Martin Scorsese and Mike Love...beach boy fame).

My Nan's family owned a mountain prior to the deep depression. 

Card games continue to be loads of fun. Especially with competitive people (cough cough, Great Aunt Elizabeth). Even when you lose. 65 was the game. 

I have some family members with some eerie psychic connections. My Grampie, my aunt, and great aunt.

My Great Aunt Helen smiles with her eyes and has the same smile as my Grampie did. That makes me happy and feel warm inside as I feel him here with us. She also has the same soft voice. I don't have any other family members with that soft voice and it was another gentle reminder of my buddy.

I continue to have a love for kayaking...even if it can involve "bumper kayaks" and I get accused of being a river hog (wink, wink...dad).

My cousin Heidi is a truly hilarious and honest new mom. She and her little one had me laughing quite a bit. It was nice to see her, and I am sorry I couldn't get out to see the others!

Till next time,

Love

Man and dog

So men go out and hike

They bring a dog

I love this dog

But after this hike 

My love is a little bit less

Because this happened 

And after two baths

He still smells

Life with a dog

Kind of glad I only had to see him in the end

Love

The gardener

So I have learned to accept (and love) the fact that I married the gardener and that he loves gardening. Remember this. Well the completed back meant that the side was free to do. And guess what? This is what the gardener loves so much! He loves loves loves growing food. And I have been the lucky partner to reap the rewards!

Mid May, while I was visiting my parents, a big chunk of dirt was delivered to our driveway (sadly, some still remains, ha ha ha). That was the beginning of the project. 

The gardener was busy away planting little seedlings of lettuce...three kinds, swiss char, corn, radishes, onions, shallots, green beans, peas, beets and potatoes. And under the heat lamp he fostered little cucumbers, squash, watermelons, pumpkins, and cantelope.

And then one warm spring day, we started to see growth. 

And then we went on holidays. While away the brother came by and watered the garden (and thus taking partial credit for the result). Why? Because we came home to this. 

Craziness. Then the days got hotter. The gardener tended to his veggies. Watering. Weeding. And making multiple trips daily to the back to see the progress.  He could even be spotted at night with his headlamp on checking to see the growth progress. 

And so far this is what we have been lucky to receive. 

Fresh salads, raw veggies, cooked veggies and even some to pickle. Exciting. 

And even the dog has been lucky to snag a few veggies. 

Love

Road trip life

This is what road trip life was like for me this summer. 

Open roads with mountains everywhere

Our big old red truck taking us where we wanted to go

Road trip songs blasting through the speakers

Blue skies, little rain

Laughter, lomg talks, few arguments, more laughs after 

Spontaneous stops because we really had no specific destination

Food trucks like tacofino in Kelowna or real authentic tacos in California

Fruit stands, homemade ice cream, chocolate/gas station stops

Remembering your childhood as you passed by mini golf, go carts

You said that we would stop when we saw some amazing water slides...

Those didn't come till 1000 at night on our way home, ha ha ha. 

Stops at campsites in state parks

Meeting some neighbours close by who made homemade fireworks...

One opts out one opts in

I'll let you guess which one is which 

Ordering pizza at a campsite cause they actually delivered and you just can

Learning about Lewis and Clark

Seeing a bear, YIKES, never get used to that

Visiting a lighthouse 

Playing stettlers at night and getting beaten, ugh!

Exploring the towns

Plenty of homemade fudge, salt water taffy and kites galore

Arcade with old fashioned games like a shooting range (toys) and videos

Visiting markets and buying good eats and toys for little ones

Visiting beaches and spontaneously going for a dip

Run, and or play in the sand

Admiring the driftwood

Driftwood houses too

Admiring the surfers and longing to be that good

If only an ocean was in your backyard

Still enjoyable to see

Seeing the majestic redwoods

Having more that a few moments with the trees

Admiring their beauty, stillness, and age

Having wonderment of all that the trees have been around in their lifetime

 

And doing those silly stops like drive through a tree

And noting how humans can mange to make even a tree a commercial entity

Worrying as we were in a one way line if our truck would actually fit

It did

 

 

Driving away as fast as we came

As we had some wine tasting stops that needed attending

And that it was

Yum yum for me as you played driver that day

Thanks!

 

 

Love

What summer means to me

Activities

Bike riding

 To the market

 To the grocery store

 To the mall

 With my partner

 Just to anywhere

Walks

 To the dog park

 Around the neighborhood

 With friends

 With family

 Enjoying the sun

 Enjoying the night sky

 On a mountain

Markets

 Buying fruit

 Doughnuts

 Plants

 Veggies

 Enjoying the atmosphere

Movies

Gardening

 Weeding

 Watching your partner work so hard

 Growing vegetable of plenty

 Enjoying the flowers you plant

 Admiring the hard work at hand

Family

 Hearing stories from the east, central and coast

 Having a special little boy be born smack dab in the middle, welcome baby e

 Having funny stories of magpie attacks

 Having family members take care of your home and pets

 Having a home cooked meal when one comes home from work

 Enjoying summer months with the one you love

Vacations

Hiking

Road tripping 

Seeing new places

Visiting old

Hanging with friends and family

Playing cards

Enjoying the beaches

Creeks

Rivers

All body of water

Food

Green onion cakes

BBQ 

Salads

Fat Franks

Kettle corn

Slushies

Wine (red and white)

Banana boats

Ice cream

Margaritas 

Salt water taffy

Sea food

Restaurants

Food trucks

Snow cones

And knowing it is still going to be here for awhile longer

Love