While this week wasn't quite as action-packed as the last, it was equally lovely. With Andy's sister visiting for the long weekend, we took the ferry to spend the day with both his sister and mom on Whidbey Island. Standing on the deck, watching the sun set, Andy and I realized that it was a view we hadn't enjoyed since February - one we'd greatly missed. We spent our Saturday mostly sitting on the deck, drinking wine, and relaxing together. It was a peaceful, low key way to spend the day, something we all needed. This year has just slipped by. I’ve barely enjoyed summer, and already Labor Day is here and soon it will be fall. Hopefully I manage to savor fall a bit more that I have summer!
Read moreLife: Week 30
Among the many things I’ve missed during this pandemic, trails are top of the list. While there hasn't really been any point over all the various closures and stay-home orders that I haven’t had at least some option for hiking, I just haven't felt comfortable with the risk of being around the large numbers of other people likely to be out on my favorite trails. Thankfully, as time as passed and we've learned more about how Covid-19 is and isn't spread, the growing consensus seems to be that the risk of spreading the virus is reduced outdoors. Armed with that knowledge - and not one but two options for face coverings! - I finally felt comfortable joining a small group of my Alpine Trails Book Club friends for an absolutely glorious hike. We met up at Ebey's Landing, a trail I've hiked many times. After so much time away, it felt like I was seeing the trail with new eyes and the combination of sun, ocean breezes, flowers, and the company of some of my favorite people was just what I needed.
Read moreLife: Week 20
I’m starting to feel settled in to things with my new job, and after a fairly uneventful week, Andy and I were happy to head to Whidbey for a low-key cabin weekend. I spent most of the week looking forward to an afternoon drinking rose in the sun on the deck. Of course nothing works out as planned and by the time I finally opened up the bottle of rose I’ve been saving, the warm sunny day had turned overcast. Still, it’s hard to beat the views from the deck on Whidbey and we had an excellent day that included a stop at my favorite book shop, a few beers enjoyed on the patio at Double Bluff Brewing, and a late lunch at Rocket Taco that of rhubarb margaritas and far too many tacos. Sunday we took it easy, taking our time over coffee and breakfast before getting packed up to head home. We weren’t in any hurry to get home, so before lining up for the ferry, we made a stop at Bayview Corner for lunch, beers, and a stop by one of my favorite garden shops. I managed to resist purchasing any new plants - although their gorgeous monstera were very tempting - but I did buy a few new pots for all the cuttings I’ve accumulated. Now that I’m not killing all my plants by overwatering them, it’s amazing how they’re starting to pile up!
Read moreRosario Beach & Lighthouse Point
Deception Pass is one of my favorite places for winter and early spring hiking, and after weeks of snow in early February, the snow-free trail to Lighthouse Point was a truly welcome sight. As our group gathered at the trailhead on a chilly morning under slate grey skies, I found myself immediately regretting not bringing my puffy down jacket. It may not have been snowy, but it was still cold! Thankfully the faint, sporadic sunlight that struggled through the clouds was enough to warm me once we got moving. Between the rugged views and rambling conversation, any lingering chill was quickly forgotten.
Read moreLife: Week 9
Around this time of year, when it feels like spring may never come, Whidbey Island always makes for the perfect escape. I’ve had a serious case of late winter gloom lately, so since Andy and I had our first entirely free weekend of the year, it was an easy decision to head to Whidbey. Happily, while the temperatures were still decidedly wintry, we found sunshine and even a few early spring blooms! It was miraculously warm enough that on Saturday night, I was able to sit outside with my glass of wine to enjoy the sunset - wearing a heavy wool sweater of course! Spring may still feel a long way off, but even a few hours soaking up some sunshine will do wonders to tide me over until we’ve left winter behind.
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