Category Archives: Expect the Unexpected.

Embracing Clutter: Finding Joy in Memories

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As we Boomers approach our sell-by date, I’m seeing numerous books, articles, and videos exhorting us to “de-clutter”. Why? I LIKE my clutter—papers and artifacts from my elementary school and summer camp days through high school, college, first job, relationships, and up to the present day. “Efficiency” is one reason given, but I enjoy moving items A and B to find item C, and along the way discovering a few more items that evoke wonderful memories, both poignant and happy.

Another reason is relieving our family and heirs from the burden of dispersing our stuff. That’s nonsense. In a letter accompanying my will, I’ve authorized my friends, family, and colleagues to pick through my things after I’ve checked out and to take what they want from my homes (how ‘bout that cool green and white lanyard I made In summer camp arts and crafts when I was 10!!). My executor then need only make one single phone call to a “trash-out” company or junk hauler and the job is done. ALL my “clutter” gives me joy at one time or another— discoveries are like Christmas every day.

A pox on the tidiness gurus!!
Gene Murrow

I returned to San Diego at the end of October. I was suppose to have surgery on one of my heels. It was delayed and here I am. Always a change of plans. I am surprised that I pulled off my Hawaii adventure last January. Some things work out and some, well, they change.

When I return to San Diego each fall I set aside time to visit my storage unit in East County. I leave in the morning and often I am there for a greater part of the day. I weed through my stuff, figure out what I may want to sell or re-home and then I visit.

My storage unit has gotten smaller over time. When I first rented one, it contained two sixteen foot kayaks. It also had a 150 cc motor scooter and several pieces of furniture. Over the years, I sold off most of the big items. I finally managed to downsize to a much more affordable unit.

I have been asked many times whether I am going to get rid of my storage unit. I also have received comments about how I like to go out and visit my “stuff”. Here is the truth of the matter. I am not going to sell or dispose of everything in my storage unit. I live in a very small space, EmmyLou. I have very little room for things that I have collected or fallen in love with.

I do like visiting my things and tell them to hang on. The day is coming when I will no longer be traveling. My things can come out and enjoy the light of day again. And I can treasure them in the light of day, once again.

What type of goodies are in the storage unit?

One of my favorite paintings done by Me
  • Paintings, lots of watercolor paintings by me and others. I love my paintings. I take them out and admire them. Pictures get taken and then they are lovingly stored back in their packaging.

  • I studied with Native American Medicine People and Spirit People for twenty years. I was gifted often with treasures I will not give up any time too soon. Not only are they memories but they were gifts. Many hold an energy within them that I treasure.
  • Two Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers. The traditional one was made by Clifford Glen from the hills near Boone, North Carolina. The other one is a six string dulcimer that has such a lovely sound. When I lived in southern Colorado I took a class at Fort Lewis College, Playing the Appalachian Dulcimer. One weekend Neal Hellman of Gourd Music, a teacher from the west coast came to teach a special workshop. I was shy in my playing. Our teacher Anne told him to leave me alone because I got too nervous around the teachers. He just so happened to have this lovely Koa wood six string dulcimer with him. He loaned it to me. I was unaware that his motive was self serving. He could hear me play while he stood on the other side of the room. Long story short, I bought the dulcimer from him. It is now snuggled into its current home. It is waiting for the day when it will come out to play again. Neal and I have retained a friendship ever since then. My one and only college music credit was from Appalachian State University.
  • Small things stored in boxes, that are loving memorials of Jim’s and my life together. Often, when I remove them, it makes me smile. This includes photo albums of our adventures before iPhones, and our wedding pics. I don’t look at them too often. I have to be in the right frame of mind. They are there waiting for me when I am ready.
  • A beautiful old lamp that belonged to my father’s family. It is one of the only pieces I have left of my family heritage. Such a pretty thing.
  • The last largish pieces left from those early days are two trunks. They hold weaving’s, some of them mine, rugs from around the world, blankets and throws.
  • Photographs that were gifted to me. My favorite is a photo of Bluebirds given to me as a gift.
BlueBird of Happiness by Becca Wood

The list goes on but I believe you get the idea. My storage unit is a mix of necessity and treasures, a lot of treasures. It is also a good place to store paperwork that is necessary to keep. I don’t have to carry all of this with me in my small living space. And when I have surgery it will be a good place to store my road and mountain bike. Things move in and out as needed.

I understand the downsizing trend. I have read those books. They have helped me to clear things out. I have kept what I still treasure. I am too emotionally attached to some things at the moment. And it is OK to enjoy my “stuff”.

So for those waiting for the announcement that my storage locker is empty, I apologize. You will have to wait forever to hear that this has happened.

For those who don’t understand the joy I experience visiting my storage locker, I suggest you take a look around. Visiting my stuff brings me joy. What do you treasure in your home, RV or what ever lifestyle you have chosen?

Today I am thankful for my storage unit that holds all my “stuff”. I am thankful that I can find such heartfelt joy in my belongings. I am thankful for my humanity in all its organized and messy forms.

Today I am Thankful.

Remembering Jim: Love, Loss, and Lifelong Adventures

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“I talk about him because I’m proud.
I talk about him, because he deserves to be remembered.
I talk about him, because even though he’s not physically with me, he’s never far from my mind.
I talk about him because he’s part of me, a part that I could never ignore or disown.
I talk about him because I love him still, and I always will. Forever. Nothing will ever change that.”
I Talk About Him/Scribbles & Crumbs

On October 9, 2012, Jim, my husband entered the hospital for the last time. Neither of us knew that he would not leave and come home. Neither of us thought that the end of his life was around the corner. Neither of us knew.

Thirteen years ago on October seventeenth my husband of 21 years died. He entered the hospital the day before his birthday. Almost two weeks later, he died the day after my birthday. Yes October is a emotionally mixed month for me.

Oh, and wait a minute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that some people who have had breast cancer are dedicated to this month. I thank them for that. I, though from the beginning of having breast cancer in 2010 have wanted nothing to do with this month. I don’t want pink anything. I want to move forward without the celebration and thinking of myself as a survivor. I want to live.

Welcome to October
Always an action packed emotional month.

It seems strange to think it has been thirteen years since Jim’s death. Sometimes it seems like it has been that long. Other days, it feels like it was yesterday. Sigh.

I spent most of my younger adult life thinking that I was going to be single my whole adult life. I made it to 38 and then Jim showed up and my life changed forever.

Each year I take time to remember Jim in writing, in thought and in love.

Jim & me dancing Contra Dance

Many relationships were made and dismantled on the dance floor of the New England Contra Dance community. If you have never tried this form of folk dance I suggest you try it. It is so much fun and it is certainly a way to meet people and make friends. And, oh the music! One night, this tall blue-eyed man showed up. That ended the idea of being single for the rest of my life.

Scottish Country Dance Ball

Jim followed me to other dance communities. He became a fine Scottish Country Dancer. We ballroom danced and chose to try several other forms of dance in communities around San Diego. It was fun. He did a mean waltz and polka. It was so much fun to have a dance partner.

The connection was strong and within a year we were a couple. I moved from San Diego in the fall of that year. I became a traveling nurse with Albuquerque as my destination. He didn’t want a long distance relationship. I said “How do you know if you don’t try it?”

Four months passed. Jim and I made several trips between Albuquerque, NM and San Diego, CA. I returned to the west coast and Jim. We moved in together and became a life couple. Was he my soul mate? I don’t know. I do know that even if it wasn’t perfect it was pretty darn close. From the moment we started to date we were close.

Everything was shared. Each month I would hike into the mountains to contemplate whether this was still a relationship I wanted. He would roll his eyes and waved me off. I would come back for another month. When I asked him if he had any doubts. He looked me in the eyes and said no. Eventually the monthly journeys move to every six months and then every year. I continued to hike and contemplate this wonderful relationship once a year until his death.

I have always been an explorer and adventure traveler. He joined me.

We took the train to Oregon. We climbed old growth Douglas Firs. and camped in the top of the trees. Did you know that there are no mosquitoes 25 feet above the ground? Since we were camped over 100 feet off the ground we were never bothered by those pesky little creatures.

Tree Climbing & Tree Sleeping

One year we kayaked the Nā Pali  Coast off the coast of Kauai. The only way to see this coast is by helicopter or boat. On one of the short kayaks, we sailed through the air on the backside of a wave. Other travelers kept saying, “this doesn’t look good.” It wasn’t but oh the fun. We survived. When we finally kayaked the 15 miles down the Nā Pali coast, we went into caves. We greeted sea turtles swimming by. We got to see firsthand this amazing and remote coast.

Another Hawaii trip found us inner tubing through the sugar cane fields and kayaking the rivers on Kauai. This and the Big Island were our favorites places to visit in the 50th state.

On Tour of the Galapagos Islands

Other adventures included Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We Winter Camped and snowshoe hiked in Yellowstone National Park. We camped and explored Canyon de Chelly in Arizona by horseback. Jim had never been on a horse in his life. When a friend invited us to join her for a long weekend in Alaska. We enjoyed a long weekend of cross country skiing, yoga, and contra dancing. Always dancing. We explored our country, the outback and the cities.

Due to Jim’s love of astronomy we finally saw the total solar eclipse over Angkor Wat in Cambodia. During the summer months, the California desert becomes too hot. He would load all his astronomy equipment in the car and we headed to the desert. We camped in the remote areas of Anza Borrego State Park. There, we would stare at the heavens and talk into the early hours of the morning. The key to summer visits is to arrive after 5 pm. Be ready to leave by nine in the morning. Even in the summer the evenings are cool and pleasant. And…there is no one else out there.

Then there was the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Jim and I hiked it a couple of times. The real life changer happened when we decided to take a river raft adventure. It lasted 15 days with friends from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.

Looking out at the Mighty Colorado

At first Jim wasn’t sure he wanted to go. It was too long. What would he do if he got bored? I made one phone call to a long time friend, Sharon, who had rafted the canyon several times. After his conversation with her, he hung up and we made reservations. After that trip we always talked about “Before Grand Canyon” and “After Grand Canyon”.

This is a description of some of our travels. There were so many more adventures than listed here. We were always looking for the next new adventure. It was such a great experience to have someone to share the unique and normal with.

Now I carry on alone but not really. I carry remembrance of him and our life with me. I move forward toward the next adventure. And I carry the joy of those 21 years with me as I grow and change and remember. Some people have said that I should let him go and move on. I am not sure what letting him go means. How can I do that? Those 21 years changed my life. They made me grow into the person I am today. I carry my growth with me always.

I continue to adventure by myself. My friend in our soft adventures is gone. I wonder sometimes how different my life would have been if he was still here today. Yes, I have no doubt I would still be with him. I would still be taking the hike into the mountains every year. I would watch as he waved me off. And then another year would unfold.

Today I am thankful for Jim, for our positive and wonderful relationship. I am thankful to move forward and be so much more than before I met him. Today I am thankful for Jim and all those years of adventure and wonder.

Hmmm…Where to next?

Exploring the Northwest: Travels and House-Sitting

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I have not been very faithful to this blog lately. I have been traveling and enjoying experiences. Lately, people ask me where I am. I decided that it is time to let you in on my current spring and summer plans.

I drove north through Oregon and Washington, visiting friends along the way. It was nice to catch up with friends as I continued to Whidbey Island, WA.

I spent two summers house sitting for good friends on Whidbey. They went off camp hosting in the beautiful wilds of this country. I took care of their lovely home overlooking Puget Sound. Night after night the sunsets never let me down.

I met this little brown song sparrow while I was there, Birdy Boy. We have maintained a friendship over time and distance. We met on the deck in 2021. I have never had a friendship with a bird before. I returned in 2022. There he was, still waiting to resume our friendship. We picked up where it had left off the year before. Two years later, 2024 I returned and there he was just like I had never left. This year I spent two nights with Sandy and Jim and, yes, Birdy Boy. He greeted me with singing. He hopped onto my feet, knees, arms, and hands. He sang away and caught me up on the past year. I am amazed that this has persisted over time and distance. My heart delights in this unique friendship.

Oh Canada

May 20th I crossed the border into Canada. It was a quick and clear crossover. I was welcomed. Then, I set off to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. I will be spending the next few months here. First stop was a beautiful campground near Victoria, Pedder Cove. I managed to slip into the water and kayak in this beautiful bay. I love all the hidden bays of the northwest.

Two days later I met up with 40 other Roadtreks at Sooke River Campground. Not a Rally, a Meetup ensued. For three nights and four days we gathered as a group and enjoyed each others company. I even found people to kayak with. It was fun to be around all the positive energy of a group of people. I reconnected with those I had met before and met new friends along the way. It was a good weekend and I am glad I encouraged myself to join up with this group of people.

Since the weekend I have been island hopping in the South Gulf Islands. Pender Island was a small outdoorsy island. When you go to Pender you look for things to do outdoors. I planned to put the kayak in the water. Instead, I hiked to the high summits on North and South Pender. Neither hike was long. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter, incline does. It is nice to know I still can do these climbs. I am thrilled to see the wonders at the end of the ascent.

My campground on Salt Sorings Island.

Salt Springs Island. was a much larger island. There are more people here, including many artists. People come to this island for the art. I managed to attend the Saturday Market. It was not a farmers market as much as it was an arts and crafts market. Did I find things to buy? Yes.

This past year I joined an organization, Trusted Housesitters. Starting this week, I will be taking care of two kitties, Stanley and Sitka. I’m house-sitting near Qualicum Beach, close to halfway up the island on the east side. It is a beautiful area. The best part is that I have a good friend who is a fellow photographer and lives there. Guess what we will be doing?

I am still new to this idea of house-sitting for people I don’t know. So the jury is still out on how much I will be choosing to do this. I am still deciding if this is a good fit for me. I like the idea of staying in one area for a more extended time. This way, I can explore more in depth and get to know the area. Maybe I will join a yoga class and have other opportunities to explore the local area.

Some of you have asked where I am. If you have been wondering, this is my current update on my spring and early summer plans. I followed the weather north. I enjoy meeting up with friends and like minded travelers. I like exploring the unknown.

Today I will meet up with the family that I will be cat sitting. The next day the owners leave for a cross Canada trip. I get the kitties and a home to nestle in for a few weeks.

I am thankful for my continuing adventurous spirit. I am thankful that I push myself to explore the unknown. I am thankful for family and friends. Even if they question my sanity, they continue to support me and my life choices.

Today I am Thankful.

Finding Closure: A Return to Santee Lakes

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Miss Elsie the Cat

Yesterday afternoon, I arrived at Santee Lakes for a three-night stay. I need to stay in the San Diego area until the end of the month (dental stuff), and then I will be venturing north for the spring and summer.

This is the first time I have returned to this campground since my sweet Elsie the Cat disappeared here five years ago. One of the hard things about being sensitive to so much in my life is that I grieve for my losses deeply. And, to top it all off, I still have not forgiven myself for not noticing the side door to my rig was just a little open that evening. Maybe it had nothing to do with being a good pet owner, but I keep seeing myself as just that, not a good pet owner.

Here are links to the previous posts about Miss El when she went “on walkabout.” Clicking on the title will take you to the post on my blog.
Elsie Has Gone On Walkabout-Elsie is Missing
An Elsie Update
Learning to be Alone

Santee Lakes

I finally decided to buck up and return to this lovely campground. Since I only needed somewhere for three nights, I figured I could endure the stay.

I sniffled my way to the registration office and reminded myself why I like camping here. Santee Lakes is the oldest water reclamation project in California. The 190‐acre Park has seven beautiful recycled lakes. It is stocked with fish and is also a wildlife preserve. It is home to all kinds of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and other types of wildlife. Years ago, I walked through this park and found a golden eagle feasting on a not-so-lucky duck.

When I arrived at the registration desk, I was reminded why I like camping here. The staff remembered me and Elsie the Cat. The woman who checked me in came around the counter and hugged me. It made me feel loved and honored. I knew they had been looking for that little kitty, too. It felt like being welcomed home.

I am camped next to one of the lakes. I woke to find all kinds of ducks hanging out behind my rig: Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals (one of my favorite birds), Coots, Ruddy Ducks, and Wood Ducks, to name a few. A pair of Western Bluebirds arrived as I ate breakfast outside. And now I hear a Kingfisher.

Cinnamon Teals
Dove
Female C. Teal
Shoveler
Wood Duck
Ruddy Duck

I have to work on self-forgiveness. For five years, I blamed the loss of Elsie on the fact that I was not a good pet owner. Deep inside, I know I am not a bad pet owner. These things sometimes happen. Will I be more attentive to checking the doors at night? Yes! Can I begin to think of inviting another kitty into my life again? Yes, well maybe. Not yet. First, I have to work on self-forgiveness.

Aren’t we always the hardest on ourselves? I have recognized that with so much throughout my whole life. Why I do that to myself is beyond me, most of the time. Part of the issue with Elsie is that she was Jim’s cat. Losing anything that was part of our life together has so many issues wrapped around it. I am still working through all this over twelve years later and probably for the rest of my life.

Am I finally glad I returned here? Yes. The welcome at the desk was enough. Waking up on the water and seeing all the birds helped my soul, and the camera came out. Will I return again? Maybe. It is kind of warm here today. I have gotten used to the constant ocean breezes. I am not sure I am willing to give that up.

Today, I am thankful I have returned. I am grateful for recognizing the importance of returning to the Lakes and allowing myself forgiveness and growth. I would like to think I can let this go so I can grow and become more human, forgiving, and whole.

Today, I am thankful.

A Change in Plans, Again!!!

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This spring and summer is about change. Alaska is in-Alaska is out. Driving back to the United States from Bella Coola, BC is in-now it’s out. This is why I don’t like making plans. Life intervenes and what once were solid plans are now melting away and other plans surface.

The Inside Passage

I had planned to take the ferry to Bella Coola, drive the “Hill” and return to Washington state driving through British Columbia.

First there was a fire north of Williams Lake that made me take pause. Now it is under control. The latest is a rather significant landslide and possibly flooding along the Chilcotin River from the back up of water behind the slide. What?

Currently there is one fire of significance, not yet controlled that could interfere with my route back. Wait! what?

I have a volunteer job in Washington state starting August 20th through Labor Day Weekend with the state parks. I can’t wait it out and hope issues with the landslide will resolve, by the time I reach that area.

What to do? What to do?

Did I tell you I dislike making plans? I don’t like to make plans. I usually do not plan and when I do look what happens! so I am being taught the Buddhist lesson of Impermanence.

Easier said than done.

I will arrive back on Vancouver Island at the end of the day. It has been a beautiful ride down the Inside Passage. It is brilliantly sunny and the Humpback whales are breaching.

I don’t have to rush down this island. I will have time to explore before I arrive state side in about a week. I will meander my way south, visit with friends and if the weather holds, get some biking and hiking in.

I have to be back in time for the state parks to get my finger print and finish their security check. it is a government job after all.

Latest post…Change is in the Air, Again!

A Journey of Unforeseen Changes and New Beginnings in 2024

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In the Spring of this year, 2024, I announced I was going to Alaska. I was ready to go. I was traveling with two fellow Roadtrekers, Gregg and Bruce. I was finally going to achieve a dream I had since I bought EmmyLou (my RV) in 2013. Alaska Bound.

I was ready to go. First, I planned to visit friends in Oregon and Washington, and then drive east to meet up with my travel companions in Banff National Park.

The trick is not in the planning but in seeing it through and making it happen. Unfortunately for me, I had some medical issues to deal with, and it did not make sense to follow through at this time. Yes I was disappointed.

My plans changed, and they continue to change as spring has moved into summer. I don’t mind creating my travels on the fly, yet I have not been comfortable truly not knowing what is next.

And I have been waiting. Are the medical issues under control. Do I have to visit one more Kaiser? I currently have guest memberships in all the West Coast Kaiser facilities. What? How did that happen? Oh, life can change, just like that.

I am doing well and have plans, knowing they can change. After visiting with my Oregon and Washington friends, I have been on Vancouver Island, BC, since early July. I decided I needed to make a plan so I didn’t spend my whole summer waiting.

I am attending a 5-day workshop on Cortes Island on the Salish Sea. Hollyhock is a retreat and learning center on the island. I have known about it for a long time and have always wanted to attend a workshop there. It is good to look forward to something.

I will explore Cortes Island by land and sea while taking good care of myself, eating well, and attending yoga classes. Someone pointed out that I decided on a workshop looking outwards instead of inwards. I believe there is some profound truth in that statement.

I have spent the last four days in and around Victoria on the island’s southernmost tip. I visited Bouchart Gardens, saw a Maori performing group, attended Pride weekend, biked the paths, and even got my kayak on the water. It was a very diversified four days.

One of the best parts of my time was staying with the same Boondockers Welcome Hosts I stayed with when I explored this island in 2018. Ann and Ian are a delightful couple. They live in a little bit of paradise north of the city. They welcomed me with arms wide open. Our friendship deepened. It was delightful to spend time with them. We found we had a lot in common. Absolutely delightful.

Yesterday, I moved north to Qualicum Beach on the eastern shore of the Island. I have friends I am going to visit here as well. Cathy and David I met through Boondockers Welcome in 2018. Tonight, however, I am camped on the coast of the Salish Sea and tomorrow I will explore this area while doing my laundry. One can travel all they want but there are still chores to be done.

My Sunset View for the Next Three Nights.

Where to next? I have plans. They could change so you will have to stay tuned along with me to see where I head after my time at Hollyhock. Plans are out there but it appears that waiting is still part of my summer and I won’t reveal them until I know I am moving forward.

Stay tuned. When I know I will let you know. It is just that kind of summer.

Today I am thankful for my health. Today I am thankful I am up and traveling and exploring, inward and outward. Today I am thankful for these beautiful places I am seeing. Today I am thankful for friends who greet me with arms wide open.

Today I am Thankful

Reunion with Birdy Boy: A Heartwarming Encounter on Whidbey Island

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For those of you who have followed my blog, Journeys of Thankfulness, four years ago, you may remember my interaction with a small brown bird, a Song Sparrow, Birdy Boy.

Birdy Boy and I met in the spring of 2021 while I was house-sitting for friends on Whidbey Island in Washington State. I heard an unknown bird song in the yard, so I investigated. Thanks to the Coronell App, Merlin, I identified the sound as belonging to a song sparrow.

When this young bird heard the sound, he flew onto the deck, sat on a stake, and began to sing. From then on, he would appear and sing away each day I was there. Eventually, he would land on my feet, knees, arms, shoulders, and finally, my head. There was seldom a day that I did not see him at least once. We became friends.

Finally, I left the Northwest. I introduced Birdy Boy to the homeowners, and although not as frequently, he would come and visit with Jim and Sandy. Fast-forward to June of the following year, 2022. I returned to the Northwest and returned to my favorite house-sitting gig. Upon my arrival, Birdy Boy was waiting for me. Our relationship changed that summer as he had a family to raise, yet we remained friends.

It has been two years since I visited Whidbey Island. I returned to the house four days ago to see my friends Jim and Sandy. I was looking forward to this visit.

I did not expect to see Birdy Boy on this visit. It has been two years since our last meeting, and he is a wild bird. I knew that the owners had seen him from time to time. Upon my arrival, the three of us sat on the deck. Guess who was there? Birdy Boy! He flew in and greeted Sandy and Jim, sitting on their feet.

It wasn’t until I was alone on the deck that he came to me, sitting on my feet, knees, hands, shoulder, and arms. He is gradually trying out the head. He sings, chips, and tinks, telling me his stories of the past two years.

I notice more song sparrows in the yard now and wonder if these might be his offspring. There is so much I don’t know about the birdy world.

I do know that Birdy Boy is my friend. As I sit on the deck and type this post, Birdy Boy is perched on the computer screen. Once in a while, he sings a tune and settles in again. He is the most delightful of birds. I am honored that he chose me and my friends to be comfortable enough to become part of our world. I also am glad that he remains a wild and free song sparrow.

When I leave today, I will feel a tug on my heart to stay. I have had a wonderful visit with Sandy and Jim. I love being back on Whidbey Island. I have had a wonderful visit with Birdy Boy. When I leave my friends, I always feel a tug on my heart to stay and bask in the warmth of my friendships, human or otherwise.

And…I remain convinced that I will never look at a little brown bird without remembering with love, Birdy Boy. Each little brown bird will remain individual and unique.

Today, I am thankful for friendships, human and otherwise. Today, I am grateful for Sandy and Jim. Today and always, I am thankful for Birdy Boy, the little song sparrow who continues to bless my life.

Today, I am Thankful.

Exploring Washington State: Nature, Friends, Growth and Adventure

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I have been traveling in Washington state since the end of May. It is still chilly here. The sun is now out more than it rains and the daylight hours are extensive. Sunset is close to 10 pm.

Friends

I have been in the country, on the lower end of the Olympic Peninsula, and in Seattle. Wild things draw me to the wild places. Friends draw me to the city. Once I am in the city, I discover there are delightfully wild places to keep this nature-loving lady happy. I am happy to visit with good friends, and I am happy to launch my kayak or take a bike ride and discover the wildness within the city boundaries.

This year, I have decided to visit places I have never been before. I took a ferry to the lovely island of Guemes. This is a residential island except for vacation rentals, artists’ studios, the Guemes Island General Store, and the Ferry.

I camped in a field. My neighbor was a beautiful paint horse, a few deer, and, of course, birds. I walked, biked, and visited this little island. I found a community labyrinth among the pines, attended the Strawberry Ice Cream Social, and stopped at the General Store.

Hanging on the wall of the general store was a poster, “How to Build Community.” I stopped and read it.

Loneliness is something I contend with at times, living this lifestyle. I love visiting with my friends and chatting with new people, yet much of my life is spent alone.

Reading this poster challenged me to pick one topic and attempt to include it in my day, every day.

I particularly like the statement “look up.” Like many of us, I look down at my phone often, more often than I should, more often than I think is healthy. Today, as I was returning from a hike, I saw a lovely young woman walking on the beach. I looked up and said hello. We spoke for a few moments and shared the treasures we had found. And just like that, my day became richer for this brief encounter.

One positive experience makes me willing to try something else on this list. Which one are you willing to try?

Today I am thankful for my sense of adventure. Today I am thankful for posters that catch my eye and just like that, help me to grow. Today I am thankful.

Alaska Out – Pacific Northwest & Canada In

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LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHILE YOU’RE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS

You may remember I had plans to travel to Alaska this summer. I started to plan and tell my friends, family, and those who follow my blog that I was heading out on another journey. Alaska, here I come.

Things have changed. I have had some minor health issues this past late winter. It has made me ponder the wisdom of adventuring off into the backcountry, where access to health care may be a bit more limited.

After much pondering, I decided that I needed to make a decision. Decisions can always be changed, yet if I am going to plan my spring and summer, a decision needs to be made.

Those who know me know that I am not the best decision-maker. I hate to commit. I mean, what if something better came along? I want to somewhat firm up my spring and summer, so I am developing an alternative plan.

What am I going to do instead? I decided to explore the Northwestern part of the United States and venture into British Columbia. It is an change for me, and I am now adjusting to changing plans. It is not as easy as it sounds. Even if I have a vague plan, I am more comfortable with it than with no plan at all.

My friends are chiming in. I am so thankful for them. Some want to visit from further away. My friend, Leslie, from Alaska, may join me at a British Columbia retreat center workshop in July. I have been invited to fly to Anchorage to join her adventures. A good friend from Chicago may be coming to meet up with me in June. And then there are the local Northwest friends who will join up with me from time to time. It is so good to feel wanted and loved. I really do enjoy traveling with others. It feels good to discuss the day’s adventures with someone.

I have been in Oregon and now Washington for the past few weeks. I needed to get some work done on EmmyLou. That took me to Edmonds, WA. I love being back near Puget Sound after a two-year absence.

Currently, I am returning to Oregon. My Medford friend and I are planning some birding and hiking adventures. It is time to explore more of Oregon. With Mary as my guide, I will have a readily available resource for all things Oregon.

As the weather warms up I will be back in Washington and British Columbia for the summer. It is time to research on the fly and get my exploration cap on.

Please join me if you will. I definitely will be attempting to find the extraordinary in my every day travels. And of course there will be the photos.

Today I am thankful. Thankful for friends who love and support me. Thankful for this big wide open country that offers a chance to explore. Thankful for my health.

Today I am Thankful.

One of Those Weeks

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Have you ever had one of those weeks? I have no doubt that the answer is yes. We all have had those weeks. Some are good, exciting, and excellent. Other weeks make me question what the heck is going on.

A week ago, I had a “what the heck is going on?” kind of week. I woke up on Friday and thought I didn’t feel one hundred percent. I tested myself for COVID-19 and laid low for the day.

The next morning I felt better, and then I did not. Another COVID-19 test was negative, so I masked up and joined friends at a matinee on Saturday afternoon. I, who love dance, nodded twice during the performance. How did that happen? After the performance, I returned home and laid low for the rest of the day.

So far, so good, Right? My right nostril was sore by Sunday afternoon and felt like a developing pimple. I am 71!!!! Years old, Pimple Season is over, Right!?!

Despite warm soaks and over-the-counter painkillers, over the next few days, my nose became sore, swollen, red, and hurt a lot. By mid-week, I decided it was time to go to Urgent Care. The doctor told me it was a good thing I decided to come in. I was diagnosed with a staph infection in my nostril. The next thing I knew, I was on an oral antibiotic, a topical antibiotic, and lidocaine to stop the pain. My nose ballooned up and altered in many shades of red over the next few days.

In the middle of all this, I lost a filling and had to visit the dentist for a new one. Really?

Forward to Friday and a return trip to the Doctor. By the end of that visit, another antibiotic and a weaning dose of prednisone were added to my repertoire of medicines. I am so thankful for the prednisone, which helped relieve the pain and decrease the swelling.

Finally, by Saturday, I was feeling better. My nose was decreasing in size, the pain was receding, and I felt a bit more socially presentable.

On Sunday, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and head to the Colorado River to meet good friends and get some paddling time.

And, just like that, my odd and weird week was behind me. I finished the antibiotics and the prednisone and am now getting my digestive system back in order.

Here are so many takeaways from last week.

  • And, just like that, life can change direction.
  • Staph infections are a serious business. Years back, when I was still working as a nurse, people were admitted to the hospital for this, and some were very sick. Don’t Mess With Staph!
  • I need to be my own advocate for health care. I am such a strong believer in this. With knowledge comes power. I believe I did a pretty good job.
  • Listen to my body.
  • My body took more of a hit than I realized. It took me a few days to realize I needed to honor a body in recovery. Take naps, eat and drink well, and stay put. Small walks, not big ones.
  • I miss having someone to care for me when I feel unwell. My little girl wanted to be tucked into bed and given comfort foods. Instead, I had to do that myself. Pasta is a great comfort food.
  • I am thankful for having a small, dry, warm home to snuggle into.
  • I felt like a walking petri dish. I kept telling people they needed to wash their hands everywhere I went. The doctors were told. The dentist was told. Wash Your Hands!!!! I know I was preaching to the choir.

I am so thankful for the healthcare system in this country. I am thankful for the doctors who were kind and compassionate to my situation. I am thankful for their knowledge and willingness to share it with me. I am thankful for medications that work. I am thankful they told me more than once that I did not have cancer (always a remote lingering thought in my mind). The dentist had to reaffirm the same thing. Anytime anything above the neck happens, I worry and fuss. Sigh.

I am thankful for my health and body’s innate need to heal. It is a pretty magical thing, this body I inhabit.

Today I am thankful for the healing effects of kayaking on any body of water and visiting with friends.

Whew, Today I am Really Thankful.