These Days

 June 2020

Living through the pandemic emphasized the importance of health, family, and the appreciation of a new day. Being told to stay home, and because a sedentary lifestyle adds no real benefit to our physical and mental state, on weekends we continued to spend time outdoors, breathing the fresh air, moving our bodies, and getting as much natural vitamin D as one can hope for living in the PNW. 

Riley was in need of tennis shoes so we decided to drive to Olympia (which is about a 50 minute drive South) for a change of scenery. Afterwards we hung out by the marina where we spied mussels, sea stars, clams, and birds.

These clouds are so cool to look at. I have always thought that a sky that has clouds, and preferably clouds in different shades of gray makes for such an interesting and gorgeous sky ... otherwise just looking at an all blue sky to me is quite dull. 

I have to remind myself to make an appearance in pictures every now and then or else there won't be any pictures of myself for my children to look at. I'm here with my loving husband.

See what I mean about a grayish sky? BEAUTIFUL!

A huge military plane flew right across the freeway on our way towards home. I am fascinated about all things military.

We had heard on the news that rioters were rioting at a mall in town. We drove by it a day later and we did noticed barricades which I'm sure did nothing to deter these destructive people and we saw broken glass doors that were already boarded up. It's such a shame that police are ordered to not use excessive force with these people. They are clearly not peaceful protesters but the opposite. They are not only destroying property but inciting fear and are violent towards people. Unfortunately, a lot of these rioters have gotten away with their crimes.

We always strive to do fun things with Riley especially during this period in time. In the afternoon we went to a park and he and Jacob shot each other with nerf guns. The bullets come out with force. They hurt, lol.         

After running around for a while it was time for dinner. We love this taco shop. Their carne asada is the BEST around in WA. Truly! Their salsa is extremely spicy though. I like spicy salsa but even this one is just too spicy for me. 

One day during the week after Jacob was off from work and after dinner we went to Redondo Beach and spent some time there. Just spending time out by the water helps clear our mind and readjust our thinking. It's a good distressor for sure.  Thankful that we can just go on a short drive to enjoy such a view.

Discussing rock throwing techniques. It's a pastime of theirs. 

A kayaker. I love to kayak. It's invigorating and exciting to me. One thing I was apprehensive about doing was to kayak in the Puget Sound because of the different types of whales and the seals that are often spotted there. We would kayak in one of the lakes where we wouldn't encounter said mammals.

Lovely sky! I wish I was there right now.

One of the greatest blessings in my life are the memories I hold in my heart. This is the very reason why we choose to continue to create new experiences in life even during challenging times. One shouldn't permit obstacles to destroy ones happiness and well-being. Because if we do, if we are kept out of our native element we will suffocate.

As long as God continues to bless me with a new day, an able body and sharp mind I will honor Him by continuing to take care of my body, create new memories with loved ones and devote time alone with Him in prayer and meditation.

Have joy in the midst of a broken world.