On a Day Drive to the Kitsap Area

 April 18, 2020

Waking up to rain is the best way to help me get started especially on a Saturday. Sometimes it is hard to get out of bed, because I like to just lay in bed while I listen to the rain falling on top of the house. But, I couldn't linger in bed too long because we had plans to spend the day out in the Kitsap area. 

The Narrows Bridge is a cool sight to see. Some people have spotted Orca's in this area but we never did. Kinda bummed about it. 

We got Red Robin take-out in Silverdale and ate it in the car. 

After we ate our burgers, we drove to Poulsbo and stopped by Sluy's Bakery. They have a great selection of pastries. This bakery gets so busy. Most weekends the line gets quite long. One has to sometimes wait outside in line. 

I would usually get a raised glazed donut, a coconut crunch stick and sometimes an apple walnut cinnamon roll with cream cheese. I once got a pull apart. It is raised donut dough cut and rolled in cinnamon sugar then baked in a pan and glazed. Oh boy, it is SO darn delicious!

We got our donuts then walked over to the marina. It's such a pretty view, isn't it? I love the smell too. Whenever we spend time out by the water, I make sure to take it all in ... because life is fleeting. I want to remember this beautiful scenery for ever. 

There's pretty flowers all around. Flowers add so much beauty to a place, don't they?

Riley is always climbing on things. 

After we spent some time in Poulsbo we then drove to Port Gamble which really isn't that far. It was only a 17 minute drive. Port Gamble is an unincorporated community on the northwestern shore of the Kitsap Peninsula. These small towns are so peaceful and charming. 

Well, it was bound to happen. Riley climbed this tree and kind of got stuck so he jumped off from an awkward place and he ended up hurting his left arm. I guess that's the risk one takes when you climb things, you will eventually get hurt. Live and learn I guess.   

He was fine. He just got a few scrapes and a small bruise. 

Saw this cute wedding chapel, St. Paul's Church.

We drove back down to Bainbridge Island where we took the ferry into Seattle. The Puget Sound is truly a unique and gorgeous area. 

It was a pleasant chilly day. I love being out in this type of weather. Of course, I dress appropriately for this weather. That being said, I truly enjoy feeling the cold wind on my face. It is very stimulating. After being outdoors on a cold day, going back home is extra nice because I can get into something cozy and enjoy a good movie. I appreciate my home more when I've spent time outdoors.

Don't leave your good times to chance ...

plan out your weekend to get the most out of life.

A Celebration and A Remembrance

2018

The end of August marked twenty two years of marriage for us. There's no one else to thank for our marriage than God. It's because of Him that we both have grown and learned to be selfless throughout the years. We have our off days and during those days I know I have a choice to either choose to move forward or stay stuck in my displeasure. I have to remember to just take baby steps forward with unwavering faith. It happens on my own time, sometimes it takes longer than I would have liked to get over something, it is hard but what other choice is there if I want to stay on the right path?

I love flowers and I am grateful that Jacob gifts me beautiful bouquets.

Jacob has a sweet tooth, always has so we planned a nice day trip to Poulsbo and since that town sits right on the water I was more than happy to oblige.

I like soft cookies while Jacob likes crunchy ones. It's hard to only pick one pastry so we usually leave with a box full of yummy treats.

There are several nice stores that I like to visit. During this visit I got myself a pink wallet with a zipper. I've been wanting something like that for a while now that way cash, discount cards, and change have their own compartment ... all three in one space.

We walked along the park that's right on the water. The marina is small but cute.

I thought this small boat turned tugboat was the cutest thing. Just had to share it.

Hi.
Waiting in line to drive onto the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry.

After the ferry ride we had dinner at our favorite rib place. Jacob used to make ribs at home and they were decent but since we discovered BBQ Pete's Jacob doesn't make them anymore. This place has the best ribs we have ever had and they have four BBQ sauces to choose from. The quality of these smoked ribs is superb. Honestly!

It is often the little things, the small revelations, that make a great

deal of difference in handling disappointment, frustration and loss. They

help us celebrate the moments of joy by enabling us to unearth

the underlying goodness of things.

And of course. This day, our anniversary day will forever mark Reagan's death day as well. As sad as this is I am fine with this fact because it's an important day for us. Our anniversary used to mean a fun enjoyable day out and now it's also marked with sadness. We make sure to pause in the evening in remembrance of Reagan. Talking about God keeping us humble.
This day also marked Reagan's 2nd death day anniversary.

My sweet baby boy

Grief is just love with no place to go.

A New Year (2018)

I don't do new year's resolutions but what I hope for myself is to grow more in my walk with God and continue to live according to his decrees. This is all I hope for, for the rest of my life.


I prefer to be out of the house enjoying the day than staying home especially on January 1st. Being out in nature is always were I want to go. It's so nice taking a drive and being surrounded by all these tall pine trees.
We woke up on January 1st somewhat early and headed over to Bremerton then made our way to Poulsbo (the little Scandinavian town).

There's several shops I like going in to. There's two bookstores, a shoe store where I check on the Birkenstock styles they carry, a Vintage shop, apparel stores that also carry the cutest gifts and novelties, and lastly the bakery shop. They have such a large selection of pastries even cakes.

We've visited this little town in the past and I believe I have shared pictures of how it looks so I'm not going to share them again this time. This is a place we enjoy visiting that's why we keep coming back. The small marina sits next to a park so it's a nice place to come and take in a little bit of sun while enjoying boats passing by.

With kids though you know you can never sit down for too long before they begin to wander off.

One thing though, we haven't had lunch in Poulsbo yet. We've looked up the restaurants on Yelp but none of them have good ratings. I guess we're going to have to just try one of them out and see. But what we usually do is have lunch on Bainbridge Island which is a twelve mile drive from Poulsbo ... and after we eat we grab some coffee before we ride the ferry back to Seattle. This is why I like to go on this little outing, it's relaxing and fun!

You never know where you'll be directed to park as you enter the ferry. This time we got to park right in the center of it. We usually get out of the car and admire the scenery because to us it always feels like the first time riding the ferry, every single time. I haven't lost that sense of wonder and excitement of it and I hope I never do.

While Riley was still off for Christmas break I took him to see Coco. Such a cute movie!

One of our favorite parks is Discovery Park. We chose this park over others when we want to go on a moderate hike.
There's a pretty small church at the top. Sadly, I don't believe its in use.

Then you walk downhill and come across a large field. The view up here is gorgeous and with a cloudy sky like this one it makes it even more so.

There's quite of bit of stairs so that will definitely make you get out of breath. But what you get to see makes it worth it.

I love the deep quiet I experience out in nature and the cold air on my face makes me feel alive.
This is what I want my loved ones to remember me by, my love for nature and the sea/Puget Sound.

In every walk with nature, 

one receives far more than he seeks.