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.

Distractions from the Chaos

Saturday, May 30th 2020

I woke up to loud thunder which lasted a good forty minutes. Thunderstorms don't happen often in WA, so it was a cozy surprise. I would like to call this, God's gift to me because I love thunderstorms so much.

We were in the mood to go on a short drive, so we drove over to Silverdale to have lunch at Moctezuma. The restaurants decor is really nice, and they have the tastiest shredded beef nachos and strawberry margaritas. 

Their salsa is so good and very addicting however, it is on the spicy/hot side. 

We really enjoy the food here. When it comes to Mexican restaurant chains, the food isn't good in our opinion. It's rarely authentic Mexican food however at Moctezuma the food is very tasty. We just don't get carne asada tacos here. We go to a taco shop for those where they are out of this world good!

You do get a large portion of the beef nachos though. Can't really finish them. 

After walking off our food at the mall (since it was raining) we decided to board the ferry towards Seattle.

But just as we were about to pay we got a notification on our phones stating the following....

So we got turned around and all ferries were docked. There were riots in Seattle. Such a horrible thing to happen. 

Although it was a bummer because we enjoy riding the ferry we also enjoyed the drive back home. All these evergreens make for a pretty drive.

Driving back across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Kind of weird seeing our side of the bridge empty.

Sunday, May 31st, 2020

It was a bit difficult to go to sleep because of what was happening in our country. Antifa was rioting in Seattle and even though the National Guard was there they were either unarmed or had rubber bullets. I don't believe they were arresting any rioters. How is it ok to allow destruction and violence in our country let alone in police presence. I believe that when a country has a corrupt administration there seems to be no law and order .... at least when it comes to those from the Left. It's definitely a sad time in our country. 

To distract ourselves with wholesome and beautiful things we visited a park close to home. 

It was another beautiful cloudy day. It was a cool day ... a light sweater and shorts kind of day, for the boys. I probably had a dress on. That's usually what I wear except in Winter. 

We like to watch the ducks and geese. They're cute.

The momma and pappa goose are very protective of their little ones. The pappa goose hissed at the boys a couple of times. 

I had never seen so many daffodils as you see here in Washington. They're everywhere. Such a pretty spot, isn't it?

I just realized that right in the center of the sky you can make out a creepy face. You can see a mouth, teeth, a nose and eye sockets. Ew!

Washington has very beautiful parks. And for me, a cloudy day makes it even more beautiful and interesting to photograph. 

Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

Trail Walk at Carkeek Park

 November 2019

Autumn walks/hikes are the best. One does not need to deal with getting too much sun and being hot. Also, seeing all the vibrant colors of the leaves is like eye candy. It's just a wonderful time to enjoy nature.

Meandering the trails trying to listen for rustling in the brush hoping see a small critter. And the sound the wind makes as it is moving through the trees is wonderful too. 

One can't help but become invigorated by the beauty that surrounds us out in nature.

Tall trees. Trees with leaves or without, I think both ways are gorgeous.

Came across the creek that empties into the Puget.

It wasn't a long walk and we soon reached the Puget where we saw fog over the shoreline.

Every child needs a parent (grandparent or friend) who will say, let's go, it's time for an adventure!

We enjoy the smaller, quieter, more precious moments of life.

We had good timing. Shortly after we reached the water we saw a train coming in the distance. Kids like to wait for it on the bridge and hear it toot it's horn. It's fun.

It was a long train too.

How fascinating it is to roam deserted streets on a rainy day and watch colorful leaves fall.

Keep close to nature's heart ... and break clear away, once in a while.

November: Simple Cozy Comforts

November 2019

As soon as Halloween is over I decorate for Autumn/Thanksgiving. I enjoy decorating for every holiday, it makes one's home fun and festive. I like simple decor, not cluttered and I do try to rearrange them differently each year. Buying several new decorations every year helps to change things up a bit.

Sydna surprised me with the prettiest coffee mug. It has a curled up cat with some Autumn foliage and the colors are very pretty. It really is one of my favorite mugs out of the many that I have. I'm very particular about things I buy for myself and for my home and when Sydna gave me this mug I smiled because she knows me so well ... I instantly loved it. 

These two girls have had a love hate relationship from the start. They do so well most of the time but then one of them gets too close to the other and so this happens....

Jacob giving Lila (peanut) some love and Sophie, sitting on the chair looking annoyed, lol.

Our church has two services, 9:00 & 11:00. We try to stick to the first service because it's less crowded. Sometimes after church we'll go eat breakfast. We like to go to the Original Pancake House, they have a yummy menu and delicious coffee so it's always a treat when we go there to eat. 

These two having fun while we wait for our food.

Pretty Lila

Although Sophie looks a bit mean here she is the sweetest cat ever! ( she was probably annoyed with Lila) She doesn't squirm out of your arms if you're holding her the right way, or tries to bite or swipe at you, nor does she meow or growl when you're holding her but you do have to baby her - sweet talk to her - so she'll stay relaxed in your arms. 

Whenever we get a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest we take advantage of it and make it a point to enjoy it. It's the best way to get vitamin D. However, weather it's sunny or cold and cloudy and it's a weekend we're most likely out and about anyway. The weekends are the only time we get to do fun family outings. We adjust to the weather, dress in layers and head out because it will be a shame to just stay home weekend after weekend during the cold months. That would be boring.

Nosy girl. Look at her cute little paws.

Riley had early release at his school due to parent/teacher conferences so we stopped at Panera for lunch and a treat. (this was 2 years ago, he was so small. I know it's a cliché but time flies!)

We get our fair share of foggy days but when the fog is like this it hurts my eyes and makes me drowsy. 

The days are cold now and short. The nights

are long and very dark. Cozy at home huddled around the fireplace.